and something completely random
I should have included this in yesterday's drabble dump but I had only gone through one of my journals and got tired. Now, I'm on... the one that was used mostly at work and places my normal journal is awkward to carry. I don't think I'll be delving into this fandom... there are other far more talented P&P fanfic authors than myself.
Mr. Darcy paced in front of his desk. Since the butler had brought Mr. Edward Gardiner's card, Darcy hadn't been able to sit still. Elizabeth uncle. What was he doing away from London? And in Derbyshire? The Knock at the study door gave Darcy just enough time to calm his features and stop his pacing before the Butler entered and announced Mr. Gardiner. The two men stared at each other while the butler quietly closed the door. Feeling rather out of place in his own home, Darcy motioned to the desk. "Would you care for some brandy or port, Mr. Gardiner? I trust the journey from London passed without incident?"
"The roads have improved since I was last in Lambton, Sir. My wife passed most of her childhood there."
That did not explain Mr. Gardiner's purpose in Darcy's study. "It is a charming village. Did Mrs. Gardiner accompany you?"
Mr. Gardiner shook his head. "No. My wife stayed in London as this was a trip for business. Have you been to London recently, sir?"
Seeing Mr. Darcy's perplexed look, Edward Gardiner stood, pacing before the desk. "Forgive me. I have not asked after your family. I understood from my niece that you have a sister."
Suddenly wary, Darcy also stood. "Yes, she has spent some time in town as of late but is to join me in a fortnight."
Mr. Gardiner paused, clasping his hands behind his back. "And you sister? Is she well?"
It took everything in Darcy not to throttle the man. If Mrs. Bennet was too vocal then her brother was too reticent. Perhaps they had another sibling that was balanced. He frowned. No. Mrs. Phillips was just as silly as her sister. "I rather you speak plainly, sir."
"Of course. Of course. Forgive me." Mr. Gardiner frowned uncomfortably. "I'm afraid that some disturbing rumors are spreading through London about your character, Mr. Darcy."
Darcy leaned back, a dark scowl spreading across his face. "Wickham."
"You are not a stranger, then, to the situation?"
"Wickham spreads rumors as easily as a gambler loses money. My sister?"
"Miss Darcy is untouched by the rumors though she's anxious about your reaction."
Darcy looked surprised. "You are acquainted with my sister?"
"She made a call on our home several days ago. She was greatly distressed about the rumors and sought reassurance."
"I'm afraid I don't understand. What are the rumors?"
Mr. Gardiner flushed. "I...Mr. Wickham has claimed that you have compromised a young woman and she is now with child."
"I am afraid... I do not understand why Ton gives stock to such rumors."
"I didn't specify that the young woman was a gentleman's daughter."
Darcy suddenly felt sick and lowered himself to a chair. "May I ask the young woman's name?"
"My niece, sir."
His face drained of color. For a brief moment, Mr. Gardiner thought the young man would faint but Mr. Darcy recovered sufficiently to speak. "Miss Elizabeth?"
I seem to be missing some... who knows where it is.
"Mr. Bingley has challenged Mr. Wickham to a duel."
Darcy startled, pacing anxiously. "Bingley is a poor weapon's master. Does he know what his challenge means?"
Missing some more....
"I'm going to London."
Darcy started for the door. Mr. Gardiner hurried after him. "Mr. Darcy, perhaps we should discuss things first. Mr. Bingley will do what is necessary for--"
Darcy turned, causing Mr. Gardiner to stop short. "No. It is my name being dragged through the mud. It is my honor. I will not allow it."
"That may be so, sir, but it will be forgotten for you--"
"I will not allow Bingley to damn himself to heartache."
Mr. Gardiner stared in surprise, stirrings of anger rising in him. "So you would damn my niece to ruin?"
Darcy whirled around with an exclamation. "No! I will not allow Bingley to marry a woman he doesn't love when he's been in love with her sister." Darcy turned away, his voice dropping to a hoarse whisper. "I will not let my friend marry the woman I love when I can prevent it."
"Mr. Darcy--"
Darcy straightened his shoulders, starting out of the study again. "I will have a room prepared for you. We leave tomorrow. If you need anything, ask. Kate--Mrs. Reynolds will see to it."
"Mr. Darcy?" When the young man paused, Mr. Gardiner continued. "What are you planning?"
"I am to secure a special license. I will send an express to Bingley and then secure travel to London. After which, I will marry Miss Bennet."
"But the child..."
"Is mine, Mr. Gardiner."
"I cannot allow--"
"You will allow it because we married several months ago."
