Elizabeth Bennet's Excellent Adventure: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary (10 page)

“How often have you sailed into Portsmouth Sound?”

“More times than I care to count,” Wentworth said in good-natured ease.

“From this point, such maneuvers appear quite dangerous,” Elizabeth observed.

“It is that, Ma’am,” Wentworth said as he pointed out spots along the shoreline. “Coming into Portsmouth Sound is not for the faint of heart.”

The captain accepted Elizabeth’s ruse and made his explanations, which she suspected were meant to impress her.

“The present day Breakwater is at the mouth of Plymouth Sound between Boyisand Bay on the east and Cawsand Bay on the west. The efforts we observe today will create a Breakwater some three thousand feet in length and ten feet above the low water.

“The Breakwater will offer the coast protection from weather and the effects of the backwash. Without it, the ocean will reclaim the shore.”

“I would never consider the possibility,” Elizabeth admitted.

“The sea is a strict mistress,” Wentworth observed, “and if we do not protect the land the oceans will steal back, inch by inch, the very soil upon which we tread.”

Elizabeth watched as the captain shook off what appeared to be maudlin, after which he shared a tale only a man who loves the sea could tell. Wentworth’s story of the first time he sailed into Portsmouth Sound had her gasping and laughing aloud.

“I gnawed a hole in my cheek as the crew of the
Golden Horn
navigated past a wreck of a hull on the Boyisand coast. My knuckles were white from my grip on the rail. I expected us to run aground at any moment,” he said with a mischievous grin.

“Do not bam me, Captain, you enjoyed every hair-raising second of the adventure,” Elizabeth declared.

“I did at that, Ma’am.”

Wentworth glanced to the sky and then at his watch.

“Pardon me, Mrs. Bryland. I did not realize how the time might slip away when in the company of a charming woman. If you hold no objections, Ma’am, I will see you to the Harville’s residence. I am to meet with a man from the Admiralty regarding a new assignment.”

The captain haphazardly dumped the remains of their impromptu picnic into the basket Mrs. Harville provided.

Elizabeth slapped his hands away.

“You go along, Captain. I am quite capable of finding my way to Commander Harville’s home.”

“I will not hear of such a thing, Ma’am. This is a bustling port city, not a country lane. It is too dangerous.”

“Perhaps I might be of service to the lady,” a familiar voice announced.

Elizabeth did not know how she did not sense Mr. Darcy’s presence until he was behind her. On legs, which meant to buckle, she stood to face him.

“Mr. Darcy,” she said in a voice, which irritated Elizabeth for its lack of composure.

“Mrs. Bryland,” he said with a brief bow. “Perhaps you would care to introduce me to your escort.”

Mr. Darcy knew of her deception.

Elizabeth wished at that moment to be one of the sailors upon Captain Wentworth’s ship so she might utter the curse word rushing to her lips. If only the ground would open up to swallow her, Elizabeth would know satisfaction. She had but five days to mark a lifetime of spinsterhood.

“Certainly, Sir.”

She managed a brief glance to Mr. Darcy’s calm countenance. His dark silver eyes spoke of his displeasure at discovering her with another.

“Mr. Darcy, permit me to give you the acquaintance of Captain Wentworth.”

Wentworth ignored Elizabeth’s introduction.

“Are you familiar with the gentleman, Mrs. Bryland?” the captain asked in concern

Elizabeth glanced first to Darcy and then to the captain. Both men eyed the other with a look of feral cunning upon their countenances. Suddenly, Elizabeth realized she was the prey.

With a clearing of her throat, she managed, “Most assuredly, Captain. Mr. Darcy and I are long time acquaintances. I spent much of the early spring with my cousin in Kent. Mr. Collins holds a living presented to him by Mr. Darcy’s aunt, and Mr. Darcy joined Her Ladyship to tend to her business affairs. Moreover, we anticipate a betrothal between Mr. Darcy’s intimate friend and my eldest sister. The gentleman and I are often in company.”

She swallowed hard to drive away the feeling of unreality.

“If Mr. Darcy is willing to serve as my escort, you should know no qualms in turning me over to him, Captain. Mr. Darcy would protect me with his life.”

Elizabeth spoke the truth: Mr. Darcy would protect her so he might have the pleasure of destroying her again and again.

“I will call for you at seven,” Captain Wentworth said in a tone of possession. “I told the Harvilles we will take in the play at the Theatre Royal.”

