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

Although the woman’s beauty fed the embers of this pursuit, it was the purity of character that fanned the flames into fire. There was humility in her self-deprecating laughter, and joy of life at her core. She made him feel alive and happy to be a man.

For Amanda, she felt her prior attraction to him only intensify. She no longer saw only the famous celebrity whose attentions had flattered and excited her. His masculinity, his strength, made her heart tremble. His self-confidence mesmerized her. He made her feel desired and secure.

“I believe that there will be a waltz played next, Lady Penrod. I would be honored if you would dance it with me.”

Amanda was initially thrilled, over the moon with joy at the prospect of dancing, of again being young and carefree. Her innate common sense, however, soon overcame her. To be seen with this famous man would be courting her former mother-in-law’s ire, to hold him in her arms emotional suicide. He was too attractive, too appealing, her interest too passionate. “I appreciate the honor you do me in asking, Colonel Fitzwilliam; however, I do not dance this evening.” She sighed and repeated the excuse she had prepared earlier, “Out of respect for my late husband.”

He was undeterred. “Your late husband is lucky indeed to have a wife faithful to him so long after he has passed.” Watching her eye the assembly, he sensed the undercurrent of fear for the first time, and his heart ached for whatever was troubling her. “Perhaps if we were to go to a less-conspicuous area, away from quite so many revelers, it would be less objectionable to you. I see that the conservatory is available for dancing.” He motioned toward a series of large glass doors that opened onto a lush greenhouse. “It is a lovely setting and visible enough for respectability, but at the rear of the ballroom, away from being on display, as it were.”

Amanda’s mind began to spin. If I am to be allowed only one night with this man, I must surely seize the moment. Besides, she had not danced in so very long. Looking into his intense gaze, she knew instinctively that she would be protected by him.

“P-p-perhaps… Perhaps that would be acceptable.” Blushing crimson at her stuttering response, she cleared her throat and beamed.

***

From the first notes of the waltz, Amanda was swept up into what seemed like the twirling flight of angels. The conservatory was very large, large enough for exotic, flower-laden trees to tower easily above them. The beautiful ferns, the fragrant blossoms, and marble statues were wasted on the entranced couple, however, so new and exciting was their attachment. It was perfect and private and safe from the public scrutiny she so feared. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the totally female thrill of being protected and cherished, held in the arms of a man for whom she felt the first stirrings of love. It was heaven.

When the dance was over and while still in each other’s arms, they looked intently at each other as couples politely clapped and angled by, trying to escape from the narrow and rather humid confines. Fitzwilliam watched her eyes, understood and shared all her unspoken emotions. He was a mere moment away from enclosing her in his arms and smothering her mouth with his.

Someone nearby cleared his throat. Startled, Fitzwilliam looked to his side to see the three errant officers from before and introduced them to her after a few tense seconds of hesitancy. The major bowed politely. “It is an honor to meet you, madam. I am afraid that we behaved abominably to you earlier and have come to beg your forgiveness. Had we known you were a lady acquainted with Colonel Fitzwilliam, we would never have behaved so ungentlemanly, nor said such things to you. Again, please accept our apologies.”

“No apologies are needed, gentlemen, but they are accepted.” Amanda was touched by the sincerity of the apology. “In truth, I did not understand much of what you said.”

Too late, she saw the effects of her speech, not because of her words but because of her American accent. One of the captains swore crudely, and the other glared. The major, seeing Fitzwilliam’s livid reaction, immediately stepped in front of his friends. “You have been most gracious, madam, and again, it was an honor to meet you. Make certain that the colonel brings you to the refreshment room. Good evening, madam, sir.” With that, he turned and roughly shoved the two soldiers on their way.

There remained an edgy silence that hung in the air between them. Fitzwilliam was furious, with himself as much as the men. He knew them and how they had changed over the years, become more calloused and bitter from warfare, from the deaths and maiming of their friends in battles both on the Continent and in America. He had been distancing himself from many of these former colleagues, uneasy as he was with their hatred and talk of vengeance.