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Chapter 11

After washing off the dust of the journey, Darcy went to Grosvenor Square immediately. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Bingley were shut in the study. When they saw the state Darcy was in, they could not help asked simultaneously, “What happened to you?”

“Wickham inflicted me with these minor injuries.” Darcy then explained.

“I should have called the man out last summer!” Colonel Fitzwilliam swore.

“Let us forget him for the moment and concentrate on Miss Bingley. So she cleaned you out and took the carriage and maid?”

Bingley sighed and nodded.

“What did you find in Clapham?”

“They were seen in the carriage stop but there were conflicting reports of where the carriage has gone to. One said into London, one to Plymouth, one detour back to Dover and one on route to Scotland. Either Caroline paid the witnesses to lie for her or there were too many coaches on that day and she tried hard not to draw attention to herself.”

“And your inquiry into Miss Bingley’s friends?”

“None of them had heard or seen her since she left with us for Hertfordshire.”

Darcy thought for a few moments. “Do the stable men and maid have relatives working with you too?”

Bingley jumped up from his seat. “I have questioned the staff here but I forgot Carl, one of the stable men, is related to a maid at Aunt Debra. Good man, Darce! I shall go there direct, to see if there is any news.”

“I can come with you,” Darcy offered.

“Nah, Bingley does not need an invalid to slow his progress,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said. “Let me help him interrogate the servants.”

“Yes,” Bingley agreed. “You go back and rest. I shall update you once I have more news.”

Darcy let them go reluctantly. He was a man of action and did not like to be left behind because of this minor injury. But cautious that if he recovered sooner, he would be able to court his Elizabeth better, he decided to return to his townhouse.

Half way into his journey, he remembered the upcoming engagement ball. Although the Darcy family had many pieces of jewellery, he wanted to present Elizabeth something he found by himself.  He knocked on the carriage roof and detoured to the Van Cheer & Artpel, his family jeweller for many years, in Bond Street.

When Darcy entered the premises, he was led to its owner Monsieur Artpel.

“Bonjour Monsieur D’Arcy, what happen to you?” The elderly Artpel exclaimed.

“Just a riding accident,” Darcy said. “But why are you back in the heat of the business? Are you fully recovered?”

Monsieur Artpel sighed. “I have meant to visit you and apologise but I heard you were out of town. I am afraid my nephew has led me down and abused your trust with our company.”

Darcy bided him to continue.

“As you know, I was down with a long illness late last year and had to step down from the business for some time. My nephew Pierre took over. And just a few weeks ago, I started to feel better and came in the workshop to get some tools to do some design to occupy my time. There I discovered that Pierre was imitating some of the exclusive designs we developed for clients.”

“He aims to sell them?”

“That scheming nephew of mine aims more than that. He particularly concentrates on those with some delicate history. Like a diamond ring a Lord made for his mistress and he offered the design to the Lord’s wife!”

“My goodness, you must have a lot of explanation to do. What did he do with our family design…” Darcy asked and suddenly thought of something.

“Pierre hooked up with a fashionable tradesman daughter who said she knew you and replicated the garnet cross your father made for your mother some twenty years ago. I did not know the significance of this piece of jewellery but he seemed to have sold it for a good price to this lady.” Monsieur Artpel said. “I have notified all my affected clients and offered compensation. Do you want to interview Pierre to determine how and why the lady wanted that piece of jewellery. Of course, I am determined to pay for any compensation you deem necessary.”

Darcy pitied the elderly jeweller. The Frenchman had been his father’s friend for many years. It was sad to hear that in time of his illness, his business reputation was tarnished by his family member.

“I would not want to cause you more stress by asking for any compensation. I came in today to look for a special item for my fiancée. Perhaps after I have found the piece, I can talk with your nephew about the garnet cross.” Darcy said.

Monsieur Artpel was grateful for Mr. Darcy’s generosity. Darcy decided on an exquisite ruby bracelet that matched the garnet cross. He asked for an inscription to be done poste haste and the jeweller promised to have it completed within two days.

Then he was invited to Monsieur Artpel’s house in Stoke Newington where he would meet with Pierre.

***
The Manor of Stoke Newington was on the north eastern outskirt of London. Many expensive and large houses were built to accommodate London’s expanding population of nouveau riche.

Monsieur Artpel, whose family had been in the jewellery business for many years, had done well, to house his family and relative in this area.

When Darcy’s carriage trotted in steady pace along the High Street, Darcy observed the shops absent-mindedly. Suddenly, the carriage was pulled to screeching halt, nearly sending him onto the floor. He held onto the window and the top of the carriage to steady himself, in time to see a buggy speeding past them.

Darcy did not see the man behind the horse but from his own stable boy’s swearing, the reckless driver could be a young dandy with blond hair. Darcy shook his head to the crazy behaviour of the other driver and felt lucky that his injured body was not further harmed.

Darcy met the young jeweller in a neat sitting room.

“Good afternoon Mr. Darcy, my uncle has sent word ahead,” Pierre did not rise from his chair but smoothed the shawl covering his legs. “I apologise for selling an imitation of your father’s garnet cross. It was very generous of you not to put the magistrate onto me. I shall answer all your questions truefully.”

Darcy nodded and started. “Monsieur Artpel said you sold the imitation to a lady. Can you describe the woman?”

