Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge (7 page)

At fifty years of age, George Darcy was still a very distinguished-looking gentleman, an older version of his son, albeit a bit heavier, and with grey gaining dominance over the brown of his thinning hair. His wife, younger by several years, was still quite beautiful with hazel eyes and silver strands barely visible amongst her golden tresses.

Lady Anne Darcy, nee Fitzwilliam, was proud of her station in life, as were her widowed sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and brother, Henry Fitzwilliam, the current Earl of Matlock. Unlike her siblings, Lady Anne had never allowed pride to rule her world or her interactions with its inhabitants. When her father agreed to George Darcy's petition for her hand, their marriage had started out, at least on the bride's part, as one of convenience. The bridegroom, although not titled, was very wealthy and came from an illustrious family; so the match had been a good one. The young wife soon found herself in love with her dashing husband; before their first year together was celebrated, she also found herself expecting a child.

Lady Anne was a good mother and ensured her three children had the best education available and whatever their little hearts desired. More importantly, she cherished and nurtured them and spent more time with her offspring than most ladies of her sphere. From Lady Anne, the children and their father learned to share her love of animals. Pemberley became a haven for not only a growing number of pets but also for strays of many species, sizes, and degrees of suitability. Pemberley's Mistress also enjoyed gardening; and from such a caring and fostering nature, her husband, her three children, the estate's animals, and its flowers and herbs all benefited.

It was also through Lady Anne's influence that her children were taught to have a softer side and to be caring toward family, relatives, friends, tenants, and servants alike. As they grew older, she encouraged Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and Anna to each seek that special someone they could respect as a partner on their journey through life rather than merely settling for a visually attractive asset to grace their arm and add to their already considerable monetary worth. She told them that pre-arranged marriages pre-pair people for the future, though not necessarily for happiness.

As she became acquainted with the Misses Bennet, Lady Anne hoped Fitzwilliam would heed that advice. She had immediately noticed the admiring look in her son's eyes while he stood in the background and gazed longingly at the pretty younger Bennet sister.

When Jane and Lizzy arrived at Darcy House, Georgiana and Anna met them in the spacious foyer. The four embraced, chatted, and giggled as though they had never been apart. All nervousness was immediately vanquished - the Darcy siblings relaxed, and the Bennet sisters felt welcome and comfortable - until Georgiana said, "Please come to the drawing room and meet Mother and Father; Fitzwilliam is at home tonight as well." A kaleidoscope of butterflies suddenly attacked Elizabeth's stomach. Nevertheless, she smiled bravely and followed behind the other three.

The introduction of the Misses Bennet to Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne went well. Georgiana then said, "Of course, you ladies remember Fitzwilliam. Brother, will you not come forward and welcome Jane and Elizabeth to our home?"

The handsome young man stepped out of the shadows, bowed, and forced himself not to gape at the younger visitor as he spoke. "It is a pleasure to see you both again, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth; and I do, indeed, welcome you to our home."

Darcy had been immediately entranced upon her entrance and bowled over by the effect she had on him.
Obviously, I have not fantasized her image quite accurately at all. Miss Elizabeth is not just pretty but stunningly beautiful.
The infatuated fellow was mortified when his face suddenly began to flood with colour. Staid Fitzwilliam Darcy had always been perfectly capable of schooling his expression and appearing aloof. This time, he could not stop the blush from spreading across his face; she looked so very lovely, smelled so wonderfully enticing, and stood so temptingly near.

This is totally unacceptable! Father is watching, so pull yourself together, man. The chit is merely my sisters' friend, nothing more. Right ... nothing more than completely enchanting and flawless. My God, a man could absolutely lose himself in the depths of those captivating dark eyes. Wit and intelligence, spunk and sparkle, all wrapped up in a most alluring package ... most alluring, indeed! Oh, stop drooling, fool! Is it her tantalizing scent that is wreaking such havoc? Either go away, Elizabeth Bennet ... far, far away ... or come closer ... much, much closer and ...

" ... do you not agree, sir?" Miss Elizabeth's eyebrow arched as she smiled up at him. He had no idea how to answer.

"I beg your pardon, Miss ... "
gulp
" ... Elizabeth." He savoured the sound of her name separated from its social title and wondered whether he would ever have the privilege of dropping it entirely.

Good God! From where did such an utterly ridiculous notion come? Stop, and pay attention to what the bewitching beauty is saying, you cork-brained mooncalf!

Darcy did not understand such an out-of-control feeling. It was an entirely foreign experience for one who had always been proud of his restraint and mastery of emotions. The situation was intolerable to him, especially in front of his father. He jumped when his sister spoke.

"Brother! Has the cat got your tongue?" Georgiana glared at her blushing sibling with annoyance and amusement; yet when he looked to her with desperation and supplication, she took pity and said, "Come, everyone. Please let us all have a seat before my brother agrees with Elizabeth's remark about the improvement in temperature since they were introduced. It was rather hot that day at Pemberley, if you remember, Fitzwilliam."

Thank you, Georgie! However, I quite disagree about the improvement in temperature. I am actually rather uncomfortably hot again at this moment. The cheek of that feisty little Bennet minx to dredge up the memory of such an embarrassing encounter.
Darcy deliberated before he responded to her deliberate provocation.

"Why, yes, Miss Elizabeth, I quite agree. The sultriness of that afternoon may, however, explain certain ... unique circumstances."

