Page 28 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man
London
Darcy House
Early Afternoon
As Richard preferred, there were no footsteps, creaking hinges or butler to give him away as he gingerly opened the door to the study. He often took the opportunity to examine his cousin off guard, as Darcy was prone to assume a mask in company—even in his company. Seeing the sombre expression on his cousin’s face, the precise look William had worn since they left Pemberley, Richard felt completely justified in what he did next.
“Good Lord, Darce, you have not been this subdued since Father reprimanded you for trying to shave Mother’s favourite cat!” William jumped at the sound of his cousin’s voice, but Richard continued undeterred. “You hardly said two words on the journey here, and you have been isolated in this study since our arrival. You know what they say—all work and no play.”
Now irritated at being startled, William laid down the papers he had been trying to read, to study Richard. He was leaning against the door frame, his raised brow an indication that he expected an answer. Though William appreciated that his cousin was only trying to cheer him, he simply could not find it in himself to be very jovial at that moment. This was his first full day in London, and already he missed Elizabeth so desperately that he could barely concentrate on the matters at hand.
“I did not try to shave Balthazar,” William challenged, trying to assume a happiness he did not feel. “You did the deed and placed the blame on me!”
“Oh, wait! You are correct.” Richard smirked, pushing away from the door and walking over to stand in front of William’s desk. “But it was your comment that it was uncomfortably warm and that he would be much cooler without so much hair that gave me the inspiration. Thus, inadvertently, you were to blame.”
William shook his head in wonder at Richard’s convoluted reasoning. “As I recall, I often bore the brunt of your father’s wrath, though your ideas were almost always the provocation.”
“Well, of course, you did. I had to deflect the blame to someone. You were younger, and Mother felt sorry for you after Uncle George died, so she would not let Father apply the strap to your backside. Now, me? She clearly had no qualms about allowing Father to whip me into shape! So you should be proud to have served me so well as to have saved me from some of his fury.”
“‘ Proud’ is not the word I would have chosen.”
“Pleased?”
“Puzzled is more like it.”
William stood and stretched soundly before taking his seat again. “Usually, I had no earthly idea what Uncle Edward was talking about. It was only afterward, when you would confess to me exactly what you had done, that I would understand. But I think that somewhere deep inside his heart, he knew all along that you were the perpetrator.”
“Nevertheless, you always watched out for me, Darce, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. That is why I try so hard now to share your burdens and make you laugh.”
“I appreciate it ever so much, Richard,” he said much more light-heartedly than he felt.
William took up the papers once more, trying to appear busy. He actually had much to occupy him now that he was in London. But truth be known, he had read this particular page several times and still did not know exactly what it was about, as his thoughts kept drifting to the last day he had spent with Elizabeth at Pemberley.
Richard continued to observe. Suddenly, he reached over and grabbed the paper from William’s hand. “Tell me who this is from and what it is in regards to!
William reached towards the missive. “Do not be silly. Give me the letter.”
“Go ahead! Teach me to mind my own business—show me that you are actually getting some work accomplished in this drab room.”
William looked flummoxed. “Very well! It is a letter from my solicitors!”
“That much was easy. Which partner?”
“Johnson. No, Grant!” His face contorted in frustration. “I cannot remember who it is, but it does not matter. I care not which one handles the matter.”
“A good deflection, I must admit. And what is the subject of this letter?”
William turned in his chair to stare out the window. Weakly, he replied, “It has to do with the sale of ... of ... bonds.” His voice got louder with his certainty. “That is it, bonds!”
Looking back to glare at Richard, they seemed locked in a battle of wills until, abruptly, everything changed. William sighed heavily, leaned back in his chair and began rubbing his eyes.
Walking swiftly around the desk, Richard placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I am sorry. I did not mean to pry.” Then, with a mirthless laugh, he recanted. “What am I saying? That is simply not true! I did mean to pry because you are my best friend and more a brother to me than Edgar. It troubles me when you are in pain.”
William was silent for a moment, then closed his eyes. “I miss her dreadfully—that is all.”
