18. The Duke of Carlisle

Our Lady of Longbourn

Chapter Eighteen – The Duke of Carlisle

It was another two hours before Colonel Fitzwilliam and Captain Fellowes escorted Elizabeth to the Louboutis cave. Darcy had been awake for an hour and in some discomfort, but he wanted to actually see Elizabeth to know that she was truly unharmed. One of the replacement guards who had also been with Lord Archer's group mentioned Wickham's attack and Darcy had become almost frantic.

When the men escorted Elizabeth into the cave, they stopped at the entrance and allowed Elizabeth to proceed by herself. She walked tentatively over, until Darcy saw her and called, "Elizabeth! I mean, Miss Bennet. Please, come closer." His eyes examined her, narrowing as he saw the bruising on her neck. "That scoundrel! I'll…"

Elizabeth stopped him by covering his mouth, then blushed as she realized what she had done. Her fingers were very aware of the softness of his lips as she pulled them away. Before she could step back, Darcy seized her hand, "Please, don't go? You saved my life, Miss Bennet. That was the bravest thing anyone has ever done for me."

"It wasn't brave. I was terrified. But I couldn't let them get you. I couldn't…" She realized she was about to confess, but she stopped herself. His hand continued to hold hers and his thumb was making slow circles on her skin, disrupting all of her thoughts.

"Why couldn't you, Elizabeth?"

When she didn't immediately reply, he asked again, never stopping his thumb, "Why couldn't you let them kill me?"

She had tears in her eyes at his words and the thought of him dead, "I… I just couldn't…"

He pulled weakly on her hand and before she could react, he was kissing the back of her hand. "Why, Elizabeth?"

"Excuse me, Mr. Darcy?" Captain Fellowes interrupted. Elizabeth stepped back, embarrassed at having an audience and flustered by her own jumbled feelings. Mr. Darcy's expression looked slightly hurt, but he turned his attention to the captain.

"We've just received a Royal messenger. The Duke of Carlisle died late yesterday evening. The documents have been signed, Your Grace, and you are now the Seventh Duke of Carlisle. Congratulations."

Elizabeth slipped away as the captain, the colonel, and the earl spoke with Darcy. Then the physician, seeing his patient's troubled state, made him drink a sleeping draught.

As she rode away, one part of Elizabeth's mind scolded her for not speaking her feelings, while the other part reminded her over and over that Darcy was a Duke, and forever outside of her reach. Neither part offered any comfort to her troubled soul.

oOoOOoOo

Lord Stephen Archer had heard about Elizabeth's summons in time to stop his letter to Jane, so Jane was standing on the steps of Archer House when her husband and Elizabeth arrived. Happy greetings were exchanged by all and Elizabeth insisted on seeing Benjamin, so he was escorted down from the nursery.

Mary had agreed to stay with Kitty overnight so that Elizabeth could depart early. On the morrow Kitty would return to Longbourn, despite Mrs. Bennet's vociferous protests. Naturally, she blamed Elizabeth and could not understand the urgency for Elizabeth's removal to London. Lord Archer had stepped in and simply explained that Jane had need of her assistance, but offered no more explanation. Mrs. Bennet gave in, but she continued to grumble.

Charles and Kitty had spoken together, in a private moment afforded to them by careful arrangement with Elizabeth and Mary. Charles had expressed his interest in her and requested to continue calling on her. Kitty, knowing that honesty would be difficult with her mother around, used this opportunity to be equally honest herself, "Mr. Bingley, I think that you are the nicest and kindest man I have ever met. I think that we might suit, but I have honestly not developed any deep feelings for you. I would be honored to receive your calls, though. Perhaps now that I am recovered we may have a better chance to come to know one-another."

Rather than becoming discouraged, Bingley was impressed. He was so accustomed to ladies throwing themselves at him for his fortune or rejecting him outright due to his connections to trade. Kitty's forthright answer dealt with neither wealth nor connections, but only with compatibility and feelings. "That would please me as well, Miss Catherine."

Once in London, Elizabeth was troubled by her own worries. Netherfield was in good hands. Matthews had also agreed to check on Longbourn. The two mills were well-run and did not need her intervention. Her investments through her uncle were performing remarkably well. She had successfully purchased the land in Meryton and construction had already begun on the homes. All was right in her world except for one thing: Elizabeth was in love with a man who would not, could not choose her. Just the previous spring she had thought that nothing was worse than loneliness. Now she knew of something much worse.

After her rest, Jane collected her and they rode in the carriage to Bond Street, where Madame Angelique de Bossuet plied her trade as a modiste to only the first circle. When Lady Archer stepped in the shop, the dressmaker smiled, but when Elizabeth stepped in after her, Angelique abandoned her client and rushed over. "Lady Elizabeth! How delightful to see you! It has been far too long!"

