Healing Mr Darcy’s Heart Read online

  HEALING MR. DARCY’S HEART

  Kay Mares

  Chapter 1

  In an exclusive area of London stands a grand house which has been owned and maintained by the Darcy family for many years. The house is a Tudor style with many windows and boasts a stunning limestone façade. The rooms are spacious and while square in design, they offer elegance and roominess with high ceilings, tasteful decorations, and furniture. The rooms reflect an ancient family history without being overbearing or pretentious. Each picture, statue and piece of furniture blends together allowing the eye to wander leisurely about the room. No one furnishing overpowers the others lending the imposing house a homey feeling. The current occupants of the home are Miss Georgiana Darcy and her older brother, siblings who are the last of this Darcy lineage. Miss Darcy is a tall, slender girl of around sixteen with womanly curves, fair of skin and hair with gentle humor and wit. She is at all times what a proper young lady should be, attending to her studies while honing a fine talent on the pianoforte. She can paint, draw and sew as well as speak fluent French.

  Despite all these accomplishments, Miss Darcy remains shy and unsure of herself. She is aware of the loving marriage her parents had until her mother’s untimely death when Georgiana was a mere babe. She has been raised lovingly by her older, sometimes overprotective brother. Georgiana often frets for her brother who, since taking over as Master of Pemberley, has become more cynical as the amiable brother she knows and loves, becomes further and further buried. Miss Darcy does not know what to do to bring the light back into her sibling’s eyes.

  The second occupant of the manor house is a well built, tall young man of eight and twenty years. His hair is dark, almost black with striking blue eyes the color of an autumn sky. Most people, upon first acquaintance, think him proud and aloof. Those who deal with him on business matters find a scowl and think his eyes to be cold and icy. While he holds a reputation for fairness and forthrightness, he is also considered very intelligent and cunning. Others who know him well see the man behind the mask who is kind, compassionate and protective. Their cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam often teases that no one will like Mr. Darcy because of his stern, forbidding countenance. While Miss Darcy acknowledges in her mind the Colonel is correct; it saddens her to have anyone think poorly of her brother, who she believes to be the best of men. She does not see cold hard eyes; rather she views lingering grief in them as well as the appearance of some new pain which she cannot account for.

  For some time she feared he was angry with her for her near ruination with a cad, but her brother consoled her and assured her of his love and devotion. Still being shy and uncertain, Miss Darcy doubts her self-worth and feels her brother’s current unhappiness might be due to the poor choices she had made. After a visit from Colonel Fitzwilliam, the details of which are never fully revealed to Georgiana, a healing and heartfelt talk with her brother yields the startling information that he suffered a broken heart while away in the country. Lady Catherine (the Darcy siblings’ aunt) visited the object of Mr. Darcy’s desire with the intent to obtain a promise from Elizabeth that she would not seek a connection with Darcy. Elizabeth Bennet withstood Lady Catherine’s barbs which gave Darcy hope. After receiving no assurances from Miss Elizabeth, Lady Catherine paid the Darcy siblings an unannounced visit and took issue with the lady Mr. Darcy came to know in Hertfordshire. Having been rebuffed by Mr. Darcy then leaving in an indignant huff, Lady Catherine vowed to sever all ties with Mr. Darcy should he pursue the lady. Miss Darcy is of a different mind and encourages her brother to grasp happiness if it is at all possible, wanting nothing more than to see her dear brother break free of his loneliness and pain to claim the love of a remarkable woman. It is with such thoughts Fitzwilliam Darcy makes ready to return to the country to see if hope still resides for him with Elizabeth Bennet.

  Mr. Darcy is now in a whirlwind of activity. He is giving orders to servants, clearing his schedule, and planning for a departure in short order. The unannounced visit from an irate and rambling Aunt Catherine gave him the impetus to return to Hertfordshire. Add to that the news of Bingley’s successful proposal to Miss Jane Bennet and Darcy can barely contain his energy. On the ride back to Netherfield, Darcy is full of questions, anticipation, and to be honest, some dread. Bingley’s letter assuring him of his welcome at Netherfield was short, and to the point, Jane accepted Bingley’s proposal. Still, his trepidation over what Miss Elizabeth might feel about him nags at his peace of mind. Darcy finally decides he has done all he can to repair the mistakes of the past and he hopefully explained himself and his actions as best as he could in his letter. What truly remains then is to show Elizabeth by his actions and words he has indeed been mindful of her reproaches and strove to correct his flaws. Of course, he also knows of her responses to his formidable aunt. Those responses gave him hope, but he knows there are many obstacles still to overcome.

