Page 2 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man

Pemberley

Pulling back on the reins, William halted his stallion at the top of the ridge, taking in the beauty of Pemberley nestled in the valley below. He always enjoyed pausing at this particular spot before heading back to the stables and today he was not surprised to hear Mrs. Preston’s mare trot up beside him. The view never failed to inspire and, apparently, it delighted Mrs. Preston as well.

She sat staring at the vista for a few seconds before exclaiming breathlessly, “It is beautiful!”

“Thank you,” he stated quietly. “I think so.”

He and Mrs. Preston had ridden out quite early that morning on an excursion planned by Georgiana, who decided at the last minute that she had something that required her attention, leaving him and this new acquaintance alone. William was worried about the impropriety of their ride and the fact that he had no idea what he was going to say to the woman. He had counted on Georgiana to carry the conversation.

After several moments, he dismounted, tying Onyx to a tree, and walked around to take the reins of Mrs. Preston’s horse. As he tied up her mare, she slid off to the ground, not waiting for him to help her as most women interested in securing him would have done. That action alone made him begin to think of her as more than just another woman out to gain his approbation . Perhaps it was worth the effort to become better acquainted with Evan’s sister.

“You ride well,” he offered shyly. “Have you always ridden?”

She smiled warmly. “Yes, but I was not very good at it until a few years ago, though I dearly love horses. My husband insisted that I become a more accomplished rider. His estate was quite large, and it was impossible to get to the more remote areas in a carriage—too rocky, I suppose.” She looked as if she were reminiscing. “In order to visit the tenants, I had to ride.”

William nodded in agreement. He was beginning to admire her character. “I am sure Mr. Preston appreciated having someone to help him in that regard.”

Her head dropped, and she studied her riding boots for a moment before looking back up to meet his eyes. “Did you know my late husband well, Mr. Darcy?”

“I would not say I knew him well. He was three years behind me at university, so I knew who he was, though we hardly talked. Afterward, I saw him occasionally at my club.” William wondered at the sudden expression of sadness that washed over her.

“Yes.” She sighed, sitting down on a huge boulder and staring across the valley. “White’s, I believe it is called.”

“That is correct.” William looked puzzled. “You seem unwell, madam. Do you need to return to the house?”

“I am well, I assure you, sir.” Her attention was fixed on a point somewhere straight ahead. “It is just—my husband spent most of his time there whenever we were in Town.”

William did not know what to say, so he did not reply. He knew Owen Preston was a gambler when he was at Cambridge and was later known as a drunkard. Furthermore, when he ran into him at White’s, Preston often bragged of frequenting the local courtesans. Georgiana had confirmed his opinion of the man when she confided that Evan had often confronted his brother about fulfilling his obligations to Cecile. Rumour was that he had deserted Cecile’s bed shortly after the honeymoon, preferring his mistress and the courtesans.

When he did not reply, she cut her eyes back to William. “I—I am sorry. I should not have said anything. I have cast a pall upon our lovely ride. Forgive me.”

For the first time, William truly studied the woman. She was certainly plain, but not ugly. Her light brown hair had been streaked blond by the sun, and her eyes were light gray. She was tall like Georgiana, but her figure was even leaner. She was not voluptuous like Elizabeth.

Where did that thought come from? Why must she invade my every consideration of another woman?

Focusing anew on his riding companion, William began to wonder if she would make a pleasant partner for a marriage like that of most of his peers—a marriage of convenience. She had experience as mistress of an estate, and in addition to being an excellent rider, she was intelligent and did not blatantly try to please him. Knowing her husband’s failures during their marriage, he had no qualms about her ability to provide an heir. Still, he reasoned, he did not want to raise her expectations. He simply wanted to get to know her better.

He did not love her, and he would not lie to her. If she accepted an offer knowing he could only offer friendship, perhaps, in time, a familial love would grow.

“There is nothing to forgive, Mrs. Preston. Would you like to race back to the stables? Then, perhaps, we could see if Mrs. Winters has finished the muffins she was baking this morning while we await Georgiana.”

Cecile beamed. “I would love that. Perhaps Georgiana will join us before long, and she and I could play one of the duets we have been practicing.”

“Perhaps.” William forced a smile. “May I assist you in remounting?”

