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Chapter 10: The Ridgemont Mines
Word that the new owner of Ridgemont mines had arrived in person spread like wild fire across the mines. Within half an hour of his arrival, with his two sons in tow, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy found a large crowd gathered in front of the overseer's lodge.
Mr. Darcy surveyed the scene before him in the grimmest mood. He was horrified to see small children, some as young as seven or eight years of age, working in the coal mines. All the workers, young and old, were gaunt and filthy, wearing threadbare clothes, looking out at the world with weary and distrustful eyes. There were many with bandaged limbs.
All his life, Mr. Darcy had never encountered such hostility from an assembly of people. It did not matter a farthing to these people that he was the new owner of these mines, and that he was not the person responsible for their oppressive work conditions or their miserable existence. To them, he was but another rich man, living a privileged life in a palatial manor far away from their hellhole of a coal mine. His wealth would undoubtedly increase whilst their lifeblood was being sucked away by harsh work and measly wages. They would hate him as they did the previous owner.
"Good people of Ridgemont," begun Mr. Darcy, his deep strong voice carried resonantly over the large crowd, and reached every ear. He and his sons were standing atop a couple of large wooden crates so that everyone could see them clearly.
"I am Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire. Lord Rotham, the owner of these mines, defaulted on a loan I made to him some years ago. So, as of this date, by the dictates of Her Majesty's laws, I am the new owner of Ridgemont mines. Let me begin by saying that what I have seen here since my arrival scarcely an hour ago has shocked and horrified me beyond words."
Loud murmurs erupted amongst the crowd. Many exchanged an excited word with their neighbours, but most simply stared at Mr. Darcy and his sons intently.
Mr. Darcy held up his hand for silence. He continued, "I doubt if Lord Rotham had ever set foot here at Ridgemont. . ."
A loud, gruff voice interrupted Mr. Darcy, "No, governor! His lordship has a gouty foot! We poor sods ain't never seen the hair or hide of his lordship in the Pennines!"
Delirious laughter followed the crude remarks. Mr. Darcy waited for silence before he continued.
"Unfortunately, Lord Rotham entrusted the management of these mines to a scoundrel. It is very obvious that the overseer had abused his power, and had betrayed Lord Rotham and the people here. I have been informed that the man has fled Ridgemont, with his booty of ill-gotten gains, and is now a fugitive of Her Majesty's laws."
Loud curses were voiced, and a general venting of anger followed. It was a long while before Mr. Darcy could speak again.
"I trust the authorities to do their duty, but none of their actions can remedy our dire needs here at Ridgemont. I have the resources to meet many immediate needs here. Indeed, my sons and I have brought food and medicine with us, but I can readily see that much more is needed than our initial supply. There is urgent need for warm clothing, better shelters, care of the injured and sickly. My resources, although ample, are not unlimited. Therefore, I shall need your help - your goodwill and earnest efforts - to make things better here. I am a man of principle, and I conduct all my personal and business dealings with Christian values and high standards. You may find me a hard taskmaster, but I am a fair-minded man. I have a very good rapport with my tenant farmers at Pemberley, and together, we have reaped mutual benefits these many decades. I stress the word "mutual" because success only comes when people work together with trust and dedicated efforts. I know it is hard to believe the words of a man you know nothing of, but I give you my word of honour that I shall be sincere in my efforts to improve Ridgemont."
Mr. Darcy could sense a slight shift of emotions in the crowd. He had not won them over by any stretch of imagination, but at the very least, they were listening to his every word.
"So, off with them shackles, eh, governor?" hollered the same gruff voice rather defiantly. Mr. Darcy searched the faces of the crowd, and found the speaker to be a tall, broad-shouldered man with a bandaged head. His flame-red beard seemed to be a pennant for his open temper.
"Yes, indeed," replied Mr. Darcy calmly, not intimated in the least. "I am sure that you, like all other men, work better when standing tall. I can readily think of a few good reasons for a man to work hard for: a full belly, a warm hearth with a good wife and healthy children. Ah, yes, children!" Mr. Darcy paused to take a deep breath so he could speak louder, "I am a father myself, and I cherish children. I do not want, I repeat this urgently, I do not want any child working in the mines! Any child working in the mines must cease his work as of today! I shall conduct a personal interview with each worker here at Ridgemont - it will be a long, tedious process, but I want to meet each of you face to face to hear your particular concerns. For whatever reasons that have prompted you to let your child work in the mines, I wish to hear of such reasons. If we seek to find remedies, we must speak openly and honestly to each other. I find that is the most effective way to communicate."
A stunned silence followed his long and earnest speech. Whatever the crowd had expected from the new owner, it was nothing like what he had just said. In their hearts, they longed to trust him, but their bitter past experiences held them back.
