Lizzie’s Dilemma Read online

  Lizzie’s Dilemma

  By Elizabeth Hopkins

  Book two of a Pride and Prejudice variation sensual series

  Copyright 2018 Elizabeth Hopkins

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  All characters depicted in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Epilogue

  Chapter 1

  Lizzie leaned out of the coach window as it pulled away from Longbourn, until it turned at the bend in the road and she could see no more. She leaned back against the carriage squabs and sighed.

  Mr. Darcy stood in front of the house starring after the coach until he could see no more.

  She trembled remembering his last words to her. I intend for my mouth to follow the path on your body that my hands traveled today. Her cheeks reddened at the remembrance. Stop it Lizzie!! When did I start having such wanton thoughts about a man I do not even esteem?

  Angry at herself, but unable to control her wayward thoughts. She pictured his physique. She could not deny that he was a very handsome man, broad shoulders that tapered to a slim waist with strong thighs, curly dark brown hair, impeccably dressed, and with the deepest most piercing blue eyes she had ever seen. And those strong, gentle hands that were everywhere on her person! His scent was purely masculine; sandalwood with a touch of lemon spice perhaps?

  She chastened herself, these lustful thoughts will not do! I must redirect my thoughts, and then thoughts of her father came to mind. The previous indignation and anger she felt toward Mr. Bennet began to rise again.

  How dare he be so unfeeling and callous toward his family, especially his wife! She cringed as she recalled how he had stepped over the prone figure of Mrs. Bennet lying in the entranceway after she had fainted when first setting her eyes on her husband whom she had not seen in three years. Hot tears rolled down her face and she dabbed them away with her handkerchief.

  What is to be done? I am so disappointed and ashamed to call him father. She sat up straighter and decided to speak with her uncle Gardiner. Yes, he will advise me of the proper way to proceed. She was dissatisfied with her current situation and must seek a solution. But she did not know quite what that solution could be.

  After all, her father was the head of the family and it was his responsibility to see to the welfare of his wife and daughters. But Lizzie knew that his being an indolent man who only cared for his books and quietude, he would never take the time to be bothered.

  Chapter 2

  Her coach pulled up in front of her Uncle’s house on Gracechurch street in Cheapside and her Aunt Madeline came out of the house to greet her before anyone knocked on the door.

  Her Uncle Edward Gardiner was the brother of her mother Fanny Bennet. Their dispositions and manners could not be more polar opposites. Fanny Bennet was crass, uneducated, and nonsensible whereas the Gardiners were the epitome of good manners and educated. Their dress and demeanor alone could have them taken for people of society. Theirs was a marriage that Lizzie aspired for herself. They esteemed, respected and loved one another. Edward Gardiner was a very successful business man in trade who chose to live near his warehouses. Their well-kept home was considered large for the area and tastefully decorated.

  Aunt Madeline stood on the top steps and waited for Lizzie to alight from the coach. She was impeccably dressed in the first stare of fashion.

  “Lizzie!” she exclaimed as her niece approached and she embraced her warmly. “I saw the coach from the window and came myself to welcome you. As happy as I am to see you, why did you not write telling us you were coming?”

  “Oh Aunt, it is a long and convoluted story, let us go inside and I will tell you all after I have refreshed myself”, Lizzie replied wearily.

  “Of course, please excuse me for keeping you out in this cold. I am just so surprised and pleased to see you. But you are very welcomed. Come, I will order refreshments while I wait for you.”

  Chapter 3

  When Lizzie’s carriage disappeared from view, Darcy sought out the stable boy and asked him to bring his horse around.

  As he was pacing back and forth Bingley came out of the house and down the steps toward him. “I say Darcy, Miss Bennet has been kind enough to invite us to tea. What say you?” asked Bingley most eagerly.

  “I have some business matters I must attend to Bingley and I have decided to take a ride and clear my head,” replied Darcy. “But I can see by your visage that you are most anxious to accept her invitation. Please stay and I will meet you at the inn.”

