The Corrupt Plan Read online

“May I help you?” The new butler asked.

  Handing him his card, Darcy stated, “I am here to see Lord Fitzwilliam.”

  “Of course, please come in.” He said as he gestured for him to enter.

  Before he was able to announce Darcy’s visit, Lord Robert Fitzwilliam came strolling down the stairs.

  “Darcy, I thought I heard you. Come in to the library.” Turning to his butler, he said, “Thank you, Mr. Elisabeth.”

  Steering Darcy into the library, Lord Fitzwilliam approached the table where his bottle of liquor was sitting and asked if Darcy wanted anything to drink. Hearing no answer, he turned around to see Darcy deep in thought.

  “Darcy?”

  “Hmm? I am sorry.”

  “Who has been on your mind? And do not tell me, nobody. I will not believe you, and will not stop harassing you until you tell me the truth.”

  Seeing that his cousin would bully him until he gave the answer he wanted, he sullenly replied. “I was thinking of Elizabeth.”

  “You were thinking of my new butler?” Lord Fitzwilliam retorted, stunned at his relative’s response.

  “No, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a woman I met over a month ago.”

  “Well, well, this sounds promising.” Lord Fitzwilliam replied as he sunk into his favorite chair.

  “Not that promising, we only met once and spent a short time together.” Darcy then proceeded to enlighten his cousin on everything that had happened that day.

  Lord Fitzwilliam took notice of the man in front of him. “Ah! I see.”

  Darcy looked up quickly and shifted in his seat, not accustom to being evaluated. “There is nothing to see.”

  “Finally! You are in love. The great Fitzwilliam Darcy has finally found love. I thought I would never see the day and at first sight. This is rich.”

  Darcy sputtered, “I am not in love.”

  “Let me see if I can enlighten you. You cannot stop thinking of her. Everything around you reminds you of her. You compare every woman you ever met to her. If you are not in love now, you are well on your way.”

  Darcy did not answer as he took in the new information.

  Lord Fitzwilliam took pity on him, and gently asked, “Why are you hesitating?”

  He was ashamed of admitting the reason especially considering his cousin’s struggles. “You know the reason; she is not from the Ton. She lacks money and connections.”

  “Ah, of course, the necessary connection or wealth,” Seeing that Darcy had no intentions of commenting, he said, “I envy you, Darce. You can marry any woman you would like. You do not have to fight to keep the woman you love.”

  “Have you been listening to a word I have said?”

  “Yes, I have. You are bewitched by a woman you feel that you cannot have. Am I correct?”

  Darcy nodded.

  “Well, let me tell you what I see. You are the master of Pemberley, so there will be no one who will throw you out of your home if you were to marry this woman. Your wealth is attached to your land, so you have your own finances; therefore, your family cannot attempt to cut you off from your inheritance. Georgiana is a few years away from her entrance into society, so the Ton will forget quickly the ‘blunder’ of marrying the woman of your choice. Please enlighten me to what is your issue.”

  Understanding that was exactly what his cousin was facing and realizing that he was correct, Darcy said softly, “Here I believed that I was coming to help you.”

  “You are. I love that the very wealthy, very handsome, and always unmistakable Darcy is actually a fumbling idiot when it comes to love.”

  Darcy groaned at his cousin’s jest and shook his head in disgust. “I am so glad that I could assist you in practicing your wit.”

  Robert chuckled, “Anytime.” Becoming serious, he asked, “Can I count on your support in fighting our family?”

  Darcy exhaled, “Yes, of course.”

  “Excellent, and you can count on my support when you find the woman of your dreams. Of course, in your case, it is literal. You must actually find her first.”

  Darcy scoffed at his cousin’s wit, “Thank you for reminding me.”

