30. Chapter 30

Chapter 29

Elizabeth realized belatedly she had made a grave error in leaving the house without a proper escort. When Simmons had informed her that the footmen were otherwise occupied that morning, she had briefly considered foregoing her walk. But the crisp Spring morning had been too strong a temptation to resist. A quick turn about the park would be the perfect way to pass the time while Fitzwilliam was with her Uncle.

Besides, her Uncle had reassured her that Mr Williamson was being followed by two men and therefore, had felt the risk in leaving the house to be minimal. Despite the guilt she felt at not following her Uncle's instructions, she had justified her decision that she would not be gone long. Her reasoning, however sound it seemed at the time was irrelevant in this very moment. She stood, motionless, opposite Mr Williamson on the pathway, an inscrutable expression on his face.

"Miss Lizzy," Sarah whispered, uneasily. "Who's that?"

"Everything will be fine, Sarah," Elizabeth responded reassuringly. Her calm demeanor belied her deep anxiety, her heart thundering loudly in her ears. He took a tentative step towards them and her eyes widened and she involuntarily stepped back, her expression wary.

"We should go, Miss Lizzy." Sarah tugged on her arm, her eyes darting around nervously.

Elizabeth nodded in agreement. She should not have come. Would she ever learn to think before acting rashly? She turned to leave when he spoke, taking another hesitant step toward them.

"Please," he implored, his hand held out in supplication. "Don't go. Wait. Please."

The honest entreaty in his voice caused Elizabeth to pause mid-turn. She studied Mr Williamson more closely as he stood a few feet from her and was surprised to see that he appeared...unwell. His skin had an unhealthy pallor, his face gaunt. His remarkable green eyes were filled with pain and held dark circles underneath. Despite the cool morning, his forehead was beaded with perspiration, his breathing slightly labored. He was leaning heavily on a cane, his posture slightly bent. His clothes, although well-made, hung from his frame in a manner that indicated he had lost a fair amount of weight recently. His overall appearance suggested that he was a very ill man. She thought back to when she had first seen him at the Royal Menagerie. Had he been this ill then?

Elizabeth felt a wave of compassion sweep over her at his obvious ill health. He looked as if he carried a heavy burden, in mind as well as body. His expression held no malicious intent as she had expected. Instead, his eyes roamed her face eagerly. His gaze wistful. Nostalgic. Hopeful.

Forcing herself to stay calm, she took deep, even breaths. She reached over and took Sarah's arm, concerned that she was trembling. In a low voice, she whispered, "Sarah, I believe everything will be all right. I don't think he means any harm. Trust me."

"Are you sure, Miss Lizzy?"

Confidently, she nodded her head. Was she sure? She gazed at Mr Williamson again as he stood, motionless, in front of her, his attitude uncertain. He had made no threatening move towards them and he appeared to be harmless. But was he? Why was he here? If he wished her no harm then why approach her when she was alone? Where were the men that were supposed to be following him? Her eyes widened in dismay. Had he done something to them? She looked at Mr Williamson, the horror evident on her face.

Reading the unspoken question in her eyes, he said calmly, hand held out in front of him non-threateningly. "Miss Gardiner, I promise I mean you no harm. I just wish to speak with you. Please."

Miss Gardiner? Her brow raised in surprise at his address. In an unsteady voice, she asked, "What do you want?"

He gazed at her steadfastly. "Absolution."

Elizabeth's brow furrowed in confusion. "I'm afraid I don't understand, Mr Williamson."

His eyes widened in astonishment and he asked, incredulously, "You know who I am?"

Wordlessly, Elizabeth nodded.

He smiled deprecatingly. "I suppose I should not be surprised. Your father, no doubt told you all about me."

Her father? Why did he think Uncle Gardiner was her father? She mentally shook her head. That was not important. She hoped Mr Williamson had the answers she sought.

Mr Williamson looked at her, suddenly uncertain. "Would you talk with me?" He gestured towards a small copse of trees off the pathway. "Alone?"

Elizabeth's eyes widened and she took an involuntary step backwards. "I don't think that would be proper, sir."

"Your maid may come with you. I promise, I mean you no harm, Miss Gardiner."

Elizabeth considered his request. She felt that he was not a threat, but how could she be sure? Turning to Sarah, she said in a quiet voice, "I'm going to talk with him." At Sarah's alarmed expression, she quickly reassured her. "You will come with me, but I would like to talk to him privately. If he does anything untoward, or seeks to harm me in any way I want to you to run as fast as you can to my Uncle and Mr Darcy. Do you understand?"

