Truth about Mr. Darcy (30 page)

Elizabeth looked away; she had no hope on that score. Darcy began to draw circles upon her palms with his thumbs. “Bingley has agreed to stay behind and look after you and your family while your father and I search for them in London. We shall depart within the hour.”

Elizabeth could hardly credit these last words. “You mean to say you are leaving me here?” she asked.

“I see very few options before us, Elizabeth. I had rather thought you would prefer to remain with your family at this time. Certainly, your mother and sisters will be in need of you.”

“And you will not?” she asked.

Darcy averted his eyes. “That is not what I meant; you know it is not, but London is not safe. There is nothing you could possibly do there to aid your sister. You would do better to stay here with your family.”

Elizabeth stared at him. “And is this what you truly wish?” she asked, her voice strained.

“Of course not,” he answered quickly, “but I cannot see my way to bringing you with me. There is nothing for you to do in London that would not put you at risk. You know Wickham is not to be underestimated.”

“There is everything for me to do in London!” she cried. “Will you not need my comfort after enduring God-only-knows-what for the sake of my family?” She caught his face in her hands and forced him to meet her eyes. “Even if I spend day after day alone with none but the servants for company, it shall be far preferable to having to spend my nights without you. Indeed, Fitzwilliam, I want no distance between us. I am going with you. You are my husband, my life. My place is with you.”

He considered her words for a long moment before placing his hand upon her cheek and nodding once. “As you wish,” he said, “but I will not have you venturing out alone. You will not so much as leave the house for any reason without my protection, do you understand?”

Elizabeth brushed her lips upon his hand. “You have my word. I will do nothing you do not think is best. I wish only for us to remain together.”

“Let us inform your father, then, and be off. We have not another moment to lose.”

***

The trip to London passed silently, and as Darcy’s carriage rolled through the streets of their Mayfair neighborhood and on to Darcy House, Elizabeth felt herself relax, if only a little. They were now home and would, hopefully, within several short hours, meet with Colonel Fitzwilliam, to whom Darcy had dispatched an express just moments before they left Hertfordshire. She only prayed it had reached him and he would be available to meet with them that evening.

She need not have worried on that account, for they had no sooner set foot in the front door than they were informed by Mrs. Hildebrandt that the colonel had been awaiting their arrival in Darcy’s study for the last hour.

Darcy bade his father-in-law proceed without him then pulled aside his anxious wife. “I know you wish to attend this conversation, Elizabeth, but your resting yourself is more important. I will not have you placing yourself or our unborn babe at risk.”

Over her vehement protests, he continued, “No. I will not hear another word. I beg you would rest. It would greatly ease my mind to know you are taking every precaution. Please, dearest, do this one thing for me, and I promise I will keep nothing from you.”

Elizabeth addressed him with narrowed eyes. “You promise, no matter what happens, to tell me all?” she demanded.

“You have my word.”

She sighed. “Very well, Fitzwilliam. I will try to rest for one hour, but I cannot promise I shall be successful.”

“That is all I ask.”

He brushed his lips against hers, and she returned the gesture before saying, “I expect you to come to me as soon as your plans are decided.” Then, with a parting glance, she turned and left him.

Darcy watched his wife retreat up the staircase and out of sight before he made his way with haste to his study, where he found Colonel Fitzwilliam in deep discussion with Mr. Bennet.

“Darcy,” he said, “I was just telling your father-in-law that I have dispatched eight of my most loyal men to search for Wickham and Miss Lydia; however, I do believe our best bet might be to venture to Mrs. Younge’s. What think you? Surely, she must have some idea of the blackguard’s whereabouts.”

Darcy poured three glasses of brandy and handed them around. “I agree, though he has other acquaintances in Town, as well, who may prove useful to us.”

The colonel nodded and drank slowly from his glass before saying, “We must prepare ourselves. I do not expect to find them tonight. Her virtue—”

“Her virtue is likely no longer an issue,” said Mr. Bennet with disgust. “Forgive me, Colonel, but I can have no illusions that my youngest daughter will be returned to me whole. Not after their conduct the other night, and certainly not after what that scoundrel dared to attempt with my Lizzy.” He swallowed the rest of his brandy and slammed his glass upon Darcy’s desk. He settled his angry gaze upon his son-in-law and, in a voice of deadly calm, said, “I want them found, and I want him to suffer. I hardly care what means are employed to achieve this, so long as it is brought about. I care very little for charges of desertion or for his debts to area merchants. He has insulted two of my daughters, and I intend to see him punished, once and for all.”

