Mr. Darcy's Bite (16 page)

“Thank you, Mr. Bennet. As you said, I am a man of few words, and so I shall get right to the point. I am very much in love with your daughter, and I am fortunate to have secured her love as well. Therefore, I have asked Elizabeth to marry me, and I have been accepted. However, I would be greatly honored if you gave your approval for the marriage.”

“You have my approval, Mr. Darcy, because in these past few weeks, while you tended to your family's affairs, I have been a witness to Lizzy's unhappiness when deprived of your company.”

“I experienced the same thing, sir.”

“But I do have one reservation. You have been coming to Longbourn for the past six months, and each time you visited, my wife was convinced that you would ask our daughter to marry you. Instead, you departed, only to return a few weeks later, and the scene would be repeated. Something kept you from making Lizzy an offer. I would like to know what it was.”

“I can easily understand how mystifying my coming and going must have been to you and Mrs. Bennet. So I shall explain as best I can. I had a recurring family situation that demanded my presence. That situation has been resolved—permanently. I cannot say anything else as it would be an embarrassment to the parties involved. If it were not for that, I would have proposed much sooner. I know that Lizzy has suffered as a result of my erratic attendance upon her, but I can assure you that she has suffered no more than I have.”

Before saying anything further, Mr. Bennet mulled over Mr. Darcy's explanation, and after seeing the sincerity in the man's face, he said, “I find your answer to be satisfactory, and I will not pry into your private affairs.” Even so, Mr. Bennet suspected the reason for his frequent absences might be that Mr. Darcy had a natural child hidden somewhere in the country. It would certainly not make him unique among the gentry. But how would such a situation be permanently resolved? It was all so puzzling, but knowing his daughter to be an excellent judge of character, he decided that since she had consented to the man's offer of marriage, surely she had deemed him to be a worthy partner.

“Thank you, sir. As for the marriage contract, I am to go to town shortly, and I will meet with my solicitor at that time. I can assure you that I will be generous and that you will be satisfied with the terms.”

“I have no doubt of it, sir. So when is the happy day?”

“December 24th,” Darcy answered, grateful that Mr. Bennet had not pressed him for the reason for his absences. “We are to see the vicar this afternoon.”

“My goodness! That is just three weeks from now. Will you not have a courtship?”

“To my mind, the purpose of a courtship is for the couple to get to know each other better so that they will be sure that it is a good match for both. There is no question of our being well suited to each other, and I know that Elizabeth would agree with that statement. Thus, there is no reason to delay the marriage. We shall have a simple wedding and a breakfast with the family, but we will return in the spring and have a reception for all our family and friends.”

“It seems that the matter was decided before I walked in the door, and since there is nothing left for me to say, I wish you joy. I do not know you well, Mr. Darcy, but I can take the measure of a man. Although you can be a snob,” he said with a chuckle, “you are a decent man, and I believe you will take care of my little girl. I could not have parted with her to anyone less worthy.” After shaking Mr. Darcy's hand, he concluded by saying, “That was the easy part. Now, we must go and share the good news with Mrs. Bennet.”

***

The house erupted in a joyous celebration. Kitty came out of hiding, and Mary put down her book. Every time Mr. Darcy looked at Elizabeth, he was smiling, even when he was talking to his future mother-in-law. However, it was necessary to leave this merry scene as there were things to do.

During the short walk to the church for their visit with the vicar, Darcy mentioned that he would be leaving to go to town and then on into Kent. Lizzy was dumbfounded. Was he actually leaving her again? From the look on his betrothed's face, he knew that he had better explain—and fast.

“I have to leave, Elizabeth. The next three weeks are going to be awful for me. Because everyone will know that we are engaged, they will all be watching our every move. I will be fortunate if I can hold your hand.”

“I am to be deprived of your company for three weeks because you cannot kiss me whenever it pleases you?”

“There are other reasons as well,” Darcy quickly added as he watched the muscles in her jaw clench. “I want to visit Anne. She writes that she is well, but I would like to see her nonetheless. I shall be taking Georgie with me because Aunt Catherine behaves better when my sister is in the room, and I shall need an ally when I tell my aunt that we are to marry.”

Lizzy had to agree with that statement. While she was in Kent visiting Charlotte, nothing she said or did pleased the august personage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. For someone as conscious of rank as she was, her nephew marrying a “nobody” could possibly end with her refusing to see him again. As much as she disliked the lady, she
was
the sister of Mr. Darcy's mother.

