Page 3 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man

London

Darcy House

“Colonel Fitzwilliam, so good to see you, sir,” Mr. Barnes declared, bowing imperceptibly as he reached to take the coat being discarded as Richard Fitzwilliam walked past.

“Thank you, Barnes. I understand my elusive cousin is in.”

Not expecting a reply, Richard continued in the direction of the library. He opened the doors and seeing no one inside, closed them and proceeded towards the study with Mr. Barnes on his heels.

“The Master is in his—” The butler’s words were cut short.

“Study!” Richard announced boisterously as he opened the door and spied William behind stacks of papers at his huge desk. Before William could react, Richard charged into the room.

“Darce! It has been an age! Why did you not tell me you would be in Town? Or mother? She will be furious!”

Though he had hoped for a day to catch up on business before anyone, even family, knew he was in Town, William had to grin at his cousin. Richard could always brighten his spirits. Standing, he walked around the desk to greet him with a warm hug and pat on the back.

“I only just arrived yesterday. How did you know I was here?”

“I have my spies!” Richard wagged his eyebrows. “You cannot reside at Darcy House without my knowledge.”

William looked surprised, and seeing his cousin’s enquiring look, Richard chuckled. He would never let on that Mrs. Barnes’ rush to order from the butcher whenever Darcy was in residence, alerted the neighbourhood gossips to his presence. One particular servant at Matlock House made sure to inform him whenever his sources confirmed that William was in London. This type of diligence always garnered him great favour with the colonel.

“I shall not give away my secrets. Where would an officer be without the element of surprise?”

Choosing to ignore his cousin’s jest, William backed away to look Richard up and down. According to his letter of months ago, Richard had been slightly wounded in the leg during a training manoeuvre.

“It seems you are well, as I cannot tell which of your legs was injured.”

“My left! But I assure you that it is completely healed. Nevertheless, if you see me limping when we are in public, think nothing of it!” William’s eyebrows raised in question. “I find that it elicits the most wonderful responses of concern from the ladies, and then I have the chance to expound on my heroism.” Richard smirked, causing William to chuckle.

“You have not changed in the slightest.”

“And you had better be thankful for that. I am the only relative you have that can make you laugh, and you dearly need to laugh!”

Precisely at that moment, Richard stopped to study his cousin. They corresponded infrequently, and he had seen William very little in the last two years—twice while he was in Scotland, and again when he met with him briefly before he made his way to Ireland. Richard realised with a start that time had not been kind, as William was thinner, and his hair was beginning to grey. His perusal continued for so long that William began to feel self-conscious.

“Richard, you are staring!”

“Sorry, Darce, but you look as though you have had a rough time of it since... well, since everything changed.” No longer glib, he continued, “You left England with no notice to your family, and you stayed away nearly two years. Had I not had my duty to perform, I would have collared you and brought you back. Is there anything I should know?”

The smile left William’s face as he walked back to his desk, taking his seat, and motioning for Richard to sit. Richard dropped down into one of the leather chairs in front of the desk and leaned forward, waiting for an accounting.

Seeing he would not be put off, William sighed. “It is simply that I needed to get away for a while. Get another perspective. Now, I have returned, and all is well.”

Richard stared at him in disbelief for several moments before shrugging. “Very well, if you are not going to tell me what is bothering you, then tell me how Georgiana and that dandy she married are faring?”

“His name is Evan! And you know he is not a dandy. He is a gentleman and a damn fine person. You have just never forgiven him for dumping you in the creek the summer you turned sixteen.”

“He did no such thing!” Richard protested. “I jumped in the creek to cool off!”

William tried not to smile. “Well, in any event, he and Georgiana are both well.”

“But, alas, still no children?” William shook his head, causing Richard to continue, “I know they want a family. It is a shame that they have been unsuccessful thus far.”

William’s gaze toward Richard was steady. “Evan confided something that I know will cheer you, but you have to promise not to repeat this, not even to your mother.”

“As an officer and a gentleman, you have my word.”

William smirked. “Well, I suppose the officer portion will have to suffice!” Richard chuckled, waiting for the revelation. “Georgiana has finally agreed to seek an orphan to raise as their own. For so long, she believed that if she accepted someone else’s child, it meant she was giving up the idea of having her own, and she would not hear of it.” William studied something in front of him that only he could see. “I pray that she will follow through as she promised Evan. She would make a wonderful mother.”

“Yes. Georgiana was born to be a mother, and I am sure there are children who need homes.”

