Fox Hunt

Chapter I

There is no better enjoyment for a gentleman, than to be engaged in sport. The anticipation of the game, the invigoration of the chase, the thrill of the hunt. Most Ladies however, do not see the attraction and are content to settle on more tranquil pursuits. This is one reason for the separation between the sexes. It is this way in life and it is this way in love.

Colonel Fitzwilliam, being on leave that summer, had chosen to visit his family's vacation estates in the County Perth. Central Scotland was not only full of scenic beauties, but rich in sport. The fishing was superb and the game plentiful. Kings and aristocracy, titled and non-titled, frequently traveled there to indulge their pleasures. It was a place a man could really feel like a man.

The Colonel stood outside on the sloped path looking down towards the road. He was expecting his cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy and his wife Elizabeth. Darcy had not been to Aberfeld Hall since his Cambridge days, when he and Fitzwilliam would travel there on holiday, for some rest, relaxation and manly pursuits. Darcy thought the countryside splendid and the sport remarkable. Fitzwilliam enjoyed them as well, and also thought the lasses were not so bad either. This year most of the Fitzwilliam clan was to be there. The patriarchal Earl and his wife Lady Fitzwilliam, the future Earl, Edward and his wife, Lady Christine, the Darcys and the Colonel. Lady Catherine de Bourgh had declined her invitation, insisting the trip would be too much for her daughter Anne, and Darcy's sister Georgiana was in London, attending a music recital. There were the family's invited guests as well.

"Mother!" Colonel Fitzwilliam turned around with a start. "Please, do not creep up on me that way!"

"My dear, why are you so jumpy?" his mother inquired politely.

"I am not jumpy, mother. One does not train in the military to allow a surprise attack!"

"Dear, I am not the enemy. Now if your brother were to creep up on you, perhaps that would be a different story?" she calmly said with a slight grin.

The Colonel and his brother had always been competitive towards each other. The Colonel, being the younger, had always felt it his "duty" to keep his older brother on the edge, which was easy to do, owning that Edward had very little wit to match his brother's. He was an honorable man, and a gentleman, but lacked that fire that gave a man his true character. The Colonel possessed it and their cousin Darcy possessed it, although he tried his best to conceal it at times. But, the oldest son, had been born without it. Perhaps he didn't need it, since he was indeed the oldest son.

Liveliness in a man is to be desired, and in their youth, the Colonel had taken great pains to prove it to his brother, with occasional assistance from Darcy. He also indulged himself in the joy of an occasional practical joke on the poor fellow. Darcy would always put up a half-hearted objection to tormenting his cousin, but always gave in to the merriment of it.

"Ah! There is the carriage now!" the Colonel exclaimed.

"I am very glad Darcy accepted our invitation this year." Lady Fitzwilliam thought aloud. "I am looking forward to spending some quiet time with his bride. To get to know her better."

"She is delightful, mother." The Colonel remembered his fondness for the former Elizabeth Bennet. "With a wonderful wit and the liveliest countenance. I hope Darcy is endeavoring to deserve her."

"Yes, it takes more than money to make most women happy. Excepting your sister-in-law, that is." Lady Fitzwilliam turned to her youngest son and they shared a laugh.

Elizabeth looked out the carriage windows. Scotland was indeed beautiful, with so many shades of green. She was incredibly excited to be traveling again, however her pleasure was magnified by the company of her husband. He sat across from her in the carriage gazing at her, for he never tired of watching her. He loved every exquisite expression she made, and her enthusiasm for life.

"Fitzwilliam, it is so beautiful here. I cannot wait until we are there!" she flashed that enticing sparkle in her eye. "Is Aberfeld Hall as rich in history as it sounds? Is the countryside this green all the time? Do you think your family will be pleased with me?"

He managed to keep his laughter in check. "My love, please!" He thought a moment and said, "Yes, yes and definitely yes."

She scrambled over to his side and threw her arms around him, kissing him in a way that made him regret being stuck in a carriage. "Will there be a hunt, Fitzwilliam?"

"I would not doubt it. My uncle is very fond of it, as is the Colonel. I have to admit that I take some thrill in it myself." He said as he continued his present pursuit of her lovely lips. She did nothing to discourage him, for she rather liked this game.

The carriage came to a halt at the front entrance of Aberfeld Hall. Darcy stepped out and greeted his aunt. "Aunt Sylvia, you are looking remarkable." He flashed her a smile that confirmed his aunt's suspicions of his happiness. He turned around to help Elizabeth from the carriage and reintroduced her to his aunt. Lady Fitzwilliam greeted her with motherly affection. Pleased by this, Darcy turned around to the Colonel.

"Fitzwilliam! It's good to see you." And he shook his cousin's hand.

"It is good to see you also, Darcy. Especially so happy." His cousin grinned and took a handkerchief from his coat and nonchalantly wiped a smudge from the side of Darcy's face. "Lipstick, I think."

Darcy flushed in momentary embarrassment, then both men laughed and the party moved inside the house. Elizabeth looked around in awe. Aberfeld Hall was an aged place, gothic in its architecture and to Elizabeth it was as if she had stepped into a romantic novel. This was to be a splendid holiday, indeed.

Chapter II

The family spent a wonderful evening together. Everyone was pleased to finally get to know the new Mrs. Darcy. Elizabeth and Darcy were introduced to the invited guests of the Fitzwilliam Family. There was Mr. and Mrs. Covington, a respectable but non-titled family from Surrey, and their daughter Miss Laura Covington. Elizabeth found Miss Covington to be a lovely young woman. She was fair haired and skinned, with blue eyes, and a lively enough countenance. Colonel Fitzwilliam's sister-in-law also informed her that Miss Covington possessed a dowry of thirty-thousand pounds.

Lady Christine attached herself to Elizabeth as the party was having their pre-supper festivities. She whispered in Elizabeth's ear as they strolled around the room, "Dearest Elizabeth, may I ask your opinion of Miss Covington?"

