18. Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Surtur reflected his rider's agitation as he trotted down the road toward Longbourn. The gathering clouds glowed in brilliant pinks and oranges as the sun peeked over the horizon. Darcy grumbled under his breath, knowing the price of the morning's beauty would be paid in afternoon storms. Just the thing to make this trip even more dismal—as if there were not enough already!

"We need to get an early start today, Darce. Hopefully, those rains will hold off for a while. With all the recent downpours, it will not take much for the roads to become a proper mess." Richard scanned the sky. "I can hurry my business with Forster. Is there any possibility you will be able to leave before midday?"

"I will do my best," Darcy grumbled. "But I insist you allow me to properly introduce you to Mr. Bennet and Miss Elizabeth."

"I do regret not having time to spend with him. He seems a most singular gentleman."

"You have no idea." He laughed softly, patting Surtur's neck.

"Is it true what Bingley said, that he employs no steward, preferring that he and his daughters run the estate themselves?" Richard asked, ducking a low hanging branch.

"Not just run it, but run it well. As I understand, they have dramatically increased its revenue over the last five years, if, of course, the local gossip is to be believed."

"So tell me, do you discuss seed drills and livestock while you dance?" A small grin lifted the corner of his mouth.

"When was the last time you had an intelligent conversation with a woman?"

"A better question would be when was the last time I wanted one?" Richard threw back his head and laughed. "You are as singular as your Mr. Bennet."

"Thank you, I consider that a compliment. Truly, you must take the time to get to know him. He bested me in chess, you know."

"No, now I know you are overstating his achievement." He kicked his horse into a momentary trot.

"He is an excellent player and an impressive judge of character. Be warned, though, he has prejudice against that coat you wear," Darcy called out as Surtur caught up.

Richard dismissed the idea with a wave. "It is to be expected; he would naturally be jealous of able-bodied men."

"That is not the case here. He has lost much at the hands of officers. Tread lightly with him."

"Meh. You would have to find a man with a legitimate grudge against my kind. Perhaps it would be best if I part company with you now."

Darcy urged the stallion close. "No. I told you he is a good judge of character. He will appreciate you as I do if you give him the opportunity."

"I am sorry it will be such an abbreviated opportunity." Richard sighed, hanging his head briefly. "I know I am asking a great deal of you. I hope you know I do not request this lightly."

"I know. But I do not have to be happy about it." He shrugged with a weary smile.

They arrived at Longbourn's front door and dismounted. Straightening their coats, they quickly climbed the stairs. Mrs. Hill greeted them and ushered them into Mr. Bennet's study, but did not announce them. Richard looked critically at the housekeeper as she retreated, then turned his gaze to Mr. Bennet. As if taking the cue, Bennet turned his face to allow Richard's silent inspection.

"I trust you have had enough time to study my injuries. And, yes, they were the result of a misfired gun." Bennet rose from behind his desk. "I am sure you have not seen many who have survived such an accident."

"I…I…excuse me," Richard stammered, turning to Darcy, wide-eyed.

Darcy turned away and coughed into his hand.

Bennet shifted to face Darcy. "I expected you would be here early this morning, but I did not anticipate that you would bring your guest with you."

"Please forgive such an early intrusion." Darcy dipped his head. "We must leave for London today, and I wanted to make certain to properly take my leave from you and your family."

Bennet nodded somberly.

"I also hoped to more properly present my cousin. Despite his apparent lack of manners and polish, he is like a brother to me. With your permission, I would like to introduce him to Miss Elizabeth, as well, before we leave."

Bennet walked slowly to where the two gentlemen stood. Crossing his arms tightly, he faced Richard. "I generally do not permit my daughters to be introduced to those who wear your uniform. My recent experience only makes me more steadfast in that opinion. Why should I permit an introduction between you and my daughter?"

"I can vouch for his character, sir." Darcy snorted as he watched his cousin's face bloom with indignation.

"I am not accustomed to having my character questioned." A crimson flush rose up his neck, accentuated by the warm glow of the fire. "What right do you have—"

"I am the father of five daughters; what more right do I need?" Bennet squared his shoulders rigidly.

Richard stared down at Bennet, then glanced at Darcy, who mouthed Georgiana and raised his brows. With a sigh, Richard backed down. "You are quite correct, sir. If I had five daughters, I do not know that I would want them making the acquaintance of many of the officers I have known."

A small smile lifted the corner of Bennet's mouth. "I much prefer that attitude; perhaps you are redeemable after all."

Darcy choked back another snort.

Richard looked between them, astonished. Finally he threw up his hands. "Is your lady anything like her father?"

