Falling at Pemberley Chapter 14

I have to admit, your comments and suspicions about Miss Westerfield greatly entertained me. There was nothing false about the accident, and no manipulative motives in writing Darcy requesting that he come. Derbyshire is a good distance from London and her home, and from Wakespur Manor, where she was, it would have taken longer for her letter informing family of the accident to get to them, and then that length of time again for someone to come.  Pemberley was closer. After this chapter, I will be posting only one more. I hope to publish the book some time next month, at least by the end of September. I will keep you posted when advance sales begin, and of course I will have a giveaway of the book in an upcoming post. So a warning – things do not improve. If you do not like angst, you might want to wait for the book’s release. If you have not yet begun to read, you can find Chapter 1 here.

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Chapter 14

Elizabeth awakened the next morning as the sun’s first rays of light touched the sky and peeked through the window coverings in her room. She climbed out of bed and walked to the chair by the window. She sat down, pulled back the curtain, and looked out. Her eyes felt heavy and dry, despite the tears that had filled her eyes throughout the night. She had not slept well at all. Her insides were in knots as she pondered what might have happened when Mr. Darcy arrived at his destination last night. Did he speak with Miss Westerfield and clear up any misunderstanding or misapprehensions she may have had? Would the situation in which she found herself with both of her parents injured cause him to feel such compassion for her that he asked for her hand? She gazed out towards the woods, where she and Mr. Darcy had walked, and she felt a sharp pang as she thought back to their walk together, wishing it had not been first interrupted by Mr. Wickham and ended by seeing the Westerfields departing.

Then there was the surprising news Miss Darcy had shared with her. So, her brother still had designs on keeping Mr. Bingley from Jane and encouraging an attachment between Mr. Bingley and his sister.

Elizabeth began to rub her forehead, realizing this would prevent any attachment she might desire with Mr. Darcy. She could not do that to her sister. If Jane were to hear that Miss Darcy was attached to Mr. Bingley, she might give in to her mother’s wishes and marry Mr. Goulding.

She let out a soft moan.

“Lizzy? Are you awake?” Mrs. Gardiner sat up in the bed. “What time is it?”

Elizabeth shrugged. “The sun is up, so I am up.”

Her aunt laughed. “Yes, and you have always been that way, even as a baby, which your mother considered to be ill-mannered of you.”

Elizabeth murmured an affirmative.

“Lizzy, are you unwell?” Mrs. Gardiner stepped out of bed and walked over to her niece. She placed an arm about her shoulders and leaned in. “Are you displeased that Mr. Darcy has left?”

Elizabeth blew out a puff of air. “I can hardly blame him when I encouraged him to go.” She clasped her hands and looked down at them. “I…” She didn’t finish, but turned to her aunt. “Mr. Darcy did not know when he would be returning, and I know Uncle Gardiner is eager to return home.” She looked back out the window. “Perhaps we need to make plans to take our leave.”

“As a matter of fact, we were talking about that very thing last evening when we returned to our rooms. Lizzy, he wants to leave within a few days. We have already been gone longer than we planned.”

“I am well aware of that.”

Mrs. Gardiner picked up a brush and began brushing Elizabeth’s long, chestnut tresses. “I will be going to visit a few friends today. Perhaps when Mr. Darcy arrived to check on the Westerfields, he found them to be greatly improved and will return home later today.”

“Yes, perhaps he will.”

*~*~*

Elizabeth tried to rally her spirits and encourage Miss Darcy, who seemed a little less troubled by her brother’s departure, but still slightly unsure. But when the young girl needed to pay a call, Elizabeth returned to her uncle. He was resting in the small sitting room.

“Now I do not want you to feel as though you need to spend your time with me. I am doing well.”

Elizabeth smiled. “I know. I have been enjoying Miss Darcy’s company, but she needed to visit someone.”

“So with her gone and your aunt visiting her friend, you are stuck with me.” He let out a laugh, but the smile quickly disappeared. “I know your aunt talked with you this morning about our leaving soon.”

