Darcy's Voyage: A Tale of Uncharted Love on the Open Seas (35 page)

As he continued to hold her hand, he asked her, “What did your father mean by a second proposal?”

Elizabeth looked away sharply and took in a deep breath. “Mr. Collins,” she said softly.

“Mr. Collins?” Darcy looked at her incredulously. “He actually asked for your hand?”

She nodded as she looked back at him. “Do you find it surprising that he would ask for my hand?”

“On the contrary. It was quite apparent to me that he wanted nothing more than to garner your favour.” Darcy smiled. “What did you say?”

“I told him no, of course!”

Darcy smiled. “Good! I only wanted to be assured of your answer.” He squeezed her hand and looked down at it. “I brought Georgiana back to Netherfield with me. If it is acceptable to you, may I ask her to send for you while I am away?”

“I should like that very much.”

“It would give me great pleasure for you both to become better acquainted. She only had the kindest words about you and your meeting at Pemberley.”

“I am glad.”

“I have told her about our marriage, Elizabeth.”

“Then I believe that we shall not only be the closest of friends, but the closest of sisters when you return!”

A smile readily came upon Darcy’s face. “You do not know how much that means to me.” Darcy beheld the gleam in Elizabeth’s eyes. “I regret leaving again, but I promise I shall return promptly.” He closed his eyes for a moment, and as if in a prayer he added, “With our marriage intact, my beloved wife.”

He kissed her hand again before quickly leaving the room, grateful that he was able to leave the house without encountering the questioning glances or remarks by Mrs. Bennet.

Elizabeth remained in the room and her father soon returned to join her.

“Well, Lizzy. What have you to say for yourself?” Mr. Bennet inquired.

“Papa, he is a good man. You must see that he has the finest character.”

“Oh, I have it on good authority that he is a solid gentleman; a decent, principled man; one whom I should never lament having as a son-in-law.” His eyes twinkled as he looked at Elizabeth.

“Papa, I do not understand.”

Mr. Bennet reached into his desk drawer and drew out a letter. “From your Uncle Gardiner.” He absently scratched at his jaw as he held the missive out toward Elizabeth. “He thought it best to warn me that Mr. Darcy would be coming to talk with me about something of a most astonishing nature and that I should try to be open and give him my full attention. He and Mrs. Gardiner had only words of praise for him and gave him their ultimate approval. Not that I knew why they were bestowing such elaborate praises on the man.”

“And now you do.”

He looked down at her. “Yes, Lizzy, now I do. Although, even having received something of a warning in the letter, I am still shocked. And I could not allow him to think I approved of what the two of you did. No, as much as I have respect for the man, I thought I needed to unsettle him just a bit.”

“But you do forgive us?”

“Yes, Elizabeth, I do. But I am going to be adamant that for the moment we tell no one about this marriage and we wait until Mr… your… your husband returns before we do or say anything. If his aunt does somehow annul your marriage, however unlikely it is, it would be best not to have told anyone of it. Do you understand?”

Elizabeth wrapped her arms tightly around her father’s neck. “Yes, Papa. I do, and thank you!”

Darcy pounded his horse toward London, intent on arriving before darkness settled. As the horse maintained a constant gallop, Darcy grasped the reins tightly, his mind in turmoil as he considered the plight of Miss Lydia Bennet. Finding Wickham and Miss Lydia was of the utmost urgency. Before leaving Hertfordshire, he inquired at the post station and determined that Wickham had indeed left with Lydia in the direction of London. He was grateful they had not gone north to Gretna Green.

He hoped that he would find them before nightfall. Once evening came, Lydia would likely be taken, but not yet as Wickham’s wife. He knew Wickham could not have planned this elopement far enough in advance to have already secured a license to be married in London today. Darcy shuddered as he considered that Wickham would not likely wait to have his way with her, if only to ensure that they marry. Darcy knew for a certainty that if he did not find them tonight, then it would be a matter of choosing disgrace over an imprudent, ill-fated marriage.

