A Twist of Fate Read online

  Blaylock looked as though he was weighing whether to be honest with William, so Richard broke in. “My cousin is not a carrier of tales, neither does he rejoice in the misfortunes of others. If he says he is concerned for their wellbeing, you can trust that he is.”

  The shopkeeper sighed. “I have known those young women since they were children. Their uncle is a dear friend of mine, and he has brought them into my shop since they were old enough to walk. In fact, I feel almost like a relation. I would not take kindly to anyone sharing what I am about to say. However, in the hope you truly care for their welfare, I shall tell you their story, if only to encourage you to purchase the combs for a fair price.”

  IN THE CARRIAGE

  The first part of the ride back to Darcy House was spent in silence as each man considered what they had heard. William was aware that shortly after his disastrous proposal to Elizabeth, Mr. Collins had quit Hunsford; yet, he had given it little thought. His refusal to marry Anne de Bourgh shortly after had caused a break with his aunt and proved the end of William’s yearly sojourns to Rosings Park. Fortunately, that spared him the pain of being reminded yearly of the humiliation he had suffered at Elizabeth’s hands whilst in Kent. Moreover, once Bingley reported she was set to marry John Lucas, he had successfully banished all recollections of Elizabeth from his thoughts—except when he chanced to dream.

  What William found most disturbing about Elizabeth’s appearance today, however, was not her clothes, which were similar to those of a woman in service, but her complexion. Unlike the rosy glow she sported from her daily walks at Netherfield Park, she appeared pale and drawn. And, if he was not badly mistaken, Jane Bennet was in poorer health than her sister.

  Reinforcing his thoughts, Richard asked, “Did you get the impression that Miss Bennet is not well? She is a ghost of the woman I met when I stopped by Netherfield on my way to London. I mean to say that she was always fair and thin, but she is even paler now and deathly thin.”

  “Frankly, I thought they both looked unwell, especially Miss Bennet.”

  “I often wondered why Bingley left Netherfield without making her an offer. From what he said, she was perfect for him.”

  “Caroline and Louisa convinced Charles that Miss Bennet showed no special preference for him. Well, that and the fact that he would never achieve his goal of moving up in society with her as his wife.”

  “Bollocks! Since leaving Netherfield Bingley has kept to himself at that rented estate in Essex and drinks far too much. Pray tell me how that has helped him advance in society?”

  “Charles asked my advice when he was pondering his sisters’ objections to Miss Bennet. I confess I warned him of the pitfalls of marrying someone with nothing to recommend herself save a good heart and fair looks. Moreover, I felt it my solemn duty to be honest; therefore, I could not assure him that her affection was equal to his. Yet, I did point out that there was a lot to be said for marrying someone he loved and advised him to stay in Meryton until he could ascertain Miss Bennet’s true feelings. Still, in the end, Louisa convinced him that he would ruin Caroline’s chances of a good match by marrying Jane Bennet.”

  “As though Caroline Bingley stood a chance in Hades of marrying you!” Richard said, barking a laugh.

  “Me?”

  “Yes, you! For as long as I can remember, she had her cap set on you and no one else.”

  William sighed. “Be that as it may, ultimately Bingley was convinced to leave Netherfield. It was not until months later that he admitted he was unable to get her off his mind or purge her from his heart.”

  “Why did you not persuade him to return to Netherfield at that point?”

  “By then he was convinced he had ruined his chances. Nothing I said could sway him otherwise.”

  “Blast! How could love go so awry?”

  William was thinking of his own heartache. “There is something I have never shared with you, or anyone else for that matter. With what I am about to undertake, I will require your assistance; therefore, I think it only fair that you know.”

  Richard’s brows knit. “I assume it concerns the hair combs you purchased. I wondered why you insisted on paying more for them than he asked.”

  “Yes, it does. Whilst we were at Rosings the summer of 1812, I took it upon myself to call upon Miss Elizabeth at . . .”

  Chapter 2

  Blaylock’s shop

  Two days before Christmas

  “Twenty-five pounds! Oh, Mr. Blaylock!” Elizabeth exclaimed, reaching up to hug the elderly man. “How did you manage to get such a sum?”