Elizabeth smiled curtly at Lady Christine. She was not sure as yet, to the reason's behind the inquiry. Darcy had told her during their trip to Aberfeld Hall, that the future Earl and his wife had a most conventional relationship. He had married her for what one could call surface pleasures and she had married him for money and stature. Elizabeth always found it difficult to understand those motives being the one's only consideration for marriage, and she rather pitied Lady Christine. She possessed a sort of "sour" disposition, although she was not completely unlikeable.

"As far as Miss Covington's appearance, she is very lovely." Elizabeth replied.

"Yes, she is a charming creature." Lady Christine smiled at Elizabeth's reserve. "I have reason to believe that she is quite charmed by my brother, the Colonel."

"Really!" Elizabeth smiled brighter. "Your brother is a very charming man. I believe Miss Covington could hardly make a better choice, in her admiration."

"No indeed, she could not. But I am afraid my brother is content to be a bachelor. My husband would like nothing more than to see him happily settled, to a woman of good fortune."

"Lady Christine, I believe there is more to happiness than just financial security. Your brother must feel that there should be more...love perhaps?"

"Perhaps. I can see that you are an idyllic newlywed, my dear." Lady Christine stopped and took Elizabeth's hands in her own. "Your husband and my brother have always been close, and I believe keep each other's confidence. Perhaps if you disclosed my suspicions to Darcy, he may persuade the Colonel that marriage is a desirable institution?"

Elizabeth was not comfortable in the role of matchmaker, however, she did wish for the Colonel's happiness. "I will consider it, Lady Christine."

Lady Christine kissed her on the cheek and escorted her back to Darcy. He had been speaking with his uncle and cousins and it had been settled on that tomorrow there would be an early morning fishing excursion. "Ah, men and their sport!" exclaimed Lady Christine. "Mrs. Darcy, beware of a man and his passion for sport, for he will surely always choose it over his wife." Elizabeth looked at her husband and wondered silently to herself if the lady's words could be true.

The butler announced supper and everyone moved to the great dining hall. It was magnificent in size, with ancient tapestries and relics lining its walls. The table resembled something that ancient kings would have sat down to. Everyone took their seats and the meal began. It was a mixture of formality and familiarity. The cuisine was traditional country fare with plenty of game and it was exquisite. Elizabeth had never been treated to anything of the like. She was content to savor her meal and listen to her husband and his relatives as they reminisced of previous stays at Aberfeld Hall.

The Colonel spoke of trips when he and Darcy were young boys. "I should think you did not know what a scoundrel Darcy was when he was a lad." He joked to her.

"No sir, I did not. However, I should dearly like to know what he was like." She laughed and turned to Miss Covington, who had joined in the conversation.

Darcy bit his lower lip in anticipation of the Colonel's disclosure. He did not mind a little good humored embarrassment, especially when he possessed as much ammunition against his cousin as well.

"Well, we were always playing jokes on my poor brother." He looked down the table at Edward.

"Fitzwilliam always had the ideas and led me astray with their execution." Darcy said sarcastically.

"It was not always my idea, Darcy. Do you not remember the pheasant caper? That was all your idea, was it not?"

Darcy said nothing, just grinned in sly confirmation. Elizabeth was on the edge of her seat in anticipation of the tale. The Colonel leaned a little closer, as he intended to disclose it to her and Miss Covington.

"Well, my brother has always been an avid bird hunter. He would spend hours while we were here, in pursuit of the largest pheasant the countryside had to offer. It was a sort of competitive endeavor for him to try to best the prized bird that our father had shot some years earlier and had stuffed and placed here in his study." The Colonel grinned at Darcy and continued. "One morning Darcy and I stole out of our rooms, and took the stuffed bird and placed it on a path that we knew my brother was fond of taking every morning, then we came back to the house and went back to bed. As we were having our breakfast, my brother came in, gun in one hand and stuffed pheasant in the other. He had seen this prize on the path, beckoning him with its noble stature and size. When he shot it, it seems that the bird failed to succumb to its maker, or to fly away. Perplexed at this awesome creatures strength, my brother then shot it another five or six times, before approaching it to find the stuffing coming out and that it had been a joke all along."

Elizabeth bit her lip in embarrassment for the poor man.

"You should have seen his face when he came in the house and tried to explain to father why his prized stuffed bird had been used as target practice. My father was furious and did not believe my Edward's story."

Elizabeth snickered, "that was terrible of you both! Did your father ever find out the truth?"

"To this day no one knows who put the bird on the path." He grinned.

"It was the rule of our childhood that it was always better not to be caught." Darcy said dryly.

Elizabeth was stunned. "I really did not think you capable of such deeds, my love."

"Believe me my dear, we were capable of them. However, there were a few instances when we were caught red handed or persuaded to confess." He divulged. "Fitzwilliam was always in trouble, it is a wonder you were ever allowed to come out at all." He said looking at his cousin.

"I am afraid that is true." The Colonel smiled at Miss Covington, who was enjoying his lively conversation. "There was one time when I was dangerously close to facing the business end of my father's strap. Darcy thought it a noble gesture to take the blame on himself. He assumed that since he had not been in trouble in some time that his father would not inflict the same punishment on him. He thought an evening banished to his rooms would not be so terribly bad."

"Did you take the blame, Fitzwilliam?" Elizabeth asked her husband.

He nodded his head somberly as he looked at his cousin who possessed a look of triumph. "I did. It was indeed a noble gesture, however I miscalculated my father's good will." He blushed and they all laughed at his folly. "I believe I would do it all again for you, dear cousin."

"And I for you, Darcy." The Colonel nodded in admiration for his cousin. He extended his arm to Miss Covington and whispered something to her. She smiled and nodded her head in affirmation. When the meal was finished, the Colonel took leave with Miss Covington and made his excuses of showing her the entire house.