They both sat in silent contemplation for a few moments before Richard spoke excitedly. “Oh! I forgot! You are in luck! Mother is having a ball day after tomorrow for my homecoming, now that my leg,” he stuck his foot out and wiggled it, “is well enough to dance. I insist you come!”

William groaned loudly, provoking Richard to laugh. “Come on, Darce! You have not been in polite society for most of two years. It will not kill you, and besides, I need your help.”

“My help?”

“Yes. If you will just stand beside me, flashing those dimples that all the ladies love, I shall be put in the way of the most beautiful women in London. Surely one or two of them will find me, shall we say, interesting!”

“Richard! You are incorrigible!”

“I am not! I am in need of a beautiful lady with a large dowry to support me in the style to which I have become accustomed.” At William’s laugh, he declared, “I am! Just ask Mother. She has been pushing one woman after another at me for the last five years. And I mean to tell you some of them were WELL-endowed, as well as having a large dowry!

“Then why have you not been captured by one of these well-endowed ladies?”

“I was not ready to abdicate my independence.”

“But you are now?”

“I am ready to agree that I need to abdicate my independence.” They both laughed. “Will you promise to come? I know Mother has already invited Mrs. Preston because Georgiana has instructed her to do so. Does she know something I do not? Am I to wish you joy?”

“Mrs. Preston and I are only friends. Georgiana would like us to be more.”

Richard blew out a breath in relief. “Good. You can have your choice of the most beautiful women in England. Why should you choose someone so painfully plain and boring?”

Frustrated, William sighed heavily. “I am not interested in any woman at this time, Richard, but if I decide to marry, it will not be simply for beauty.”

“Well, then you would certainly be safe with Mrs. Preston on that count!” William started to protest, and Richard held both hands up. “I am sorry, but I have never lied to you, and I will not begin now.”

“Richard! That is enough about Mrs. Preston!”

“I assure you, not another word, if you agree to come.” He pouted and William smiled.

“If I can finish my work,” William motioned to the pile of papers on his desk, “I will come. But I can only stay a short time. I have to leave the next day for Meryton.”

“Meryton? Why Meryton?”

“I am going to help Charles Bingley with some estate matters at Netherfield. I will not be staying long, as I have much to do at Pemberley.”

“Bingley? Oh yes, the chap who married Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s sister.”

He watched a light turn off in William’s eyes. “Did I say something wrong, Darce?”

“No.” William said softly, turning so as not to face him. “Not at all.”

William’s countenance declared something entirely different, and it was not lost on Richard. He decided to test a theory that had been brewing in his mind for some time.

“I wonder what has become of Miss Elizabeth.”

William did not answer. Instead, he diligently studied his pen as he let it roll slowly over his fingers and back again.

Richard tried anew. “I suppose she is probably married by now.”

William shifted in his chair, taking a deep breath, but still did not speak. Just as Richard gave up hope of a response, he replied solemnly, “I imagine I will discover the truth of your speculation when I am at Netherfield.”

Surprised to get this much from his taciturn cousin, Richard offered, “I know you admired Miss Elizabeth when we were at Rosings, and shortly after that you went away. Is she the reason you left? The reason you are going to Meryton now?”

William stood abruptly, irritated at Richard’s queries. “Charles is a friend, and I have neglected him. He needs my help, and that is the only reason I am going.”

“It was only a question, Cousin.”

William’s frame relaxed, and when their eyes met, he barely smiled. Richard moved to him, clasping him around the shoulders as they moved towards the door.

“I suppose I should leave so that you can finish and attend my mother’s ball. I will see you in two days.”

“Two days,” William repeated.

“See that you are there, or I shall come fetch you!”

The sound of Richard’s raucous laughter as he made his way through the foyer caused the corners of William’s mouth to lift into a small smile, and it was not until he recalled his questions about Elizabeth that it faded away. Frowning, he went back to his desk and slumped down in his chair. Picking up the next letter, he began doing as he had always done, burying his feelings beneath the weight of his responsibilities.

London

Hurst’s Townhouse

The door slammed, and Caroline flounced into the room, throwing packages on the floor. “Can we not afford a footman to carry these? Really, Louisa, it is embarrassing not to have someone to do these things for me!”

“Then I suppose you should marry a rich man who has a large number of servants. Mr. Hurst cannot afford another servant just to follow you about. Besides, have you not spent all your allowance this month?”

Caroline shrugged. “I shall have to ask Charles for more. He has plenty. Besides, I must have a new gown and accessories, as I have just heard the most wonderful news! Mr. Darcy has returned to London, and you are aware of the significance of that!”