Sarah stared at her with wide, frightened eyes. "What about you, Miss Lizzy? If he tries to hurt you, what will you do if I leave?"

Elizabeth smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Sarah. We are in a fairly public place. I hardly think he would try anything with people within shouting distance." But I don't believe it will come to that, Elizabeth thought. He seemed too weak to try anything. Besides, she felt instinctively that Mr Williamson was truthful when he said he would not harm her. She desperately wished to know how he knew her mother. Would he be forthcoming with her?

"Very well, Miss Lizzy. I will do as you say." Sarah conceded reluctantly.

Elizabeth nodded. She turned to Mr Williamson. "I'm willing to speak with you, Mr Williamson."

He smiled and gestured with his free arm for her to precede him towards the hidden copse of trees. Elizabeth raised a brow and stood her ground. She was not that trusting.

With an understanding smile, he bowed and turned to walk ahead of her, his gait unsteady as he leaned heavily on his cane. After a brief moment, Elizabeth followed, Sarah closely behind her. She entered the copse of trees, taking in her surroundings. She was relieved to see that it was not as hidden as she previously had thought. It was private enough for their conversation, but still within sight of the pathway and any persons walking along it. Elizabeth made sure that Sarah was in plain sight of the pathway before walking further in.

"Very well, Mr Williamson, what do you wish to speak to me about? I admit I'm curious what you have to say to me. We have never met, after all."

Mr Williamson said nothing, just gazed at her, a soft expression on his face. In a voice, so quiet, Elizabeth almost didn't hear him, he whispered, "You even sound like her."

Was he was speaking of her mother? She felt her heart rate increase in excitement. Judging by the expression on his face he had cared for her mother, perhaps even loved her.

"Miss Gardiner, I apologize for approaching you this way, but I thought it best. Your father and I didn't part on the best of terms and I didn't think he would allow me anywhere near you." He started walking towards her but stopped when she moved away from him. He smiled reassuringly. "I apologize for making you uneasy that day at the Royal Menagerie. I was shocked at seeing you; a woman who looked uncannily like someone I once knew." In a quiet voice, he added, "Someone I loved."

Elizabeth drew in a sharp breath at the long held pain evident in Mr Williamson's eyes. He had loved her mother? But what happened? Did her mother reject him?

"You said you are looking for absolution, Mr Williamson. But I don't see how I can grant you the forgiveness you seek."

"When I returned to England a little more than a month ago, I never dreamed that I would get this chance. When I saw you that day, I felt that God was granting me an opportunity to make things right. If I could confess my guilt to you, Miss Gardiner, it would be as if I was confessing to her. Then I won't be ashamed to meet her when I die."

He smiled sadly. "You never knew your Aunt, did you, Miss Gardiner? But she was...is everything to me. Even after all these years, my heart still belongs to her."

Elizabeth felt her throat tighten at his impassioned words. How could her mother have rejected such a love? Was that why she was so bitter, because she regretted her decision to marry her father?

"Mr Williamson," she began hesitantly. "You are mistaken about who I am. You are under the impression that I'm Mr Gardiners daughter, but I'm not. He is my Uncle, not my father."

Mr Williamson looked at her in confusion. "Gardiner is not your father, you say?" He rubbed his chin, lost in thought. "But I was sure you must be his daughter."

Elizabeth shook her head. "No, sir. I'm Miss Bennet, not Gardiner."

He raised his brows, surprise evident on his face. "Bennet?" Disbelievingly, he stated, "Your father is Mr Thomas Bennet of Longbourn."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "Yes, Mr Bennet is my father."

His brows lowered in bewilderment. "Well, I suppose he must have married Miss Julia."

Was he speaking of her Aunt Phillips? "I confess I'm confused, Mr Williamson. My Uncle's sister, Julia, married Mr Arthur Phillips."

"Miss Julia married Mr Phillips," he muttered under his breath.

Suddenly his head shot up, his expression one of horror and disbelief. Before Elizabeth knew what was happening, Mr Williamson grabbed her, his cane dropping to the ground. Forgotten. She cried out in pain as he gripped her upper arms, his eyes boring into hers with fierce intensity. Shaking her, he demanded in a low voice, "Who is your mother?"

Elizabeth stared at him in shock, gasping in pain. She was vaguely aware of Sarah squeaking in fright and running off. Her feeling of relief that Sarah had followed her instructions was short lived as Mr Williamson shook her again, gripping her arms harder.