Mr. Bennet tore his gaze from his son-in-law and took several steps toward the fire. Leaning his forearms upon the mantle, he took a deep breath and said, “You warned me, Darcy, of the very great danger that scoundrel posed to my family, yet I failed to heed your words of caution, even after all that had transpired in Meryton. You showed me you were more than willing to assume responsibility for Elizabeth’s protection, and I confess, I was quite content to allow you that honor. It now appears to have been the one sensible decision I have made where my daughters are concerned.” Mr. Bennet laughed ruefully and passed his hand over his eyes. Then, cursing softly, he said, “If I had only bothered to follow your example and exert myself with the rest. There is no excuse for my neglect. The fault for Lydia’s brashness and impetuosity lies on no man’s shoulders but my own, and for once, I am feeling the full weight of it, as I certainly ought.” And with that, the elder gentleman excused himself and quitted the room.

Darcy strode to the nearest window and stood with his back to the room. Colonel Fitzwilliam exhaled slowly and fixed his cousin with a look of grave concern. “What is this about Wickham insulting your wife, Darcy? Is it true?” he asked.

Darcy nodded. “He laid his hands upon her, as well as his vile mouth.”

“But no more?”

“No more!” Darcy spat, his temper immediately rising. “Is that act alone not enough to make a husband wish to see that bastard hang? He assaulted and terrified my wife! He threatened to force himself upon her should they meet again! She is with child! And even if she was not, I cannot allow further harm to come to her at his hands. No, when we capture Wickham, I will see him punished, as I should have last summer at Ramsgate. I know not how but, as God is my witness, Fitzwilliam, this time he will pay for his crimes.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam slowly nodded. “Then there is much to be done. I do not expect to hear from my men until the morrow, unless there is some unforeseen development tonight. Do you think Mr. Bennet intends to challenge him?”

Darcy shrugged and raked his hands through his hair. “I know not, but surely we must discourage such a measure. He is upset, and rightly so, but his family will suffer acutely if he is not successful. Though Lydia is hardly a favorite of his, the same cannot be said for Elizabeth. She has not recovered her spirits since that villain accosted her, and I am certain her feelings have not escaped Mr. Bennet’s notice. If it were up to me, I would have pursued him and put a bullet through his worthless heart in Hertfordshire, but I hardly think Elizabeth would condone such an act.” Darcy sat down behind his desk and held his head in his hands. “Indeed, I know for a fact she would not. Whatever we do, Fitzwilliam, we must take great care. Wickham must be punished, and the less Elizabeth knows of it, the better. I do not wish to distress her further.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam traced the rim of his glass. “You do not intend to force a marriage then, Cousin?”

Darcy snorted. “My sister-in-law cannot marry that blackguard. I will pay to increase her dowry if need be or hide her away in the countryside until after her confinement if it comes to that, but her father and I are in agreement—Lydia cannot be shackled to that piece of filth for the rest of her life. God knows, as do you and I, whatever Wickham would do to her would hardly be pleasant. Nor will I have that scoundrel associated with my wife in any way.”

“Fair enough,” Fitzwilliam said, glancing at the mantle clock. “It is now nearly supper hour. When would you care to pay a call upon Mrs. Younge?”

“With that woman, the element of surprise is our best advantage. We could dine within the hour and then pay her a visit tonight after Elizabeth retires.” Darcy drained his glass. “How does Georgiana?”

“She is well, though she is anxious for your return. I have yet to inform her that you and Elizabeth are in Town. I have yet to inform anyone. I did not know if you would wish it, under the circumstances.”

Darcy shook his head and sighed. “No. Not yet. Although I know her society would be good for Elizabeth, I cannot help but wish to protect my sister from this business. To hear that Wickham has succeeded with Lydia, when it was very nearly herself, she may not take the news at all well.”