  “Are you certain Darcy you would not mind?” asked Bingley looking back at the house.

  “Not at all my friend; go and enjoy Miss Bennet’s smiles.” Darcy surmised from their introduction that Bingley was quite taken with Miss Bennet and would want to further the acquaintance. Although Jane Bennet was a very beautiful woman, blond, blue eyed and lithe, Darcy was not impressed with her. Jane Bennett reminded him of way too many ladies of the ton that he was introduced to and did all that he could to avoid. It was the second sister, Miss Elizabeth that held his fascination.

  With that assurance, Bingley jauntily ascended the steps to Longbourn while Darcy mounted his horse. If Bingley was privy to his thoughts, he would have known that his business was one Elizabeth Bennet and how he could contrive to be in her company once again.

  He galloped across the fields and gave his horse his head. He returned to the inn one hour later and going straight to his room he still had no solution in mind.

  He paced the room for a good quarter of an hour running his fingers through his hair, a habit he had acquired at University when he was deeply in thought. He finally threw himself in a chair with his head held in his hands.

  I am acting as ridiculous as a young pup in love! Love? Where did that come from? Yes I desire her, as he recalled their interlude in the woods and her pleasant figure. He desired her more than any other woman of his acquaintance. But love? No! It is just lust and infatuation with his body warring with his mind. His heart would not be touched. But he could not get the woman off of his mind. She was the last though he had at night and the first in the morning.

  He was also mortified at his rakish behavior, but thrilled at the same time as he recalled her favorable responses to their most amorous interlude in the woods. She was not indifferent to him. Well at least up until the time she pushed him away.

  As he reminisced, he was shocked to realize it was not only her physical attributes that drew him initially, but her sharp wit and intelligence impressed him more than any other woman he had ever met. Along with wanting to embrace her supple body, he found himself wanting to converse with her as she possessed the qualities he always found lacking in other women. How rare to find a woman that had captivated him both physically and intellectually.

  He dared to ask Miss Bennet where her sister was going and she replied innocently to visit my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner on Gracechurch Street in Cheapside. He was ever so grateful for that piece of information. He then decided to hie it to London and seek an appointment with Mr. Gardiner to purchase one of his horses and ascertain the whereabouts of Miss Elizabeth.

  With a firm plan in mind, he called for his valet and
asked him to pack his trunk immediately so he could be away within the hour. He then wrote a quick missive to Bingley telling him that business suddenly called him back to town.

  His carriage was luxurious and comfortable. Once he was on board he rested his head back against the cushions and formulated his plan to see Elizabeth again, for that is how he pictured her in his mind as Elizabeth not Miss Elizabeth, he would go to see Edward Gardiner and secure an appointment with her to purchase a steed as Bingley had done and proceed from there.

  He had no doubt in his mind that once he encountered the lovely Elizabeth again he could convince her to have him as a lover. He did not mistake her passion and perhaps he could convince her to be his mistress. Firstly, he had to meet with Mr. Gardiner and ascertain her whereabouts.

  Chapter 4

  After Lizzie refreshed herself she entered the drawing room where her Aunt was waiting for her a quarter of an hour later. The tea tray had already been delivered.

  Her aunt studied Lizzie for a moment and surmised that something distressing weighed heavily on her mind.

  “Come and sit while I pour you a cup of tea. After you have fortified yourself you can tell me what brings you to London.”

  Lizzie gave her Aunt a weak smile and was grateful for her kindness and patience. She finished her tea and placed her cup on a nearby table. She looked up at her Aunt who waited patiently for her niece to relate why she was so distressed.

  Lizzie sighed and stated “Papa has returned.” Aunt Gardiner gave a surprised look and said “Surely that is good news! Is it not?”