“You may.”

He held her mare still, positioning her stirrup and taking her arm as he helped her up. Then handing her the reins, he turned to focus on his stallion. He mounted with the practiced, fluid movement of an experienced rider. His strong, athletic body sat astride the horse as if they were one entity. His physical attributes were mesmerizing, and Cecile gazed at him as if spellbound. She startled when he spoke, motioning for her to take the lead.

“Ladies first!”

Cecile nodded absently, kicking her mare into a canter, leaving William staring after her as she quickly put distance between them. He shook his head in wonder as he realised that she was the first woman he had given any consideration to since he met Elizabeth Bennet. Frowning, he remembered his vow not to compare every woman to her and kicked his stallion into a gallop.

Rosewood Manor

Weeks later

“Oh Cecile! I knew William would admire you! It was just a matter of getting to know who you are. You do realise he is very shy.”

Cecile smiled, more confidant of William’s esteem now. They had spent a considerable amount of time in each other’s company in the last two weeks, almost always in the company of Georgiana or Evan.

“I think your brother is the most handsome, interesting man I have ever met.”

At Georgiana’s gasp, Cecile covered her mouth and blushed. “I—I realise how terrible that sounds, but you must understand that my marriage was arranged. I never respected Owen, and over the course of our marriage, I grew,” her voice softened, “to care less for him.”

Georgiana reached out to take her hand. “Evan disclosed some of your ordeal. I am so sorry that your marriage was so unfulfilling. I cannot imagine...” Georgiana could not continue.

“Do not grieve for me. It seems a lifetime ago.” Cecile’s sad face suddenly changed as a small smile began and grew larger. “And now I have a wonderful sister, and she has a wonderful brother!”

Georgiana laughed with her. “Yes, my brother is wonderful, is he not? And if I remember correctly, he will be here for dinner in less than two hours, so we had better begin our preparations. I am hoping that soon he shall have something important to talk to my husband about.”

They giggled and hugged like schoolgirls. This was the scene that greeted Evan as he entered the drawing room. Seeing the scheming looks on both their faces, he turned and went right back out the door. Smiling to himself, he heard them laugh even louder as he hurried down the hallway to his study.

Darcy had best be on his guard or else he shall be betrothed before he knows it!

Pemberley

The knock on his study door was so light that William wondered if he had imagined it. The second knock convinced him he had not, and he called, “Come!”

Mr. Walker pushed opened the door, and seeing William at his desk, hurried in that direction with another basket loaded with mail. Setting it on the desk, he bowed and turned to leave.

“I thought Mrs. Ingram said she answered all the mail, except for my personal letters, while I was away. I know I have gone through a large stack already.”

“Mrs. Ingram did go through the mail, sir, but she found these in another place and asked me to deliver them to you.”

William sighed loudly. “I suppose I have no choice but to read them.”

Mr. Walker smiled. “You may do with them as you wish, even discard them.”

Now William smiled. “That is an excellent idea! Thank you, Mr. Walker.”

“You are very welcome, sir,” Mr. Walker smiled in spite of trying to maintain his serious mien and turned to leave.

“One other thing.” The elderly butler stopped, once again turning to face William. “While I was away, did my cousin Richard Fitzwilliam stay at Pemberley?”

“Why, yes sir. He was here a few times, but Mrs. Ingram always approved his visit first.”

“I suppose that explains the depletion of my stock of French brandy.” William shook his head in wonder as a small smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “Thank you, Mr. Walker, that is all.”

After the butler departed, William returned to reading the letter from his aunt, Catherine de Bourgh. Just before he left England, he had learned that Anne was married. Never close to his cousin, he prayed it was for the best; but lost in his own pain, he had no interest in following her situation. Besides, he knew Lord Matlock was certainly able to look after his sister’s family.

Scanning the months old letter, he was surprised to find Lady Catherine demanding he come to London immediately to help in locating Anne’s husband. She wanted him to find the man, demand the cad return Anne’s dowry, and then force him to have the marriage annulled. William chuckled at the irony. He clearly recalled that the last time he saw his aunt, she demanded he leave Rosings and never return because he would not do his “duty” and marry Anne.

