An Unwavering Trust by L.L. Diamond

Author:L.L. Diamond
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Read, Arranged Marriage, Alternate Universe, Darcy's crap childhood, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Shy/Misunderstood Darcy, Naughty Bits (aka PWP)
Publisher: L.L. Diamond
Published: 2015-05-25T04:00:00+00:00

Dinner was a lively affair. Elizabeth and his grandmother were animated in their chatter while he observed and sometimes joined the conversation. Despite the dowager’s sarcasm, the two ladies were near to identical in temperament, and he was pleased they were such good friends.

After the meal, they withdrew to the music room for an informal evening. Elizabeth played the pianoforte, even sang along with one of the tunes, before she took a seat next to him.

The dowager had poured a snifter of brandy for the two of them, and they were seated comfortably while Elizabeth spoke of the gala they had attended in Bath. She had just begun to describe the terrible performance when they heard the faint sound of the knocker as it echoed through the entry hall.

“Who could it be at this hour?” The dowager peered at the clock on the mantelpiece.

They listened as Hobbes greeted the caller. Darcy’s heart dropped at the sound of the guest’s voice.

“It is my father,” he whispered.

“Now, how did he know we were discussing him?” his grandmother groused. “Were his ears ringing?”

Elizabeth’s eyes were wide as saucers, and he took her by the shoulders. “My love, you must wait for me in our chambers.”

Her eyes met his, and courage lit their depths. “My place is with you.”

“I appreciate your loyalty, but I do not know why he has called, and I do not want you to be subjected to his anger. There is no reason for it.”

“I agree with him, Lizzy. This is their first meeting since your marriage. Allow Fitzwilliam to handle his father, then later, he will tell all.”

“I promise.”

Fortune smiled upon him when she acquiesced and made for the door leading to the servant’s hall. Before she could depart, he rushed forward to take her in his arms. “Thank you. I could not concentrate if I was worried for you.”

She caressed her lips against his cheek and slipped through the door where she startled a passing maid. Somehow, the maid’s presence soothed his anxiety. She would have help as she found her way to their rooms.

He had just returned to his seat when Hobbes opened the door, prompting him and his grandmother to rise to their feet. “Mr. George Darcy insists he must see you, ma’am and sir.”

“I assumed as much,” she replied. “You may show him in, Hobbes. We would like an expeditious completion to this call, if possible.”

Hobbes stood to one side of the doorframe, which allowed the elder Darcy entry. The son stared at his father, who still appeared much the same except for the signs of fatigue etched upon his face.

“I was unaware you were here, Fitzwilliam” were the first words from his mouth.

“We have not corresponded of late, so I would be concerned about the trustworthiness of my grandmother’s servants if you did have knowledge of our arrival in town.” He made certain his voice was unemotional and even. He was his own man, and he did not answer to his father in any way.

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