Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary (7 page)

Before Elizabeth could respond, Mr. Darcy tapped on the open door.

“Miss Elizabeth,” he said in a strained tone. “If you are complete, we should depart.”

She knew from his tight features Mr. Darcy’s patience knew an end. Elizabeth glanced first to her sister and then to the man who held her heart. Her decision made, she accepted Mr. Darcy’s proffered arm.

To her sister she said, “Convince Mr. Wickham to act honorably for the next time I come, I mean to bring Uncle with me. Mr. Gardiner will use every means possible to convince Mr. Wickham to speak his vows, including turning him over to debtors’ prison if the gentleman refuses.”

After returning the spare key to the innkeeper, they exited the building, followed closely by Gwenie. Elizabeth found she clutched Mr. Darcy’s arm tighter. She looked up into his stone-faced expression.

“I am here,” she said softly.

Evidently, her words penetrated Mr. Darcy’s thoughts. The gentleman glanced down at her, and a smile slowly claimed the corners of his lips.

“I am blessed.”

Mr. Darcy assisted Elizabeth to his waiting coach.

“Gwenie, Miss Elizabeth and I must hold a private conversation. If it would not be too much trouble, would you claim the seat above?”

Elizabeth noted the blush of embarrassment upon the girl’s cheeks. She knew her Uncle Gardiner treated his servants well, but the notice of such a fine gentleman as Mr. Darcy had the maid’s cheeks red.

“It be no trouble, Sir.”

Being the perfect gentleman, Mr. Darcy assisted the maid to climb to the driver’s seat before he joined Elizabeth in the carriage.

“Most kind of you, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth teased.

Mr. Darcy tapped upon the coach roof to signal his driver.

“I have my moments, Miss Elizabeth.”

Realizing they had only a short time to share what they learned from the imprudent couple, Elizabeth claimed the necessary conversation.

“Was it as bad as it appeared?”

Mr. Darcy sighed deeply.

“I would gladly pull Mr. Wickham’s cork if he already married Miss Lydia, but I must wait until he speaks his vows before I run him through.”

Elizabeth’s lips twisted in amusement. She never thought of Mr. Darcy from control: It was an interesting possibility she would explore at her leisure.

“Certainly not. Before you make Lydia a widow, she should first become a wife.”

Mr. Darcy’s eyebrow rose in a test.

“Do not tempt me, Miss Elizabeth.”

She chuckled.

“We have little time for challenges. Tell me what occurred with Mr. Wickham.”

Darcy nodded his agreement.

“Mr. Wickham wished to know how I came to be involved in this situation.”

“What was your response?”

He grinned.

“The truth.”

“Which is?”

“Mr. Bingley asked for my assistance because Mr. Bennet knows little of Town.”

“Very ingenious, Sir,” Elizabeth said with a nod of pride. “What else?”

“It grieves me to say Mr. Wickham has no intention of marrying Miss Lydia. He is still insistent upon the need to eliminate his debts. That will be a major point of negotiation for Mr. Gardiner.”

“I understand,” Elizabeth assured. “Lydia is of the belief that Mr. Wickham means to marry her, but she says there is no urgency. I thought to demand her joining us, but I had the feeling Mr. Wickham would rejoice at Lydia’s leave taking.”

Mr. Darcy spoke bluntly. Despite the situation in which they found themselves, Elizabeth gloried in how the man treated her as an equal. That truth made it more bittersweet never to claim his affections.

“You have the right of it. If Miss Lydia leaves Wickham’s side before a marriage is negotiated, Mr. Wickham will attempt to escape his debtors. Your sister will be left in ruin.”

“Anything else?”

“I warned Mr. Wickham of the possibility of a long term in debtors’ prison if he does not act with honor.”

Elizabeth smiled knowingly.

“We are of a like mind, Sir. I said something similar to Lydia.” Her comment appeared to please the gentleman. “I was thinking of how we might assure Lydia of a future. Could Mr. Wickham take up a position in the Regulars? Having a husband in the British Army would please Lydia, as well as Mrs. Bennet, and the position would provide them a steady income. I can think of no other occupation for which the man is suited”

Mr. Darcy appeared to mull over Elizabeth’s suggestion.

“Resign his commission in the militia? You may have the right of it. Permit me to speak to Colonel Fitzwilliam regarding what may be available.”

The carriage rolled to a halt before her uncle’s house.

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy, for trusting me in this matter.” Elizabeth glanced to the busy street. “It is rare for a woman to be treated as an intelligent being.” She knew from Mr. Darcy’s expression he meant to profess his admiration again, but as the situation with Lydia held Elizabeth’s hopes captive, she reached for the latch. Immediately, Mr. Darcy’s footman set down the steps to assist Elizabeth from the carriage. Mr. Darcy followed her in the house.

