1 To Have His Cake (and Eat It Too) ~ Mr. Darcy's Tale Read online

  Despite her usual tendency to arrive fashionably late to the theatre, that evening Caroline wanted to leave nothing to chance, for instance, that there might be no free seats next to Darcy, or Heaven forbid that little chit Eliza Bennet might be seated beside him. Imagine her surprise when the Darcy party arrived at the theatre shortly afterwards and was espied entering the Matlock box. Caroline’s indignation was evident. She quickly turned to her brother and demanded an explanation. Charles responded to his irate sister with a smug smile and refocused his attention to the stage.

  If not for the fact that Caroline knew Lady Matlock did not favour her, she would have forced her brother to escort her to the Matlock box to try to finagle an invitation to dinner after the theatre. Rather than all eyes focused upon Caroline as she had intended, it seemed all eyes were honed in on the Matlock box. At least, Caroline’s eyes were. To her dismay, Miss Theresa Rupert was also a guest in the Matlock box. Caroline mentally calculated the number of times the young lady had been seen in Darcy’s company over the past weeks.

  Upon entering the Matlock box, Darcy greeted everyone cordially. He thoughtfully told Miss Theresa that it was a pleasure to see her again; but rather than take the seat next to her, which was clearly intended for him by his aunt’s design, he offered the seat to Georgiana.

  Thus situated, Darcy viewed the night’s performance of The Taming of the Shrew with particularly keen interest. Of course, he had seen it before; as a long-standing patron of the theatre, he had seen the performance on at least two other occasions. However, that night it seemed as if he viewed it from an entirely new perspective.

  All the occupants of the Matlock box descended upon Matlock House for a light supper after the theatre. It was a pleasant affair for everyone. Though Elizabeth was not seated close enough to Darcy to be bothered with conversing with him, she could observe him discreetly. Darcy was seated beside Miss Theresa. He was not at all discourteous. While he did not start any conversation with her, he always responded to her inquiries with civility. Based upon Elizabeth’s observations of the two, it seemed Miss Theresa had risen to the level of Caroline Bingley in Darcy’s estimation; that indeed was a significant improvement.

  ~ ~ ~

  Days passed. Soon even Georgiana was affected by the undercurrent of tension between Elizabeth and her brother. She surmised Elizabeth had not yet forgiven him for the lapse that caused their quarrel. Elizabeth sought to minimise her presence in Darcy’s company when possible. That proved a challenge, in and of itself, for since the start of the Season, Darcy never left the house unless he was escorting Georgiana and, consequently, Elizabeth around town. To the extent Elizabeth could not escape Darcy’s presence, she responded to him with feigned civility. Georgiana wanted to speak with Elizabeth and Darcy about their situation, but she did not want to put herself in the position of choosing sides, so she remained silent. She hoped the two of them would work out their differences soon.

  Before the stand-off between the two of them was allowed to last much longer, Darcy asked Elizabeth into his study to explain his actions. Despite his underlying motive, he knew he was right to speak on her behalf to potential suitors, and Elizabeth knew he was wrong to do so without consulting with her.

  Darcy spoke of his role as master of his household and his obligation to receive callers, along with Georgiana, when he was present in the home. He said he would continue to exercise his right to remain in Georgiana’s company when a gentleman caller was in his home, even if it meant remaining when the caller was clearly there to see Elizabeth.

  Willing to do anything to heal the rift between them, Darcy promised that he would not speak on her behalf again unless she gave him leave to do so, and he offered a sincere apology for his past interference. Lastly, he spoke to Elizabeth of her role as his sister’s companion. While he understood that given her personality, she could not help but attract many admirers, her primary responsibility was to Georgiana.

  Later that afternoon, as Elizabeth took a stroll in Hyde Park, accompanied by her maid and a footman, she reflected upon Darcy’s words. She imagined that if she were to meet someone with whom she wanted to accept a courtship, she would have to quit her job as Georgiana’s companion immediately, and move back in with her uncle and aunt. As a young maiden, she would need to be properly chaperoned during the courtship, and other than the Gardiners, who would be able to do so? Unless it is to be an extremely short courtship, how would I continue to help support my family in Meryton, as well as not be a burden to the Gardiners?

