Mistress Mary and the General: A Pride and Prejudice Inspired Story Read online

  “And did that change your opinion? Are you now a romantic?” he asked with an impish gleam in his eye.

  Hearing his teasing manner, she raised her eyes to meet his; her spirits rising as well. “I suppose there is a romantic buried deep within each of us who simply waits for our hearts to soften sufficiently and the seed to take root.”

  O’Toole smiled as he took her hand in his, placed a kiss against the back of her leather glove, and placed it in the crook of his arm once more. “Tis a lovely night,” he said as he gazed into her eyes.

  “Aye, it is,” she blushed as she returned his gaze.

  ***********

  Richard looked at the bed in disgust. He was not ready to begin the nightly tossing and turning, but knew not what to do to avoid it further. He had not the great love of reading which his cousin possessed and, even if he had, his current attitude would not allow him to concentrate upon the text. Were Darcy here they would be partaking in a debate of some sort, but he was alone. He crossed to the window, looking out at the stars and surrounding countryside.

  His room was on the far side of the inn, away from the bustling courtyard so the noise and dust would not disturb him. He laughed bitterly thinking the room should have been given to a customer who stood a better chance of sleeping.

  Leaning out the open window, he took a deep breath and a sad smile crossed his countenance. The honeysuckle scent circled about him and hung in the air, almost like a caress of a loved one. It was Sarah’s favourite scent; though considered gauche by the ton, still she wore it frequently.

  A soft laugh drew his attention, and for a moment he thought he was losing his mind. He looked about for her, but instead saw two figures on a path leading away from the inn. He watched as they walked a few steps, stopped, began walking again, then stopped once more. The hesitant first steps of love?

  Unable to tear his eyes from them, he watched as the man lifted the lady’s hand and placed a kiss upon the back of it. At that moment a cloud moved from in front of the moon and a beam of light illuminated the face of his nurse. Standing straighter, Richard’s jaw dropped open in surprise. He leaned a bit further out the window in an attempt to see the man better. At that moment, they began to walk again and he immediately recognized his valet’s distinctive gait.

  A chuckle escaped him and he drew back inside the window before they might hear him. Leaning against the sash, he shook his head as a smile crept across his lips.

  “Oh, Sarah, how I would have loved to see your reaction to this.” As his thoughts returned to his beloved wife, the smile slipped away. He crossed the room and sat on the side of the bed before looking about. Finding nothing to hold his attention, he snuffed the candle on the bedside table and laid back upon the pillows, hoping but doubtful this would be the night he found rest.

  Chapter Two

  Fitzwilliam Darcy stood on the front steps of his country home and watched the crest of the hill just across the valley. The door opened behind him but he did not move, knowing it was his wife coming to join him.

  Elizabeth Darcy, née Bennet, slipped her hand into his and laid her cheek against his arm. “It could be hours before they arrive.”

  Shaking his head, Darcy squeezed her fingers. “When we were in our youth, I always knew when Richard was about to arrive. I would wait here and as soon as he jumped from the carriage, amidst reprimands from his parents, we would run off to begin our adventures.”

  Elizabeth smiled at her husband’s memories. “I am sorry Charlie could not be here to greet William in such a manner.” She took a deep breath and ran a hand over her distended abdomen. “I am afraid he will be disappointed with all the girls at Pemberley.”

  “I believe Janet will try her best to entertain him. After all, Lizzy, she is your daughter.”

  Pretending to take offense, Elizabeth stood straighter. “Whatever could you mean, sir?”

  A motion out of the corner of his eye drew Darcy’s attention and he quickly pointed across the way. “Ah, it is as I thought. I was certain of it.”

  Elizabeth followed his finger and saw a familiar carriage making its way down the far side of the valley. “I shall inform Mrs. Reynolds.” She placed a light kiss upon his lips and squeezed his hand as she returned to the house.

  Darcy remained, watching the slow progression of the equipage. He was anxious to see his cousin again; anxious and hopeful this time spent at Pemberley would restore Richard’s spirits as it had in the past.