  Blaylock smiled at the expressions on both women’s faces. “The combs were so beautiful that it was easy to convince the buyer they were worth every penny.”

  Elizabeth was about to ask if the colonel had bought them when Jane interrupted. “I do not wish to sound doubtful regarding your account, but we do not wish to profit at your expense. For us to reap so grand a profit, you must have—”

  The shopkeeper silenced Jane by patting her hand. “No need to worry, Miss Bennet. I made a profit on the combs, so we were both blessed by the transaction. I knew that you would want to know right away, and that is why I sent a messenger to Edward’s warehouse.”

  Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Jane’s smile returned. “Thank God!”

  She turned back to her sister. “Lizzy, we need to hurry. With this much we can pay the balance that we owe the butcher and the grocer, buy the goose and pick up a box of sweets at the confectioner’s shop.”

  Elizabeth did not answer Jane, for she was pondering how to find a physician during the holidays. At length, Mr. Blaylock’s voice penetrated her thoughts.

  “I have some very nice toys on the front shelf that may interest you—gently used skates and such. And, today only, I am offering two pairs for the price of one!”

  Both Elizabeth and Jane beamed, saying almost simultaneously, “You are too kind!”

  DARCY HOUSE

  William’s study

  When the knock came at the door, William was deep in thought—not about business as was needful, but about Elizabeth Bennet.

  “Come!”

  The door opened and Mr. Barnes stepped inside. “Colonel Fitzwilliam is here to see you, sir.”

  William tried not to smile, for Richard was craning to look over the butler’s shoulder whilst wagging his brows to elicit a laugh. “Show him in.”

  As Barnes turned, he collided with the officer. “Excuse me, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

  “You are excused,” Richard said, keeping a perfectly straight face.

  “The master will see you now.”

  “Thank you, Barnes.”

  As the butler resumed his duties, despite his best effort to look solemn, the corners of William’s mouth lifted into a smile. “Why do you insist on vexing Barnes?”

  “Because it is so easy, Cousin,” Richard said, walking to the chair in front of William’s desk. As he sat down, he added, “Barnes practically begs to be vexed, so I feel it my duty to oblige.”

  William shook his head at his cousin’s logic. “Did you manage to get the information I asked for?”

  “I did. Brace yourself. Lydia Bennet had a child by Wickham before that blackguard abandoned her in Newcastle. According to Colonel Forster, he deserted the militia and sailed for the Americas. Moreover, their daughter was born with a deformed foot.”

  William was silent for so long that Richard was about to ask what he was thinking when he spoke again. “Dare I hope they married?”

  “Not according to my sources. It seems none of the Miss Bennets were fortunate enough to marry. Moreover, after Mr. Bennet died, Longbourn passed to our aunt’s rector, Mr. Collins, and the Bennets were tossed into the street. Mrs. Bennet’s brother, Edward Gardiner, who owns a warehouse in Town, secured a cottage for his sister and nieces that is six houses from his residence on Gracechurch Street. Their cottage sits at the very back of a large lot surrounding a huge, grey stone manor. The cottage is constructed
of this same stone and appears to have once been part of a stable. It is very small, and I cannot imagine how Mrs. Bennet and the young ladies occupy it at the same time.”

  “You talk as though you have seen it.”

  “I had business in that area, so I rode by to see it for myself. During my enquiries about the neighbourhood, I learned that the Bennets are often seen walking to the Gardiners’ house. Moreover, when Miss Elizabeth returns in the morning from her paid position, she is fond of walking in the park across the street from the Gardiner’s home.”

  “Paid position?”

  “Yes. She keeps watch over Lord Bascomb’s mother from evening until morning. If I recall correctly, that woman has been ill for years. In any case, apparently Bascomb cannot keep daytime companions for his mother, as he advertises in the papers for more each week.”

  “Lord Bascomb? Good lord! He treats women beastly if one believes the rumours . . . and I do. I never liked the man, and I can easily envision him doing the horrible things of which he has been accused.”