Elizabeth nodded and then turned her head as she took in a halted breath. “I knew it would likely be soon.”

He chuckled. “I am certain your Mr. Darcy will have returned by the time we need to leave.”

She pressed her lips tightly together. At length, she said, “He is not my anything. It is probably best that we leave as soon as possible.”

Her uncle leaned in towards her. “Now, Lizzy, why would you say that?”

“I truly have no idea what he thinks of me… or if he thinks of me at all.”

“Oh, I am certain…” He paused as Mrs. Reynolds stepped into the room.

Her carriage was stiff, and instead of a smile, she wore a tight-lipped frown.

“I am here to inform you that… unseemly rumours have been circulating around Lambton and amongst the staff here, that…” She gave a pointed look at Elizabeth. “That my Master and you, Miss Elizabeth, have been seen together in some rather disreputable situations.”

“What?” Both Elizabeth and her uncle asked at once.

Mrs. Reynolds continued as if she had not heard them. “There is talk that the two of you were walking unaccompanied into the woods together yesterday, and that you were seen dancing together in the music room a few days ago.” She straightened her shoulders and lifted her head. “I have spoken with Mr. Brooks, the butler, and we are both concerned for our master’s character.”

Elizabeth felt her face warm, but before she could reply, she turned at the sound of hurried steps approaching the room. It was her aunt. “Elizabeth! I cannot believe that rumours about you and…” She paused when she noticed Mrs. Reynolds. “Oh! Good day, Mrs. Reynolds.”

“So you heard them, too,” Mrs. Reynolds declared. “I am sorry, but with Mr. Darcy being from home, Mr. Brooks and I have made the difficult decision to ask you to leave Pemberley at once.”

“But can we not hear from my niece to find out if any of this is true?” Her uncle looked at Elizabeth. “Tell her, Elizabeth, that you have never been in the woods alone with Mr. Darcy. And danced with him? These must all be lies.”

Elizabeth closed her eyes and looked away. She knew the warmth of her face was likely revealing to them what they did not want to believe. “I own we did dance…”

“The waltz, as I understand,” said Mrs. Reynolds.

She nodded and drew in a breath. “Yes, Miss Darcy was playing a three-quarter piece, and I was moving in the steps to the waltz. Mr. Darcy came in and…” She suddenly felt dizzy. “Yes. We danced the waltz.”

“And the woods? Lizzy, do not tell me you were walking into the woods with him?” her aunt asked. “Alone?”

Elizabeth reached out her hand to a nearby table to steady herself. “I had been out walking by myself and encountered him.”

“But did you continue to walk with him into the woods?” Mrs. Reynolds’ brows lowered.

Elizabeth mutely nodded. “Very briefly, but I assure you, we did nothing indecent.” She suddenly looked up. “Almost as soon as we had begun walking together, we encountered Mr. Wickham!” She searched Mrs. Reynolds’s face. “Certainly, you know he is capable of spreading vicious stories. He likely began spreading rumours about us and made it out worse than it truly was, much like he had done about Mr. Darcy in Meryton.”

Mrs. Reynolds slowly shook her head. “You have confirmed by your own words the nature of these rumours.”

Elizabeth sent her aunt and uncle a pleading look. “You must believe me that nothing improper occurred between us. If any there are any rumours hinting at indecency between us, they are nothing but lies!”

Mrs. Reynolds drew her shoulders back. “As does happen when rumours begin spreading, but I still must ask you to depart at once.” She shook her head. “While it cannot be confirmed, it is being suggested that your actions with my Master led the Westerfields to depart so abruptly.”

Elizabeth turned her eyes to her aunt, who nodded. “Yes, Lizzy, that is what I was told by my friend in Lambton, as well.”

“There is nothing more to be said. I will send a maid and manservant to your rooms to help you pack up your belongings and arrange for your driver and carriage to be brought around directly.”

