Mr. Darcy's Obsession (25 page)

He was at the church door, and his attention was drawn back to Elizabeth and the warmth of her hand resting on his arm. His wife. He could scarcely credit it. Not even his family could interfere with his joy and relief. He released Elizabeth's hand only long enough to sign his name in the register and to enjoy watching her sign her name as Elizabeth Darcy. At last.

***

Mary managed to kneel and stand at the appropriate moments during the wedding, though she wished nothing more than to crawl under the pew and hide there until everyone was far away. She knew they must all be staring at her, at the scandalous natural daughter of the earl. Even the wedding service could not compete with the scandal, as the low murmurs around her attested. She could certainly not bring herself to look at anyone, not even Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet, and certainly not at
that man
. The earl. She could not apply the epithet of father to him.

Since she had been a child, she had looked into the face of every gentleman who had visited Rosings, hoping to see a trace of resemblance, but her imaginings always included a pleasant gentleman, not one like the earl. Of late, she had begun to wonder if it might have been Mr. Darcy's father, which would explain the favour she had been shown, both by him and by Miss Darcy. It would have made for a far happier discovery than this had been. She did not want
that man
to be her father. It was wrong of her to think ill of a peer of the realm, but how could she forget her first impression of him, that horrible day at Rosings? She had never been inside the great manor, which looked to her eyes like a palace until his servant, the one who bought her from her stepfather, brought her to his lordship for his approval. He had inspected her as if she were a brood mare before dismissing her with a laugh and instructions to please Mr. Darcy. And
that man
was her father. She repressed a shudder.

The events of that day had not been unexpected, apart from Mr. Darcy's unusual behaviour. She had always known that poor girls' lives could not be called their own and that she would be at the mercy of any great gentleman who looked her way, but she shrank from the memory, as she had not at the time. These few months in Mr. Darcy's household had been the first time in her life she could recall feeling safe.

Charlie elbowed her, reminding her of where they were, just in time to allow her to join the rest of the congregation in a response. A few rows ahead of her she saw Miss Darcy's fashionable figure. Had Miss Darcy known the truth of her parentage? Was that the explanation for the extraordinary kindness she had shown? No, Mary could not imagine Miss Darcy keeping such a secret. She simply had a kind and generous heart.

Before she knew what had happened, the service was over, and Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet--no, Mrs. Darcy now--were at the church door. There was a tug at Mary's sleeve.

"Hssst!" Charlie said. "Follow me." He pushed past a few villagers to exit the pew at the side. Mary murmured apologies in his wake. He grabbed her hand and wove past an old woman, heading towards the front of the church.

Mary could not imagine what could be so urgent, but for the moment, she was happy to resign the responsibility for making decisions, so she trailed behind him until they reached the gated pew where Miss Darcy sat with her aunt. She gasped at his audacity as he opened the gate and walked right into the private pew.

Lady Seaton turned a surprised look on them. "Who are you?"

"I do errands for Mr. Darcy, and this here is Mary."

"Ah, yes, Joseph's get. What can I do for you?"

Charlie flashed his engaging grin. "Nothin'. Since himself is afraid of you, I figured the best place to be was next to you, begging your pardon, madam."

"Indeed? A sensible lad, I take it."

Mary finally raised her eyes to Miss Darcy's face. She was pale, but appeared to be watching her sympathetically. Mary ventured a wan smile.

Lady Seaton rose to her feet. "Well, if I am to be your protector, I will do it properly. Come along." She held the aisle gate open as Miss Darcy exited the pew. Mary, uncertain, hung back.

"Come, child, enough of that!" Lady Seaton placed a gloved finger under Mary's chin and pushed upward. "Chin up. You have no reason for shame, and you must not let his lordship see that he intimidates you. Now walk beside me."

"Beside you, my lady?" Mary was horrified. "I cannot!"

"Rules of etiquette are made to be broken, and I cannot keep my eye on you if you are behind my back. Now come!"

Mary could not think but to obey such a command, but as soon as they were halfway down the aisle, she spotted the earl to one side, watching their progress, his lip curled. She shrank back a little.

Lady Seaton urged her forward. "Now, Mary," she said, her voice loud and carrying, "tell me, are you fond of hounds?"

"Hounds, my lady?" Mary was completely confused.

"Yes, hounds. Fine creatures. I have four of them in London. Thor, Odin, Frigg, and Frejya. You would like them."