Richard’s face darkened. “That is all? Hell, Darce, you hung your head out of the window until Pemberley was completely out of sight, and you acted the part of a puppy too soon taken from its mother during the entire trip. If you cannot bear to be apart from her for such a short time, how in the world will you survive if she takes you up on your offer to live at one of your estates? Neither one is an easy journey from Pemberley.”
William had not mentioned their decision to live as man and wife to his cousin, as he was determined to wait until everything was settled to reveal their plans. But just the suggestion that Elizabeth might move to another country caused his anxiety to rise. What would they do if the vicar would not conduct a ceremony? If truth be known, he was quite worried about the vicar’s reaction to their pledge to share their lives in every way.
If only Mr. Williamson will understand how much we need each other—how much we are in love.
Glancing at Richard’s furrowed brow, he tried to shake off his melancholy and paste on a smile. “I do appreciate that you worry about me. It is comforting to know that I have you to turn to if I need to talk. But right now, things are out of my hands, and you know how ill I become when I cannot control every facet of my life.” William’s attempt at humour made Richard grin.
“And I am truly sorry, but I do have a great deal to accomplish before I shall be able to return to Elizabeth. Now, would you please be so kind as to find a book and be quiet while I work?”
“Well, I suppose I shall just make myself invisible,” the colonel complained, “though I cannot for the life of me figure out why anyone would rather look over those boring papers than have a brilliant conversation with me.”
William did not reply, so Richard shrugged, declaring, “Come find me when you are finished.”
Leaving the study, he headed in the direction of the billiards room.
~~~*~~~
Perhaps an hour later, Mr. Barnes knocked on the door. “Come,” William called, rising to his feet in anticipation of greeting his uncle. However, it was not Edward Fitzwilliam, but Charles Bingley who walked into the room.
“Darcy! I could not believe my good luck! I am only in Town until tomorrow, and I heard that you were in residence.”
William’s brow furrowed. He had tried to keep his presence a secret, but since Charles was a friend, he held out a hand, enquiring, “How did you learn that I was here?”
Charles reached to shake William’s outstretched hand. “One of our maids came bustling in this morning to report to Caroline, not knowing I was in the room. It seems Caroline has been paying the maids to report when you are here.”
William scowled at the mention of Charles’ sister. “And how would the fact of my arrival spread so rapidly?”
“I asked Bertha the same thing. Apparently, she saw your servant at the butcher’s shop picking up a large order. All Mrs. Barnes need do is order a goodly supply of meat, and the rumours begin that you are in residence.”
William seemed to ponder that a moment. “I see.” Charles noted his distraction.
“I realise that you are probably busy, and I pray I am not disturbing you, but I had to enquire after Lizzy. Jane would never let me come back home if she knew you were here and I did not speak to you personally. Tell me truly, how is my dear sister?”
William could not help but smile widely at the mention of his love. “Elizabeth is well, Charles. In fact, she almost seems to be the lively young woman I first met in Hertfordshire. It is unbelievable how she has improved in the last three weeks.”
Charles sighed with relief. “I am so glad that I shall have some good news to impart to my Janie. She has been so worried about Lizzy.”
“I can see that you are well—how are Jane and Peter?”
“Jane is doing so much better. She has followed the doctor’s orders and is improving daily. Now Peter ...” Bingley shook his head at the thought of his son. “Peter is a wonder—healthy and unruly as any two-year-old.”
“That is how it should be! I wish all three of you could come to Pemberley for a visit—to see Lizzy’s improvement for yourselves. I know it would do her a world of good to see her family.”
“Hmm, well, the doctor has not given Jane permission to travel yet, but I will mention it to her. Mr. McGuire has hinted that she may be given permission to travel after her next examination. She has bent the good physician’s ear about her determination to visit Lizzy, and I daresay it would lift her spirits to find her sister recovered. Her letters have really made a very positive difference in Jane’s disposition already.”
“Please let me know when Jane is free to travel, and I will send my best coach.” William squeezed Charles’ shoulder. “I know you have a good coach, but my latest purchase is far superior to other coaches, mine and yours, and I insist that she travel in as much comfort as possible.”
“Thank you, Darcy. You are too kind, and I readily accept for Jane’s sake. I will let you know as soon as we are given clearance. Now, for the other reason I stopped by today.”