“Yes, the tradesman daughter called herself Jeanne. She is a blond hair woman with fair skin, tall, probably nearly as tall as you, and of sophisticated manner. She favoured feather and silk. If not for her slip of tongue which showed her knowledge about business end of matters, I would have taken her for a woman from high society. We met in the Charing Cross Inn around late March. She had a young man and a sketch of the garnet cross with her.”

Darcy frowned. The description fitted Miss Bingley. He did not foresee that she had an accomplice. Who was he? “What is the name of the man? How is he like?”

“He introduced himself as Nicolas. He is of similar built as you, Sir. Very handsome and charming. Blond hair with a moustache. His gentleman’s clothes were neat and reasonable quality.”

“How did they know about you?”

“Nicolas seems to know about uncle’s jewellery shop. They sent me a note at the shop, saying they heard about my works and requested a meeting at Charing Cross.”

“Why did they want you to work on the imitation if they already have the sketch? They could get anyone. I figure you did not offer your service cheaply.”

“With so many years of apprenticeship with my uncle, I charged a high fee for my imitation. They wanted me to work on it because they wanted it as genuinely looking as possible and they did not have the design of the back of the garnet cross.”

“They thought you could access your uncle’s record to make the perfect imitation? But then you made them an inaccurate one still…”

“Was it?” Pierre shrugged his shoulders. “What was missing?”

“An inscription.”

“Ah, I see. Uncle likes to keep the inscription wordings on a separate file with the calligraphy book. I must have missed the footnote at the back of the design sketch and did not refer to the inscription file. I was flooded with works right before Easter then.”

Darcy breathed a sigh of relief. Thanks to Providence, he was saved from tying himself to the scheming Miss Bingley. He then continued with a few more questions about the initial meeting and the delivery of the product.

Finally, he was satisfied with all the detail. Before Darcy left, he asked, “What happened to your legs?”

“My work bit back at me. An imitation of mine created a scandal and one of the Lords sent someone to take care of them.”

Darcy felt a twinge of sympathy for the man, to become an invalid so young. Greed and dishonesty cost this promising young man dearly. Was there something lacking in his upbringing? From Pierre, Darcy’s thoughts turned to Miss Bingley. He had no clue as to who the young man was but he dearly hoped she would not face similar fate as the French man, for Charles would grieve for his sister.

***

The following day, Darcy’s carriage drove across the town again. When it stopped in front of a neat townhouse, his valet helped him out and knocked on the door. A polite servant opened the door and led Darcy into the parlour, where he found his fiancée quite alone.

“Fitzwilliam, what are you doing here?” Elizabeth abandoned the book she was reading, jumped up and went to assist him to sit. “Did the doctor not say you should be resting? Why are you visiting here?”

“I know you should have arrived in town by now.” He said. “I came to pay my respect to your aunt and uncle.”

“My uncle is at the warehouse and Jane and Aunt Gardiner went out with the children. We are going to visit you tomorrow”

“You are here all alone?” He asked. Darting his eyes around, seeing that Winston and the servants had left, he lowered his head and whispered to her ears. “I miss you.”

She drew in a short breath and replied archly. “I did not.”

“Indeed?” He blowed air into her ear. She shivered.

Then she turned her head. He was not sure if she wanted to avoid his ministration or to welcome him. She had her lips inches from his instead, with such a movement.

“I have been busy, thinking about ...” Her sentence was cut mid way when he captured her soft lips. He nipped at the smooth skin, stuck his tongue into her mouth and drew out hers. When she sighed with a satisfied moan, he started sucking her tongue hard. Her hands came up to wrap around his neck, playing at his neckcloth. Her petite fingers traced a hot path around his neck. He forgot that they were in the parlour of her relatives. He pulled her close to his body by wrapping around her waist.

“Did you miss me, my dear?” He asked again.

“Yessss.” She said huskily and added after a pause. “That was why I slept with…”

“You slept with?” His mind was racing as he considered her thoughts. “…my pillow?

Her face turned bright red, before she buried her face on his neck. “It is my pillow.”

“Your pillow?” He turned to suckle her earlobe. “Ah…the pillow with my scent.”

“You ruined it horribly.”

“It was all your fault.” He breathed in her sweet lavender scent. “You were naughty in the dream.”

Her fingers moved lower to caress the lapels of his coat. “How?”

“You teased me to chase after you, all around Pemberley.” His tongue licked the skin on her neck.

“You must be arrogant again. That was why I was running away from you.” She played with the button on his waistcoat.

“I caught you in the laundry room.” He sank his teeth on her neck and bit her soft skin tenderly there.

She trembled and twisted the button a bit too hard, pulling it off his waistcoat. “Oh dear!”

“Now, you have ruined my best waist coat,” His tongue went lower as he continued. “I expect repayment from you.”

She fluttered her eyes and grazed her cheek against his. “I only have little pin money.”

“I prefer something more sentimental.” He was touching her neckline now.

“My…copy of Shakespeare’s poem?” Her hands lowered to his waist.

“How about your stocking?” He found the mole on her bosom and started licking it.

Elizabeth moaned and squirmed. “Now?”

“Yes.”

“The children will be back anytime.” She panted. “They will be…scandalised, seeing me removing my stocking in the parlour.”

“You must bring it to me when you visit me tomorrow then.”