"Yes, my lady," and then they were out the church door, and away from
that man
.

***

The one-armed man approached the parson. "May I have a word?"

In truth, Mr. Roberts wanted nothing more than to retreat to his parsonage for a well-deserved glass of port, but he was a conscientious clergyman. "Yes, my son?"

"I have had a sign from God, but I do not know what it means."

"A sign? Are you certain?"

"Most certain. I have seen visions that have told me to watch for a sign, and today I received it. I have sinned most grievously."

Mr. Roberts frowned. It was often difficult to tell the difference between a holy man and a madman, but if he had to guess, he would say that it was the latter who stood before him. Still, it was better to be safe and make certain of his judgment. "You are not from this parish. What is your name?"

The man swayed. "I am Henry Fitzwilliam, Viscount Langley. It was I who sought carnal knowledge of a young woman, not knowing she was my sister."

Thank God he had not given way to impulse and ordered the man away! "My lord, perhaps we might discuss this in greater privacy. My parsonage is just across the road."

Viscount Langley nodded abruptly and then looked up at the stained glass window above the altar. His eyes grew momentarily wider before he slid unconscious to the ground.

Chapter 20

Lady Seaton whisked Georgiana and Mary into a small carriage and gave the driver orders to make for Longbourn. At first, Mary did not dare protest. After all, she could walk back to Meryton from the Collins's house as easily as she could from the church. But when they reached Longbourn and Lady Seaton declined to allow her to leave, Mary could no longer hide her agitation. "Truly I must return to Mr. Browning's house. I am needed there."

"I am certain they can make do without you for a few hours."

"Mr. Darcy will be angry if I do not return." Mary could think of few worse outcomes.

"I will tell Fitzwilliam that it is entirely my fault. He will be certain to believe
that
. Now, let us go in."

Mary glanced at Georgiana, who nodded encouragingly, then followed the two women into Longbourn. She did not understand what had possessed Georgiana's aunt since the wedding ceremony, but she was clearly not brooking any disobedience. It must have to do with
that man
.

She curtsied automatically to Mrs. Collins, wondering if she was to assist her with the wedding breakfast. With the hustle and bustle surrounding her, it seemed that another set of hands could be useful.

Lady Seaton said briskly, "Now, Mrs. Collins, my nephew tells me you are a sensible sort of woman. I hope you will be able to help me."

"How may I be of assistance, Lady Seaton?" Charlotte barely paused in her directions to the servants setting out dishes.

"I am in need of a dress suitable for a respectable young lady, one who should not appear today in her current clothing."

Charlotte's brow furrowed and then cleared as she noticed Mary by Lady Seaton's side. She looked her over as if assessing her and nodded. "There is a dress belonging to my sister upstairs that I believe would suit. Would you care to see it?"

"That would be lovely."

Mary followed Lady Seaton and Miss Darcy upstairs and into a bedroom. Mrs. Collins removed a frock of sprigged muslin from a closet and held it up, saying, "Is this appropriate?" Mary could not see why Miss Darcy would wish to change from her current lovely blue dress into one not half as elegant, but it was not her job to question.

Lady Seaton cast a practised look at the dress, then at Mary. "That will do very well. Mary?"

Embarrassed that she had forgotten her duties, Mary hurried to take the dress from Mrs. Collins. As she had been trained, she gently shook it out to reduce wrinkles and set it out on the bed, smoothing the sleeves. She stepped back to allow the women to consider it while Mrs. Collins excused herself from the room.

"No, Mary," Lady Seaton said. "It is for you to wear."

Mary looked at her in astonishment. Miss Darcy had said that her aunt was eccentric, but this exceeded all expectation. "It is far too fine for the likes of me, madam."

"Nonsense. You are the daughter of an earl."

Georgiana said, "Oh, yes, do try it, Mary. I cannot wait to see you in it."

"But--"

"No buts," said Lady Seaton briskly. "Put it on."

Would Mr. Darcy be more angered by her presumption if she wore it, or if she refused his aunt's direct command? If Miss Darcy agreed with her, it could not be so bad. Reluctantly she loosened the ties that held her servant's dress closed and removed it, standing in her thin, worn shift. Her practised maid's fingers had no difficulties with the more elaborate closings of the new dress, but once she slipped it over her head, she realized she would need assistance with the buttons on the back.