“No. Suppose you tell me.” Louisa replied sarcastically, knowing her sister would not notice her disgust.

Caroline began unwrapping the new bonnet she had bought, holding it up to inspect it in the light. “Mr. Darcy will surely visit Charles. They were always such good friends, and when he does, I shall be present.”

“Caroline, the man disappeared for two years, and Charles told Mr. Hurst that he has not heard from him, so perhaps their friendship is over. Besides, he had ample opportunity to court you before he left, and he never gave you a second look.”

Caroline turned to give her sister the evil eye. “When I am Mistress of Pemberley, do not think you will be invited!” She picked up her packages and bounded towards the door. “I shall be in my room writing a note to let Charles know that I am to visit.”

At her departure, Louisa Hurst sank down into the sofa. “All your devious planning will come to nothing, Sister. Would that you had accepted that fool tradesman who offered for you, and I were rid of you for good!”

Matlock House

Richard’s Ball

“I say, Margaret, he is even more handsome than I remembered. The gray in his temples makes him even more appealing. If I were not married…”

“And when has that ever stopped you, Henrietta?”

Both ladies laughed behind their fans, straining to keep watch over the handsome gentleman from Derbyshire who stood next to Colonel Fitzwilliam in the receiving line along with Lord and Lady Matlock.

“I could desire him for myself, if only I were five years younger.”

Five years? Margaret Courtland thought to herself. You would have to be twenty years younger. You are fifty, if you are a day, and Fitzwilliam Darcy is only thirty, much nearer my age. Of course, Mrs. Courtland was past forty, though she did not like to be reminded of it.

“Oh, look!” Harriet Robbins exclaimed. “That Preston woman is greeting Mr. Darcy!”

Just at that moment, Cecile Preston had made her way to him. William smiled warmly at her, making her the envy of the entire female population of the ball. His mouth actually widened into a smile, revealing two deep dimples, and there was such a collective sigh, that many a man turned to see what the woman on his arm was going on about. Subsequently, several gentlemen removed their companions to the far corners of the room—all the better to resist temptation.

Mrs. Preston curtsied impeccably, her eyes locked on her intended prize. “I am most happy to see you again, Mr. Darcy.”

“And I am equally pleased to see you, Mrs. Preston. Are you well?”

“I am in excellent health, sir. I had hoped to see you while in London. I wished to continue our discussion of the best species of ornamental plants for gardens in the northern counties. Perhaps we can do that while you are in Town.”

“Unfortunately, I will be leaving tomorrow for Meryton. I will, however, come back to London before I return to Pemberley. Perhaps, if I may have the second set, we can take up our discussion where we left off and then continue when I return.”

Her smile was brilliant, though it hardly improved her ordinary features. “The second set is yours, sir.”

Cecile Preston moved confidently into the ballroom on the arm of her uncle, the Earl of Whiteshall. She was quite pleased to see the looks of scorn on the faces of the women who had watched her interact with Mr. Darcy. She met each set of eyes head on, nodding to let them know she was assured of her place in Mr. Darcy’s company. Since her return to London, she had been diligent in spreading the news that she and the handsome bachelor had been keeping company while she stayed at her brother’s estate in Derbyshire and that she was a great confidante of his sister. By this, she hoped to stave off any ladies thinking to compete for his attention now that he was back in England.

She might not be a beauty, but she prided herself on being very clever. From Georgiana, she knew the way to Mr. Darcy’s heart was to let him think she was unaffected by his wealth and position. She dearly needed all that his money and connections could provide, but he must never suspect her baser motives. Thus far, she had been able to foster the impression that she had adequate wealth, but those funds were now dangerously low. If she was able to marry Fitzwilliam Darcy, she would have no trouble convincing him that her fool of a husband gambled away everything. She had already begun to disparage Owen Preston whenever given the opportunity, and she knew that he was sympathetic to her situation.

Once she secured Mr. Darcy, she could breathe easier, knowing that between her allowance and the household accounts, she could secret away enough to cover her gambling debts. Perhaps she could even sell some of the more obscure Darcy jewels she would undoubtedly inherit with her position. How she had ever gotten so far in debt to that scoundrel was beyond her, but she would curb her enthusiasm for the horses until she was Mrs. Darcy. Smiling with satisfaction, she made her way toward a group of her contemporaries. This evening was going to be a triumph. She could feel it.

“Ornamental plants?” Richard smirked, leaning in to whisper to William as they both watched Mrs. Preston depart. “You discuss plants? How romantic!”

