Treasured

I’m sorry this is a bit tardy this week. My husband has been home sick today with flu like symptoms, I had a migraine most of the day, and I was ill all last weekend so I didn’t get things scheduled ahead of time. The plot thickens with this chapter!

Previous Chapters: One / Two / Three

Chapter Four

The following morning, Elizabeth, Jane, and Mary awaited Georgiana’s arrival at Longhorn. When, at last, the carriage arrived no one got out.

After waiting several minutes, Jane broke the silence. “Perhaps she does not wish to leave the coach.”

“This most unusual,” Elizabeth said. “For I know Will desired her to come in and meet the family.”

“I can hardly blame her for not wanting to meet any of us,” Mary interjected. “What are we to the Darcy’s? We should go to her.”

“I suppose so,” said Elizabeth. “Although, Will had wanted her to come and greet the family.”

“I daresay if your Will truly wanted that to happen, he would have ridden with her,” Mary observed.

Elizabeth forced herself not to reply to her sister’s rather annoying opinion. “She was very shy as a young girl. Perhaps once we have shopped and chatted and gotten to know one other again, she shall be more willing to come inside.”

“Yes, I think you are right, Lizzy,” said Jane.

The girls collected their outerwear and walked to the coach. Once inside, conversation was nearly nonexistent. Thankfully, the journey to Meryton was a quick one. It was so short the girls often choose to walk. Elizabeth sighed to herself. This must be part of becoming Mrs. Darcy. She could not expect to have the freedom to walk to so many places any longer. As she observed Miss Darcy, it appeared to Elizabeth that an additional reason for the carriage was likely due to the younger girl’s shopping habits. They would need the space for all of her purchases.

“Here we are,” Elizabeth chirped.

“How quaint,” Georgiana said in a disapproving tone.

“I am sure it is not as sophisticated as London,” Mary said. “But it does have its charms.”

“Indeed, Elizabeth said with a smile. “I recall from Sam’s letters that the area around Pemberley was not as large and did not have as new styles. For a country town, I imagine Meryton might have more to offer in the way of shopping and people to meet than many others.”

“I hope you will not miss it too much, Miss Elizabeth. You should know that my brother does not favor town, so on your marriage, you will be spending much time in the country with far fewer shops and people to meet. I know many people are aghast when they learn my brother does not host lavish parties or run up bills at all the local shops.”

Elizabeth glanced at Jane, confused Georgiana’s annoyed tone. “I assure you, Georgiana, I quite love the country and look forward to seeing my new home.”

“I do wish for you to call me Miss Darcy. Additionally, you should know there is much more to running an estate as large as Pemberley than merely seeing all of its grand rooms and expensive furnishings.”

“Indeed,” Elizabeth said. “I did not mean to make it sound like anything else. I know Pemberley is larger than Longbourn, but I believe I am up to the task of managing it. Of course, with the help of you and the housekeeper.”

Georgiana laughed. “I am afraid I will of be no help. I shall spend most of my time in London. I take my lessons very seriously. Perhaps, I might teach you various accomplishments.” Georgiana’s eyes lingered on Mary and Jane. “If you ever invite your sisters, that his if  Will ever believes they are worthy of my company, I should be happy to assist them as well.”

Elizabeth was saved from having to reply further to Georgianna by the footmen opening the door. One by one, he handed the ladies down. Once outside, Georgiana surveyed the square with a critical eye. If Elizabeth had thought Will was proud when they first met all those years ago, it was nothing compared to the expression of his sister.

“Where would you like to start, Miss Darcy?” asked Jane. “We have a milliner, a dressmaker, even a bookseller who sometimes gets music.”

“Lizzy must go to the dressmaker and milliner, and Jane prefers those as well. However,” said Mary, “if you would prefer the bookshop, I always came to visit it. I would welcome your opinion of our offerings compared to London’s shops.”

“What? Have you never been to town?

“No,” Mary answered looking at her shoes. “I have just come out, and my relations have only ever invited Jane and Lizzy.”

“You must not feel left out, Mary.” Jane put her arm around her sister. “You are out, and now that Lizzy is getting married there will be additional space in their home for you. Nor must you make it sound as though we were always visiting. There many years we could not as Aunt was too busy with the children.”

“I know,” Mary sighed.

“In that case,” Georgiana said with a smile, “I do like your suggestion, Miss Mary.”

“Really?” Mary asked in surprise.