“After I visit with my aunt and cousin, I will send Georgie back to you as I must go to Herefordshire. When I reprimanded Nell, I told her that because of her poor judgment if and when she chooses to marry her husband must be a werewolf. Since she is a member of my pack, I feel it is my responsibility to go to Herefordshire so that I might be in a position to recommend a prospective suitor. I can assure you that I do not want to do this, but as the alpha male, it is my responsibility.”

“That is fine. I have no objections.” Lizzy's mood lightened immediately. In fact, she was smiling.

“You have no objections. Really?” Darcy found it difficult to believe that she could change her mind so quickly, but if she were angry, he would have sensed it. What accounted for the sudden change? “I am beginning to suspect that you will not miss me at all. You seem happy to have me gone.”

“Oh, I
shall
miss you. Be assured of that. But far be it from me to interfere with the affairs of the pack, and if you say it is necessary to find Nell a husband, I certainly shall not stop you.” And now Darcy understood.

Because Mrs. Bennet lived life large, all Lizzy and Darcy's plans for a modest-sized wedding went out the window the day after their engagement was announced. The bride's mother did everything except hire the town crier to proclaim the couple's betrothal. As a result, the wedding breakfast that was to be held for “family and a few friends” ended up including everyone from the village and those who lived on nearby farms and estates. With the size of the wedding growing exponentially, Darcy sent for Mr. Jackson and Mrs. Bradshaw. With plans for the reception left in their capable hands, Lizzy departed with Mr. Darcy and Georgiana to visit Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, and she would buy her wedding clothes and accessories in town.

Before leaving, Lizzy reminded her mother that although Lydia was welcome to come to her wedding, Wickham was not. When Mrs. Bennet started to protest, Lizzy cut off any further discussion by saying, “Mr. Darcy would be displeased.” Mama would never want to say or do anything that would “displease” a man who had ten thousand a year.

During the ride to London, Lizzy had another opportunity to see brother and sister interact, and it was quickly apparent that Georgiana considered her dear William to be her ideal for a man, and Darcy did not disagree with that assessment. He held himself to a high standard, and he expected no less from anyone who hoped to approach his sister when the season began in May. No mention was made of the difficulties involved in bringing someone into the family who would not be privy to Darcy's unique situation.

It was already dark when the carriage arrived at the Gardiner townhouse. Darcy was disappointed that he would be unable to visit with the couple, not only because he enjoyed their company but also because he was grateful to them for bringing Elizabeth into Derbyshire. If not for that holiday to the Peak, it was unlikely that he would now be holding Elizabeth's hand.

“Georgie, close your eyes,” Darcy told his sister.

“Why should I close my eyes?” When Darcy gave her a knowing look, she shut them tight. Even so, he put his hat in front of his face as he kissed Elizabeth good-bye. After he had assisted her out of the carriage, he whispered that he loved her and that he would see her in three weeks, and after that separation, nothing would keep them apart.

Aunt Gardiner was disappointed that Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy could not visit. Little did she know that the next day she would have a member of the extended Darcy family sitting in her front parlor.

***

Mrs. Gardiner was enjoying her afternoon tea with her niece when her butler informed her that, “Antony, Lord Fitzwilliam, has presented his card and wishes to pay a call on you.” After taking the card from Rothwell's hand, Aunt Gardiner took a quick glance at it before handing it to Elizabeth.

“His Lordship must have learned of your engagement to Mr. Darcy.”

“Good gracious! Lord Fitzwilliam has come to pay a call on me? But how did he know where to find me?” Lizzy asked as she continued to stare at his card. “I can't imagine what I will say to him. Although I have never met him, I have certainly
heard
about him.”

Any reader of
The Insider
or any of the pamphlets and gossip sheets sold on the streets of London knew of Antony, Lord Fitzwilliam. He had been married to Lady Eleanor, the daughter of the second Earl of Henley, for about a dozen years, and had been estranged from his wife for nine of them. But according to the newspapers, he did not lack for companionship. He was known to have had numerous affairs with married ladies of the ton, and rumor had it that he was currently having a robust romance with Lady Hillary Donwell, whose husband, Colonel Adam Donwell, was in Nova Scotia. While the colonel was in service to the Crown, his wife was servicing Lord Fitzwilliam. What could Lizzy possibly say to a known seducer and reprobate?

“Rothwell, please show Lord Fitzwilliam in,” Mrs. Gardiner said, and after checking their dresses for wrinkles and their hair for stray tresses, both ladies stood up. And then came the grand entrance of the noble one. His Lordship handed his gold-tipped cane to Rothwell and held out his arms so that the butler might take off his coat. Not until he had removed his top hat and placed his gloves in it was he ready for introductions.