  As the carriage rolls to a stop before Netherfield, Darcy spots Bingley waiting for his arrival. Instantly some of Darcy’s apprehension vanishes as Bingley comes up to him with an ever-widening grin. “So good to see you, Darcy,” Bingley says as he bows. “I see you received my letter and I cannot tell you how honored I am to have you back at Netherfield Park.” Darcy replies and gratefully accepts Bingley’s warm welcome. He cannot, however, resist giving Bingley a little jest as to the length and legibility of said letter.

  “It is good to be back and with such joyous news as your upcoming nuptials,” Darcy replies. “I look forward to hearing all about your good fortune as well as Miss Bennet’s response.” At this, Bingley and Darcy repair into the house to the drawing room for some refreshments while Darcy’s staff unloads the carriage.

  “I have never been happier than I am now since Jane has accepted me. You cannot imagine the bliss I feel at having won such an angel’s hand. She is so handsome and kind. I am indeed the most fortunate of men.” As Bingley gushes on about his felicity, Darcy begins to feel morose over his prospects. He came as Bingley urged him and he truly wants to be there for his closest friend. However past events begin to intrude upon Darcy’s wellbeing once again. He relives his rude refusal at the Meryton dance, his disastrous first proposal, and Elizabeth’s reproofs. Her accusations against his character and worth as a gentleman as well as his aunt’s unprecedented and exceedingly uncivil visit to Elizabeth’s home take over his thoughts. There is not any way a short positive interaction at Pemberley can overcome such obstacles. Throw in Lydia’s scandalous behavior with the nefarious Wickham and Darcy is sure there is no hope for his suit.

  “Darcy, are you well? Normally your reticence would not be of concern to me, but the darkness and scowl which has crossed your countenance have given me pause. I know the country manners here are not to your liking, but I hoped maybe at this time you would find something of merit in this visit. Perhaps with Caroline in attendance, you may find someone with whom you hold some common ground? I am sorry if your presence here is a trial. Know I do not hold you to any promises you might feel obligated to fulfill,” Bingley states in a bit of a rush.

  “Charles…” Darcy hesitates, “as you are well aware, I not only wanted to come back to Netherfield in the hopes I could help to undo the damage I caused to your and Miss Bennet’s relationship, but I also wanted to repair some of the damage to my reputation. I am aware I made a poor first impression upon the residents of Meryton. Furthermore, I do not know how to say this without giving offense but while I appreciate what you are trying to do as far as mentioning your sister as a companion but well…I have never been interested in her as such. In fact, Charles,” and here Darcy chuckles ironically, “you may be shocked to find there are some of this county I find quite diverting and most pleasant.” Now it
is Charles’ turn to be uncomfortable.

  “I did not mean to imply there is any connection between you and Caroline,” Bingley flushes. “I rather meant that it seemed you preferred her company to the company of others we have found here. I would never assume to suggest otherwise, and I must say your comment on the pleasantness of Meryton has me most confused and more than a bit curious. Often, at the risk of offending you, I think it’s safe to say you are a difficult man to read.” Darcy cannot blame his friend, and he is thankful for Bingley’s honesty regarding his sister. Darcy finds Caroline to be too forward and frankly patronizing towards him and his family. Having seen such behavior from many women of the ton, he is wary of those whose only interest in him is for status and money.

  No, Mr. Darcy knows he will only come along with the package, a person to be tolerated as part of the deal. He knows he will not have a partner. He wishes for a woman to share his hopes and dreams. These mercenary women do not care about the tenants who make life possible for him nor do they have any real affection for the servants who keep life running so smoothly at Pemberley. He also considers who will be a sister to Georgiana, who will love her, comfort her and guide her with a gentle hand? The answer always comes back to Miss Elizabeth. Oh! But how he muddled that up. Indeed, again asks himself why he agreed to come.

