The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth

Elizabeth did, however, have a more pleasant visit with her Aunt Gardiner and, as they walked in the park, she revealed the secret of their marriage. Her father had agreed that her aunt should know and could be trusted to share it with no one but her uncle. Mrs. Gardiner expressed surprise at the marriage itself, but no shock at all about the depth of Darcy’s affection for Elizabeth. His love for their niece had been quite evident to the Gardiners even before he risked life and limb to rescue her from France.

When Elizabeth returned to Darcy House she learned that they had been invited to Darcy’s aunt and uncle’s house for dinner that evening. Darcy regarded the small family party as an opportunity for his new wife to get to know his family – even if most of them did not know they were already related. Elizabeth was a little apprehensive, but Darcy assured her that she would be brilliant as always.

He felt a great sense of contentment as he escorted his two favorite women to the carriage that evening. It was such a relief to be with Georgiana and act like a married couple. He handed Georgiana into the coach while resting his hand on the small of Elizabeth’s back, but once Georgiana was in, Darcy could not resist the temptation to pull his wife against the side of the coach for a long, lingering kiss. Fortunately, the street was deserted. The coachman raised his eyebrows, but wisely said nothing. Darcy handed Elizabeth in, climbed in himself and they were away.

None of the party noticed a man lingering in the shadow of a tree near a house some way up the street. Although it was growing dark, he had seen everything very clearly. Oho! Thought George Wickham. Darcy nurtures a passion for Elizabeth Bennet! Most likely Darcy would only make her his mistress, but he was very proper, so there was the possibility they were planning marriage. Rules of polite society considered kisses between the affianced acceptable – and Darcy was so very honorable.

Wickham had learned that Darcy was seeking him and had returned to London to discover why; there was always a chance there was some money in it for him. Now that Wickham realized how closely connected Darcy was to the Bennet family, he knew that most likely Darcy was only going to be tiresome about Lydia and demand that Wickham marry her. Wickham thought gleefully that he would make Darcy pay richly for his cooperation, but then an even better idea occurred to him – a plan that would let him avoid getting shackled to that chit. He knew someone who would pay handsomely for information about Darcy and Elizabeth, and he intended to be the first one to supply it.

Over the next couple of days the inhabitants of Darcy House settled into a comfortable routine. After the first morning when Darcy’s valet, Keans, had been shocked to find Elizabeth in his master’s bed, Darcy let him in on the secret. He took pity on Mrs. Green the same day and took her into his confidence as well; the housekeeper had informed the more discreet members of the household staff one by one.

They did little socializing, although Darcy took every opportunity to have Elizabeth visit his family. His aunt and uncle had been displeased when he brought her to the family dinner, but he insisted they must become acquainted with her. Assuming that an engagement was imminent, they bade Elizabeth welcome to their home – with less than complete sincerity. The earl and countess had been wary of Elizabeth at first, viewing her as a fortune hunter – and one with a scandalous family as well. Darcy’s aunt had been frosty and his uncle barely civil, but they had warmed to Elizabeth’s lively manner and intelligent conversation.

Darcy said little all night, simply allowing Elizabeth to shine. His aunt and uncle were not at the point of giving the match their blessing, but they seemed more accepting of her role in Darcy’s life. While Lady Alice had not completely recovered from the scandal over their son’s marriage, the event had not proven as socially devastating as she had feared, so she had grown more forgiving of Darcy’s choice.

The newlyweds treasured an early morning breakfast as private time together before the business of the day began. After breakfast, Darcy would retire to his study to conduct estate business. Elizabeth sometimes joined him there, reading a book or learning about the estate by helping Darcy with his correspondence and other tasks. Although no one would expect her to help run the estate, she was eager for opportunities to better understand how it functioned. Everything she learned only made her more curious to see Pemberley for herself.