The two other customers watching the exchange were startled when the modiste hugged the young woman who she had addressed as "Lady Elizabeth," and then kissed both cheeks in French fashion. They were just as surprised that the pretty young woman with the sparkling eyes hugged her back, though not as demonstrably. The two ladies of the Ton measured the newcomer with practiced eyes. She was dressed in the newest fashion, definitely a garment designed by Katerina. She was about twenty, shorter than was fashionable, but trim and well-formed. She had a pixie face shrouded in dark brunette curls with a pointed chin and a shapely nose. But it was those sparkling dark eyes that commanded attention. They made her seem both approachable and formidable at the same time.

Anglique de Bossuet was currently the premiere modiste on Bond Street. The women of the Ton all competed to be one of her exclusive clientele. This competition only grew when the woman partnered with the enigmatic Katerina, who designed such stylish dresses. Nevertheless, she was a tradeswoman and the Gentry and Nobility never forgot that in dealing with Angelique. Now the woman was interacting with unbecoming familiarity with the Countess of Kirby and another young woman known as "Lady Elizabeth"!

"Angelique," Jane interjected with her usual sweet grace that was already making her popular with the ladies of the Ton, "we apologize for arriving without sending prior notice. Please finish your tasks with Lady Simonds and Mrs. Latham. Ladies, how are you on this fine afternoon?"

Both of the ladies addressed curtsied in return. Jane made introductions, omitting the title "Lady" from Elizabeth's introduction. When the two ladies looked confused, Elizabeth blushed and explained, "Some of the people from my town began to address me as 'My Lady,' for reasons that do not matter. It spread and I've been trying to quench it ever since. Madame de Bossuet is from Meryton, and I'm afraid that she persists in using the honorary. I apologize for the confusion."

When the ladies' fittings were complete and they departed, Mrs. Latham immediately spat, "Well, I never! Imagine an upstart styling herself as a 'Lady' when she isn't!"

"Dorathea, think!" Lady Simonds interrupted, "In all of your years, have you ever heard any servant or commoner give more honor than a person deserves, except in a mocking tone?"

Mrs. Latham pondered this and shook her head. Lady Simonds continued, "Whatever that young lady did, it was enough to impress an entire town. This Miss Bennet seemed both intelligent and humble, but she also seemed very capable. I suspect that there is a fascinating story behind all of this. After all, she is the sister of Lady Archer. We were all prepared to judge her harshly, but she has been nothing but kind and gracious… forget that she is a great beauty. No, I would like to know this Miss Elizabeth Bennet better before I make any rash judgments."

Mrs. Latham, who had always followed her nobler friend, reluctantly concurred. That did not restrain either woman from gossiping. By the end of the week, most of the Ton knew the name Miss 'Lady' Elizabeth.

Back at the modiste, unaware of the sensation that they had unwittingly created, Jane and Elizabeth explained the Royal audience that was scheduled for the following day. Angelique and her ladies set everything aside and began their work.

oOoOOoOo

Lord Fitzwilliam Darcy's fever rose throughout the day. By the late evening there was real concern for his wellbeing. The Royal Physician and Doctor Jones were grateful for the steady cool temperature of the cavern. It stayed cooler than outside during the day, but remained steady while the nighttime temperatures outside grew colder. The two men worked steadily with the new Duke, trying to stabilize his condition.

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam paced outside, debating whether or not he should ride for Darcy House and collect Georgiana, Darcy's sister. He wished now that he hadn't encouraged the Earl to take Miss Bennet to London in preparation for meeting the Queen. Who am I to decide if a young woman is suitable? Darcy has been agitated all day since she departed. Idiot! I saw their intimacy and encouraged the captain to interrupt. They might be engaged by now.

He resolved to wait out the night before collecting Georgiana. He also resolved against sending a notice to Lord Archer's home in London. Better to have Miss Bennet make her visit in peace. If she's worried about Darcy, she won't be prepared.

Inside of the cave, Darcy continued to thrash in fevered dreams.

oOoOOoOo

Elizabeth didn't know what to expect from a Royal visit, but she certainly hadn't expected this. After a day spent practicing the typical presentation protocol that all society ladies went through at their coming out, she had donned the very beautiful, if ostentatious dress that Angelique and her seamstresses had somehow created in less than twenty-four hours. When asked, Angelique admitted that she and her sister had begun this dress for Elizabeth months before. She had to smile at that. The two French ladies were always pushing their silent partner forward, believing that she belonged in the first circles.

I cannot complain in this instance. What would have happened if they hadn't anticipated this day?

The dress met the basic criteria for a presentation dress. It was multilayered, with lace-trimmed edges and delicate embroidery. Her sleeves were slightly puffed and her décolletage tastefully visible but de-emphasized. The primary materiel was a light green silk, while the trim-work was a darker green felt-like materiel. The two colors, the lace, and embroidery made the dress bolder than any she had ever worn, but it suited her perfectly. Even the train was of a manageable length.