  Darcy could blame his aunt for her impertinent visit, but in reality, he knows he needed to come. His aunt’s narrative as to her visit with Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s responses to Aunt Catherine’s attacks gave him hope as never before. Surely Elizabeth could have just agreed with Lady Catherine not to seek an engagement with him, and Lady Catherine’s tirade would have ceased. No, Elizabeth instead withstood her barbs and refused to be intimidated into making a promise not to seek a connection with him. Darcy is cognizant of the compliment bestowed upon him as well, in that Elizabeth stated marriage to him has its own joys and the world would not scorn them if they should marry. Perhaps he shouldn’t feel so overwhelmed after all. A slight smile begins to creep across his lips.

  “Darcy?” Bingley starts, “forgive me, but now I see a small smile on your face, have I said something to amuse you? As I said before, you are a difficult man to read, and I really cannot fathom the change which has come over you from just a few moments before. It would seem the country here tends to unhinge you.” Darcy raises a brow to that.

  “No indeed, you have not offended me in the least nor am I unhinged. I find myself at times pondering past events, and I’m afraid the emotions play across my face. I suppose humor from me is too perplexing for you to comprehend? If so I shall labor to give you a warning before I undertake such light-heartedness in the future.” This comment is said with a grin, and cocked eyebrow and Bingley knows his friend is jesting with him.

  It is this playful wit Darcy possesses which he hardly ever displays to anyone outside of his closest circle. Bingley understands he is fortunate to know the real man who hides behind a stern countenance and a most forbidding stare. Bingley is aware Darcy presents this façade as a way to protect himself from those who would use him for their benefit. It is truly a shame Darcy is unable or unwilling to share the light, witty side of his personality with many others. Couple his humor with his intelligence and many times he has Bingley in fits of laughter. Charles realizes that part of Darcy’s reticence with others is due to a lack of trust regarding peoples’ motives. Moving within the ton has jaded him and makes him circumspect thus robbing many of the chance to know an amiable man. Darcy is born to protect, and as Bingley continues his thoughts, Darcy requires a way to protect not only his family and estate but himself as well. He further wonders if Darcy will ever find the type of woman who can break through those barriers and see him for who he truly is. As Bingley thinks more along this vein, he recalls what Darcy said just moments ago, he found some here pleasant and diverting.

  Who could he have been referring to? As Bingley begins to list those they hold an acquaintance with, he suddenly is struck with memories of Darcy exchanging some banter with Miss Elizabeth. At times they seemed to be most acrimonious in their conversations, and yet Darcy seemed to be drawn to her repeatedly. Bingley then recalled the slight upturn of the corner of Darcy’s mouth during some of these dialogues. One of the only signs Darcy ever shows to the outside world when something actually touched him. Bingley’s eyes fly to Darcy with this realization, but fortunately, Darcy is not paying him any heed. Bingley will keep these thoughts to himself, but the truth be told, he will delight in watching his friend interact with the Bennets especially Miss Elizabeth!

  Chapter 2

  The next day Bingley and Darcy decide to go to Meryton for a few supplies. Darcy is agreeable to this plan because he feels it may offer him the opportunity to repair some of the damage to his reputation caused not only by Wickham’s lies but also his surliness. As the day is sunny and pleasant many people are about their business. Darcy takes the opportunity to see these people for the first time without a jaundiced eye. He finds they are not unlike the people of Lambton as they go about their business. He sees them greet acquaintances, shop for necessities, and in general, are delighted in the relaxed atmosphere in the small town. Soon he and Bingley spot the Bennet sisters in front of a small fabric shop. They also show the same ease and happiness of manners Darcy observed in the townsfolk. This trip will prove to be most advantageous after all. Darcy and Bingley ride up, dismount and secure their horses. The sisters appear delighted upon the chance encounter.

