Willow Hall Romance Page 7

  “You do not wish to marry me?” he asked taking her hand in his.

  Her eyes grew wide, and she shook her head. “I did not say that.”

  “You think I do not wish to marry you?”

  Her nod was small, but it felt in her chest as if that little movement was large enough to cause her heart to crumble like the ruins of the wall next to which she stood.

  Philip rubbed the back of the hand he held with his thumb. “You are wrong.”

  She looked up at him. A tentative smile played on her lips as if she were unsure if she should smile or not. “I am?”

  If he was not mistaken, there was a hopefulness to her voice. “You are,” he assured her as he took her hand and led her around the end of the wall, so that they were obscured from his sister’s view. He knew Darcy would be gentlemanly enough not to spy on him, but his sister was another matter altogether. Over the years, her prying eyes and sharp ears had seen and heard far more than he wished. He was thankful that she had never been given to gossip or tattling.

  Once he was safely out of his sister’s sight on the far side of the wall, he pulled Lucy into his embrace. As he did so, he sighed. He did not mean to sigh, but it could not be helped. He closed his eyes and savored the feeling of her wrapping her arms about his waist and holding him close. “I know that we became engaged out of convenience,” he began after a moment. “There was a need to protect you, and I was glad to be able to help ─ very glad.” He released his hold on her just enough that she could tilt her head up to look at him.

  “Do you remember the Sunday after the first reading of the banns,” he continued, “when we stood in the graveyard and you asked me how I saw our future?”

  She nodded. He had looked so puzzled that day.

  “I was thinking how pleasant it would be to have you at my side for the rest of my life, and as you will recall, I told you that I saw our future as happy?”

  Again she nodded.

  “Lucy, I know it has not been long, but with all that has happened with your uncle…” He drew her close once again, so that her head rested on his heart. “I can no longer think of my future as happy unless you are a part of it. I love you so very dearly, Lucy. And that is why you are completely and utterly wrong about my not wishing to marry you.” Once again he could not help the sigh of contentment that escaped him as she squeezed him tightly.

  Lucy had wished for a happy life, a life that was both safe and secure. She had known that with Philip as her husband, she would have all of those things, for he was an excellent man. However, to have him love her was a far greater blessing than she had ever dared hoped for. She pulled back slightly so that she could once again look up at his face. The joy that she felt in her heart shone in her eyes and her smile. “Do you remember the item I left off my list?”

  He chuckled. “Indeed, I do.” He lowered his head to kiss her, but she pulled back and gave him a teasing smile.

  “Before you kiss me…” She tried to look at him while she said it, but her eyes were not so brave as her heart, and she looked away. “You should know that, firstly, I have never been so pleased to be wrong.”

  He chuckled again, for he knew just how much she disliked being wrong.

  “And secondly, you should know that I have loved you since that day when I was ten and you were sent to keep an eye on your sister and me while we gathered berries. You did not want to come, but you did. And you did not make us feel like we were a burden or a chore, although I am certain you must have thought it. You even helped me by tying your handkerchief around my hand when I fell and cut it.”

  While one arm stayed firmly wrapped around her, he lifted one hand and gently caressed her cheek. “You have loved me so long?”

  She bit her lip and nodded. “Do you still wish to kiss me?” Her heart raced in anticipation of his response and then skipped an entire beat as he caressed her cheek once again, allowing his thumb to pass lightly over her bottom lip.

  “Very much,” he said. “Very much indeed.” And he did.

  Chapter 10

  One week later, as the birds sang outside in the churchyard and a gentle breeze blew through the open door of the church, Lucy stood next to Philip, her hand joined with his hand as Mr. Harker took his place and began to speak.

  “I am reminded of the story of Isaac,” said Mr. Harker as he stood before the congregation that had gathered to witness the joining of their vicar and Miss Tolson. “Isaac was in need of a wife, and in order to procure a proper young woman, his father, Abraham, sent a servant back to the land of Abraham’s father to find one, for it was not fitting that just any woman should be his son’s wife, you see. There were qualifications that needed to be met.” He smiled at Lucy, who chuckled to herself and stole a look at Philip.

  Philip squeezed her hand and gave her a quick wink.

  “The servant was successful in his search,” continued Mr. Harker as his attention turned toward Philip. “He found a woman who not only fit the qualifications Abraham had given him, but who also was willing to travel back to his home to marry his master’s son.” He looked back to the congregation. “As we know, the story does not end there. The scriptures tell us that she became his wife, and he loved her.” He paused for a moment and wiped his eyes with his handkerchief.

  “The two, who stand before God and me today to join their hands and hearts, are such a couple as Isaac and Rebekah. Mr. Dobney was in need of a wife, one for which I prayed.” Again he dabbed his eyes. “Miss Tolson was in need of a rescue.”

  Several heads nodded their agreement, and a low murmuring of agreement could be heard among the parishioners. Mr. Harker paused to allow for the disturbance, a pleased smile on his face.

