Prologue
Pemberley, October 1813
Fitzwilliam Darcy stood before the crypt, shoulders bowed. It was a bitterly cold day, and though the ground was covered in white, the sky above was clear. One might think he stood there full of regrets. The truth was more shameful. He was relieved.
Theirs had only been a marriage of convenience. She had begged him to take her away from her tormentor. To safeguard her from the one person whose every action tortured the daughter she was obliged to nurture. Sadly, her rescue came too late to save her life.
When he and his sister Georgiana had visited her estate following their return from extensive travelling, the sight of her had shocked and appalled him.
At the very first opportunity for them to speak privately, she revealed it all to him. Her mother had become deranged and cruel. The older woman blamed her daughter for any perceived insult, but most especially for not securing Pemberley. Dosed with one concoction after another, all she saw was her death, in the very near future.
In an attempt to save her life, he could do naught else but acquiesce. Her mother would never release her, not without the benefit of a marriage license.
Life at Pemberley refreshed her and she grew stronger in body and spirit. Both a local doctor and a specialist from London monitored her health and suggested the most modern practices available. The angel of death had removed his claws from her person, and everyone was hopeful for a full recovery.
Alas, she had not grown strong enough before a cold, which developed into a putrid fever of the lungs, laid siege to her weakened body.
His wife, so fatigued and compromised by the potions and bleedings over the years, had no defence against the virulent illness. She fought valiantly, but it was her heart which gave way in the end.
The gentleman turned and walked away from the grave, placing his hat on his head.
A strong wind lifted fallen leaves into the air, twirling around his ankles and legs. Their movement was halted against the fresh plaque announcing its newest tenant.
Here lies Anne de Bourgh Darcy
Gone too soon
May she find Peace in Heaven
Chapter 1
At an inn on the road to London, March 1814
Georgiana Darcy saw her first. “Brother, look! That young lady is unaccompanied. Shall she be safe here, do you think?”
Darcy glanced over at whom his sister indicated. A young woman, pale and dressed in unrelieved black, sat alone at a table in the inn’s common room. Her stillness was more eye-catching than her widow’s weeds.
Looking around at the other occupants, he noted she was indeed garnering attention. Too many of the other occupants were eyeing her, for his comfort.
“Georgiana, will you accompany me, please?”
Together they moved in the direction of the young woman’s table. When they reached her side, he bowed slightly.
“Forgive me, Madam, for disturbing you. My sister and I were wondering if you would like to join us in our private dining room?” His eyes flickered around the room and rested back on her. “I believe you will feel… more comfortable in a quieter space.”
She slowly raised her head when he began to speak. As his gaze had taken in the room and its occupants, so too now, did hers. Aslight widening of her eyes indicated she apprehended his meaning.
“I thank you, sir. It is most kind of you and your sister to show concern for my well-being.” Her voice was soft, yet melodious. “If it is indeed not too much trouble, I should be grateful to accept your hospitality.” Gathering her reticule, she pushed back her chair and slowly rose to her feet.
Only then was her condition made obvious. The young woman appeared to be very near her confinement.
He gestured for her to proceed after Georgiana, but she took only one step and stumbled. He lunged to assist her, “Madam, are you well?”
“I am well, sir.” She offered him a small, sad smile. “I thank you. Only a little fatigued.”
“Is there any way I might be of assistance?” He offered her his arm as support, and they walked slowly in the direction he indicated.
“No, sir. I am waiting for the post coach. I understand the next one is due early tomorrow morning.”