Mr. Darcy was not sure whether these people believed any of his words, but he saw a few people nodding their heads, and a look of friendlier countenance appeared on quite a few faces, especially amongst the womenfolk.
"My two sons - Alexander and James - shall be working closely with me," continued Mr. Darcy solemnly. "Indeed, our initial plan is for them to stay on as joint overseers until we can find better solutions to the many problems confronting us at Ridgemont."
The crowd did not overlook the way Mr. Darcy used the terms "us" and "our" in reference to Ridgemont. A rough and illiterate crowd they might be, but they did not misunderstand the implications of his words. The new owner seemed genuinely concerned about the people at Ridgemont, and it was an extraordinary experience for everyone present.
"A couple of young dandies! Such finely tailored coats and polished boots!" exclaimed the same gruff man. "We ain't no wet nurses, Mister Darcy!"
"They are handsome lads," replied Mr. Darcy with a slight smile before he grew solemn again, "but you shall find them to be decent, responsible and hard-working young men. Their dear mother would not raise her sons any other way."
"God save us all!" retorted the man boldly. "A house ruled by a woman!"
Mr. Darcy noted that as soon as the gruff man spoke, the petite woman standing close by his side poked him sharply in the ribs. The man wore a rather sheepish expression after she whispered something to him. The petite woman was young and plain, but her face was clean and her eyes were alert and bright.
"I have observed that when a home is regulated by a good woman, one usually finds domestic felicity," remarked Mr. Darcy good-humouredly, trying hard to repress a bemused smile as he took stock of the gruff giant.
"I am sure your wife will agree with me - that a vibrant community is usually made up of good neighbours in happy homes. I see such homes amongst my tenant farmers at Pemberley, as well as in my neighbouring villages of Lambton and Kymton."
The petit woman nodded her head in silence agreement. Her husband remained stoically stern, and continued to glare at Mr. Darcy.
"By the grace of God, and by your goodwill and combined efforts, I hope to see such happy homes here at Ridgemont. It will be a long and daunting task, but we must make the attempt. I simply cannot stand by to see you all perish!"
Mr. Darcy turned to his sons, and suggested that they addressed the crowd. Alexander spoke first, directly and succinctly.
"You shall find my father is a man of his word. My brother and I know our duties and responsibilities as well. Our first course of action is to set up an orderly distribution of food, winter clothing and medicine. We shall send for more supplies. We want everyone to have adequate shelter from the cold weather. Until we resolve the shortage of housing here, we must ask everyone to cram in together. Immediate repairs, the building of new lodgings, and an inspection of the work conditions of the mines will be our next set of priorities."
"We also need to have a new foreman to supervise the mining crews," added James urgently.
"Aye! Our hellhound of a foreman ran off with our crooked overseer. Good riddance to them both! The toads clabbered me on the head when I spoke up for the wee ones," said the same gruff man with the bandaged head. He was the most vocal amongst the crowd, and Mr. Darcy sensed that the man commanded a certain respect amongst his fellow miners, and it was not due to his impressive height alone.
"My good man, you know my name already," said Mr. Darcy loudly. "Pray, tell me, what is yours?"
"Jack Goodwin," shouted the man, but he hastily added, "Sir!" when his wife poked him in the ribs again.
"Goodwin!" called out Mr. Darcy, "Come up here so my sons and I can shake your hand, and make you our new foreman of Ridgemont."
The big man was stunned, but there was a hearty round of cheers that followed Mr. Darcy's remark.
Both Alexander and James murmured a thankful prayer that their father was always a good judge of men. They had never managed a coal mine before, and they certainly needed a strong and capable assistant if there was to be any success in this most daunting task before them.
Jack Goodwin made his way through the crowd, with his wife along his side. Mr. Darcy did not flinch from taking the large but filthy hand of the miner, and he gave it a hearty shake.
Alexander and James shook Goodwin's hand as well, and both bowed gallantly at Mrs. Goodwin. At first, she was stunned by their behaviour, but she recovered shortly, and giggled in delight at their gentlemanly etiquette. In turn, a light ripple of laughter went through the crowd, causing much excited chatter. The change of mood was utterly unexpected, and caused more loud giggles and laughter, especially amongst the young and the women.
Mr. Darcy knew that it would take substantially more than mere laughter to bring any real remedies to the horrors of Ridgemont, but he took the laughter of the crowd to be a good omen.
Mrs. Jack Goodwin, although small in statue, was a very capable leader. With the help of a group of women, she quickly set up a kitchen line to prepare the meats and grains brought by the Darcys for a hot nourishing meal for all. The sickly and injured received priority attention, as did the young children. By Mr. Darcy's directive, the bedrooms of the overseer's lodge were turned into temporary sickrooms.