The Gardiner children’s appearance in the main hall surprised her. “You are back,” Elizabeth called as they rushed to her side.

“You will play soldiers with us, Cousin Lizzy,” said the eldest as the others surrounded her, bestowing hugs about her waist.

Elizabeth tousled the boy’s hair.

“I have a guest at the moment, but when we are through, I will call in at the school room.”

“Off with you,” Aunt Gardiner ordered as she approached. “I need to speak to your cousin and Mr. Darcy.”

As quickly as the children were from earshot, Elizabeth asked, “How are Mama and Papa and dearest Jane?”

Her aunt suggested. “Let us go into the sitting room.” Once Mr. Darcy seated her Aunt Margaret, Mrs. Gardiner explained, “Your mother has not left her quarters, and Mr. Bennet remains in his study. I never knew your father so agitated. He asked you to return to Longbourn; he will send his carriage for you tomorrow. Jane requires your assistance; she cannot deal with both of your parents alone.”

Elizabeth knew her aunt correct, but she did not wish to leave Mr. Darcy behind. She might never possess another opportunity to spend time with him. Even if Mr. Wickham married Lydia, Mr. Darcy would be sore to claim Elizabeth to wife. How could Mr. Darcy accept Wickham as a brother?

“If you think it is best, Aunt.”

“Then it is settled.” Aunt Margaret turned to Mr. Darcy. “Would you care to join us for supper, Mr. Darcy. I am certain Mr. Gardiner will have questions regarding your outing today.”

Mr. Darcy assumed his customary face of indifference, but Elizabeth learned to read the emotions behind the mask. He did not like the idea of her leaving any better than she did.

“I fear I have another engagement this evening, but I will come early tomorrow to bring Mr. Gardiner up to snuff. Please tell Mr. Gardiner I will require his company when I meet with Mr. Wickham. Our time is short if we are to convince Mr. Wickham to marry. I found him with ease and so may his creditors. If so, the authorities will whisk Wickham away before we can save the Bennet family’s reputation.”

“Mr. Darcy.” Mrs. Gardiner intoned. “When you said ‘early,’ I did not expect you before we broke our fast.”

“I was not certain what time Mr. Gardiner would call in at his warehouse,” Darcy said in excuse. In truth, he calle
d
earl
y
because Darcy feared he might not have the opportunity to speak to Elizabeth before she departed for Hertfordshire. He met with Colonel Fitzwilliam last evening, explaining in detail his true purpose in seeking Mr. Wickham. Although his cousin disagreed with the extent Darcy chose to become involved in the matter, the colonel consented to assist Darcy.

“Then, by all means, come in.” Mrs. Gardiner gestured toward the front sitting room, but the scent of lavender had Darcy turning to greet Elizabeth.

“I anticipated Mr. Darcy’s unconventionality, Aunt.  I shall entertain the gentleman while you finish with the children.” The smile on Elizabeth’s lips said she was waiting for him. It did Darcy’s heart well to recognize Elizabeth’s awareness of his choices.

“Not without a maid in attendance,” her aunt warned. “One ruined reputation is enough.”

Darcy’s eyebrow rose in question, and Elizabeth chuckled.

“My aunt is well aware you are privy to my deception, Sir.”

Mrs. Gardiner gave a satisfying nod before exiting. Elizabeth slipped her hands about his elbow, and Darcy tightened his arm muscles to bring her closer.

“I feared if I arrived later, I might miss you,” he whispered.

“And you thought we had more to say to each other?”

Her cheeks reddened, and Elizabeth dropped her eyes.

“I did.” Darcy directed her steps to the far side of the room when he noticed Gwenie hustling their way. They paused before windows, and Darcy turned where he might block Elizabeth from the maid’s view. “First, please know Colonel Fitzwilliam searches for an appropriate opening in the Regulars.” He smiled deviously. “My cousin’s only concession was he meant to find a post as greatly removed from Derbyshire and Hertfordshire as possible.”

Elizabeth’s lips twisted up in amusement.

“Although Mrs. Bennet will find it vexing to have Lydia so far removed, please convey my appreciation to the colonel for his sensibility.”

“I assume you relayed our conversations with the wayward couple to your uncle.”

Elizabeth smiled mockingly.

“Uncle will still possess a galley load of questions when you meet this morning. Mr. Gardiner is a stickler for details. I imagine you hold other characteristics in common.”

“And you remain satisfied with my role in this matter?” He would like to explore her comments on his personality, but time was short, and Darcy meant to make the best of these stolen moments.

“You were our salvation,” Elizabeth admitted.

