Falling at Pemberley Chapter 12

Again, thank you for all your comments. In Chapter 11 Wickham showed up, and we’ll see a little more of him in this chapter. Something prompted the Westerfields to decide to leave, but will Darcy find out what that was? And will their departure open the door for Elizabeth and Darcy to finally talk? Maybe. Maybe not. You can find Chapter 1 here if you are new to the story.

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Chapter 12

Elizabeth walked slowly into the courtyard and sat down on a bench. She tilted her head back, staring up at the sky, which had lost much of its blueness to an increasing number of clouds moving in. A single raindrop from a dark cloud overhead dropped on her cheek, mingling with a tear that trailed down her face. She reached up to wipe them both away.

She could not order her feelings. Wickham’s sudden and unexpected appearance had ruined what could have been a lovely walk. If she and Mr. Darcy had been able to talk – honestly – about how things stood between them, then perhaps the Westerfields’ departure would be looked upon favourably by them both. But she could not be certain that his feelings for her now were still what they had been in Kent.

When the raindrops began to increase, she hurried into the house and walked to her uncle’s room. As she neared the door, she heard voices and stepped in to see Miss Darcy with her aunt and uncle.

“Miss Darcy, this is a pleasant surprise. How are you this morning?” As soon as the words were out of Elizabeth’s mouth, she could readily see a look of distress on the young girl’s face. “Is something wrong?”

“I have been trying to find my brother. Something has happened, and I am not certain what I ought to do.”

Mrs. Gardiner put her hand on Miss Darcy’s shoulder and explained further to her niece. “Apparently the Westerfields are leaving. Miss Darcy thought they seemed disturbed about something, but they would offer no reasons for their unexpected departure.”

“Your brother has gone to them. We… I saw him walk to the front just as the Westerfields were about to board their carriage.”

A sigh of relief escaped Georgiana’s lips. “I am so glad. I would not wish to have them leave without his seeing them first.”

“Did they say something was wrong?” Mrs. Gardiner shook her head. “I cannot possibly imagine them to be unhappy with anything here.”

Georgiana lifted her eyes to Elizabeth, and they exchanged a brief glance.

“I am certain it was nothing serious.” Elizabeth hoped she sounded more convinced than she felt. “Perhaps something came up that required their attention elsewhere.”

“Yes, perhaps…” Georgiana gave a small curtsey. “I ought to join him. If you will please excuse me…”

“Yes, certainly!” Mr. Gardiner said. Once she was gone, he looked up at his niece with a sly smile. “So could it be perhaps that the beautiful Miss Westerfield has decided Pemberley and Mr. Darcy are not good enough for her?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I doubt that.” She could not get rid of the feeling that she might be responsible for what was now taking place, and she felt a weight of guilt upon her.

“Well, we must not conjecture,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “Perhaps Mr. Darcy will tell us later, but in the meantime, let us make the most of our time left here. With Edmund’s mobility improved, we ought to make plans to return home. I would like to visit one more friend in Lambton before we leave, so I will send off a note to her to see if I may pay her a call on the morrow.” She looked at her husband and smiled. “Do you think you will be able to manage without me for a few hours if I do so?”

“I am certain I shall manage somehow!” he replied with a hearty laugh. “What could go wrong?”

*~*~*

Darcy hurried towards the front of the house, hoping to get there before the carriage pulled away. He was not certain what prompted the Westerfields’ decision to leave, but he had his suspicions. He hated the possibility that Miss Westerfield may have been hurt if she or one of her parents had seen him dancing with Elizabeth. He and Angeline had always been such good friends. His stomach lurched, however, as he considered that if he had asked for her hand, he would be marrying a young lady he did not love. At the moment, he could not decide whether he felt relief they were leaving or guilt that it was because of his actions.

He was out of breath when he reached the front of the house. He slowed down and brushed himself off as he approached them. He was grateful he would be able to speak to them before they departed.

“Are you leaving?” Darcy asked. “Is something wrong?”

Both ladies looked silently at Mr. Westerfield who replied. “Not necessarily wrong, sir, but it appears our expectations were not in accordance with yours.”

Miss Westerfield dipped her head down, but not before Darcy noticed a tear trailing down her cheek.

“I am… I must beg your forgiveness. I regret if there has been a misunderstanding.” Darcy knew what that understanding had been, even though he had never expressed it explicitly.

“No need to apologize.” He looked at his wife and daughter. “We must hurry so we can make progress on the roads before the storm begins.” He looked up. “It appears to be moving to the south.” He turned back to Darcy and said, “Good day, sir.” He motioned for the ladies to prepare to board the carriage just as Georgiana joined them.