  After the death of Lucy’s uncle, the story of why she had been hastily betrothed to Philip came to light in the form of a lecture given from the pulpit in this very church by the man who stood now performing their marriage ceremony. Mr. Harker had made it clear to one and all in attendance that Lucy’s father had instructed her to seek a husband, so that she would not be forced to go with her uncle. The truth about the theft from the parsonage those many years before and the scheming of her uncle in an attempt to gain money for his debauched life had left the church ringing with the loudness of shocked silence. Details regarding her uncle’s attack on Lucy’s person were, of course, not included. Mr. Harker was quite adept at presenting just enough of the right information to sway the minds of his congregation and quell the rumours that had spread. Apologies in various forms had been made to Lucy and Philip.

  As the last whispers died once again into solemn silence, Mr. Harker continued. “It was a marriage conceived in convenience. There was a need and both Miss Tolson and Mr. Dobney were willing to follow the path God had placed before them.” He smiled and held up a finger. “Ah, but their story does not end there, for you see, through obstacles and danger, God has drawn these two together,” he placed his hand over their joined ones, “first for safety and then for love. God has blessed them both, and I believe He will bless us through them.” His face beamed even though is eyes were once again misty and required a drying before opening his prayer book and beginning the formal ceremony.

  Before long, vows had been made, prayers had been prayed, the Scripture had been read, and Lucy and Philip stood before their church as man and wife. “I’ve something for you,” whispered Philip as he led Lucy out of the church. “It is not so much a gift as it is a returning of things which were already yours.”

  Lucy looked at him, brows drawn closely together in confusion.

  “I will explain.” Philip shook several hands as parishioners gathered around and followed them to the parsonage where Aunt Tess had arranged a fine wedding breakfast to be spread out on the lawn since the drawing room would be far too small for the number of well-wishers that were expected. He took Lucy’s hand and led her around the side of the house and in through the kitchen door.

  “Our guests,” Lucy protested, pulling slightly on his hand to sto
p him.

  Philip smiled at her attempt and shook his head. “Our guests can wait. This cannot.” He led her through the kitchen and into his study. Once she was seated, he took a package from the cupboard behind his desk. “It may not be rings of gold as Isaac gave Rebekah, but I think you will like it just as well.” He handed the parcel to her and propped himself on the edge of his desk, his lower lip pulled between his teeth as he waited for her to open the package.

  “Oh,” she gasped as she folded the paper back to reveal her missing chemise and under it, her mother’s book with the torn page tucked back in place. “How did you get them? I thought them both lost when Uncle died.” There was a small smile on her face as she ran a finger gently over the cover of the book.

  “Wickham gave them to me.”

  “Gave?” she questioned with raised brows.

  Philip shrugged. “He gave them to me, and I gave him some money.”

  “How much?” She opened the book and looked to see if any pages had been lost from it, but they had not. It appeared to be complete and whole save for the one page that was tucked back in place.

  “It matters not, but since I know that look in your eye, I will tell you before you expend as much as one word in attempting to convince me that I am not correct.” He chuckled as she swatted his leg. “Six hundred pounds.” He smiled to himself as he remembered how he had been able to use the death of Lucy’s uncle and the cancelling of what Wickham owed Tolson to reduce the earlier agreed on price of one thousand pounds. Wickham was not pleased with the reduction, of course, but after Philip reminded him that he was coming away from the deal with more money than he would have had remaining of the original amount had Tolson lived, he grudgingly accepted and had parted with Lucy’s items.

  Lucy’s hand flew to her heart and her eyes grew wide. “So much? Surely, that was not necessary.”

  Philip took the items from her and placed them on the desk before taking her hands and drawing her to her feet and into his embrace. “For you, Mrs. Dobney, there is no price too high.”

  “But…”

  He placed a finger on her lips to stop her protest. “I have already had this argument with Darcy, and I assure you that neither he nor you will convince me that the money was spent in vain, for it has bought back your things and, I hope, something far more valuable, your peace. From this day forward, there is nothing left of what your uncle did which can harm you.”

  She squeezed him tightly. “How can I ever thank you for such a thoughtful gift?”

  He looked down into her eyes, which were peering up at him. “Love me, always, just as you do now.”

  She shook her head and smiled at him. “I cannot promise not to love you more with every passing day, but I will always, always love you.”

  “And I, you,” he promised before kissing her briefly. “Now, we have guests who are waiting, Mrs. Dobney.”

  “Indeed, we do, Mr. Dobney,” she said as she stretched up and kissed him once more before taking his arm and returning to the garden where she left him to go speak to some ladies and greet his sister.

  “Congratulations,” said Darcy coming to stand beside his friend.

  “Thank you,” said Philip as he grasped Darcy’s outstretched hand.

  “She liked your gift?”

  Philip chuckled. “She did, though she attempted to protest the cost just as you did.”

  “She was always one of the brighter members of our set,” teased Darcy.

  “Smart enough to ask me to marry her,” replied Philip with a smile.

  “I trust I am so fortunate to find such a woman one day.”

  Though most would not have heard it, Philip did not miss the slightly wistful tone to Darcy’s voice.