Everyone had taken seats, and although Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy were safely distant from one another, they locked eyes from across the room and continued their private conversation in public.

"You are, of course, correct, sir. There was a certain humidity and dampness in the air which caused a most uncomfortable clinging sensation, if I recall."

"I regret you were made uncomfortable by such steamy conditions at Pemberley, madam."

"Not at all. I assure you it would take considerably more than the heat generated that day for me to become overly hot and bothered."

"Just how close, hot, and heavy would it have to be, Miss Elizabeth?"

Mr. George Darcy cleared his throat in order to put an immediate stop to whatever the two were discussing. To his disgust, he feared it was not strictly atmospheric conditions. Both Bennet sisters were strikingly magnificent women, and he was fully aware of his son's preference for shapely brunettes. Miss Elizabeth certainly qualified as such; though she seemed quite different from the usual empty-headed, fawning, and compliant ladies who constantly dangled after the Darcy heir. This one had some wit about her and did not seem afraid of confrontation. He decided it would be prudent to do a little inconspicuous prying into the Bennet family connections and wealth.

Miss Bennet was surprised by, and ashamed of, her sister's unladylike teasing of the poor fellow. She wondered what on earth had gotten into Lizzy to behave in such a scandalous manner. Jane kept up her end of the conversation with Lady Anne, Georgiana, and Anna while she eavesdropped on what was being said by the room's other occupants.

Elizabeth was, in fact, rather shocked at her own audacity in front of the illustrious, upper crust Darcy family of Pemberley.

What godawful impertinence has gotten into me? For reasons unknown, I am comfortable amongst these elite people. Be that as it may, to behave in such an improper manner within minutes of arriving at their home is unacceptable behaviour, Miss Lizzy Bennet. Shame on you! In front of his parents ... I mean in front of my friends' parents! Really, I am here to see Georgiana and Anna, not some urbane barbarian.

She smiled enigmatically, looked at him from beneath her lovely lashes, and caught her full bottom lip between her pretty teeth. Fixated, Fitzwilliam Darcy was totally and utterly captivated. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

Dinner was announced, to the relief of just about everyone. None could fail to see, and almost feel, the attraction between the obviously besotted young man and woman. The hostess had decided on a seating plan before her guests' arrival; she had not given a second thought to placing Fitzwilliam directly opposite the younger Bennet sister. When she witnessed Miss Elizabeth and her son exchanging fervent looks, blushes, and shy smiles throughout the meal, Lady Anne was amused, amazed, and alarmed.

Just what, exactly, went on at Pemberley in our absence? How had it happened that four young men and four young women had been at our estate without proper chaperones, except for a houseful of loyal retainers? The trip to Kent to intervene ... er ... visit with Catherine had been unavoidable, and Fitzwilliam only mentioned Richard would be accompanying him to Pemberley. Yet now Ellis Fleming is courting Georgiana, and my normally stodgy son is ... unrecognizable.

Lizzy's fluttering butterflies had returned to her stomach with a vengeance, and they were not at all interested in food. She did not wish to offend her hostess by not eating; nevertheless, handsome Fitzwilliam Darcy kept distracting her, smiling, and making her toes curl. Every movement he made sent his tantalizing sandalwood scent in her direction. She wished he would just keep still and not move a muscle, like when she first set eyes on him at Pemberley.

Oh, now, Lizzy, just enjoy the nice, refined view across the table; it is quite sufficient. There is no need to picture him in damp, clinging attire in your naughty little mind's eye. STOP IT!

While her brain screamed abuse at her, Miss Elizabeth smiled back at the sophisticated man who sat across from her. The devious part of her brain recalled the ruffian with an unforgettable wet linen shirt moulded to his rather impressive pectoral muscles.

When the rather awkward meal was over, the five ladies removed to the music room. It had initially been planned the two gentlemen would immediately accompany them there; however, George Darcy wanted to first have a private word with his son. He signalled for a footman to bring the port and asked Fitzwilliam if he would partake.

"What? Oh. Ah, no, thank you. Well, perhaps ... maybe, I should ... yes, of course. Yes, please."

"Good God, son. That bad, is it?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"I have been in your shoes, Fitzwilliam. It is not the end of the world, you know."

"I am sorry, Father, to what are you referring? I do not have the pleasure of understanding you."

"Poor boy, I do not think you understand much of anything tonight, do you?"

The son hastily left his seat, pacing between the table and the window and twisting his signet ring.

George Darcy handed him a glass of port, gave him a quick pat on the shoulder, and said, "She seems a nice enough girl and certainly a tempting armful. Be that as it may, what do you know of her connections?"

A stricken look crossed Fitzwilliam's face as he turned toward his father. "Again, sir, I do not understand. To whom are you referring?"

"Enough, Fitzwilliam. It is sufficient you have behaved like a lovelorn fool tonight. Do not make it worse by denying your fascination with the younger Bennet girl. I realize you may think me a hypocrite, as I always drilled into your head the notion you must hide your emotions. In spite of that, a man
is
permitted to be attracted to a woman, after all." The father grinned at his shocked son and added, "At least if she is an appropriate, eligible, respectful, beautiful, healthy, wealthy, intelligent, accomplished, kind and caring, obedient, virtuous, and well-connected young lady with a considerable dowry. Is she?"

The young man flopped back down in his chair, looked at his father with a smirk, and asked, "Who?"