“Indeed! Music is my greatest joy in life, and the instrument at Netherfield is quite nice. It does not compare to the one at Pemberley or even Darcy house, but it will do. However,” Georgiana rolled her eyes, “I cannot abide by Miss Bingley’s taste. I do not know that we shall find anything suitable here, but it is worth a look.”

“I also greatly enjoy playing.” Mary gave Georgiana a timid smile. “I am sure my talent is nothing to yours after training with Masters in town. If you desire to teach me, I very much would like to learn.”

“Excellent!” Georgiana linked her arm through Mary’s. “We should go to the bookshop and then meet your sisters at the dressmaker’s.” They began to step away.

Mary looked over her shoulder. “You do not mind, Lizzy, do you?

“Of course not,” Elizabeth shook her head. “It is very appropriate for you to spend time together especially as you have such similar interests. I also enjoy playing but lack the passion Mary has for it. I would love to hear you play again, Miss Darcy. I have very fond memories of it from years ago. You must be even more improved since then.”

As Elizabeth and Jane made their way to the dressmaker and the milliner, Elizabeth could not help but wonder at Georgiana changing from the girl she had known five years ago. This Elizabeth could explain to herself. Georgiana was now at the most trying years of a young lady’s life, and some alteration in mood and temperament would be expected. Her kindness to Mary would be proof that her ill-nature was not a permanent change, except that Elizabeth did not trust Georgiana was genuinely interested in Mary.

Mary was a year older, but Georgiana appeared the elder in many ways. Although she was the younger lady, Georgiana had gone to London and been in the world. She had already made the mistake of trusting George Wickham and now believed brother tore her apart from a constant lover. Mary, by contrast, was quiet. The only common interests or experiences they could have would be the pianoforte. While Mary counted it as an accomplishment, she played mostly for enjoyment and did not have the skills at seventeen that Georgiana had at twelve. Georgiana had many years worth of music masters. Mary did not usually separate from Jane and Elizabeth on their trips to Meryton, and it concerned Elizabeth how quickly Georgiana manipulated everyone around her.

Elizabeth concerns seemed for not, however, when Mary and Georgiana arrived at the dressmaker’s in due time, none the worse for the wear. “How did you find the bookshop, Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth asked.

“Mary was quite correct. It is nothing compared to the sophisticated shops of London. However, it will do, and I did find this,” she held up a package, “It is not as new as the pieces I find in Town but far better than what Miss Bingley has at Netherfield.”

“She bought me some pieces as well,” Mary said with a blush.

“That was not necessary, Miss Darcy,” Jane said. “We would have lent Mary the money if she did not have enough.”

“Think nothing of it. There is nothing I would not do for my friend.”

The expression Miss Darcy wore almost fooled Elizabeth. It likely would have convinced anyone else of her good intentions. Elizabeth wondered if Will knew how Georgiana spent her money. He was no spendthrift, and he would not approve of his sister becoming one. However, she did do something kind, and it was only music, so there is little reason to criticize.

“We wished to show you around the square, now,” Jane said.

Elizabeth had expected Georgiana to refuse, but so few could ever decline anything Jane offered. Georgiana’s lips turned up in a fake smile, and she linked her arm through Mary’s. “I see no harm. Perhaps we will meet with some new acquaintances as you seem so fond of doing Miss Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth thought she saw a look pass between Georgiana and Mary but then decided it was merely due to her annoyance at Georgiana’s behavior. They ambled along the square for some time for seeing Charlotte. Charlotte acknowledged them with a curtsy and a light blush. She looked as though she were on the verge of hastening away, but Jane called out her.

“Charlotte, how are you?” Jane asked.

“Tolerably well. I hope you and your family are you good health.” She glanced at Elizabeth. “How do the wedding plans come?”

“We are all very well. Thank you for asking. Mama is making such a fuss about the wedding, but after having to wait for so long, I fear I quite like it.”

Charlotte looked at Miss Darcy, and her eyes asked the unspoken question. Good manners dictated that Elizabeth must wait for Georgiana to request an introduction, but she doubted the girl would ask for one. The Bennet ladies continue to speak with Charlotte in stilted conversation as Elizabeth and Charlotte had not entirely repaired their friendship. At length, Charlotte turned to go and resume her activity when her eyes widened, and a new blush came to cheeks. The others could not help glancing at whatever she had seen. The only thing Elizabeth could see a note was a young man in an officer’s uniform, but he was not of the militia. He rode his mount quite well. He was no Fitzwilliam Darcy, and yet something about him reminded Elizabeth of her betrothed.

“Richard,” Georgiana said surprised.