An express rider was dispatched to the nearest town, with instructions to send for a doctor, and to order additional food, blankets, medicine, and other needed supplies for Ridgemont. Mr. Darcy also penned two other letters - one to Pemberley to report the current situation to his wife, and another to London. The latter was a request to his banker for substantial funds to meet the current crisis at Ridgemont.
Jack Goodwin took to his role as foreman with natural ease. He gave a detailed verbal report of what he knew about Ridgemont mines to the Darcys, and took them around to meet the mining crew. Goodwin noted with satisfaction that the Darcys did as they had promised - they met with every miner's family, and they took time to listen to their concerns. The elder son even wrote down notes in his leather portfolio as he accompanied his father in such interviews. Both father and son had the most solemn looks, and spoke in such grave tones. The younger son seemed more jovial in manner, and had greater ease in talking with people. His warm smiles were like a tonic to many, and it was not long before "Master James", with his charismatic and amiable manner, became a favourite personage at Ridgemont.
It was nearly three weeks since their first arrival at Ridgemont when Mr. Darcy informed his sons that he had to leave for London.
"I must go to London and meet with my bankers at Barings. The situation here has been far worse than I had been informed or anticipated, and the funds I have originally allotted for Ridgemont to cure its many evils are running dangerously low. I must divert funds from our other resources to meet the crisis here."
"We should find a new buyer for Ridgemont soon," suggested James. He stretched his long legs wearily. "Lord Paxton, perhaps? His lordship has vaults of gold. Perhaps he can send his precious son William up here to learn some much needed lessons of hard work and responsibility!"
James was in a foul mood. He was tired of sleeping on his canvas cot, and sick of the plain food and ale. How he missed his luxurious bedchamber at Pemberley, and all his favourite dishes that Mrs. Childers always prepared for him!
"No, James!" exclaimed Mr. Darcy. "I have given these people my word of honour. I would not have voluntarily bought a coal mine, but by default, I am the new owner now. The people here, like our tenant farmers at Pemberley, are our responsibility. I shall not abandon them, or risk them to suffer under another absentee owner as they did under Lord Rodham."
"So, Alex and I are here for the duration," remarked James with resignation, "with only Briggs to keep us company."
"Well, both of you have a tremendous task before you. Until we improve these mines - in terms of safety, better living and working conditions, healthier and stronger workers - we cannot improve the production yield or the profitability of Ridgemont to offset our enormous costs and expenses of operation. Therefore, you have to implement vital changes here, and stay until we can find a trustworthy and diligent overseer. I have asked the Goodwins to look out for you both during my absence. After London, I shall be at Pemberley before I return here."
"Father, you mentioned that you need to divert other funds to meet the crisis here. Are we putting Pemberley in jeopardy?" inquired Alexander gravely.
"No, son!" smiled Mr. Darcy reassuringly. "Over the years, I have been prudent enough to make provisions for such unexpected crisis, albeit this was more horrendous that I ever dreamt. No, we shall not put Pemberley in jeopardy, and you shall not be required to marry an heiress with a princely dowry to rescue your family from financial disaster."
"James," continued Mr. Darcy as he put an encouraging arm around his son's shoulders, "you have to work well with your brother. I know that you have not buried the hatchet, or make genuine peace with Alexander. I trust, however, that you will honour my wishes."
James nodded obediently, and gave his reassurance.
Alexander shook hands with his father. There was no need for words. His entire upbringing had been centered upon his duties and responsibilities as his father's heir, and he would live up to such expectations.
Failure was not an option, Alexander reminded himself grimly.
Chapter 11: Heir By A Heartbeat
It was shortly after Mr. Darcy's departure that the cave-in happened.
"Master James!" shouted a young miner breathlessly as he rushed into the overseer's lodge. James Darcy looked up from the account ledgers, and found the man in extreme agitation.
"Yes, Bokins? What is the matter?"
"Cave-in, sir! The old side tunnel! Master Alexander is there," exclaimed Bokins breathlessly.
"Is my brother safe?" James asked urgently as he dashed out of the lodge in full speed, sprinting towards the mines.
Jacob Bokins had a hard time keeping up with his tall master.
"I dunno know, sir! Master Alexander was in the tunnel itself when it happened!"
James froze in his step, and turned to stare at the bearer of the horrible news.
"Good God!" he exclaimed before he ran faster than he had ever ran in his life. He saw a large crowd in front of the main tunnel entrance. Big Jack Goodwin was in the midst of the fervent action, as he yelled urgent instructions to begin the rescue efforts.