"Your mother, Miss Bennet."

"Fanny," she whispered, gasping in pain as his fingers dug into the soft flesh of her arms. "My mother is Fanny Gardiner."

He released her suddenly, causing her to stumble forward. He staggered back, his face ashen. He murmured, shaking his head in disbelief. "No. No, that's not possible." He looked at her, his eyes angry. "You are lying."

She shook her head as she rubbed her upper arms, wincing as her fingers touched the bruised skin. "I'm not. My mother is Miss Fanny Gardiner, now Mrs Thomas Bennet."

He stumbled away from her, shaking his head in incredulity and anger. His hands gripped his head, displacing his hat, it fell to the ground. Abandoned. "How? How is it possible that Fanny is your mother? He turned to her and cried in an agonized voice, "She's dead!"

Elizabeth held her breath. A weighted silence settled over the grove of trees in respect for his grief and pain. Even the birds stilled their morning song. Finally, she exhaled slowly. "She is not. My mother is very much alive, Mr Williamson."

He walked towards her, his gait unsteady and she retreated, stumbling in her haste to get away. "How?" he whispered, his voice full of anguish. "How is this possible?"

"Why do you think my mother died, Mr Williamson?"

In a brokenhearted voice, he responded, "He told me she had died."

"Who?" Elizabeth whispered, already knowing the answer.

He looked up, his eyes blazing with indignation. "Gardiner," he spat.

Elizabeth closed her eyes, unsurprised. Is this what her Uncle had been hiding all these years? She opened her eyes, to meet the grief-stricken gaze of a man broken. "Would you tell me what happened between you and my mother, Mr Williamson?"

He sighed, raising a trembling hand to his forehead. He didn't answer for a long moment. Finally, his shoulders slumped and he nodded wearily. "I will tell you, Miss Bennet." He raised his gaze to meet hers, his expression dejected. "But I fear it is not a happy tale."

"I understand."

He nodded. "Very well."

FEEFEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Darcy paced Gardiners study, glaring at the clock on the mantle. Williamson was late. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. He exchanged a worried look with Richard who watched him as he paced around Gardiners study.

"Darcy. Take a seat. He will come."

Darcy glared at his cousin, his expression forbidding. "I'm not so sure, Richard. He would not be late." He ran his hand through his hair in growing agitation. "Have we heard from Jones or Hoskins?" He was relying on them to keep track of Williamson at all times. He didn't want to imagine what would happen if he slipped past them. At least he knew Elizabeth was safe here at Gardiners. He eyed the door, wishing he could step out and reassure himself that she was well.

Richard shook his head. "No, but perhaps they were delayed."

Gardiner stood to join Darcy. "Colonel Fitzwilliam is right, Darcy. He will come."

Just then, Simmons entered after a hasty knock on the door. "Forgive me, sir. But there's a Mr Jones and Mr Hoskins here to see you."

Darcy's eyes widened in alarm. "They're alone?"

"Yes, sir."

Gardiner gestured to Simmons, impatiently. "Well, have them come in and explain themselves."

Simmons bowed and exited, returning within moments with the two men. Darcy strode forward, his expression thunderous. "Well? Where is Williamson?"

They both shifted nervously before Jones responded. "He eluded us, sir. We followed who we thought was Williamson as he left the boarding house about an hour ago."

"Led us on a merry chase, he did," Hoskins added.

Darcy pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to control his temper. "You mean to tell me that you have been following a man for the past hour who is not Williamson?"

Jones nodded. "Yes, sir."

Richard stood, his expression threatening. "How could you let this happen?"

The men snapped to attention upon perceiving their former commanding officer. "Forgive us, Colonel Fitzwilliam, sir. We honestly didn't realize it was not him, until it was too late. The man wore the same coat and hat and everything."

Darcy looked at Gardiner. Tersely, he said, "I don't believe Williamson had any intention of coming, Gardiner."

Gardiner sat heavily in his chair, running a hand over his head. "No, I suppose you're right about that." He met Darcy's gaze. "But why? Why send me the message?"

"A diversion," Richard muttered quietly.

Darcy turned to stare at his cousin, his brows lowered in anger. "But why, Richard? What does he hope to accomplish by this ruse?"