She blushed but did not reply.

“In the meantime, I need another recompense.”

“That is most unfair!” She protested. “I only pulled out one button.”

“But the entire waistcoat is ruined.”

“I can repair it for you.”

“Did I not hear your father say your sewing skill is atrocious? I am sure it shall not be fit for wearing again.”

“Insufferable man!”

He held out his hand and said. “I shall be satisfied with your handkerchief for the moment.”

She pouted, took it out and handed it to him reluctantly. Before he closed his hand over the garment, she pulled it away and jumped from his embrace. “Not so easy!”

Darcy frowned. “Wait until my leg and hands recover!”

She sat on another chair far away from him and asked innocently. “Now we can start again. I hope you are well, Sir.”

“I was quite well just a few moments earlier on. Now, I cannot say.” He flexed his leg as he said.

“Is your leg hurting?” Elizabeth moved back to sit by his side and massaged his knee.

He felt abashed for playing on her caring nature. “Sorry, my dear. I am well. I just miss being with you and talking to you every day. Why did I agree to marrying in February? It is still months away. How come you become so important to me in such a short time?” He held her hands and caressed them.

 “You resented it? The fact that I am dear to you.”

“Of course not,” He raised her hands and gave them a kiss. “I am ashamed of what I thought and felt when I first proposed to you. Now I can see beyond the obligation set by my late father, especially after your set down. Your pleasing form and passionate nature appealed to me then. But then I can see that you are caring, witty, intelligent and honest. I am ecstatic that you have agreed to be my wife. I am looking forward to sharing Pemberley and my life with you. Of course my body is doused with desire to create some little Darcys with you.”

“Men! Are they always ruled by their lust?”

“I am proud to say that my gentleman education and upbringing have helped me rein in my carnal desire. I have never trifled with a maiden nor did I have a mistress before. And I never will.”

“It is reassuring to hear this. I was afraid that you only lust after me, which I do not fully understand anyway. I am sure I am no more pretty, humorous, attentive or fair than some of the accomplished ladies you know in London. All my virtues are invented by you, for I think you only love my impertinence, which is so different from the women like Miss Bingley. But people in love are blinded about each other’s virtues.”

“You walked three miles to take care of Miss Bennet. That is devotion and I can imagine you taking care of my sister when she is in need.”

“Jane is such a sweet sister. How can I not care about her? I am sure Miss Darcy will be as angelic. I would have no issue in looking after her. But if I remember correctly, you did not approve of me roaming in the countryside alone.”

“I am just worried that something bad may befall you, with no one protecting or assisting you. Promise me, if I am not around to accompany you, you will bring a servant when you ramble in the woods of Derbyshire.”

“We will see. Perhaps I will be so amorous with Pemberley’s luxury that I seldom venture into the woods.”

Darcy shook his head at her teasing expression. “Pemberley’s gold will not hold you, but I wager my good nature loving will detain you indoor.”

“You? Good nature?” She scowled and continued, “I shall be in heaven if you stare less and talk more.”

“Why would you want a young man that rattles away? That will leave you with no room for witty display.”

“You accuse me of showing off?”

“Your liveliness is one of the qualities I love about you. But what of you? What do you find most endearing about me?”

“Your muddy appearance!” She said and laughed out loud.

“Be serious! Or I shall kiss you again.”

She suppressed the laugh into a smile before continuing. “After rejecting your first charming proposal, I already had second thoughts.”

“Indeed?” Darcy sat up straight on hearing this.
“Did you not remember I wore the garnet cross at dinner at Netherfield the day you met my father and visited Longbourn?”

“Yes, I remember clearly how lovely you looked. You regretted rejecting my offer?”

“No. You were arrogant and condescending. I would never accept a man with such disdainful attitude. But I thought about what Providence had played in bringing our lives together, not just once, but twice. I believe in fate and was willing to give you another chance.”

“I have to thank Providence once again then.”

 “When we were at the Jones, I could see that you are an excellent master and brother, despite taking on the huge tasks of taking care of your estate and a sister 10 years younger than you. You seemed so altered, so perfectly well behaved, polite, and unassuming, with the tenants, my mother and younger sisters.”

“I feel much more at ease with strangers with you by my side.” He squeezed her hands.

“There is also gratitude in play here.”

“Whatever for?”

“I am thankful for the changes you bring to my family. Much as I respect and love my father, I despair of his liberal attitude towards the management of the estate and my younger sisters. I fear for their future too, if my father meets his destiny before time. I do what I can to help with the estate and educate my sisters. But I feel my effort is just a tiny drop of water in the ocean. I am thankful for your appearance and your help. I respect, esteem, and am grateful to you. I feel a real interest in your welfare. It may not be a love at first sight like Mr. Bingley and Jane. But I am sure my journey to love is no less admirable than theirs. Fitzwilliam, you have become very important to me.” She wrapped her hands around his waist and rested her head on his chest.

Darcy felt humbled, treasured and honoured. Yes, their first impression of each other might not be the most favourable. But fate and their persistence in finding positive in their situation ensured they found and loved each other. He hugged her back and smiled happily.

That was how Miss Bennet, Mrs. Gardiner and her children found them in the parlour, a couple deep in love and enjoying the mere warmth of an embrace.