To her great embarrassment, Miss Darcy stepped forward and began to fasten the buttons. Mary was certain the world must come to an end. Miss Darcy had always been most generous and amiable with her and tolerated much impertinence, but to do a servant's work for her benefit? She was immensely relieved when Miss Darcy finished and stepped back to admire her handiwork.

"Oh, Mary, you look lovely!" Miss Darcy exclaimed.

Mary looked down at herself. The fabric was finer than anything she had ever worn before, and more amazing than that, there was lace, real lace, on the sleeves, right next to her own skin.

"It fits well enough," Lady Seaton declared. "But that cap must go, of course. Georgiana, will you find someone to deal with her hair?"

Georgiana hurried out with an excited smile, leaving Mary alone with Lady Seaton.

Mary had to try one last time. "Lady Seaton, this is most improper. I cannot possibly appear in public like this."

To her surprise, Lady Seaton looked sympathetic. "I know it is difficult, Mary, but now that your parentage is open knowledge, we cannot leave you hiding as a maid. When the earl sees you at the wedding breakfast, it must be perfectly clear that you are under our protection and not subject to his whims. In a case like this, appearance is everything. Did you truly attack his pig of a son?"

"I bit him," Mary whispered. "I did not mean to injure him."

"Bit him, did you? Good for you. If he ever comes near you again, I suggest you bite harder, though I suppose even Henry will draw the line at incest, now that he is aware of the situation."

Mary's thoughts tumbled in disarray. She could not bring herself to think of Viscount Langley as her brother. She might as well claim the moon as her plaything. It struck her then that she was, after all, related to Miss Darcy, albeit as a cousin, not a sister. The idea made her smile. Even though she would have to go back to being a servant once the charade was over, she would always have that knowledge.

***

The simple wedding breakfast at Longbourn ran smoothly under the efficient eye of Mrs. Collins. Darcy would as soon have forgone the entire event, but it was an important moment for Elizabeth, an opportunity for last farewells, and he would not deprive her of it. He was on edge for the first half hour, watching the door each time it opened to admit a new guest. Fortunately, Lord Derby and Henry did not make an appearance, thus avoiding a scene unpleasant to them all. He wondered, though, at the absence of Georgiana and Aunt Augusta. Although Darcy could trust his aunt to keep Georgiana safe, their tardiness likely meant Georgiana was distressed by his earlier revelations. It was not how he would have chosen to inform her about Mary's parentage, but it was done, and done for the best.

Bingley stood ramrod stiff by the tea service, his eyes following Jane's every movement, but paying no other attentions to her. Darcy hoped the behaviour would continue after their departure. Jane had more than enough worries without Bingley adding to them, and the lines around her eyes showed her strain.

Darcy and Elizabeth circulated around the room, engaging each person in turn. Mrs. Bennet's delight could not be contained, and almost disguised Lydia's sulkiness. He managed to respond politely when Sir William Lucas congratulated him on carrying away the finest jewel of the county, a sentiment he had mentioned to Darcy on at least three previous occasions. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were all that was warm and amiable as Elizabeth expressed her wish that they should all come to Pemberley for Christmas.

Finally Aunt Augusta appeared with Georgiana by her side. Darcy searched his sister's countenance for traces of tears, but to all appearances, she was in good spirits. She looked almost lively as she conversed with another young lady, while Aunt Augusta appeared smugly satisfied as she made her way to the tea table. Darcy's feeling of relief was interrupted by Elizabeth's hand tightening on his arm. When he glanced down at her, she seemed to be watching Georgiana with a surprised and amused expression.

Elizabeth leaned closer to Darcy and said quietly, "I assume this must be your aunt's influence."

Puzzled, Darcy followed her eyes, but he could see nothing out of the usual about Georgiana, except her unexpected sociability with the unknown young woman. Finally it struck him. Her companion was Mary, dressed and coiffed as suited a young lady on such an occasion, instead of in her usual drab maid's attire.

"Not a word." Aunt Augusta's cheerful voice penetrated his thoughts. "Best to take it gracefully, Fitzwilliam."

"Aunt Augusta," he said warningly.

She beamed. "So much like your father. I do hope marriage will mellow you."

Elizabeth made a strangled sound that might have started its life as a laugh. "
Dear
Aunt Augusta, this has been a very exciting day in many regards, and I am certain that another surprise must be quite irresistible, but I must beg you to have mercy on Mr. Darcy, lest he be quite overcome."

"Of course, my dear. I would not dream of troubling him, today of all days!"