Mr. Darcy did not even flinch, which told Elizabeth he was most vexed with the captain. The gentleman remained as stiffly cold as he was at the Meryton assembly.

“How delightful,” Mr. Darcy said in practiced politeness. “I took rooms at the Royal Hotel. Perhaps we will encounter each other again.” Mr. Darcy’s eyes shifted to her. “Might I assist you with the basket, Mrs. Bryland? Then we may renew our acquaintance.”

“Until this evening, Captain,” Elizabeth said to speed Wentworth on his way.

She thought it possible that Mr. Darcy would take delight in disclosing her ruse.

“I enjoyed our afternoon.”

“As did I, Ma’am.”

Wentworth caught Elizabeth’s gloved hand to bow over it before he offered Mr. Darcy a silent warning and a curt nod of his head.

With Wentworth’s exit, Elizabeth dropped to her knees to gather the last of the cutlery to add to the basket. She could feel Mr. Darcy’s eyes upon her back, but she refused to look over her shoulder at him. At length, she lifted the basket and turned to meet Mr. Darcy’s steely gaze.

“If you mean to replace me with Captain Wentworth, Elizabeth, you erred,” he said in cold warning.

“You forfeited the right to know with whom I may or may not associate when you forgot the small matter of our wedding,” she snapped.

The gentleman’s eyes flashed with anger.

“You remain my betrothed.”

Elizabeth knew her chin notched higher. Sometimes she thought Mr. Darcy brought out the worst in her.

“Another item you denied with your absence, Sir.”

“I did not…” Mr. Darcy began but quickly halted his refutation. “Your sensitive situation with the letter remains. You and I will marry despite your protests.”

Elizabeth’s heartbeat hitched higher. To know Mr. Darcy still meant to marry her filled Elizabeth with joy, as well as with a good dose of dread. Meanwhile, the realization he could reject her a second time outweighed any goodwill she could muster for the man. How could she face those in Meryton again? Everyone would think her father forced Mr. Darcy to keep his promise. Elizabeth did not want a marriage forged in ice.

“Did Mr. Bennet send you to recover me?” she demanded. “Are you here to prevent a very public breech of promise charge? If so, you may return to Hertfordshire and tell my father I will have none of you.”

“I have not spoken to Mr. Bennet or to a barrister representing him. I cam to Portsmouth to reclaim the woman I mean to marry,” he insisted.

A shake of her head did little to clear Elizabeth’s thinking.

“I possess other plans, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said as she pushed past him. “I shall enjoy my limited days in Portsmouth with my new companions. Then I will return to my father’s household and assume the role of devoted daughter.”

“This is ridiculous, Elizabeth,” he insisted. “You would prefer to live out your days as a spinster rather than to be the Mistress of Pemberley.”

“I would,” Elizabeth declared. “Now, I beg your indulgence. I must return to the Harvilles so I might change for the theatre this evening.”

She started away, but Mr. Darcy stepped before her.

“I said I would escort you to your destination,” he hissed. “Now, present me the basket and join Murray at my carriage. I will follow.”

Elizabeth had not noticed the servant in the Darcy livery until Mr. Darcy pointed out his man.

“You wish me to ride in your carriage without an escort?” she charged.

“I expect
Mrs. Bryland
to ride in a carriage with her fiancé,” he said in a low warning.

Elizabeth smiled in mockery.

“
Mrs. Bryland
prefers to walk, Mr. Darcy. Good day, Sir.”

As she rushed away, Elizabeth prayed her rejection would stick. She did not think she could tolerate many more encounters with Mr. Darcy without bowing to his wishes.

* * *

Darcy regretted his confrontation with Elizabeth, but it was deuced annoying to discover her with another man. And not just any man, but an officer in the Royal Navy!

Upon arriving in Portsmouth and learning she was not in residence at the Royal Hotel, Darcy set out to call upon the other inns in the old city to search for her. It was only by chance that he looked out his coach’s window toward the Sound to spot the figure of the woman who haunted his dreams.

It took him longer than he liked to reach Portsmouth for Darcy stopped often along the coaching route to make certain Elizabeth traveled to the end of the line rather than to take another route. It was from those inquiries that Darcy learned “Mrs. Bylane” transformed into “Mrs. Bryland.”