William’s eyebrows rose in question.
“As I promised in my letter explaining Caroline’s betrayal, I came to London to confront her.”
William glumly sat back down. The mention of Caroline’s treachery caused his stomach to begin to twist in knots. He motioned for Charles to take a seat. “So, did she accept your terms?”
“Not at first. But after I explained the alternative, she was eager to do whatever was necessary to have her allowance restored. I have given her until the end of next week to confess her sins, as it were, to her acquaintances. Then she shall remove herself to our aunt’s home.”
“I cannot imagine her confession, if she makes any, will do much good. The harm has already been done. People prefer to remember the scandals and not the retractions. I have already been confronted with the gossip that Elizabeth is my mistress.”
“I am sorry, Darcy. I know her admission will never totally undo the damage, but I have to try. Besides, if it only serves to make Caroline the laughing stock of London, if not the surrounding counties, I shall be satisfied. Perhaps then she can do no more harm, as no one will take her seriously. She may well end up an old maid if this gets out. Then, I shall use her dowry, as well as her inheritance, for her upkeep.”
“That could mean supporting her for the rest of your life.”
“Yes. But Father left her enough in his will to live out the rest of her days, perhaps not comfortably, but adequately. And I will be most diligent to make sure she stays within her allowance in the future—no more supplementing her extravagant spending, now that she has shown her true nature. She hurt Jane as well as Lizzy, and I shall never forgive either offense. I am just thankful that you have not shunned me because of my sister’s audacity. Your friendship is dear to me.”
“Never think I would blame you for the actions of your sister. Besides, you have tried to check her during our entire acquaintance, but she refused to listen. She must now suffer the consequences of her actions.”
Charles stood and walked towards the door with William following. Charles clasped his hand again. “I shall leave you to your work. I intend to retire early, so that I can depart for Netherfield first thing in the morning. I miss my family.”
William’s mind immediately flew to Elizabeth. As I miss my love. Shaking off this gloomy thought, he swallowed the large lump in his throat. “Can I not convince you to stay for dinner? Richard is here and his father will join us shortly. We could at least dine together.”
“I am sure you have business to discuss, and I still have to make arrangements for Caroline’s journey to York next week, as well as prepare for my departure.”
“I understand. Then allow me to wish you a safe journey home. And please begin to make plans to visit Pemberley as soon as Jane feels well enough to travel.”
“We will, Darcy. Tell Elizabeth that we send our love.” Charles’ face sobered. “I should thank you again for taking care of her. Her safety and recovery are entirely your doing. Jane and I shall be forever in your debt.”
William shook his head. “It is completely the other way around. I shall be forever indebted to you for bringing her back to me.”
Their eyes locked, each determined that they were the debtor and fully aware that neither would concede. Conscious that William was giving up far more than he, Charles clasped him in a hug.
“You are the one who is unable to marry the woman you love. I think you have made the greater sacrifice. God bless you, Darcy.”
Determined not to let the tears filling his eyes show, Charles turned and was out the door before William could reply . Moving to the doorway, he followed Charles’ departure from the house in silence.
What will he and Jane think of our decision to live as man and wife? Surely they will understand, even if no one else does.
~~~*~~~
It was only a few seconds later that Richard exited the billiard room, heading in the direction of the study. He was surprised to find William standing in the doorway, still staring in the direction in which Bingley had gone.
“Did I hear voices? Were you talking to someone?”
William shook his head absentmindedly. “Yes, Bingley stopped by to enquire about Elizabeth.”
“You did not insist that he stay? I would have enjoyed his company.”
“I would have as well, but he would not hear of it. He said he wanted to get an early start back to Netherfield. Jane has not been well since she is with child again, so I imagine it weighs on his mind. The situation with Elizabeth has not been easy on her or Charles.”
“Did Bingley mention that viper, Caroline?”
“Yes. He carried out his plan, and Caroline has accepted his terms. Though I imagine the damage that harridan has wrought is irreversible.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. Besides, when have you ever cared what the ton thought about anything that concerned you. That is one of the things I greatly admire about you—you are your own man. Would that I could be, also!”