She and Jane were delivered to Buckingham House instead of Saint James Palace by Stephen. He escorted them in, but he didn't go into the audience chamber with his wife and sister. Instead he veered off to speak with members of the Royal Guard concerning what had taken place in Meryton.

The major domo announced Countess Kirby and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and then stepped out of the room. Elizabeth waited as Jane curtsied, and then, with her heart in her throat, she followed what she had learned. As she made her curtsy, she was shocked to feel a gentle hand touch her cheek. Following that hand's guidance, she looked up and met surprisingly gentle eyes. "Rise, Miss Bennet. Twice now you have rendered great service to King and country. We are grateful and desirous of a private audience." The aged Queen let a little of her weariness show. This past few years had taken a toll on this strong woman. She gestured to a small table with an ornate silver tea service. "Come, let the three of us sit and enjoy our tea."

Neither Jane nor Elizabeth knew what to think when the Queen personally poured the tea. They relaxed, though, when she gave them a gentle smile, "I understand that there are five Bennet sisters. Are all of them as beautiful as the two of you?"

Jane blushed and Elizabeth shook her head. "Jane… Lady Archer is five times as pretty as the rest of us, Your Majesty… though Kitty… Catherine is catching up quickly."

"That would be 'Katerina', would it not?" The Queen asked with a mischievous smile as she witnessed the shocked expressions that momentarily graced the two sisters' faces. "Reginald may not look like much, but he and his wife are very efficient at gathering information."

Elizabeth nodded, "He saved my life, so I was a witness to his prowess as a fighter. I would not have believed it had I not seen it for myself, Your Majesty."

The Queen's eyes drifted to Elizabeth's neck. The bruising had healed quickly, but she could see where a cream had been applied to mask the discoloration. For a moment her eyes turned hard, "He will be appropriately dealt with. The other one, his partner in the attempted murder, has already met his end; probably by this Mr. Wickham's own hand. He was found in a ravine yesterday. Baron Stafford, unfortunately, caught wind of our displeasure and has made himself scarce."

Jane and Elizabeth shared a look. This was their first confirmation that it was in fact the Baron they knew who was the third member in the crime. Elizabeth suspected that the men of her party knew, but they had remained closed mouthed. Jane began, "Your Majesty…"

The Queen raised her hand, "Please, this is an informal tea. If you feel the need to add my title with every sentence, then it will dampen our enjoyment. Let us now decide that I have been 'Your Majestied' enough and have a pleasant conversation. Yes?"

Both young ladies nodded. "Good. Now, Jane, what was it you wished to say?"

Fighting the almost painful need to begin with the honorary, Jane said, "We know Baron Stafford. In fact, he has been a problem for Elizabeth for some time. Is she in danger?"

"I do not know. The general consensus of my people is that he will be busy trying to flee the country… yet your concern is valid, especially if he discovers that it was you who foiled his plans. So then, I will make this request: Please remain in London for now. I have heard of the capability and trustworthiness of your man… Toliver, yes? I will add a guard of my own." When she saw Elizabeth preparing to protest, she squelched her with a single stern look. "Good. Now, I would like to hear more about you, Miss Elizabeth. Please begin with why you are the de-facto Master of your father's estate."

For the next hour, Elizabeth's story was drawn out of her by a skillful interrogator. Oddly enough, somewhere in the middle of their visit she forgot for a while that she was speaking with a powerful monarch. In the end she related information that even Jane didn't know.

Queen Charlotte learned two very important bits of information during that visit. The first was that Elizabeth Bennet was a remarkable woman who could be a useful ally and acquaintance, possibly even a friend… though Royalty were seldom allowed such. The second was that, although Elizabeth never said the words, she was very much in love with and worried about Lordy Darcy, the new Duke of Carlisle. Based upon what Reginald had written, the Duke might feel the same. Interesting. I cannot knight Elizabeth, but I may be able to see her elevated after all. She would make a remarkable Duchess. And between the two of them, they might start a new legacy of decent, respectable Carlisles.

oOoOOoOo

Darcy's fever finally broke at about the same time that Elizabeth was making her curtsy to the Queen. The Royal Physician had conferred with Dr. Jones and both agreed that, though the cave was clean and cool, it was not the best place for a long convalescence. They would allow the Duke to rest for the afternoon and night, but on the following day it would be time to transport him back to London.

oOoOOoOo

Baron Stafford, dressed as a dock worker, slipped onto the merchantman on which he had paid an exorbitant amount for passage. His spies in Hertfordshire had kept him abreast of what was happening, including the sudden appearance of the Royal Guard. An express reached him only an hour before elements of that same force appeared at the inn where he was residing. Thankfully he had already made his exit.

News also reached him that the old Duke had finally passed on. The Baron cursed the man. You lingered just long enough for that -nd Darcy to steal the title! May you have a pleasant time in Hell!

The ship sailed out with the tide just after dawn the following morning.