When he approached Elizabeth earlier, Darcy hoped she would welcome his return, but Elizabeth’s shrewish tongue returned. In truth, Darcy could not blame her. He would know a like anger if Elizabeth did not show for their nuptials, but could she not observe the marks upon his face from his encounter with Sloane’s henchmen?

“Instead of lashing out, Elizabeth should have demanded an explanation,” Darcy reasoned aloud; yet, he knew her nature as well as he knew his own.

Darcy lips twisted with wry amusement.

“So my betrothed thinks she will claim spinsterhood or perhaps the affection of her captain.”

Darcy’s smile spread when he thought of the spark of defiance in her eyes.

“First, I will learn something of Captain Wentworth,” Darcy summarized, “and then I will develop a means to win
Mrs. Bryland’s
heart. If Elizabeth wishes a man to court her, then she will find me prepared to quote poetry and to bring her flowers. The woman will wear my ring and bear my children. I will tolerate no other alternative.”

Captain Wentworth and his party
occupied a box, but not one of the upper ones. The officer and two other naval sorts escorted Elizabeth and another woman. Darcy watched Elizabeth exclusively throughout the performance. He knew when she discovered him sitting alone in an upper box for Elizabeth quickly withdrew her eyes and turned her attention to Wentworth.

When she walked away from him earlier in the day, Darcy sent Murray to escort her to her residence and to carry the picnic basket for Elizabeth struggled from the weight of it as she crossed the wooden walkway toward the main streets of old Portsmouth.

Darcy’s faithful footman reported that Elizabeth refused Murray’s assistance until the footman hinted that he did not wish to know Darcy’s ire for failing to do as his master instructed.

Murray kept his wits about him when Miss Elizabeth demanded the return of the basket and sent the footman on his way when they approached the row house, where she later entered. From a concealed location, Darcy’s servant observed Elizabeth’s destination; afterwards, Murray asked others of the occupants of the house before returning to the hotel to report to Darcy.

“There be a naval officer, his wife, and two children,” Murray shared.

As Darcy watched the occupants of the captain’s box, it did not take long for him to determine the married couple. The second officer, who Darcy had yet to learn his identity, sat to Elizabeth’s right and Wentworth on her left.

Wentworth nodded in Darcy’s direction, a silent challenge, when their eyes met across the theatre. Darcy returned the nod, as they took each other’s measure. For a moment, Darcy wished Elizabeth chose Mr. Wickham, as her gallant, for Darcy knew he could prove a better man, but Wentworth was another matter. Darcy’s discreet inquiries of the man proved the officer both heroic and quite intelligent. Wentworth also reportedly amassed a substantial fortune for his action in battle.

Darcy recognized the captain’s resolve, but his own held steady. He came to Portsmouth to reclaim his bride to be. If anything, Wentworth’s attentions confirmed the necessity to whisk Elizabeth from the man’s grasp and return her to Hertfordshire. Darcy held no doubt Mr. Bennet would soon learn something of his wayward daughter’s choices. If Darcy possessed any hope of witnessing Elizabeth once again at Longbourn before scandal claimed her reputation, it must be soon.

At the intermission, Darcy waited until Wentworth escorted Elizabeth toward the refreshment table before he departed his box to join the small crowd in the theatre front. Casually, he circled the gathered audience, his eyes never leaving Elizabeth’s profile.

She braced for his approach, and Darcy purposely kept his distance until Wentworth and the unknown officer stepped away.

“Good evening, Mrs. Bryland.”

Although she did not offer it, Darcy caught Elizabeth’s hand to bring the back of it to his lips. He permitted his warm breath to invade the silk gloves she wore.

“You are stunning this evening, Ma’am. I have not viewed you so delightfully attired since we stood up together at the ball at Netherfield,” he said meaningfully.

It did him well to view a flush of color claiming Elizabeth’s cheeks. Even so, she had the presence of mind to give her hand a little tug so Darcy would release her fingers.

He smiled at her maneuver.

“Perhaps I might impose on you to introduce me to your new friends.”

Darcy noted Elizabeth’s resistance, but good manners demanded she acquiesce.

“Mr. Darcy, permit me to give you the acquaintance of Commander Harville and Mrs. Harville.”

“I am pleased Mrs. Bryland discovered those with whom she shares a variety of interests. Life in Portsmouth is more diverting than to what the lady is accustomed in Hertfordshire.”