Chapter 12

Darcy released his fiancée with a flush on his face. Introduction was made. Once he learned that the mistress of the house haled from Derbyshire and had a sensible disposition, he was more relax in his conversation.

“I would like to invite you and the Miss Bennets to meet my sister Georgiana tomorrow afternoon. She will arrive from Pemberley then and I am sure she will be eager to meet her future family.” He said.

“Lady Susan has arranged for my nieces to go shopping tomorrow morning. We can arrive at your home perhaps at around 2 o’clock. Is that convenient?” Mrs. Gardiner replied.

Darcy agreed.

“But I have to apologise for Lydia. She will not be able to visit tomorrow.” She added.

Darcy looked at Elizabeth. She drew in a deep breath and explained, “Lydia issued an invitation to Captain Denny and his friends to visit her, when he has any leave from the militia, at Lady Susan’s townhouse. It was apparently done without the hostess’s permission. Lady Susan believed it fitting that Lydia should not be allowed to participate in any activity tomorrow, for her lack of understanding in society situation.”

“Oh.” Darcy uttered the word. “I hope Miss Lydia is still in the best spirit.”

“Once she saw Lady Susan’s home and the room she will stay in,” Mrs. Gardiner added, “She quite forgets Captain Denny and her punishment. Anyway, enough of Lydia. Mr. Darcy, how did your business in town go?”

“It is not as smoothly as I would have hoped.” He said honestly.

Mrs. Gardiner persisted. “I heard you came to assist Mr. Bingley with some family issues. I hope our visit to your home tomorrow will not interfere with your important matter.”

Darcy was lost for words for a second. Looking at three pairs of curious eyes, he did not wish to disappointment. But he had promised his friend. “Not at all. You are most welcomed to come tomorrow afternoon. Due to my injury, I assisted Mr. Bingley by making some suggestions only.” He saw the eager expression on Jane’s face and added, “Mr. Bingley told me he would come to call on you, Miss Bennet, and apologise once he has settled the family business.”

“He should not trouble himself about me when he is busy with his affair.” Jane said quietly.

“Charles believes he is not behaving politely when he last visited Longbourn. He wishes to apologise.”

“Apology is no use! I do not wish for him to apologise. I wish he will share his burden with me.” Jane blurted out, agitatedly. “I am sorry, Mr. Darcy. I should not presume.”

Elizabeth jumped in to help her sister. “Could you not explain more of the situation? Perhaps we could help in some ways.”

He fidgeted on his chair before answering. “Mr. Bingley managed to get some information from the servants working in his aunt’s house about the issue. My cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam has accompanied him to Dover today to investigate further.”

“Oh, I hope they do not need to cross the channel!” Miss Bennet exclaimed. “It is not safe to go in time such as these.”

“My cousin cannot go anyway. He cannot leave the country without applying to his commander. I think they will just try to confirm the information as far as Dover. Please do not be alarmed, Miss Bennet. Mr. Bingley would take the utmost care.”

“Why are we both burdened with the most difficult relations? He with Miss Bingley and I with Lydia!” Jane raised her voice and then suddenly remembered that there was a guest in the parlour. She burst into tears, rose from the chair and curtseyed to Mr. Darcy. “Please forgive me!” Then she ran out of the room in haste.

Elizabeth jumped up to follow but her aunt prevented her. “Let me see to her. Mr. Darcy, I apologise for Jane’s outburst. She did not sleep well lately. Lizzy, you see Mr. Darcy off.”

“Think nothing of it. Mrs. Gardiner.” He said. Although he was happy to be left with his fiancée once again, he did not like the scowl on her face. “Elizabeth, I am sorry.”

“Jane is genuinely worried about Mr. Bingley. She wishes she could do something for him. I think she has fallen in love with him, despite of their short acquaintance.”

“We have known each other in similar short time too and we are also in love. I can understand your sister’s concern.” Darcy said. “I think Charles has very deep regards for your sister as well. If not for his family business, he would have spent all his time courting Miss Bennet.”

“I think Jane is affected by how smoothly we seem to have reached an understanding.”

“Did she think so, that I have a smooth ride to earn your agreement? Perhaps we should enlighten her about how furiously you had rejected me.”

“Did I not reject you rightly, in the first place?” She arched her eyes. “And you had the good fortune of meeting Papa and scheme with him to overcome my objections. But Jane had not seen Mr. Bingley for some days now. Her last remembrance of him was his agitated expression, the morning after the dinner at Netherfield. It was so different from his normal amiable and cheerful self. She was worried he would crack under the pressure. What if he did something rash and hurt himself or got himself into trouble? What actually happened the night of the dinner?”

“Please do not ask me, Elizabeth. I have promised Charles. I can only say that something unpleasant happened and Charles is trying to prevent a scandal about his family.”

Elizabeth sighed. “Jane normally has the most patient soul. I think the clash between Lydia and Lady Susan this morning was a catalyst of her outburst. When we stopped to change horses at an inn, Lydia’s unauthorised invitation was made known. When Lady Susan made her decision of not including Lydia in tomorrow’s shopping, Lydia was so mad that she grabbed hold of something nearby, which happened to be Jane’s fan and twisted it into two. I saw Jane pale, red and then silent, even after Lydia was made to apologise. It was only after much persuasion did she tell me what was bothering her. She said Mr. Bingley commented how much he liked that fan. I think she felt sorry that every good memory she had with Mr. Bingley was destined to be ruined. And now you said he could be sailing to France. What if he did not come back?”