Richard lowered his head, lost in thought. "He obviously had someone impersonate him, leaving the boardinghouse so he could leave undetected." He rubbed his chin, muttering, "He sent Gardiner a message informing him that he would be here at ten o'clock. He doesn't show up." He shook his head, and he threw up his hands in exasperation. "It doesn't make sense!" He turned to Jones and Hoskins who were waiting quietly, their faces identical expressions of chagrin. "Did you make yourselves obvious yesterday when you followed Williamson?"

Hoskins nodded. "Yes, Colonel. We followed your orders exactly as you said. He never confronted us, but returned to his boardinghouse and didn't leave until this morning." He paused. "Or, so we thought." He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Forgive us, Colonel. We failed you."

Richard stared at the men for a long moment, his expression inscrutable. Finally, he sighed. "No, you have done well, men. It was an easy mistake. We didn't anticipate that Williamson would be so devious. The fault is mine. I underestimated him."

"But where is he?" Darcy exclaimed. As he turned to leave the room, desperate to be in Elizabeth's presence to reassure himself that she was safe and well, the door burst open and a young maid stumbled in, gasping for breath. She was followed closely by Simmons, wearing a displeased expression on his face.

"Forgive me, sir. But Sarah insisted that she had to see you immediately."

Gardiner stood, astounded. "Sarah, what is the meaning of this?"

Sarah clutched her chest as she tried to catch her breath. "Forgive me, Mr Gardiner. But I had to come and get you right away. A man, Mr Williamson is with Miss Lizzy. She told me to come and get you if he tried to harm her in anyway. He.."

"What?" Darcy shouted. In two strides, he reached Sarah, grabbing her by the arm. In a tense voice, he asked, "Where is she? Where is Elizabeth?"

"Darcy!" Richard exclaimed. "Stop! You're frightening her."

Darcy dropped Sarah's arm, his face flushing. Moderating his tone, he said, "Forgive me, Miss Sarah." Staring at her intently, he asked again, in a firm voice, "Where is Elizabeth?"

Sarah stared at Darcy, blushing under his intense gaze. She stuttered, "I-in the p-park, sir. That man, Mr Williamson asked to speak with her and we followed him to a small grove of trees off the path."

Darcy didn't wait to hear any more. He left the room at a run, ignoring Richard and Gardiners pleas to wait. Wait? He couldn't wait! He had to get to her. Now. Sarah had said Williamson had harmed her? His heart dropped at the thought of Elizabeth alone and unprotected, and at the mercy of that man. What had he done to her? He leapt down the steps of Gardiners Town Home and began running towards the park, heedless of the astonished stares of passerby. His only thought was to get to Elizabeth as quickly as possible. His mind was in turmoil. Why would Elizabeth leave the house with only a maid? What had she been thinking? He prayed unceasingly as he ran that he would get there in time to stop whatever Williamson was planning.

As he neared the park, he slowed his pace slightly, frantically searching his memory of where there was a grove of trees off the pathway. A small voice from within whispered to go left, and he followed without a second thought. As he ran down the pathway, his eyes scanned both sides, searching. Up ahead, he spied what he hoped was the right place.

He veered off the path, entering the grove of trees. Hearing murmured voices somewhere up ahead, he walked quickly towards the sound, praying that he would find Elizabeth well and unharmed. He didn't dare contemplate what he would do if he found it otherwise. He came to a small clearing and he stopped, stunned at what he saw before him. As his mind processed what he was seeing, his eyes narrowed in anger and he strode forward, his gaze focused on his target.

FEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Mr Williamson bent to retrieve his cane and hat before walking further into the grove of trees. Elizabeth followed him to a small clearing and a bench resting beneath an ancient Oak tree. She sat, conscious that she was now alone with a man she didn't know and couldn't entirely trust. She rubbed her upper arm, wincing slightly at the soreness. She knew that Sarah would tell Fitzwilliam what had happened. She hoped he came soon. She knew that whatever Mr Williamson had to tell her would be difficult for her to hear and she needed his strength, his solid presence by her side.

Mr Williamson sat on the bench, as far away from her as possible. He turned and noticing her movement, said remorsefully, "I apologize if I hurt you, Miss Bennet. I was just so surprised when you told me..." his voice trailed off, his expression one of pain, regret and anger.

Elizabeth lowered her head and said quietly, "I understand, Mr Williamson. I know it came as quite a shock to find that my mother is alive."

Mr Williamson took a deep breath and stood, gripping his cane tightly. He gazed up at the tree, his expression anguished. "I don't understand," he whispered. "Why didn't she wait?"