“Hush!” William said, elbowing his cousin to shift his attention to the next person in line. There was such a throng in attendance that the receiving line took nearly an hour. With every mother having available daughters, every widow, and quite a handful of married ladies all vying for Mr. Darcy’s attention, it took an extraordinary amount of time for everyone to be properly acknowledged.

For his part, William had forgotten just how painful it was to be introduced to almost every available female in London, and seemingly half of England, in one evening. However, firmly planted by his side, Richard never ceased to appreciate the magnetism of his dour cousin. While the ladies were waiting to address Mr. I-am-too-bored-to-smile Darcy, Richard carried on lively conversations with one prospect after the other, and by the end of the spectacle, had been granted a set for every dance. Finally, the last person was greeted, and the ball began in earnest.

As they moved into the room to the sound of the musicians tuning their instruments, Richard kidded, “Oh, come now, Cousin! That was not so painful.” He elbowed William. “At least you are assured of one set with your botanist friend!”

William’s voice was low and controlled. “Richard.”

“Perhaps, you shall even discuss the need for a male and female of each species!” With that, Richard chuckled and moved toward the lovely lady who had granted him the first set, just as everyone lined up for the dance.

~~~*~~~

“Well, I do not see what he sees in that wallflower!” Mrs. Courtland sneered, having seen Mrs. Preston elicit another smile from Mr. Darcy as they danced. “She has no beauty, no figure. Why, her bosom is as flat as a child’s.”

“Perhaps her accomplishments lie elsewhere.” Mrs. Walton retorted. “Perhaps she is proficient in the bedroom.” Their cackling laughs brought several pairs of jealous eyes in their direction, all of whom were thinking the same thing but were not imprudent enough to voice it aloud.

“Look how Louise Grant is following Mr. Darcy with her eyes and likewise, Millicent Martin. If her husband turns around, he will be quite shocked.”

“Oh, I doubt that, Henrietta,” Mrs. Courtland retorted. “He is too busy eyeing Mrs. Pickens.”

Another round of ribald laughter garnered them even more notice, so they removed themselves to an obscure corner where they could do as they pleased. As they passed Lady Flanders, they heard her berating her daughter.

“Did I not tell you years ago, Agatha, to befriend Georgiana Darcy? But did you heed my advice? No, and now she is married, and you have no entry into his circle. You might have had the rich, handsome Mr. Darcy instead of being married to your poor excuse of a husband.”

Agatha responded acidly, “One would think you wanted Mr. Darcy for yourself!” She watched her mother’s eyes light up at the thought. “Mother! You are twice his age!”

“I am still a woman! Besides, wisdom in certain areas can put one at greater advantage, my dear.”

~~~*~~~

As William escorted the Widow Preston to supper, Richard changed his mother’s seating arrangements so that he was able to sit across from them and listen in on their conversation. As a result, he learned that Mrs. Preston was quite conversant on every subject William broached. Nevertheless, as he studied William’s conversation and interaction with the woman, he could see no evidence that his cousin had any feelings towards her other than friendship.

And so it went all evening, Richard following William around and making sport of his relationship with the plain Mrs. Preston, while at least a dozen handsome women openly salivated, hoping William would recognise the naked desire in their eyes. Richard sighed, thinking of how he would have loved to have had the opportunities that his cousin ignored.

I could just as easily love a rich, beautiful woman, as a rich, ugly one, and it would be much easier to take her to bed.

As if he had walked from the dark into the light, suddenly everything became perfectly clear, and Richard knew what attraction the Widow Preston held for William—she was not handsome, thus he would not fall in love with her. His stoic cousin, who had rejected every entreaty to align himself with this or that heiress for the last decade, was giving up, or at least giving in to a marriage of convenience.

But what would cause Darcy to capitulate? Of course—Georgiana! She told Mother that she is insisting that he marry and have a family because she is worried that he will fall back into melancholy. AND what caused the melancholy in the first place? Why a woman… it has to be a woman!

Richard’s mind began spinning with ideas. A woman he still loves but cannot have. That is it! He will marry someone he does not love, because he is still in love with someone he cannot have. And since it all seemed to have begun after we returned from Rosings two years ago, what woman was at Rosings that year that had never been in attendance before? Elizabeth Bennet!

Smiling smugly, Richard looked up to see that he was all alone near the balcony. Amazingly, the people milling about him were totally unaware of the great conundrum that he had just solved. Gazing around the room, he noticed, however, that his mother was looking at him quizzically from her position among a group of ladies. He gave her a grand smile, which she immediately returned. Walking in her direction, he passed William, who was now dancing a second set with Mrs. Preston, much to the chagrin of the other ladies.

