Page 11 of An Interrupted Proposal (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
“He never had a blacksmith the size of Harold Smith ready to demand he marry his unattractive daughter.”
Darcy sputtered over his drink. “You knew of the accusation?”
A wide grin covered Philip’s countenance. “Miss Smith and I devised the plan.”
“What plan? When?”
His cousin shrugged. “Just before you and I met on Main Street. She had told me of her friend’s distress and expressed a desire to seek revenge on Wickham.
I noted that Wickham has always been wise to choose victims whose families could in no way hurt him.
It was her suggestion to lead her father to believe she had also been a victim.
I attempted to dissuade her, but she insisted she had no expectations or desires to be wed, so her reputation was worthless to her. ”
Darcy shook his head and drew a third page from the drawer. “Is her friend Miss Lavinia Barnes?”
“Perhaps. She called her Vinny.”
“Miss Smith’s name is Madeleine?”
Philip shrugged and drank his whisky.
“Jackson has also accumulated a list of ladies who have felt the effects of Wickham’s attentions. Miss Barnes and Miss Smith are included. They are to be sent to a distant relative of Miss Barnes.”
“What do you make of this list of destinations for our friend? ”
Darcy studied his cousin before shaking his head. The girls would be affected by their actions for the rest of their lives. Darcy would see a sum set aside for their care, but Philip showed no true concern for them. They were simply victims of war to him.
“I intend to remove Ireland from the list. It is far too close, with easy access to England.”
“I agree.” Philip took another drink before setting the paper back on Darcy’s desk. “Though I would prefer India, we both know Wickham will never choose it. I wager half a crown he decides on Jamaica.”
Darcy shook his head. “It is probably foolish to bet against you, but I will say America. Wickham has never liked the heat.”
“When will you present him his options?”
Leaning back and staring up at the ceiling, Darcy considered the question.
He wanted to make Wickham squirm, but he also wished to report all to Elizabeth Saturday evening when they dined in Gracechurch Street.
“I believe the ships sailing to both those locations depart the beginning of next week. Jackson will visit Wickham late tomorrow afternoon and he will be instructed to make his selection immediately or lose the opportunity entirely. All shall be settled before this time next week.”
“You are a shrewd businessman, Darce. I would hate to be in Wickham’s shoes.” He emptied his glass. “But are you still insistent upon giving him five hundred pounds?”
“It is more than enough for a man determined to build a new life. For Wickham,” he shook his head, “I suspect he will lose most of it before he steps off the ship.”
“I would have had him impressed into the navy.”
Darcy smiled. “Wickham is not a sailor. The crossing alone will be miserable for him.”
“All the more reason for impressment,” Philip said with a malevolent laugh.
***********
The coach carrying Darcy, Georgiana, Bingley, and Philip made its way through the busy streets of London.
“Are you certain they are expecting me?” Georgiana asked for the second time as she wrung her hands. “Miss Elizabeth has just arrived and may not wish to entertain strangers.”
Bingley waved away her concern. “Miss Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner were insistent that you join us as your brother and cousin were already included in our group. They did not wish you to dine alone and were eager to meet you.”
“Mrs. Gardiner spent time in Lambton as a young girl,” Darcy added to ease his sister’s nervousness. “She is familiar with our family. I am certain she will have stories to tell us of our parents.”
Georgiana’s countenance lifted. “Do you think she knew Mother?”
“I suppose we will learn soon enough. Their home is on the next street.”
His sister’s eyes widened, and her complexion paled slightly, so Darcy laid a hand upon hers and gently pressed her fingers. “They will love you,” he whispered in her ear.
Georgiana nodded but did not say anything further. The carriage drew to a stop and Darcy pressed his sister’s hand once more when the footman opened the door. He stepped out and then assisted Georgiana from the coach, leading her to the door while Bingley and Philip followed.
The door opened as they approached, and voices could be heard from upstairs. As they were handing off their outerwear, a small form darted towards them while “Thomas!” was heard from the floor above.
“You came! I told our Lizzy you would.” Master Thomas Gardiner rushed forwards and hugged Darcy’s leg. “Did you bring your horse?”
Darcy bent down to be on the boy’s level. “I am afraid I was unable to do so. Bingley and I shall have to return another day for you to have another ride in the park.”
Thomas turned as he realized there were several other individuals in the foyer. His eyes grew large when he saw the officer. “Who’s that?” he whispered in an only slightly softer voice.