Darcy wished, not for the first time, that his family were less inclined towards eccentricity. He noticed Charlie standing at his elbow, still wearing his church clothes, his very proper look spoilt by his disheveled hair. Darcy raised an eyebrow.

"Mr. Darcy, sir, I wondered if I might have a word." His quick breathing suggested he had been running.

Tired, Darcy wondered what could possibly be wrong now and wished he could believe that Charlie was mistaken in believing something needed his attention more than his wedding breakfast. Unfortunately, Charlie had a history of being preternaturally correct about things. He excused himself to Elizabeth and tried to weave his way through the crowd of guests without responding to their greetings. Once he was safely in the hall, he turned a dark look on Charlie. "This had best be important."

"It's the viscount. He were talking to the parson after the wedding, and then he collapsed. He's at the parsonage, and his lordship says he's taking him back to London now, but the apothecary says he mustn't be moved. Hope that's important enough, sir."

Darcy cursed under his breath. His family had already caused quite enough problems today. What business of his was it whether Henry was healthy or not, or what his uncle wished? He glanced longingly back in Elizabeth's direction. "Very well. Please inform Miss... Mrs. Darcy of these events, and tell her I will return shortly." He strode off towards the parsonage, barely stopping to put on his hat. The sooner he dealt with the matter, the sooner he could return.

Mr. Roberts seemed almost pathetically glad to see him. "I do not know what happened, Mr. Darcy. The viscount came up to me after the service and asked me for my counsel. I did not realize he had been so ill." He led Darcy to a small sitting room where Henry reclined on a fainting couch, a faded blue coverlet draped across his body, his face pale. His eyes flickered open as Darcy approached him.

Darcy drew up a chair and sat beside him, wishing that at least it could have been the cousin he liked and respected. "I hear you are unwell," he said brusquely.

Henry turned his head to the side. "My strength is still less than I would have hoped, but it is no matter. It is in God's hands."

It was going to take some time for Darcy to accustom himself to religious expressions from his wastrel cousin. "I am sorry for it. I understand there may be some difficulty regarding your return to town?"

"I do not plan to return at present. The apothecary was of the opinion that I should rest for a fortnight first. My father had different plans and was as insistent as ever, but not quite ready to have me carried against my will to the coach, so he left with many imprecations and dire threats."

Darcy had been dragged from his wedding breakfast for no reason. He tightened his lips. "It seems you have settled matters yourself."

Henry grasped his wrist. "Darcy, I must warn you. My father is very angry with you."

"That is not news, and I cannot say my opinion of him is any better."

"He tore the page out of the church register. He means to have your marriage annulled. I thought to warn you."

Was Henry actually thinking of someone else for once? It was an even greater surprise than his newfound devotion to religion. "I thank you for your concern, but he will not succeed without my cooperation, and he will never have that. As long as I say she is my wife, the register is unnecessary."

"He plans to wait until you tire of her first."

"He will be waiting forever, then. My wife and I are married until death do us part."

"Good." Henry coughed into his handkerchief. "I am sorry to have brought trouble upon you on your wedding day."

Religion, thoughtfulness, and now an apology! Soon Henry would be turning water into wine. "Thank you for the warning. It is helpful to know his plans. But now I must return to my wife." It could not be soon enough for Darcy.

"That girl--is it true, what you said? Or was that purely for my father's benefit?"

"That she is your half sister? It is true. I had not intended to make it public knowledge."

"It was God's will that you did. It is the sign I have been awaiting, and now I know what I must do. My path is clear." Henry closed his eyes as if exhausted. "Please give my best wishes to Mrs. Darcy." His voice trailed off.

Darcy suspected the man was only half conscious. "I shall do that." Darcy slipped out of the room to discuss Henry's care with the parson.

***

Darcy's spirits were heavy as he strode past the arched iron gates at the entrance to Longbourn. There was nothing to be done for it; his responsibilities were clear. He needed to arrange for a place for Henry to recuperate, perhaps in Mrs. Bennet's new house, and then there was the matter of keeping Henry and Mary as far apart as possible for the duration of his stay in Meryton. All this would have to be settled before he and Elizabeth could leave to begin their life together. Until then, they would have to remain in Meryton. With luck, it would be a matter of only a day or two until arrangements could be made. Two days did not mean forever, but it felt interminable when he had expected to enjoy Elizabeth's sole attention in a matter of hours.