“I am so sorry. Perhaps I should talk to Susan about her treatment of Miss Lydia. She can be too forceful sometimes.”

“No, Papa and I are grateful for Lady Susan’s effort. I think Lydia is too set in her way to be persuaded to change by her family members. I hope an authority figure like Lady Susan would be able to do some good to her. I just have to protect Jane from Lydia during this delicate time."

 “We shall work together on this,” He said. “to help Charles, Miss Lydia and Miss Bennet with their trials. After all we shall be partners in life soon.”

Elizabeth embraced him and rested her head on his shoulder again. “I wish we can get marry sooner as well.”

“I have met with my solicitor this morning about the settlement paper and gone to obtain the special licence. We could marry in the next few days,” wanting to lighten the atmosphere, he added, “if you are tired of waiting for me. After all, you have been waiting for your betrothal for twenty years.”

She raised her head and looked at him with a scowl. “You have been very busy. Did you follow the doctor’s instruction to rest? Have you eaten well?”

“I am fine. Another two days and the bandage can be taken off. I accepted Winston’s assistance during meals. Why is that I have a feeling you will turn into a nagging wife?”

She smacked his arm and said, “Then you should treasure the months ahead, when you are still single. In fact I should rethink about postponing the wedding. With Jane so distressed and Lydia still rather silly. It may be another year or two before I can leave Longbourn without worrying about my family.”

He touched his finger on her lips to prevent her from saying more. “St. Valentine’s Day is the latest I can bear. Otherwise, I may resort to taking more liberties from you to advance the date of the wedding.”

She kissed his finger, sending shivers down his spine. “Am I really a bother?”

“No…Perhaps…” He swore under his breath and looked at her with wide eyes, as she opened her mouth to suck his finger. As the tingling coursed through his body, he closed his eyes to savour the sensation.

He trembled and waited for more. But there was no more. She had left his side. When he opened his hazy eyes, he could see that she was walking to the door with sensual movements. “I shall endeavour not to exasperate you for the rest of my life.” She added archly as she reached the door, “That is best done with us not spending too much time together.” She waited for him to leave.

He knew he was in trouble. With the injury, how could he rise and leave with dignity? Winston was not here and he had to rely on Elizabeth. He tried to school his expression into one that resembled a lost puppy and said, “My dear future Mrs. Darcy, you will be far from a nagging wife. You shall be the most caring one, especially gracious enough to help your husband in time of need.” He then raised his hands for her to take them.

“Since you asked so sweetly,” She grinned and then walked back to assist him up from the chair. He of course took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her body tightly again and returned the favour by sucking her earlobe.

It was with many moments of kisses and fondling before the engaged couple separated. He then left to make his way back to his townhouse.

When he arrived home, Mr. Fleming, the ex-bow street runner whom he hired to search for Mr. Bennet and his daughter, was waiting for him.

“It has been a few years, Mr. Darcy.” The tall lanky man paced for a second before taking the seat in front of Darcy.

Darcy nodded. “What bring you here?”

“I came to beg for your forgiveness.” Fleming said.

Darcy frowned but let the man continued.

“There are not many times I cannot solve the mysteries for my clients. Therefore when you discontinued my service four years ago, I copied the sketch of the garnet cross and kept it with me all the time, in hope of revisiting the puzzle any time.”

A sense of fore bearing loomed in Darcy’s mind as Mr. Fleming continued. “Early this year, I happened upon a couple at an Inn in the North. They were whispering about Derbyshire and a garnet cross, thus piquing my interest.”

“How did they look like?

“Both blond hair, tall and fair. I struck up a conversation with them, pretending to be a jeweller who knew about unique jewellery. They introduced themselves as Jeanne and Nicolas.”

The same couple who hired Pierre!

“We talked in depth about the history of garnet crosses. I deduced from bits and pieces said that Jeanne originated from France.”

That could not be, Darcy thought, according to Pierre, Jeanne fitted the description of Miss Bingley.

“Unfortunately, the couple got an upper hand over me. They must have worked out that I was no jeweller. In one unguided moment, they must have put some sleeping draft into my cup. When I next woke up alone in the Inn, I found the sketch of the garnet cross gone. I spent some time trying to trace the couple, for I did not want to admit defeat and come to you to ask for forgiveness lightly. But they hid their whereabouts well. By the time I admitted that I should bring the matter to your knowledge, you have left for Ramsgate and then Hertfordshire.”

Darcy’s mind was in turmoil. So Jeanne and Nicolas knew about the garnet cross and its significance before they got hold of the sketch and asked Pierre to copy it.  Jeanne might not be Miss Bingley, but someone who hailed from France. The couple could have known the Darcys well, for they knew about their family jeweler Van Cheer & Artpel. Who could they be?

“What other impression you can tell me about them?”

“They are not married but I can see that they are amorous of each other. But the strange thing is Nicolas seems rather obedient to Jeanne. He looked to her for confirmation and approval, many times during our conversation. I can feel that Jeanne is the smart one and the mastermind in the whole affair.”