“We must wait until we are presented to your parents for introductions.”
The boy blushed but took Darcy’s hand and followed the housekeeper up the stairs to the parlour.
“It appears your brother neglected to tell us of his new friend,” Philip whispered behind him as Georgiana giggled.
Darcy could only smile and allowed the lad to tug him along at a slightly faster pace than was proper but met his deepest desire to see Elizabeth.
“See, Lizzy! I told you he would come.” Thomas looked up at Darcy with large eyes. “A gentleman always keeps his promise. Right, Mr. Darcy?”
“That is correct,” Darcy replied, though his gaze was fixed on the vision before him.
The family party had risen when they entered, all grinning or attempting to hide their amusement, but Elizabeth’s countenance glowed with what might have been embarrassment; her colour was high and she would not meet his gaze directly for any length of time.
“Welcome, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley,” Mr. Gardiner said with a slight chuckle. “Mr. Darcy, will you do the honours and perform the introductions?”
“Of course,” Darcy replied as he turned to his sister and smiled reassuringly.
“My sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, and my cousin, Colonel Philip Fitzwilliam. May I present Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and Miss Lucas.” He looked down at the boy by his side.
“This is Master Thomas Gardiner, the young lady standing slightly behind Mrs. Gardiner is Miss Rose Gardiner, and if I am not mistaken, the young lad in Miss Elizabeth’s arms is Master Alexander Gardiner.
” This won him a surprised but pleased smile from the lady.
Everyone exchanged pleasantries and they found their seats.
As no seat was available by Elizabeth, Thomas led Darcy to the nearest chair and announced, “He didn’t bring the horses today, so he has to come back another day.
You can walk with him then, Lizzy, and I will ride with Mr. Bingley.
” He looked at Philip and grinned. “Or maybe the colonel would take me for a ride.”
“Thomas,” Mrs. Gardiner said with a hint of censure in her tone.
The boy lowered his gaze as a pink hue covered his countenance, but Darcy was certain he did not repent his statement, especially when Philip agreed to the plan.
“Well,” Mr. Gardiner said as he stood and laid a hand upon his eldest’s hair. “You have seen the gentleman, as we agreed. Now it is time to return to the nursery.”
Thomas frowned but turned to Darcy. “Will you come tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow is Sunday,” Elizabeth said as she stood and adjusted Alexander on her hip before taking young Rose’s hand. “Mr. Darcy may prefer to remain at home on the Sabbath.”
“But he could come with Mr. Bingley. He’s here every day,” Thomas said with all the innocence of childhood, causing Philip to hide his laugh with a cough.
“We will discuss the possibility later,” Mr. Darcy said, holding Miss Elizabeth’s gaze. “I would have no hesitation to visiting on Sunday but would not force my presence upon the family as you might have other plans.”
“Did you hear that, Lizzy? He wants to come tomorrow, too.” Thomas grinned, first at Elizabeth and then at Darcy.
“We will see,” Elizabeth said as she motioned for him to say his goodnights.
Thomas performed a perfect bow and said good night to the party, followed by Rose, whose curtsey was a bit wobbly and her words barely a whisper. Little Alexander hid his face on Elizabeth’s shoulder.
“I shall return as soon as they are settled with the nurse,” Elizabeth said, then left the room.
“Your son is delightful, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner,” Philip said with a large grin. “I assure you; it would be a pleasure to accompany my cousin and Master Thomas on a ride in the park.”
“Oh no,” Bingley chimed in with an impish grin. “Darcy is to walk with Miss Elizabeth if she is agreeable. You would be taking my place as Master Thomas was to ride with me.”
Philip raised a brow in Darcy’s direction, but Miss Bennet began a conversation with Georgiana before anything more could be said on the subject.
“Miss Darcy, Miss Lucas is of a similar age as you. She has just arrived from Kent where she and Elizabeth were visiting her sister who is married to our cousin, Mr. Collins. He serves as the rector in Hunsford.”
The young ladies, who were seated together but had said nary a word beyond the normal pleasantries, looked at one another with similar timid expressions.
“Then my aunt is his patroness. How did you find Lady Catherine, Miss Lucas?” Georgiana asked tentatively.
A blush rose on the girl’s cheeks as her gaze fell to her hands which were folded in her lap. “I confess I found her ladyship somewhat intimidating.”
Darcy, who was sitting near enough to his sister to hear the exchange, suppressed a smile.