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

They stared long and hard at each other. He broke the gaze first, and she could sense that he was closing his feelings, drifting from her once again. Soon his familiar emotional barricades would be up, and he would be joking and teasing to fend off his demons.

She stood, her heart saddened, not knowing what else to do or say. It had become increasingly apparent to Catherine that Richard had lost his place in the world during the wars, weighed down by all the years away, years of sacrifice made for his country, memories and regrets for what he had seen and all the years of normal living he had missed. He could not give up hope for a future now that the wars were over. Well, she simply would not let him. It was time for him to rejoin the living.

“You must somehow find your way home to us, Richard, in both body and soul.” Her voice was gentle but firm, and she looked lovingly down at his bowed head.

“Remember, Son, true character is revealed in the dark.” Her hand softly cradled his cheek. “And I have every confidence in yours. You are a fine man.” She kissed his forehead. “Choose life, dearest.” When she began to straighten, his hand brought her cheek back to his for a moment. She could feel the moisture of his tears.

“Good night, Aunt Catherine.” He spoke so brusquely and low that it was barely audible. “And thank you.” Reaching the door, she turned to say something but saw he was again lost in thought.

***

After the door was shut, Fitzwilliam studied the bottle he had automatically reached for… and stopped.

He replaced the cork.

“To bed,” he whispered as he pushed back his chair.

Unknowingly, Catherine had won.

He chose life.

Chapter 13

Lady Catherine and Mr. Bennet spent the first day of their visit discussing common ailments and aches and commiserating with each other over the loss of a spouse. She personally took him on a tour of the house and grounds, and was very impressed with his knowledge of horticulture. He was particularly interested in her many greenhouses, where flowers, fresh vegetables, and exotic fruit were grown year round. He lingered in the greenhouse that specialized in experimental farming and talked at length with the head gardener.

“Mr. Bennet, I have saved the best for you, I think, for last.” They came back into the house and headed up the long marble staircase to the second floor. The staircase ended directly before an impressively large set of double doors at the middle of the first landing.

“Whatever can you show me to exceed the wonders I have already seen, your ladyship?” he asked and then stepped back in awe when she opened the doors to the Rosings library.

“I believe we have the most extensive private library in the country. My husband was an avid reader and collector of rarities.” She arched her eyebrow. “I think if he could have, he would have moved his bed into this room. I want you to feel at home here.”

Mr. Bennet walked hesitantly into the two-story wonderland and spun around slowly. He had never seen so many books, so many rarities housed in glassed cabinets, so many manuscripts and globes. A huge mullioned window with beautiful roses and twining vines dominated the back wall from top to bottom. There were four circular stairways leading to the balcony surrounding a second level of books and glass cabinets, and a series of sliding ladders against two of the main walls. It was magnificent.

“I am overwhelmed,” he whispered as if in church. “Thank you, dear lady, for this.”

“Not at all,” she replied kindly. “You deserve some time to indulge yourself. You need only ring for anything you want.” She pointed to a bell pull near the massive fireplace. “We shall see you later for dinner?” she asked. Still in shock, he waved her vaguely away and wandered into his holy of holies.

***

Elizabeth awoke later that evening to Darcy crouched on his heels before her, his hand resting gently on her stomach. She had fallen asleep after dinner as the others talked quietly around her, and now they were the last to retire. “Elizabeth, do you know that when I called your name I could see a ripple move across you here!” His eyes were filled with awe, and she smiled up at him.

“I noticed earlier that whenever you speak, I am able to feel him move slightly.” This was the first time they allowed themselves to speak openly about their child. “It started earlier today, thank goodness. I confess I was beginning to worry a bit.”

“You said ‘him.’ Do you have inclinations in that direction?” he asked, helping her to her feet.