Chapter Ten
“The folly which he must have witnessed …”
DARCY STAYED IN LONDON FOR LESS THAN A FORTNIGHT, BUT HE DID not spend his time well.
He roamed from room to room at Darcy House, standing for hours staring out the window or sitting at his desk, his work left unattended; nothing provided him pleasure.
Although Georgiana had joined him at his London home, Darcy was still alone.
He wished for no one’s company. His conversations were limited to the barest of civilities.
His sister knew nothing of his pain, and she assumed a countenance laced with guilt; however, Darcy took no notice of Georgiana’s anxiousness.
“I am pleased you have come so quickly, Edward,” Georgiana said as she served him tea.
“Your note said it was important,” he said with a bemused smirk. The colonel could not remember a time his cousin ever thought to consult with him on matters concerning her brother’s state of mind.
“I pray I did not interfere with your duties or your private life,” she said contritely, but her countenance spoke of an emotion he could not identify.
“I am at your disposal, Cousin. Perhaps you should explain your concerns and then permit me to draw my own conclusions.”
Georgiana squared her shoulders. She bit her bottom lip in hesitation, but she said, “I am likely making a mistake, but I must know whether the foul mood that consumes William of late has anything to do with my earlier indiscretion. I could not bear it if my brother had not forgiven me.”
Edward’s frown wrinkled his forehead. “I am confident Darcy would never believe what happened between you and Mr. Wickham to be of your doing. Would you explain what change brings on your alarm?”
Georgiana sighed heavily. Her voice broke ever so slightly, a poignant, telling little break.
“My brother often locks himself into his study, even sleeping on the chaise. During those long hours, William only opens the door to Mr. Thacker, who serves him a decanter of brandy. He ignores estate business, and I cannot remember the last time we dined together.”
The colonel frowned deeply. “What you describe is unusual. Darcy is normally most conscientious. I cannot imagine my cousin acting unwisely.” He asked in curiosity, “Has Darcy spoken of problems at Pemberley?”
“No, nothing,” she assured. “I hinted to my brother’s steward and to his man of business, and they both assure me Pemberley thrives under William’s hand.”
It was Edward’s turn to hesitate. “Perhaps I should stay for supper. It would provide me the opportunity to observe my cousin.”
Her hold on the teacup relaxed. “Thank you, Edward.”
Darcy’s haggard looks shocked the colonel, and Darcy’s reserve, even with his relatives, spoke volumes.
“Fitz,” Edward began tentatively. “I thought you might want to know Miss Elizabeth Bennet is in Town.” Edward had noted Darcy’s animation whenever they encountered the lovely Miss Elizabeth Bennet at Hunsford.
He suspected his cousin had formed a tendre for the woman.
Darcy’s whole being reflected his discomposure. “Miss Elizabeth, you say? Pray tell where you encountered the lady in London.”
He did not need to read his cousin’s expression.
The colonel could hear the feigned nonchalance in Darcy’s voice.
“I did not speak to her directly. She, Miss Lucas, another young lady fair of countenance, and an older couple were in a draper’s shop in Pall Mall, near Harding and Howell.
Tuesday last. I had just completed another round of training and was not presentable to greet her party properly.
I assumed, Cousin, you would know of Miss Bennet’s itinerary. ”
“I am not one of Miss Elizabeth’s intimates,” Darcy snapped. They sat in silence for several minutes. Darcy downed a large glass of brandy. “The mercantile district, you say?” His voice softened.
“From the window, I observed that the lady favored a fine lace, even returning to it several times, but Miss Elizabeth did not purchase the item.” Edward shared conspiratorially. “I thought you might be interested.”
“Miss Elizabeth is of no consequence to me,” Darcy announced as he stood.
“Edward, I have some estate matters to address. If you pardon me, I will retire to my study. Please enjoy Georgiana’s company.
She deserves someone more cordial than I have been of late.
” With that, Darcy strode from the room.
Pausing long enough for Darcy’s footsteps to announce his retreat, Georgiana whispered, “Miss Elizabeth Bennet? The one from Hertfordshire?”
Edward nodded his affirmation. “I believe your brother has a broken heart,” he shared privately.
“Oh, my!” Georgiana gasped. “I would never have suspected such would be the reason for Fitzwilliam’s dudgeon. He has shunned the advances of so many women among the ton. I never thought he might prefer a country miss.”