Richard had related that Lady Catherine was estranged from Anne ever since her daughter impulsively married this charming stranger. She had been living in London with her aunt, Margaret de Bourgh, Sir Lewis’ sister, when she had fallen under his spell, and they had apparently married after a whirlwind courtship.

According to the letter, Lady Catherine had only recently gotten word that Anne’s husband had depleted her accounts and abandoned her, leaving her penniless and heartbroken in their London townhouse. Anne had been loath to share this information, but her sister-in-law, had grown tired of supporting Anne and had gotten word to her mother. Now Lady Catherine intended to make William straighten out the debacle.

William shook his head. He could only wonder why Anne’s husband had not forced his aunt into the dower house, claiming Rosings too. There were certainly a lot of questions to be answered, but he was under no obligation to get involved and felt no burden to do so.

I imagine my aunt lives in fear of what the man will do next, but that problem will fall to my uncle, as I have no intention of intervening. As I so aptly explained to my aunt the night she asked me to leave Rosings, I will only accept responsibility for the woman I marry—if I marry at all.

Immediately Mrs. Preston’s face appeared before him. As he recalled her nondescript grey eyes, they changed into two brilliantly sparkling, dark chocolate orbs with long black lashes. Frustrated that Elizabeth materialized whenever he tried to picture Mrs. Preston, he tossed the letter in his hand towards the fireplace.

Impossible woman! He was not sure whether he referred to his aunt or Elizabeth.

Shuffling through the rest of the pile, the neat hand of his cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam, caught his eye. William marvelled at receiving anything from Richard, as he truly loathed writing letters. Opening it immediately, he found that it contained a short note asking after his health, related that Richard was quite busy with his duties, and said he hoped to see him soon. His cousin then indicated the reason for his letter was to enclose a letter he received from Bingley, who was eager to know whether William had returned to Pemberley.

I wonder why Bingley would take the time to write to Richard. Perhaps I should see if I have any letters from him in this pile.

Rifling through the remainder, he immediately recognised Charles’ untidy handwriting. Tearing the seal, he was surprised to find it dated about six months after he had left for Scotland— six months after Elizabeth’s refusal .

Quickly scanning the missive, he smiled. Bingley was to be married to Jane Bennet!

William’s heart lightened knowing he had righted a wrong. When he had finally confessed to Charles his part in keeping him apart from Jane, his friend had been kind enough to forgive him. Yet, William had worried that his interference might have caused irreparable damage, and this letter laid those fears to rest. Suddenly it occurred to William that, while he was happy for Charles and Jane, knowing that Elizabeth would be pleased was the catalyst that lifted his spirits.

That knowledge brought to mind why he had returned—his declaration of being free of her. He simply must not think of Elizabeth! Shaking off the melancholy that always accompanied her memory, he picked up where he had left off reading. Charles’ plea for him to stand up with him at the wedding began to tug at his conscience.

All of a sudden, William bolted upright in his chair! He was stunned to read that Mr. Bennet had died of a heart ailment two months after Elizabeth returned to Meryton from Kent. Charles related that the family had been expelled from Longbourn because Mr. Collins insisted on occupying it immediately. The letter ended with a plea for him to come to Netherfield for the wedding and advise him on a matter of great importance, one that he did not want to relate in a letter.

William’s heart sank when he realised the letter did not mention Elizabeth specifically, so he began rummaging through the stack of mail looking for similar letters. It was a simple matter to find two more. Breaking the seal on both, he looked at the dates and took the next one in order, which was dated about six months after the first.

In this letter, Charles stated that he and Jane were married and expecting their first child. He expressed sorrow that William had not come for the wedding nor sent word that he could not attend. He declared that he was now desperate for help with the situation he had mentioned in his last letter, though he did not specify what it was, and knew of no one else he might ask for assistance. He requested William come to Netherfield as soon as possible.

The third and final letter was dated about eight months after the second, which meant it was four months old. In this letter, though Charles mentioned the birth of a healthy boy, he did not seem as joyful as one would imagine a new father would be. He seemed resigned to the fact that William was not going to help him, but made it clear that he was still desperate for advice and begged for mere correspondence in lieu of his actual presence. He seemed most hurt that William had never replied.