  “You will,” he assured his friend, “but she may not be what or whom you expect. I know; I never once considered Lucy as a bride until that day in the cemetery when she asked for my help in saving her from her uncle.” He shrugged as he allowed his eyes to follow Lucy as she moved from lady to lady greeting them and making sure they were well-cared-for. “My marriage did not happen as I would have planned, but I am happy for it.” He pulled his eyes away from his wife and returned his attention to Darcy. “As Mr. Harker says, God’s ways are not always our ways.”

  “Aye,” agreed Darcy, “but they are the best.”

  “He has said it to you, too, I see.”

  “Often.”

  “He is wise.” Philip sighed slightly. “I hope that someday I am as wise as he. His role is not easily filled.”

  “But you will do the office justice, especially with Lucy by your side.” Darcy clapped Philip on the shoulder. “I am off to town at month’s end to collect Georgiana,” he said. “My cousin may also return with me.” He sighed. “And Bingley is after me to show him more of estate management. You know, if Bingley did not have an unmarried sister, Willow Hall would be just the thing for him, but as he still has his sister in his care, I am most hopeful that the new tenants will agree to stay at least a year or two. As much as I would love to have Bingley near, I do not desire to be so close to his sister.”

  Philip laughed. “From what Lucy has told me of the couple, you should have very little issue, if any, with them. I take it that Miss Bingley is still trying to capture you?”

  “That she is. No matter how often I hint that her attentions are not wanted or that a connection to trade would not be appreciated by my uncle, she still attempts at every turn to impress me. It really is most vexing.”

  Philip considered telling Darcy to be less subtle and that a more direct approach might be needed. But he knew Darcy would do all within his power to avoid causing a riff between himself and Bingley until absolutely necessary, so he chose not to say anything about Miss Bingley but rather to comment on her brother’s need for an estate. “You must speak to my father. Some school chum of his has an estate in Hertfordshire. He is looking to let it come fall. As I understand it, he wishes to take up a place in town and spend time visiting his daughter and her husband and does not wish to see Netherfield sit vacant.”

  “Hertfordshire?” Darcy rubbed his chin as he considered the county. “I will mention it to Bingley. I do not see him being ready to take on an estate just yet, but perhaps by the end of this season in town will see him rid of one responsibility.” He smirked.

  “The season is nearly over, but one can only hope,” said Philip. “And, perhaps, you will be so lucky as to become unavailable to Miss Bingley?”

  Darcy shook his head. “You know I have tried to find a wife, but there is none whom I wish to marry.” He extended his hand once again to Philip. “I will leave you now. Again, congratulations.”

  Philip grabbed Darcy’s hand and shook it firmly. “Thank you, my friend. We would be honored to have Miss Darcy call when she returns.”

  Lucy, who had just finished talking with a group of ladies, was at his side and slipping her arm through his. “Indeed, we would. My aunt and I, as well as Mary Ellen, would be happy to supply her with female companionship.”

  Darcy thanked her and bowed his leave.

  “Would you care to take a stroll?” Lucy asked.

  “I think we must.” Philip lifted the hand that rested on his arm and kissed it before placing it back onto his arm and covering it with his hand. They made a circuit of the lawn, stopping to speak to various individuals and then headed out of the garden and toward the churchyard.

  “Papa would be so pleased,” said Lucy as they neared the cemetery. “He only wished for me to be happy and secure. It was his greatest fear when he knew his time was short.” She stopped and turned to Philip. “Do you wish to join me?”

  He shook his head. “Today is your day, but if you would, please share with him my gratitude for having been on that list of suitors.”

  “I will.” She took a step away and then stopped, looked around and, being certain that they were alone, returned to give him a kiss before scooting away to her father’s grave.

  Philip leaned against
the gate and watched her crouching down and speaking to her father’s grave marker. Her hands moved through the air as she spoke, and then she looked back at him, her face radiant with a smile before continuing whatever it was she had to say. He sighed as a deep sense of joy and peace settled in around him. Had it really only been three weeks since he sat on that bench and agreed to marry her? How much his life had changed ─ and for the better ─ and all because of… He shook his head and recalled Mr. Harker’s words and combined them with his own rambling thoughts. The joy in his soul, the peace in his heart, the woman who claimed his love and returned it in like measure were all due to a marriage conceived first in convenience…and then love.

  The Tenant's Guest

  Willow Hall Romance, Book 2

  A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella

  The events in this book begin just before the Gardiners’ and Elizabeth’s trip to Derbyshire. All events in Pride and Prejudice remain the same up to this point. From this point forward, the whole story changes.

  Chapter 1

  Derbyshire

  The sun cast its warm rays over the meadow and danced its way across the stream as a butterfly took an easy but rambling path from one flower to the next. Leaning against the base of a tree, Elizabeth filled her lungs with air and released it slowly. The summer breeze tugged at her bonnet and willingly she complied to its suggestion by removing her hat and placing it on the ground next to herself. She closed her eyes and listened to the birds sing for a few moments before turning her attention to the purpose for stealing away from the group of picnickers — the two letters in her pocket.

  The first letter was well-worn and treasured even though its contents still caused her heart to ache. It had been many months since she had received it, and yet the words, even now, rebuked her for her foolishness. Such arrogance! Such reprehensible behaviour! Surely she would be never rid of the shame it made her feel.