He handed her the note.
“Darling, my pursuit begins today. Your most ardent cicisbeo, Hugh.”
The words struck her like a blow. Cold swept through her limbs, and her hands began to tremble. Would this end on a field of honor? Would Fitzwilliam be injured or killed?
Mr. Darcy placed an arm about her waist and guided her to the nearest chair. Richard brought her a glass of wine. She drank, then pressed her hand to her damp forehead. After another sip of wine, she said, “I am recovered now. I was merely taken aback. Who would believe a man raised as a gentleman could be capable of such aggression?” She took Darcy’s hand in hers.
“Fitzwilliam, you do not believe I offered him encouragement?”
“Elizabeth, pray, do not distress yourself on account of Dunwich. We all know Dunwich and the way he pursues women. Soon we shall begin receiving invitations to social functions hosted by his particular friends, those who assist him in his seductions.”
“Oh, I cannot endure his attentions. This is too bad of him. Why should he make me suffer so?” Elizabeth cried.
Darcy said bitterly, “Most women would not consider them a hardship, darling. Most swoon at his feet and hope they shallbecome the one woman to secure his admiration. He is a handsome devil. Your reaction would astonish him.”
Richard said, “No, it would not. Her rejection may prove the very thing that secures his unwavering devotion.”
Beaumont said, “We had hoped to bring Elizabeth back with us. Our drawing room overflows with floral bouquets, and it would be a shame for her not to see them. Mrs. Gardiner is to take tea with us. If you agree, we shall return her in time for dinner.”
All fell silent and looked to Darcy.
“Of course, Elizabeth may go. She is not confined here at Matlock. I only desire her safety.”
Beaumont rose and offered his hand to Jane. “Thank you, Darcy. We will take care for her safety.”
Elizabeth led the way as they donned their outerwear and prepared themselves for the cold. Farewells were exchanged, and then they departed.
Georgiana entwined her arm through her brother’s. “Fitzwilliam, I am afraid for Elizabeth. Would Lord Dunwich prove so barbaric as to abduct her?”
“Once he might have done so, but he is different with Elizabeth. He holds her in esteem. He will not injure her, for he desires a respectable marriage with her.”
Georgiana raised her eyes to his. “And you approve, brother?”
“No, dear. I merely repeat what Elizabeth herself said. He will conduct himself as a gentleman in all matters concerning her. We shall soon marry, and then she will stand beyond his reach.”
Chapter 43: Tea And Tidings
Elizabeth moved slowly along the sideboard, pausing before each floral arrangement. She read every handwritten card and admired the artistry of the bouquets, each one designed to charm and court her favor. Then she came upon an arrangement larger than the others. Its quality and artistry were an expression of love, hope, and dreams of the future.
She reached for the accompanying card written in bold script. Lord Dunwich.
She recoiled and, with trembling hand, cast it on the sideboard before retreating to the settee.
“Lizzy, what is it?”
“Lord Dunwich. He is dark, like a serpent. He frightens me, Jane.”
Elizabeth pulled a handkerchief from her reticule and dabbed at her eyes.
“This year has been difficult. Death. Then Mary was taken, and these past weeks I have labored to improve myself, only to become prey to a man with nothing better to occupy his time than persecuting a defenseless young woman.”
She blew her nose and continued her lament. “You lost Mr. Bingley. I was ill, nearly unto death.”
She did not speak of Lydia. Of the blackguard. Of India. Of a sister lost forever.
Elizabeth heard a sound at the door. Both women turned and saw Sir Gareth with Madeline Gardiner standing beside him. After kisses and embraces were exchanged, Beaumont rang for tea, and then he excused himself.
“Jane, I shall be in my study should you need me.”