"Make haste, lads!" the flame-bearded foreman shouted. "Don't be like headless chicken! Form the lines! For heaven's sake! Go to it, lads!"
James nearly ran directly into Goodwin. He grabbed the man by the lapels of his jacket, and demanded, "Where is my brother?"
"He is still inside - trapped with a dozen men," replied Goodwin grimly.
"How? Why?" James was so worried that he was literally incoherent. He took a deep breath to gather his wits before he spoke again. "What happened?" he said simply.
"Master Alexander wanted to inspect all the tunnels himself. Mr. Darcy had ordered the replacement of the timber supports in the main shaft - those we just finished replacing. Your brother was mightily worried about the supports of the old tunnel. That old shaft still has a good vein for them coals," explained Goodwin. "So he went in. I warned him of the dangers, but he just told me, 'A quick look, my good man. Nothing to signify.' Moments after that, the earth roared and they were trapped."
"How bad it is?"
"Bad enough, sir!" replied Goodwin gravely. "The old tunnel is very narrow - not much room for my men to move around when they dig."
"Then the men trapped inside are in a very confined space," said James. Goodwin nodded grimly in confirmation. James tried to make some mental calculations for the limited amount of air for the doomed men before the trapped gases inside built up too much pressure. They had limited time for survival. It was too nightmarish to contemplate!
While they were talking, the miners were already wheeling out burrows of large rocks that they were digging out from the caved-in tunnel. The entire area grew strangely quiet, with only the sounds of the wheel burrows, the iron hammers, pick-axes and shovels along with the laboured breathing of the men at work. Jack Goodwin turned his attention back to his rescue crew. He shouted more instructions before he grabbed a shovel with his giant hand, and marched towards the tunnel entrance.
James called after him, "Wait a moment, Goodwin!" He turned to Bokins, and said, "Go to Mrs. Goodwin, and tell her to organize another kitchen line to keep food and drink ready for everyone. A nursing station for the injured as well. I am going in with Goodwin."
"Anything else, sir?" asked Bokins, eager to help in any way.
"Yes! Pray! Say your prayers for everyone!" replied James solemnly as he grabbed a shovel to join his foreman.
"No, Master James!" Jack Goodwin protested vehemently as he realized what James Darcy intended to do. He moved to block James with his own body. "Sir, you cannot go inside!"
"I must! My brother is trapped inside! I intend to dig him out, with my bare hands and by myself if I have to! Move aside, Goodwin!" shouted James with grim determination. "I shall not hesitate to clabber your thick skull if you continue to stand in my way!"
"Your father shall have my head if I let you in, sir," stated the foreman earnestly.
"Then, your thick skull is not safe in either cases," said James with a wicked laugh. "My father is far away in London, but I am standing inches away from you. We are wasting precious time arguing. Come along, Goodwin!"
"Yes, sir," replied Goodwin in resignation.
The digging was hard and precarious. Everyone was fearful of causing another cave-in. They seemed to measure their progress by inches, hampered by the stale and stifling air as well as the narrow confines of the side tunnel.
Unlike his elder brother, James Darcy had rarely done any manual labour at Pemberley. He excelled in swimming, tennis, cricket, fencing, and riding. He had always considered himself to be in superb physical health. Yet, within half an hour of digging, James found that his hands were blistering. Every muscle in his body ached, and he was quite out of breath. He could not quite comprehend how his workers could dig a full day.
Whilst his body begged for a rest, his mind refused to give up. He was endowed with the undaunted spirit of his parents - so he simply gritted his teeth, and carried on determinedly. He focused his thoughts entirely on his brother, and ignored everything else. Soon, he found the rhythm that his fellow miners had, and the pain in all his joints became duller.
Jack Goodwin worked quietly alongside James Darcy. He had fashioned a face cloth for the young master to block away much of the coal dusts, and he took care to give him a drink at regular intervals. He saw the blisters on James's hands, but restrained himself from taking his shovel away.
James Darcy knew not how long they had been digging in the tunnel. He was measuring time with his own heartbeats, and as such, his heart was beating harder and faster as the air inside the tunnel became more stifling.
A moment of sheer panic flashed through him: What if his brother had already perished in the initial cave-in?
"No!" screamed James's mind in silent protest as the image of a limp, crashed body flashed before his eyes.
"No," he muttered again, this time audible to his fellow miners. He grasped his shovel harder, and concentrated on his digging efforts. He could feel, deep within his very core of being, that his brother was still alive.
Then another fleeting thought came into his mind. If his elder brother did not come out of this ordeal alive, he himself would be the sole Darcy heir. Pemberley and all the entailed fortune and patronage would be his alone; and the heart of the dearest and loveliest maiden - Isabella Bingley - would be his entirely!
