Page 160 of Obligation and Redemption

Twenty minutes later, Colonel Fitzwilliam returned looking every bit the gentleman that his heritage had taught him to be.

“My timing is impeccable. I have eaten very little today and have been daydreaming of Lambert’s roasted lamb and potatoes.

” He sat down and joined the conversation, while taking in all of the subtle and extraordinary changes that had taken place in the relationships before him.

Elizabeth was all smiles and blushes as she spoke with her husband and new sister.

Darcy was obviously a lovesick puppy, reminiscent of Bingley, as he himself had spoken of Miss Bennet.

While in the carriage with the Darcys on the way from Rosings to London, he had heard every word that Georgiana had spoken against Elizabeth and was pessimistic about his young cousin’s acceptance of Darcy’s wife.

However, here she was, not only seemingly accepting, but in high spirits.

Fitzwilliam brought liveliness to the party that resulted in a convivial evening of animation and good humour.

The time came for the traditional separation of the sexes, and although Fitzwilliam had much to share privately with Darcy, they all chose to stay together, retiring to the music room.

The two women took turns entertaining the gentlemen, and Darcy had never felt more contented.

His three favourite people in the world were in his home, sharing his life.

Darcy knew why Fitzwilliam had come, likely deciding to bring the valuable package himself rather than trust it to servants.

Based on the tone of the express that Fitzwilliam had sent to calm his fears about Wickham, Darcy also suspected that he came in person in order to enlighten him about the steps taken to protect Elizabeth’s reputation, but for tonight, he was satisfied to let that wait for the morrow,

On the following day, after breakfast, Fitzwilliam approached Darcy requesting time alone with him in his study.

“I had hoped to do just that. Elizabeth plans on taking Georgiana with her to visit one of the tenants who recently had a baby. She has decided to introduce Georgiana to the duties of being mistress to an estate by letting her join her visits. I thought at first that Georgiana might somehow take offence, but she seemed quite excited by the idea.”

“It is remarkable the change that has come about. I suppose Georgiana just needed to see you happy – that and to see Elizabeth away from my family. My mother had shown your wife a great deal of civility, at least by her own standards, but the rest have been much less kind in their judgements. I am afraid they may have tainted our dear girl’s receptivity until now. ”

Darcy looked away, but not before a flash of anger crossed his countenance.

“Your family has been nothing but caustic to my marriage, except you, of course, and perhaps Vickie, although her husband was nothing but rude,” he said as they entered his study.

He walked over to a chair by the hearth, motioning for his cousin to join him.

“Would you like tea or perhaps something else?”

“No, I had plenty at breakfast. I suppose you know why I have come.”

“I suspect you are here for two reasons, and I hope one was a delivery.”

Fitzwilliam reached into his pocket and retrieved a small box, handing it to his cousin with a smile.

“You are correct. I had thought to send it with your courier as you had requested, but decided to come myself with the further inducement of sharing my tale with you sooner rather than later. I suppose you received my express?”

“I did. Thank you, and although it put my mind to rest, I admit that I have been most anxious to hear how you brought everything about. There are so many unanswered questions.”

“Let’s just say that I was able to convince Wickham the foolhardiness of attempting to extort money from a man of your character and means.

The bruising took a while to come down, but when he was finally able to see the paper before him, he signed a statement saying that he was mistaken in his memories – that in truth he had only dreamt the story while in a drunken stupor.

He wrote a promissory note of one thousand pounds – to me of course – should the story find circulation. ”

“Where is he now? Are you still keeping an eye on him?”

“That will not be necessary.” At Darcy’s raised brow, he continued, “He decided to take a trip to the former colonies. He set sail the other morning, just before I left for Pemberley.”

“How did you convince him?”

“I prefer to keep that to myself, but let us just say that he preferred going to the alternative.”

“Thank you, James. Your support means a great deal to me.”