Darcy lovingly snuggled his bride in their bed that night. "You seem well pleased with this place, my love." He whispered to her.

"Yes, I am." She thought a moment to herself before continuing. "My love, do you think Miss Covington is pretty?"

He looked down at her as she lay against him. "I did not really notice, but I suppose so. Why do you ask?"

"I thought Colonel Fitzwilliam paid her particular attentions...and she seems to admire him a great deal," she stopped to let him digest her words. "You do think he may be looking to settle down and take a wife?"

"Elizabeth." Darcy lovingly reprimanded her. "I do not know and it is not my place...or yours, to interfere. I can remember what my interference in another's relationship almost cost him...and myself. I am quite determined to keep my opinions as my own in the future."

She raised her head to look at him "I cannot argue with your reasoning. You had better get to sleep or you will be late for your engagement with the trout."

He rolled over and chased her under the covers, "To hell with the trout."

Morning did indeed come quickly and Darcy appeared in the bedchamber, dressed and ready for the day's sport. He peeked at his sleeping wife and bent down to kiss her on the cheek. She woke up and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Do you have to go?" she lazily whispered in his ear.

"The trout await, my love." He said as he nuzzled her.

"Lucky trout. When will you be back?"

"Not until mid morning, so you will have breakfast with the ladies. When I return, I will show you all my favorite spots."

Elizabeth let go of him. "Mmm, I love you...good luck with the fish."

The men had gathered out on the front lawn, and were awaiting the already late Darcy. He hurried out of the house and met the others with a grin. Edward groaned as he saw his cousin's expression.

"I say, there is nothing worse than a newly married man. They are always late for everything and they always wear that smile on their faces!" he huffed.

The Colonel laughed at Darcy then turned to his brother. "I can remember a time when you had that smile on your face, dear brother. Curious, you do not seem to have it much anymore?"

Darcy and the Colonel grinned, waiting for a reply, however none was given. When they had reached their destination, Darcy surveyed the layout of the stream and chose a likely spot and prepared his tackle. He hopped over a rock outcrop and waded a ways out and cast his line. He had not been fly fishing in some time, and was truly content to spend the morning in this manner. After some time he saw Fitzwilliam wading over in his direction.

"Any luck Darcy?" he said.

"Not much, Fitzwilliam. Although I must say it is enjoyable to be out here, just the same." He smiled at his cousin who had climbed the bank and perched himself on the rock outcropping. Darcy thought Fitzwilliam did not look like himself on this visit. He gave up on the trout for the moment and sat next to his cousin on the outcropping.

The two men sat a moment, not saying a word. The Colonel sighed and turned to Darcy. "Do you like marriage Darcy?"

"Yes, Fitzwilliam, I do. I have no regrets whatsoever, if that is what you mean?" Darcy replied.

"No Darcy, I am not implying that. I am just curious as to whether or not marriage is..." the Colonel could not find a word to describe his curiosity. "Darcy, my commission will expire soon, and I am searching for some answers to my future. Weighing my options, so to speak."

Darcy laid down the rod and leaned back on the outcropping. It was obvious his cousin wished to talk, and he would oblige him by listening.

"I cannot remain in the Military for ever, and since I have no trade, well you know that I must marry wisely. I truly wish it were not so, but it is a fact of life...well my life anyway."

Darcy felt for his cousin. Their circumstances were different. He knew Fitzwilliam was as passionate a man as himself, and to find a wife who would suit him economically and emotionally would be no easy task.

"What do you think of Miss Covington, Darcy?" Fitzwilliam asked him.

"She seems a pleasant woman, Fitzwilliam. And she seems to admire you." Darcy could not believe what he was saying. Here he was breaking his own rules again! However, his cousin was in need of some comfort and he had not said anything that did not appear to be true. "What do you think of her, Fitzwilliam?" he smiled.

"I think she is a beautiful and accomplished woman, and she seems to have an unsettling effect on me. Other than that, I just do not know. I always looked on marriage as if it were the end of the hunt." He smiled at Darcy.

Darcy thought about it and smiled back at his cousin. "There are times when I think it is only the beginning."

"Well, it is of no matter anyhow, for Trevor Nash will be arriving today, and as we are both aware of his incredible attraction to the ladies, Miss Covington will no doubt choose his company over mine."

"Fitzwilliam...Trevor Nash is a scandalous rake, who thinks nothing of seducing women, married or not." Something struck Darcy about his revelation. "Who extended an invitation to that philanderer?"

"Edward. He is also a poor judge of character." The Colonel answered Darcy. Darcy just groaned as he saw a trout jump out of the stream.

Chapter III

The morning was warm and sunny. Lady Fitzwilliam left a note with Elizabeth's maid. She thought this morning to be a good time to get to know the new Mrs. Darcy and extended an invitation to Elizabeth to join her early, on the terrace for morning tea. Elizabeth hurried and dressed for she was just as curious about this lady, as the lady was about her.

"Good morning, Lady Sylvia." Elizabeth cheerfully greeted her new aunt.

"Good morning my dear. Did you rest well?" The grand Lady smiled up to her and motioned for her to take a seat at the small table.

"Yes, this is a beautiful and restful place...everything here is perfect!"

"Oh no, my dear. Lovely it is indeed, but it is far from perfect." The Lady sighed. "For if it were, there would be very little to amuse ourselves with."

Elizabeth laughed in delight. She couldn't help but love this woman. She was everything a matriarch should be. She was understanding and fair. She was mild in temperament, yet Elizabeth knew that Lady Sylvia was accustomed to having her way. She was fascinating, and Elizabeth desperately wanted to know more about her.

"I confess, dear, that I would like the chance to get to know you better. I am delighted that you are part of our family now. You have brought a smile to Fitzwilliam Darcy's face that he has not had in many years, and laughter to his heart. I always knew it was there...it just took the right woman to bring it out."