James cursed himself almost instantaneously as such thoughts coursed through his tired brain. He loved and admired his elder brother so dearly! How could he have such outrageous thoughts? He admonished himself with the severest reprimand, and increased the force of his labour. His brother Alexander would never have such thoughts in his mind - he who always placed the happiness of others before his own.
James was so ashamed and upset at himself that he did not hear the first words of excitement amongst the rescue crew.
"Master James! We have broken through!" said Goodwin in an excited whisper as he poked at a small hole. No one dared to speak loudly for fear of creating unnecessary vibrations.
"Oi!" said Goodwin through the small opening in the rocks, "Master Alexander?"
"Yes," came the instant reply. James heaved a sigh of immense relief at the sound of his brother's strong voice.
"We are all alive," continued Alexander Darcy, "We have sustained some injuries, but none life-threatening as far as I can ascertain."
"Alex! Thank God you are alive!" whispered James as he tried to peek through the hole.
"James? Get out of here! This very instant! It is too dangerous here!" replied Alexander in great agitation.
"Is that all that gratitude I am to expect from this rescue," he asked in mock indignation. "Listen, big brother, we shall pass you some drink and food through the opening until we can get you out."
"Master Alexander, we are going to run an air hose through - to pump some fresh air in," added Goodwin.
"Jack, I am going back outside to start the bellows," said a young miner as he squirreled away nimbly.
"Good lad," nodded Goodwin approvingly. "Now, men, let us keep at this until they are freed. Master James, please get outside to safety now. Your brother is well, and we shall have him and all the others out very soon."
"No, Goodwin," refused James stubbornly, "I am staying where I am. I shall continue to dig as well. I wish to pull my brother out with my own hands."
Jack Goodwin shook his head in resignation. "God bless the Darcys," he murmured silently. If one wished for anything to be done, simply tell them it was too difficult, and these stalwart men of Derbyshire would find a way, and would see it through to its successful end.
An enormous cheer swept through Ridgemont as the rescuers emerged from the mine with the trapped men. James was actually being half-carried out of the mine by his elder brother, as he was utterly exhausted with his digging. With their faces blackened by soot and coal dust, it was almost impossible to distinguish one brother from the other.
"Three cheers for the Darcys!" shouted Goodwin. The thunderous roar that followed reflected both the joy of the safe deliverance of everyone, and the growing esteem that people had for the Darcys.
"Thank you, one and all," exclaimed Alexander Darcy as he acknowledged the crowd with a grateful salute. He turned to his brother, and added with great emotions, "Thank you, James. I owe you and all my rescuers my life."
"If the situation was reverse, you would have done the same for me," grinned James as he hugged his brother affectionately.
"Master Alexander! Master James! You have surely shed your blood with us this day. So, we are now a band of brothers, are we not, sir?" asked Peter Brown with a jaunty laugh. "We few, we happy few?"
"Indeed, Peter, indeed we are!" replied Alexander with sincerely, and gave the miner a friendly pat on the back. Brown roared with laughter as he ran ahead, into the welcoming arms of his family.
James stared at Alexander with astonished inquiry. "The man cannot be quoting Shakespeare!"
"Yes, he is," replied Alexander with a pleased smile. "From Henry V ! We were trapped in that pitch black tunnel for so long. In between saying "Our Lord's Prayer," we talked of many things - ranging from personal to the profane. I started telling them stories to pass the time, to keep our minds from dwelling on fear. I went through the Homeric tales of the Iliad and the Odyssey, Shakespeare plays, and proverbs from Poor Richard's Almanack. It was very fortunate that you broke through just when I was running out of decent stories to tell!"
"You never cease to amaze me, Alex. Shakespeare for a group of illiterate miners?"
"Why ever not? Shakespeare's genius belongs to all," retorted Alexander with a bemused smile. "The Bard wrote his plays for the common folk of his day - most were illiterate too!"
James nodded in pensive silence. His brother had such a direct way of putting things in the proper perspective.
The jubilation that followed the successful rescue enveloped Ridgemont like a magic veil. The people came through the rescue experience with closer bonds of camaraderie than before. Besides, there had not been any cause for rejoicing for so long that once the cheering started, the people simply did not wish to cease the celebrations.
The Darcy brothers finally had to chance to talk at length after the cheering had died down, and after their minor injures were attended to by the capable Mrs. Goodwin. The experience was a pivotal point in their relationship. Death had threatened them in a very real way, and they realized now that any misunderstandings, grudges or grievances between them were insignificant when weighted against the scale of their immense brotherly love for each other.
"How is your head?' asked James with great concern. A head injury, however slight, was no trifling matter.