  Chapter 3

  Darcy had left his cousin’s home a few days after their enlightening conversation and traveled to Meryton rather quickly. He had spent the first few days at Netherfield in disbelief. Not knowing what to make of the odd occurrences. Caroline was surely possessed. There was no other way to describe it. She was presenting herself as a mild-mannered, accommodating, and genteel woman. However, Darcy was not fooled. No one changes their behavior that quickly. It was confirmed by his employees who informed him that how she acted in public was far different than how she behaved in private or to her staff. Darcy laughed as his valet reenacted some of her shenanigans and referred to her as ‘Cunning Caroline.’ He wondered about her new behavior and came up with a few plausible reasons including her desire to be mistress of Pemberley. He vowed to keep up his guards. No matter her motives, he had no intentions of letting her get her wish.

  A day after his arrival, Darcy wanted to ride around Bingley’s estate to help him determine what repairs were needed. They had already discussed the issues with the house and gardens, but Darcy wanted to look at the tenants’ homes and the acreage as a whole, and Bingley would hear none of it. It seemed that his sisters, Louisa and Caroline were having a daughter of the neighboring home over for tea. Darcy did not know the name of this blonde beauty, but had spent a few hours listening to Bingley talking about ‘his angel.’ It did not surprise him because Bingley was always falling in or out of love with one lady or another. It was simply a matter of time before Bingley found a new ‘angel’ in this town. Bingley never acted inappropriately with his new loves, but it did not stop him from enjoying their company from time to time. Darcy hoped that this girl would not get hurt.

  Darcy asked for the use of Bingley’s library. If he could not visit the tenants’ home, he would study the information that the steward had presented. He wanted to be prepared when Bingley’s desire to learn about his estate, surfaced.

  When Darcy woke up the next morning, he expected that Bingley would be ready to tour the grounds with him. That was not to be. It seemed that the girl had fallen ill soon after arriving, and Bingley planned to stay close to the house. He wanted to be nearby in case she would need him. Darcy chuckled to himself as Bingley was acting like a schoolboy with his first crush and Caroline could not keep up her role as a genuine woman. He headed outdoors hoping to get far away from the insanity in the Bingley home.

  ***

  After checking on a few tenants’ properties, Darcy meandered around the edge of his friend’s land. As he was trying to assess his friend’s acreage, his mind kept returning to the beautiful brunette throwing him off his own property. He needed a way to find her. He knew several things: she had an aunt and uncle, the Gardiners, who lived in London, and that her uncle was in trade and was an importer. It was not much to go on, but it was enough information to send to his investigator so he could begin finding answers. As soon as he was done helping Bingley, Darcy intended to turn his sole focus on looking for her.

  Rambling around he could not help but wonder if she would like this countryside. She had made herself at home on his property. Perhaps she would be a great lover of Hertfordshire’s nature. As he came to the far edge of Bingley’s property, an unusual sight caught his eye. A woman was trying to climb over the fence separating the two properties. She was having difficulty getting over the posts with her long dress. He headed in her direction wondering if she would need some assistance. He crept up behind her, not wanting to scare her when her foot missed the other side post, and she began to fall. Luckily for her, he was fast enough to catch her. As he straightened her and placed her on the ground, he glanced at her face. He was shocked and thrilled when he saw who it was. Without any rational thought, he embraced her, holding her tightly without thought to propriety, his surroundings or if she wanted to be held. All he could think of was
that it was providential that she was here in his arms.

  Elizabeth melted into his arms, and felt the warmth of the man who held her dreams for the last few months. She could not believe the turn of events. This morning, she had returned home to find her sister ill at a neighboring estate, and was quickly heading towards the estate to see if she could be of any assistance to her. Her only thought was to comfort Jane.

  Remembering the impropriety of her actions, she drew back and gently pushed Darcy away.

  “I am sorry. I did not mean…” Darcy started in a wounded tone.

  “Sir, I…” Elizabeth whispered. She stood quietly, bereft of his embrace as she gazed at him. He had such a forlorn look on his face. Jane was soon forgotten, as she was unable to think of anything but wanting to help him.

  Darcy moved back, thinking that she would berate him for his impropriety. When she did not, Darcy asked for her forgiveness. “Miss Elizabeth, I must apologize for my behavior. I did not mean to place you in such a predicament.”