Although there was only a four-year age difference between Lord Fitzwilliam and his brother, Colonel Fitzwilliam, His Lordship looked older than his thirty-two years. The impeccably attired earl in his dark coat, tan breeches, and silk neckcloth showed the effects of the many late nights he spent gambling and carousing. However, with his blond hair, cornflower blue eyes, and mischievous smile, Lizzy understood why so many women fell for this devilish rake.

After apologizing for not giving Mrs. Gardiner any notice that he would be calling, Lord Fitzwilliam justified his unexpected arrival by saying that he absolutely had to meet the lady who had won the heart of his cousin.

“Darcy is a most particular fellow, so I had no doubt that you would be a beauty, Miss Bennet, and I was not wrong. I had hoped that we would be introduced by the prospective bridegroom. I did leave my card with Rogers, his butler, but Darcy chose not to respond,” he said with a sigh before plopping down in a chair nearest to the fire as if he were in his own home, and who would have told him differently?

“Thank you, milord, for your compliment,” Lizzy responded, “but as far as your cousin is concerned, Mr. Darcy has gone to Kent to visit with Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh,” a statement that caused the earl to burst out laughing.

“I wish I had known that he was going to Rosings as I am in need of entertainment. One of my most intimate friends has chosen not to be so intimate, and it has saddened me.” Mrs. Gardiner let out a gasp at His Lordship's comment, causing the earl to ask, “Mrs. Gardiner, what are you implying that I was implying?” his face a picture of innocence. But then he gave her such a smile that the lady blushed from head to toe. “Mrs. Gardiner, when I see beauty, I feel compelled to acknowledge it, and you are a very attractive lady, with such a rosy complexion. Is it always this rosy? By the way, is there a Mr. Gardiner?”

“Yes, milord. He is presently at his office,” she answered, her voice faltering, “which is nearby.”

“And what takes the nearby Mr. Gardiner away from his lovely wife?”

“He is a coffee broker, milord.”

“A coffee broker? Excellent. Then I should like to get to know him. Unlike many members of the aristocracy, I do not snub men who engage in commerce as they are the future of England and will eventually have all the money. Monsieur Napoleon has called England a nation of shopkeepers. I have no quarrel with that statement. Unfortunately, I currently do not have any friends who are merchants. I mean, I do
know
merchants. One is waiting for me outside my door almost every day, but since I do not owe Mr. Gardiner any money and I love coffee, Mr. Gardiner would be a good friend to have. Is he usually absent for most of the day?”

After seeing her aunt turn beet red again because of the earl's suggestive question, Lizzy redirected the conversation. “Milord, as I said, Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy have gone into Kent for a visit. He wished to personally inform your aunt of our engagement.”

“It almost makes me want to rush to Rosings Park. I would pay good money to see how this scene plays out. You see, my aunt Catherine and I have a special relationship.”

“Are you very close?” Lizzy asked, thinking it unlikely.

“We could not be any closer. Because if we were, it would end in verbal fisticuffs. If you have met the esteemed lady, you will certainly understand.”

“I
have
met Lady Catherine,” Lizzy answered, suppressing a laugh. “I dined with her on at least three occasions while I was visiting with a dear friend, Mrs. Collins, who is married to the vicar at Hunsford Lodge.”

“I would be pleased to meet any acquaintance of yours, Miss Bennet. Unfortunately, since Mrs. Collins is married to a parson, it is most unlikely that we shall ever meet unless, of course, Aunt Catherine should go to her glory in the beyond. I would most certainly attend her funeral, but since I know her to be in excellent health, it is unlikely that I shall have the pleasure of meeting your friend. But that is neither here nor there. You say that you have dined with my dear aunt. How did you get on? Did she like you?”

It was obvious that His Lordship used his engaging personality to ask any question that popped into his head, no matter how personal, and that he expected it to be answered. Lizzy, however, was of a different mind. “You would have to ask your aunt, milord.”

“You are avoiding my question, Miss Bennet. Does my aunt like you?”

“She expressed her opinions, and I shared mine.”

“Aha!” the earl said, gleefully. “If you had the audacity to express
your
opinions, then I
know
she does not like you, but that should not bother you. In fact, I would take it as a compliment.”

Lizzy did not know how to respond, and thinking it best to ignore his statement, she asked if he frequently visited Rosings Park.