Evelyn Fitzwilliam excused herself from the group and held out her hands to her son as he approached and whispered, “I am so glad your father was civil to Fitzwilliam tonight. He has been simply inconsolable since our nephew went to Scotland instead of marrying Anne. I suppose now that she is with Catherine at Rosings, things have quieted down.” She glanced at her son. “You know your father does not talk to me of his sister and her problems, since we always disagree.”

“Well, I am happy my cousin did not marry that lunatic woman!”

“Richard! Watch your manners,” she hissed, looking about to see if anyone heard. She leaned in to whisper, “I agree, but we do not need to make our opinions public.” Richard nodded. “Besides, it is Catherine’s fault that Anne is a candidate for Bedlam.”

Abruptly, his mother changed the subject. “I find it difficult to grasp that Fitzwilliam is really in my house and seems so happy! I do not remember him ever dancing twice in one night with anyone not family and surely not with the same woman!” Richard dutifully turned to peruse his cousin as his mother exclaimed, “I expect we will be wishing them joy shortly!”

“I certainly hope not, Mother!”

Her brow knit in consternation. ‘Why ever would you say such a thing? I thought you wanted him to be happy.”

“That is why I object! Mrs. Preston will never accomplish that, as he is not in love with her. He will be without any prospect of felicity.”

“How can you say that? She is an excellent choice. She is a respected member of society with wealth and connections, and she knows how to be mistress of an estate. True, she is no beauty, but he may come to care for her. Love is not necessary in a marriage!”

“I know all her qualifications, Mother! If she were a horse, she would suffice!”

“Richard!”

“It is true! I know my cousin better than anyone. He is of a peculiar kind, and he needs a woman he loves and who loves him. As it is, he is heartbroken over another, and if he marries that woman, it will be only to make Georgiana happy, while it will make him utterly miserable.”

“How do you know he is heartbroken over another?”

“Why do you think he has hidden away the last two years, and now, suddenly, agrees to consider marriage to that—to someone he does not love?”

“Why indeed?” she replied, awaiting Richard’s explanation as her eyes returned to Fitzwilliam with new insight.

“He thinks it will help him to forget the one he regrets.”

“And you know this woman?”

“He was in her company when last we were at Rosings together, two years past. He was not himself the entire time, and I began to see how he stared at the young lady, even becoming tongue-tied in her presence. Something happened between them the last day we were there, but he would not confide in me. After we returned, I had to report for duty, and he disappeared.”

Lady Matlock stopped to thoroughly study her nephew for the first time tonight. She observed the now obvious grey in his hair, the lines around his light blue eyes, and she saw that the smile on William’s face did not reach those eyes. When no one was looking, his face always fell back into the same, solemn mien.

“I hope you are not correct.”

“Would that I was not, Mother, because he seems determined to seal his fate.”

~~~*~~~

As William’s carriage pulled into position in front of Matlock House, Richard stayed his cousin by grabbing his arm. “Darce?”

William halted and turned back to face him. He was tired and really did not want to answer any more of Richard’s questions. Though he meant well, his cousin was just too inquisitive.

“Are you truly well?” Richard searched for the right words. “You seem so distant. I could not be with you after we returned from Rosings. I had to be at camp for manoeuvres shortly after that, and when I returned, you had already departed for Scotland. I feel as though I failed you.”

William grasped Richard’s shoulder and hugged him tightly, as they used to do when they were boys. Neither let go for a long period, but finally William drew back to lock eyes with his cousin.

“You have never failed me, Richard. I have always known I could count on you and that means everything to me. You are the brother I never had, and I love you.”

“I love you, too. I just wish I knew how to help you.”

“You do help me. You make me smile, and that means a great deal.” William shook his hand. “I will call on you when I come back from Netherfield, if you are still in Town.”

“Oh, I will be here! I have to get to bed quickly because Mother has several more ladies she is anxious for me to charm, beginning tomorrow.”

Shaking his head, William entered the carriage but leaned back out the window to add, “Far be it from me to interrupt your beauty rest, and you will need all your strength, I imagine! Good night, Richard.” Tapping the roof of the carriage with his cane, it began to roll forward.

“Good night, Darce! Call on me when you return!”

As the conveyance got smaller in the distance, Richard whispered, “And may you find what you need at Meryton, my friend.”

~~~*~~~