Page 13 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man

“He was in her company when last we were at Rosings together, two years past. He was not himself the entire time, and I began to see how he stared at the young lady, even becoming tongue-tied in her presence. Something happened between them the last day we were there, but he would not confide in me. After we returned, I had to report for duty, and he disappeared.”

Lady Matlock stopped to thoroughly study her nephew for the first time tonight. She observed the now obvious grey in his hair, the lines around his light blue eyes, and she saw that the smile on William’s face did not reach those eyes. When no one was looking, his face always fell back into the same, solemn mien.

“I hope you are not correct.”

“Would that I was not, Mother, because he seems determined to seal his fate.”

~~~*~~~

As William’s carriage pulled into position in front of Matlock House, Richard stayed his cousin by grabbing his arm. “Darce?”

William halted and turned back to face him. He was tired and really did not want to answer any more of Richard’s questions. Though he meant well, his cousin was just too inquisitive.

“Are you truly well?” Richard searched for the right words. “You seem so distant. I could not be with you after we returned from Rosings. I had to be at camp for manoeuvres shortly after that, and when I returned, you had already departed for Scotland. I feel as though I failed you.”

William grasped Richard’s shoulder and hugged him tightly, as they used to do when they were boys. Neither let go for a long period, but finally William drew back to lock eyes with his cousin.

“You have never failed me, Richard. I have always known I could count on you and that means everything to me. You are the brother I never had, and I love you.”

“I love you, too. I just wish I knew how to help you.”

“You do help me. You make me smile, and that means a great deal.” William shook his hand. “I will call on you when I come back from Netherfield, if you are still in Town.”

“Oh, I will be here! I have to get to bed quickly because Mother has several more ladies she is anxious for me to charm, beginning tomorrow.”

Shaking his head, William entered the carriage but leaned back out the window to add, “Far be it from me to interrupt your beauty rest, and you will need all your strength, I imagine! Good night, Richard.” Tapping the roof of the carriage with his cane, it began to roll forward.

“Good night, Darce! Call on me when you return!”

As the conveyance got smaller in the distance, Richard whispered, “And may you find what you need at Meryton, my friend.”

~~~*~~~

Chapter 4

Netherfield

The Study

Jane carefully closed and locked the door to Charles’ study before speaking. It took great effort to remember not to say anything loud enough that a servant might overhear and have his suspicion raised. According to Mrs. Watkins, there was already plenty of speculation among the servants that Netherfield was haunted. They had spirited Lizzy into the mansion at night, keeping her isolated in rooms on the third floor. When she first escaped her room, she was seen walking about the grounds by one of the maids and with her pale skin, dark hair, and white gown, she certainly looked ethereal, almost ghostlike. The Bingleys were hopeful that talk of apparitions would cover the truth of her existence.

“Charles, I have instructed Mrs. Drury that it is imperative Lizzy stay in her rooms while Mr. Darcy is visiting. I pray she is able to keep her in bed during the night and calm during the day with the herbal potion Mrs. Watkins created. If she sleeps a goodly amount, we may be able to keep him from suspecting anything.”

Charles nodded. “Mrs. Watkins swears by those herbs. Let us hope they work.”

“I pray you are quickly able to ascertain the likelihood of Mr. Darcy’s help. I do not know how long we can keep her hidden with him under our roof.”

Seeing the worry in Jane’s eyes, Charles pulled her into his embrace and rested his head atop hers. “Have faith. I believe Darcy may be the answer to our prayers. Pemberley is very remote, tucked away in the mountains with acres of land comprising the estate. If Lizzy were there, she could be hidden practically forever, both from society and those who would do her harm.”

“As if she were dead.”

The catch in Jane’s voice pierced his heart, and Charles leaned down to kiss her forehead. Lizzy’s situation had taken a great toll on his wife, and he would do anything to find a solution.

“Surely, sweetheart, you know it was best that everyone thought Lizzy died in the fire.”

“My mind knows that.” She began to cry. “But with her present condition, my heart breaks. I feel as though I have lost my sister already.”

“Jane, look at me,” he whispered, tipping her chin up and waiting until her teary blue eyes met his. “You worry that she will never get better, but I believe that she will. Love can make all the difference in the world. We must have faith that love will bring Lizzy back to us. We must believe for her... be strong for her.”