Chapter 5 Seize the Day #4
Fitzwilliam studied the emotions chasing across Elizabeth’s lovely face. His heart squeezed in his chest until she displayed a calm resolve.
“No. I do not require more time, though it might be best if there were a formalised courtship. I believe Papa will allow us to court from my uncle’s home in London, if only to spare him from Mama’s incessant pressure.
“I, too, am not prepared to name my feelings. I do know that I am affected, and it is too late to protect my heart.” She considered his expression.
“I would ask that we learn more of each other, of what you see in this future, and to learn if I can truly fulfil all that life at your side would demand.”
“Are you proposing that we keep our courtship a secret from your family? I fear that ship has sailed.” He smirked indulgently. As though I could deny her anything!
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “Yes! As much as can be. If all goes as you intend, this will be my only time of courtship. I should like to enjoy it!”
They laughed and pulled apart, mindful of their growing attraction, and moved to a large boulder to plan.
Fitzwilliam spent the evening at Longbourn, enjoying the companionship that had developed with Elizabeth’s family. They expressed regret at his departure but were encouraged by his intention to maintain the connexion.
Elizabeth farewelled him from Bennet’s study after confirming her father’s consent to their plans. Their hands lingered as she reminded him that her father would welcome his letters until she saw him in London.
Fitzwilliam and his batman made good time. They went directly to his quarters so he could bathe and change before reporting to his Lady Mother for dinner with his family. Lady Matlock had responded to his letter with one sentence. “Seize the day.” He laughed.
Matlock House was illuminated in the early winter evening. Fitzwilliam was led directly to his mother’s private sitting room.
She rose gracefully from a chair and embraced him, then pulled back and examined him closely. Her glance was smug. “She said yes.”
Fitzwilliam beamed and embraced her enthusiastically. “We have entered a courtship. Elizabeth has stated the desire to learn more of the duties of an officer’s wife, and of the requirements society will demand of us.”
At her pleased countenance, he continued.
“Mother, Elizabeth has related her mother’s life-long fear of being cast from her home due to an entail to the male line, as her father has invested nothing but her mother’s portion for her care.
I see this as the reason her mother seems so avaricious.
She fears for her own future and that of her daughters.
My Elizabeth seeks a true partnership in marriage and asks that we begin as we mean to go on.
She has been trained to manage household and estate accounts and intends that we manage our funds efficiently for the future security of our family…
I find myself captivated by her intensity.
She does not hesitate to tell me what she expects. ”
He took his mother’s hand.
“I have assured Elizabeth that you will be her greatest supporter, after me, of course. She is a remarkable woman. I know you will love her.”
“When shall we meet this paragon of womanly virtue? Did you mention how you would court her from London when she remains in Hertfordshire?”
Fitzwilliam gave a contented sigh.
“Elizabeth will come to London next month after her mother’s birthday. I hoped it would be sooner, but she reminded me that she will not always be able to attend such celebrations with her family. I didn’t want to leave her.”
“This time apart will be a good test of your resolve.” His mother told him with amusement.
Fitzwilliam went to Darcy House and presented his card.
He had not written to Darcy after receiving his first letter.
He had not even read the second, disappointed that his cousin and friend had so discounted his judgement.
He followed the butler into the study, determined to control his temper whatever the provocation.
Darcy met him at the door, his hand outstretched. He looked as though he had not slept, with dark circles around his eyes.
Fitzwilliam took his hand and was pulled into an embrace.
“Forgive me, Richard. I regret my intemperate words. Miss Elizabeth is everything worthy. You are a fortunate man if you have gained her favour.”
Fitzwilliam Darcy felt as though he stood on a cliff overlooking a storm-tossed sea.
Below him, a ship was pushed closer and closer to treacherous shoals by the waves and wind.
He felt helpless to stop the impending disaster.
What had he done? What did these confusing memories of pursuit of Elizabeth mean if he was to lose her regardless?
He staggered to a wingback chair near the flickering fire and reached for the slim, embossed volume from the bottom shelf, turning to read the title: In Defence of Honour by Hazel R Banks.
He opened it to read something, anything, that might pull him from his dark thoughts. It is a truth universally acknowledged that a desperate man is doomed to perform desperate deeds. He snorted at the words. Indeed, he thought.