"How will you explain your absence? It won't go unnoticed."
"Estate business kept me out of England. I have just now returned."
Darcy seemed to nod to himself but Mr. Gardiner had reservations. "For six months, sir? Most of town won't believe a newly wedded man would leave his wife so soon."
"The Darcy family has extensive land in Normandy. The unrest in France has damaged some of my holdings and I had to leave to oversee the repairs. Naturally, I would not want my bride in such a dangerous location."
Mr. Gardiner was struck silent for a moment as he watched Darcy climb the stairs. "Mr. Darcy, Lizzie will protest."
"I will speak to her."
"But I cannot allow your name to be injured by association with ours."
"Mr. Gardiner, I care nothing for Society. They are a fickle mass and as soon as a new scandal arises, this one will be forgotten." Miss Elizabeth and I are married."
"i see there is no dissuading you."
"No, sir. The fault is mine, so must be the remedy."
"Very well. You have my blessing."
Darcy started, brow wrinkling in confusion. "Mr. Bennet?"
"My brother had no choice but to turn her out of the house."
"I see. You will be ready to leave at first light?"
"I am at your disposal."
~* ~*~*~
The Darcy carriage rattled into London, pausing outside the Darcy House long enough for a servant to hurry up the steps and disappear inside. Moments later, the same servant reappeared, a packet of papers under his arm. The papers were handed into the carriage and the carriaged moved on. Inside the carriage Mr. Gardiner observed his traveling companion. Over the many miles he had grown accustomed to Darcy's character. While not an overtly expressive man, Mr. Gardiner decided that Darcy was a decent one. Darcy fidgeted in his seat, his confidence taking an internal beating. He was almost grateful when Mr. Gardiner spoke, "Perhaps you should delay your visit a day."
"I have taken too long as it is, sir. I'd rather appear over eager at this time."
"Surely Society won't know of a short delay?"
"I rather not take my chances."
The carriage slowed to a halt in front of a small, but tasteful home. Mr. Gardiner led the way to the door, turning to see the younger man's sudden pallor. "Perhaps you would like to refresh yourself before you see Lizzie."
The doorman opened the door, assisting them with their coats and hats. "Welcome home, sir."
"Thank you, Matthews. How is the family?"
"They are well, sir. Thank you."
"Good, good. Is my wife in?"
"She is in the morning room, sir. She'll be right down."
"And my niece?"
"She..." Matthews hesitated, darting an uneasy glance at the unknown gentleman. "She keeps to the upstairs sitting room, sir. Miss Jane sits with her in the morning."
Mr. Gardiner nodded. "Thank you. Have Melissa send refreshments up to the guestroom if you could. We are not home to anyone except Mr. Bingley."
"Yes, sir. Mr. Bingley will be here for supper."
"Will he? Excellent. Right this way, Mr. Darcy."
Darcy followed his host but not before he saw the startled and somewhat suspicious look from Matthews. At the landing, a young woman close to Darcy's age was just stepping out of a room, carefully pulling the door closed behind her. A large smile spread across Mr. Gardiner's face. "There's my lovely wife. And here I thought you were avoiding me."
"Edward!" Madeline Gardiner paused, surprised to see another gentleman with him. "Oh, excuse me."
"Madeline, my dear," Edward Gardiner strode forward, embracing his wife and giving her a quick peck on the cheek. "I've missed you. The trip to Derbyshire is long," he turned toward Mr. Darcy. "May I present my wife to you? Mr. Darcy, my wife, Mrs. Madeline Gardiner."
Darcy bowed. "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Gardiner."
Madeline returned his greeting, casting a questioning glance at her husband. "I believe my husband has spread the gossip of town north?"
Darcy shifted his weight, clearing his throat. "I am sorry I hadn't heard the gossip earlier. I would have come sooner."
A small smile crossed her face and she turned to the sitting room. "Would you like some tea?"
"Is Miss Elizabeth available for company? I would like to speak with her."
Surprise crossed her face and Darcy was sure she would deny his request when Mr. Gardiner stilled her with a look. "Is she well today, Madeline?"
His wife nodded. "The nausea is passed now. She keeps to the private sitting room."
Mr. Gardiner nodded, turning to the young man. "Follow me, Mr. Darcy."
"Edward! Are you sure that's best?"
____________________________
And that is why I don't write P&P fanfic. This all came about because I had a crazy P&P dream. Yes, I dream in literary works. Anyway, the dream was about Elizabeth returning from Kent with the newly acquired knowledge of Mr. Wickham's character. It's pretty much the same as the book but instead of Wickham withdrawing and changing the subject, he threatens Elizabeth and eventually compromises her in order to keep her silence. It doesn't have to make sense, it's a dream.
