Page 33 of Missing

William had asked Mr. Bingley to come to his office; he wished to speak to him without interruption. Moreover, he did not desire Charles to find an excuse to change the subject of the conversation, as he invariably did when others were present.

“Dalton, next time, it would be much better if we met at the club or at your house. Your cook prepares the best stews in all England.”

“Bingley, I prefer we meet here because I do not want to be interrupted.” When William saw that he had secured Mr. Bingley’s attention, he explained his concern about his recent decisions, particularly those related to his solicitor.

He told him of the report he had received on Mr. Randall, whose reputation among his colleagues was far from favourable.

“But Mr. Randall is such a pleasant, good-natured gentleman that I find it hard to believe what you are saying. I have also saved a good deal of money because my father’s old solicitor charged almost twice as much for his services,” replied Mr. Bingley, attempting to defend himself.

William took a deep breath and tried to reason with his wife’s brother-in-law.

“I have only repeated to you what several tradesmen and solicitors, who know him, have reported to my own solicitor. You must decide whether you choose to believe them. As for saving money, let me remind you that you lost substantial income from lease payments and crops because Mr. Randall would not assist with the Netherfield documents and the tenants’ disputes.

Moreover, if you had invested in what he suggested, I assure you that you would have lost much more. ”

“Then what should I do? Terminate Mr. Randall’s contract and re-engage the firm that represented my father?” asked Mr. Bingley, visibly confused.

William recalled his mother’s advice and chose to answer in the most neutral manner he could. “That is for you to decide, Bingley.”

“Why can you not help me decide, Dalton?”

“Because in certain matters, a man must determine for himself what is best according to what he believes is right or necessary.”

“I understand, but what would you do in my place?”

“I would endeavour to see the positive and the negative of the situation before making a decision.”

“And in this case, what is the positive and negative?” asked Mr. Bingley, increasingly confused.

“That is precisely what you must determine.”

“But how?”

“By thinking carefully, writing it down, and then reading it over several times. That is how I proceed.”

“So, could you help me do it? Here is a pen and paper.”

“Bingley, you must write your own ideas, based on what you believe to be best for your investments.”

“Why?”

“Because in that way, you will have managed to reflect for yourself what is best for you, your family, your finances, and the rest of your businesses.”

“So you do not want to help me.”

“It is not that, but…” William was exhausted and longed to go home, so he resolved to end that absurd conversation at once. “Well, if I were you, I would end my business relationship with Mr. Randall and re-engage your father’s former solicitor.”

William thought that trying to reason with Luke, Elizabeth’s little cousin, was easier than reasoning with Mr. Bingley. At last, he lost patience and simply told him what he wished to hear.

“Thank you, Dalton. I promise I shall think about everything you have told me, and tomorrow, I shall dismiss Randall’s services and contact Mr. Cornell,” said Mr. Bingley, happily.

William considered advising Mr. Bingley to reflect on his decision for at least a few hours, but the truth was that he was weary and wished to go home to be with his wife.

“Well, Bingley, I have already told you all I know, and I hope you will make sound decisions after hearing this information.”

“I shall do it, Dalton. But if I have any questions, I know I can ask for your help,” added Mr. Bingley.

“Of course,” William replied, trying to conceal his frustration. He had attempted to encourage Mr. Bingley to be more thoughtful and independent, but he realised he had achieved nothing.

“Dalton, can you and Lizzy join us this evening at a social gathering at the house of one of my good friends from Cambridge? I am sure you will enjoy it!”

“I am sorry, Bingley, but I am rather tired and must be at the port early tomorrow.” Besides, William wished to be alone with Elizabeth and not share her beautiful smile with anyone.

“I understand, but you should not work so hard. You are only three years older than I, and you behave as if you were fifty. You are the only young man I know who takes business so seriously. I have it on good authority that the business you inherited from your father is very prosperous, yet you work as if you were poor,” said Mr. Bingley teasingly. “You should enjoy life a little more.”

“You are not the only one who has told me so. My mother always says the same. But I am not in London for personal or monetary ambition, but to fulfil my father’s dreams. In any case, I plan to travel with my wife for several weeks in a few months’ time and forget about all my business for a while.”

