Chapter 12 #2
Darcy and Elizabeth were seated on a settee with their faces close together when the door of the drawing room opened and someone cleared his throat.
The lovers startled and looked up. Somehow, Colonel Fitzwilliam had come in without being announced.
Darcy rushed forward to greet him. He was more than pleased to see the colonel again!
“We had no idea you were coming. Welcome back!” Darcy was grabbed and hugged by his cousin who then bowed over Elizabeth’s hand.
“I can see everything here is as it should be. I must tell you I was disturbed about you two after the wedding, but I am delighted to see that things have greatly improved. I was needed at my parents’ estate and decided to pay you a visit on my way back to town.
I must say, Elizabeth, you look lovelier every time I see you. ”
“Sir, you are very kind, but what you see is nothing more than a reflection of my joy. It turns out your cousin is not the tyrant some people thought he was.” Richard laughed at her words.
“He has told me how close you are and that he considers you a brother, and so shall I. Unfortunately, until the rebuilding progresses further, we cannot offer you a room, but we would be delighted if you would join us for dinner tonight.”
“I stopped in Lambton on my way here and secured lodgings for the next few nights. I would be pleased to join you for dinner; we have much to discuss.”
“Are your parents well?” Richard’s statement agitated Darcy.
“Oh, yes, indeed. They are anxious for me to sell my commission and become a landed gentleman, and I am giving the idea fair thought.
I have grown weary of training recruits in London, which is the only role they will allow me to perform after the injuries I incurred on the Peninsula.
Someone once said, ‘suffering brings experience,’ and I believe I have gained enough experience suffering on behalf of my King and country.
“My grandmother Hamilton left me a small estate located between here and Matlock. Let us discuss this further tonight. For now, I brought a few things I believe will fill you both with cheer.” He walked back to the entry hall and returned with his hands full of small pouches.
Darcy gave him a questioning look, and he responded with a wink—that was the signal that raised his awareness as to what Richard had brought.
He set the bags on the low table in front of where they were seated.
“There are more of these in my other satchel. Darcy, show your lovely wife what those contain, and I shall bring you the rest.”
His wife raised her brows and slightly parted her lips—she was curious.
He took one of the bags and held it towards her.
“Open your hands.” She did as he asked and soon, she was holding dozens of bejewelled rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
“These gems have been passed down for generations and now, as Mrs. Darcy, they are yours. I would have liked to have presented these to you in a more dignified manner, but here they are.”
Her eyes were wide and sparkled like the precious stones. “I hardly know where to look first—one piece is more exquisite than the next.”
When Richard returned with more pouches, he grinned at Elizabeth’s hands filled with jewels.
“When Darcy and I entered the study for the first time, we saw the jewellery trays were empty. Now you can organize these treasures any way you like.” He placed the remainder of what he carried on the table.
“I have no idea how to sort through these. More importantly, is there a place in the cottage to keep them safe? I mean absolutely safe! Now that I have seen them, I would be sad about losing them!” Both he and Richard laughed at her last statement. She was so endearing in her concern.
“There is a safe hidden in the library. I came across it by accident, and Mrs. Reynolds found the key. I placed all my deeds there when the courier delivered them from my solicitors. The jewels will be well protected until we replace the large safe in the manor house. Richard, I am relieved beyond measure that everything stolen has been returned. How can we ever thank you?”
“The look on your face and on that of your wife tells me what I need to know about your appreciation.”
* * *
When the threesome was about to leave the table that evening, Richard stood and said, “Elizabeth, I was unsure about you marrying Darcy, but seeing the joyfulness you bring my cousin is all I need to welcome you wholeheartedly into our family. I would like to propose a toast to Elizabeth Bennet Darcy, the only woman in England who could have succeeded in charming my stoic, dour cousin.”
“I shall gladly drink to that!” Once that had been accomplished, Darcy offered his arm to his wife and accompanied her from the dinner table.
While they enjoyed their tea in the drawing room, Richard began to speak, then stopped and looked at Darcy.
“Out with it. Elizabeth and I have no secrets.”
“So, she knows all about our old. . .friend?”
“She does.”