  ~ ~ ~

  Over the next days, the tension between Darcy and Elizabeth gradually faded, and the two returned to their former level of amity. As much a relief as it was for them, it was equally so for Georgiana. As an outside observer, she could see that neither of them was especially happy during the impasse.

  Determined not to interfere in Elizabeth’s affairs, Darcy remained a silent spectator when gentlemen callers were received in his home. He noticed that one gentleman, a relatively new comer amongst the ton, appeared to visit more regularly than most, and he was not there to see Georgiana.

  Darcy also noticed the gentleman always endeavoured to be near Elizabeth at many of the private balls they attended. The last time they had attended the theatre, the gentleman had appeared to watch Elizabeth more than he had watched the play. Darcy began to make inquiries to find out as much as he could about the mysterious man.

  The gentleman’s name was Mr. Arthur Garrett. He was five and twenty, and wealthy in his own right. Mr. Garrett gained entry into society by the marriage of his younger sister into a prominent family. The Garrett family was among the landed gentry; though, like the Bingleys, their fortune was earned in trade.

  One morning, Darcy sat in the drawing room with Georgiana, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Annesley as they received calls from Mrs. Rupert, Miss Theresa, a jovial gentleman named Mr. Long, and Mr. Garrett. Darcy sat just off to the side of the room, his thoughts thousands of miles away, when Mr. Garrett approached him.

  “Mr. Darcy, might I have the privilege of a private audience with you this morning?”

  Startled, Darcy responded, “What... oh, yes, yes of course, Mr. Garrett. Please join me in my study.”

  The two gentlemen left the drawing room, barely noticed. Darcy felt as though he was taking the longest walk of his life. Once the gentlemen were in the study and seated at the desk, the two men embarked upon a conversation that could only cause Darcy considerable pain and discomfort. Darcy was so caught up in his own thoughts on the implications of the discussion on his life that he was brought back to the present, most alarmingly, when he thought he heard Mr. Garrett say that he wished for a private interview with Elizabeth.

  “Pardon me, Mr. Garrett. What did you just say?”

  “Mr. Darcy, I asked if I might have a private interview with Miss Elizabeth.”

  It was suddenly Darcy’s decisive moment, as he vividly recalled Elizabeth’s words never to speak on her behalf again and his promise to abide by her wishes. After a minute or two of hesitation, Darcy replied, “Yes, of course. Please excuse me for a moment.” Darcy walked to his door and told the footman to ask Miss Elizabeth to see him in his study. Utterly resigned to his fate, he returned to his chair to await Elizabeth’s arrival.

  Elizabeth was somewhat puzzled. What purpose did Mr. Darcy have that meant calling her into his study while callers were being received? She excused herself and quickly made way to find out the reason for his summons. Upon entering the room, Elizabeth was surprised to find Darcy and Mr. Garrett seated at the desk. The two men immediately stood upon her entrance. Darcy walked over to Elizabeth and asked her to take a seat.

  “Thank you for joining us, Miss Elizabeth. Mr. Garrett has requested a private interview with you. Now, if you two will excuse me, I will return to my other guests in the drawing room. Good day, Mr. Garrett.” Darcy bowed slightly in Elizabeth’s direction and headed towards the door.

  Elizabeth beseeched, “Mr. Darcy, please do no
t feel obligated to leave your own study on my behalf. I am sure Mr. Garrett can have nothing to say of which you should not be privy.”

  Darcy directed his attention to Mr. Garrett. “As you can see, sir, Miss Elizabeth is very modest.” Turning to Elizabeth he said softly, “I shall leave the door open. My footman will remain just outside. Please be assured of your privacy.”

  Upon Darcy’s departure, Mr. Garrett moved to a seat closer to Elizabeth. Without interruption, he spoke endlessly of his deep admiration for her and his abiding devotion. As Elizabeth sat in a state of déjà vu, she could not help thinking to herself, Have I not been here before? The reality of the gentleman, best described as Mr. Collins’s identical twin brother, standing before her with an extended hand, broke her trance-like state.