  Elizabeth chuckled: “Sir, you have nothing to ask forgiveness for. We have found ourselves in this situation before, and lived through it.” She was referring to his state of dress when she had met him last. “Besides, you were not alone in that embrace. I must own part of the responsibility also.”

  He gazed at her face and she truly did not seem to be upset. He grinned, grasped her two hands into his, and asked, “You are not offended by my lack of decorum?”

  “No. Not at all.” Elizabeth smiled as she glanced at their clasped hands. It seemed that they could not stay away from their improper behavior. Darcy gently dropped one hand, placed the other around his arm, and began to walk.

  “Well then I am glad, and before we go any further, I must tell you that I do have permission to be on this property as well.”

  Elizabeth chuckled, “I am happy to hear it, but what are you doing in Hertfordshire?”

  “I am here to help a friend, and you?” Darcy replied, utterly grateful to whoever had brought her to him.

  “I live here.”

  He looked confused, and questioned, “With your aunt and uncle? I thought they lived in London?”

  Elizabeth replied, “No, with my parents and sisters.”

  It was then she realized that she had forgotten Jane. “Oh my goodness,” she exclaimed, “my sister.” With that, she turned and hastily headed towards Netherfield.

  Darcy was stunned as he watched her ran away. He had no intentions of allowing her to leave him. He chased after her. With his long legs, it did not take long for him to catch up with her. “Where are you going?

  She stopped to answer him. “I was on my way to see my sister before I…”

  “Fell into my awaiting arms,” Darcy offered with an endearing grin.

  Elizabeth blushed and said, “Of course, you would state it in that manner.”

  Darcy grinned as he offered his arm to which she took, and stated, “I do not mean to be rude, but where do you think you are going?”

  “My sister is ill at Netherfield.”

  Surprised, Darcy answered, “How shocking! I have been staying at Netherfield. That was your sister who became ill? But I was told that she is blonde and blue eyed.” He stopped and glanced at her beautiful brown eyes and wavy hair. “You do not look alike?”

  Elizabeth could not help but tease the man; otherwise, he may become arrogant. Elizabeth glanced up at him and with a gleam in her eye, she probed, “Did you not attend the university?”

  “Of course,” he replied, uncertain as to why she had asked that question.

  “I am sure that you are aware that many siblings do not look alike.” Elizabeth impertinently answered.

  It was Darcy’s turn to blush.

  Elizabeth giggled. “I look like my father. All of my sisters look like my mother.”

  “Well, I am glad; you are beautiful as you are.” Elizabeth blushed at his compliment.

  As he turned to continue walking he said, “We have that in common. I look exactly like my father, and my sister looks like my mother.” Darcy weakly smiled at Elizabeth, as he sadly thought of his deceased parents.

  Elizabeth squeezed his arms, trying to show her support.

  They continued to talk openly as they approached the house. When they were in sight of the building, Darcy let go of her arm, separated from her, and placed his mask of indifference on his face. He had seen someone in the window. When it appeared that Elizabeth was going to question it, Darcy whispered, “Trust me. It is necessary. I will explain later.”

  Elizabeth simply nodded.

  ***

  Caroline stood watching Darcy and a young woman approach Netherfield. He was smiling. Mr. Darcy never smiles, she thought. Curious as to whom Mr. Darcy was escorting into her home, she went downstairs to greet them, just as Charles was arriving from another direction.

  “Ah, Mr. Darcy, could you introduce us to whom you have here?” Caroline asked, not taking her eyes off of the one she viewed as her competition.

  “This is Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She is here to see her sister.”

  “Ah, Jane. What a lovely girl,” she stated insincerely. As she turned to see her housekeeper approaching, she added, “Our housekeeper will happily take you to her room.”

  Elizabeth turned to Darcy who still had the mask of indifference on his face. She did not know what to make of it, but she was not going to inquire while in company. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy for accompanying me.” She curtsied and said, “It is a pleasure to meet you all.”

  As soon as the housekeeper left with Elizabeth, Darcy excused himself with an explanation that he had correspondence to attend to.