  Though they were only cousins, Richard and Darcy had spent much of their youth together. They considered themselves closer than brothers; as Richard was not close to either of his true brothers. Because of this, they knew one another well, and had seen each other through their toughest times. When Richard was injured in battle, it was Pemberley where he recuperated, not his family seat at Matlock. If either of them had a puzzling situation or problem, they each turned to the other. Even Darcy’s father had seen it, as he made them co-guardians of his young daughter, Georgiana, in his will.

  It was Richard who had introduced Darcy to Elizabeth; though in an unconventional manner. Richard had taken Darcy to a secret society masque ball in London. During the evening, they had met Lady Susan and her friend, Miss Lucinda. Months later the gentlemen learned the mystery ladies were in fact Lady Sarah Branson and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who had been childhood friends in Hertfordshire. Both gentlemen lost their hearts long before the true identities were discovered, and they had encouraged each other throughout the chase.

  Richard and Sarah had married a week after Darcy and Elizabeth. Possessing the Fitzwilliam pride, Richard had refused to resign his commission and live off his wife’s fortune. They remained in town while the Darcys travelled between their townhouse in London and their country home, Pemberley in Derbyshire, where the Fitzwilliams often visited. It seemed the couples would live long happy lives in each other’s company.

  Unfortunately, it was not to be. Though Sarah and Elizabeth had both safely delivered their first born children, Sarah was not as fortunate for the next couple of years. She suffered several miscarriages which tore at her heart and sobered Richard. He had voiced his fears of losing his wife to Darcy, who could only commiserate.

  Finally, two years after their son was born, Sarah gave birth to twins, Elizabeth and Richard, whom they called Beth and Richie. Though the birth appeared easy, Sarah contracted a fever and was confined to bed for a fortnight. She recovered, but her health was never what it had once been.

  Darcy began descending the stairs as he thought of this past winter when the grippe had spread through London, and Sarah and the twins had taken ill. The twins recovered, but Sarah was too weak and succumbed to the disease. He had been in town at the time and was a constant support to his cousin. Though Richard presented a strong front, Darcy knew he was broken inside. He had invited the family to Pemberley then, but Richard declined, saying they would come in the spring or early summer.

  Within a month, Darcy had received word that his cousin had resigned his position in the British Army. Though he was a major general and not likely to see battle, he did not want to risk leaving his children orphans. Darcy worried that Richard would lose his sense of purpose without his career. This was the true source of his anxiety as he reached the drive while the carriage finished its approach.

  ***********

  The barouche drew to a stop and a footman climbed down to lower the step and open the door for the family. As Richard stepped from the carriage, he took a deep breath and held it. Though they had been travelling through the country for several days, it always seemed as though the air at Pemberley was just a hint sweeter than anywhere else. A smile crossed his lips, but did not reach his eyes, as he saw his cousin approach.

  Turning back to the equipage, he reached in to take Beth into his arms and hand down Mrs. Hampton. Richie and William huddled together on the opposite bench, fairly wiggling with unspent exertion as they waited their turn, while O’Toole sat beside them attempting to appear
stern.

  Making certain everyone was clear of the door, Richard nodded and his sons leapt from the carriage. Darcy’s laughter brought him about and the two exchanged a knowing glance. Before anything could be said, a squeal was heard from the steps of the house.

  “Cousins! You have come at last!” Janet Darcy rushed down the steps as her mother stood at the top, shaking her head and holding her other daughter by the hand.

  “Show them the stables, Janet. I am certain they would enjoy a good run,” Darcy called after the children who were already halfway out of sight.

  He clapped a hand on his cousin’s shoulder as he laughed. “Your mother would not be pleased, Richard.”

  “She was much more lenient on them than I have ever been. I know not why she demanded such exacting behaviour from me.”

  Darcy laughed again “Imagine what would have become of you if she had not.”

  Richard’s countenance coloured as a bit of a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. Shaking his head, He walked to the house and embraced Elizabeth with one arm.