William sighed heavily. He had not meant to injure his friend. When he left England, it was all he could do just to get out of bed each morning and breathe in and out. Hearing from Charles would have been like hearing from Elizabeth, and that he could not abide while trying to purge her from his heart, mind, and spirit. He laid the last letter atop the first two and stared into the gardens just beyond the windows, gathering his thoughts.

Can I put my feelings aside and come to the aid of my friend?

He concluded that this would be a good test of his ability to treat Elizabeth as a common and indifferent acquaintance.

If I still want to call Bingley my friend, I must offer to help him, no matter the problem he faces.

Pulling out a sheet of paper, he began a reply.

Netherfield

Charles found Jane in the solarium, sitting side-by-side with Lizzy on a settee. The contrast of golden and chocolate curls never ceased to amaze him—that the sisters could look so different. Thinking then of the equal differences in their personalities, he remembered sadly that Lizzy was no longer the outgoing, gregarious woman she had been years ago.

Also very noticeable were the worry lines that always seemed to run across his wife’s forehead now. He did not regret trying to help Lizzy, but he hated that Jane had less time for him and their son as she tried to coax her sister out of her mental prison.

Seeing their son Peter the first day she arrived at Netherfield, had made Lizzy hysterical, so the child was not allowed near her. This forced Jane to choose between spending time with her sister and her child. In the end, she tried to spend part of every day with each of them, but the choice was readily taking a toll on her.

The sun streamed in the flower-bedecked room, and Lizzy had the familiar doll tightly in her grip, her face turned to catch the rays of light and her eyes closed. Glancing at her with trepidation, Charles did not draw closer. Whenever a man came in sight, Lizzy would begin to draw back, her breath would become rapid and her eyes would glaze over. There were few servants that they trusted to keep the secret of her residence at Netherfield, so since her arrival, she had not been exposed to anyone other than him, Jane, Mrs. Drury, or Mr. Mercer, the butler. He and Mr. Mercer kept out of view whenever possible.

“Jane,” he whispered.

She glanced over to him, and he watched as she patted Lizzy’s hand before rising. She received no acknowledgement of the endearment from her sister. Jane rose and crossed to him. They exited the room, standing just outside, so Jane could still see her sister while they conversed quietly.

“I have finally heard from Darcy. He has been gone most of the last two years and has just now read my letters.” Charles shook his head in astonishment. “It seems he has only been concerned with business affairs. I can hardly believe it of him—leaving his personal correspondence unanswered.”

“You know he could not have been himself after Lizzy’s rejection,” Jane responded softly. “And he was always such a private man.”

“Well, no matter. I am going to ask him again to come.”

“How shall we handle this? We cannot just tell him of Lizzy straight away, as I do not want him to know if he cannot or will not help.”

“No. We need to see how he reacts to the news of her death . Only after we are sure he still has feelings for her, will we reveal the secret and ask for his help.”

“And if he has no feelings left in his heart for her?”

“Then he will return to Pemberley no more the wiser and with no added burden.”

Jane wrung her hands as she glanced back at Elizabeth who was oblivious to the drama unfolding around her, sitting silent as always.

“I pray he will want to help her, or God help us all.”

Rosewood Manor

“Mr. Darcy, sir. It is so good to see you.”

“Thank you, Jenkins. Is my sister in?” William smirked as he kept moving through the house, knowing the frustrated butler was on his heels. He smiled to think of how Richard played the same trick when he was here. Hearing the sound of the pianoforte, he headed towards the music room, knowing he would find Georgiana there. He wanted to speak to his sister alone.

“She is in the music room,” Jenkins called after him, finally slowing and no longer trying to get ahead of the tall gentleman. He shrugged. The Ingrams were used to the Mistress’ brother appearing unannounced and never seemed upset with him when it happened.

Stopping at the door, William took in the sight of Georgiana in full concert mode, her head down and fingers flying over the keyboard. He was always amazed that she could coax such beautiful melodies from the same inanimate object that he played so poorly. Never had he been prouder of her or more pleased with the money spent on the music masters.

For these few precious minutes, he propped against the doorframe and listened. Until she finished, it was almost as if she were a child again, and they were at Pemberley. When she concluded the lovely concerto with a flourish, he stirred from his reverie and began applauding. She turned, blushing at his approbation.