Concern for Lydia and fury toward Wickham battled with the issue of his aunt’s threats to Elizabeth in regards to their marriage. What plans she had, once she arrived in London, he could only conjecture. His only consolation was that his aunt, conveyed in her carriage and requiring frequent stops, most likely arrived too late in the day to do anything.

Darcy wiped his face with the back of his hand. The dirt and grit stung as he rode. He had given instructions to Durnham and Winston to convey the carriage to London the following day. He was not sure he would need their assistance, but he knew he would greatly appreciate the comfort of a carriage for the ride back.

Darcy was tired; physically tired from travelling all morning to Netherfield and now to London and emotionally drained from the events of the day. He felt as though the past several days collided into one blur as he travelled from place to place attempting to quell one mishap after another. Perhaps this was his due penance for marrying Elizabeth with such a light regard for the vows he took. Not that he took them lightly now; he would do anything to protect his marriage and the one he loved.

When he stopped to change horses, the new animal was eager to take to the road in full stride. He should make it to London before darkness settled on the outlying roads.

At length, he began to see the familiar sights of the outskirts of London. He began to ponder where he should go. Wickham’s acquaintance, Mrs. Younge, a co-conspirator in his scheme to elope with Georgiana, managed a boardinghouse. Although it was located in a rather squalid part of town, he believed Wickham would seek her out for accommodations.

When he finally came upon the streets of London, the sun had just dipped over the horizon. The lamps were being lit along the streets and he allowed the horse to slow its pace. It let out a few grunts, letting Darcy know it was most grateful.

As he came into the city, he directed his horse toward Cheapside. He would stop by the Gardiners’ first, acquaint them with the situation, and then set out to find Wickham.

He manoeuvred the horse down busy streets to the Gardiners’ modest home on Gracechurch Street. It was well kept and clean and surrounded by similarly respectable homes. He alit from the horse, slapped the reins around a post, and walked up to the front door and knocked.

When the door was answered, the maid recognized him from his earlier visit.

“Good evening, Mr. Darcy. What can I do for you?”

Darcy took off his hat. “Are either Mr. or Mrs. Gardiner at home?” he asked.

“Yes, they are just sitting down to dine. If you will wait here, I shall inform them that you are calling.”

“Thank you.”

The maid walked into the dining room and Darcy heard Mr. Gardiner’s voice boom in a loud, surprised fashion. “Mr. Darcy? Well, invite him in, by all means!”

The maid returned. “This way, please.”

As Darcy entered the small dining room, Mr. Gardiner was up on his feet and walking toward him. “What a surprise this is, Mr. Darcy! To what do we owe the honour of this visit?”

His grin was soon displaced by a more sombre look as he met Darcy’s gaze.

“What is it, my friend?”

“I am afraid I do not bring good tidings.” He looked over at Mrs. Gardiner and the children. “Good evening, Mrs. Gardiner.” He nodded at the children. “May we speak alone?”

“Certainly! This way.”

Mr. Gardiner led the way to his study, where the two had sat just a few weeks earlier when Darcy came to reveal his marriage to Elizabeth. At that visit, Darcy had appeared nervous and on edge. This evening, he appeared far more distressed.

“Pray, what has happened, Mr. Darcy?”

“Mr. Gardiner, I regret to inform you that your youngest niece, Miss Lydia Bennet, has run off with one of the officers stationed in Meryton with the intention to elope with him.”

Mr. Gardiner shook his head. “This is very disturbing, indeed! I always feared she would do something reckless!” He turned back and looked upon the gentleman standing across from him. “But how is it that
you
have come to inform me of this?”

“I am well acquainted with the… the… officer in question. He grew up with me, his father being my father’s steward. Unfortunately, he is not a man of honourable character. He discovered Elizabeth and I were married, and I believe he only wishes to marry Lydia with the nefarious intent to benefit from my wealth. I believe they have come to London.”

“When did all this happen?”

“They departed Meryton sometime today. It was only discovered this afternoon.”

“And what can be done about it?”