  “Welcome to Pemberley, Richard.” She placed a kiss upon his daughter’s brow. “Hello, Beth. Do you remember your cousin, Patience?”

  The two young girls eyed each other nervously as Richard set Beth down and retied a ribbon which had fallen from her hair. When he finished and stood, she slipped an arm about his leg, reluctant to leave his side.

  Patience studied her, before glancing at her mother who nodded encouragingly. “Do you like dolls?”

  Glancing up at her father, Beth nodded her head slowly as she slipped her thumb between her lips. Richard bent and gently pulled her hand from her mouth before pushing her toward her cousin. “Go on, Beth. Nurse will be right behind you.”

  He watched as Mrs. Hampton followed the young girls to where the Darcy’s nurse waited at the bottom of the steps, and then he followed their progress up toward the nursery. His man, O’Toole, was a few steps behind them, and he smiled. After the night at the Swan’s Nest, he had watched for any subsequent scenes like the one he witnessed from his window. It was clear there was a budding romance developing before his eyes. He hoped the wiry, old military man and widow would find the happiness he and Sarah had known. A shadow passed over his countenance as his thoughts yet again turned to his late wife.

  “Well, Richard, what shall it be? Do you wish to rest after your journey or would you prefer some spirits in my study?” Darcy smiled broadly, clearly hoping to dispel his cousin’s sudden melancholy.

  Elizabeth shook her head. “Spirits? William it is entirely too early for that. I have ordered tea be served in the Rose Room. Come along, Richard.” She linked arms with him and proceeded up the stairs to the first floor. “Unless of course you wish to rest,” she said reluctantly as they reached their destination.

  “I would not wish to suspend any pleasure of yours, Elizabeth.”

  Smiling she lead him to the sofa and gingerly lowered herself onto it before patting the spot beside her. “You always know what to say.”

  The tea service was brought in and Elizabeth turned slightly sideways in order to reach around her expansive stomach to pour tea for her guest.

  “Allow me.” Richard took the teapot from her and poured a cup. Without thinking, he prepared it as he would have done for Sarah. “Oh, forgive me.” He swallowed, trying to dislodge the lump in his throat.

  Elizabeth laid her hand upon his arm as she accepted the cup. “Sarah and I always prepared our tea in the same manner.” She smiled as she patted his arm before reaching for a plate of lemon biscuits. “William says these are your favourite.”

  Nodding, Richard selected a few and placed them on his plate. Not raising his eyes, he spoke. “I want to thank you both for opening your home to us. I could not bear to be in London any longer. Unfortunately, I am not certain where we shall go from here. With Mother and Father gone, James has inherited Matlock.” Richard shuddered theatrically and forced a smile.

  “Do not fear, Richard,” Darcy said as he took a biscuit from the plate. “I would never subject your children to the new Lady Matlock. For that matter, I would not wish to subject her children to her.”

  Richard released a half-hearted chuckle. “Well, none of us were surprised when James entered into a marriage of convenience. Though I wonder if he shall ever produce an heir … with his wife.”

  The sound of running feet announced the return of their children, and they turned toward the door to await their arrival.

  “Pa, Pa, you should see the horsies!” Three year old Richie ran into the room, only stopping when he had collided with Richard’s leg. “They’re so big!” He held his hands up as high above his head as he could reach, even going up on his tiptoes.

  Richard picked a few stray strands of hay from the boy’s hair. “Indeed! And did you lie in the straw to see them better?”

  Swinging his head back and forth, effectively dislodging the remaining bits, Richie pointed toward his older brother. “Willie threw it at me.”

  “William?” Richard turned his attention toward his oldest son.

  “I was not throwing the straw at Richie, Papa. I was helping the stable boys.”

  Janet stood beside him, nodding her head emphatically. “He was, Cousin Richard. Richie just walked in front of him at the wrong time.”

  Richard looked his youngest son over once more before turning him toward the door and giving him a pat on his bottom. “Off to the nursery with you. William, you too.”