“What are you about, sneaking up on me?” She stood and walked into his embrace. “You could have had Jenkins announce you, so I would have been aware of your presence.”

“And spoil all my fun?” They both laughed. “You know I never give him the opportunity to announce me. It has become a game.”

“You are getting as bad as Richard! I assure you Mr. Jenkins does not think it a game, Brother. He is rather staid.”

“Well, I enjoy it, and besides, he should be used to it by now. Not to change the subject, but I understood that Mrs. Preston would leave for London this morning, and is your loving scoundrel still out of town?”

“Yes and yes. Evan will not return until Friday, and my sister left hours ago. Did you need to speak with either of them?”

“No. I actually wanted to speak to you...alone.”

Georgiana’s eyebrows rose, but she said nothing as she went about closing the door. Then she moved to take his hand and pulled him to sit next to her on one of the overstuffed sofas. Making herself comfortable with a pillow behind her back, she turned her full attention on him. William smiled at the grim expression on her face.

“I am afraid I have been lax in my duties to my friends. I am going to go to Netherfield for a few days to help Bingley with some problem with which he is still contending.”

Georgiana tried hard not to show her disappointment. “Will you be gone long? You have just come home, and I have enjoyed having you with me again, and Evan loves having a man around to talk to, and Cecile will be coming back from London just as soon as she has met with her steward.”

He laughed. “Slow down and catch your breath!”

She chuckled in spite of her sadness at the revelation he was leaving. “I am sorry. I am being silly, I know. But I love that I have my brother back, and besides, I was hoping you were about to settle down.” She searched his eyes. “You realise Cecile is coming back to stay with us again only because you have led her to believe there is hope.”

He looked away and then back with a steady gaze. “I like her. She is witty, fun and engaging, and she has become a friend. I have told her I would like to explore where our friendship might lead, but I have tried not to raise her expectations for more just yet.”

“That is all I can ask.” Georgiana said soberly. “I wish to see you happily married and living here, and I believe Cecile would further both my wishes. I cannot bear to lose you again to melancholy.”

He pulled her into a hug. “I promise you will not lose me ever again. And for your information, I plan to stop in London on my way to and from Meryton. Since Mrs. Preston will be in London at the same time, I will call on her, so our getting to know each other will still progress. Besides, I will probably stay no more than a week at Netherfield, unless Bingley has gotten himself in too big of a pickle!”

She pulled back to giggle and exclaimed, “I remember that he was always prone to get into trouble and then call for you to rescue him.” She shook her head. “One would hope that he had matured by now.”

“I do think he has matured. He is married and has a son—but we are talking about Charles Bingley.”

“I am glad to hear it. He was always a pleasant man, though so often needy.”

William sobered. “He lost his father when he was quite young, and he has no uncles, so I am like an older brother to him. I only regret that I thought I had to stay away from him in order to avoid...” His voice trailed off as he realised that Georgiana had discerned the significance of his words. He had said too much.

“To avoid?” she whispered with bated breath. She had never gotten this close to understanding why her brother had felt it necessary to leave England.

“To avoid a person related to him.”

William’s eyes shifted away from her, and Georgiana knew he was close to retreating again. She did not want to impede the confession that had bubbled to the surface, but a part of her worried that he would return to the place of his torment.

“And you think you will be safe even if you cannot avoid this person now?” She heard, as well as observed, his deep intake of breath.

“I came back because I know I have overcome,” he paused, “what I could not before. As for seeing her,” he quickly corrected, “ them again, I must face my demons to prove I have conquered them. Then I will be more than willing to consider marriage and a family.”

Georgiana heard his correction . Deep down, she had known all along that only a woman could have broken his spirit. Taking solace in the fact that he had confessed to thinking of marriage, which was not something he would ever tell her unless he was seriously considering it, she squared her shoulders. Standing, she pulled him to stand with her.

“If you feel you must go, then go! Be done with it, and come back to me. I will be waiting right here for you when you return.”

William leaned down to kiss her forehead. “And you will be the first person I see when I return. I love you, Gigi.”

Pulling him into a tight hug, she responded, “I love you, Fitzy.”

Holding him close, Georgiana could not keep her thoughts from drifting to the woman William must have encountered in Meryton.

And I will hate you forever if you hurt him again, no matter who you are!

~~~*~~~