Elizabeth was flattered at such a compliment. "I thank you. It means much to me to know that some of his family approve." Elizabeth was a little surprised by her own forwardness.

"If by that you are referring to Lady Catherine, you would do well to place it in the back of your mind. Catherine has always been bitter, my dear. You are not the first to elicit her wrath. I have done that myself on many occasions." Lady Sylvia looked reminiscent. "Catherine did not have a say in my marriage however, for it was arranged by her parents and mine. In those days, my dear, that was how it was done."

Elizabeth took a breath. "Forgive my boldness, but you and the Earl seem so happy together. So...loving."

Lady Fitzwilliam chortled at Elizabeth's observation. "My dear, my marriage, Catherine's marriage and Darcy's parent's marriage were all by arrangement. My husband and I may not have started out as lover's, but we grew together in that direction. The same is true for Darcy's parents, who I know loved each other very much. However..." she paused and rolled her eye's upward. "Catherine's was not the case. For she is a hard woman to grow to love."

Elizabeth flushed in embarrassment for Lady Catherine. Lady Sylvia waited for a response from her and Elizabeth just gave a little nod in agreement.

"Two out of three is not bad." The Lady laughed. "My husband's parents were very good judges of character."

"Yes, they were indeed!" Elizabeth had to agree.

"I hope you will not take Lady Christine's teasing to heart. She is a good woman, although at times it does not appear so. My son, I must admit, has not been the most attentive of husband's, and I am sorry for it. It has always been my belief that a wife cannot be truly happy unless her husband wills it. Material things make our lives easier, but unless a husband is willing to share his soul with his wife, and willing to make sacrifices for her, to the improvement of himself, they can never have true happiness."

Elizabeth thought about her words. "And the wife is willing to make sacrifices as well?"

"Yes. I think you and Darcy have made that discovery. Just remember, my dear, you will be tested many times over. That is the trial of love."

Elizabeth heard a commotion from inside the house and turned around to see the other women descending upon them. She was thankful that Lady Sylvia had made such a special effort to spend time with her alone. She reached over and placed a kiss on the Lady's cheek in indebted admiration.

Later that day, Elizabeth sat on a chaise on the lawn, by the gardens with the other ladies. They were enjoying some lively conversation while waiting for the men to return.

"How long have you been married Mrs. Darcy?" Mrs. Covington asked her.

"A bit over six months." She smiled.

"Ah, you are still a newlywed then. Are you enjoying the state of matrimony, my dear?"

"Yes." Elizabeth giggled. "Very much. I believe I have never been so contented."

Lady Christine gave Elizabeth a sideways glance and sighed. "My dear Elizabeth, savor it now for it will not last!"

Elizabeth sat up on her chaise in question of Lady Christine's comments. Miss Covington also was vexed by her bitterness. Lady Sylvia noticed the changed countenance of her young friends. "Christine, you have an annoying habit of thinking the worst of everyone's situation. Perhaps if you tried harder to please your man, you would not be so disappointed?"

Elizabeth tried to hide her laughter. Lady Christine made a puss and raised her chin in the air.

"Perhaps. However it takes the efforts of both parties, for the betterment of a marriage. A man must want to give his wife pleasure as well. That is a very difficult thing to do when men would rather remain in the parlor until the wee hours of the night, partaking of spirits and discussing politics, money and sport. Then when he is satisfied with those manly pursuits, he comes to his bedchamber expecting his wife to give in to his fancy. Even if the lady is of a temperament to allow his advances, half the time he is asleep before it has even begun."

Miss Covington blushed in innocence and Lady Sylvia rolled her eyes and sighed. "Yes, I suppose it is true at times, especially when visiting Aberfeld Hall. But my dear, do not give these young women the wrong impression. My husband has always been sensitive to my needs, especially since I remind him of them from time to time." She smiled discreetly and continued to read her book.

Elizabeth smiled in the same fashion and sat back in the chaise, when she saw the men returning from their fishing. She jumped up and enthusiastically greeted her husband, with a secret peck on the cheek and a look which disclosed the promise of more.

A carriage rolled onto the grounds and Edward turned to his mother. "That must be Mr. Nash, as expected." And he walked in that direction to greet his friend.

Darcy looked at the Colonel and pursed his lips in disapprobation. Everyone watched as a tall, handsome man descended from the carriage, and he and Edward walked in their direction for an introduction. Darcy did not notice the change in Elizabeth's countenance as the gentleman got closer.

The tall man bowed gracefully and Edward made the introduction. "This is Mr. Trevor Nash. You know my family, Nash. This is Mr. And Mrs. Covington and their daughter Miss Covington. And I believe you and Darcy are acquainted. This is Darcy's lovely bride, Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy."

Elizabeth stared wide eyed at the man as he looked at her in recognition. "The former Miss Elizabeth Bennet!" He said as he took her hand and placed a kiss upon it. "After all these years it is marvelous to see you again. You are even more stunning than my imagination has attempted to derive, since our last meeting."

Chapter IV

Darcy stood watching his wife and Nash exchange their greetings. He could not believe what he was hearing. Had his Elizabeth really been acquainted with this devil of a man?

"It is good to see you again, Mr. Nash." Elizabeth gave a shallow curtsy to him.

"Mr. Nash, indeed! There was a time when you use to call me Trevor." Nash expounded.

The Colonel rolled his eyes and looked at Darcy. Elizabeth gave a quick glance in her husband's direction and she knew he was not pleased with her familiarity with Mr. Nash. Darcy's sense of propriety had always been more acute than most men's. She felt obligated to explain the situation directly, before her husband's temper got the best of him.

"My love, Mr. Nash use to live in Hertfordshire, in the neighborhood. He and his sister would play games with us as children, when his mother would call on my mother." She almost gasped for air as she finished her explanation, then she waited for her husband's reaction. Darcy looked down at her, a little more comfortable, but not at all easy. "I have not seen him since his family moved away, some years ago."