“I know some of his acquaintances who reside in Town. There is one in particular with whom he will likely make contact. I am sure you agree that it is of the utmost urgency to recover her tonight. I do not trust the man.”

Mr. Gardiner took in a deep, solemn breath. “We must make every attempt to remove her tonight!”

“May I depend upon you to take her into your home?”

“Mr. Darcy, you may be assured we will and not only that, I shall accompany you. Let us leave directly. I only hope that my presence might do a little more to bring her to her senses.”

“Thank you, Mr. Gardiner. However, I do not have a carriage. As you may have guessed from my attire, I rode all the way from Hertfordshire.”

“We shall take mine. Allow me to inform my wife, and we shall be off without delay!”

After quietly informing Mrs. Gardiner what happened, Mr. Gardiner joined Darcy for the ride to Mrs. Younge’s boardinghouse. Along the way, he relayed the particulars of Wickham’s acquaintance with Lydia to her uncle.

Darcy also acquainted Mr. Gardiner with Wickham’s corrupt habits, including how he informed his aunt of their marriage in return for, Darcy believed, some sort of payment. However, he chose not to breach Georgiana’s confidence and, therefore, did not tell him of Wickham’s attempt to elope with her. “Knowing Wickham as I do,” Darcy concluded, “if he was able to separate my aunt from some of her money in exchange for the marriage certificate, chances are he will be intent to find himself a high-stakes card game and hope to win even more!”

Darcy went on to tell Mr. Gardiner of his aunt’s subsequent threats to Elizabeth that she was going to annul the marriage and then, of Mr. Bennet’s reaction to being informed of their marriage.

“You have had quite a trying day, have you not, Mr. Darcy?”

“That would be one way to describe it.”

“And your aunt, what do you suppose she intends to do?”

“I do believe she will attempt to discredit our marriage or perhaps even Elizabeth. I know my aunt too well. She does not make idle threats.” Darcy shook his head. “She may not be able to use her wealth and power to annul our marriage, but she will make a definitive display of her disapproval.”

Mr. Gardiner smiled reassuringly. “Surely your aunt is not as vindictive as you think. My niece is a fine young woman. I am certain you will help her to see reason, Mr. Darcy.”

“Elizabeth is a wonderful woman, but you do not know my aunt. I may be required to resort to some threats of my own to ensure she behaves in a way that respects my wife as well as my decisions.”

The men rode the remainder of the way in silence to Mrs. Younge’s boardinghouse, where Mr. Gardiner exited the carriage first, turning to Darcy. “Is this Mrs. Younge acquainted with you, Mr. Darcy?”

“I doubt she will ever forget my face in view of my behaviour toward her the last time I was in her company.”

“Hmmm.” Mr. Gardiner stood at the door to the carriage, effectually blocking it so Darcy could not get out himself. “I do not believe she will willingly give you the information you seek about this Wickham, given your history. Perhaps I should go in and inquire of his whereabouts.”

Darcy looked at Mr. Gardiner with much respect. “I had planned to offer her a rather large monetary enticement to ensure her cooperation.”

Mr. Gardiner put up his hand and waved it through the air. “No need to bribe her, Mr. Darcy. Why reward her when her character is just as despicable as Wickham’s?”

“I doubt that she will give us the information without it!”

“Just leave it to me,” Mr. Gardiner assured Darcy. “If you will allow me to see to the lady, alone, sir, I hope to return promptly with his whereabouts.”

Darcy watched in astonishment as Mr. Gardiner tilted his hat askew, loosened his neckcloth, and began to stagger toward Mrs. Younge’s front door. Darcy let out a soft chuckle as he realized Mr. Gardiner was going to portray himself as a man quite inebriated.

Mr. Gardiner approached the front door of the boardinghouse and knocked. The door opened and a young woman peered out.

“May I help you, sir?” she asked nervously.

He removed his hat and gave an exaggerated bow. “I certainly hope… so.” He slurred his speech in long, drawn out syllables. “I am lookin’ for a Mrs. Younge.”