“I am glad to hear it; Lizzy deserves a lovely honeymoon, even if it is a few months later. Well, it is time to go; I need to change clothes, see my Angel, and then go to my friend’s house.

I know that another fellow from Cambridge, who always makes nasty comments about me, will be present at the meeting.

I cannot wait to see his face when he notices that my wife is so much prettier than his.

My Angel is always the handsomest woman wherever we go.

Dalton, we have been fortunate; our wives are so beautiful. ”

“My wife is not only beautiful, but she possesses many other qualities equally important to me, Bingley.” William had met several beautiful women who had taken an interest in him, but none had captivated him as Elizabeth had.

They had only attracted him physically, which was not enough for a man like him.

At last, Mr. Bingley said his goodbyes, and William returned home; he longed to speak with his mother. He knew that Elizabeth had gone to visit Miss Darcy and supposed she had not yet returned.

◆◆◆

Violet had everything ready and was waiting for her son or Elizabeth to return home, so that she might tell them she was going to her niece’s house to assist with the children.

William wished to ask his mother some questions, for his recent dreams had been somewhat different from those he had before his marriage.

Now he dreamt of the lady who resembled Miss Darcy and of a great house.

Moreover, for some inexplicable reason, the surname of his friend Richard had also often appeared in those dreams.

“It is good that you came earlier, my dear son. As you know, Madeline’s children have been ill with a severe cold, and now my niece herself is unwell.

She says she is quite well, but since Edward is away on business, I shall sleep over at the Gardiners’ to ensure my niece may have some rest,” Violet explained.

“So this evening, you and Lizzy must dine without me.”

“Mother, I can go and help aunt Madeline, so that you may sleep comfortably in your bed,” William offered.

“No, William, you already have enough with your work. Besides, you are newly married and must be with your wife.”

“You are right, Mother. But please promise to let me know if you need anything.”

“I shall, my dear child,” Violet said, kissing her son on the cheek. “Well, I am leaving now. I shall see you tomorrow.”

“Mother, may I ask you a question before you go?”

“Of course; tell me, how can I help you, my dear?”

“Mother… when you found me in the river… well, you told me I was wearing threadbare clothes. I was a poor child, or the son of peasants, was I not?”

Violet was very surprised by her son’s question. “William, I still have the clothes if you wish to see them again. But I cannot answer your question, for I do not know. Son, have you remembered anything?” Violet asked anxiously.

“No, Mother… please, forget what I told you.” William saw her concerned face and immediately felt guilty.

“Son, if you wish to share your memories with me, I may help you. I understand that you may want to find your real parents.”

“My real parents are Aaron and Violet Dalton, Mother. Please forget what I told you; I was not thinking clearly, that is all. Besides, aunt Madeline must be waiting for you.”

“You are right, my William,” Violet replied, hugging her son. She knew there was no point in pressing him, for he would not tell her anything further.

After Violet departed, William promised himself never to mention his doubts to her again. She was an excellent mother, and he would not burden her with his troubles.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to be alone with Elizabeth, he told the housekeeper that he and his wife would dine in Elizabeth’s bedchamber.

When Elizabeth returned, she noticed no one was at home. She went to her room to change her clothes, and upon entering, she found her husband waiting for her.

“This evening, we shall dine here, my love,” William said, taking his wife into his arms and kissing her passionately.

“William, we cannot leave your mother dining alone,” Elizabeth tried to explain as he kissed her neck and caressed her back.

“My mother will spend the night at the Gardiners’. She wishes to assist aunt Madeline with the children. But do not worry, for she promised she would let me know if she needed help.”

“I understand,” Elizabeth replied, but she could not say more, for her husband silenced her with more kisses.

“William, I am hungry; what do you say we eat first and then…”

“Very well, my dear. I do not want dinner to grow cold.”

William helped Elizabeth to the small table, and they began to eat and converse. He told her of his conversation with Mr. Bingley and how unproductive it had been.

“At least you tried, dear. Charles is a pleasant man, and I am sure he will mature and take his duties more seriously.”