  “Miss Elizabeth, shall we go to Mr. Darcy to inform him that you have accepted my suit?”

  “Mr. Garrett, what are you saying? I have agreed to no such thing.”

  “My dear Miss Elizabeth, you have not disagreed. Let me just say that you have made me the happiest of men.”

  “Please forgive me, and allow me to make myself perfectly clear. Though I am honoured by your request, I do not accept it, sir.”

  “My dear, though I never thought so before, I am beginning to comprehend why Mr. Darcy said you were modest. I see that it is your modesty that obliges you to suspend your immediate acceptance of my suit.”

  “Mr. Garrett, please refrain from referring to me with such terms of endearment. I cannot, and I shall not, accept you.”

  “Miss Elizabeth, despite your manifold attractions, you can by no means be certain that an offer like mine shall be made to you again.”

  Thinking to herself once more, As if I have never heard that before. Finally, she stood and said, “Mr. Garrett, please believe me when I say I do not accept your offer. I beg your pardon, sir.” Elizabeth curtseyed and quickly exited the room, leaving a rather befuddled Mr. Garrett behind.

  Elizabeth returned to the drawing room to see a different group of callers being received. She quickly found a seat and attended to the conversations of those around her. Elizabeth refused to look at Darcy.

  ~ Chapter 5 ~

  Who Is This Man

  As the Season drew to a close, Darcy, Georgiana, and Elizabeth prepared to journey to Pemberley where they were to spend the summer months. Mrs. Annesley retired as planned and moved to Lincolnshire to live with her daughter.

  Nights on the road were spent in establishments often frequented by the Darcys. Elizabeth had witnessed Darcy’s thoughtfulness with respect to members of his staff at Darcy House. It amazed her to see him extend that same level of courtesy to the innkeepers and their staffs. It was a new experience for Elizabeth to travel in a fashion second nature to the Darcys. They were treated as royalty by the proprietors. They dined in private rooms and slept in the finest suites. That in conjunction with the luxurious Darcy coach, made the long journey to Pemberley seem no hardship at all.

  The pleasant weather afforded Darcy the occasion to ride on horseback throughout most of the journey. Towards the journey’s end, upon entering Pemberley Woods, he had the carriage stop so that he could join Elizabeth and Georgiana inside. He woke Elizabeth with a light touch upon her hand. Darcy placed his finger to his lips to hush her, wishing to avoid stirring Georgiana. Quietly, he handed her out of the carriage and led her along a path to a landing that afforded a picturesque view of Pemberley House.

  Enjoying the view of Pemberley from afar, Darcy stood as closely behind Elizabeth as possible without actually touching, closer than propriety dictated. Wanting nothing more than to wrap his arms around her to capture her in his embrace, he fought the temptation by clasping his hands together behind his back. Elizabeth was increasingly conscious of his nearness but too caught up in the magnificence and splendour of Pemberley to be overly concerned. The panoramic view was wonderfully breath-taking. Elizabeth stood entranced. I have never seen a place for which nature has done more, or where natural beauty has been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. Every disposition of the ground is good. Equally captured by the moment, Darcy leaned forward and placed his hand along the small of Elizabeth’s back while he pointed out another view of Pemberley Woods, but only for a moment before he remembered himself and resumed his former stance. Darcy for so long had dreamed of the occasion when he would bring Elizabeth to that spot. He relished their private moment together. The sweet-smelling scent of her hair intoxicated him. He longed to run his fingers through the soft, luxurious tresses cascading over her shoulders and down her back. Facing away from him, Elizabeth was oblivious to Darcy’s increasing discomfort.