“Just a minute, sir.”

The girl stepped away from the door and Mr. Gardiner placed a foot strategically against the jamb.

Another woman approached him. “I am Mrs. Younge. Do you wish for a room?”

“No, not tonight. I unner… unner… stand…my good ol’ friend… George Wickham… came into… Town… to… today.” He swayed a little to reinforce his character.

“I am sorry, sir, I do not know a Mr. Wickham.”

“Ohhh.” He said, looking down at his hands. “Are you… are you… Mrs. Younge?”

“Yes, but…”

“Good!” Mr. Gardiner clapped his hands loudly and leaned toward her. “He told me to come see you… he told me to let him know if I could get him in some decent card games with some high… some high stakes… I found just the game he is looking for! Yep! Should make Wickham quite happy, knowing his cir… circum… stance.” Placing his hands against the doorframe as if to steady himself, he looked up at her and winked. “Some… easy, well-to-do-targets… in this one.”

Mrs. Younge narrowed her eyes at the man before her. His dress was only moderately fashionable, he was obviously intoxicated, but certainly not a man of the finer circles of society. “And you said the stakes are high in this game?”

As Mr. Gardiner watched this woman’s face, he saw her suspicion and scepticism fade away, replaced by a look of outright greed.

“Most assuredly. My good friend Wickham will be most… will be most pleased… to know we have some aff… aff… affluent players who are little concerned about parting with their… parting with their money. You know how su… superior Wickham’s card playing is… and with the bundle I un… understand he has, he will stand up nicely with these men. If you know wha… what I mean, madam.”

Mrs. Younge smiled. She knew Wickham had come into a respectably large sum and wished to increase it to get him by until everything was arranged for his and Lydia’s marriage. At that point, he had reassured her, he would have no difficulty securing a nice amount of spending money from his future brother-in-law, Fitzwilliam Darcy! She sneered to herself as she thought of the man who had previously ruined their similar plans with Georgiana.

“Very well,” said Mrs. Younge. “But he is not in this boardinghouse. It was full. He is staying across the road in one of the cottages in the back. It is number seven, just off to the right. You cannot miss it.”

“I thank you very much!” smiled Mr. Gardiner and tipped his hat. He turned to leave, and just as he was about to walk out the door he looked back at her. “And Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy thanks you, as well!” He straightened up and spoke as clearly and as soberly as a judge, leaving Mrs. Younge flabbergasted.

The two men hurriedly crossed the road and easily found cottage number seven. They gave each other a determined glance as if to say, “Let us go to it!”

Darcy’s hands were already clenched in a fist when he hurried up the steps and pounded on the door.

An irritated voice called out, “Who is it?”

Darcy recoiled at the familiar sound of Wickham’s voice. Mr. Gardiner put up a hand to Darcy to indicate he would take care of this.

“Sir, Mrs. Younge sent me over with some things for your stay.”

Darcy stepped up to the door and as it swung wide open, he took a step forward, filling the frame. Darcy’s and Wickham’s eyes met at equal height but not equal stature as men. Wickham attempted to close the door, but Darcy’s body blocked it. Mr. Gardiner did not miss the venomous look in Darcy’s eyes and wondered what all had been the cause of such a strong hatred for this man. Knowing his character was one thing, but it seemed to be spurred on by something intensely personal.

“Turn over the girl, Wickham,” Darcy spoke through a taut jaw.

Wickham sneered at his longtime rival. “She will not come with you. She and I are to be married.”

Mr. Gardiner stepped into Wickham’s sight. “She may not go with Mr. Darcy, but she certainly is going to come with me!”

“Who is it?” a young girl’s voice could be heard from the other side of the room, followed by footsteps which brought her to the door. Her eyes widened and her head wrenched back in surprise. “Uncle Gardiner! Mr. Darcy! What are you doing here?”

Mr. Gardiner spoke. “I am here to remove you from this man, Lydia. Your family is most concerned and there is much we need to talk about. Did it not even cross your mind that what you were doing was wrong?”