Darcy looked at her. “Georgiana, the Westerfields are leaving.”

“I am so sorry to see you leave. I hope… I hope you enjoyed your stay.”

Miss Westerfield stepped up to her. “I enjoyed getting to know you now that you are a lovely young lady.” She reached out and took her hand. “Goodbye.”

Georgiana attempted to smile. “Goodbye.”

Miss Westerfield looked at Darcy and took in a ragged breath. “I enjoyed reminiscing about our times together when we were young.” Tears pooled in her eyes, and she quickly choked out, “Goodbye, and thank you.” With that, she quickly turned and stepped into the carriage.

“Goodbye, Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Westerfield said. “You have been most hospitable during our stay.”

“It has been our pleasure,” Darcy said.

It was now only Mr. Westerfield who stood opposite Darcy. “I always admired your parents, Darcy, and I hope… I hope you will live up to their good name.”

Darcy’s mouth went dry, and he slowly nodded. “I do try.”

“Well, goodbye.”

As he stepped up into the carriage, Darcy walked up to the door. He looked in and gave Miss Westerfield an apologetic look. “God speed and have a safe journey.”

Darcy and Georgiana watched silently as the carriage pulled away. Georgiana tucked her hand through her brother’s arm and looked up at him. “Did they give you a reason for their sudden departure?”

Darcy gave his head a quick shake. “No, but I am certain it was because one of them saw me waltzing with Miss Bennet.” He let out a long breath. “But I am truly surprised, as I would have expected more of a set down by Mr. Westerfield than what I received.” He kept his eyes on the carriage. “I remember him as having a strong temper. That, I do not understand.”

“Perhaps it was something else.” Georgiana looked up at him. “Brother, despite your strong feelings for Miss Bennet, you are not pleased with this outcome. I can see it in your face.”

He opened his mouth and then closed it. His eyes flickered with indecision as he considered his words. “I am grieved that they likely find my character unprincipled and, therefore, consider me not worthy of the Darcy name.”

Georgiana tugged at his arm. “Oh, I am certain that is not the case. They could not think that.”

Darcy drew himself erect and put his hand over his sister’s. “It matters not. They are gone, and…” He shook his head. “I am not grieved by their departure but for my part in their decision to leave.”

Georgiana smiled. “But now you can confess your feelings for Miss Bennet – honourably!” She let out a small laugh.

“Yes.” Darcy’s face remained stoic. After a moment he said, “But Georgiana, there is something I must tell you.”

“Is something wrong? Have you already spoken to her and she is not willing to receive your affections? I can see in your face that something else is disturbing you.”

He patted Georgiana’s hand. “I encountered Miss Bennet while out walking, and I was about to confess my unchanging feelings for her when…” He paused and pressed his lips together. “Georgiana, George Wickham has returned. He was in the woods.”

Georgiana’s face paled and she cast her eyes down. “He is… here?”

Darcy felt the anger surge inside of him just thinking about it. “Yes, to see his mother before she dies, with which I cannot find fault.” He fisted his hands at his sides. “However, I was greatly displeased he had come near Pemberley, and… I had just encountered Miss Bennet while out walking, and he saw the two of us together.” He gave his head a brisk shake. “Apparently he had heard rumours about a young lady being at Pemberley that I was intending to ask to marry me. He made the assumption that it was Miss Bennet.”

“He said as much?”

“Yes. She, of course denied it, as did I.”

“But of course, you would both deny it to him.” She shook her head. “You must talk to her!”

“I am not certain it would be wise, considering the supposed object of my affection just departed.” He let out a huff. “Besides, I have business with my steward I must see to.”

“If not now, then later. I will send for her to meet with me in the small parlour before the meal. You can come by, and I can conveniently leave to allow the two of you to talk.”

Darcy chuckled and grabbed her chin, lifting it up. “I never knew you to be so conniving and manipulative, Georgie.”

She gave him a wide smile. “Neither did I, but I rather like it!”

Darcy let out a laugh, partly out of relief that he would finally be able to speak with Elizabeth. “As do I!”

*~*~*

It was several hours before Wickham returned to Lambton. After encountering Darcy and Miss Bennet, he had walked to the place in the woods where he could furtively look out onto Pemberley. As he stared down at it, his face did not reflect admiration of the beautiful stately manor, only anger and bitterness.

He picked up a rock and threw it in the direction of the home. “Why could it not have been mine? He loved me as a son!” He shook his head. “If only his true son had died, I am certain he would have made me the heir.” He sneered. “Or if I had succeeded in eloping with young, pretty, and innocent Georgiana…”

He spent about an hour there, pondering the significance of encountering Miss Bennet and Darcy. When he could not account for it, he returned to Lambton to visit some old acquaintances before finally returning home.