Some afternoons Elizabeth walked in Hyde Park, while others were spent shopping with Georgiana. Shopping was not an activity she particularly enjoyed, but it was essential that she have a new wardrobe commensurate with the social position she would soon be assuming. Georgiana took her to a modiste far more elegant and expensive than any she had frequented before. Having Darcy pay for an “unmarried” woman’s clothing would be a gross breach of propriety, so he had supplied Elizabeth with some cash for the purchases. If the shopkeepers assumed she was buying her clothing with a rather generous allowance from her father, who was she to dissuade them?

The sheer volume of the items Georgiana thought were essential overwhelmed Elizabeth. Gloves, hats, shoes, and stockings were ordered in a flurry of activity. Georgiana loved shopping and Elizabeth allowed the younger woman’s good taste to guide her in many of her selections. When her new sister insisted that Elizabeth needed nine new gowns immediately, she protested. However Georgiana enumerated all of the occasions which would require various gowns; Elizabeth conceded defeat, realizing that she would need far more than nine eventually.

Other afternoons, Elizabeth called on the Gardiners and Lydia, though without Georgiana. Although her new sister knew of Lydia’s connection to Wickham, Darcy did not want her exposed to any heedless talk from the youngest Bennet.

The days were pleasant, but Darcy was unhappy at the lack of progress in discovering Wickham. They had returned to London on the strength of some promising information and Darcy had believed they were on the verge of locating the man, but the leads yielded no results. Darcy hired additional investigators, who had found nothing as of yet. Wickham apparently was moving from place to place rather frequently and the investigators were always one step behind him. Darcy was eager for the business to be resolved so he and Elizabeth could announce their marriage and retire to Pemberley for a long stay. Weary of the town, he longed to be in Derbyshire. Elizabeth, too, wished for a swift conclusion of the matter and a chance to live as husband and wife for the first time.

Then, approximately a week after their arrival in London, Thomas the footman brought Darcy a card with the name “George Wickham” on it.

Chapter 13

Although Thomas had been dubious of Wickham’s claim that Darcy would be glad to see him, the master did indeed ask that the rather disreputable-looking guest be brought to his study.

At last! Thought Darcy. We can conclude this business and go home. At the same time, he knew that Wickham was likely to be a wily negotiator and would require a great deal of persuasion to honor his promise to Lydia – plus he was likely to be contrary just to pique Darcy. He was grateful, however, that Elizabeth was at the Gardiners and Georgiana was out shopping, so there was no need to expose either of them to Wickham’s nastiness.

Schooling himself to patience, Darcy watched while Wickham sauntered through the door and seated himself opposit

e the desk as though he owned the place. “Hello Darcy,” Wickham said with his usual impertinence, not bothering with any pleasantries. “I received word that you were seeking me out.”

“Indeed I was.” Darcy surveyed Wickham coolly. Although the other man pretended to be in good spirits, Darcy noticed signs of anxiety around his eyes. His clothes were well made, but beginning to become threadbare. Good. If he needed funds badly, Wickham would be easier to persuade.

“You must marry Lydia Bennet.” Darcy saw no need for idle chatter.

“The hell I will!” Wickham exclaimed with force, but little emotion. Surely he was unsurprised that this was Darcy’s goal. “I’m weary of the chit. And she comes with practically no dowry!”

“You have compromised her reputation and it is your duty as a gentleman to marry her,” Darcy insisted. Wickham’s insolent laugh was the only response. “I am prepared to grant you a financial settlement to start your new life. Plus an officer’s commission – perhaps somewhere in the north, such as Newcastle.”

“And pay my debts?” Wickham asked quickly.

Darcy sighed. “Yes, I will pay your debts as well.”

Wickham eyed him keenly. “How much of a settlement?”

Darcy had had many days to ponder this. “Eight thousand,” he said without hesitation.

Wickham laughed. “Come, Darcy, you must do far better than that. Fifteen thousand.”

Darcy shook his head emphatically. “Ten thousand and not a penny more. For much less than that I could buy Lydia a respectable husband who will not cheat on her and gamble away the money.”

Wickham did not even bother to deny Darcy’s allegations. “But Lydia will not take someone else. She wants me.” His face displayed great confidence. Then Wickham’s eyes narrowed. “What’s your interest in this? Why do you even care if the wench gets married?”