Edward smiled knowingly, “I doubt Fitz had any knowledge of his own vulnerability.” The colonel assisted Georgiana to her feet. They turned their steps towards the drawing room. “The problem is Miss Elizabeth does not welcome your brother’s attention.”
Georgiana shook her head. “How is that possible? Cannot Miss Elizabeth see that William is the most honorable of men?”
Edward explained, “Darcy’s stubborn nature and his heightened need for privacy can often be misinterpreted. Miss Elizabeth’s exuberance is a sharp contrast to your brother’s silence. I doubt if the lady realizes your brother could be a counterweight to her impulsivity.”
“Are matters of the heart always so convoluted?” Georgiana asked innocently. “If so, I may consider a nunnery.”
Edward caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “That would be a crime against nature. Someday, you will find the perfect match, and I will toast your success.”
Several hours later, the colonel knocked lightly at Darcy’s study door, but no response came from within.
He rapped more loudly the second time before he opened the door to peer in.
His eyes fell to the papers resting on the floor; then he spied Darcy slumped over his desk, the remnants of a glass of brandy clutched tightly in his cousin’s hand.
Edward eased the door closed behind him.
“Just as I suspected,” he said under his breath.
The smell of stale cigar smoke and spilled alcohol filled the space.
The colonel had assisted more than one of his military acquaintances in similar situations, but to discover Darcy as such was disconcerting.
He could not recall a time when Fitzwilliam Darcy permitted a loss of control.
“Come, Cousin.” He slid an arm under Darcy’s to lift him to his feet.
“Allow me to assist you to your chambers.”
“Ah, Edward.” Darcy swayed as he stood. “My good cousin. Have I ever told you how jealous I am of you?” Darcy slurred his words.
“Why, Darcy?” Edward positioned his cousin’s arm around his shoulder. “You have so much more than I.”
“You could have had Elizabeth,” Darcy declared. Slouching, Darcy’s whole composure crumbled. “The lady enjoyed your company so much more than mine.”
Realizing it would first be necessary to sober up his cousin, Edward assisted Darcy to a nearby chair.
At Rosings Park, the colonel had witnessed Darcy vying for Elizabeth Bennet’s attention, but even he had remained ignorant to the extent of Darcy’s feelings.
Earlier, he had told Georgiana that her brother’s heart was engaged; yet, he had said so for Georgiana’s sake.
In truth, he wondered if his cousin simply wished a seduction rather than a commitment.
Therefore, he tested Darcy’s purpose. “Miss Elizabeth has her charms, but, as you kindly noted, her connections are low. I cannot imagine any of our acquaintances aligning their families with the likes of her. The lady possesses no qualities to deem her a suitable match.”
Although he was deeply intoxicated, Darcy still had taken the bait. Darcy pulled himself up straight and spoke with indignation. “Sir, I will beg you not to speak of Miss Elizabeth in that manner. Your censure is most unwelcome.”
Edward’s smile went unnoticed as Darcy collapsed into the colonel’s arms. “I apologize, Cousin,” he began. “Allow me to call for some coffee. Then perhaps you can tell me of Miss Elizabeth’s many allurements.”
Clinging to Edward, Darcy lurched forward.
Reaching for the chair’s arm, he fell heavily into the seat.
“Elizabeth Bennet is an incomparable woman, and I am the last man in the world she could be prevailed upon to marry.” Thus said, Darcy passed out from the effort.
Interest piqued, Edward set himself the task of discovering the depth of Darcy’s interest in the woman.
It had taken more coffee and more time than he anticipated, but Edward managed to bring Darcy around to some semblance of his former self.
Darcy sat with his head in his hands and elbows propped upon his knees.
It was very late, but Edward pressed on.
“Cousin, we should speak earnestly. You have become a shadow of the person you once were. You withdraw from Georgiana and from your acquaintances. Your work remains untouched on your desk, and you made a reference to Miss Elizabeth we should address.”
Darcy sat up and looked vaguely about him. “I suppose I owe you some sort of an explanation, but I am not confident I can speak the words.”
“It is Georgiana to whom you owe an explanation. Have you not noted that Georgie blames herself for your current misery? She believes she disappoints you.”
“How is that so?” Darcy began, but groaned as realization arrived.
“You have given Elizabeth Bennet your heart?” Edward accused.
Darcy said reluctantly, “Am I that obvious?”