  “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, Miss Catherine, I cannot tell you how happy we are to have come upon you!” cries Mr. Bingley. “As you can see, Mr. Darcy has returned to the area, and we chose to take a ride to town for a few supplies.” The ladies curtsy as the gentlemen bow. Darcy studies Elizabeth as he gives his greetings to the sisters. Elizabeth seems a bit shy in his presence but not at all uncomfortable and shows no signs of disdain. In fact, he finds the slight blush on her cheeks adorable.

  “We took advantage of the fair weather and agreed to run some errands for our mother,” Jane reveals in the way of explanation. “I am most sure mother would be honored if you and Mr. Darcy could join us later for some tea.” Jane is happy to have the occasion to offer this hospitality to Mr. Bingley as neither made definite plans to see one another today. Bingley’s smile widens as he realizes Mrs. Bennet will extend the tea time into a dinner invitation. “Mr. Darcy, we would be honored if you would consent to join us as well,” Jane smiles at him.

  “I would indeed be quite happy to accept your kind offer, Miss Bennet,” Darcy responds seriously. He then turns to Miss Elizabeth as Charles and Jane begin their own conversation. Mary and Kitty are now engaged in a debate about trimming a bonnet. “Tell me about your father and mother, are they both in health?” Darcy asks.

  Elizabeth is again struck by how agreeable Mr. Darcy is. That he would inquire about her parents’ health shows a genuine concern for her that she can only feel grateful for and if she admits it, more than a little flatters her. She is aware of his part in saving Lydia’s reputation as well as saving all her sisters from ruination, and she cannot help but feel his presence here is not only due to Jane and Charles’ betrothal but also due to his aunt’s visit. She hopes in her heart his actions towards Lydia are because of her, but she does not want to entertain the notion because it also seems unlikely that a man who was so spurned before would again risk that much humiliation at her hands. Elizabeth quickly decides the best course of action is to engage him in conversation. After answering his inquiry about her parents, she gives a question of her own. “Did you have a pleasant trip back from London, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth begins.

  “Indeed I did. I enjoyed the passing scenery very much and the fair weather we’ve been blessed with,” Darcy replies.

  With an impish smile, Elizabeth asks him, “Do you mean passing scenery as in such viewed from your carriage or passing scenery as in a furious ride on your horse. I have seen you ride and I would imagine that the scenery would
pass very quickly.” She then looks him in the eyes to see how this little play on words affects him.

  Darcy’s face lights with a most charming smile, “Alas I must disappoint and inform you that I arrived by carriage, so there is not a daring ride to report. However, I must also say the trip offered me much time to enjoy the scenery which passed by at a reasonable rate. I did bring my horse though in the hopes the weather holds, and I still may be able to pass some scenery by rapidly.” He is pleased she decided to banter back and forth with him on a seemingly innocuous subject which she could then twist into a play on words. Some men may find this teasing impertinent, but he finds it alluring. “Have you finished your errands or have you just begun them? We would not want to keep you from your assigned tasks.”

  “Oh no, you and Mr. Bingley are not keeping us from accomplishing our errands. Mother will be most pleased to know we had the good fortune to see you both and we truly have much time to accomplish what we need to. As you have stated before, we all seem to be aware of the blessing of fair weather and are taking advantage of it.” Elizabeth is so caught up in Mr. Darcy’s penetrating stare that she failed to notice the two men coming over to their group. The first, a Mr. Cooperton is followed by his friend and accomplice a Mr. Stark. Both are known around town as wastrels and thieves. As they come to a stop by the group, their forward manner with the ladies does not go unnoticed especially by Darcy. He is unsure of their intent, but he holds no doubts they are up to no good.

  “Good day Miladies, enjoying the weather? I must say you all look rather fetching today, isn’t that so, Stark?” Mr. Cooperton smirks as he leers at the Bennet sisters. Mr. Stark nods his agreement as he looks upon them. “Who have we here, girls? These are quite fine gentlemen who are keeping you company. Right dandies they are,” Cooperton smirks again. Darcy, who is trying to devise a way to secure the sisters away from these rakes, does not have time to take action as a series of events unfolds rather quickly and surprisingly.