"Darcy, you are a very fortunate man to have such a beauty accept your hand, I only wish I had remained in the neighborhood! My congratulations, sir." Mr. Nash said with some reserve.

Darcy bowed slightly and made a nod of affirmation. "Uncle...Aunt, if you will excuse us, I need to change and I would wish my wife to accompany me." He held out his hand to Elizabeth and led her into the house.

Darcy took Elizabeth through the house and up the staircase to their rooms. She was trying frantically to keep up with his fast pace. When they were safely behind the barrier of the bedchamber door, Darcy let go of her hand and turned to face her.

"Fitzwilliam! What is going on?" she demanded to know.

He looked at her with the maddest disposition she had ever seen on him. "I cannot believe that you are actually acquainted with that...that..." he was so vexed he could not continue.

"Mr. Nash?" she said civilly.

Darcy huffed in affirmation. His teeth were clenched and he tried to relax a little to allow himself the luxury of speech. He recognized the pang of jealousy in his breast. He had felt it when he had discovered her acquaintance with Wickham, all those months before their marriage, and it was back, rearing it's ugly head.

"Elizabeth, that man's purpose in life is to separate young ladies from their innocence, and if there are no unattached young females around, his game falls to the separation of happily married women from their husbands." He stopped a moment to catch his breath, then continued. "It is scandalous in itself that you are acquainted with him and that he should speak to you in such a familiar way."

Elizabeth looked at him and said nothing. Her anger was rising each and every moment he spoke. How could he treat her love for him with such flippancy? To bear this, in her opinion, was not the duty of a wife. To have to stand here and listen to your husband imply false accusations!

Darcy breathed deeply to try and get a better grip on his emotions. "That man is the reincarnation of the serpent that tempted Eve."

She was on the verge of yelling, "My acquaintance with Mr. Nash, is as I explained to you. I have not seen or heard from him in many years, and I have no idea of his present character."

"I am very glad for that!" Darcy said, folding his arms over his chest, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

"Do you honestly believe that my love for you is so shallow that I could be tempted by another?"

"I believed at one time that you could have affections for me, which prompted me to make my first proposal to you, but I had been mistaken. I will not be made a fool of again...in my marriage."

"This is intolerable!" Elizabeth fumed at her husband, disgusted with his lack of confidence in her and their marriage. "You had better ring down for a bath, for we are expected to tea soon." She began to walk toward her dressing room and turned around to Darcy again. "Perhaps the servants should bring your bath up cold. You and your temper are in great need of some cooling off!" She entered her dressing room and slammed the door behind her leaving Darcy alone with his inane jealous accusations.

Some time later, Darcy stepped back into the bedchamber to find his wife waiting for him. He walked over to her and leaned against the wall. He had the look of a man who had searched his soul and did not like what he had seen.

"I do not suppose you will allow me to take it all back?" he sheepishly asked her. "For a man, who once boasted that he avoided those weaknesses, which bring an understanding to ridicule...I have not done a very good job." He shook his head in mock of himself. "You have every reason to be angry with me, Elizabeth."

"Yes, I do," she said still a little angry at him. "However, I still love you."

He smiled at her in appreciation. "You have never given me reason to believe that you do not return my love. Besides, I have first hand knowledge that you are capable of handling yourself...where men are concerned."

Elizabeth held out her hand. He took it and they walked together to the door. He stopped just short of opening it and drew her to him, and kissed her in apology, although she also had the feeling that he did so to remind her that she was his.

That evening at supper, Darcy remained very quiet. He only participated in conversation when directly spoken to. He was far too busy keeping a watchful eye on Trevor Nash. After supper, Lady Sylvia rose and escorted the ladies to the parlor for tea. The men remained in the dining room, to continue their manly pursuits. They discussed plans for a hunt the day after next, then they also retired to the parlor to join the ladies.

Mr. Nash wasted no time in solicitation of Elizabeth's conversation. She tried her best to discourage it, but he was a persistent man. He had surveyed the guests at supper, and had found that the new Mrs. Darcy was indeed a treasure. He had known Darcy from previous meetings at society parties in London and had thought him a rather uptight fellow. Not someone at all to which he could connect himself to as a friend. His memories of Elizabeth were of her spirit and vitality, and he could not quite see the attraction that Darcy held for her. Mr. Nash was indeed a man of surface qualities.

After some time, Darcy held his arm for his wife and went to bid his Uncle and Aunt goodnight. Edward and Mr. Nash overheard this and quickly went to prevent Darcy's early escape.

"Darcy! Surely you are not going to give up the ghost so soon! We are just getting started, man. You must stay and have another drink with us. Surely your wife will not mind doing without you for half an hour more." Edward said as he winked at Nash.

Darcy's patience was wearing thin. He could think of nothing he would rather do than be in his wife's company, and nothing less than being in the company of one Mr. Trevor Nash. He started to make a protest, when Elizabeth interrupted.

"I suppose I could live without you...for just half an hour."

He walked her to the door of the parlor and bent to whisper in her ear. "I promise I will only be half and hour, my love. Will you wait up for me?" he grinned.

Elizabeth nodded her head and watched him go back into the room. The other ladies bid their spouses goodnight and left the men to their conversations. Lady Christine, took Elizabeth's arm and whispered in her ear. "You had best resign yourself to retiring this night...without your husband," and she let go and trounced up the stairs in anticipated triumph, leaving Elizabeth at the bottom with Miss Covington.

"Mrs. Darcy? I know I have no business interfering, but do not pay heed to what she says." Miss Covington pleaded with her affectionately. "You and your husband seem truly happy together. I only hope I will find a man who could love me as much as yours loves you."

"Thank you, Miss Covington." Elizabeth said sincerely. "Please, call me Elizabeth."

Miss Covington nodded, "Only if you will call me Laura."

Elizabeth smiled at her, "Surely you will find a loving husband, Laura. You possess innumerable qualities to be admired. My husband's cousin seems to admire you greatly."