  “I have to agree with you there.”

  Clasping his chin with his hand, William rubbed one finger over his lips as he reflected on what Richard had discovered.

  “So what is your plan? When will you call on the Bennets?”

  “I do not intend to call on them. I merely wish to help them.”

  Richard sighed. “Knowing how you think, that makes perfect sense.”

  “I do not want anything traceable to me, so I will require your assistance. If you could provide your batman to deliver some parcels to their house tomorrow, that will be most helpful.”

  “What will he be delivering?”

  “Food, toys for the child and gifts for each of the Bennets. I hope to make their Christmas a little merrier.”

  “I have to ask. Who will purchase these presents? You know very little about buying gifts, especially for women.”

  “I buy Georgiana presents.”

  “She is but seventeen, Darcy. And I have it on good authority that my mother helps choose her presents.”

  “Nevertheless, Georgiana loves to shop, so I will ask her to join me this afternoon to pick out the gifts. In addition, I plan to arrange for Mr. Graham to examine Miss Lydia’s child to see if anything can be done to help her. Hopefully, once at the cottage, he will be able to include Miss Bennet in his examination by claiming to notice that she is not well.”

  “I can see how you might get away with the presents, but how do you propose to keep Graham’s sponsorship a secret? Surely they will ask who is responsible for his fee.”

  “I shall have him hint that it is someone they know, but that he is sworn to secrecy. My hope is that they will assume their uncle is paying for it.”

  Richard shook his head. “Sounds foolhardy to me, but I know better than to argue when your mind is set.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate your help in this matter and your discretion.”

  “No need to thank me. I am pleased to be able to help you assist them.”

  THE NEXT MORNING

  When William began his ride at dawn, the day was cold and brisk, and his every breath hung in the air like a cloud. Snow on the ground was light, though grey clouds promised more later on. He chose to ride at this hour because he relished the peace and quiet to be found when most everyone else was asleep. Hyde Park was his preference because it featured outstanding riding trails and was adjacent to his Grosvenor Street home. However, upon leaving the stable this morning, he recalled what Richard had said about Elizabeth Bennet’s early morning walks in the park across from her uncle’s house. Twickenham Commons was a much smaller park, but it had a fairly good riding trail. Convinced he could use a change of scenery, he urged Zeus in that direction. In truth, he hoped to catch a glimpse of the woman he still regretted.

  It took only a few minutes to reach his destination, and as William guided his stallion into the park, he noticed a lone carriage stopping at a house across the street. Pulling Zeus to a halt behind some trees, he slid to the ground in time to watch someone emerge from the vehicle. Though she wore a coat that was much too large and a wool scarf over her head, there was no denying who it was. Elizabeth!

  She stood on the pavement until the carriage was completely out of sight and then looked both ways before running to the ornate gate that led into the park. Zeus had welcomed the reprieve and was searching the ground for anything edible whilst his master’s eyes followed Elizabeth’s petite form. She crossed to a gravel path that circled a frozen pond barely visible through the trees. After staring at the body of water as though trying to judge if it was frozen, she pulled a small bag from her pocket, reached into it and tossed something towards a few birds on the ground. Excitedly, the birds rushed to peck at the treat.

  Whilst Elizabeth was occupied feeding the birds, William saw a man slip from a copse nearby. From his appearance, he appeared to be a vagrant, and the fact that he was following Elizabeth’s actions with eager interest made the hair on the back of William’s neck stand up. Though he preferred to remain unseen, when the man began to creep closer to Elizabeth, William prepared to act. Altered by a noise, Elizabeth turned and caught sight of the interloper.

  As he hesitated, William could not hear what was being said, but he saw Elizabeth shake her head no emphatically. In response, the stranger’s previous smile twisted into a sneer, and when he took a step closer, William was no longer able to refrain. Leaping upon Zeus, he kicked him into a trot in their direction.

  The vagrant saw him coming over Elizabeth’s shoulder and disappeared into the woods.

  Looking around to determine what had routed him, Elizabeth’s expression became puzzled when she caught sight of him. As he alighted from his horse, she asked anxiously, “Mr. Darcy? What on earth are you doing here?”