"I beg your pardon?" She unconsciously leaned forward, eager to hear whatever he had to say.

He shook his head, turning to look at her for a long moment, silent as he perused her face. Softly, he said, "You look remarkably like your mother, Miss Bennet." He paused, tilting his head to the side, his expression contemplative. "Except your eyes. Fanny's eyes are hazel. She had...has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement, but remained silent. She didn't want to distract him with unnecessary questions.

Taking a deep breath, he began. "I met Miss Gardiner...Fanny, when I was twenty-one. Due to her father's failing health, I was hired to be a clerk in his office. In addition to hiring me, he took on Mr Arthur Phillips, a young solicitor." He turned his gaze to her. "He married Miss Julia?"

"Yes. Mr Phillips is my Uncle. He took over my grandfather's practice after he died."

"Yes, I imagine he did. That was why he was hired, after all. By that time, your Uncle had decided he didn't wish to follow in his father's footsteps." He sighed. "Edward Gardiner had already left home by the time I arrived in Meryton."

Mr Williamson sat on the bench, taking a handkerchief from his inner coat pocket to wipe the moisture from his forehead. Elizabeth watched in concern. He seemed so weak, so ill. She opened her mouth to ask if he was well, when he continued.

"I met the young Miss Gardiner the first day I arrived." His gaze softened, his expression wistful at the long held memory. "Fanny was just sixteen and the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. My heart was lost to her the moment I laid eyes on her."

Elizabeth swallowed, her heart beating furiously. She was right, he had loved her mother. Had she rejected him? Found him unworthy of her love? Had they been driven apart? If so, why? Why had her Uncle told Mr Williamson that her mother had died?

"Those two years I spent in Meryton were the happiest of my life. Each day I spent in her presence was a gift. Her bright and lively spirit was the perfect complement to my more serious and reserved nature. Her laughter warmed my heart and made me feel alive." He closed his eyes, a soft smile on his face as he reminisced. "After loving her from afar for over a year, she finally let me know that she felt the same." He opened his eyes, and realizing whom he was talking to, he flushed a bright red. He cleared his throat, shifting on the bench. "When I realized she returned my love I immediately asked her to marry me."

Elizabeth's mouth dropped open in shock. Her mother had been engaged to this man? Did her father know?

Seeing her shocked expression, he laughed wryly. "I see you are surprised, Miss Bennet." Looking down, his posture dejected, he whispered, "Now you can imagine my shock when I learn that not only is she alive but that she married someone else. That she didn't wait for me."

"What happened, Mr Williamson?" Elizabeth asked gently.

"Mr Gardiners health worsened and he sent for his son." His expression darkened at the mention of her Uncle. "The day after your Uncle arrived home, Mr Gardiner died." He rubbed his forehead, his countenance despondent. "Your grandfather was a good man, an honorable man, Miss Bennet. I wish you could have known him."

Hesitantly, Elizabeth asked, "Did my grandfather know that you wished to marry?"

He shook his head. "No, Fanny thought it best to wait." In a voice almost too quiet for her to hear, he added, "I wonder if things would have been different if he had known."

"What do you mean?"

He smiled at her. "Just that I knew that he liked me, approved of me. I didn't want to hide our relationship, but Fanny was adamant. She said she knew her father would not like it." He shook his head, "To this day, I still don't believe he would have rejected my suit."

"After the burial of her father, Fanny became despondent. She loved her father dearly and his death was extremely hard on her. In desperation, her brother arranged for Fanny, Miss Julia and their mother to go to Bath. He thought the change would be good for them." Here he paused and his expression became mournful. "Little did I know that when I bid her farewell, I would never see her again."

"But why did you leave if you loved her so much?" Elizabeth cried.

Mr Williamson gazed at Elizabeth sadly. "Edward didn't follow his family to Bath under the pretense that he had some of his father's affairs to settle. I now suspect that he remained for one purpose and one purpose only." His gaze bore into hers. "To convince me to leave Meryton. Leave Fanny. He had found out about our secret engagement, how I don't know." He ran his hand through his sparse hair. "He told me that he couldn't agree to our marriage unless I proved myself worthy of Fanny. I told him that I wished to become a solicitor, that his father had encouraged me to do so. He convinced me to leave and pursue that course of action."

"I wished to remain in Meryton until Fanny returned to explain my plans, but Edward told me it would be better if I left right away. He said Fanny would try to convince me to stay, that my resolve to leave might waver if faced with her opposition." He sighed heavily, leaning forward, both hands on the cane in front of him.