“But can we not wait for Miss Darcy to return? She certainly will…” Mrs. Gardiner began.

Mrs. Reynolds shook her head. “This does not concern the young girl. As I have the reputation of my Master to protect and uphold, this is the only option. I am deeply sorry.”

“Yes!” Elizabeth said suddenly, and then continued softly, “Yes, we will leave. I agree. There is nothing more to be said about it.” She looked at her aunt and uncle. “Come. We have much to do to get ready.” She then looked at Mrs. Reynolds. “Thank you for all you have done for us.” With tears filling her eyes, Elizabeth turned to walk back to her room. She swallowed down a lump in her throat and shook her head as she thought of the lone magpie she and Mr. Darcy had seen yesterday. “One is for sorrow…” she said softly, a tear trailing down her cheek.

*~*~*

Darcy slept fitfully throughout the night, despite the fine room and comfortable bed. His thoughts frequently had gone to the young lady and her family in the room down the hall. He had a deep concern for the welfare of Angeline and her parents, as well as their suffering the loss of their coachman and footman. The two men had likely served them for many years.

But he had also thought deeply about the other young lady and her family at Pemberley. Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Did he dare hope that she would ever come to return his love? He pondered what it had been about her that had drawn him to her, despite all his arguments against her suitability for him.

And of the two ladies, which one would give him the greatest happiness? He knew on the one hand, the intensity of his feelings for Miss Bennet had not dissipated. She had touched his heart, and despite thinking he had gotten over her, when he found out that she was at Pemberley and then saw her again, it had all come rushing back.

Miss Westerfield was a genteel, kind, beautiful, and accomplished woman, whose fortune and connections would complement his, thus making her a suitable match. She had been a long-time acquaintance, a friend that he had long admired. But did he love her? He shook his head. No, he did not.

He got out of bed and dressed, hoping he would find Mr. and Mrs. Westerfield improved. But more than that, he hoped Angeline’s brother would arrive, or some family member, so he could return to Pemberley – and Elizabeth.

He returned to the sitting room, where he found freshly baked breads, fruit, coffee, and tea awaiting him. He was pouring himself some coffee when Mr. Kingston entered.

“Good morning, Darcy. I hope you slept well.”

Darcy gave a shrug. “Not well, but I doubt anyone did, with the events that took place yesterday.”

“We do not stand on ceremony in this house, so help yourself to some food. I’ve had some taken up to Miss Westerfield and her mother.”

“I am certain they will appreciate it.”

Kingston sat down and crossed his leg over one knee. “So tell me, Darcy, how is it you are acquainted with the Westerfields. It was apparent last night that you know Miss Westerfield well.”

Darcy took a sip of his coffee before answering. “We have known each other since our childhood. Her parents were good friends with my parents.” He looked down at the dark liquid as it caught reflections of the light and suddenly thought of Elizabeth’s hair. He shook his head. “She and her family had been visiting Pemberley. They just left yesterday morning.”

“I see.” He looked down at his fingers, which he was tapping on the arm of the chair. “Do you… Is there an attachment between the two of you?” He slowly lifted his eyes.

Darcy swallowed. “No, she… no.”

Kingston waved his hand. “I did not mean to offend.”

“No offense taken. She wrote to me to come, which I did because she was distraught. She knew I could arrive here more speedily than any of her family or other acquaintances.”

Kingston stood up and walked to the sideboard and picked up a piece of bread. “She seems most amiable and agreeable… especially under such dire circumstances.” He quickly took a bite.

“That she is,” Darcy replied with a chuckle.

“I do not get to London often. I prefer to stay here, away from the crowds, so my acquaintances amongst the Ton are few.”

Darcy nodded. “I prefer Pemberley to Town, as well, but I enjoy some of the amenities London offers, so I put up with the crowds and putrid air in order to attend the theatre, concerts, and the like.”

“Do you know if… does Miss Westerfield enjoy being in town?”