“Very well. As you know, we located his living quarters months ago, but to bring any criminal charges against him, we needed to catch him in the act of selling your mother’s jewels.
The Bow Street Runners followed him closely and discovered that every Monday morning, he frequented the same jewellery shop, evidently to raise the funds necessary for another week of debauchery. I beg your pardon, madam.”
“No need; any story about how that evil man was captured is most welcome.”
Richard recounted the events that took place in London and described how the blood drained from Wickham’s face when he saw Richard enter the shop.
Darcy wished he could have been there to see it for himself.
Richard laughed when he related how he could still hear Wickham screaming as he was driven to gaol.
“He confessed that after he set the fire, he waited in the woods near the house and watched until the building was completely ablaze. The miscreant had no idea you and Georgie had survived.” Darcy could not believe his ears, considering what might have happened.
Surely Wickham was not that depraved—yet Richard’s tale proved it was so.
“I received word last month that George Wickham died in a knife fight aboard ship and was buried at sea.”
As happy as he had been to know Wickham had been caught, this was more than expected.
Darcy was saddened by the news of his former friend’s untimely demise.
He missed the carefree days he shared with George when they were young boys.
“I doubt he would have changed his ways even if he had arrived safely.”
“Such is the unfortunate ending of the wretched life of Mr. Wickham,” said Elizabeth. “Do you think we should tell Georgiana what happened to the scoundrel?”
“I believe she is better off not hearing his name ever spoken again,” Darcy said.
“Yes, I agree. I thank you both for a lovely dinner and if I am not imposing, may I call on you in the morning?”
“You know you are welcome here any time.”
“Until tomorrow. Goodnight to you both.”
* * *
True to his word, Richard arrived before the Darcys had finished breakfast and was shown into the dining room. “Good morning! Would you like something to eat?” Darcy’s heart warmed at seeing his cousin again.
“I ate earlier at the inn, but I would like some coffee.” Elizabeth rose and poured their guest a cupful, and Richard took a seat with them. “Darcy, I cannot remember you ever eating breakfast so late. You are usually an early riser.”
“I am enjoying my bed more now that I am married. You should try it yourself sometime.” His wife lowered her face and turned pink at his answer.
He smiled as he reached out and covered her hand with his.
This morning had been one of particular pleasure, and he had not wanted to leave Elizabeth’s side in their bed.
“Yes, well, I shall have to give that some thought. I wanted to talk to you about riding.”
Darcy’s mood immediately turned dark, and he scowled. “What do you mean? I thought I made my stance on that subject clear when you were here after the fire.”
“Yes, that is when you told me you would never ride again. After I was here for your wedding, I took the liberty of calling on Mr. Pauling in London.”
“What could Pauling possibly have to say? He knew exactly how injured I was after the fire. Without Elizabeth’s help, I would still be relying on my cane to walk farther than the garden.”
“I told him how much progress you had made walking long distances and getting around without help. He told me if you can walk that well, naught prevents you from riding. Your leg injury might necessitate help mounting, but there is no reason not to try. Perhaps you and your lovely wife can ride together, and she can enjoy the true extent of Pemberley’s beauty.
Also, your kind physician asked me to send along his best wishes on your marriage. ”
“I cannot believe it! I never thought to try. My love, will you ride with me?” His previously stiffened frame relaxed now that he had this to look forward to.
“I would be delighted although I have not ridden since. . .since last year.” He was certain she had not been on a horse since her father died and it appeared that her enthusiasm had faded. It was up to him to encourage her.
“There is no time like the present. Shall we all adjourn to the stables?”
“I must have a riding habit made before I can join you since I did not bring mine with me from Hertfordshire. I would like to watch.”
* * *
Darcy was warmly greeted by the stablemen who, before the fire, were accustomed to seeing him several times a day.
“How are you, sir?” “Glad to have you back, sir.”
“You all know Colonel Fitzwilliam, but most of you have never met my wife, Mrs. Darcy.”
“How do you do, madam?” “Our best wishes to you both.”
His wife smiled and thanked the men as she waited for Darcy to tell them why they were there. He was certain his excitement must show on his face.