Elizabeth looked at the man with more interest as she now understood him to be Will’s cousin. He directed his horse to their position.

“How do you do, Georgiana? Have you enjoyed your shop?”

“I have found some music that meets my standards and the ladies are showing me around the square.”

“Indeed, if I were a lady that sounds like an enjoyable morning. Would you introduce me to your new friends?”

Georgiana introduced Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary, but stumbled for a moment when she got Charlotte.

“I will introduce who I can,” Georgiana said.

One by one she introduced the Bennet sisters. After the usual civil replies, Georgiana looked expectantly at Elizabeth. The older girl sighed. She ought to have expected such behaviour from Will’s sister given her age and circumstances in life. She had built fairy tales in her head about her future with Will, and they might never become a reality. Well, difficult sisters were not the worst of her worries. Elizabeth drew her shoulders back.

“And this is our good friend Miss Charlotte Lucas.” Elizabeth felt a twinge of remorse as the statement no longer felt true. “Her father is our local knight. You are certain to meet Sir William soon and see for yourself how very friendly he is.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lucas,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said with a twinkle in his eye men usually held only for Jane. His words seemed to have stirred Charlotte from a blushing stupor.

“For me as well,” she said while directing her eyes past him.

“A friend to Miss Elizabeth is a friend to my cousin Will and therefore a friend to me.”

Charlotte frowned at the further mention of Will. “Likewise. Pardon me, I have forgotten that Mama needed me home by now.”

Elizabeth watched as the woman who used to be her friend scurried away but peeked over her shoulder for one more look at them. How very curious.

“If you ladies are finished shopping, I would escort you to the carriage. I could follow Georgiana back from Longbourn and then she will not have to ride unchaperoned.”

Georgiana looked displeased with the notion but took her cousin’s arm when he offered it. Between Elizabeth and Jane, they managed to chat with the Colonel until they reached the carriage. Georgiana remained resentfully silent while Mary appeared more pensive.

Gallantly, the Colonel handed each lady in. When Elizabeth placed her hand in his, she felt an object slide into her fingers. Sneaking a peek at it once in the carriage, she saw a tightly folded piece of paper with a snippet of Will’s handwriting. Her heart fluttered in her chest. How she loved notes from her betrothed. However, why did he not bring it to Longbourn? Or if he could not call, then he might have sought her out in Meryton rather than sending his cousin.

The thoughts swirled in Elizabeth’s head as the carriage began to pull away and its occupants were in discussion describing Longbourn to the Colonel. Elizabeth turned her head to view the passing scenery, and her heart nearly stuttered to a stop at what she saw. There, on the streets of Meryton, was George Wickham.

All the comments to Chapter One were begging for Will to talk to Elizabeth and not to leave. Well, we have an answer to part of that…

Previous Chapter: One

Chapter Two

Elizabeth smiled as she rose for the day and went through her morning ablutions. Since the incident with Collins several weeks ago, she and Will had never been closer. The time of their wedding was rapidly approaching, and soon his family would arrive. Will had been circumspect regarding his sister. He had told Elizabeth about Georgiana’s intended elopement and that she continued to hold Wickham in high regard. What they had barely discussed was how Will felt about it all and how his relationship with his sister stood. From what Elizabeth gathered, however, it was very strained. Just after the incident, Georgiana spent time at Pemberley, and Will stayed in London. Then, he came to Hertfordshire. It seemed there had been no time for the two to mend broken bridges and address old hurts.

It was hardly surprising. After all, there were more than ten years between the two. There had been only seven years between Elizabeth and Sam, but he would not reveal much to her either. In the same way, Elizabeth was no more open to her youngest sisters. Even Mary, so newly out in society, she did not spend much time with.

Tying her hair up with cheerful ribbons, Elizabeth pushed worries about Georgiana’s arrival aside. Will would be calling soon, and the weather looked very fine. She hoped they would have some time to walk in privacy. In the weeks of their courtship, there was much they discussed which had never been canvassed before. Excitement filled her heart at the idea of learning more and more about Will Darcy for the rest of her life.

Elizabeth entered the breakfast room and greeted her family. Upon sitting, she and Jane immediately began whispering about possible contrivances for solitude with their suitors.

Mary peered at them from across the table. “I hope you are not expecting me to chaperone you forever.” She slathered jam on her toast.

“Forever?” Elizabeth laughed. “Certainly not! I will soon wed.” She looked at Jane with dancing eyes. “It is Jane who will need the chaperone.”