“Affair…Jeanne… France…” Darcy murmured and exclaimed suddenly. “The Affair of the Diamond! They are using the con artist’s name. Jeanne de Saint-Rémy de Valois who conned Marie Antoinette and the Cardinal of the diamond necklace and caused a scandal in the French royalty. Nicolas…but the only person with similar name was the prostitute involved in the fraud. She was called Nicole, not a Nicolas and she was a woman...”

Fleming nodded vigorously. “Why did I not think of it earlier? I had the distinct impression that despite the moustache, Nicolas looked a bit too feminine. That was why I felt strange that the man allowed Jeanne to dominate over him. Could Nicolas be in guise, of a woman?”

That meant Nicolas could be Miss Bingley and she worked with another woman who masterminded the whole thing. Who could that be?

***

Although Darcy seemed to have solved the mystery of how Miss Bingley might have obtained a sketch of the garnet cross, he could not shake away the ominous feeling about her accomplice. He would discuss the matter with Charles and Colonel Fitzwilliam when they returned. Perhaps Charles could talk to his sister’s best friends again.

Next morning, he was happy to welcome his sister back to London.

“Oh my dear! What happened to you?” Georgiana forgot the proper greeting and exclaimed on seeing Darcy in bandages, sitting in the parlour.

He looked at his sister, assessing if he should tell her about Wickham. She looked pale and had dark shadows under her eyes. Perhaps she had not gotten over her disappointment yet. His aunt had told him not to treat her as a delicate flower and trust her to learn and grow up from this ordeal. But he had no heart to burden her at the moment. After all, she was just sixteen. So he said, “I was robbed in Hertfordshire. But all is well. The bandages will be taken off tomorrow.”

“How could some people be so vicious? Was it not enough that they robbed you of your possession? Why did they have to hurt you?” Tears pooled at her eyes.

He pulled her near and embraced her. “I am truly fine. Unfortunately, there are always some people in the world who choose the wrong way of life.”

“Like Mrs. Younge and George.” She whispered.

He raised her head and asked with concerns, “You should not think about the two blackguards. You look tired. Did you not sleep well?”

She lowered her head and said, “I have nightmares, from time to time.”

“What are they about?”

“They were all silly things. You should not worry about me. I shall be fine again, soon.”

“Georgiana, look at me.”

She raised her head reluctantly and fixed her gaze on anywhere but her brother’s eyes.

“Look at me please,” he urged softly.

She glanced at him, tentatively.

“Tell me about the dreams. It may help you relieve the anxiety if you talk about them.”

She sighed and started slowly. “It always began the same, with a woman giving me a present. Sometimes it was a book. Sometimes it was a dress. Other time, it was a plateful of delicious fruit. Then when I read the book or wore the dress, I would feel a sense of elation for a few minutes, like I wanted to play and sing for the whole world. I would laugh and danced. But then not long afterwards, I would feel a tightening in the chest. I would collapse on the floor. My whole body would feel numb and then cold. When I struggled to speak or move, a heavy weight came upon me and I could do nothing. I screamed for you but you were not there. I called out to Papa and he was not there either. It always ended with…George…overlooking me, with a smile, before blackness enclosed me. William, I am so scared. What if I could not wake up one day, from the dream?”

“Sshh. It is just a dream,” He embraced his tearful sister again and let her cry. “It will go away soon. We will work on driving it away, together. Tell me, who was the woman in the dream?”

“I did not see her face.”

“How did she dress like?”

“I am not sure.”

“And where were you?”

Georgiana cranked her head and thought for a long minute. “I did not concentrate on where I was in the dream. But it did look rather…foreign to me.”

“As in the exotic Oriental?”

“No, I think…perhaps…Greece….Yes, I think I was inside a temple…a Greek temple.”

Darcy frowned. Why would Georgiana dream about being…poisoned…by Wickham…in a Greek temple?

“Have you been reading Greek mythologies lately?”

She shook her head. “No, I have been reading Shakespeare most of the time lately.”

Seeing that she was trying hard to think about the Greek connection, he said, “You are tired from the journey. Have a rest now. Miss Elizabeth and her family will be arriving in the afternoon.”

“Oh yes, would you tell me about your engagement?”

“I shall do that after you have your rest.” He said.

“Do you think Miss Bennet will like me?” She asked timidly. “I have made so many mistakes in the past year. I am sure no one would want to be a friend of such silly girl.”

“You are not silly, my dear,” he argued. “You are just too innocent about the world. Elizabeth will like you. She is the most compassionate and caring sister.”

“I truly hope she will like me. Please do not send me away after you marry, if she does not like me. I shall try my best to behave and get out of her way.”

“Where do you get such an idea? Pemberley is both our home. You will always be welcomed there.”

Georgiana lowered her head again. “I overheard Miss Bingley once. She said she did not want me around when she married you. That was why I accepted…” Then she stopped mid sentence.

Darcy gritted his teeth. The horrible Miss Bingley again! “You know now she was talking nonsense. I am not marrying her but Miss Bennet. What were you saying, about the reason for accepting what?”

“You must think me extremely silly.”

“No, my dear. Tell me what was bothering you.”

“Miss Bingley talked like the…marriage would be soon and I was afraid you would send me away soon. That was…one of the reasons why I thought it would be good to marry with George.”

“That terrible Miss Bingley!”

“I was relieved when I received your letter, to learn that you are not marrying her.”

