Page 33 of The Shades of Pemberley
A nthony Fitzwilliam was the only member of the party who looked back on Pemberley with regret as the carriage heading to the south departed from the venerable estate.
Though he had come in response to tragedy, Fitzwilliam had come to terms with the former master’s death.
The time at Pemberley had taught him that perhaps he had looked on the life of a gentleman with a jaded eye that was unwarranted.
Now that he was older, the desire for adventure did not burn with such ferocity; of more importance, he had now seen battle and understood adventure was not a facet of being in the army.
Rather, it was the drudgery of training for weeks on end to enter a situation where a well-placed ball might end one’s time on earth with no warning.
Now that he was to return after such a long break, Fitzwilliam did not know if he wished to pursue that life any further.
His entrance into the army at all had been against his parents’ wishes, for his father had promised to provide for him.
The aforementioned lust for excitement and exploration had been too much for him to resist, leading to the purchase of his initial commission.
Now his mother lived in constant fear of his regiment receiving orders to battle against the French, and he lived with growing distaste for the occupation he had chosen.
Should it be required, Fitzwilliam would do his duty, though he was aware his father’s influence was enough to see him transferred to another regiment.
Fitzwilliam never wished to be one of those men—of whom there were not a few—who served king and country only when convenient and avoided battle at all costs.
The question he needed to answer was whether he would take that step and resign his commission.
To maintain his lifestyle, Fitzwilliam knew he would need to marry well, for while his father could provide him with enough funds to allow him to live in comfort, the property was all tied up in the earldom.
There was some suggestion that an elderly relation might leave him an estate, but Fitzwilliam had no notion if that was a possibility or mere rumor.
To own the truth, he had always envied Darcy a little for the freedom of choice he possessed, even though Darcy had never availed himself of it.
If anyone in the world could claim to know Jameson Darcy, it was Anthony Fitzwilliam, but even he could not claim to know his cousin well.
He had not been an easy man to know. Fitzwilliam Darcy was similar, though he was not so reticent as his cousin.
The new master of Pemberley was an excellent man, a man Fitzwilliam esteemed deeply in only a few short weeks.
Jameson had also been a good man, but Darcy was more suited, if Fitzwilliam could use such a term, to a close friendship.
Where it might lead, he could not know, but Fitzwilliam treasured the friendship.
Now that he was to become Georgiana’s second guardian, Fitzwilliam was assured of keeping the connection—he suspected, given enough time, they would be like brothers.
“It is a consequence of living in the north,” said Fitzwilliam that evening when they stopped at an inn for the night.
Darcy, who had commented on the interminable nature of the journey from Pemberley to London, shook his head in mock despair.
“As Netherfield is only four hours from London, I have never needed to concern myself much with the business of long travel. Much more planning accompanies a residence in the north.”
“That is true,” agreed Fitzwilliam. “Take heed, though, Darcy, that you do not complain too much. At present, there are only the three of us, and, of course, our excellent Mrs. Younge.” The woman nodded but said nothing.
“After you are married and children arrive, you may need two or even three carriages to transport them all, to say nothing of servants and baggage.”
Darcy groaned, but Fitzwilliam was not yet finished.
“We have relations that live in Cumberland, so when you consider twice the distance to Pemberley, perhaps it would be best to consider how much worse it could be.”
“No more, Fitzwilliam,” said Darcy. “I dare say you have made your point.”
“What do you think, Georgiana?” asked Fitzwilliam, turning a lazy look on his young cousin. “Have I tormented Darcy enough?”
Georgiana could not speak for her mirth; a hand placed over her mouth stifled the worst of her giggles. Darcy glared at Fitzwilliam, but he knew the other man was feigning his affront, for unlike Jameson, he did not lack the ability to laugh at himself.
“Then I suppose there is nothing to be done but endure it.”
“With wealth comes privilege and the ability to make such journeys easier. Trust me, Darcy—having campaigned in Spain, I am well acquainted with the monotony of traveling excessive distances.”
For a time thereafter, they spoke of the peninsula campaign and the state of the war on the continent.
Though Darcy was no tactician and had no experience in soldiering, he showed an excellent understanding of the strategic position and could speak with intelligence about the future of the war effort.
