Page 29 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Damn, but it is good to see you,” Darcy said gruffly. “I would tell you not to put your life in danger again when at war, but I shall let Ana, Anne, and your mother take you to task over it. Then you might think twice the next time.”
“You bring up an excellent argument. Retreat may be the better part of valor today,” Fitzwilliam jested, lightening the conversation. “I suspect the bastard has debts here that need to be paid. Excluding those, what is the total of his vowels, Cousin?”
“More than three thousand pounds. I do not count the three thousand I gave him in lieu of the living.”
“True.”
“There is some relief in knowing it is the last time I must pay them, that he can never again blacken the Darcy name. And I must add my sentiments to those of Miss Lucas. I, too, am grateful you gave Ana the means to protect herself. I always believed I could protect her from anything, yet here I am proven wrong again. Miss Lucas mentioned her appreciation twice and made me cognizant that I had not added my own. I regret I did not know of your lessons, but it proves how often she is alone for the whole of a day, even if I return from duties on the estate in the evenings.”
“She often travels alone, is often at home alone, and went on holiday alone with a companion who did not intend to consider her safety. She has known trials that few young ladies suffer. You have allowed her to do too much on her own. During university, I understood the reasoning, though I could not appreciate it. I said as much during those years. I could nolonger countenance the thought of her being unprotected from highwaymen and worse.”
“I now recognize the wisdom of it and thank Providence it is not too late. Moreover, I admit I am taking great enjoyment in her company. I was a fool, caught on the word ‘guardian.’ I only understood this when, on our journey here, Ana said how much she likes conversing with herbrother.”
“I am gladdened you recognize she is maturing into a thoughtful and caring young woman. I am away for months at a time and longer, so I cannot help but see it. You leave her, at times for months together, yet always see her as a girl still in the schoolroom.”
“I wished her to enjoy her childhood, but I did not make certain it was enjoyable. One filled with study and expectations to uphold the Darcy name while sequestering her from all I feared might harm her. I am mending my ways. Miss Elizabeth has promised to guide me when Ana asks which color ribbon I think is more becoming.”
Darcy’s lips turned up when his cousin’s mirth filled the room. Fitzwilliam well knew he dreaded upsetting Georgiana by not having the correct opinion on ribbons and lace.
“Darce, there is something I must tell you. I intended to keep my silence on the subject, but I require your assistance,” Fitzwilliam said, glancing at the door. Darcy followed his gaze and noticed that his cousin only continued after determining they were alone and sequestered.
“Whatever I can do, you know I will. Never in all these years have you asked anything of me. It is I who seeks your time and assistance. My requests have been both great and small. I am pleased to have a chance to be of service.”
“Drain it.” Fitzwilliam thrust a whiskey at Darcy. “Drink up, Cousin.” He then added another two fingers to their glasses.
“No matter what it is, I do not need to be senseless to agree,” Darcy said, not partaking of the second glass his cousin poured.
“I must speak of Anne.”
“I know I upset our aunt with my assertion that I didn’t want to marry Anne. Why do you scoff? You know our aunt had great expectations of us marrying.”
“It will be nothing compared with what is certain to come.”
“Then, tell me. How can I assist her, you, or both?” Darcy reacted to the consternation in his cousin’s expression. “Come, Richard, I have never seen you even briefly discomposed. I grow alarmed.”
Richard downed his drink in one and said, “Darcy, I…”
Dear reader, the subject of this conversation between cousins will be revealed. But as poor Darcy requires time to recall himself, I, too, shall allow them privacy.
Chapter 12
Elizabeth Finds a Way to Comfort Miss Darcy
“Do please sit. Miss Darcy. Allow me to brush your hair,” Jane said with gentle persuasion, as was ever her way.
“I do not know if I could sit. I slept from overexertion earlier, but I now have too many thoughts in my mind.”
“In such chaotic moments, it is Jane we all wish for. Let her braid your hair. I promise, it will help.” Elizabeth led her to the bed.
No more than ten strokes of the brush had been passed through her wheat-gold hair before Miss Darcy began to cry. Revealing having only known such kindness from employed governesses and a lady’s maid, she confessed how dearly she would have loved a sister.
Elizabeth sat next to Miss Darcy, holding their young friend whilst Jane continued to brush Miss Darcy’s hair in slow, long strokes to encourage calm.
“We are so sorry you were forced into a situation by…that man,” said Elizabeth. “His attempt to abduct you is beyond anything we considered yesterday. You protected yourself, and you are a heroine this day. You did not let him abscond with you.There is no doubt your guardians would move the Heavens to get you back.”
Jane said, “If you do not wish to speak of it, we shall not pressure you. Know you may talk freely, and we will keep your confidences always.” Her lilting, near-musical voice had the same effect on Miss Darcy as it did on everyone.
The younger lady soon steadied herself and knew some measure of peace. “I would very much like to speak of it. I fear I cannot talk to William or Richard, for they are still so furious.”