“I thank you not to tease your sister, Miss Lizzy,” Mrs. Bennet said. “You may work the fastest at ensnaring a husband, but we will see if he can come to the point at last. Mark my words, Jane has a far better chance of catching Mr. Bingley than you do of getting Mr. Darcy to the altar.”

Elizabeth repressed the urge to roll her eyes. Her mother and Charlotte had not relented in their opinion that Will should not be trusted and would find some way to throw her over before the wedding. How they thought that would be possible when the settlement had been signed in addition to the engagement being announced and well known in the neighborhood, she did not know.

As often was the case with her step-mother’s anxieties, Elizabeth pretended they did not exist. There was no use in arguing about it. She no longer barred Will from entry into the house and once they were married, her argument would have no legs to stand on. As it was, she did everything a mother should when their daughter was engaged. Despite Mrs. Bennet’s rejection of her future son, Elizabeth did not feel slighted in the least.

“This afternoon, after the gentlemen have called, we must go into Meryton and begin shopping for your wedding clothes. Jane and Mary shall accompany us.”

“Mama,” Mary whined. “I will come, but only because I desired to stop at the bookstore as well.”

“Of course, you may select a new book, my dear,” Mrs. Bennet answered. “However, you will join us at the dressmakers and the milliner. It is good for you to be seen with your betrothed sister and for you to witness the goings-on before a lady marries. Your sisters accompanied and Charlotte Lucas when she was selecting her things for Sam.”

For a moment, no one spoke. Elizabeth had shared with Jane the truth about Sam’s behavior towards Charlotte. No one had told Mary. However, she was deeply her reflective, and so Elizabeth would not be surprised to hear that the girl suspected much of the truth.

Breakfast passed in the usual way. Then Mrs. Bennet went upstairs to see to Kitty and Lydia’s lessons. Mary took the pianoforte, leaving Jane Elizabeth to each other.

“Mr. Bingley has been calling at Longhorn nearly as much as Will,” Elizabeth said while sneaking a slight glance at Jane. “I wonder why?”

“Lizzy, do not tease me so.” Jane blushed, but she smiled. “You must know my hopes by now.”

“How can I know them when you have never said them?” Elizabeth batted her eyes at her elder sister, hoping she would fully and openly state her feelings.

“I never met such a man…that is no one else has seemed…” Jane trailed off before gripping her hands and shaking her head. “Oh, how do you do this so much?”

“Do what?”

“Speak of your feelings so freely!”

Elizabeth straightened in her seat. She had not thought that she spoke so freely of her feelings. It is not as though she told anybody but Jane that she loved Will. She informed Mr. Collins that she was engaged to Will only as the most desperate measure.

Jane looked at her. “I do not mean only about Will. You speak freely about any number of things.”

Elizabeth nodded in understanding. “I suppose it is that I have a very irreverent attitude towards the world in general. I do not care what they think of me very much.” Troubled lines threatened to mar her countenance and Elizabeth struggled to keep her face neutral. The fact was she worried very much that her attitude would not be welcomed in London society as Mrs. Darcy.

“It is not as though I fear what people will think. I simply hate for them to know.”

“Dearest Jane, that is not a wrong sentiment. You are reserved, and I am not.”

“I wish I could be more open,” Jane said while staring at her hands. “I sense Mr. Bingley waits for some sign for me. It is as though he is dependent upon me declaring myself. I question how to reassure him of my interest.”

“Perhaps all you need is time.” Elizabeth laughed. “I know I should hardly be the one giving such advice given the nature of my romance. However, it may be that Mr. Bingley needs time to know his own feelings and to be sure that he sees yours. Trust me, words come very easily to some and actions are much harder to prove.”

“That is quite correct,” Jane agreed. “Here they come now.” She nodded to the window as they heard horses arrive on the drive.

Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley were announced into the room and Mary came to sit with them. After the usual pleasantries, Charles asked if they could go on a walk.

Mary let out a long-suffering sigh. “If you will wait in the hall and allow me time together a book I would be most happy.”

Elizabeth gave her sister a guilty smile. She could hardly suppose Mary very much enjoyed chaperoning her older sisters. It disrupted her usual routine, and with two couples she was nearly always excluded. At least when Elizabeth would chaperone Charlotte and her brother, Jane would go with her.

At first, the five young people walked together. Soon Will whispered to Elizabeth. He needed to speak with her in private. Elizabeth signaled to Jane, and their previously thought out plan was put into place. Mary had brought a book with her and did not seem to care or notice that her charges were dividing up in addition to putting considerable distance between her and them.