"Very much," Darcy and Bennet said in unison.

Richard began to laugh, shaking his head. "Then I shall consider an introduction to be a great privilege." He bowed to Bennet. "She must be an accomplished lady indeed."

"You may introduce him to my daughter now. Come." Bennet walked past them and waved them to follow.

They followed him to the morning room where Elizabeth sat, a pot of tea at the ready. "Mr. Darcy!" She sprang to her feet, eyes wide.

"May I present my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam?" He gestured toward Elizabeth, "This is Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

Richard bowed deeply. "I am privileged to make your acquaintance, madam."

"Likewise, I am sure." She dipped in a graceful curtsey. "May I ask what brings you into our company?" When he hesitated, she added, "I dread to think that you are bearing bad tidings."

Richard looked over his shoulder. "You were quite correct, I can see the resemblance." He winked at Darcy then turned back. "I am afraid that is exactly the case. My father has taken ill, and my cousin is desperately needed."

"Oh!" Her hand flew to her mouth. "I am so sorry; please accept my condolences, sir."

"I thank you, madam. We must return to London later today. If you will forgive me, I must visit with Colonel Forster before I leave. Please excuse me." He bowed first to Elizabeth, then to her father.

"Come, I will show you out." Bennet nodded at Darcy as he beckoned to Richard to follow.

A moment later, they were alone.

"Have you recovered sufficiently to take a turn in the garden with me?" He offered her his arm.

Slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow, she smiled sadly. "I would enjoy that."

They stepped out and breathed in the cool morning air.

"Papa would say it smells like rain," she said softly, closing her eyes to listen to the morning.

Darcy watched as the soft morning light glowed on her skin. Radiant… "I expect the weather will turn by afternoon. Unfortunately, that makes Richard even more anxious to leave."

"Of course."

The heaviness in her voice left his heart aching. "I do not wish to leave, most especially not now. I would much rather be here with you, to stand with you as your family recovers from…what happened." He covered her hand on his arm with his free hand. Through their gloves, he could feel the coolness of her fingers.

"I suppose I should not admit it, but I would have liked that, too."

"Of course you should admit it. I know I am a selfish being, but I am pleased to know." He gave her a sidelong glance.

She leaned on his arm a little more heavily. "But you must do your duty to your family."

He paused to step in front of her so he could gaze directly into her eyes. "My uncle has suffered an apoplexy. It is not the first. He had his first two years ago, I think, but recovered well enough. This time, though, the doctors hold little hope for his survival."

"Then there is no choice; you must go."

He guided her to sit on low stone wall. "It is more complicated than that. My uncle's estate is large and complicated. Richard's elder brother Andrew, the heir, is on the continent and must be located and brought back."

"You are charged with that mission." She looked away to follow the flight of a twittering bird.

"I fear that is so. Richard's commander has graciously granted him leave, since his father is a powerful man. But he will not be able to make such a journey, and his sisters certainly cannot. So the task falls to me." He took her hands and kissed them tenderly. "My sister is to marry Andrew. He has been in mourning since his wife died in childbirth. My sister insisted on caring for the child at his estate in the lake district. Given my uncle's impending demise, it would be best for them to marry very soon."

"Your sister must be an extraordinary young woman," Lizzy whispered, looking at their joined hands. "I will be very happy to meet her."

"I shall be happy for that, too. I think you will become very good friends." He dropped his forehead to her hands. "It is for her sake and the children's—"

"Children? I thought you said she was caring for his child? Did I misunderstand?"

"His wife…they are twins…it was unexpected, and I have not quite reconciled that surprise. It all took us by surprise— she was so healthy and strong; we could not have imagined losing her the way we did."

She looked at him critically, with an expression that reminded him of her father. He fought not to turn away from her penetrating gaze.

"I see. Of course, twins can be such a surprise, and under such tragic circumstances, too." Boldly she took his face in her hands. "I know you do not wish to go, but I respect your willingness to do your duty to your family."

He began to speak, but she laid a soft finger across his lips.

"Harvest time will be beginning soon. I can only imagine how much you hate to turn that over to a steward. But you are willing to make that sacrifice for the good of your family. I, of all people, should be able to appreciate that kind of a sacrifice." She pulled his face down to hers and pressed her forehead to his. "And I do. That is the mark of a man I would be willing to marry."

Unable to resist the pull of her lips, he kissed her softly. "There is one more thing. Before I go to the continent, I will have to go to visit my aunt's estate to tell her of my uncle's condition and to ask her to make arrangements for my sister's wedding. Lady Matlock will be in no state to arrange such an event. While I am there, I will also inform her of my intentions toward you."

