Chapter 16 #2
“The day you told me about Mr. Bingley leaving for London, I asked you how I could ever trust another man. I was sad when Henry died and despondent when I lost my baby, but Lizzy, I would prefer living alone for the rest of my life than to be hurt again.”
“First of all, you will never be alone. You will soon have your own suite of rooms at Pemberley, and we want you to live with us for as long as you like, or you can remain right here. Second, you will meet someone who will love you for who you are; all of you—I am sure of it. I have this birthmark, but Darcy fell in love with what was in my heart, and we love each other most deeply.”
“I have missed being with you both and I promise I shall visit you soon.”
“Richard Fitzwilliam visited us recently. He has sold his commission and taken up residence at his estate, Willow Hall. It is less than an hour away, and he frequently visits to consult with Darcy about estate matters. He asks about you every time he visits.”
“I enjoyed his company during the short time we spent together, but in all honesty, I have not thought about him at all. Soon after the colonel. . .I mean Mr. Fitzwilliam returned to London, Bingley appeared and quickly succeeded in breaking my heart.”
Just then, Fitzwilliam returned to the ladies.
He had probably overheard the last words of their conversation, but Elizabeth did not mind.
She had no secrets from her husband. Elizabeth held her sister’s hand.
“I have come to know Richard well this past year. He is a good man with a strong, dependable character—someone Fitzwilliam trusts completely.”
Her husband added, “He is the most dependable and generous man I know. Since we were boys, he has been like a loving brother to me and is always the first person to come to my aid. You are my sister, and I would never say or do anything that would bring you harm.”
Elizabeth asked, “When you are ready to come back to the cottage, would you allow us to invite him to join us for tea? It is still possible for us both to be happy at the same time!”
Jane laughed and reached out to hug her around the baby. “You are acting like Mama, Lizzy, only in your own dear way! But I suppose with you and Darcy singing his praises, I have no choice but to agree to see him again.”
* * *
March 1813
Pembrook Cottage
Jane was already in the drawing room when Richard arrived.
He greeted the Darcys and turned to greet Mrs. Horton.
How could he have forgotten how very beautiful she was?
One day he must thank Bingley for giving him a second chance with this charming woman.
“Mrs. Horton, it is a pleasure seeing you again. You look very well.”
“It is good to see you, Mr. Fitzwilliam.”
“Richard, kindly have a seat and I shall ring for tea.” Elizabeth had a sparkle in her eye. She was up to something.
“How do you enjoy living at Stockton Hall? I remembered that I saw it once years ago when I was with Darcy, and it was quite lovely.”
“My brother and sister are very kind to me—I find living at Stockton very much to my liking. I moved there in October, and I look forward to seeing the trees and flowers come back to life.”
Richard departed shortly after tea was served but promised to visit as soon as he was able. He wished to spend as much time as he could with Mrs. Horton, and the Darcys were the means through which he would do so.
* * *
True to his word, Richard returned often and most frequently when Jane was visiting.
Her company was truly engaging, and he sought it every day, and would have liked to see her more than that.
The early spring weather kept them all indoors many days.
When everyone became more at ease with one another, Mrs. Horton or Elizabeth played the pianoforte, or they paired off to play backgammon and chess.
When the weather turned warmer, Richard asked Mrs. Horton to walk with him through the gardens, and they spoke honestly with each other.
This was important to Richard, as he wanted to know everything about Mrs. Horton.
“After Henry died, I no longer had to act the part of the joyful wife. When I lost my baby, I did not know how I could go on—most days I forced myself to get out of bed in the morning. My mother visited me every day and encouraged me to marry again while I was, in her words, ‘still beautiful.’ Mind you, at the same time, I was in mourning for my husband and baby.”
“Your mother sounds like a very interesting woman.”
“You are very kind, sir. Interesting is the last word I would use to describe her. Frances Bennet is singularly focused on only one thing: ensuring her daughters are married. She will do or say anything to achieve her goal, and unfortunately, our wants and needs do not factor into her wishes.”