William turned to consider Richard, before heading to the liquor cabinet. He poured two glasses of brandy, handing one to his cousin. “Is there something I should know?”
Richard shrugged, sinking down into an overstuffed chair. “If I were not a second son, I would offer for Mrs. Largin. But, alas, I shall have to settle for some woman with a large dowry.”
“What does your father say about it?”
“I have not said anything to him. You know he would not understand. His counsel is always the same—it matters not what woman warms your bed, only that she brings a large dowry into it. It is a wonder that he and mother have such a good marriage.”
“And your mother? What does she say?”
Richard smiled. “She would do everything in her power to see me happy. I have no doubt of that.”
“But you have not told her either.”
“No.”
“Then confide in her. Aunt Evelyn is a formidable woman when she sets her mind to something. I am sure she will think of a solution.”
A deep rumble of laughter burst forth. “That may be what I am afraid of, Darce!” Just as quickly, Richard sobered, stood, and walked to the windows to stare out into the garden.
William joined him, slipping an arm around his shoulder. “And you accuse me of being afraid to speak. You know I will help you in any way I can. I have offered you the estate in Scotland.”
“And I appreciate it, but you know I cannot accept it.” He took a deep breath. “It is just ... I do not want Mrs. Largin to want for anything. She is so beautiful, bright and kind, and she has her children to consider. I am sure she can attract a more suitable husband, someone with a grand estate and a large fortune.”
“Without love, a grand estate and a large fortune mean absolutely nothing. Trust me, I know.” Richard glanced sideways at William, noting a deep sadness on his cousin’s face.
“I am sorry, Darce. Sometimes I am thoughtless. I forget that money does not cure every problem.”
“Nor does the absence of money, apparently.”
William held up his glass in a salute, and Richard returned it. Quickly they drained their glasses.
London
A Townhouse
Grosvenor Square
That same afternoon
As George Wickham strolled into Count Stefano’s study, he found the man sitting behind the large carved desk as usual, feet propped on the edge. From Stefano’s posture, one would assume he had not a care in the world, but Wickham knew better. Rumour among his seedier contacts was that the count was the object of several clandestine investigations, and Wickham wondered if that, more than anything else, precipitated his desire to return to Italy.
Peering about the near empty room stacked with boxes, Wickham offered, “There was no one at the door, so I let myself in.”
“Yes, well my people are getting my things ready for shipment to Italy. I have very little staff still in London.” Taking in Wickham’s attire, he ventured. “To what do I owe the honour of this visit? I have paid you everything you are due, and from the looks of it, you used the money to buy a new wardrobe.”
“I had a new coat or two made, but my reason for being here is to enquire as to whether or not you have located your errant wife?”
The smirk on Wickham’s face clearly irritated the count. “Do not talk of my wife in that manner. I assure you, it is not appreciated.”
Wickham sobered. He only intended to annoy the count, not make him angry. His breath quickened at the fire in the count’s evil, green eyes. “I apologise. My jest was inappropriate. Forgive me.”
The count studied him for a long moment. “The imbecile I hired has no earthly idea where to find her.”
“You are still of a mind that she is alive?”
“Of course. I feel it here.” He pounded on his chest. “If my Elizabeth were dead, I would know for certain.”
Wickham could not keep from smiling. “I, too, believe she is alive, and I have a good idea where she may be found.”
The count bounded to his feet. “Tell me! I must go to her.”
“No. At least not right away. We must come to an understanding first.”
The count sat back down, slowly reaching down to open a small drawer where he kept a loaded pistol and taking it out without any notice. “Are you trifling with me, Wickham?”
“I assure you that I am not. It is only that the place where I believe she is staying is a fortress. There is no way she can be taken from there against her will. The only hope of recovering her is for someone she trusts to convince her to leave. Afterwards, I shall have her under my control.”
“And you are not going to tell me where she is?”
“I suppose it can do no harm. I believe she is at Pemberley.”
“I have heard of it, the Darcy’s estate in Derbyshire?’
“The very one.”
“Why would he be involved?” The count’s enquiry was quickly interrupted.
“He is the friend of Charles Bingley, Jane Bennet’s husband.”