Darcy looked at him with a raised brow and more than a little interest. “I know she spends the season there and is often seen at the theatre or balls.”

Just then a servant stepped in and addressed Kingston. “You wished to know when the doctor had arrived. He is now on his way to their room.”

“Thank you, Martin.” He glanced at Darcy. “Hopefully we will receive some good news about her parents.”

Darcy nodded. “Indeed.”

A moment later, Miss Westerfield joined them. “I thought I would come down while the doctor is seeing my mother and father.”

Darcy could readily see her sunken cheeks, red and puffy eyes, and pale skin, which indicated she had not slept well. “Please, have a seat, Miss Westerfield. Can I get you something?”

She waved her hand through the air. “I do not think I could eat anything. Food was brought to our room, but I do not have the appetite for it.” She looked down as she wiped away a tear that rolled down her cheek.

The two men glanced at each other with concerned looks. “Miss Westerfield, I know you are deeply concerned for your parents, but I want to assure you that they will receive the best care with Mr. Aubring.”

Miss Westerfield looked up and smiled. “I thank you. And again, I thank you for all you did yesterday for us. We are much indebted to you.”

Kingston stood up. “I only did what anyone would have done.”

Darcy watched him and thought he looked uncomfortable with the praise.

“If you will excuse me, I have business with my steward this morning. I will have someone apprise me of what the doctor reports.” He nodded towards the maid who stood by the foods. “Rebecca will remain here so there is no hint of impropriety.” He gave a shrug. “Not that I am worried, but I am particular that way.”

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Kingston.”

“Always best to be wise in that area,” Darcy followed.

Once Mr. Kingston was gone, Miss Westerfield lifted her reddened eyes to him. “Again, I cannot thank you enough for coming. My mother told me she was certain you would, but I had my doubts, especially when we…” She paused and drew in a hitched breath. “I know our sudden departure must have left you with many questions.”

Darcy leaned towards her and clasped his hands in front of him. “I will admit I was surprised to find you were leaving, but I… I also had my suspicions as to what prompted your family’s decision to leave.”

Miss Westerfield began to stroke the nape of her neck, and then said in a trembling voice, “I saw you and Miss Bennet waltzing.”

Darcy closed his eyes and looked down. “I am grieved you saw that.”

“I heard Miss Darcy playing, and I set out for the music room to listen, and maybe practice a little for the soiree when she finished.” She paused and wiped away another tear. “As I approached, I noticed a young maid peeking in at the door. When she saw me, she quickly walked past me, raising her brows and looking at me as if there was something significant going on. When I came to the door and looked in, I immediately understood what her expression meant.”

“You and one of our maids saw us. Do you know which one of our maids this was?”

She shook her head. “I do not know her name. She is very young and has tight red ringlets about her face.”

“I think I know the one.” Darcy looked over at the maid who stood with them in the room. He was certain she was far enough away so she could not hear, but he knew the subject of their conversation could readily be misconstrued.

Darcy lowered his voice. “I have no excuse for what I did. It was a spontaneous decision on my part, for when I heard the music and looked in, much like you did, I saw Miss Bennet moving to the steps of a waltz.” He turned back to look at her. “So I joined her in the dance.”

After a moment of silence, Darcy said, “I would imagine you told your parents…”

“I was not certain what to do, but I knew I could not tell my father.” She shook her head. “I do not like a confrontational scene, and I knew if I told him, there would be one.” She paused. “So I told my mother. She and I are very much alike, and she advised me not to tell Father.”

Darcy was stunned. “You did not tell him?”

She swallowed hard. “You have seen my father’s bursts of anger. He is very strict on matters of priority, and he is not one who likes to see someone deceived or hurt, especially someone in his family.”

“And especially his daughter,” Darcy added softly. “I knew someone had to have seen something. That night, I noticed something not quite right.”