"Tolerable," replied Alexander as he touched his bandaged head gingerly. "The rock that hit me did not hurt half as bad as your punches did," he added with a hearty chuckle. "That sound beating I received from you was memorable. My bruises had bruises upon them!"
"Well, it is fortunate that you have such a thick head then," replied James with equal levity. The aftermath of such close encounters with danger often rendered one to see most matters in a lighter, even amusing light. "I wonder from whom you inherited such a trait? Not from our excellent parents, I am certain."
"From one of our revered ancestors, no doubt," mused Alexander.
"We have a rather extensive and old lineage. Doubtlessly, there were a few ancestors of stubborn nature," reflected James, "and perhaps even a greater number of brooding ones!"
Alexander nodded in agreement. The talk of ancestors made him realized that only a heartbeat separated the designated heir from the next rightful heir in line.
By a mere heartbeat and the next breath!
It was a grim reality that Alexander did not like to contemplate too often, but a fact of life that his own father had always impressed upon him.
"In case of my demise, do not think of yourself," Mr. Darcy would say to him, "Your first and foremost responsibility is to your dear mother, and to our family."
Now, looking at the face of his beloved brother James - a face so strikingly like his own - Alexander realized that if he had perished in the tunnel today, James would be the heir. If it had come to pass, thought Alexander, it would not have been so bad. He could not have a better brother than James. Such thoughts let him inevitably to Isabella. Indeed, it was thoughts of her that carried him through the cave-in ordeal. He might have been quoting Shakespeare or Benjamin Franklin to the miners, but his mind was entirely preoccupied with Isabella. Trapped in the frightening darkness, the marvelous image of her in his mind kept his hopes of survival high, and his spirits bright. He would live yet another day so he could see her again!
Strangely enough, Alexander now felt rather at peace with the thought of Isabella Bingley being James's wife.
His younger brother's deep voice broke through his reverie, "Alex, I never apologized to you for punching you that day. I was partly motivated to rescue you because of my need to make a sincere apology. I simply could let you go to your grave and be angry with me still."
"I was never angry with you, James! What did you do or say that I did not deserve? But let us start anew." Alexander offered his hand in friendship, and his brother grasped it eagerly.
"Thank you, Alex," exclaimed James before he erupted into merry laughter.
"What is so amusing?"
"I just realized that I am the only one in our family who calls you 'Alex.' Everyone else is so formal when they address you. It is always 'Alexander.' I sometimes feel one should accompany such formal salutation with a courtly bow as well."
"I never felt it being too formal. Perhaps it is because our father's Christian name is rather formal. Mother always call him 'Fitzwilliam' and never anything else."
"She calls him 'Will' in private," chuckled James, "Did you know that our Father writes love sonnets to our Mother?"
"No," replied Alexander incredulously. "How do you know?"
"When he was here these past three weeks, he posted numerous letters to her, using the express rider several times," said James. "I did not mean to look, but I happened upon him a few times penning long stanzas, with 'My dearest Lizzy' at the top, and "Your beloved Will" at the bottom, signed with such a flourish!"
"It is scandalous of you to repeat such private correspondence!" scolded Alexander. "But whilst we are on the subject of writing to loved ones, you should write to Isabella. You must stop your childish sulking and reconcile with her as soon as possible!"
James was silent. Isabella Bingley was too sensitive subject to be discussed.
Alexander, however, was persistent.
"Listen to me, James! I have honoured my solemn pledge to you, and I have stayed away from Isabella since that infamous day. More than stayed away - I have made myself so disagreeable to her that she now holds me in contempt - I am a bona fide villain in her eyes. I learned from Henry Bingley's recent letter that you and Isabella are still out of favour with each other. You have yet to make your reconciliation?"
James looked at Alexander intently before he replied rather sheepishly. "You are right, Alex. I am a gudgeon and a fool. I know it is very wrong of me to sulk. But I cannot write to express my feelings adequately. Besides, it is not proper to write to her - we are not engaged yet."
"Then go to her directly, and explain everything to her, face to face."
"I cannot leave here! Father has commanded us to stay at our post!"
"I can manage on my own," reassured Alexander. "Besides, Jack Goodwin is a very capable foreman. I plan to train him to be our assistant overseer of the mines, so I need you to go back to Pemberley and discuss this matter with Father. And while you are on this mission of Ridgemont business, you can certainly pay the Bingleys a visit, and take the opportunity to talk to Isabella."
"But, Alex. . ." James began to protest.
"No arguments, little brother," said Alexander firmly. "You leave tomorrow morning. Take Briggs with you. Our poor valet is under great duress. The food is too coarse, the living condition too primitive, and the non-existence of a decent wardrobe for him to fuss over is too unbearable for him. I like Briggs too well to put him under such torture!"