“I see,” the count said, a look of distaste crossing his features. “And what evidence do you have to lead you to believe that she is there? At Pemberley?”
“My spies tell me that a woman—a cousin has moved there in the last few months with her aunt. The cousin fits the description of Elizabeth Bennet. Conveniently, her name is Elizabeth as well, though they say her surname is Lawrence. Also, I had my man ply the currier, the one who delivers the post, with ale, rendering him very drunk. From him we learned that there have been many posts exchanged between Netherfield and Pemberley during the same time period.”
“Is this Darcy in love with my Elizabeth? He must be; otherwise, why should he offer her shelter? She could only be a liability to him as a single man.”
“That, I can neither confirm nor deny, but it does not matter. If you want her back, I can deliver her to you for twenty thousand pounds.”
“Twenty thousand!” Stefano shouted, rising to his feet. “My Lord! Why would you think I would pay such an extravagant amount to you? I could always capture her myself.”
“Not if you want to succeed. If you try to march into Pemberley and take her, you will die. Pemberley is a veritable fortress, with outposts and guards surrounding every square foot. I, however, cannot fail. I grew up at Pemberley, as my father was steward there, and I still have friends among the servants. Also, I have an associate, a woman, who is acquainted with your Elizabeth. She has agreed to help me deceive her into leaving the estate for half the money. So you see, I am not being too greedy.”
The count seemed to consider the situation. His frown lightened just a bit and seeing this, Wickham continued.
“You can have a ship standing ready at Liverpool. I can deliver her to you there, as it is the nearest port to Pemberley. I do not believe they would look for you to sail from that port, even if they learn of our plans, since it is on the west coast. You could be on your way to Italy before Darcy learns she is missing. Of course, we would want to act while he is away, preferably in London. Once in Italy, I imagine that you can disappear. Only this time, you shall have your beloved wife with you.”
There was no reply for some time, and Wickham became nervous as he watched the count shift from one foot to the other. Stefano clutched even tighter the small pistol he had slipped into his pocket. Finally, he lifted his cold, dead eyes to meet Wickham’s.
“I will pay your price for my Elizabeth. BUT, if you try to betray me, be assured that I will hunt you down and kill you. Do we understand each other?”
Wickham let go of the breath he had been holding, swallowing hard. “I shall contact you the moment I know with certainty that everything is in place. You need to be ready to sail at a moment’s notice.”
“With my father’s shipping business, that is not a problem. He is aware that I plan to return to Italy shortly, and though we do not see eye-to-eye, he would never deny me the chance to escape from England, especially if my life was at risk. His vessels sail out of Liverpool every week, not just from London.”
“Good. Good. Now, if you will excuse me. I need to meet with my contact, who I shall instruct to depart for Pemberley promptly. She will need to convince Miss Lawrence that it would be in her best interest to leave Darcy’s estate. I imagine if she cites tales of your anger at discovering her hideout, that shall suffice.”
The green eyes turned dark. “You may invoke my name if it convinces her to leave. But know this—I do not like to be reminded of my past failures in regard to Elizabeth. You are treading on dangerous ground.”
Wickham nodded, weary of the count’s threats. “Again, I apologise, Count Stefano.” Promptly, he changed the subject to his own concerns. “Now, all that is left is for you to procure the funds.”
Stefano said through clenched teeth, “The money will be yours when I take Elizabeth’s hand in mine. Not before.”
~~~*~~~
Having stopped just outside the open study door, Gwendolyn Waltham quietly made her way back to the foyer, hoping to clear the front door before being seen by anyone. She had swallowed her pride to call on the count, hoping to find he still had some interest in her. Now, thanks to her eavesdropping, she knew that Francesco was likely not the count’s real name since this man kept calling him Stefano, and that, whatever his name might be, he was leaving England forever with a wife she had not known about.
As she hurried along, Gwendolyn considered how this new information might be useful to her. She had no prospects for a new lover, and without being able to employ Lord Greenwich’s coattails to meet wealthy men, it would be more difficult to find suitable companionship. She knew, however, that she would never be welcomed by him again, not after the debacle with Fitzwilliam.
Damn Darcy’s lies! So he was sleeping with that woman all along!
~~~*~~~