“Seeing you pleased as you are is all the thanks I need. I am happy for you. From your express, I assumed that you and Elizabeth worked through all of the suspicions on your end, but from experiencing you together last night, I would say that you did more than just resolve your doubts. How did everything come about?”

“I think you might change your mind about a drink. Perhaps something stronger than tea may be in order.” Then Darcy went on to describe the treacherous deeds of Langston.

“I had every intention of calling him out, but Elizabeth convinced me otherwise. Anyway, having his brother as my second seemed somewhat extreme.”

“So you are just going to let him get away with it? I am surprised. He deserves whatever you might do to him. I might call him out myself if you do not.”

“Elizabeth reminded me of where my true duties lie. Langston will one day answer for all of his deeds, but not by my hand, or yours. At any rate, I did end up paying him a visit. Although he got far less than he deserved, I was clear on my sentiments and expectations for the future. I plan on using his treachery to weigh on your parents. They will not be able to censure Elizabeth again with this hanging over them. ”

“I always knew that he could be self-indulgent, but I had no idea he could be this dangerous.”

“I spent so much energy trying to help Elizabeth adjust to me and my family that I did not consider my own family’s need for change, or mine for that matter.

I trusted Langston based on nothing but his standing in society and as a member of my own family.

I knew him to be an unfaithful husband and judgemental peer, but I sent him to be my wife’s protector anyway. I have been a fool, but no longer.”

“You are the best of men, Cousin. Elizabeth is lucky to have you.”

“No, I am the fortunate one.”

Darcy noticed that his cousin was fidgeting with his sleeve as he looked into the fire, a sure sign that something else was on his mind. He patiently waited for his cousin to speak.

“Darcy, about our family, there was one more thing that I discovered. I could not decide whether or not to tell you, but since you have opened up about my brother, I feel that I must not hold back.”

“What is it, James?”

“Aunt Catherine.”

“What does she have to do with anything?”

“Apparently Wickham has been under her employ for months now. She first paid him to attempt to break your engagement.”

Darcy stood abruptly and leaned against the mantle as he considered Wickham’s interference those many months ago. The notes in Elizabeth’s reticule.

“That is not all though. Apparently, she promised him five thousand if he could somehow dissolve your marriage. Not knowing if he would be successful, he decided to try for the five thousand from you as well. He thought it was a win-win situation – that he would either earn the money from you to keep quiet or from her by forcing a divorce.”

“Damn him! Well, he was unsuccessful on both counts. He wrote my wife letters, hoping I would see them. Now we know his goal. What I don’t understand is how my aunt could have devised such a plan. Surely she knew her efforts would not find success. A divorce could only hurt the family.”

“It would seem that Wickham’s charms are not relegated to just the young.

Apparently, he was able to convince Aunt Catherine that he could bring her success – that you would be free to marry Anne.

She was likely desperate enough to fall under his spell.

I swear he could talk a street urchin into believing she could one day marry the prince. ”

Darcy was deep in thought, about what to do concerning his aunt, when his cousin continued, “Will you confront her? Aunt Catherine remains unaware of our knowledge of her deceit.”

“Why does it have to be so difficult? Why must my family behave like vultures? They have everything; why must they try to destroy Elizabeth?”

“I am just a lowly soldier. I cannot understand the inner-workings of the elitist’s mind. Through my experiences though, I have come to realise that status does not determine a person’s value, nor does money. I am a much happier man than I would have been as first born.”

“You would have been a most worthy earl.”

“No, I am thankful that is not my lot.”

After a few moments of reflection on both sides, Darcy asked how long his cousin would be visiting. “I leave tomorrow for Matlock, but don’t worry, I will be in Hertfordshire come June.”

DARCY FELT THE TIME WAS RIGHT, and knowing that he and Elizabeth needed time away from the ears of servants, but in a setting that carried a different meaning than their private rooms, he invited his wife to take a turn about the gardens.

“Elizabeth, as this is a fine day, and spring is making a pleasant showing, would you be agreeable to join me for a walk outside to explore the beauties of Pemberley?” She readily assented.