Will slowed his walk and nodded to a copse of trees next to the path. Elizabeth grinned in response and soon Will lead them to the privacy of the forest.

Elizabeth could feel, however, that something weighed on Will’s mind. He did not appear at ease when he had spoken earlier. More than this, he held her hand tighter than usual and pulled them to greater isolation than he usually would.

“Will, Elizabeth said as she tugged on his hand.

Will look back at her, taking in her flushed cheeks and how she panted from the exertion. He suddenly stopped and pulled Elizabeth into his arms in a crushing embrace.

Elizabeth said nothing. She merely allowed Will to draw the comfort he so obviously needed from her. He tugged on her bonnet strings. In the last several weeks, had become more adept at untying them. Elizabeth removed the hat from her head, and it tumbled from her hands when he captured her lips.

The kiss was not as passionate or crazed as she had expected from his demeanour. However, there appeared to be a desperation about him. He tenderly kissed every inch of her face and seemed to memorize the shape and feel of her lips before letting go and resting his head atop hers.

“I love you,” Elizabeth sighed, and Will’s arms tightened around her further. She pulled back to look at him, for he said nothing return. She heard a crinkling sound from his pocket.

“Tell me what worries you,” Elizabeth said, and pushed a stray lock out of Will’s eye. For a fleeting moment, it looked as though her movement brought Will pain. She pulled her hand back in concern and confusion.

“I cannot do it, Lizzy. I cannot. Not again.” He squeezed her tightly once more.

Elizabeth hardly knew what think. He had never called her Lizzy before, but now was not the correct time to worry about it. “I would counsel you if that is what you desire. However, I do not know what concerns afflict you.”

Will remained mute, but his expression spoke for him. Everything about him appeared more rigid and austere. She recognized it as the same expression he wore when his father had reminded him of his duty all those years ago. He was afraid of something; he was scared of failing. He was torn and conflicted. She hardly why, but felt her own anxiety rise in response to his. “Was it a letter? Is that what it is in your pocket?”

Will nodded and squeezed his eyes shut in what looked like resignation. Withdrawing the letter, he held it out to her. Elizabeth took it with trembling hands. What could it say that would upset him so? Dread filled her as she unfolded the paper. Whatever it was, it would likely affect them both.

Her eyes fell on the paper, as she greedily read every line. There were many which required multiple viewings. Her voice caught in her throat and tears welled in her eyes. “Do I do understand this correctly? Sam did not die in an accident? He was killed!”

“Yes,” Will answered and his voice broke.

Elizabeth looked up to see tears in his eyes as well. “Your father, Mr. Bingley’s father, and Sam. They were…they were killed! Why? Who would do such a thing?”

Elizabeth crumpled in a heap on the ground. Will dropped to his knees and held her to his chest as she sobbed. Since Will’s return, Elizabeth had not missed Sam as much. However, she had kept her grief for his death so firmly over the years, mere weeks could not reset it. Now, the pain came back with a vengeance.

Will said nothing as Elizabeth cried and took consolation. As she did, a part of her healed unexpectedly. This was what she had needed when she had first heard of Sam’s death. She had long for Will’s embrace and expected his support. When they met again, she never thought she would have a chance to relive those feelings once more. However, that did not mean she was thankful he finally fulfilled the role of comforter.

Beginning to calm, she thought over the letter once more. Will’s reaction was different from hers. It was not a concern of reliving the anguish of losing his father and friend that brought him pain. Unable to discern his feelings, Elizabeth turned her mind to other matters.

The post office clerk mentioned witnesses had seen a man with sandy blonde hair. Could it have been Wickham? He had traveled with them, and they already knew that he took Will’s letters. They could discern no motive for him to steal the mail. However, Elizabeth could not understand why he would want to kill Mr. Darcy.

In the weeks since the incident, Elizabeth had not forgotten about the carriage axle which broke her way to Netherfield. Someone had designed to kill Will. Was this related? If so, why wait so long before attempting to murder the son?

Elizabeth drew back and met Will’s eyes, brushing away the tears that had fallen on his cheeks. “Do you have a suspect?”

Will’s arms tightened around Elizabeth. “Wickham,” Will said the word and a dark expression crossed face. “Who else? Who else is been such a bane to my very existence?”

“I am scared,” Elizabeth admitted. Throughout her life, she had relied on her courage. She could confess her fears only to Will.

“I am very sorry, love. I do not wish it…” His voice broke, and after a moment he attempted to speak again. “Perhaps it would be for the best…” He trailed off.