Miss Covington blushed and quickly lowered her eyes to the floor. "Elizabeth, will you keep my confidence?" Elizabeth nodded quickly, her eyes sparkling. "I am very fond of the Colonel, in fact I secretly hope he will make his addresses to me."

Elizabeth made a slight gasp. This was indeed wonderful! She could not wait to tell her husband. But, she could not! She would not betray this lovely woman's confidence, even to her husband. If only she was positive of the Colonel's feelings.

"Laura, my only hope is that the Colonel can see what a wonderful wife you would be to him. I wish you every happiness." She placed a kiss on the cheek of Miss Covington and the two ladies walked up the staircase arm in arm.

Darcy sat in the parlor listening to the manly camaraderie spewing forth from his cousin and Mr. Nash. He was tired from getting up so early that morning and completely bored with the conversation. He looked over at the Colonel, who also looked unamused. Darcy waited his obligatory half hour and rose out of his chair. Mr. Nash cut him off in mid-stride as he made for the door.

"Darcy, surely you are not bowing to the will of a woman." Nash confronted him.

Darcy looked at him, wondering what kind of game this was. The other men in the room watched them, waiting to see Darcy's next move. "I do not bow to anyone, Mr. Nash. However, I do honor my promises."

"I did not hear you make any promises, Darcy. Other than to remain here with us." Nash quipped.

"That is right Darcy!" Edward said. "You would have us look bad, if you were to retire and the rest of us did not. My wife would never let me live it down." he laughed.

Darcy turned to his cousin. "That is your affair, Edward. Not mine."

Edward frowned, determined not to be outdone. "Yes that is true. I'm sure your wife will not be too upset if you were detained a little longer. How about a game of chess, against Nash here?"

Darcy was now in between the proverbial rock and hard place. He knew his wife to be waiting for him, but he thought it good sport to beat Nash at a game. He also felt the need to save face in front of his Uncle and cousins. He wished to be thought of as his own man. Fitzwilliam Darcy made the wrong choice.

Two hours later, after he had beaten the detestable Nash at chess, an exhausted Darcy made his apologies and went to his room. The Colonel was disgusted with his brother for teasing Darcy into breaking his promise to his wife and for allowing himself to be friends with such a snake as Trevor Nash. He walked over to Edward and nudged him aside.

"You disappoint me brother. I always felt I could look up to you. That at least you were sensible in the ways of men. You would do best by taking a page out of Darcy's book and be a husband to your wife. Before it is too late," with that he stormed out of the parlor leaving his brother to chew on his words.

Darcy entered the bedchamber pealing off his clothes and dropping them in a trail to the bed. He was exhausted and ashamed of himself, and the port he had consumed didn't help matters. He crawled into the bed, next to Elizabeth, who was unbeknownst to him, awake. He slipped his arm around her and she cringed in anger. By the time she got up the nerve to turn around and ask him the reasons for his delay, he had dropped off into a sound sleep.

Chapter V

Elizabeth awoke the next morning with mixed feelings about their stay at Aberfeld Hall. She was pleased by the confidence Miss Covington had taken in her, and the prospect of Colonel Fitzwilliam's happiness. On the other hand, she was furious at her husband and his decorum the whole of yesterday. She walked into the bedchamber after having bathed and began to brush out her hair. Darcy lay on the bed mulling over excuses for his behavior. He was having trouble coming up with anything within reason. He wondered why it was that a man needed to keep up one appearance outside his bedchamber and another appearance within it. He had been in more trouble this trip to Aberfeld Hall, than he had ever been in the days of his youth. After some thought he decided it better to just get up and say nothing.

The Darcys spent most of that day in avoidance of the other. However, Darcy was again ever sensible of the whereabouts of Trevor Nash. He and Colonel Fitzwilliam took a ride around the park late in the morning, while Nash and Edward were fishing. They talked little in the beginning, but the Colonel finally broke the ice.

"Darcy, allow me to apologize for my brother last night. I had hoped him more sensible than that. It is Nash's influence on him, to be sure."

Darcy made a face at the mention of Nash's name, however he was ready to place the blame where it duly lay. "Fitzwilliam, my troubles are of my own doing. I behaved like a child yesterday. Elizabeth has every reason to be angry with me." Darcy rolled his eyes to the sky. "Let us hope she can forgive me...soon."

The Colonel laughed at him, inwardly wishing he had such problems. He changed the subject in his mind and cleared his throat. "I have made a decision with my life, Darcy."

Darcy looked at his cousin in anticipation of his words.

"I have asked Miss Covington, if I may pay my addresses towards her, and she had accepted me." He smiled somewhat reservedly towards his cousin.

"I wish you happiness, Fitzwilliam." Darcy replied in genuine mirth.

"She is willing to wait for me until my commission expires at the end of the year. Then I will make her an offer of marriage." The Colonel remained reserved as he spoke and Darcy became concerned for his cousin's happiness.

"Fitzwilliam, the last thing I want to do is to pry into your affairs, but..."

"Darcy, do not be concerned. My reservations stem only from the amount of time I must wait until Miss Covington and I can make our engagement plans. I am not as hopelessly moonstruck as you were, but I get a certain feeling every time I see her." The Colonel's eyes lit up at the revelation, and Darcy remembered the feeling well.

The party at Aberfeld Hall that night was a merry one. The Colonel's intentions towards Miss Covington were disclosed to their families and both sides were overjoyed at its prospects. Lady Fitzwilliam was delighted to know of her youngest son's impending happiness. Darcy paid particular attentions to his wife that night and avoided those manly pursuits that had caused all his grief the previous night. The women were delighted to welcome Miss Covington to the family and the men were in great anticipation of tomorrow's hunt.

Elizabeth leaned over to her husband. "Fitzwilliam, I am going back up to our rooms. I have a small gift I want to present to Miss Covington, which I left on the bureau."