Darcy caught Elizabeth’s fingertips. If Gwenie did not stand behind him, he would bring Elizabeth’s ungloved knuckles to his lips. Instead, he lowered his voice to speak to her only. Hazel eyes carefully studied his.

“Then you will explain to your father how your sentiments have undergone a change since we first met?”

“I shall praise your benevolence to Mr. Bennet,” Elizabeth dryly observed. “Is there another reason for my words of praise?”

“Impudent baggage,” Darcy growled. “You know very well you blacked my name to your dearest family.” Her eyes leaped with startled amazement. “And so when I call upon your father, I would prefer Mr. Bennet not be predisposed to deny my plight.”

“Mr. Darcy! You cannot!” Elizabeth protested.

Darcy’s eyebrows snapped together in a scowl.

“And why not? Would you refuse me a third time?”

Elizabeth’s chin notched higher in non-cooperation.

“Any woman would call herself blessed to claim your regard. You, Sir, are a man of honor and compassion, but I cannot permit you to bring Mr. Wickham into your family. It would be unconscionable of me to place my desire before your good name. Please do not sacrifice your principles for me.”

He heard the approach of heavy footfalls. Darcy wished to argue with her, but he knew the time short.

“You have several weeks to change your mind. Just know, when this madness is finished, I plan to call upon Mr. Bennet at Longbourn. For a man known for his intelligence, I can be quite bacon brained when he comes to you.”

* * *

Kissing her gloved hand in parting, with regret, Darcy placed Elizabeth in her father’s coach. When Mr. Gardiner interrupted their conversation, Darcy joined her uncle in the breakfast room while Elizabeth oversaw her packing, and so they had no time for another private exchange before she bid her relations farewell.

“Until we meet again, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said as he bowed over her hand.

“Adieu, Mr. Darcy. May God bless you.” Then Elizabeth departed; even so, Darcy felt the satisfaction of having Elizabeth turn to look back at him before the carriage veered off toward the roads leading from London.

“Three weeks,” Darcy told his foolish heart. “It will take a minimum of three weeks from the time I secure Mr. Wickham’s agreement until I can call upon the lady again.” The realization provided Darcy impetus to be done with the negotiations.

And so he settled into the task.

“I am not certain it is best for you to view the conditions in which your niece dwells,” Darcy said in caution as he and Mr. Gardiner entered the tavern.

Elizabeth’s uncle appeared taken aback.

“Do you think me incapable of controlling my temper, Sir?”

Darcy’s appreciation for the man grew each day of their acquaintance.

“In truth, I would not mind your taking a whip to Mr. Wickham, but I was thinking of an observation from Miss Elizabeth. Your niece thought to force Miss Lydia to leave with us, but chose otherwise because of the likelihood of Mr. Wickham’s welcoming his release from responsibility.”

Gardiner nodded his understanding.

“Our Lizzy is most perceptive.”

The man would find no argument from Darcy.

“Perhaps Mr. Wickham would speak more candidly if we ask him to join us in the common room.”

Gardiner glanced about the room.

“Not much ambiance, but I will secure a private table while you promote Mr. Wickham’s participation in this business.”

Within minutes, Darcy returned with Wickham. Part of Darcy wished he had not included Gardiner in the conference for he feared Wickham would demand more than the Bennets could afford, and Darcy already decided he would pay Wickham to marry Miss Lydia.

“I believe you previously were given the acquaintance of Mrs. Bennet’s brother, Mr. Gardiner,” Darcy said by way of introduction.

Gardiner gestured them to seats.

“I find the need for these negotiations beyond the pale,” Elizabeth’s uncle announced in what Darcy assumed was the man’s “business” voice. He noticed Wickham flinched from the hardness in Gardiner’s tone, and Darcy smiled inwardly. Gardiner would prove a worthy opponent for Mr. Wickham.

Darcy’s former friend removed a soiled handkerchief to wipe his brow.

“I am sorry things have come to this,” Wickham said in his most amicable voice. Although Wickham attempted to disguise his wariness behind a cough; again, Wickham grimaced. “I suppose we should be about it. Mr. Darcy, what do you have in mind?”

Darcy swallowed his mirth: Mr. Gardiner provided Wickham with no opportunity to voice his demands.

“In addition to Miss Lydia’s portion, I assume you will require assistanc
e
agai
n
to clear your debts. If not, the authorities would continue to seek retribution. Do you possess an accounting of who holds your vows?”

Wickham shot a tentative glance to the scowling Gardiner.

“I could construct a list.”

Another cough had Darcy questioning, “Are you unwell?”

“No. It is just London’s foul air,” Wickham assured.