"How would you manage? I shall send Coxwell to you as soon as I return to Pemberley."
"Come now, James, how hard is it to polish one's boots? To rinse out a shirt and put it on a clothes line?"
"Perhaps not so difficult, but to heat water for your bath? Give you a decent shave?"
"Then I shall take icy cold baths and give a full beard," replied Alexander in mirthful humor.
"To tie your cravat, perhaps?" teased James.
"I do not think the people here give a farthing as to how I tie my cravat."
James rolled his eyes, and roared with laugher, "To think Jack Goodwin once accused you for being a dandy!"
Alexander laughed with equal merriment. The brothers talked long into the night, touching on all subjects, from trivial to significant, renewing their brotherly bond, and rekindling the deep camaraderie they had long shared but had been worn rather thin under the trying circumstances of late.
Chapter 12: The Reconciliation
Whatever qualms James Darcy had felt - leaving such awesome responsibilities of the Ridgemont coal mine solely upon the broad shoulders of his elder brother - had somewhat diminished as the sight of his beloved home drew near. Pemberley, with all its luxurious comforts, beckoned like a paradise oasis to the weary traveler.
His entire family, obviously impatient for his arrival, greeted him at the main courtyard. His sisters gave him effusive hugs and kisses, his father an affectionate pat on the back, and his mother a loving embrace.
"You look awful, dear heart!" exclaimed Mrs. Darcy as she seized hold of his bandaged hands. "You are hurt! And you must have lose ten pounds!"
The poor condition of this second son made her heart lurched with worry in regards to her first-born. "How is Alexander? Is he well?"
"Alex is fine, Mother. He always has a stout constitution. Moreover, yielding a shovel every day has turned him into a veritable Hercules," exclaimed James with a mirthful laugh.
James, however, did not add that he himself could hardly eat the coarse food at Ridgemont whilst Alexander did not mind having a second helping. Indeed, James had wondered how a man as taciturn and aloof as his brother could bear the company of illiterate miners with such apparent ease and forbearance.
From the moment of his homecoming, James allowed himself to be fussed over and pampered by his family and the household staff. He enjoyed a steaming hot bath, put on new clothes, and allowed his valet to fuss over his cravat. To his great delight, Mrs. Childers and her kitchen staff had made all his favorite dishes, and he had double servings of each sumptuous dish.
"It is glorious to be home," smiled James with appreciation as he leaned back to enjoy his glass of wine.
The Darcys regarded their second son with parental pride. James had given a vivid account of the horrendous cave-in accident and the rescue. Mrs. Darcy was terrified by his narration, but was proud of the role he had played in the rescue of Alexander and the mining crew.
"I hope Alexander has the sense to stay out of harm's way," she remarked with a worried look. "He is so much like your father - always insisting of doing everything himself."
"I extracted a solemn promise from him before I left - that he would not venture half a foot into any tunnels. Our foreman promised to be watch over him like a mother hen," laughed James. The image of Jack Goodwin in confrontation with his big brother was somewhat humourous. He wondered whose stubborn nature would win?
"In all fairness, I do not believe that Alexander puts himself in harm's way on purpose," remarked Mr. Darcy. "He is a very careful and prudent man. Accidents do happen, despite of any precautionary actions. A coal mine is not the safest place."
"It is in a mother's nature to worry - no matter how old and independent her children have grown."
"And a father's nature too," smiled Mr. Darcy as he patted his wife's hand gently and reassuringly.
"Ah!" remarked James. "The burdens of parenthood! I seriously doubt if I have such fortitude to bear them!"
"You shall, my son, and you shall do so with such gladness in your heart," replied Mr. Darcy with candor. "Your mother and I gladly suffer the burdens of parenthood because of the immeasurable joys you and your siblings have brought us. Indeed, the most important aspect is finding the right person as your spouse - a well-matched marriage of hearts and minds makes a solid foundation for parenthood. With your dear mother close by my side, I have found all my worries to be lighter, and all my joys greater."
"Admittedly, some of us tend to be more troublesome, and bring more worries than joys to our parents. I confess that I am the guilty party!" said Lizzy with her habitual candor.
"In such cases, I am a culprit as well! Only Alex and Jane are ever mindful to be well-behaved!" said James humbly.
"I beg to differ from your assertion," laughed his younger sister Jane, "as I get into my share of mischiefs as well!"
"But I have been the sulking, unreasonable child of late," remarked James.
"Knowing your own flaws is the first critical step to the improvement of one's character and manners," remarked Mr. Darcy, "and I speak from bitter experience."
