Page 38 of Fitzwilliam Darcy Undone
She’d made her way to the mews, and met up with Fitzwilliam, who’d had his coachman prepare the carriage. She’d worried the servant would spread the story of him taking a single woman all the way to Hertfordshire, but Fitzwilliam assured her Mr. Barrows was very discreet and no one would hear of her nocturnal trip. She’d been further comforted when Barrows had tipped his hat and told her how glad he was that the master had found such a lovely lady to marry.
She had no fear of entering the house to censure from Mama. They’d all agreed, before Papa left London, that he’d explain to his wife Lizzy had come across a tenant in need during her walk and had stayed to lend them aid, sending a note to him so her family wouldn’t worry. As this was nothing out of the ordinary, other than the fact she’d never spent a night complete with tenants, it was the only logical solution to her absence. Fortunately, for Lizzy, Mrs. Robson had contracted an illness earlier in the week and made the story more plausible.
She’d almost made it the door to her and Jane’s room when Mama’s door opened. Mama peeked out, her still luscious curls falling down her back like a young maid. Lizzy was always amazed at how fresh and youthful her mother looked, although Mama was closer in age to forty.
“How are the Robson’s, Lizzy?”
“They are well, Mama. The worse it past and I shouldn’t have to return for at least another week.”
“I shall pop by and see how they are later today. I was quite worried for you, and them.”
“That’s not needed, Mama,” Lizzy whispered, panic setting her heart to double time. She wracked her brain for a way to stop her mother from discovering their necessary untruths. “Mrs. Robson’s sister arrived this morning. She has things well in hand, which is why I came home.”
“Ah, that is good. Very well, enjoy your sleep, Lizzy.” Mama began to close her door. “I shall see you later on this morning.”
“Thank you, Mama,” she replied and quietly entered her room and once the door closed, fell back against the wall and closed her eyes.
Telling untruths was exhausting.
The rest of the day passed in quiet pursuits. She and Jane kept busy knitting and sewing gifts for when their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, with their children, descended on them in a few short weeks for the Yuletide season. Lydia and Kitty argued over a bonnet they’d ripped apart and were re-decorating with bright ribbons. Mary, as usual, sat quietly reading. Mr. Collins had gone to visit the Lucas family, and Papa had not strayed from his book room, except to break his fast with them.
She’d sent him a few warning glances when he’d mused out loud over his ham and kippers that there was a good possibility of him finding some new books to read. How there were vast libraries at his disposal and he looked forward to exploring them. Lizzy knew he referred to Fitzwilliam’s libraries in London and at Pemberley, but the rest of the family did not. Fortunately, her mother and sisters were well versed in the cryptic humor of Mr. Bennet and mostly ignored his quips and follies.
The following day did not proceed as the previous one. As the ladies pursued their own interests in the drawing room after breaking their fast, Kitty, seated by the window suddenly exclaimed, “Oh look, it’s Mr. Bingley. And there is a gentleman with him, Mama. Who can it be?”
“Some acquaintance of his, I’m sure.”
“It’s probably that man who stayed with them at Netherfield,” Lydia said, “Mr. What’s-His-Name. That tall, proud man who ruined Wickham’s life.”
“Lydia, Mr. Darcy did not ruin Mr. Wickham’s life,” Lizzy admonished.
“Oh, I know Papa has told us to leery of him, but I think Mr. Wickham is much too handsome to be wicked and I refuse to think badly of him.”
“Enough squabbling, girls.” Mama said in a firm tone. “Any friend of Mr. Bingley’s will always be welcome here, to be sure, but I must say, I’m not adverse to disliking any man who claims my daughter not handsome enough to tempt him to dance.”
About to tell her mother that she was not angry with Mr. Darcy and held him in high regard, a servant entered the room and introduced both gentlemen.
“Welcome back to Longbourn, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy.” Mama said by way of greeting them. “I hope your business in London is complete and you may now stay for the rest of the Yuletide festivities.”
“Oh yes,” Bingley enthused. “I think it’s safe to say that I have no need to leave Meryton until the new year. Everything I desire is here.”
It missed no one’s attention that his eyes were riveted on Jane as he made that pronouncement. As for her sister, she lowered her eyes and blushed. Lizzy’s attention was caught by Fitzwilliam.
“If you would excuse me, Madam. I must take up a few minutes of Mr. Bennet’s time.”
He gave Mama a polite bow and Lizzy a secret smile before turning on his heel to leave the room.
“How strange,” Mama mused, her brow furrowing. “First Colonel Fitzwilliam sequestered himself with your Papa for over three hours the other evening, and now his cousin, Mr. Darcy requires his attention.” As though casting off disquieting thoughts, Mama’s face brightened. “Oh well. ‘Tis not my place to know the business dealings of men. Come sit by Jane, Mr. Bingley. She looks well, don’t you agree?”
“Yes,” Mr. Bingley sighed out with reverence, “she does.”
Conversation ebbed and flowed around her, but Lizzy couldn’t concentrate on anything other than Fitzwilliam was here, with her father, discussing the marriage settlement. Every noise in the outer hall had her hopeful gaze flying to the door, expecting him to appear, but a quarter hour dragged by. Then the clock struck the half hour. Her heart leapt when she heard a heavy tread. They’d finished their business and now returned. Joyful anticipation turned to ashes when Mr. Collins entered the room. He cast one baleful glance in her direction before proceeding to where Mary sat and inquired of what she read. He then settled in beside her and began a discussion of Mr. Fordyce and his book of sermons.
Finally, Papa strode into the room, his smile wide and his eyes bright.
“Mrs. Bennet, have Hill bring up the ‘91 champagne I smuggled in from France. We have cause for celebration.”
Mama dropped her work and rang the bell.
