Page 59 of Missing
After weeks of inquiry, Mr Darcy’s solicitor brought excellent news.
He assured his client that the transition from William Dalton to Fitzwilliam Darcy would be far simpler than expected.
They need only file a petition declaring that Dalton and Darcy were the same person, and that all actions performed by the former—his studies at Oxford, his investments, his business, and even his marriage—should henceforth be recognised as those of Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Once that point was secured, Elizabeth persuaded William that the wisest course was to attend Lord and Lady Matlock’s ball, face society at once, and then retire to live quietly, far from the curiosity of London.
The legal procedures would last at least six months, affording them time to adjust to their altered circumstances.
Five days before the ball, Elizabeth visited Georgiana, who wished to speak more of her new brother.
“Thank you, Lizzy. You cannot know how much I value your helping me to understand William better. He is so kind and affectionate that sometimes I fear I do not deserve him.”
“Do not say such foolish things, Georgiana. Though you have known each other for a short time, your brother adores you and delights in your company. He believes you are the prettiest and most accomplished girl he has ever met. And you know how he loves to hear you play the piano.”
“I am preparing a new piece especially for him. Would you like to hear it?”
“With pleasure, dear.”
Elizabeth spent much of the afternoon with Georgiana while William, occupied with business, interviewed a gentleman to assist in managing the London branch of his firm. At length, his duties complete, he went to Darcy House to collect his wife.
In Mr Darcy’s study, William confided his wish. “Now that I have secured an assistant, I would like to take my wife on the honeymoon journey we delayed—into the Lake District. After Lord Matlock’s ball, I would rather be far from London. Elizabeth and I discussed it, and my mother also approves.”
“An excellent idea, my son! But allow me to propose something further. The journey to the Lake District is long. Why not travel with us first to Pemberley? You may remain with us for a few days, and then continue your journey. Georgiana will be overjoyed to have you and your wife with her, and it is fitting that you should return, after so many years, to the home of your childhood.”
William hesitated, for he feared the flood of memories that might await him there, but he knew he must one day face them. “I shall ask Elizabeth, sir, but I think it is a good idea.”
Whilst father and son discussed the estate, Elizabeth and Georgiana were enjoying tea in the drawing room.
“Lizzy, the discovery of my brother has been one of the greatest surprises of my life. He is not only honourable, but also so affectionate. Now I feel protected, for I know Richard and William will always be with me. And besides, I have a sister.”
“William and I are just as glad to have you in our lives, Georgiana. Never doubt our love and protection.”
Their pleasant conversation was interrupted by the unlooked-for arrival of Caroline and Louisa. Though the Darcys were not receiving callers, the sisters persuaded Mr Gibson that their errand was urgent.
“My dear Georgiana, what a delight to see you,” both declared with false warmth.
“It has been far too long,” Caroline added, her joy vanishing the instant she spied Elizabeth. “Eliza—what are you doing here?”
“Lizzy is my guest,” Georgiana replied quietly but firmly. Though naturally shy, she would not allow Caroline to imply that her sister-in-law was unwelcome in her home.
“And I am delighted to spend the afternoon with my dear friend,” Elizabeth said, attempting to diffuse the tension. She could see that Caroline’s tone was unusually sharp, her hostility scarcely disguised.
Louisa hastened to turn the conversation. “How have you been, Georgiana? We understand your family has undergone important changes lately.”
Georgiana and Elizabeth bore her prying questions with composure, revealing nothing. Caroline, meanwhile, sat fuming, glaring at Elizabeth with silent malice.
Soon, Mr Darcy and William entered the room, and Caroline’s courage faltered. After a few formal greetings, William moved to the window, gazing out over the park. He felt a strange familiarity, as if he had walked there as a child with his mother and father.
Mr Darcy, seating himself opposite the Bingley sisters, addressed them directly. “Gibson tells me you have some urgent matter requiring my assistance.”
“Yes, Mr Darcy, though it is delicate,” Caroline began, casting a disdainful glance at Elizabeth.
“Father,” Georgiana interjected softly, “there is something I should like to show Lizzy. Pray excuse us.” She led Elizabeth from the room, unwilling to subject her to Caroline’s insolence.
Mr Darcy regarded Caroline steadily. “You may speak now.”
Louisa took the lead. “It is our brother, sir. He insists on remaining in Hertfordshire and speaks of managing Netherfield himself. We fear he is wasting his time.”
“And we cannot bear to see him settled in such a rustic neighbourhood, amidst people without education or refinement,” Caroline added.
Mr Darcy concealed a smile. He had long considered the sisters arrogant and overbearing, and he was glad Charles was at last making his own decisions.
“I cannot agree with you. Bingley has acted wisely. If he ever wishes to purchase an estate, he must learn to manage one. A landowner must know the ways of the country as well as those of the city.”
The sisters fell silent. Their last hope of persuading Charles to abandon Netherfield was dashed.
Before dismissing them, Mr Darcy chose to address another subject.
“We have known one another for many years through the friendship I bore your late father. You may have heard the rumours concerning my son. Let me clarify: he will be officially presented at Lady Matlock’s ball.
I hope you did not come here in search of gossip, but I must also request your discretion. I have nothing more to add.”
“Certainly, Mr Darcy, you may rely upon our discretion,” Louisa replied quickly, and Caroline nodded.
At that moment, Caroline seized her chance. Rising, she poured herself a cup of tea, then turned to William. “Mr Da… Dalton, may I offer you some? I remember you prefer it very sweet, with a touch of lemon.” With a coy smile, she added, “I always notice the habits of those who interest me.”
“Thank you, Miss Bingley, but I do not care for tea just now,” William said, astonished by her boldness.
“Eliza is upstairs with Georgiana. Shall we walk in the garden? There is much I should like to say to you.”
“I am sorry, Miss Bingley, but I do not believe there is anything you and I have to discuss.”
Caroline leaned closer, her smile triumphant. “I know very well who you are—Fitzwilliam Darcy. I shall be in the garden if you wish to speak. It is a beautiful afternoon, and this house has one of the loveliest gardens I have seen—second only to Pemberley.”
William’s patience snapped. “What do you want, Miss Bingley?
I have neither the time nor the inclination for your games.”
Caroline mistook his indignation for unease and pressed her advantage.
“From the first moment we met, I felt a special connection between us.
Now that you are no longer a mere tradesman, you will naturally leave that life behind.
“Eliza cannot remain your wife; she is far too insignificant for the heir of Pemberley. But you must know, I shall give you an opportunity when you are free of her,” Caroline declared with a complacent smile.
William drew a long breath before replying. Caroline Bingley had exceeded every boundary of propriety, yet she was still a lady, and he a gentleman. His answer must be firm, honest, and utterly unequivocal—yet civil.