When he finally reached his sister’s home, he entered. He saw no one, and it was deathly quiet.

“Mother?” Wickham called out. “Mother? Alice? Is she still with us?”

Alice answered from the back room. “Of course, she is still with us. I do not know why, but ever since you arrived, she seems to be more alert.”

He walked into his mother’s room, and a smug smile appeared. “It is my charm.”

“I doubt that. She has been waiting for you to return.” Alice stood up so he could take the chair by his mother’s side. “You really ought not leave her at a time like this.”

“Ah, but being gone provided me with some very interesting news!” He waggled his brows.

“Well, she has some, as well! She wants to tell you herself, and I wondered if you would return in time to hear it from her own lips.”

Wickham stood at her side and looked down at her. “Mother? I have returned. What is it you want to tell me?”

“She is so fatigued, I doubt she will be able to speak the words.”

He looked at his sister. “Is it some inheritance she is bestowing on me? I hope she will have something to give me.”

Alice shook her head. “You know Mother has nothing to pass on to you, and if she did, it would go to me for all I have done for her the past several years.”

“Then what is it she wants to say to me? I hope it is not a death bed wish for me.”

“No, it has to do with Mr. Darcy.”

Wickham rolled his eyes and let out a huff. “I really have no wish to hear about that man, and if it is about his inviting a young lady to Pemberley with the intention of asking for her hand, she already informed me of that.” He shook his head. “Although I now wonder how accurate it was.”

“Well, it pertains to that lady, but it is something new that has come to light.”

They both had to shake their mother a few times before she wakened. She opened her eyes and looked at her son, a smile slowly appearing. She brought her hand up and cupped his cheek.

“Ah, my George. I am so glad you are home.” Her weary eyes started to close.

“I am, as well, Mother. Now I hear you have some interesting news.”

Her eyes shot open. “Oh! I do! It is about Mr. Darcy!”

Wickham drew back at her sudden and unexpected burst of energy. “Go on, dearest Mother. I am listening.”

She closed her eyes as she took in a deep breath.

When she seemed to doze off again, he took her hand and squeezed it. “Mother? What news do you have?”

She stirred and looked at him for a moment, as if to gather her thoughts. “The young lady… who had been brought to Pemberley with her family…” Mrs. Wickham reached out her hand to try to grasp the cup of tea at her bedside.

“She wants a sip,” Alice said.

Wickham took the cup and helped her take a sip. “Yes, go on. The young lady…”

“She… and her family have left Pemberley… apparently distraught over something.” She paused again and briefly closed her eyes.

“Truly? Miss Elizabeth Bennet has left Pemberley?”

“Who is Elizabeth Bennet?” Alice asked.

“Is she not the one everyone is saying he is to marry?”

“No…” With her eyes still closed, Mrs. Wickham lifted a finger and slowly wagged it. “She is from that family… that used to visit.” She opened her eyes slightly and peered out at her daughter, waving her hand for her to continue.

“Miss Westerfield,” Alice said. “He was going to ask for Angeline Westerfield’s hand in marriage.”

Wickham’s eyes widened. “Miss Velvet Sheen Angeline?”

Alice nodded. “The very one.” She shook her head. “Although, I do not think she liked you calling her that.”

Wickham leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms. “Ah, but she had unbelievably velvet skin, and her hair had a delightful sheen to it.” He looked down at his mother. “You said she and her family left because they were distraught? Do you know what caused the distress?”

His mother, weary from the discourse, looked at her daughter to continue.

“Apparently there is another young lady at Pemberley who was seen privately dancing with Mr. Darcy.”

“No…” Mrs. Wickham said impatiently, but weakly. “Not dancing… waltzing.”

“Apparently they were waltzing together while Miss Darcy provided the music for their little private dance.”

A wicked smile appeared on Wickham’s face. “Well, this is interesting! Miss Elizabeth Bennet waltzing with Mr. Darcy; I am surprised.”

Alice lowered her brows. “Who is Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” She shook her head. “And you said you have some news. What is it?”

Wickham licked his lips and turned to face his mother. “Indeed, I do, for I saw them…” He paused and then continued. “I saw Darcy walking alone with Miss Elizabeth Bennet into the woods.” His brows lowered, and he gave his head a quick shake. “They did not see me at first, and as I observed them, it appeared they had more than just a casual acquaintance. If you know what I mean.” He lifted a brow and let out a long, satisfied breath.

