Page 6 of Missing

William had not expected to find Mr. Gardiner occupied. They had arranged the previous day to discuss business, as William wished to understand more about managing a warehouse in London. He supposed the two gentlemen present were new investors.

Mr. Gardiner explained the reason for their visit and why he thought it a good idea for them to meet.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam is seeking new business opportunities.

William, I know you are looking for investors, and as you are both young, perhaps this could be the beginning of an excellent partnership. "

"That is correct, Mr. Dalton. I have worked for years and saved everything I could.

Fortunately, my maternal grandmother left me a considerable sum in her will, and I believe it is time to invest that money in a business that will yield good returns.

Life in the military is difficult, and I do not wish to labour all my life," Richard explained with his characteristic affability.

"I understand, Colonel. When you have the time, I shall prepare a detailed report on the business I am establishing, together with my short- and long-term profit projections."

William gave Richard a general outline, to which he listened attentively.

William noticed that Mr. Darcy was very grave and assumed he was the typical gentleman of high society who enjoyed the profits of association with tradesmen and nothing more.

In truth, however, Mr. Darcy always grew melancholy when in the company of young men of an age his late son might have been.

He could not help but recall those days when he and his wife had spent nights in tears, mourning their beloved Fitzwilliam.

"I am sorry, Gardiner, but we have other engagements," Mr. Darcy said at last. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dalton."

Richard knew his uncle well and understood why he was uneasy. "Mr. Dalton, shall we meet at my club tomorrow? Here is my card."

William accepted it and said his farewells. "It was a pleasure, Mr. Darcy. I shall see you tomorrow, Colonel."

After Richard and his uncle departed, William immediately asked about them.

"Mr. Darcy is a practical and agreeable man. He highly esteems honesty and hard work and has a fondness for history and politics. He is very knowledgeable and a great reader," Mr. Gardiner explained.

"He struck me as rather proud and arrogant, though I may be mistaken," William said cautiously.

"He is usually much more open, but I believe something troubles him. Perhaps he was unwell today and therefore reserved. I assure you, once better known, he is a most agreeable gentleman."

"At least his nephew seemed pleasant enough. I believe I can do business with him."

Mr. Gardiner and William continued their conversation for several hours.

William had many questions regarding the London market, as trade there was subject to stricter laws than in Manchester.

Thus far, everything was progressing well, and if Colonel Fitzwilliam were willing to invest a reasonable sum, William intended to accept at once, thereby avoiding the need to divert funds from the Manchester company to build the new business.

The next day, William went to the club, where Colonel Fitzwilliam awaited him.

He was surprised by the elegance of the place and the gentlemen assembled there.

Fortunately, he always dressed well, so no one suspected he did not belong to that circle.

In fact, William was unaware that his appearance was that of a nobleman from a distinguished family.

"Mr. Dalton, you cannot imagine how glad I am you came. You are very punctual; in my family, only my uncle Darcy and I arrive on time," Richard said cheerfully.

"Good morning, Colonel. From childhood, my father taught me the importance of punctuality, both in business and within the family," William replied with a smile.

He sat and immediately began explaining the nature of his enterprise, providing specific figures regarding the investment required and the expected return.

"Tomorrow, I shall send the documents to your solicitor so that he may explain the details of my proposal."

Richard was impressed by how serious and methodical the young man was.

Clearly ambitious, he had established a precise plan for achieving his goals.

"Thank you for meeting me here and for explaining your proposal, Mr. Dalton.

It is evident you have studied the market carefully and prepared a thorough investment plan. "

"Thank you for your kind words, Colonel.

My father and I began planning this business after I completed my studies at Oxford.

Sadly, when at last we had the capital to begin our dream, he became gravely ill.

After several months of suffering, he died.

Though I am alone in this endeavour, his memory guides me in everything I do. "

"Were you very close to your father, Mr. Dalton?" Richard asked impulsively. "Forgive me, I did not mean to intrude."

"Please do not worry, Colonel; I do not mind speaking of him. To answer your question, yes, I was very close to my father. He was the best man I have ever known, and each day I strive to resemble him more closely."