  Georgiana awakened to find herself all alone in the carriage. Upon drawing the shades back, she immediately recognised her surroundings. Knowing her brother as she did, she quickly surmised where he had taken Elizabeth. She set off upon the path and came upon Darcy and Elizabeth rather hastily. Upon observing Darcy’s closeness to Elizabeth, Georgiana suddenly realised that her brother more than just admired her friend. Thinking her brother the most honourable man in the world, she wondered if he had fallen in love with Elizabeth. Why else would he exhibit such behaviour? Never before had Darcy been less pleased to see his sister than at that moment. On the other hand, he could not have been more grateful, for he was about to place his hand upon the small of Elizabeth’s back once again, to point out another site. As Georgiana approached, Darcy moved away from Elizabeth, to a distance a few steps off, to allow his ardour to subside. Georgiana took hold of Elizabeth’s hand and led her to another spot where she began pointing out her own favourite sites. Soon, Darcy escorted the young women back to the carriage. He joined them inside so that he could continue to point out areas of interest to Elizabeth as they resumed the journey to Pemberley.

  ~ ~ ~

  The warm reception from the entire Pemberley staff towards Darcy and Georgiana upon their arrival at the manor house was encouraging. It delighted Elizabeth to receive a fair share of that warmth when introduced to Darcy’s housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds. Darcy asked Mrs. Reynolds to see to it personally that Elizabeth was comfortably settled into their home.

  As Mrs. Reynolds gave Elizabeth a brief tour of the grand house, she spoke at length of Darcy’s admirable qualities. Elizabeth could see that the elderly woman took enormous pleasure in speaking of her young master. She encouraged her by asking questions on things she did not yet know of him and remarking on the things she knew all too well.

  This is going pretty far, Elizabeth thought, when Mrs. Reynolds fretted that her master might never marry; her thought being that no one was good enough for him. Still she listened with increasing astonishment. When Mrs. Reynolds spoke of his amiability as a child, and how he was always the sweetest-tempered and most generous-hearted boy in the world, Elizabeth thought, Are we talking about the same person? Cognizant that Darcy was her employer as well, and not wishing to cause offence, she said, “Pemberley is lucky in having such a master.”

  Indeed, the housekeeper continued, saying it was no wonder he was so good-natured now that he was all grown up. Elizabeth almost stared at her. Can this be Mr. Darcy? Elizabeth listened, wondered, doubted, and was impatient for more. And more commendation of Mr. Darcy is just what Mrs. Reynolds imparted.

  Upon completion of her tour of the house, Elizabeth considered all that she had heard. In what an amiable light does this place him! As a brother, a landlord, and a master, how many people’s happiness are in his guardianship! How much of pleasure or pain it is in his power to bestow! How much of good or evil must be done by him! Every idea brought forward by his housekeeper is favourable to his character. Elizabeth could not help but admit that she too had seen evidence of some of the admirable qualities attributed to Darcy. However, she had seen evidence of his arrogance and disdain towards others as well; though she readily conceded, she also bore witness to his willingness to change.

  ~ ~ ~

  During the first week of his return, Darcy was hidden away
in his study, often with his steward, Mr. Fletcher, managing Pemberley affairs. He trusted his steward to take care of the estate in his absence, but Darcy was in full command when he returned. As a testament to the housekeeper’s strong praise, Darcy worked from sun up to sun down and late into the nights to catch up on things from his prolonged absence. When he was not working in his study pouring over estate accounts, he was out among the tenants, attending to various concerns. This came as no surprise to Georgiana as she was all too aware of her brother’s propensity to immerse himself in work upon his return to Pemberley. Elizabeth, however, was somewhat bothered. As much as she loved spending time with Georgiana, the longer she went without seeing Darcy, the more she missed his company.

  Then again, Elizabeth was enjoying her freedom at Pemberley immensely. She woke early and set off each morning on long, solitary walks. She was careful not to venture too far from the house and restricted her rambles to the paths that Darcy had pointed out to her on her first day. She always returned in time to enjoy mid-morning breakfast with Georgiana, who had not been an early riser in London and tended to arise even later at Pemberley.

  One morning, Elizabeth came back from her walk earlier than usual. She did not expect to see Darcy sitting in the breakfast room, reading the paper and drinking coffee. As she entered the room, he stood to greet her with a warm smile.

  “Miss Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to see you this morning. I trust you enjoyed your morning stroll.”

  “Yes, I did, sir. It was very refreshing. I am thoroughly enjoying this freedom,” she stated cheerfully. Elizabeth excused the servant as she prepared her own plate. “I am surprised to see you this morning. I was beginning to think you had escaped to town.”