Page 65 of Mr. Darcy’s Forgotten Heir (Pride and Prejudice Variations #1)
“It is hard to ascertain.” Sir William rubbed his beard. “Initially, it was believed that Wickham played a more significant role, but news came from London that Miss Elizabeth Bennet had given birth to a child. Some say a son, others a daughter, and sentiment turned to Mr. Collins.”
“Why would that be?” Darcy took a sip of tea to quell the fury at all the lies destroying Elizabeth’s reputation.
“Ah, now that is quite an enigma.” Sir William leaned back in his chair.
“Although Mr. Collins disdained any connection to the Bennet scandal, a neighboring magistrate relayed a letter he’d received questioning his conduct during the winter in question.
It does suggest a certain degree of guilt on his part, and we are indeed gratified that our Charlotte had made an escape from any association with him. ”
“Most curious,” Darcy murmured. “Have there been reports that Miss Elizabeth had married another gentleman?”
“That is a possibility.” Sir William stroked his beard, his sharp eyes missing nothing.
“I’ve always maintained that Miss Elizabeth was too perceptive to be trapped into a compromised situation.
Most likely, she is in seclusion along with her sister, Mary.
Lydia and Kitty have been given over to their Aunt Philips. ”
“Your perception of Miss Elizabeth is indeed astute.” Darcy’s mind was already racing ahead to their next steps.
“Sir William, might I impose upon your knowledge of local commerce? I would be most interested in obtaining a list of the merchants to whom Mr. Wickham owed significant debts. As part of my investigation into his activities, I intend to settle these accounts personally.”
Sir William’s expression brightened considerably at this unexpected generosity.
“Most commendable, Mr. Darcy. I would be happy to provide such information. Waters the tailor, as I mentioned, and there was also Johnson at the bootmaker’s, Thompson who keeps the haberdashery, and I believe several of the innkeepers had outstanding accounts as well. ”
Graham noted each name methodically. “Approximate sums, if you recall them, would be most helpful,” he suggested.
As Sir William began recounting the financial particulars of Wickham’s fraudulent activities, Darcy found his thoughts returning to Elizabeth.
The image of her facing such malicious falsehoods alone, cast out from her family home with no means of defending herself, created an unyielding ache in his chest.
“There is one other matter,” Darcy said when Sir William had exhausted his knowledge of Wickham’s debts.
“I understand that a clergyman—Reverend Michaels—was traveling through the area around the time of these events. His testimony might prove valuable to establishing the timeline of certain occurrences.”
“Michaels?” Sir William frowned in concentration. “The name is not immediately familiar, though numerous clergymen pass through Meryton on their journeys. The current vicar might recall such a visitor, or perhaps Mr. Collins, who was staying at Longbourn during that period.”
“Mr. Collins,” Darcy repeated, his interest sharpening. “Is he still in the area?”
“Oh no,” Lady Lucas interjected. “After the unpleasantness with the Bennets, he returned to Kent, but I understand Lady Catherine withdrew her support when the rumors reached her ears. I believe he now serves as curate at a parish near Barnet.”
Barnet. The word sent a jolt through Darcy’s system, triggering a cascade of fragmentary images—rain lashing against windows, Elizabeth’ s face illuminated by candlelight, the weight of his signet ring as he pressed it into her palm.
He gripped the arm of his chair, struggling to maintain his composure as the fragments threatened to overwhelm him.
Graham, noting his distress, smoothly continued the conversation. “Near Barnet, you say? How fortuitous—we had planned to journey in that direction after concluding our business in Hertfordshire. Perhaps we might call upon him for clarification on certain points.”
“I cannot imagine he would welcome such an interview,” Lady Lucas said with evident satisfaction. “His reduced circumstances have made him rather… bitter… regarding the entire affair. Though I suppose the authority of someone of Mr. Darcy’s standing might compel his cooperation.”
With the formalities of departure arranged, Darcy and Graham soon found themselves back in the carriage, heading toward Longbourn. The Lucas family’s revelations had confirmed much of what Darcy had suspected while adding new dimensions to Wickham’s scheme.
“Wickham’s thoroughness is almost admirable,” Graham observed, reviewing his notes as the carriage rolled through the Hertfordshire countryside. “He created a narrative that not only destroyed Miss Elizabeth’s reputation but also provided convenient explanation for his own departure.”
“And ensured she would have no safe haven to which she might return,” Darcy added, his voice tight with controlled fury. “Had she attempted to contradict his version of events, it would have appeared as desperate denial rather than truth.”
“Yet she found refuge with the Gardiners,” Graham pointed out, “and eventually with Lady Eleanor. Not all avenues were closed to her.”
“Through her own resourcefulness, not any mercy on Wickham’s part,” Darcy corrected. “Had Elizabeth been of a less determined character, his scheme might have destroyed her completely.”
Graham studied Darcy’s face for a moment before speaking. “If I may say so, sir, your admiration for Mrs. Darcy is evident in every word. Despite the circumstances of your reunion, that foundation remains unchanged.”
The observation, delivered without sentimentality but with evident sincerity, caught Darcy by surprise. “Is it so apparent?” he asked, a rueful smile touching his lips. “I had thought myself rather reserved on the subject.”
“To most observers, perhaps,” Graham agreed with a slight smile. “But I have had the privilege of watching you both these past weeks. The connection between you transcends memory—it exists in your instinctive responses to one another, in the way young William bridges the gap between you.”
Darcy gazed out the window, considering Graham’s words.
“It is a peculiar torment, to discover that I have already lived the life I would have chosen, only to have it stolen. To learn I married for love rather than duty or advantage. To find I have a son who somehow recognizes me despite my absence from his life.” He tightened his hand around the leather portfolio containing their evidence.
“I feel I am chasing shadows of my own life, pursuing memories that belong to me yet remain tantalizingly out of reach.”
“Not shadows, sir,” Graham corrected. “Mrs. Darcy and your son are flesh and blood, waiting for your return. The documents we seek matter for legalities, but they cannot create or destroy the bond that already exists between you.”
“You speak of the bond I felt with Elizabeth from the first moment at Bellfield,” Darcy said, his voice low and intent. “Even before I knew who she was to me. Even believing her compromised by another man.”
“Precisely.”
“Then let us ensure that bond receives its proper recognition in the eyes of the world. William deserves his birthright, and Elizabeth deserves the dignity of her true position as the Mistress of Pemberley by right and by choice.”