“Georgiana is stronger than you think. Did you not tell me she confided in your wife of her own volition?” Darcy nodded and Colonel Fitzwilliam continued, “Well then, I see no harm in bringing Georgiana home to Darcy House in a few days. She and Elizabeth will, no doubt, find comfort in each other’s society. To be honest, Elizabeth may need the distraction, for there is no telling how many hours you will be called away during the next week or so, and I doubt you will want her to venture out with Wickham still at large.”

Darcy grunted in acquiescence, and the two gentlemen retired shortly thereafter to freshen themselves before dinner.

It was close to midnight when Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam knocked upon the door of a somewhat respectable-looking boarding house in an unrespectable section of Town. Four of the colonel’s most trustworthy officers accompanied them.

The look of surprised horror on the face of the middle-aged woman who opened the door was, to the gentlemen, promising. They pushed their way into the front parlor before she could protest, and closed the door behind them. “Mrs. Younge,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said, “I trust you know why we have come.”

In addition to being Georgiana’s former governess, Mrs. Younge held the notoriety of being a trusted associate of George Wickham. As such, she had been little inclined to talk, and several hours later, Darcy wanted nothing more than to have her out of his sight. It had taken close to thirty pounds of his money to finally coax her to reveal that both miscreants had been granted admittance to her home, but had been turned out several hours later after their boisterous interlude abovestairs escalated into a heated argument, in which several personal effects of some value were destroyed. She admitted that Lydia, who she claimed Wickham had referred to as Lizzy in a moment of fury, had initially seemed willing—even happy—to be with him, but, upon quitting the establishment, had appeared utterly terrified. Darcy left the house in a foul temper and promised Mrs. Younge further payment should she discover any information regarding either party’s whereabouts. That the woman had been most adamant Wickham had referred to Lydia by his wife’s name brought him nothing but unease.

The next several days passed slowly and uneventfully, both to the relief and frustration of those involved. Colonel Fitzwilliam was a constant visitor at Darcy House—dropping in at all hours of the day and night to meet privately with Darcy and Mr. Bennet in Darcy’s study and, oftentimes, with Mr. Gardiner, when that gentleman’s business would allow it. Though Elizabeth was kept abreast of nearly all of their dealings, she could not help feeling that her husband was keeping something pertinent from her, though she could not imagine precisely what. On top of that was the added hardship of being left to her own devices day after day while the gentlemen conferred and came and went as required. Though she had come to accept this probability in theory before she had left Hertfordshire, upon arriving in London, Elizabeth soon found she was not in the least prepared to be alone with her troubling thoughts and wrenching worries for the majority of the day.

After the visit to Mrs. Younge’s, Darcy had decided against sending for Georgiana. He could not trust the woman to refrain from showing up on his doorstep, and though Mrs. Gardiner visited Darcy House as often as her time would allow, she still had a household to run and several young children to care for, which left little time to devote to her niece. Elizabeth tried to hide her disappointment as best she could, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to do when, on most days, she found very little reprieve from the inner turmoil of her active mind.

In an effort to divert her focus from dark thoughts, Elizabeth immersed herself in learning the management of her new household. Though she had some limited experience assisting her mother in the task, she was not prepared for the large amounts of money and the wide disbursement of funds she suddenly found at her disposal. She devoted many tedious hours to poring over the books with Mrs. Hildebrandt, struggling to perfect her understanding of the operation of her husband’s London household. Under the housekeeper’s instruction, Elizabeth persevered in her endeavor until satisfied she had finally acquired enough knowledge of the management of Darcy House to do an effective job without supervision.

In the moments when she was not working closely with Mrs. Hildebrandt or attempting to conceal her anxiety behind a book while awaiting some word or scrap of news, however small and insignificant, regarding her sister’s whereabouts, Elizabeth took to wandering the cold, empty courtyard of Darcy House. It was the only form of exercise out-of-doors Darcy would permit her, even accompanied by him. She had been walking for some time amongst the barren beds, dry fountains, and statues; her thoughts turned toward the disreputable situation her youngest sister had brought upon herself—and all her family—with Wickham.

During their last days at Longbourn, there had been several painful instances where Lydia had accused Elizabeth of behaving in very much the same disgraceful manner, regarding her own conduct with Darcy. It disturbed her, so much so, that she could not stop herself from thinking back, time and again, to her relationship with the man who was now her beloved husband.