“I forgot that you mentioned something of Hertfordshire, Ma’am,” Commander Harville remarked. “You appear to enjoy the southern shires.”

Darcy read Elizabeth’s irritation: She did not want her new acquaintances to know of her life before becoming “Mrs. Bryland.”

“I do, Commander, and as for my life in Hertfordshire, it was long ago,“ she said in what sounded of regret.

With a fake smile upon her lips, Elizabeth challenged, “And you, Sir, are well aware Mr. Bingley praised me as a studier of character. I find many things diverting.”

Darcy smiled easily at her quick recovery of her composure. The woman would make him an excellent wife for Elizabeth innately knew when to prompt and when to withdraw: Only once had he viewed her without control of her emotions, and the fault of much of that scene rested on his shoulders.

“Most assuredly, Ma’am. I recall your finding intricate characters most amusing.”

Darcy noted how Mrs. Harville studied their exchange. Perhaps her husband was less astute, but the lady recognized the history between Darcy and Elizabeth.

“Would you not agree, Mrs. Bryland, that there is not the variety of subjects in the country as one might find in the city and townships?” the woman offered with a teasing tone.

“I believe Mr. Darcy once held a similar opinion, and both you and the gentleman express a common thought, but I am of the persuasion that people alter so much over time that there is something new to be observed in them forever.”

“I must take your word for it, Ma’am,” Mrs. Harville said with a bemused smile before turning to Darcy.

“How do find the performance, Mr. Darcy?”

The play was
Petruchio and Katherine
, a Shakespearean comedic romp.

“I find it most enjoyable, Mrs. Harville,” he said evenly. “What could be more entertaining than a woman with a shrewish tongue? Such is a well worn plot twist, but one which never disappoints.”

From his eye’s corner Darcy noted a lift of Elizabeth’s eyebrow.

“As well read as you are, Mr. Darcy,” his intended said in challenge, “I imagine your repeating the lines with the actors.”

“As you are aware, Mrs. Bryland, I place a value on reading,” he responded.

“Mrs. Bryland shared a tale of an acquaintance enumerating the qualities of an accomplished lady,” Mrs. Harville suggested with a wry twist of her lips.

The woman’s remark proved that Mrs. Harville knew that he and Elizabeth held more than a casual acquaintance.

“Did she?” Darcy said with an equally teasing life in inflection. “I always find Mrs. Bryland’s observations delightfully accurate.”

Mrs. Harville probed deeper.

“Yes, our dearest Elizabeth claims such qualities as a graceful walk, a knowledge of several languages, and a certain air to the lady’s carriage essential.”

“Mrs. Bryland is well aware I hold the belief a lady must add something more substantial in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading. Such is one of the reasons I hold Mrs. Bryland in great consideration.”

Elizabeth could not respond for Wentworth and the other officer returned with lemonade for the ladies.

Wentworth scowled his greeting.

“I did not realize you joined us, Mr. Darcy.”

“I could not pass on the opportunity to speak to dear acquaintances, Captain,” Darcy said with a look of impervious calm.

“Are you in Portsmouth long, Mr. Darcy?” Harville asked.

Darcy was certain the commander recognized the hint of animosity in Darcy’s and Wentworth’s tones. Odd that the officer did not take note of Darcy and Elizabeth’s familiarity: Perhaps it said something about the differences in men and women.

“I come to Portsmouth often for I hold investments in both the shipyards and the import and export business.”

Darcy would not admit he came to the port city to reclaim his bride to be.

Elizabeth said in surprise, “I was unaware of your interests in shipping, Sir.”

Darcy smiled easily at her. Elizabeth Bennet made his heart swell with happiness; even when she was cross with him, Darcy still adored her.

“I have no doubt, Mrs. Bryland. Such is not meant for drawing room conversations. It is not as if I keep my business interests a secret or do not share investment negotiations with my intimates. I would, for example, speak to Bingley or Colonel Fitzwilliam of my interests, and I expect to share the extent of my holdings with my wife if I should marry.”

Again, a blush rushed to Elizabeth’s cheeks. His betrothed knew something of his negotiations for the railroad expansion for his home shire. Elizabeth understood Darcy’s meaning perfectly.

“We should return to our seats,” Wentworth suggested.

Darcy bowed to Elizabeth’s party.