“Despite my deep attachment for my dear cousin, the lovely Miss Anne de Bourgh, I go but rarely because my aunt lives there as well. However, I do see Anne every time she comes to London, and she is an excellent correspondent who keeps me informed of family news, which is how I learned of your romance with my cousin.”

“But that does not explain how you knew where to find me in town. I only came to London yesterday.”

“My house is across the square from the Darcy townhouse, and my manservant saw the Darcy carriage. Gregg, whose charms are second only to my own, has been flirting with a housemaid in Darcy's employ, who spoke with a groom, who overheard a conversation between Darcy and his butler about seeing to the wishes of a certain Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who was staying with the Gardiners in Gracechurch Street. This should be a lesson to us all that we should never say anything in front of the servants that we do not want repeated. On the other hand, if one wishes to spread a rumor that is the most efficient way of going about it.”

Lizzy now understood why Fitzwilliam Darcy became exasperated whenever he spoke about the head of the Fitzwilliam family. Darcy, through a clenched jaw, would express his frustration with a man whom he knew to have a fine mind and a caring spirit but who was completely undisciplined and denied himself nothing.

“Allow me to give you an example,” Darcy had said during one of their conversations about the earl. “Antony was one of the few members of the House of Lords to voice his opposition to confronting the Americans on the high seas. I was in the visitors' gallery when he gave a speech warning that boarding American vessels and taking sailors off their ships would lead to war with the United States, and it might yet happen. It was an act of parliamentary courage, but did he remain in the House to discuss the matter with other members of the Lords? No! He went straight to his club, where he gambled the night away. Damn frustrating man!”

His frustration with his cousin was the reason Darcy had not mentioned Lord Fitzwilliam when discussing their wedding plans, but how could she not invite His Lordship to their wedding? The two were first cousins, and so Lizzy informed the earl of the date and place for the nuptials.

“You obviously have not consulted Darcy. He would not want me there,” he said, pouting.

“If you wish to attend, you are welcome.” Even though Lizzy knew that His Lordship was reeling her in, she was finding it hard to resist.

“Thank you so much, but it would probably be best…” But after pausing for a moment, he asked, “Do you know if the Granyards will be there?”

“No, milord. It is Mr. Darcy's wish that the reception be limited to immediate friends and family.” Lizzy was content to remain ignorant of how large the wedding list had grown since she had departed Longbourn. “We shall have a reception for our friends and family in the spring at my parents' home in Hertfordshire.”

“It is just as well then that I cannot go because if Lady Granyard is not going to the reception, there really isn't any point. Unless, of course, you are going,” he said, turning to Mrs. Gardiner.

“Yes, my
husband
and I will definitely be going—together,” she answered with a flutter. She had been relieved when Lizzy had taken over the conversation, but now he was speaking to her once again in a highly suggestive manner. “I do not think I mentioned earlier that I am the mother of four—two boys and two girls.”

“Oh, I just adore children,” Fitzwilliam said, cooing. “I have two little jewels of my own. Sophie is nine, and Emmy is eight. I do not see them as often as I would like because…” He sat up straight in his chair. “…because they live in a dark castle with a drawbridge guarded by dragons, and in the center of the castle is a throne where their mother, the Queen of Darkness, reigns. The castle is surrounded by a moat filled with crocodiles, which Lady Eleanor hand-feeds the pieces and parts of anyone who has ever crossed her. But, occasionally, I don my suit of armor and charge the castle. After rescuing my children, I take them to Briarwood, my country estate. For a few peaceful days, we have the best time until their mother, riding in her black chariot with her hair on fire, comes for them. But children must have their mothers.” After letting out a long sigh, he added, “Eleanor and I just don't get on.”

Lizzy and her aunt looked at each other.
They don't get on? Who would have guessed?

“But, Miss Elizabeth, I am sure you have much to do to prepare for your wedding,” he said, rising, “and so I shall leave you. Hopefully, after you have married, you will invite me to your townhouse. I am sure Darcy pays his coal bills, so it will be a lot warmer in your home than it is in mine.”

After being assisted by Rothwell with his overcoat and after putting on his top hat and placing his cane under his arm, he again addressed Elizabeth. “I shall conclude by saying that your soon-to-be husband is a royal pain, a stick in the mud, an enemy of fun, and the most decent man I know. However, on more than one occasion, he has pulled my derrière out of the fire, for which I am most grateful, and I ask that you be good to him because he deserves it and because he will always be good to you. He takes care of those he loves.”