“Then perhaps we should see you away from Town,” Darcy responded in skepticism. “We will require the list of those in Meryton and in Brighton to whom you owe money.” Wickham nodded his agreement in reply. Darcy continued, “I also explored an opportunity in your behalf. There is a position in the Regulars available. You could resign your position with the militia and receive a comparable post in King George’s service. The post would remove you from censure in the South, as well as to provide you with a steady source of income and appropriate living quarters.”

He watched as Wickham weighed the information carefully.

“Who will purchase the commission?”

Darcy sent a knowingly glance to Mr. Gardiner, one asking for the man’s cooperation. They would dicker over the expenses later.

“The commission will be part of Miss Lydia’s settlement.”

“What if I choose a different course?” Wickham ventured.

Stone faced, Gardiner warned in harsh tones, “I will pay someone to stick your spoon in the nearest wall, then send Lydia to Scotland until we know whether she is with child, and eventually purchase her a gentleman farmer as a husband. All of which would cost the Bennets far less than what Mr. Darcy just encouraged you to accept.”

Wickham swallowed hard.

“Lydia has expensive tastes. We will require something to sustain us once my proposed service ends. I have no skills to earn my living.” He glanced to Darcy. “Perhaps the living at Kympton?”

“A living is a pledge for life,’ Darcy reminded his former chum. “When you refused my father’s gift to his godson, I presented the living to another. While you are in service to the King, you must cultivate other opportunities. You will be in contact with many minor sons. If you perform honorably in your role, others will recognize your worth, and rewards will follow.”

Gardiner brought the first of the negotiations to an end.

“There is little else we can accomplish today. Mr. Darcy and I will call again tomorrow. Please finalize a list of your creditors before then. I would prefer to see the marriage settlements drawn up as quickly as possible.” Gardiner stood to indicate their exit.

Darcy followed the man to his feet. He knew Wickham well enough to know the son of Pemberley’s steward would press for a larger settlement, but Gardiner showed Wickham he would not act the fool. Claiming a large dowry for marrying Lydia Bennet was not in Mr. Wickham’s future.

* * *

It took two more meetings with Wickham before they reached an accord. As expected, Wickham made his demands to which Mr. Gardiner scoffed. Mediator was a robe Darcy rarely wore, but he relished the role. Mr. Gardiner proved why Elizabeth’s uncle held the reputation of an astute businessman. Even Darcy came under Gardiner’s glare when Darcy insisted upon purchasing the commission and presenting Wickham with an additional fifteen hundred pounds. Mr. Gardiner declared he would consider the outlay a loan, but Darcy meant to claim the Gardiners as family. If his actions brought Elizabeth closer to accepting his proposal, then Darcy would count the expense more than worthwhile.

Finally, ten days after their arrival in London, Darcy set a course for Pemberley. In biding farewell to the Gardiners, he made the promise to return for the wedding. Despite Mr. Wickham’s signature upon the settlement papers, Darcy still did not trust Wickham not to attempt an escape. The Gardiners brought Miss Lydia to reside with them until the marriage, while permitting Mr. Wickham to call upon his betrothed regularly. Darcy marveled at how well the Gardiners conducted themselves throughout this ordeal, and he was most grateful it was not necessary for him to contend with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth’s mother would advocate for Mr. Wickham to be presented a larger share, and Mr. Bennet would agree simply to reclaim his quiet study and his books.

“You are home at last,” Georgiana called as she rushed down the stairs to greet him.

Darcy breathed easier. The first part of his plan knew success. Now, it was just a matter of time until he could call upon Elizabeth at Longbourn. He brushed a kiss across Georgiana’s cheek.

“I must return to London at month’s end, but I will explain all later. For the moment, I would welcome my bed. I slept little on this journey.”

Georgiana wrapped her arm through his.

“Then most assuredly you should claim your chambers for you never complain.” She walked with Darcy up the stairs to the family quarters. “We shall speak over supper. I am most anxious to know of your success.”

Several hours later, Darcy entered the dining room to discover his sister waiting for him.

“Where is Mrs. Annesley? Pray say the lady is not ill.”

Georgiana motioned the footman to serve the soup.

“Nothing of the kind. The lady’s nephew welcomed a new son and tomorrow is the child’s baptism. I permitted Mrs. Annesley to join her family for several days. You do recall that Vicar Annesley resides but thirty miles north?”

“Yes,” Darcy said distractedly. “Now that you mention it, I do recall the lady prosing upon the young cleric’s merits.” He made himself smile at Georgiana. In truth, if he did not promise his sister that they would speak of his journey, Darcy would take a tray in his room and stay in bed. He doubted he slept more than four hours on any of the nights he was away from Pemberley. His initial turmoil over Elizabeth’s insinuation of having known Mr. Wickham wreaked havoc with his composure, which was followed by the glory of a renewal of his hopes. “It was kind of you to consider Mrs. Annesley’s happiness.”