  “Come on,” Janet called as she took William’s hand and drew him toward the door. “I’ll show you the way.”

  The children rushed out of the room in a similar manner to the way they arrived, though his youngest appeared a bit more reluctant as he realized Nurse would insist he bathe. Richard shook his head as he watched them. There would be reprimands if this behaviour continued, but right now, he was thankful to see the smiles upon their faces. Wiping his eyes, he stood and turned toward his hosts.

  “I suppose I should find my way to my room. I am certain I have left a trail of road dust upon your fine furniture, Cousin.”

  Darcy also stood and walked to the door. “Come, I will show you the way.” He winked at Elizabeth who waved him away.

  “And whose daughter is she?” Her laughter followed them out into the hallway.

  Richard looked at him quizzically, but Darcy merely shook his head and led the way up the stairs.

  “Richard,” Darcy began, suddenly serious. “You know you are welcome here for as long as is needed. You are like a brother to me. I hope you will always see Pemberley as your home.”

  Patting his cousin on the back, Richard nodded. “Thank you, Darce. Pemberley has always been a balm for my soul. But I will not linger longer than necessary. I only wish I knew how long that would be.”

  “No rush, Fitz.” A gleam entered his eye. “Although, I must warn you, Elizabeth is about to enter confinement; which means my mother-in-law will be arriving shortly. If Lizzy has another girl, Mrs. Bennet will most likely leave quickly so as not to upset her nerves. Mr. Bennet has made it clear she will not attend any more births if she frets over them not being boys.” He chuckled. “I am beginning to believe my wife is praying for all daughters for fear her mother will remain longer.”

  The first true smile crossed Richard’s countenance, and he saw Darcy’s eyes glisten. It was clear Darcy hated seeing his closest friend so melancholy. Perhaps I shall be able to regain a glimmer of the man I once was here.

  “Here is your room. I will leave you to settle in. I am certain O’Toole has already been here and set everything as you prefer it.”

  “Yes,” Richard looked about the room. “He is a good man. I do not know what I would have done without him. I was a bit surprised when he resigned his commission to remain in my service.” He took a deep breath. “There is much we have seen.”

  Richard released a sigh of relief as Darcy simply nodded and slipped from the room. He knew his cousin would be praying for his
recovery, and he was grateful, but the overwhelming feeling of grief settled about his shoulders once more as he glanced about the room he had once shared with his wife.

  Chapter Three

  Checking his timepiece once more, Richard strode toward the door of his room. It was late enough to avoid his cousin and most of the inhabitants of Pemberley, but early enough not to encounter Mrs. Bennet. Opening the door, he looked around the hall, making certain no one was about, before exiting and silently drawing the door closed behind him.

  Since his arrival at Pemberley he had become a bit of a phantasm. Feeling as though the other inhabitants were watching him in a pitying manner, he had decreased his interaction with them until he was only seen at dinner. Even then, he had a tendency to excuse himself as the ladies were leaving the gentlemen to their port and cigars. He knew a confrontation with his cousin was imminent, but he was determined to evade it as long as possible.

  He hesitated as he reached the breakfast parlour, listening for voices inside. Hearing none, he nodded for the footman to open the door and proceeded inside. He was surprised to see Elizabeth’s younger sister sitting at the table, reading as she ate.

  “Miss Bennet.” He bowed. “I did not realize anyone was here,” he said as he crossed to the serving dishes and began fixing his plate.

  He could feel Mary Bennet’s curious gaze fixed upon him. He recognized his current behaviour was a deviation from their prior meetings. Though she rarely spoke in the past, he was normally exceedingly vocal and entertaining, if he did say so himself. Since her arrival at Pemberley with her parents, he had been determined not to be seen. She was obviously aware he was in mourning for his wife, which allowed him to forego participation in outings and such; but Richard realized he had taken his separation to an extreme. As he loaded his plate, he wondered whether he would be forced to participate in some mundane conversation. If so, he doubted he was up to the task.