  Bingley was going to follow him when his sister stopped him, and glanced icily up the stairs to where Elizabeth had gone. Turning around to her brother, she questioned, “How does Mr. Darcy know this Miss Eliza? He never would ask for an introduction.”

  “Darcy? I do not believe he does. Why?” Bingley answered bewilderedly.

  “I am not so sure that they are strangers. He was smiling at her as they approached the house. I am sure that he is in love with her.”

  “Smiling at her? In love with her?” Bingley repeated. “Do you not think that you are being a bit romantic? Simply because he escorts a woman into this house, does not mean that he is infatuated with her,” Bingley snickered.

  “Laugh at me if you will, but I am sure that there is something there, and I intend to find out what it is. She is not going to come here and steal my future husband.”

  Bingley calmed his sister, “Do not worry. I have a few plans in place. It will take a bit of time, but you will become mistress of Pemberley. Until then, we will keep an eye on Miss Elizabeth.”

  ***

  Elizabeth left her sister’s room. Jane had been seen by the apothecary, and was told to stay in bed to recuperate from her nasty cold. Oddly, Elizabeth had been invited to stay at the manor by the master and mistress of Netherfield. Elizabeth was heading downstairs to greet the family and thank them for their consideration when someone grabbed her from behind, covered her mouth, and gently pulled her into a room.

  The man whispered in her ear, “It is me. I need to speak with you.” As she was realizing who was holding her, Darcy calmly asked, “If I uncover your mouth, will you promise me that you will not scream?”

  Elizabeth nodded, and Darcy let her go. As she moved away from him, she turned around with an incredulous look.

  “Have you lost your mind, Mr. Darcy, what on Earth, were you thinking?” Elizabeth asked a little too loudly as she smoothed out the ruffles of her dress that had been disheveled from Darcy ‘kidnapping’ her.

  Darcy stepped forward and placed his finger on her lips, “Shh. Everyone will hear. I am trying to warn you about Miss Bingley. She will be trouble for you.”

  “Miss Bingley? What? Why?” She questioned, confused as to why a woman she had just met would have an objection to her.

  “I do not know, but she is acting strangely. She is to
o keen to have you stay here with us. She has never been that considerate.”

  “Mr. Darcy, is that not cruel to say about our hostess?”

  “Miss Elizabeth, you do not understand. I have been chased by this woman for years. Miss Bingley truly believes that she will be the mistress of Pemberley.”

  “Why would she believe that misconception? Are you courting her? Are you engaged to her?” Elizabeth added in a weak whisper, trying to stop her aching heart.

  Darcy placed his hands on her arms. “God, no! I barely can stand to be in the same room as her. She is manipulative, brash and snide. The only person I want to court is you.”

  Elizabeth stood stunned at Darcy’s revelation. Unable to say anything further, her mind was spinning with the new implications. She stepped back and leaned her head on the wall, trying to think clearly.

  Darcy strode forward and gently tilted her chin up. “I know that it is awfully fast. We have only spent a few days together, but I have never felt like this before. I find that I am comfortable with you and want to spend every waking hour with you. When we were apart, I found that I thought of you all the time. I know that you are the only one who can make me happy. Please tell me that I am not alone in feeling this.”

  Elizabeth, with tears brimming in her eyes, quietly whispered, “You are not alone.”

  “Will you allow me to court you?” Darcy asked as he took her hand.

  “Yes,” Elizabeth hoarsely whispered, as if it was the only word she could say.

  “When you return home, I would like to speak to your father. I would request an audience with him today, but I fear that he would not allow you to stay in this house if he knew the truth about us.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “Probably not.”

  “I would like a few more days getting to know you. Is that wrong?” Darcy asked as he ran his finger across her cheek.

  Elizabeth shook her head no, unable to speak with the overwhelming sensations that his one finger was having on her.

  “It would require that we keep it a secret from everyone for a few days. Is that acceptable to you? If not, let me know. I will go to him today if you prefer,” Darcy offered. As he leaned in to bestow a kiss on the hand that he was holding, they heard a loud noise outside of the room which startled them.