Page 51 of Fitzwilliam Darcy Undone
“How did Aunt Catherine have Anne? Is she adopted or the natural daughter of Sir Lewis?”
“She is Sir Lewis and Lady Catherine’s flesh and blood. It was a gift from my grandmother in recompense for her son’s cruel spell. However, Mama realized your aunt was subjugating Anne to her will and wouldn’t allow her to be with her soul mate, which was the source of her illness. Mama sent your Aunt back to Rosings, tail tucked firmly between her legs.”
“Anne has a soul mate?”
“Aye, and can you guess who that might be?”
“Richard.”
“Yes, they’ve known since they were young adults and the marks appeared. In rare cases, humans can display a soul mark along with their magical partner. Anyway, she and Richard, now that Lady Catherine cannot interfere any longer, shall have a wonderful life and Anne’s health will improve now that they cannot be separated.”
“You spoke of your uncle. I know of only one man, or is there more to this story.”
“I’ve only touched the tip of my personal iceberg.” She waved a plate of lemon biscuits onto the table and nibbled on one before beginning. “Mama would, every now and then, pop into the human realm and during one of those visits, she saw Papa. She took on the identity of a young woman who’d tragically died in a boating accident, altered the memories of the woman’s family and became Francis Gardiner of Meryton, Hertfordshire. She then met Papa and the rest, as they say, is history.”
“Does your father know his wife is Ellorian?”
“Yes, after all these incidents he must. I think he’s always had an inkling.I’ve heard him say he believed Mama hada touch of the Fae.”
“Elizabeth,” he started in a serious tone, “What happened in the clearing? All I remember is fighting that giant of a man, Wickham cutting you and then - nothing.”
For one brief moment her face clouded in anger.
“Wickham is no more.”
“The area was heavily warded. How did we escape?”
“I’ve since discovered in times of deep crisis we extend beyond the physical realm. You were powerless and dying. I could not allow that to happen and so I decreed for it all to stop. Wickham had to be removed from this earthly plane and all his wards destroyed.”
He was almost afraid to ask, yet he did. “Where is Wickham now?”
For the first time he saw a hint of sadness in her eyes and knew that what she’d done was necessary, but she held some regrets.
“I do not know.”
The air around them shifted and a familiar scent of citrus enveloped them.
“Grandmama!” Elizabeth called out in delight and Darcy stood to meet the Ellorian Queen, Aurolea.
“Your majesty,” he said and gave a low courtier’s bow.
“Rise, young D’Arcy - or should I refer to your proper name, Prince Cian D’Arcionage.”
“You know my Miatharan name!”
“Of course, as well as your honorable cousin, Gaeden. If you still resided in Miathara, as your ancestors, he’d have been captain of your royal guard. He has a warrior’s soul and I am pleased Gaeden, or Richard as you call him, and his mate can now be united complete.”
“What happens now, Your Majesty?” he asked, knowing for the time in his life he had no real control over what went on around him. It was unsettling.
“I leave my granddaughter to explain things as I have much to do before you can return home. I came only to assure myself you had healed properly.” Aurolea turned her attention to Elizabeth. “Come give your Grandmama a hug, Ellucia.”
Elizabeth gracefully rose to her feet and he appreciated how the soft linen of her dress caressed her curves.
Not until you are wed, D’Arcionage, came a stern chastisement from the Queen. Surprised, he lifted his gaze to hers. Over Elizabeth’s shoulder as she hugged her grandmother, Queen Aurolea flashed him a sharp look worthy of his sternest tutors, followed by one of complete love when she looked upon her granddaughter.
“I love all my granddaughters, but you hold a special place in my heart, little warrior.” She kissed Elizabeth’s cheek and disappeared in a cloud of silver light.
Elizabeth turned and hurried back to him, grabbing hold of both his hands.
