Darcy and Fitzwilliam: A Tale of a Gentleman and an Officer

“We also were considered unworthy, if you remember, perhaps not due to our heritage but because of our religion.” Mrs. Fitzherbert’s voice rang out clear as a bell. “We do not intend to see another good woman be tortured by small minds if we are able to assist her!”

Lady Penrod was destroyed.

Their mission clearly accomplished, Lady Catherine and Mrs. Fitzherbert rose as one, Catherine smoothing both her skirt and her bodice, returning her little feathered hat to an upright position from its resting place over her ear.

Mrs. Fitzherbert continued. “It is suggested that you contact your solicitors and discuss this situation with them. We will await your decision, say, within forty-eight hours. If you decide to be more reasonable, we shall leave you our solicitor’s card so that yours may be in contact immediately. Think hard on this, madam.”

She had saved the best for last. Looking down her long nose at the shaking woman before her, she cast a cold stare up and down the woman’s body. “Mark my words, madam. We have the power to turn society against you.” Her voice was clear, hard, and deliberate.

“Never doubt for a moment that we will not,” added the now inexplicably alert Lady Catherine.

Turning to Lady Catherine, Mrs. Fitzherbert nodded, then they both turned to Richard. “Colonel, will you assist us back to the carriage? We are feeling quite distressed. Quite dissatisfied. When we next speak with our husband, he will be quite displeased!”

***

He leaned into the carriage and stared, dumbstruck, at the two old tabbies, both of whom were now laughing like schoolgirls. “Well, that was a bit of fun, I must say.” His aunt shook out the folds of her gown as she gasped for breath. “Heavens but that woman is a horrible snob. Imagine objecting to the girl because of her religion! La, what a small mind.”

“I do not believe what I just witnessed!” Standing in the open carriage door, he studied each woman carefully, a stunned look on his face. “I am appalled, shocked to my bones, in fact, by that blatant display of treachery and blackmail.” He shook his head. “It was absolutely magnificent, and I bow to the masters. I could kiss you both. Thank you, Mrs. Fitzherbert. I can never repay you for this.”

Lady Catherine and Mrs. Fitzherbert both beamed back at him, proud as peahens. “Nonsense, Colonel. We shall still have to wait and see. It is not a fait accompli by any means, you realize. Have no illusions that my husband would truly revoke the child’s title, please, but we can ensure that the woman’s life will become a social nightmare, as she now knows. No one in the ton, no one, would willingly move backward in status. One would rather face the black plague.

“And I truly do empathize with what your wife has gone through. Whatever I can do to help her, believe me, I will.” The look in her eyes softened, grew gentle as she spoke, remembering her heartbreak at having her marriage invalidated, her husband forced to marry another.

Fitzwilliam tucked the lap robe around his aunt and kissed her hand. “Richard, come, get into the carriage. Are you not returning with us?” Catherine looked at her nephew, her voice sounding disappointed.

The events he had just witnessed were the first real ray of hope he had experienced in over a month, and he looked away, trying to hide the emotions that threatened. “I will definitely come, but not now. I have some ends to tie up first and a bit of groveling to do with Wellington for my family’s future.”

“I know you will not fail me, Richard. You, more than so many others, understand honor and where your heart lies.”

He leaned into the carriage and took her hands. “Aunt Catherine…” He hesitated, not knowing how to say what was in his heart. With that, he took her into his great arms to hug her close. “Aunt Catherine,” he repeated hoarsely, “I can never thank you enough for what you have done today. How can I ever repay you both?”

This was her boy returning to her finally, the man she knew he could be, the man unafraid to show his love, gratitude, and devotion. Her hand patted his cheek, and she resumed her usual haughty demeanor. “Name two of your children after us, the girls, preferably. This will ensure that they will be greatly proficient in anything they undertake and that they will be considered diamonds of the first water for their beauty.”

He let out a bark of laughter and kissed her forehead. “Consider it done.”

She cupped his chin and smiled at him. “I will remind you of all this love and devotion at our next bataille, mon fils.”

Laughing, he kissed both of her hands.