Mr. Darcy paced in front of his desk. Since the butler had brought Mr. Edward Gardiner's card, Darcy hadn't been able to sit still. Elizabeth uncle. What was he doing away from London? And in Derbyshire? The Knock at the study door gave Darcy just enough time to calm his features and stop his pacing before the Butler entered and announced Mr. Gardiner. The two men stared at each other while the butler quietly closed the door. Feeling rather out of place in his own home, Darcy motioned to the desk. "Would you care for some brandy or port, Mr. Gardiner? I trust the journey from London passed without incident?"
"The roads have improved since I was last in Lambton, Sir. My wife passed most of her childhood there."
That did not explain Mr. Gardiner's purpose in Darcy's study. "It is a charming village. Did Mrs. Gardiner accompany you?"
Mr. Gardiner shook his head. "No. My wife stayed in London as this was a trip for business. Have you been to London recently, sir?"
Seeing Mr. Darcy's perplexed look, Edward Gardiner stood, pacing before the desk. "Forgive me. I have not asked after your family. I understood from my niece that you have a sister."
Suddenly wary, Darcy also stood. "Yes, she has spent some time in town as of late but is to join me in a fortnight."
Mr. Gardiner paused, clasping his hands behind his back. "And you sister? Is she well?"
It took everything in Darcy not to throttle the man. If Mrs. Bennet was too vocal then her brother was too reticent. Perhaps they had another sibling that was balanced. He frowned. No. Mrs. Phillips was just as silly as her sister. "I rather you speak plainly, sir."
"Of course. Of course. Forgive me." Mr. Gardiner frowned uncomfortably. "I'm afraid that some disturbing rumors are spreading through London about your character, Mr. Darcy."
Darcy leaned back, a dark scowl spreading across his face. "Wickham."
"You are not a stranger, then, to the situation?"
"Wickham spreads rumors as easily as a gambler loses money. My sister?"
"Miss Darcy is untouched by the rumors though she's anxious about your reaction."
Darcy looked surprised. "You are acquainted with my sister?"
"She made a call on our home several days ago. She was greatly distressed about the rumors and sought reassurance."
"I'm afraid I don't understand. What are the rumors?"
Mr. Gardiner flushed. "I...Mr. Wickham has claimed that you have compromised a young woman and she is now with child."
"I am afraid... I do not understand why Ton gives stock to such rumors."
"I didn't specify that the young woman was a gentleman's daughter."
Darcy suddenly felt sick and lowered himself to a chair. "May I ask the young woman's name?"
"My niece, sir."
His face drained of color. For a brief moment, Mr. Gardiner thought the young man would faint but Mr. Darcy recovered sufficiently to speak. "Miss Elizabeth?"
I seem to be missing some... who knows where it is.
"Mr. Bingley has challenged Mr. Wickham to a duel."
Darcy startled, pacing anxiously. "Bingley is a poor weapon's master. Does he know what his challenge means?"
Missing some more....
"I'm going to London."
Darcy started for the door. Mr. Gardiner hurried after him. "Mr. Darcy, perhaps we should discuss things first. Mr. Bingley will do what is necessary for--"
Darcy turned, causing Mr. Gardiner to stop short. "No. It is my name being dragged through the mud. It is my honor. I will not allow it."
"That may be so, sir, but it will be forgotten for you--"
"I will not allow Bingley to damn himself to heartache."
Mr. Gardiner stared in surprise, stirrings of anger rising in him. "So you would damn my niece to ruin?"
Darcy whirled around with an exclamation. "No! I will not allow Bingley to marry a woman he doesn't love when he's been in love with her sister." Darcy turned away, his voice dropping to a hoarse whisper. "I will not let my friend marry the woman I love when I can prevent it."
"Mr. Darcy--"
Darcy straightened his shoulders, starting out of the study again. "I will have a room prepared for you. We leave tomorrow. If you need anything, ask. Kate--Mrs. Reynolds will see to it."
"Mr. Darcy?" When the young man paused, Mr. Gardiner continued. "What are you planning?"
"I am to secure a special license. I will send an express to Bingley and then secure travel to London. After which, I will marry Miss Bennet."
"But the child..."
"Is mine, Mr. Gardiner."
"I cannot allow--"
"You will allow it because we married several months ago."
"How will you explain your absence? It won't go unnoticed."
"Estate business kept me out of England. I have just now returned."
