A Perilous Match

Chapter 23

E lizabeth’s mind was in turmoil, and she could scarcely meet Jane’s eyes, let alone those of her husband, who awaited her with an expression of growing concern. The familiar sight of Ashburn Court, with its sprawling gardens and stately facade, did little to soothe her troubled heart.

Dismounting from her horse, she handed the reins to the waiting groom, her hands trembling ever so slightly. Fitzwilliam, noting her agitation, approached with the quiet determination she had come to recognise and, despite herself, to admire.

“Elizabeth,” he called softly, his voice laced with concern. “Is everything well? You seem troubled.”

Elizabeth forced a smile, but it did not reach her eyes, and she could feel Jane’s anxious gaze upon her, silently urging her to be cautious with her words.

“We are quite well, thank you,” Elizabeth replied, though her voice lacked its customary lightness. “The ride was pleasant, though perhaps a little too long.”

Fitzwilliam’s eyes narrowed slightly, not missing the evasion in her answer. His gaze, so penetrating and yet so tender, seemed to reach into the very depths of her soul. “Elizabeth,” he said quietly, drawing closer so that only she could hear, “I can see that something has unsettled you. Pray, tell me what it is.”

Elizabeth hesitated, her thoughts in a whirl. How could she possibly tell him the truth? If she revealed the full extent of what had transpired it would only serve to inflame his temper. Yet, she knew she could not keep this from him.

With a small sigh, Elizabeth squeezed Fitzwilliams hand, seeking courage in the warmth of his touch. “There is something I must tell you,” she began, her voice steadying as she resolved to speak the truth, though she would temper it for his sake. “We briefly parted, Jane and I, and I then encountered Mr Wickham over yonder by the temple. He… he approached me and, though his manner was civil enough, his words were unsettling.”

Fitzwilliam’s expression darkened at the mention of Mr Wickham’s name, his grip on her hand tightening ever so slightly. “What did he say?” he asked, his voice low and measured, though she could hear the simmering anger beneath it.

Elizabeth hesitated only a moment longer before continuing. “He spoke of you, and of our marriage. He attempted to cast doubt upon your character. He also made some unwelcome advances towards me, but I assured him that his attentions were neither wanted nor appropriate.”

Fitzwilliam’s jaw clenched, and she could see the effort it took for him to remain calm. “Did he harm you in any way? Did he—”

“No,” Elizabeth interrupted gently, placing her free hand on his arm in a gesture of reassurance. “He did not harm me. I am quite well, I assure you. I only tell you this because… because I would not keep anything from you, particularly where Mr Wickham is concerned.”

Her husband’s eyes softened as he gazed at her, a mixture of love and admiration in his expression. “Thank you for telling me,” he said quietly, though his voice still carried the weight of his concern. “I am sorry that you had to endure such an encounter. You should not have to deal with the likes of him. And I am sorry for my behaviour this morning. You see, it appears you were not wrong about Phillip at all.” He glanced at his cousin and it was only then she noticed the presence of Colonel Fitzwilliam.

“Elizabeth,” he said with a grave look, “there is something you should know, something that concerns both Wickham and Phillip,” The colonel said.

Elizabeth’s eyes widened as she looked between the two men, her heart quickening with a new sense of dread. “What is it?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The colonel exchanged a glance with Fitzwilliam before turning to Elizabeth. “I have recently learned that Phillip has not been entirely truthful with us. He has continued his association with Wickham, despite claiming to have severed all ties. Moreover, it appears that Wickham’s presence here at Phillip’s invitation.”

“Just as Wickham indicated, when you met him in the village,” Fitzwilliam said.

Elizabeth’s lips parted. “You mean to say that Phillip… that he has been in league with Mr Wickham all this time?” she asked.

“It appears so,” Colonel Fitzwilliam confirmed.

She felt a wave of shock wash over her. She glanced at her husband, whose face had grown pale with anger and disappointment.

“I cannot believe that Phillip would do such a thing,” Fitzwilliam muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. “But the evidence is clear. He has betrayed us, Elizabeth, and for that, and for doubting you, I am deeply sorry.”

Elizabeth placed a hand on his arm, her touch gentle but firm. “There is no need to apologise, Fitzwilliam. You are not responsible for Phillip’s actions. We must simply deal with the situation as it stands and ensure that Mr Wickham can do no more harm.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam, sensing that the conversation had turned to matters of a more private nature, stepped forward once more and offered his arm to Jane. “Shall we take a turn in the gardens, Miss Bennet?” he suggested with a kind smile. “I believe it would do us all good to take some fresh air.”

Jane, who had been listening quietly, nodded in agreement and took his arm. “I think that would be a good idea, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” she replied, casting a sympathetic glance towards Elizabeth before allowing herself to be led away. “There is something we must discuss,” she said and Elizabeth knew that the good colonel was about to be dissuaded from pursuing Jane, her heart and mind made up in favour of Mr Bingley.

Once they were alone, Fitzwilliam turned to Elizabeth, his expression softening as he took both her hands in his. “Elizabeth, I am sorry,” he began, his voice thick with emotion. “I fear that in trying to protect you, I have failed. Phillip is my cousin, my friend, and yet I did not see what he truly was. And as for Wickham… I should have done more to shield you from his malice.”

Elizabeth shook her head, her heart swelling with affection for the man before her. “You have nothing to apologise for,” she insisted, her voice gentle but firm. “You are not to blame for their actions. You have always acted with honour and integrity, and that is what matters to me.”

Fitzwilliam’s eyes shone with unshed tears as he gazed at her, and he pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers. “Elizabeth,” he whispered, “I love you more than words can express. I cannot bear the thought of you being harmed or unhappy, and I will do whatever it takes to protect you, now and always.”

Elizabeth’s heart swelled with emotion, and she reached up to cup his face in her hands. “And I love you, Fitzwilliam,” she replied, her voice steady and sure. “I did not realise how much until now, but I do. You are everything to me, and I cannot imagine my life without you.”

“You have made me the happiest man alive,” he whispered, before lowering his lips to hers in a tender, heartfelt kiss.

The world around them seemed to fade away as they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, Elizabeth allowed herself to forget the strange circumstances that had led them to this moment—and the conspiracy they were still fighting to uncover.