"So, I left a letter for Fanny explaining my decision and reason for leaving. I clearly stated my intent to return for her and I asked her to wait for me." He turned and gazed at Elizabeth with anguish, his eyes seeking for understanding for his misjudgment. "Edward assured me he would give her the letter when she returned from Bath." Looking down, he whispered. "A mistake I will regret until the day I die."

Elizabeth looked at Mr Williamson in dawning horror. "She never received your letter, did she?"

He was quiet, a deep sadness in his green eyes. He sighed heavily. "I'm not sure, Miss Bennet. But now, knowing that Fanny didn't wait for me. I must conclude that no, she didn't receive my letter. At the time, I trusted your Uncle. I had no reason not to. He was so supportive, so understanding when he told me he knew about Fanny and I." In a harsh voice, he added, "He even gave me some money to help me. No doubt to assuage the guilt he felt."

Elizabeth closed her eyes, unable to witness the stark anguish on his face. After a moment, she felt brave enough to ask, "What happened after you left Meryton? How did my Uncle tell you that my mother had died?"

Mr Williamson didn't respond immediately, and Elizabeth waited patiently for him to answer her question. She watched as a myriad of emotions passed over his face: grief, pain, regret, but also anger and determination. His gaze focused on her face and in a broken-hearted voice he related what she suspected was the most difficult part of his tale.

"In my letter to Fanny, I left my address here in London, so she could write me. I wrote her nearly every day. After two months, when I didn't hear from her, I decided to travel to Meryton." He stood and began pacing, his demeanor agitated and distraught. "Before I could travel to Meryton, however, I ran into Gardiner." He laughed wryly. "I now wonder if it was by happenstance as I originally thought or by design. He invited me to a nearby inn so we could talk. He seemed so somber, so grave that I knew that something terrible had happened."

Derisively, he said, "Now I know that his grave demeanor was due to nervousness and fear, not grief." He turned to her, his eyes fierce. "He lied, Miss Bennet. He sat in that inn and lied to me, knowing that the knowledge that he imparted would turn me into a broken man. With tears in his eyes, he told me that after Fanny returned from Bath, she contracted a fever and died." His head fell to his chest as if he no longer had the strength to hold it up.

Elizabeth's heart went out to the distraught man before her. For twenty-five years he had lived with the knowledge that the woman he loved had died. She couldn't contemplate the pain and anguish he had endured. Now, to know that it had all been a lie...

"I accused Gardiner." He rubbed his forehead in agitation. "I don't recall everything I shouted at him in my grief and pain. But I know I blamed him for her death and for making me leave. In my grief-stricken mind I believed that if I hadn't left, she would still be alive. I hated myself for not waiting, for listening to Gardiner. I believe I even accused him of conspiring with Bennet to get Fanny away from me so he could marry her instead." He smiled wryly. "Perhaps, I was not too far off the mark? It's now quite apparent that Gardiner lied because he wanted Fanny to marry Bennet. I have my suspicions about that, but I have no proof."

Elizabeth's mind was reeling. She was shocked and grieved that her Uncle could perpetuate such a deception. That he had knowingly separated a couple who loved one another. Did he really think Mr Williamson was not good enough for her mother? Somehow, she knew it went deeper than that. She wanted to ask what Mr Williamson meant by his last cryptic comment, but she refrained. She didn't think she could take anymore.

With alarm, she realized that Mr Williamson was extremely pale and sweating profusely. His breath was labored and he appeared about to faint. He clutched his side, his face contorted in pain.

"Mr Williamson, are you well? Can I do something for you?"

"No," he gasped. "I have simply missed my dosage of medicine. It will pass."

"Can I fetch someone for you? Call a doctor, perhaps? Indeed, you look very ill, sir." Elizabeth was worried as she watched him bend over, gasping in pain.

"I have seen doctors, Miss Bennet. Many, many doctors. It will make no difference. They all say the same thing."

"What? What do they say?"

He looked at her gravely as he forced himself upright, breathing heavily. "That I'm dying, Miss Bennet. I have not long for this world."

Elizabeth's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you sure, sir? Can nothing be done?"

"No, nothing can be done. The doctors are amazed I have lasted this long." He breathed deeply. "After twenty-five years of self-imposed exile, I have returned to the land of my birth, to die." He smiled, his eyes full of grief and regret. "I wanted to be buried under the same soil as my beloved Fanny."

Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears at the injustice of it all. After everything this man had gone through, he had to suffer in body as well as in spirit and mind. "I'm so sorry, Mr Williamson."

"Your compassion does you credit, Miss Bennet." He smiled, his gaze soft. "You must be a great comfort to your mother."

Elizabeth looked away so he would not see the pain in her eyes at his innocent and erroneous statement.

"Mr Williamson, now that you know my mother is alive. What are you going to do?" Elizabeth held her breath as he contemplated her question. Would he try to see her mother, contact her in some way? How would it affect Mr Williamson to know there was little left of the Fanny he had known so long ago; that her disappointment had left her bitter and resentful.

"Ah, Miss Bennet," he gave her a gentle smile. "When I realized I was dying, I had one wish, to absolve myself of the guilt I felt with abandoning Fanny, for allowing myself to be persuaded by another to leave, when I should have stayed." He shook his head and sighed. "And now?" He shrugged, his expression resigned. "I suppose I will do nothing. She has made a life for herself. She has a husband. Children."

Elizabeth swallowed back what she wished to say and nodded her head. Mr Williamson was looking for absolution, for closure before he died. Would not her mother benefit from the knowledge that this man, sitting so grave and grief-stricken beside her, had not abandoned her like she believed? For she believed that her mother must not have received the letter he had written and left with her Uncle; her bitterness and resentment stemmed from thinking she had been abandoned.

Mr Williamson stared at her, silent and grave. Hesitantly, he reached out, lightly touching her cheek with the barest pressure of his fingertips. "So beautiful," he whispered. "It is strange to think in another life, you could have been my daughter." He straightened, his eyes full of regret. "You should have been my daughter."

"Williamson!"

Elizabeth's head whipped around at Fitzwilliam's shout. She stood, relief suffusing her face. Her relief quickly turned to alarm at the look of fury on his face as he stalked purposefully toward Mr Williamson.

Mr Williamson stood, gripping his cane, his posture unsteady, his eyes filled with fear. Elizabeth, realizing Fitzwilliam's intent to harm him, held out her hands to halt his progress. "Mr Darcy, wait! Please, don't hurt him!"

Elizabeth grabbed Fitzwilliam's arm, trying to prevent him from hitting Mr Williamson, but it was like pulling on a deep rooted tree. "Fitzwilliam! Stop!"

Darcy stood inches from Williamson, his fists clenched, breathing heavily. He was vaguely aware of Elizabeth trying to pull him away but he was too angry, too incensed. "How dare you lay a hand on her?" He hissed in a low, menacing voice.

Elizabeth gripped his arm. "Please, Fitzwilliam. We were just talking. He didn't mean any harm."

He turned to Elizabeth, his eyes perusing her face, before scanning her from head to foot. He reached out grasping her arms. "Are you well, Elizabeth? What did he do?"

Elizabeth sucked in a breath at the pressure on her arms, still tender from when Mr Williamson had grabbed her earlier. She responded, soothingly, "I am well, Fitzwilliam. He didn't do anything. He just wished to talk to me."

Darcy looked at her in disbelief. "Elizabeth, he sent a message to your Uncle telling him he was going to arrive at ten to talk to him. It was a ruse, a deception. He watched and waited for you to be alone. And you're telling me he just wanted to talk?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said gently, her eyes pleading with him to understand. "Please, Fitzwilliam. Can't you see he is in no position to harm anyone? He is ill, dying. He just wanted to talk to me. That is all."

Darcy relaxed slightly at her words and that she did, in fact, appear unharmed. "But Sarah said that he hurt you."

Elizabeth shook her head. "He grabbed me when he discovered something that distressed him, but he didn't do it out of ill intent. He apologized."

"Elizabeth," Darcy growled, running his hands up and down her arms. "Why did you leave the house?" he asked fiercely. He wanted to shake her for causing him alarm, but the emotion he was feeling most at this moment was relief.

"I always go for a walk in the morning, Fitzwilliam. If you hadn't been with my Uncle, I would have asked you to accompany me."

Elizabeth looked at Mr Williamson. Seeing his ashen face, she cried out in alarm, "Mr Williamson? Are you well?" She turned to Fitzwilliam. "Help him! He is ill, Fitzwilliam. We should send for a doctor."

Mr Williamson looked at Elizabeth, his eyes full of renewed anguish. "Elizabeth? Did I just hear this gentleman call you, Elizabeth?"