“Surely she wants her children to be well settled.”
“I did not mean her to sound like an ogre. But as soon as we each turned fifteen, we were out in society and peppered daily with suggestions on the proper way to lure a man, many of which society would frown upon. My dearest Lizzy was her exception, of course. Mama always told her she would never marry, that she would stay at home and care for my parents as they grew older. Life is so unpredictable: my father is dead; my mother was evicted from her home to live with my aunt, and my sister is happily married to a wonderful man and soon to have a baby of her own.”
They walked in silence for a moment before Richard spoke. “Mrs. Horton, I pray you will not be offended if I ask—do you wish to marry again one day and have a family of your own?”
“Yes. Yes, I do. I would not have said that six months ago, but I finally look forward to the future.”
Although loath to end their morning, Richard could not overstay a polite visit.
“I have kept you out too long, madam, and it is time for me to return to Willow Hall.” He walked her back to the cottage and called for his horse.
“Pray bid goodbye to the Darcys for me, and I hope to see you again soon.”
“I shall look forward to seeing you, as well.”
* * *
Elizabeth peeked through the draperies. Jane stood on the steps as she watched Richard ride away. Her actions showed her connection to the former colonel. She quickly resumed her sewing before Jane entered the cottage.
“How was your walk?” Elizabeth set aside her work when Jane came into the drawing room.
“We spoke of so many things. I have a certain sense of security when I am with him. It is hard to explain; it is like Henry and Mr. Bingley were boys and Mr. Fitzwilliam is a man. He said he would return soon, and I hope he will be true to his word.”
Elizabeth leapt up to hug her sister. “I am delighted for you.”
“Lizzy dear, do not ask for the banns to be called quite yet. We need to know each other better before anything can be decided. I shall never allow my experience with Mr. Bingley to happen again.”
* * *
The same scenario was frequently repeated over the course of the next weeks—Jane and Richard walked alone for hours, and after each visit, she was smiling when she entered the cottage.
This caused Elizabeth to be full of hope for their felicity—until one afternoon when her sister was teary eyed when she returned.
Elizabeth’s heart dropped for her sister.
She would be so disappointed if something unfortunate had happened between Jane and Richard. But what could have changed?
“Jane dearest, what has happened? Are you well? Where is Richard?” Elizabeth feared he had done or said something that upset her sister.
“He went back to Willow Hall. Today. . .today he spoke about his war experiences and described the wounds he suffered in combat.” She paused while tears filled her eyes. “Lizzy, I could have lost him so many times. I cannot bear the thought of him not being here.”
“That is all in the past.” Even as she said it, her own heart hurt for Jane and for Richard. Now she must help Jane in her distress. Elizabeth took her sister’s hand. “Remember, he is no longer in danger, and he is well.” Jane’s lips quivered in an effort to smile as she dipped her chin.
To have responded to hearing of his injuries that way, Jane must certainly be in love with Richard.
Elizabeth’s first concern had been that Richard hurt Jane’s heart, and if that had been the case, she would never have allowed him in her home again.
Thankfully, in this instance, it was not necessary to make that decision.
Still, her sweet, gentle sister had been delivered a blow and needed the comfort of her family.
Elizabeth was determined to be available when Jane wanted her there for succour.
* * *
April 1813
Richard took his companion’s hand as they strolled outside. Once they were in the garden, he stopped walking. He had never been so nervous in all his years. That was rich—a decorated officer being nervous!
“Jane.” He cleared his throat. “Jane, by now, you must realize I am desperately in love with you. You lost your husband and had your heart broken by another man, but I promise to be true to you and never give you any reason to doubt my love. Nothing will ever change my heart—I would follow you to the ends of the earth until you agreed to be my wife and come home with me to Willow Hall. Yours is the face I see every night in my dreams, and I cannot wait to see your beautiful face beside me every morning. Pray say you will be my wife.” He could hardly breathe as he awaited her response.
“Mr. Fitzwilliam, I am flattered by your words but must question your decision. You are the son of an earl, and I am a widow with no connexions and—”