"It makes me envious to hear you speak so fondly of your father, Mr. Dalton. Mine and I have never been close, though I hardly complain, for thanks to him I have access to places such as this," Richard said with a smile.

"But to speak candidly, I think we are being too formal. Pray call me Fitzwilliam, so that I may call you Dalton. What do you say?"

"If that is your wish, Fitzwilliam," William replied, more at ease. He liked his potential partner, for he was both pleasant and humorous.

They met several more times, until at last, in William's solicitor's office, they signed the contracts that made them legal partners.

William invited Richard to dine at his home to celebrate the occasion and to introduce him to his mother. Violet was delighted with her son's new partner and friend, for her beloved William needed friends of his own age with whom he might socialise.

◆◆◆

Elizabeth wrote to her Aunt Gardiner to explain that she wished to leave her home for a time. She persuaded Mrs. Bennet to allow her to accompany Jane to London.

Mrs. Gardiner suggested to her sister-in-law that it would be better for her to remain at Longbourn, preparing for Jane's wedding, while Elizabeth could travel to London with Jane.

Although Mrs. Bennet was not very fond of the idea, she had no choice but to agree, for Mrs. Gardiner had not only offered her assistance but had also paid for Jane's trousseau as a gift from the Gardiner family.

Elizabeth felt grateful to her aunt for granting her the opportunity to leave Hertfordshire and find some relief from her mother's constant reproaches for having rejected Mr. Collins.

Louisa and Caroline also travelled to London, though with very different designs for Jane.

They knew it was practically impossible for their brother to break the engagement, and they had no choice but to accept it.

Therefore, they resolved to control and manipulate Jane as they did Charles, to ensure that their lives would continue without significant alteration.

To accomplish that, the first step was to distance Jane from her family.

The Bennets, in their view, were a poor influence and a continual embarrassment that they could not tolerate.

They planned to tell all their acquaintances that Mr. Bennet was a refined, eccentric gentleman who disliked London society and was therefore unknown to it.

But to sustain such a falsehood, they needed to keep the Bennets and their tradesman uncle as far away as possible from the future Mrs. Bingley.

Jane had spent the last two days shopping with Caroline and Louisa, and that morning, a package arrived with part of their purchases. Elizabeth watched intently as her sister, with little enthusiasm, took from the box the new dresses and accessories that her sisters-in-law had recommended.

"Jane, do you like that afternoon dress?

Of course, you are so pretty that everything suits you, but I confess I did not know you favoured that colour," Elizabeth asked tentatively.

She and her aunt had accompanied Jane on only one outing, for Caroline and Louisa had completely monopolised their future sister and would not allow them to spend time with her.

"It is not my favourite colour, Lizzy, but Caroline says it is the latest fashion, and she knows much more than you or I about what is proper in London.

Louisa constantly reminds me that I shall be a Bingley and must attend events where people dress and behave quite differently from what I am accustomed to. "

"I understand, dear Jane. Yet you can adjust to your new circumstances without losing your essence and altering who you are, do you not think?

" Elizabeth had noticed how Mr. Bingley's sisters sought to manipulate Jane, but she did not wish to address that uncomfortable subject directly. She preferred not to worry her sister.

"Louisa and Caroline have been exceedingly affectionate and helpful to me, and I do not wish to appear ungrateful. Lizzy, I am more flexible than you; I prefer peace and harmony in my new life to disputes over the colour of a dress."

"Of course, dear. I think you are much wiser than I, and therefore you shall always be happier too," Elizabeth concluded conciliatorily. Yet in her heart, she disliked seeing her sister behave so differently from the Jane she so dearly loved.

"Besides, Lizzy, Caroline, and Louisa want me to spend a few days with them, as they wish to teach me how to manage a house.

Can you help me speak with Aunt Gardiner?

I should not like to offend her. You know she invited us most kindly, and if I leave to be with my future sisters, she may think I slight her. "

"Jane, our mother taught you very well how to run a home," Elizabeth replied in surprise.