“Elizabeth is nothing like Miss Bingley. She treats the servants and her father’s tenants fondly. She will like you and you are always welcome in Pemberley.”

“I am glad.”

“You will find out for yourself soon. Now have a good rest first.”

With that, Georgiana retired to her bed chambers while Darcy mused about her strange dream. 

Chapter 13

When the Bennet sisters arrived with Mrs. Gardiner and Lady Susan, Darcy was happy to see that Elizabeth greeted Georgiana warmly.

“Stop looking at your fiancée with that puppy eyes,” Lady Susan’s voice drew his attention away from his two favourite ladies. “Do you not want to know how much of your money your fiancée has wasted this morning?”

“Good afternoon to you Susan,” he said formally, “I trust that means you all had a good shopping trip this morning.”

“I did not enjoy the shopping at all,” She said with a frown.

“Why was that?” he pondered, “Ah, the Bennet sisters did not allow you to boss them around.”

“Elizabeth has opinion very decidedly of her own, for someone that young. I am sorry for you, my dear cousin. Your married life will be doomed. You shall find yourself running around to fulfil her instructions. And what are your rewards? Her impertinence?” Lady Susan said with a smirk.

“That is very unkind of you, cousin, to predict my future as doomed. Did they not even allow you or me to pay a ribbon?” He smiled and asked.

“Obstinate girls! If your Elizabeth was not there, I was sure I could spend tons of your money on Miss Jane and Miss Mary. They are too nice to refuse the gifts. But the future Mrs Darcy would not have it. She said you and I have helped her family in many ways. There was no need for us to pay for their bonnets, stockings nor ribbons. And they had the right dress for the ball.” Susan snorted. “As if I would believe any of that.”

“Yes, Elizabeth is no fortune hunter. But I am sure you will find a way to get your own way.”

“Of course! I took notice of the most expensive fabric each of them set their eyes on and talked to Madam Durand afterwards. Each of them will have the most exquisite evening gown in time for the ball. And I have charged them all to your account.”

“I should talk to the Durands. They should not allow anyone but the Darcys to charge to our family account.”

Lady Susan laughed, “Yes, tell Madam Durand I am the imposing poor relative.”

“The money is one thing. But how do you expect me to persuade Elizabeth to wear this gown?”

“You have to beg on your knees then,” she said. “Honestly, Fitzwilliam, I am very happy for you. Elizabeth is genuine, smart, decisive and most importantly caring. You cannot find a better woman who has the patience to take on your shy sister, your broody self and your whole herd of spoilt children. I should have saved my match- making effort these past five years. Uncle Darcy truly found a good wife for you.” 

“Yes, I know I am a lucky man. But I had done a bit of begging too, before I persuaded her to have me.”

“Wow, why have I not heard about this before? Did the younger Miss Bennets and Mrs. Hurst miss your begging too?”

Darcy shook his head. “I would not feed you with more gossip. You just need to know you are hosting the engagement ball for us.”

“Well, I have my way of digging up gossip, if I want to. I will leave you in peace for a second. Now, where have you sent my dear brother to? I heard young Charles and he were bound for Dover.”

“Yes, I expect to hear from them tonight, if they have any news.”

“That Caroline Bingley is a killjoy. I hope Charles and Richard will be in time for the ball. Otherwise Miss Jane will be quite lost. You do know that your new mother will be coming back for the engagement ball.”

“Mr. Bennet said he would write to his wife, asking Miss Catherine and her to attend the ball and stay in London for a few days.” He said.

“I heard Mrs. Bennet was quite a character. I shall enjoy seeing how you cope with her.” Lady Susan said.

“I shall try my best, for Elizabeth’s and her father’s sake. Mrs. Bennet may seem silly but all her concerns are for the welfare of her daughters. She is a loving mother, at least, more loving than Lady Catherine.”

“Ah, how can we forget our great dame? But the ton will still laugh at your decision.”

“I do not care for the opinion of the ton.”

“You have to prepare Elizabeth for the possible snubs. But I think she has thought it through, before agreeing to marry you. See, she even made Georgiana smile! That is a first for some months.”

“William, may I show the guests the music room?” Georgiana asked her brother eagerly.

“Of course, if I am invited to hear the rendition as well.”

“I am going to persuade Georgiana to abandon her sad and lukewarm Médée for the great love story of Die Zauberflöte.” Elizabeth said.

“I admit Médée is a sad story,” Georgiana argued, “but I do not find it lukewarm at all. The atmosphere of the opera suits my mood, but I am eager to play Mozart’s Magic Flute too.”

“I read that the opera's premier at Paris was met with a lukewarm reception and was not immediately revived,” Elizabeth continued. “And with Médée killing her two children, I shudder about the plot.”

As Darcy listened to the conversation, he was amazed how Elizabeth could draw out the normally silent Georgiana. Suddenly something came into his mind and he asked his sister, “Georgiana, was Médée not based on Greek mythology?”

Georgiana looked at her brother blandly for a few seconds and then a smile broke out on her face. “You are right, brother! Miss Elizabeth, you are right too. Perhaps I should not play Médée ever again. It is too sad and dark. I should have abandoned it after…the person who gave the music sheets to me left.”