The ladies did not participate, Georgiana being too young and uninterested in such things.
After a time, she spoke up to change the subject.
“Anthony, you are to return to your regiment?”
“It is unfortunate, but yes,” said Fitzwilliam. “The loss of your favorite cousin must be a trial to bear, but I am certain with the company of Miss Kitty and her sisters, you will have no cause to repine.”
“At least they do not consider everything a joke,” retorted Georgiana.
Then she turned to Darcy. “Thank you for allowing me to stay with you at Netherfield, Cousin. I am anticipating my reunion.”
Fitzwilliam noted that Mrs. Younge did not appear to appreciate the reminder, but again, she did not speak. What she was about, Fitzwilliam could not say, for he did not suppose that Miss Kitty was anything other than an estimable lady, even if she was a little too lively.
“I expect Miss Kitty is in the same state as you are, Georgiana,” said Darcy.
“What of my guardianship?” asked Georgiana, turning to Fitzwilliam. “Has Uncle sent any news of its disposition?”
“Not yet, but he has only been in town a short time. I expect word to come of the details within the week.”
Georgiana chewed at her lip, perhaps showing a hint of nervousness. “What if Lady Catherine comes to Netherfield and demands that I go to Kent with her?”
“Should that happen, Darcy has my full authority and that of my father to resist any attempt to take custody of you. Once the solicitor sends confirmation, Darcy may do as he pleases.”
“Do you suppose she will ?”
“The workings of Lady Catherine’s mind are beyond my ability to understand,” said Fitzwilliam. “I do not think for an instant that we have seen the end of her, but how she will act is a mystery.”
“If you will pardon my saying it,” said Darcy, “your aunt is of such a disposition that abhors being denied sufficient to make any action to get her way within the realm of what is possible.”
“That much is certain,” agreed Fitzwilliam. “Father may need to deal with her on a more permanent basis, for her actions may cause a stain on the family.”
Darcy grinned. “Do you suppose it is Bedlam for her?”
“Lady Catherine is not mad, Darcy, though she sometimes gives the appearance of it. Rosings Park belongs to Anne, though she has never contended with her mother for control of the estate. Should Father press Anne’s claim and remove Lady Catherine to the dower house, that would neuter much of her current power. ”
“I will remain vigilant, regardless.”
Fitzwilliam nodded his thanks. Soon thereafter, they retired to their rooms for the night, earlier than had been their wont while at Pemberley.
Darcy’s comments about the inconvenience of the journey were not ill-considered, such that a good night’s sleep was nearly a necessity when traveling all day.
THE IMPATIENCE EXPANDING in Darcy’s chest was near to bursting by the time they sighted Netherfield through the trees early in the afternoon two days later.
Darcy had considered pushing on the previous day to arrive at Netherfield late the previous evening, and he suspected he might take that avenue the next time he traveled between the two estates.
Georgiana’s wilting fatigue and the lateness of the day had convinced him to stop when he had not wished to do so.
Now, of course, Georgiana was not in the least weary, for she was bouncing with excitement at the imminent arrival at Netherfield, and more particularly for the proposed visit to Longbourn.
After arriving so early in the day, Darcy would not countenance another delay before he was once again in Elizabeth’s company.
Now that he had returned, he knew there were only two weeks until his nuptials, and he was resolved that nothing would postpone them again!
When the carriage stopped before Netherfield, his mother moved forward to greet them, and after they had exchanged pleasantries, she regarded them, amusement pushing her lips into a smile.
“I suppose you wish to visit Longbourn?”
“At once!” cried Georgiana. “I cannot wait to make the acquaintance of all Kitty’s sisters.”
A laugh met her exclamation. “So you shall. Mrs. Bennet sent an invitation to dinner this evening. When you are all refreshed, we may depart for Longbourn at once, for I expect they are no less impatient to receive us.”
With that, the travelers went to their rooms to mend the damage to their appearances wrought by their time in the carriage. Darcy, his enthusiasm exceeding even Georgiana’s, was the first to descend, and there he met his mother waiting for his appearance.
“I see you cannot wait to return to Elizabeth’s presence,” said she, favoring him with a knowing smile. “Unfortunate though it is, I have tidings for you, for you have a rival for the lady’s affection.”