She recalled the past events since she and Darcy had met and, with a sudden epiphany, realized that, though she could not, in all honesty, discount Lydia’s accusations, there still remained one very significant difference in their circumstances: Darcy had been in love with her—ardently, passionately, unfailingly in love with her—and that, Elizabeth was finally forced to concede, made all the difference in their situations, at least where it mattered most—to her.

She was lost in her own thoughts, so much so, that she failed to hear the soft click of the French doors to the courtyard, nor the sound of purposeful footfalls.

Not wishing to startle her, Darcy stopped several feet away before calling her name. Elizabeth turned to face him, and he noticed the troubled look in her eyes. He was about to speak, to ask her why she appeared to be in such a state of wretchedness, but then thought better of it. Instead, he closed the distance between them and embraced her. Finally, without removing from his arms, Elizabeth said, “Thank you for loving me so, Fitzwilliam, despite every obstacle we have been forced to overcome.”

Darcy knew the last few weeks had been difficult for her, and for this reason in particular, it pained him that they had yet to find Lydia. They had been in London for nearly a week, and still, there was no sign of her, no word, nor any leads to follow. He was fast losing hope for her recovery, as were Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner. He answered her not with words but by holding her more tightly. Elizabeth sighed and, after a time, pulled away and busied herself with adjusting her pelisse.

Darcy cleared his throat and said, “My aunt and uncle have extended an invitation to dine in Berkeley Square tomorrow evening. It seems they are no longer ignorant of our presence in Town. I took the liberty of accepting the invitation, but I have not shared with them any information regarding your sister’s alleged elopement. I believe we could both use an evening in the company of family. My sister, I hear, is desirous to see you.” He dropped his voice. “You should never have been made to suffer this alone, Elizabeth. I fear I have not done my duty by you these last few days. Can you ever forgive me for neglecting you so?”

Elizabeth stared at him before lowering her gaze. “There is nothing for me to forgive. I did not expect you to be constantly by my side, Fitzwilliam. You are here to search for my sister. Of course her untenable situation must have first claim on you. I would not have it any other way.”

“But I would,” he said. “It should not be so. You should not have been left to your own devices at such a time as this. You have endured more in the last few weeks than should be expected of a gently bred woman, and I feel as though I have abandoned you in favor of one whom I can hardly esteem. I am sorry, Elizabeth. I do not mean to pain you further, but neither can I lie to you.”

Elizabeth shook her head and took several steps from him, pressing her fingers to her eyes. “No. If only Lydia had not run away from home. If only my mother had not been so indulgent. If only my father would have taken the trouble to check her wild behavior, rather than contenting himself to simply laugh at it, then, perhaps we would have been spared such worry and humiliation, but it was not to be.”

Darcy extended his hand to her and pulled her close. “If you wish, I will send word to my aunt that we are unable to attend her dinner. I understand that her dear friends, Lady Malcolm and Lady Sowersby, are to be present, as well. They are both very kind, but I can understand if you do not wish to go through such an ordeal at present.”

“No, Fitzwilliam. You are correct in thinking some familial society will do us both good. Are my father and the Gardiners invited, as well?”

“Yes, though your father has declined. I believe he will remove to Gracechurch Street for the evening. I am not yet certain whether the Gardiners will attend, but I can only assume that, under the circumstances, they may decline, as well. Richard and my other cousins will, of course, be in attendance, as will Georgiana. My uncle has informed me that Lady Catherine and my cousin Anne have since returned to Rosings and do not plan to return to Town for some time.”

She nodded.
At least I will not have to bear that woman’s scorn and disapprobation
, she thought with some relief.

Darcy guided her to the house, and they retired to the privacy of their apartment. He rested with his wife, stroking her back until he was certain she had finally fallen asleep; then he rose and returned to his study, where he found Colonel Fitzwilliam frowning over a note that had only recently arrived from one of his men. Darcy looked at him with anticipation, but Richard only shook his head. “There is no news. I have only been informed that Mrs. Younge has been out now for several hours. Three of my men are following her at a discreet distance. She appears to be making calls. They will send word if they discover anything.”