Darcy seemed to nod to himself but Mr. Gardiner had reservations. "For six months, sir? Most of town won't believe a newly wedded man would leave his wife so soon."
"The Darcy family has extensive land in Normandy. The unrest in France has damaged some of my holdings and I had to leave to oversee the repairs. Naturally, I would not want my bride in such a dangerous location."
Mr. Gardiner was struck silent for a moment as he watched Darcy climb the stairs. "Mr. Darcy, Lizzie will protest."
"I will speak to her."
"But I cannot allow your name to be injured by association with ours."
"Mr. Gardiner, I care nothing for Society. They are a fickle mass and as soon as a new scandal arises, this one will be forgotten." Miss Elizabeth and I are married."
"i see there is no dissuading you."
"No, sir. The fault is mine, so must be the remedy."
"Very well. You have my blessing."
Darcy started, brow wrinkling in confusion. "Mr. Bennet?"
"My brother had no choice but to turn her out of the house."
"I see. You will be ready to leave at first light?"
"I am at your disposal."
~* ~*~*~
The Darcy carriage rattled into London, pausing outside the Darcy House long enough for a servant to hurry up the steps and disappear inside. Moments later, the same servant reappeared, a packet of papers under his arm. The papers were handed into the carriage and the carriaged moved on. Inside the carriage Mr. Gardiner observed his traveling companion. Over the many miles he had grown accustomed to Darcy's character. While not an overtly expressive man, Mr. Gardiner decided that Darcy was a decent one. Darcy fidgeted in his seat, his confidence taking an internal beating. He was almost grateful when Mr. Gardiner spoke, "Perhaps you should delay your visit a day."
"I have taken too long as it is, sir. I'd rather appear over eager at this time."
"Surely Society won't know of a short delay?"
"I rather not take my chances."
The carriage slowed to a halt in front of a small, but tasteful home. Mr. Gardiner led the way to the door, turning to see the younger man's sudden pallor. "Perhaps you would like to refresh yourself before you see Lizzie."
The doorman opened the door, assisting them with their coats and hats. "Welcome home, sir."
"Thank you, Matthews. How is the family?"
"They are well, sir. Thank you."
"Good, good. Is my wife in?"
"She is in the morning room, sir. She'll be right down."
"And my niece?"
"She..." Matthews hesitated, darting an uneasy glance at the unknown gentleman. "She keeps to the upstairs sitting room, sir. Miss Jane sits with her in the morning."
Mr. Gardiner nodded. "Thank you. Have Melissa send refreshments up to the guestroom if you could. We are not home to anyone except Mr. Bingley."
"Yes, sir. Mr. Bingley will be here for supper."
"Will he? Excellent. Right this way, Mr. Darcy."
Darcy followed his host but not before he saw the startled and somewhat suspicious look from Matthews. At the landing, a young woman close to Darcy's age was just stepping out of a room, carefully pulling the door closed behind her. A large smile spread across Mr. Gardiner's face. "There's my lovely wife. And here I thought you were avoiding me."
"Edward!" Madeline Gardiner paused, surprised to see another gentleman with him. "Oh, excuse me."
"Madeline, my dear," Edward Gardiner strode forward, embracing his wife and giving her a quick peck on the cheek. "I've missed you. The trip to Derbyshire is long," he turned toward Mr. Darcy. "May I present my wife to you? Mr. Darcy, my wife, Mrs. Madeline Gardiner."
Darcy bowed. "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Gardiner."
Madeline returned his greeting, casting a questioning glance at her husband. "I believe my husband has spread the gossip of town north?"
Darcy shifted his weight, clearing his throat. "I am sorry I hadn't heard the gossip earlier. I would have come sooner."
A small smile crossed her face and she turned to the sitting room. "Would you like some tea?"
"Is Miss Elizabeth available for company? I would like to speak with her."
Surprise crossed her face and Darcy was sure she would deny his request when Mr. Gardiner stilled her with a look. "Is she well today, Madeline?"
His wife nodded. "The nausea is passed now. She keeps to the private sitting room."
Mr. Gardiner nodded, turning to the young man. "Follow me, Mr. Darcy."
"Edward! Are you sure that's best?"
____________________________
And that is why I don't write P&P fanfic. This all came about because I had a crazy P&P dream. Yes, I dream in literary works. Anyway, the dream was about Elizabeth returning from Kent with the newly acquired knowledge of Mr. Wickham's character. It's pretty much the same as the book but instead of Wickham withdrawing and changing the subject, he threatens Elizabeth and eventually compromises her in order to keep her silence. It doesn't have to make sense, it's a dream.