"I shall go and bring it to you, my love." Darcy insisted.

"No, no, I will be back in a moment" and she quickly left the room.

Darcy went to the sideboard to pour himself a glass of wine. When he turned back to the room, he noticed that Trevor Nash had disappeared.

Trevor Nash had followed Elizabeth down the hallway. He quickly walked up behind her, grabbing her arm and moving her off into the Library.

"Sir, what are you doing?" Elizabeth demanded of his impropriety.

"I could not wait any longer, Elizabeth. I have been waiting for an opportunity to disclose my feeling towards you." He breathed and pressed himself against her.

"Mr. Nash, I would beg you let go of my arm and keep your feelings to yourself." She flushed as he removed his hold on her, but blocked her exit.

"Elizabeth, I remember our times together. You were so full of a lust for life then. I know that you can get it all back, if you were not locked into a marriage with Darcy." He implored her. "I know you and your family must have been desperate for the security of his wealth, but I am sure he has made you a handsome settlement."

Darcy walked down the hallway. Elizabeth had been gone for some time and he did not like the sudden disappearance of the pretentious Mr. Nash. He heard voices in the Library and stopped just outside the open door.

"Mr. Nash...you are an offensive boor and I beg you not to block my exit. I am certain that my husband will come looking for me, and you do not want to risk his indignation." Her voice cracked in anger and fear.

Nash sensing defeat, made another move. "Elizabeth, admit it, you are not in love with Darcy!"

Elizabeth moved towards the door and he moved in front of her to stop her. She reached back and slapped his face. "How dare you tell me how I should feel. There is no one on this earth that I love more than Fitzwilliam Darcy. He is more of a man than you could ever be on your best day. Remove yourself from my path, before I scream for assistance!"

Darcy could take no more. He strode into the room and glared at Nash, barely able to control his temper, but he would not embarrass his wife or his aunt and uncle by causing a scene in their house. Nash quickly left the room, leaving Darcy and Elizabeth alone. Elizabeth ran into her husbands arms. "You were right my love. That man is a fiend!"

Darcy held her tightly, angered beyond belief that this devil would make such advances towards his beloved wife. He was also hopelessly in love with her, that she should have shown such determination and devotion in her love for himself. His mind began to spin as he thought of ways to denounce the heinous Mr. Nash. Elizabeth pulled away from him to determine his countenance.

"Fitzwilliam, promise me you will not do anything foolish. It is not worth risking your well being for." She begged him.

"Your love is not worth the risk? Your honor is not worth the risk? Elizabeth do not make me promise things I cannot keep."

"Husband, please...please?" She searched his face for a hint of affirmation. He returned her question with a slight smile which she understood as his consent, and she closed her eyes in relief. He wrapped his arms around her. He would have to wait until the hunt tomorrow to seek his retribution on this man.

Chapter VI

The new day brought with it the anticipation and thrill of the hunt. Darcy barely spoke a word to anyone as he walked around his mount, and checked his weapon. Excitement went through man and beast as the gentlemen sat upon their high-strung mounts, who pranced and snorted above the baying dogs. Darcy took up position to the rear of the others, in order to survey the paths each would take.

The women gathered to watch the event begin. Elizabeth could see her husband's piercing stare at Mr. Nash. She may not have been Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy long, but he had allowed her to see enough of his soul for her to be sure that he would never forgive the indecency Mr. Nash had pressed upon her. Fear grew within her and she turned to the only person she felt comfortable disclosing the matter to. She ran over to Lady Sylvia and whispered to her. Lady Sylvia hurried over to her youngest son, before he mounted his horse.

The fox was released and the hounds took off in chase. The horses reared back in skittish anticipation and then bolted forward. Darcy held his mount back, turning it around several times, before letting out the reins as he gave chase to his quarry. He followed some distance back, enough to anticipate the location of Trevor Nash and his mount. Colonel Fitzwilliam looked back and saw his cousin. He had been warned by his mother, and he now knew her suspicions to be true. Darcy was indeed a clever hunter and the Colonel would have to match wits with him, for Darcy's own sake.

He looked to his side and saw Trevor Nash rein his animal over to the right, which would separate him from the rest of the pack by a hedge of trees. He watched as Darcy did indeed rein over to follow in Nash's path. The pack and the other's thundered on and the Colonel slowed his mount and spun him around in the other direction to back track Nash and Darcy.

Darcy made his move on Nash. He laid low as his horse raced up on Nash's. As he reined his mount parallel to Nash, he leaned to his right causing his mount to turn in that direction. The two horses collided and Nash's mount lurched to the right throwing it's rider off into a large patch of mud. Darcy tried to slow his mount, but the mud patch had widened and the horse began to slide. Darcy threw his leg over and jumped off, landing also in the huge mud hole.

Darcy slipped around on the muck, trying desperately to get his footing. Trevor Nash realized his position and stood up making his way towards Darcy. Darcy grabbed a log and used it as a crutch to lift himself out of the mud. The two men were covered head to toe in black muck. Both were furious with the other, but a rascal like Trevor Nash knew enough not to tangle with a defensive husband. He tried to make his escape as Darcy advanced on him. Darcy saw Nash slip again into the mud. He reached down and pulled Nash up by his cravat to his feet. It was a gentleman's rule to never kick a man when he is down. However, when he is on his feet, that is a different story. Darcy gave Nash an uppercut to the jaw and watched him fall to his knees. He reached down to drag him up again, but the blackguard grabbed a heavy stick and whacked it on Darcy's back, bringing him down face first into the mud. Nash saw his opportunity and scrambled to his feet, leaving Darcy grabbing for him, spitting out mud.

Colonel Fitzwilliam stopped his horse, short of the mud hole and scrambled down, running over towards his cousin. "Darcy! Think what you are doing man!"