Darcy cursed under his breath. “We must find them. I can no longer countenance seeing Elizabeth in such low spirits. This is supposed to be a happy time for her; she should be enjoying her new position as my wife and the prospect of motherhood, yet she is close to tears each hour of the day and separated from me because of this business with her sister. I will not have it. Discover them. Do whatever you must, promise whatever you must; I will pay for it, but Lydia must be found. Elizabeth and I cannot live as we wish until she is recovered. After that, I shall remove both Elizabeth and Georgiana to Pemberley, the Season be hanged. I can no longer abide this insufferable situation.”

***

The Darcys dined at Berkeley Square the following evening. Elizabeth had somehow managed to rally her spirits, if for no reason other than to conceal her family’s unhappy situation. Though Lady Matlock may have discerned something in her manner that gave her a cause for concern, both Lady Malcolm and Lady Sowersby were unaware of it. They found themselves immediately taken with the new Mrs. Darcy. Elizabeth was, to them, all that was charming and lovely. Darcy was as enchanted and attentive as ever, if somewhat concerned for her state of mind, and while Lady Malcolm and his nearest relations could easily tease him for it, Lady Sowersby, who had never married and who was ever the romantic, could find nothing but pleasure in his solicitous and tender attentions to his beautiful new bride.

Halfway through the meal, a message arrived for Colonel Fitzwilliam, who quickly excused himself from the table. Many minutes passed, and he failed to return, leaving at least two persons in the party anxious over his lengthy absence. After receiving numerous glances from Elizabeth, Darcy also excused himself. He eventually located his cousin in his uncle’s study. “What news, Fitzwilliam?” he asked without ceremony, shutting the door behind him.

The colonel’s countenance was grave. “My men have located a young woman whom they believe may be Miss Lydia. It is not promising. She is currently residing in Madame Tremont’s house. Do you know of it?”

Darcy’s eyes grew wide. “In a brothel? I cannot believe this,” he gasped, shaking his head. “Is it known whether or not she came to be there willingly?”

Fitzwilliam exhaled loudly. “I believe it unlikely Miss Lydia would have agreed to enter such an establishment of her own volition. It is my guess that Wickham probably sold her into servitude. He is no doubt low on funds and most likely growing desperate.”

Darcy ran his hands over his eyes. “Good God. This will kill Elizabeth. I cannot have her learn of this. We must leave at once and recover Lydia. God only knows what may befall her in such an establishment. We have not a moment to lose.”

“I agree, Darcy. I have dispatched my orders to my men. We will be moving within the hour, but you must know you cannot possibly accompany us.”

“Why ever not? She is my sister-in-law. She is
my
responsibility.
Wickham
is my responsibility. Surely, I must be the one to go.”

Fitzwilliam gaped at him. “You cannot be serious! Do you have any idea what it will look like if you were to go? To a brothel? You, who have only just exchanged your sacred vows before God—and with a woman whom Lady Catherine would happily tout in public as your mistress if given leave to do so? Can you not imagine the talk such an action will inspire amongst the
ton
? The repercussions to Elizabeth’s reception in society alone would be devastating, to say nothing of your gaining a reputation as a philanderer.”

Darcy, who had been pacing, threw himself into the nearest chair and growled in frustration. “What the bloody hell am I supposed to do, then? Elizabeth will want me to retrieve her sister, as well I should!”

“But not at this cost, Darcy! There will be enough talk already. You will do well to leave this to me. Miss Lydia knows me—well enough to understand I would not harm her in any way. I am confident she will feel safe enough to leave with me. In fact”—he smiled grimly—“I would wager a great deal that she will jump at the chance—especially if I am wearing my red coat.”

Darcy looked at him sharply, and Colonel Fitzwilliam moved to lay a hand upon his cousin’s tense shoulder. “Forgive me. That was poorly done. If it is, indeed, Miss Lydia, Darcy, I shall return her to her family tonight. Shall I bring her to Darcy House, or would you rather I deliver her to the Gardiners?”

Darcy ran the back of his hand over his lips. “No, bring her to Grosvenor Square. The Gardiners have young children. They should not be subjected to such scandal.”

“Very well. What will you tell Elizabeth?”