"Your aunt?" She pulled back and looked at him critically. "What am I failing to understand?"

"She is my mother's sister, and she and my mother had some very clear plans about who I should marry. It seems they planned my marriage from my cradle, and to this day she believes I will follow her prescribed direction. I have humored her until now to keep the family peace. But I will have to make my intentions clear to her and ensure that she will not do anything which might cut you before the ton ."

"Is she—"

"That petty? Yes, when she is crossed, she can be, and I will not allow her to harm you. All this together is what has kept me from being able to openly declare our understanding. I hope you can forgive me for not explaining sooner."

Blinking, she glanced up at the brightening sky. "It can be difficult to talk about the problems in our families. Sometimes it is just much easier to keep it to yourself rather than hope someone else will be able to understand and see it through your eyes." She turned back to him. "Go, with God's speed. Take care of those who depend on you. I will be here."

He bent to kiss her again, slowly, savoring the moment. "I have told your father all of this already. I have promised to write him often. I will count on you to read him my letters."

"Then you must write often, as I read very quickly." She forced a smile, though tears welled up. "And when you return, I expect you to tell me everything. " She held his eyes as she emphasized the word.

Darcy swallowed painfully.

"I know you are still holding something back from me. I understand, for now. But if you cannot tell me when you return, then…" She shook her head and looked away.

He watched tears trickle down her cheeks, dropping onto her spencer in dark patches. His heart clenched as a cold feeling suffused his chest. "I will return, and I will tell you everything. I wish—"

"Do not speak to me of wishes. They are far too ephemeral. I told you I understand and will grant you the time you need to feel comfortable to tell me. Until that time, I shall wait. God's speed, Mr. Darcy." She slowly rose and walked back to the house.

Darcy stared at her retreating form, his guts knotting. I pray I am not making a horrible mistake.

The rains came in the early afternoon, turning the sky a dismal grey. Elizabeth sat on the porch, wrapped in a shawl, watching the rain come down. Droplets gathered along the edge of the eaves, falling in their own irregular sequence. Occasionally the wind would blow them back onto her face to mingle with the hot tears that flowed down her cheeks.

She heard the door open and her father's footsteps behind her. His warm hands came to rest on her shoulders, and he rested his chin on the top of her head, letting his warmth envelope her.

"He is a good man. It is right for him to care for his family," she whispered hoarsely, her throat almost too tight to speak.

"One can care too much." Bennet sighed, letting his chin rest more heavily on her. "I spoke with Sir William today. Charlotte has invited him to visit her in Kent. She asked that he extend the invitation to you as well." They listened to the rain fall. Lightning flashed, shortly followed by booming thunder. "I think you should go."

"The harvest shall be coming in soon. It is not a good time for me to leave you." She leaned back into him and covered his hands with hers.

"That is precisely why I think you should go. How else will Mary and Kitty learn to manage if you are always here to do everything?"

She stiffened under his hands. "They do not need to learn. I am happy to manage it this year. Next year I can begin to teach them."

"That is what you said last year, and perhaps even the year before. As long as you are here, it is far too easy to let you manage as you so ably do. You make it too easy for us, Elizabeth."

"But, Papa, is that not then the very reason I should stay, to make it easy for you all?" A sudden gust of wind pelted them with raindrops, making her shiver.

"Easier for us, but much harder for you. It will be difficult for you to sit here waiting when even your horse reminds you of him." He squeezed her shoulders. "It would be much easier for you to wait in fresh surroundings. It will keep your mind occupied."

"The harvest will do that very well."

"No, it will not. You have spent too many hours discussing estate management; it will make it worse." He kissed the top of her head. "You have taken care of me long enough. You must allow me this. Go to Kent; enjoy your friend and new scenery. If any daughter deserves a season bent on pleasure, it is you."

She pressed his hands hard, but said nothing for several minutes. "He has not told me the whole truth yet. He explained part of why he cannot…but I know there is more. I will not have him without a complete accounting."

"I told him much the same. No wonder he says we are a great deal alike." Bennet chuckled and kissed her hair again. "I have no doubt he will return. The real question is whether you will be able to live with his answers."

"I know." The sky lit brightly for a moment, then thunder rumbled in the distance. "If I go to Kent, will you promise to send for me if you find my sisters are not yet up to managing the harvest?"

"You have my word."

Her shoulders sagged as she exhaled heavily. "Then I think I would like to see Charlotte."

"I will send a note to Sir William as soon as the weather clears."