  “No”, replied Lizzie. “He has come to Longbourn only for the day and only by my Uncle Phillips request to appease Mr. Collins demands to see for himself that papa is alive and master of Longbourn still. You are aware Aunt that Mr. Collins is the heir to Longbourn.”

  Lizzie then related her entire morning to her Aunt including the convergence of the two gentlemen from town, her father and his traveling companion Mr. Ogilvy, and the odious Mr. Collins all in Longbourn’s entranceway, and the subsequent fainting of Mrs. Bennet and her ill treatment by her husband.

  Lizzie decided to omit her encounter with Mr. Darcy in the woods for the time being.

  “After such a morning Aunt you can appreciate why I had to escape to your home.” For the moment Lizzie withheld her initial intention of coming to town regarding her unsettling feeling toward Mr. Darcy. In truth, she may never reveal this to her Aunt for fear that it might change her Aunt’s good opinion of her, to learn Lizzie’s scandalized thoughts of that man.

  “Oh Lizzie,” her Aunt said. “I know your present situation is not one that you chose or desire for yourself. I must say I am appalled at your father’s behavior. I do not know what to say but your Uncle will be home shortly for luncheon and I feel confident that he will be able to help you.”

  Lizzie hugged her Aunt and said, “Thank you Aunt, you are too good. Now I am going to lay down for a spell and will be down later for dinner.” Lizzie felt that the events of the morning had drained her energy and was hoping that a short respite would rejuvenate her spirits. She was not formed for unhappiness.

  A short time later Lizzie was dressed only in her shift and lying upon her bed attempting to sleep. But sleep would not come. As her mind vacillated between anger at her father and sensuous thoughts of Mr. Darcy, a knock came at the door.

  “Enter,” she said. Her Aunt poked her head into the room and said, “Your Uncle has just sent word that he will be unable to join us for luncheon. I am going to bring him a basket of food but I will not mention what you have told me. I will be back shortly. Do try to get some rest.” Her Aunt smiled at her kindly.

  “Thank you Aunt,” Lizzie replied. She reclined back down on the bed and covered herself with the counterpane. Thoughts of Mr. Darcy invaded her peacefulness. She was mortified at what they had done but excited at the same time and wondered what more there was to love-making.

  Chapter 5

  Darcy’s carriage came to a stop in front of his townhouse in Mayfair and he alighted before the footman could let down the steps. Now that he had a firm plan to pursue Elizabeth in place, his stride was brisk and light.

  He was handing the butler his coat, gloves and walking stick when he saw his sister Georgianna squeal and come bounding down the stairs. “William!” she exclaimed. “You are back! I did not expect to see you for at least another day or so. Was Mr. Bingley’s business concluded earlier? Oh, but I am truly so happy to see you!”

  Georgianna Darcy was his younger sibling by 12 years. Mr. Darcy has been her guardian for the past 6 years after their father’s illness claimed him. Although only 16 years old her figure was fully formed. She was a tall girl with wheat blond hair and with the same dark blue eyes as her bother.

  Also, as with her brother, she possessed the trait of shyness amongst strangers. She was very proficient and accomplished on the pianoforte and played every day. Darcy held her in great affection, and there was nothing within his power he would not do or give to his beloved sister.

  He returned his sister’s warm welcome and while embracing her he said “I am happy to see you as well dearest. Bingley remained in Meryton to finalize the purchase of a steed. I have some business to attend to and have decided to return earlier than planned. I have to go to a warehouse in Cheapside to see a Mr. Gardiner about purchasing a horse. I went there previously with Bingley and noticed his warehouse had a vast selection of fine silks and muslims. Would you like to go with me and make some purchases?”

  Georgianna Darcy jumped up and down and squealed with delight as only a 16 year old could, “Oh brother I would like that so very much, you truly are the best of brothers.”

  Darcy replied, “I am glad you are pleased dearest. We will leave within the quarter hour so go and prepare.”