“My mother and I decided to tell Father that I believed we were mistaken in what we had assumed was the reason for our invitation.” Her cheeks filled with a rosy blush. “We had come to believe that you…” Her voice trailed. “We were guilty of accepting as being true rumours that you… you intended to offer for me.”

Darcy turned his head and felt his stomach tighten as he listened to her words.

“I also told Father that my feelings for you had changed.” She suddenly stood up and turned away. “I told him that I discovered that you and I had few interests in common.” She turned back. “Mother suggested to him that we should leave.” She let out a nervous laugh. She shook her head as another tear escaped. She quickly wiped it away. “There was one thing, however, that I did not tell Mother.” She swallowed hard. “I knew that you were… that you were deeply in love with another.” She looked up at him.

Darcy’s eyes widened in surprise. “You… knew?”

“You seem surprised. I readily noticed how you looked at Miss Bennet and seemed to enjoy the banter you had with her. Ladies notice this kind of thing.” She paused and drew in a breath. “I knew you had known her before, if only briefly. I have known you my whole life, and yet you never looked at me that way, or seemed to enjoy talking with me, as much as you enjoyed talking with her.” She paused for a moment. “It was difficult, at first, to comprehend. I tried to reason that this young lady had come to Pemberley to ensnare you, that her uncle’s fall and injuries may have been part of her plan all along to throw herself into your path. I thought perhaps you would come to see the truth of that and push aside any feelings that you had begun to develop for her.”

Darcy stood up and began to pace about the room, wondering what he should tell her. Finally, he stopped and said, “You are right in that my feelings for Miss Bennet are very strong, and I have harboured such feelings since almost the first time I met her.” He shook his head. “But Miss Bennet would never use any arts and allurements to try to ensnare me. In truth she had a… she had rather strong dislike of me.”

Miss Westerfield’s jaw dropped. “She disliked you?” She shook her head. “I did not see dislike at all in her expression as she looked at you. In fact, I only saw admiration and fondness for you.”

Darcy gave a shrug, despite feeling his heart leap. “Truly? I cannot answer to that, for she disliked me immensely and made no effort to hide it.” A small smile appeared. “In fact, when she found herself having to remain at Pemberley due to her uncle’s injury, she did everything in her power to prevent me from seeing that she was there.” His brows pinched. “No, she would have never used any form of arts, manipulation, or any such thing to attract my attention.”

“I see.” Angeline reached out her hand. “Pray forgive me for being so wrong about her.”

“Miss Westerfield, I…” Darcy was unable to finish, as the doctor joined them.

“Miss Westerfield, if you would return to the room, we can discuss your parents’ condition.”

She turned to Darcy. “I must go to them. I shall let you know how they are doing.” She started to walk away, but stopped. “You are a good man, Fitzwilliam.” She looked like she was about to say more, but instead, she walked away.

Darcy watched her until she had disappeared down the hall. He drew in a breath. “She is an admirable woman who will someday make a fortunate gentleman very happy.” He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Instead of seeing Angeline, however, he saw Elizabeth in the darkness. Elizabeth, who was willing to challenge and confront him, brought liveliness into his life, and stirred him to depths he had never known.

He thought of the bird he had begun to carve when he overheard Mr. Bennet at the Netherfield Ball telling someone how he called each of his daughters by the name of a bird, depending on its characteristics. He particularly remembered that he called Elizabeth a magpie. He thought how appropriate that was, for the bird is one of nature’s most intelligent, social creatures. He had begun to carve it in February when he returned to Pemberley for a month. He had futilely tried to put her out of his heart and mind after leaving Netherfield, but try as he might, he could not. He had told himself that this little bird he was carving was merely a memory of the woman who unwittingly touched his heart. When he returned from Kent, however, after receiving such a brutal refusal of his offer of marriage to her, he had no desire to finish it.

Now, however, there was a thread of hope that when he returned to Pemberley, he would discover that Angeline’s observations about Elizabeth and what her feelings towards him might be were correct. He could only hope that today Angeline’s brother or someone in his stead would arrive and he would be able to set off for home directly. That thought gave him great delight.

