Page 35 of Elizabeth’s Choice

Darcy cautiously asked, “You do not have to tell me, but may I ask who Frank’s father is? Is he someone from Pemberley?” He saw that Mrs. Goodwin was a pretty woman and prayed that someone close to him had not fallen into temptation.

She smiled as she shook her head, “Oh, no one of import. Just a handsome boy who promised more than he could ever keep. I was ashamed and because my father had threatened to kill me as well as Frank’s father, I could not tell anyone who he was, but I was able to make a new life here and will always be grateful to your family. I think Mr. Wickham died never knowing how much damage his son caused and I can only imagine how terribly George Wickham must have turned out now.”

Darcy sprang to his feet and growled, “George Wickham? He is Frank’s father? Now that you say it, I can see the resemblance. I am so sorry to be the bearer of bad news but that fiend is here in Hertfordshire. I saw him this morning in Meryton to join the militia and he is interested in charming my sister for her dowry as well as Miss Elizabeth for her fortune!” He saw the housekeeper’s face ashen so he spoke softer, “He is a lieutenant in the militia but I have already reported his debts to Colonel Forster, and Wickham will be made to repay me and his time here will be made miserable. I will ensure he does not bother you and that everyone knows of his wickedness.”

“Thank you,” she sighed in relief. “I never told anyone before and Frank does not know about him, but I am glad you told me about his presence here so I can avoid him entirely. I will tell Miss Elizabeth myself, sir. I will be sure to guard her as well as Miss Darcy.”

Darcy nodded his head, "Thank you. I will alert all the merchants and residents so that no one is fooled by him. I am so sorry that he wounded you. Your secret is safe with me.”

Mrs. Goodwin stood and curtsied, "Thank you, Mr. Darcy. You are just like your father was and he was always prodigiously proud of you.” She was about to leave the room when Elizabeth walked in.

“Thank you for the tea, Mrs. Goodwin. I apologise for the delay, Mr. Darcy,” she smiled, as the housekeeper stepped out of the parlour. Elizabeth asked Darcy who was already on his feet, “What did you say to her? She was nearly in tears!”

“She will tell you the sordid details herself but I was in deep conversation with her after discovering that she was a housemaid at Pemberley! Is that not a wild coincidence? She needed a position and my father coordinated with your father to get her a position here,” he clarified. “She recognised me but I had no idea.”

Elizabeth stood next to him and held his hand, “She told me about being at Pemberley and I could not believe the coincidence as well! I am glad to hear that you are not too proud to speak with the servants now, William. People from all stations have such wondrous stories and I love getting to know everyone.” She began to serve his tea, “We must decide on what to do about George Wickham, though. I can understand how he might easily fool young ladies with his charms and I want to keep him far away from Georgie. That is one man I have no wish to know anything about, since I am determined to hate him and drive him out of Hertfordshire. Georgie is nervous that he will attempt to trick her again.”

“If you did not know the truth about him, would you have been fooled by him? Did you think him charming and handsome?” Darcy asked reservedly.

Elizabeth responded, “I likely would have been deceived because he is a flatterer and a practiced liar. But, William, I think you are charming and handsome. You must have been told by many ladies how handsome you are! Your charms are hidden but you are put together rather perfectly!”

Darcy coloured deeply, “Well, when women are mercenary, they say a lot that they do not mean… Of course, I have been told but I was unsure…”

Elizabeth laughed as she cradled his cheeks with her hands as looked directly into his eyes, “You are so very handsome and I will be sure to tell you how my heart flutters to be able to hold you and kiss you, my William. Wickham is nothing next to you, especially now knowing that he is a scoundrel. How do we ensure everyone else knows it, too? He cannot be trusted to be left loose in Hertfordshire.”

Darcy grinned as he kissed her hand, “Thank you, my love. Believe me, I have plans to make his life miserable and will be making a call to your father, Sir William, and Mr. King to explain what a blackguard he is. Colonel Forster is already aware and Wickham will likely abandon the militia since he is a coward of the highest order.”

“I am glad to hear it,” she declared as her shoulders relaxed. “Have you spoken to Mr. Bingley about staying at Netherfield longer? I pray Miss Bingley does not think you are staying for her.”

He chuckled, “He is amiable and has agreed to whatever I wish. I will write to Watkins about our change in plans. It will be my first Christmas away from Pemberley in many years but my staff will understand when I explain that I am staying near you.”

Elizabeth laughed, “I wish I could be at Pemberley for Christmas but am pleased that you will be here with me for my first Christmas at Ashworth. Georgie has several ideas on how to deco…”

Suddenly, there were several very loud bangs at the front door. “Who could that be? I am not expecting anyone,” Elizabeth wondered and they both walked towards the door to see what the commotion was about.

They saw that Mrs. Goodwin was already answering the door but became astonished to see two officers standing tall and one of them announced, “Her Most Excellent Majesty, Queen Charlotte, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, requests the audience of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, also known as Captain Sabrina Fairfax.”

“I am she,” Elizabeth replied as she faced them. “What is Her Majesty needing from me?”

The officer explained, “I have been ordered to deliver you directly to Her Majesty in the carriage. Please pack a bag as well as your archery materials and we shall depart in a quarter hour.”

Georgiana and Jane came rushing downstairs by then and Miss Darcy asked, “What is happening? Why would Her Majesty be calling for you, Lizzie? Are you under arrest?” She looked at the officers for an answer.

The officers declared, “We have no further information. You are summoned and we leave in fourteen minutes. You may bring only your maid.”

Elizabeth shook her head, “Do not worry, Georgie. I do not believe anything is wrong, since Her Majesty is asking for Captain Fairfax and wants me to bring my bow and arrows. Mrs. Goodwin, could you and Frank help me with it? I will have Susie pack an appropriate dress and my suit as well. There must be a good reason and I will find out.”

She turned to Darcy and spoke quietly, “Will you write to Colonel Fitzwilliam on my behalf? And Lord Matlock’s services might also be needed if Her Majesty is displeased with me.”

“Do you want me to go with you? I might risk Her Majesty’s wrath but I can go with you,” Darcy worriedly asked.

“No, no. I have not committed any crime and I am sure it is nothing.” She turned to her sister, “Jane, you will be in charge while I am gone. Please take good care of Miss Darcy and Ashworth and I will return as quickly as possible. With the Netherfield Ball less than a week away, perhaps I will have a beautiful ballgown made while I am in town!”

Elizabeth rushed to her room to pack and to take Susie with her, not comprehending what she might have done to upset Queen Charlotte but was determined to be brave.

Chapter 22

Darcy stared out the window to watch the rain fall and sighed, having had no word from Elizabeth for three full days since the Queen’s guards took her away from Ashworth. They had brought a grand carriage to escort her to London so it did not appear as if she were under arrest, but Darcy felt uneasy that she had not written about what was happening and if she would be returning soon.