  Removing his hat, William performed a slight bow. “I . . . I was planning on taking advantage of the riding trail when I saw that blackguard approach you.”

  Embarrassed to think Mr. Darcy might enquire about her circumstances, Elizabeth became defensive. “And you decided it was your duty to save a damsel in distress?”

  Wounded, he replied, “Something of that nature.”

  “Though I appreciate your concern, sir, I assure you I can take care of myself.”

  “Forgive me if I offended you, Miss Bennet. That was not my intent.”

  Feeling somewhat remorseful, Elizabeth’s smile quickly faded. “Forgive me if I appear ungrateful for your concern. It is just that I had to learn how to fend for myself after Papa . . .” Realising that she had said too much, she halted. “Suffice it to say that I am capable of taking care of myself without the help of any man.”

  His spirit crushed, William merely nodded and turned to remount Zeus. “I fear that fellow may reappear once I leave. If you will allow it, I shall be honoured to watch over you until you are safely out of the park.”

  “Thank you, but that will not be necessary.”

  Replacing his hat, William touched the rim in a salute. “As you wish. Again, I apologise.”

  As he disappeared into the distance, Elizabeth remembered the vagrant and hurried towards the gate. As she exited the park, she glanced back to see the stranger watching her from the gravel path once more. Running until she reached the steps to the Gardiner’s home, she breathed a sigh of relief when she knocked on the door and it opened immediately. Unbeknownst to her, William had stopped at the edge of the woods to watch her until she was safely inside.

  “Miss Elizabeth!” the housekeeper exclaimed upon seeing her. “The mistress was wondering what was taking so long. The scones are getting cold. Was the master late fetching you?”

  Aware that her uncle and aunt would be upset if they knew she had gone to the park alone at this hour, Elizabeth lied. “No. I was unable to leave work on time. Will you tell my aunt I am here?”

  “Yes, Miss.”

  THE BENNETS’ COTTAGE

  The Bennets had been reduced to living in a remodelled build
ing consisting of only four rooms, with one of those being a sparse kitchen. The other rooms were filled with beds or sofas that were used as beds, leaving no space to escape the mayhem that too many people in a small space created.

  Mrs. Bennet and Kitty occupied one bedroom, whilst Mary, Lydia and Lydia’s daughter slept in the other. This left the parlour as a bedroom for Jane and Elizabeth, and as was often the case, once the child awoke, it meant no more sleep for the eldest Bennets. This was especially hard on Elizabeth who had to sleep during the day.

  Kitty, who had assumed the duties of a kitchen maid since Elizabeth was working and Jane was so weak, was brewing tea when her sister arrived home. Tiptoeing past Jane who was sleeping restlessly, Elizabeth smiled at her sibling as she walked into the kitchen. Once she sat down at the table, Kitty poured a cup of tea and set it in front of her.

  “Did Lord Bascomb pretend to check on his mother again?” Kitty asked.

  “Last night went well. I think Lord Bascomb went out for the evening because the house was eerily quiet.”

  “Thank God.”

  “I did,” Elizabeth replied. “Unfortunately, I was told my services will not be needed until two days after Christmas. There is a new companion—a widow. She is taking my place until then. It appears Lord Bascomb admires her.”

  “But does she admire him?”

  “She acts as though she welcomes his attention. I fear she could take my place, and I shall be looking for work again. Please do not mention it to the others, though. I do not want Jane to worry unnecessarily.”

  Elizabeth placed a small burlap bag on the table. “I almost forgot. Aunt Maddie sent another loaf of bread and a jar of plum preserves.”

  “That was kind of her. I was pondering how to tell Mama there was nothing more this morning.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “God forbid Mama would have to make do with just tea.”

  “Well, there might be more if Lydia did not insist on having a slice of bread with preserves whenever I give one to Susan.” Kitty’s expression grew sombre. “Lizzy, why will you not stay with our uncle and aunt during the day? It would be better than trying to sleep through all the commotion created here once everyone is awake.”