*~*~*

Later that afternoon, Darcy took a walk about the grounds. It was a very nice home, and the gardens and landscape were stellar. He had not seen Angeline since she left him to go with the doctor, but he had received word that her mother was improving and her father had begun to show signs of responsiveness.

As he returned to the house, he encountered Kingston. “I hear there is some improvement in both Miss Westerfield’s parents,” Kingston said. “I am glad.”

Darcy clasped his hands behind him as he walked. “Yes. That is good news.” He looked at him. “I know that Miss Westerfield expressed her gratitude to you, but I want to thank you, as well. There could have been more lives lost than their coachman and footman had it not been for your willingness to stop and lend assistance.”

“I was happy to do so.”

Darcy again sensed Kingston was uncomfortable with the praise.

“Look, someone is arriving.” Kingston’s eyes narrowed. “Could it be someone from Miss Westerfield’s family?”

Darcy looked towards the house, seeing a young man dismount from his horse. “I believe that is her brother, James.” He felt a wave of euphoria as he contemplated finally being able to return to Pemberley. As he and Kingston hurried to greet the young man, he said, “With his arrival, I shall be taking my leave immediately. I actually left guests at Pemberley, who – much like your guests – were staying because the gentleman had been injured.”

“I must say I am surprised by your leaving so soon, but now I understand why, having guests waiting for your return.” He stopped and turned to him. “I know that Miss Westerfield greatly appreciated your dropping everything to give her comfort and support when she most needed it. Despite the distance there is between Pemberley and Wakespur, you were the closest person she could think of to ask to come.” He paused. “And for that, I thank you.”

Darcy nodded, and the two walked towards the young man. Kingston assured him he would have a stable boy saddle his horse.

Darcy greeted James Westerfield and made the introductions. It was apparent he had been informed that his parents and sister had left Pemberley without an engagement being procured, for he did not mention anything to Darcy about it. The three men spoke briefly, and then Kingston showed Westerfield to his family. Darcy returned to his room to pack up the few things he had brought with him.

He then returned to the Westerfields’ room and stepped inside, greeting Mrs. Westerfield, and walking over to her husband. He was asleep, but Darcy could see more colour in his face than he had the night before. This was a good sign. He then went up to Angeline.

“I know you are being well cared for, and now with your brother here, I will be taking my leave.”

She reached out and took his arm. “Allow me, please, to see you out.” As they stepped out of the room, she continued, “Again, I must thank you for coming. I know you did not have to.”

“I could not leave you alone, and I was grateful to find that you were in good hands.”

“Yes, Mr. Kingston has been very kind.”

Darcy stopped and looked at her. “Miss Westerfield… Angeline… I thought I should tell you that the rumours you had heard about my intentions regarding you did have a basis of truth. I had invited you and your family to Pemberley so that we could become reacquainted with each other… in order to…” He paused. “Forgive me. I am ill-equipped to speak of things of the heart.” He shook his head. “I was pleased to discover that you are still the excellent young lady I remember. But…”

Angeline looked up at him with a tilted head. “But you are in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Darcy pursed his lips and nodded. He placed his hand over hers. “I apologize for any grief I may have caused you.”

“I own that my disappointment was great, but I shall soon recover.” She then looked up at him, and with tears glistening in her eyes said, “If it is within your power to secure her affections, I wish you and Miss Bennet great joy.”

“That means more to me than you can imagine.”

She gave a small smile, blinking away a tear that trickled down her face. “Now, having said what I did earlier about Miss Bennet and what I perceived her feelings for you were…” She quickly wiped away the tear and drew in a shaky breath. “If I am mistaken, I would be more than delighted to receive your addresses again.” She placed her hand on his arm. “Goodbye, Fitzwilliam.”

Darcy lifted her hand and kissed it. “Goodbye, Angeline.”

Chapter 15