Confused, she nodded. "Yes, my name is Elizabeth."

Mr Williamson closed his eyes, bowing his head. In an agonized voice, he whispered, "Oh, Fanny!"

Darcy looked at Elizabeth, his expression bewildered. Seeing his confusion, she shook her head for him to remain silent.

"Mr Williamson," she asked gently, "Why does my name cause you such distress?"

He shook his head, sorrow evident on his pallid face. "I should not have come. This was a mistake."

Darcy didn't say anything, but he agreed, wholeheartedly. He just wanted Elizabeth back at her Uncle's; safe behind closed, locked doors.

Elizabeth started as Mr Williamson staggered away from her, headed back to the main pathway. "Wait! Mr Williamson!" She went to follow him but was held back by Fitzwilliam. She turned on him, her expression angry. "Let go, Fitzwilliam!" she cried. "I told you, he means no harm. Can't you see he is suffering?"

"Elizabeth," Darcy implored. "Please. Do you know how worried I have been? Imagining the worst?"

Elizabeth gazed into his eyes, clearly seeing his fear, his worry. For her. She leaned up, allowing her lips to communicate when mere words were not enough. She poured all the love and gratitude she felt into her kiss for this fiercely stubborn, wonderfully protective, extremely passionate man. Burying her head in his chest, she closed her eyes, listening to his racing heartbeat. Finally, she felt Fitzwilliam nod. She expressed her gratitude with a soft kiss before turning to follow after Mr Williamson, hoping he had not gone far.

She halted, blushing crimson when she realized Mr Williamson had witnessed their impassioned display. He had not left the clearing, but was waiting some distance away. As he slowly walked towards her, she felt Fitzwilliam tense beside her and she laid a reassuring hand on his arm. As he neared, she took a step towards him, wishing to say something, anything to give him comfort. Before she could utter a word, he spoke.

"Tell me she is happy, Miss Bennet...Elizabeth." His voice was a plea, begging for her to release him, to absolve him of the guilt he had carried for twenty-five years. To reassure his troubled mind that despite leaving Fanny, she had found peace, happiness with another man. What could she say? Should she lie?

Her face must have betrayed the truth, because his head dropped and he exclaimed in the voice of a tormented soul, "I am a fool! Forgive me, Fanny. Forgive me!" He walked slowly towards her, his gaze anguished. Wordlessly, he removed a ring from his right hand and held it out to her. She took it. Looking down, she saw it was a black mourning ring adorned with a lock of hair. She sucked in a breath, knowing it was her mother's hair. She looked up, searching Mr Williamson's face for confirmation.

"I have mourned Fanny these twenty-five years, Miss Bennet. I have stayed true to her all this time." He sighed. "I can't blame her for marrying your father. But I will never forgive myself for believing Gardiner so readily. I should have gone back! Instead I fled to Scotland like a coward! Gardiner was right. I didn't deserve her."

Before Elizabeth could utter a word in response, he looked at Fitzwilliam and in an intense voice, said, "Take care of Elizabeth, sir. Don't let anyone or anything keep you apart." With one last, lingering glance at Elizabeth he bowed and left. In seconds, he was gone from view.

Elizabeth released the breath she didn't realize she had been holding. Her heart ached, her mind in turmoil. Gazing at the ring in her hand, she closed her fist around it, feeling it dig into the soft flesh of her palm. She looked at Fitzwilliam, her eyes filled with resolve. It was time to talk to her Uncle.

A/N: *peers out nervously behind her oh-so-strong-husband* Please, please don't hate me? I know I said you would get the entirety of the Mrs B/JW/Gardiner secret this chapter, but the second half is just not where I want it yet. I want to take my time and get it just right. You deserve nothing but my best. Besides, this would have been another epically long chapter (not that you would have complained, right?) So, please forgive me?

So, what did you think? Did I surprise anyone? I'm sure there are many of you that are thinking: I knew it! But hopefully I was able to surprise a fair amount of you as well. Please review and tell me what you thought. I KNOW you have something to say about JW confession - pretty heartbreaking, huh? Why was JW so distressed to discover her name was Elizabeth? More secrets I know-but they're just so much fun! I will say that what happened between JW and Fanny is a foreshadowing of things to come...but that's all I'm going to say about that!

Why do you think Gardiner lied to JW? Why did he separate him from Fanny? What is he hiding? Stay tuned...

Love you guys! Please review and tell me your thoughts!

MAH