Darcy got back to his feet and kept his steady pace towards Nash, covered with mud, a wildness in his eyes. He was beyond anger now and barely heard the plea of his cousin. He passed the Colonel, who stepped out into the mud and grabbed Darcy's arms, pulling them behind his back, immobilizing him for the moment. Darcy tried to shake off the hold Fitzwilliam had on him, but failed.

"Fitzwilliam, let me go...this does not concern you!" he yelled as he watched Nash trying to make his way out of the muck. "LET ME GO!" Darcy swung around taking the Colonel with him and both men fell back into the mud. Darcy used Fitzwilliam this time as the crutch and gained his footing, in time to see Nash slide down an embankment and fall into another mud hole.

"I've got him now!" Darcy spoke to himself as he slid down the embankment, reaching out to grab Nash. The Colonel followed closely behind. They were now back down on the main trail rolling around on the ground. Fitzwilliam got another hold on Darcy and pulled him up, leaving Nash to his escape.

Conclusion

ash looked at the Colonel and Darcy as they struggled with each other, and he grinned. Being a rather haughty gentleman, he yelled back at the two cousins, before effecting his escape.

"You gentlemen are all alike. You fuss and fight and try to save face with each other, while you leave your better halves alone to fend for themselves. You think your wife is the only fish in the sea, Darcy? Why I could have had my pick. I could have had Miss Covington eating out of my hands...promises from the good Colonel, or not."

Fitzwilliam let go of Darcy and decided it might not be so bad to take this fellow out. He dumped Darcy in the mud and took off in pursuit of Nash, himself. Nash, caught the reins of his horse and began to mount it, but saw Fitzwilliam slip again in the mud. This was just too prime. Nash thought it good sport to taunt the two gentlemen a few moment's longer. He stood tall and proud and put his hands on his hips.

"Ha! Lady Christine would have been the easiest target of them all. She has nothing at home to keep her interest." Nash laughed and turned around in time to see Edward's fist coming straight at his face. Darcy and Fitzwilliam gained their footing again and made it to where Edward was standing over Nash's limp body. Both men looked at Edward in awe.

"Good shot, Edward!" Darcy exclaimed as he bent over to catch his breath.

"Yes, quite! I could not have done it better myself!" Fitzwilliam shook his brother's hand and laughed.

The Earl and Mr. Covington came riding up and stopped their mounts. The Earl looked down at his sons and nephew, covered in mud. The only thing he could see clearly was their teeth as they smiled up at him.

"Boys, you have lost the fox!" he pronounced.

"No sir, he is laying right there." Edward said with a triumphant smile and motioned to his groom to pick up Nash and pack him back to the stables.

The ladies were out on the lawn waiting for the return of the gentlemen. Lady Christine gasped as she saw them marching back on foot, covered in filth. Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief when she recognized her husband to be among them. She ran over to him and stopped short before soiling her dress with mud. He reached out and grabbed her, pulling her to him as she squealed. He kissed her and transferred mud to her chin in the process.

Miss Covington scurried over to the Colonel and began giggling at the sight of him and he stopped, reached out to take her hand and kissed it, laughing all the while.

Lady Sylvia laughed in amusement, then turned around to ask Edward what had happened. Before she could say anything she saw her eldest son reach out and take his wife's hand. She looked up at her husband, questioning him. He pulled her to him and kissed her with more passion than Edward had ever been known to display, much to Lady Christine's great pleasure.

That night Edward and Lady Christine excused themselves early and went up to their chambers to be alone. The Colonel and Miss Covington wished to take a stroll in the gardens before retiring and Darcy and Elizabeth accompanied them in the roll of chaperone. They allowed the new lover's time to lose themselves in the maze of topiary hedges and rambling rose bushes. Darcy walked his wife over to a stone bench and sat down.

"My dear, I am a bit sore from the days...pursuits. Please sit with me a while?" he groaned as he slowly sat down.

Elizabeth obliged him and sat down in quiet contemplation. Darcy glanced at his wife, hoping she would forgive his foolishness of the last few days. His behavior had been unpardonable. He discovered there was more to being a husband, than just being a lover and protector. He had someone else's feelings to consider now, not just his own.

Elizabeth was still angry with the way Darcy had behaved, however right he had been about Mr. Nash. It was as if he had temporarily forgotten their love, due to his jealousy. Lady Sylvia had said that there would be tests in their marriage. However, Elizabeth would always love this man, no matter how foolish he acted.

She turned around on the bench to face him as he spoke. "Elizabeth. I have spent the last two days in contemplation of some excuse for my behavior, and I must say that I have none to give. Once again I have been properly humbled by you. I only hope you know how much I truly love you."

There was a hint of a smile on her face as her anger began to melt away.

"The other night in the Library...I heard you say how much you love me. After all I have done the last few days...I thank you for your devotion. I could not ask for a better wife in all the world."

He reached over to kiss her, this time not possessively, but with all his heart and soul and she reciprocated it. Elizabeth helped Darcy get up from the bench and they started back to the house when Elizabeth remembered the Colonel and Miss Covington.

"Would it not be scandalous to leave poor Miss Covington out here unchaperoned...with the Colonel?" she teased her husband.

Darcy allowed her this last dig at him, with good spirits. "No my dear, not scandalous, however if he finds himself in some trouble over it...he will have to take the blame himself this time."

Miss Covington and the Colonel stood together in the garden, intoxicated by each other's company. After some careful consideration on his part, the Colonel made his move.

"Miss Covington...Laura? If you will permit me?"

She shyly smiled her consent and the Colonel kissed her, very innocently of course. He pulled back and looked at her. She slowly opened her eyes and he saw such a look of love in them, that he was taken pleasantly aback. He knew he would remember that kiss forever. Colonel Fitzwilliam was beginning to discover the sweet agonizing pursuit of courtship, as he hopelessly fell in love.

As for Trevor Nash, he went back to London, bruised and in temporary defeat, however one can only imagine that he would again endeavor to take up the hunt, somewhere else.

************

the end

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