Free A Father's Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by J Dawn King

happened so
quickly that Elizabeth had not had an opportunity to excuse herself. She looked
to Mr. Darcy, who had dismounted.
     
    “Miss
Elizabeth, I do apologize for my abrupt manner. My sister made me aware this
morning that she had discussed with you our particular family situation. I
regret that you were so forcefully confronted with the animosity that continues
to exist.” He seemed to notice that Elizabeth was carrying the very luggage
that she had left Netherfield Park with in her hands. “Miss Elizabeth, may I be
of assistance?”
     
    With
Lt. Wickham’s departure, Mr. Bingley and Georgiana rode closer. Elizabeth set
her case and valise on the ground.
     
    “Thank
you, Mr. Darcy. I am on my way to the Inn to arrange transportation to London.
It appears that my services and my presence are no longer needed, or wanted, at
Longbourn. I am only sorry that I was not able to distance myself from your
confrontation, sir.” Looking to Georgiana, she inquired if she was well. The
young girl was pale and her horse, sensing her agitation, was stomping his feet
on the ground in need of soothing. Georgiana was an excellent horsewoman, but
dismounted, quickly handing her reins to her brother. She walked into
Elizabeth’s waiting arms. Elizabeth held her tight until she felt Georgiana
regain control.
     
    “William,
what is George doing here?” Georgiana’s voice was just as shaky as her body had
been.
     
    “Georgie,
it appears that he has joined the militia.” Her brother stepped closer with the
two horses trailing behind. “We need to remove ourselves from Meryton.” His
decision was firm.
     
    “Miss
Elizabeth,” Darcy caught her attention, “I am aware that what I am about to
suggest is against all that is proper, however, my sister and I would be
pleased to provide transportation to town. With George Wickham here we can
remain in Hertfordshire only at our peril. Please allow us to escort you to the
Inn. If you will await us there, we shall return to Netherfield Park where we
will be packed and leaving within the hour.” Looking to Mr. Bingley, he requested,
“If you would, please, ride to your estate to inform our servants that we will
be leaving as soon as they are prepared? My sister and I will escort Miss
Elizabeth and then ride to Netherfield Park to ready our departure.”
     
    Elizabeth’s
cases were firmly attached to Mr. Darcy’s saddle.  The walk was quick and
silent. Mr. Darcy felt the need to apologize again to Miss Elizabeth for her
being witness to him acting in an un-gentlemanlike manner. What must she
think of him?
     
    Mrs.
Nicholls, when made aware of the immediate departure of the Netherfield guests,
hastened to instruct Mr. and Miss Darcy’s servants while arranging for a food
basket and extra blankets for their travels. It wasn’t long before all was in
order and they were ready to depart.
     
    Military Barracks, London – Earlier that morning
     
    “Colonel
Forster, what brings you to London? I had heard you were in the country
training the best of England’s men to protect the land from the French.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam, cousin to the Darcys, shared guardianship with Darcy of
Georgiana. George Darcy recognized early on that Richard Fitzwilliam’s
personality was the perfect foil for his son’s seriousness and this would
benefit his daughter greatly. The Colonel was a jovial sort, the second son of
the Earl of Smithton, who had risen through the ranks of officers by courage
and bravery during several military campaigns on the continent. Only one year
older than his cousin, Darcy, he was worldly in his outlook and habits. He had
known Colonel Forster for several years and they had a camaraderie typical of
men whose life was uncertain from one breath to the next. Both had
distinguished themselves in battle and bore the physical and emotional scars
that created a close bond.
     
    “I
am assigned to a small village in Hertfordshire, Meryton.” Colonel Forster
accepted the glass