“Truly?”

“But I cannot imagine him risking everything with Miss Westerfield for…” His brows pinched. “Miss Bennet!”

Alice’s eyes opened wide and her jaw dropped. “Who is this Elizabeth Bennet?”

“She is a young lady I met when the Militia was stationed in Hertfordshire, in a little village called Meryton. She lived nearby. She is one of five daughters, who are – all of them – only out to gain rich husbands. They will do anything to snare a gentleman with fortune. Her eldest sister almost immediately attached herself to a young gentleman of fortune who had only recently moved into the neighbourhood.” He looked at his mother with a raised brow. “This gentleman also happens to be the good friend of Darcy.”

“Go on,” Mrs. Wickham said, her eyes wide.

“Her two youngest sisters were unabashedly flirtatious towards all the soldiers.” He sent his mother a reassuring glance. “There was no need to worry, Mother. I behaved myself around them.” He waved his hand. “I understood the family had no fortune whatsoever.”

His mother gave him a sad smile. “If only you had been given what the late Mr. Darcy promised you.”

Wickham scowled. “Darcy is not half the man his father was.”

“So Miss Elizabeth Bennet is an acquaintance of yours?” Alice asked.

“Yes. I knew her and her family quite well.”

“What is she like?” Mrs. Wickham asked with a frown.

“I would say that she is fairly intelligent, and I now will add that she is conniving. I would surmise she likely did not want Darcy to escape her grasp. She claimed her uncle injured himself while they were taking a tour of Pemberley, and they were forced to remain there.” He let out a laugh. “They likely planned the whole thing before they even set out!”

“But she and Mr. Darcy… Are you certain they were alone in the woods?” Alice asked. “I cannot imagine him doing anything improper. There was no one there acting as their chaperone?”

“Oh, they were certainly alone, and there was no chaperone. They were completely out of the view of the house.” He shook his head. “I cannot say what their intentions were – but my guess is they were headed into the woods for a clandestine meeting.”

“That sounds so unlike him!” Alice said. “Are you certain?”

“I know what I saw. The highly esteemed Mr. Darcy is not as honourable as people think. His being seen waltzing with Miss Bennet and then the Westerfields leaving has certainly confirmed his character.” He shook his head. “I have to confess I am shocked, but not at all surprised, knowing what I do of the young lady and her sisters.”

Mrs. Wickham closed her eyes again. “Mr. Darcy was very kind when he visited.” A look of distress filled her aging features. “Everyone considers him to be a most upright gentleman.”

“Well, we know otherwise, do we not? Remember what he did to me?” Wickham spat it out. “His true character will be found out.”

His mother responded with a frail sigh. “And I always had hopes that he would single Alice out as his wife.”

“As if he would! You are fortunate he did not!” Wickham said, looking sharply at his sister.

She smiled. “I would have considered myself very fortunate, George, but I knew he would never single out a young lady who was only the daughter of his steward.” She let out a breathy sigh. “Besides, I am perfectly happy with John. He has been a very good husband.”

Mrs. Wickham smiled faintly. “But I saw how you looked at him when he came to see me.”

A blush covered Alice’s cheeks. “It is only because he is still so handsome.”

“His father was always so honourable.” Mrs. Wickham let out a long sigh. “I thought his son would turn out the same.”

George suddenly drew himself erect. “Well, he did not. You look tired, Mother. I am going to sit in the parlour for a little while.”

Mrs. Wickham closed her eyes and nodded. “Yes…”

“And Mother,” Alice said. “If you do not mind, now that George has returned, I need to visit someone.” She looked at her brother. “Let George know if you need anything.”

“I will be here.” Wickham gave a satisfied grin. “Feel free to go. Do not worry about Mother.”

Wickham and his sister left their mother’s room. “Thank you for staying with her. I am going to visit Ellen for a while.”

“Always my pleasure,” Wickham said with a sly smile. “You and Mrs. Abbott may visit as long as you please.”

“I will not be gone too long.” She gathered a few things. “Her daughter Harriet now works at Pemberley, and she will know what is and is not true.”

Wickham laughed as he watched his sister leave the house. “A daughter working at Pemberley! This is even better! Since there is nothing Mrs. Abbott loves to do more than gossip, these rumours about Darcy and Miss Bennet ought to spread through Lambton and back to Pemberley itself in no time!” He sat down in a chair and began rubbing his jaw. “Perhaps I should have made their walk into the woods more scandalous. I could have added some additional details.” He shook his head. “No. I did not even have to lie about what I saw.” He chuckled. “Darcy’s true actions will end up being his downfall this time.”

Chapter 13