  Georgianna turned and ran up the stairs to get her pelisse, bonnet, and gloves while Darcy strolled into his study to peruse the correspondence that had accumulated on his desk during his absence.

  He met Georgianna in the entranceway and together they set off for Cheapside.

  The clerk announced Mr. and Miss. Darcy as they were escorted into Mr. Gardiner’s office. Mr. Gardiner stood from behind his desk and greeted Darcy most congenially saying, “Good afternoon Mr. Darcy. It is a pleasure to see you again.”

  “Good afternoon to you Mr. Gardiner and it is a pleasure to see you as well. May I introduce my sister Miss Georgianna Darcy to you? Georgianna this is Mr. Edward Gardiner. Mr. Gardiner may I present my sister Miss Georgianna Darcy.” Georgianna curtsied as Mr. Gardiner bowed.

  “Sir, may I present my wife to you and your sister?” asked Mr. Gardiner. It was then that Darcy noticed a fashionable dressed woman not a few years older than himself standing next to a small table that held the remains of Mr. Gardiner’s lunch. “I would be honored sir”, replied Darcy.

  “Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy may I present my wife Mrs. Madeline Gardiner.” Darcy bowed and both women curtsied to one another. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mrs. Gardiner.”

  “Please be seated and advise me as to what brings you to my office today sir,” Mr. Gardiner said.

  Darcy told Mr. Gardiner how Bingley was so impressed with his purchase that he came to seek a letter of introduction to Miss Elizabeth so he could make his own purchase.

  Turning to his sister Darcy said, “My sister is here to make her own perusal of the very fine silks and muslims you have to offer.”

  Mrs. Gardiner spoke up, “Mr. Darcy, with your permission, I would be happy to accompany and assist your sister while you conduct business with my husband.”

  “Thank you Mrs. Gardiner,” replied Darcy. “That is most kind of you.”

  When the ladies left the office Darcy took the seat that Mr. Gardiner offered and sat down across from him at his desk.

  Darcy chose his words carefully, he must keep his conversation and countenance business-like and give no indication that his sole purpose in coming here today was Eli
zabeth Bennet.

  “I was quite impressed with your stables and the knowledge of your niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennett when Bingley and I recently met with her.”

  Mr. Gardiner studied Darcy carefully; he did not acquire his reputation of being a successful and a shrewd businessman by inattention to those who sought him out.

  “Yes,” Mr. Gardiner replied. “Our Lizzie is well read and possesses the intelligence to oversee my interests at Longbourn Stables. She, with her older sister Miss Jane Bennet, are favorites of myself and my wife.”

  “Bingley is well pleased with his purchase and I wish to purchase one of your horses as well. I have come seeking a letter of introduction to your niece Miss Elizabeth,” said Darcy with the hope that his underlying feelings did not betray him.

  Mr. Gardiner sat forward in his chair and replied “I would be happy to comply with your request; however, my wife has just informed me that our niece has recently arrived at our home. Your purchase will have to wait until her return to Longbourn.”

  Before Darcy could reply, the office door opened and Georgianna rushed through to her brother’s side with Mrs. Gardiner directly behind her. He saw her highly excited state and stood abruptly. “What is it Georgianna? Is something amiss?”

  “Oh brother!” Georgianna exclaimed. “Mrs. Gardiner knew mother and she has been sharing her memories and stories with me.”

  Darcy turned to Mrs. Gardiner with a question in his eyes. Mrs. Gardiner proceeded to explain.

  “I grew up in Lambton, and lived there until my father passed. He was the local doctor. My maiden name was Smith.”

  Recognition suddenly dawned on Darcy that she was Miss Maddie who accompanied her father on his visits to Pemberley to attend to his mother.

  “Of course, you were Miss Maddie Smith! My condolences on your father’s passing. He was a kind, well liked man and a greatly respected physician.”

  “Thank you Mr. Darcy and also my condolences on the passing of your father. He truly had the reputation of being the best master and a very good man.”