Darcy listened half heartedly. In the opera, one of Médée's wedding presents poisoned her rival Dircé. It fitted with Georgiana’s dream. Who gave the sheets to her? Wickham? Why did he give her this, which seemed to make her have nightmares? What was the significance of the story? Perhaps Elizabeth could talk to Georgiana and get her to talk more about what happened in Ramsgate.

***

Next day, the Darcy siblings and the eldest Bennet sisters were at Lady Susan’s townhouse around noon time. It was agreed among the women on the day before that they would try out Lady Susan’s piano forte. Lady Susan would host a family dinner when the remaining three members of the Bennet family arrived from Kent and Hertfordshire. And the women would be called upon to entertain the guests who would include Susan’s parents Lady and Lord Matlock.

Darcy would have liked to host the dinner at his townhouse but Susan persuaded him that the duty would be too strenuous for Georgiana. He agreed reluctantly.

Miss Lydia who was excluded from activities the day before joined the gathering. She was pouting and sulking at the beginning, until the eldest Miss Bennet drew her out by asking to visit her bed chamber.

“Oh, the room was so spacious! It was larger than the parlour in Longbourn. Come, I shall show you the most elegant things I have seen in my life,” Miss Lydia exclaimed.

“Lydia, did you forget something?” Miss Bennet reminded her and nodded in the direction of Lady Susan.

“Oh, yes. Lady Susan, May I invite Jane to visit my bed chambers?” Lydia asked. Darcy did not understand why she did not include Elizabeth.

“That is fine, Lydia. Georgiana will join you as well.” Lady Susan said. “I am sure Elizabeth would like to visit the library instead. Darcy, would you like to take her for the tour.”

Elizabeth looked hesitant, not sure if she should abandon her sisters or perhaps worried about leaving Georgiana with her sisters. But Darcy had no qualm. He was thankful for Susan’s manipulation, to have the time to be alone with his lovely Elizabeth. Springing up from the chair, since he had his bandages removed, he bowed to the other ladies before taking Elizabeth out to the library.

“Charming!” Elizabeth exclaimed on seeing the marvellous library with volumes after volumes of books, old and new.

“Charming indeed!” Darcy agreed, but his eyes feasted on her. “My love.”

She arched her eyes at him for a moment but ignored his compliment. Walking into the room, she strolled towards the deep end and started to check out the books in the last shelves.

He followed her, his eyes devouring her form. “Why did you start browsing from here?”

Her face suddenly turned pink and she smiled in a slightly wicked sort of way which excited him. “There is no reason at all.” She said.

“I do not believe you.” He stepped closer to her. “I wager there must some naughty reasons, for you look rather flustered.”

Her breath shortened as she looked at his caveat, instead of his face. She turned around to touch the spines of a few volumes. Ah, she was panting now! Her bosom was shaking up and down. What a pleasing sight!

He moved to stand behind her and traced his fingers along the books, just a few paces behind hers.

“What do you fancy?” He lowered his head, drew in the sweet lavender scent from her earlobe and whispered to her ears.

“Umh.” She stammered. “This one looks interesting.” She replied and drew out a tiny old book from among the volumes.

“What an accomplished lady I am engaged to.” The tip of his tongue caressed the lovely skin on her earlobe. She gasped out loud and he continued to whisper. “Solving drainage problem is high on your reading list.”

“I…want to help…the Jones, now that they have to use the soil more.” She uttered. “You know, with the glass house thing.”

“Ah the Jones, perhaps I should see if Grandma Jones is telling the truth.” He said. “You know, with you having wide hips.” His hands moved to smooth over her waist and traced a hot path down her hips.

“Fitzwilliam!” She chastised breathlessly. “Do we not have more…important thing to discuss? I am certain Lady Susan give us some privacy for that reason.”

“I am not so sure.” He said. One of his hands was caressing her abdomen while the other grabbed hold of her pert buttock. She squirmed and leaned her head back to his chest. “Perhaps she takes pity on me, not been able to court you in the past few days, due to my injury.”

The book slipped from her fingers and dropped onto the ground with a thump. She held to the edge of the shelves tight as her body moved against the stroking of his hands. “What about…Miss Bingley?”

His breathing became shallow as well. “I would rather not think about her.” Her restless shaking heightened his arousal. “Do not move, Elizabeth.”

“Why?”

“You will make me ruin my breeches. I shall not be fit to be seen by our family.”

“Oh!” She whispered and tried to stop her movement. “But you have to stop…rubbing me.”

“I am trying.”

“You need to try harder, for I may not hold still.”

Darcy stopped his wayward hands but still held onto her waist. His body embraced her tight. Taking a few minutes to calm his ardency, he finally managed to suppress his arousal and moved away from her. He turned to grab the edge of the shelves behind, willing his own breath to normal.

“We should not be alone in future.” She said.

“We should get married before Christmas.”

She ignored his complain and walked to sit on a chaise by the window. “Miss Bingley is still not to be found?”

Darcy shook his head and sat on the chair opposite her. “Charles and Richard’s mission was unsuccessful. They would return to London soon.”

“What will Mr. Bingley do then?”

“We will think of something. Enough of her. Susan told me you refused any gift from her.”

“Papa has given us some extra pin money.”

“You know your refusal is futile to Lady Susan.”

“What has her ladyship done?”

“All of you shall receive an exquisite gown in a few days.”

“You should stop her! Instruct Madam Durand to stop the work. I do not want others to say that I marry you for the money.”

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