“I apologize for monopolizing your time. I extend my gratitude for your fine company. Being alone in Portsmouth is quite discomforting. Perhaps I could convince you to join me one evening for supper at the Royal Hotel. It would do me well to engage in intelligent conversation. And I would be most interested in the gentlemen’s views on the progress of the war, that is, if the ladies hold no objection to the subject.”

Mrs. Harville glanced to her husband, who nodded his agreement.

“We would consider it an honor, Mr. Darcy,” the commander accepted the invitation.

“Shall we say tomorrow evening at seven?” Darcy pressed

He had no intention of waiting four and twenty hours to see Elizabeth again, but the supper invitation would divert her anxiousness.

“Agreed, Sir,” Harville continued as the group’s spokesman.

Wentworth bowed his exit and placed Elizabeth’s hand upon his arm. Even so, Elizabeth glanced back to Darcy as the captain led her away. A combination of longing and confusion crossed her features before Elizabeth disappeared into the shadowy passage to the captain’s box.

Darcy thought to return to his quarters at the hotel and analyze the successes and failures of his encounter with Elizabeth, but Darcy knew his removal from his let box would lead Wentworth to think the captain won their latest skirmish. Darcy would not permit the man the upper hand.

Instead, he returned to his seat to spend his time fantasizing over the pleasure of claiming Elizabeth Bennet as his wife.

* * *

Despite her best efforts, Elizabeth’s gaze drifted often to the box where Mr. Darcy sat, looking upon the performance, but appearing distracted, nonetheless.

When she spotted him among the theatergoers, Elizabeth expected another confrontation, but Mr. Darcy proved himself the consummate gentleman. As she anticipated, Mr. Darcy included more than one reference to their relationship, but he surprised her, nonetheless.

Purposely Elizabeth glanced to Captain Wentworth. The gentleman’s obvious interest in her was flattering. Wentworth was a thoughtful companion, treating her with tenderness and never as an afterthought, but her senses did not tingle with anticipation from the captain’s touch.

Multiple times over the last week, the captain claimed her hand to rest it upon his arm, but it was the brush of Mr. Darcy’s lips upon her gloved hand, which caused Elizabeth’s knees to buckle.

It was deuced frustrating to be susceptible to Mr. Darcy’s masculinity. For some time now, Elizabeth realized she felt an attraction for the man from the start of their acquaintance. She permitted her righteous pride to deny her feelings for the man, but she now understood her indignation at the gentleman’s snub at the Meryton assembly. It was because Elizabeth found the man exceedingly handsome. In that matter, Elizabeth was as misguided as Mr. Darcy in her opinions.

Up until his absence from the church, Elizabeth spent more than one night considering the possibility of resting in Mr. Darcy’s embrace. They shared but one kiss prior to her leaving London for Longbourn.

Of late, she banished thoughts of sharing intimacies with Mr. Darcy from her repertoire; however, Elizabeth expected a return of her musings were at hand. She feared if Mr. Darcy chose to court her, she would succumb to the dream again and would know more heartache for her weakness.

* * *

Darcy waited until Captain Wentworth and Commander Harville departed the residence before he made his appearance upon the Harville threshold.

“Mr. Darcy, how good of you to call upon us this day,” Mrs. Harville said as she accepted his hat and cane and ushered Darcy into a small parlor at the front of the house. It did not surprise Darcy to discover Elizabeth with a cup of tea in hand. It was the way he always imagined her in his home: He and Elizabeth enjoying a cup of tea in the morning after a night of intimacies–her face aglow with affection for him.

Unfortunately, Elizabeth quickly withdrew the pleasure in his appearance and replaced it with a look of disapproval.

“May we offer you tea, Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Harville asked to fill the awkward pause.

Darcy belatedly recalled his purpose in calling upon Elizabeth today. Too often his innate fear of Elizabeth’s rejection had him hesitating just long enough for Elizabeth to interpret the momentary pause as his censure. Darcy meant to change the lady’s opinion.

“There is no need to bother with a fresh post, Mrs. Harville. I broke my fast at the hotel.”

Darcy accepted the chair to which Mrs. Harville gestured.

“You must pardon my impetuous call, Ma’am. I was on my way to the shipyards to view the repairs on a yacht I recently purchased, and I thought perhaps you, Mrs. Bryland, and the officers might care to view the work. Mrs. Bryland appeared quite surprised to learn of my interests in the neighborhood. I thought to rectify that fact.”