Upon this open confession, his beloved wife smiled at him appreciatively. With such a look in her fine eyes, she seemed to be sending him a discreet kiss as well. Mr. Darcy held her gaze, and smiled back.
After the sumptuous meal, the family adjourned to the music room. James immediately requested some of his favorite Italian arias. His mother sang whilst accompanied by his sisters - Lizzy on the harp, and Jane on the piano. As he let his mother's melodic voice soothed over his ragged spirits, he thought of his brother, and prayed that he was well. He decided to send forth more painting supplies and books to Ridgemont along with his valet Coxwell, as Alexander would certainly need suitable diversions to occupy himself through those cold and lonely nights.
James spent the next several days in consultation with his father, and discussed in details the affairs of Ridgemont. Mr. Darcy was receptive to Alexander's suggestion of making Jack Goodwin the assistant overseer of the mine, but he wished to withhold his final approval until he visited Ridgemont in person. There were other pressing estate matters at Pemberley that required his immediate attention, as well as the family's obligatory annual visit to Rosings. Therefore, Mr. Darcy could not undertake a trip to Ridgemont until the end of April.
In the meanwhile, Mr. Darcy continued his regular correspondences with his oldest son. Each report from Ridgemont carried better news than the last. Mr. Darcy was glad to entrust the management of Ridgemont in such capable hands. There were additional requests for new expenditures - mainly for the general improvements of the Ridgemont community - and such requests reflected the genuine care and goodwill Alexander felt for the people in his care.
Mr. Darcy was of undecided as to James's current situation. He knew that James would learn much from Alexander if he was sent back to Ridgemont. On the other hand, Sir James Fitzwilliam had requested that James should travel with the Fitzwilliam family for a few weeks. Time spent in the company of Sir James Fitzwilliam would be of the greatest benefit to any young man, thought Mr. Darcy. Had he himself not always relied upon the sage advice of his older cousin?
Mr. Darcy was well aware that James had yet to reconcile with Isabella Bingley. He put forth the idea of a family visit to the Bingleys, and was not overly surprised to see his son's apparent reluctance to make the short journey to Maywood.
"James, you must overcome your anger, and apologize to Isabella. It is too petty of you to carry on in this manner," said Mr. Darcy gravely.
"I have made my peace with Alex," stated James directly.
"Good! I am very glad to hear it," said Mr. Darcy contentedly.
"But, Father, I do not know how to go about it with Isabella," exclaimed James. "I have flung some hurtful words at her, and I am not sure they can be easily forgotten."
"Faith, trust, and a healthy dose of humility," suggested his father with a reassuring smile. "Be not afraid, James! You have nothing to lose but your pride, and everything to gain if she should forgive you."
"Yes, sir," replied James, sounding far less confident than his formidable father.
"We have been invited to stay at Maywood for a couple of days - you shall have enough time to summon up your courage, my son."
The family visit was undertaken the next day. The Bingleys welcomed the Darcys with their habitual cordiality. Their concern for Alexander and James were readily apparent in the eagerness they exhibited when they plied James with questions about their doings at Ridgemont. James caught the worried look in Isabella's eyes, and was gladdened by her obvious concern.
A sumptuous meal in delightful company, capped by a long program of pleasant music performed by the Bingley cousins, was like a royal treat. Isabella, in particular, had the natural style of Mrs. Darcy, and it gave one the greatest pleasure to listen to her sing and play. James mused about his sojourn at Ridgemont - in such comfortable surroundings at Maywood Manor, Ridgemont seemed like a nightmarish dream, not reality at all.
"I cannot picture you with a shovel, James," remarked his cousin Henry Bingley.
"I was very proficient at it, my dear cousin," boasted James with a jaunty laugh. "There I was, in the dark bowels of Mother Earth, pitching shovels of heavy rocks over my shoulder, and keeping pace with the best of them."
"You are so heroic," gushed Emily with sisterly adoration.
"As mighty as Hercules?" teased Lizzy.
"By his own narrative, he is indeed," said Margaret with amiable laughter. She shared a look with her younger sister Isabella.
"Do tell us more!" urged Emily.
"Or better yet, strip your shirt, James, and show us your muscular physique," said Henry as he joined in the merriment. "Come now! Do not be shy! We are all brothers and sisters here!"
"Well," replied James, embarrassed by the turn of their conversation. "I kept up with them, unless my arms felt as if they had fallen off my poor shoulders. My blisters started to bleed, but Alex and the other men were still trapped."
"You stayed on, despite of being in harm's way yourself," said Isabella quietly. Upon such words, all signs of merriment had disappeared from everyone's faces as well.
"I did," acknowledged James solemnly. "I stayed on task until I pulled my brother through with my own hands. Dirty and smelly as he was - I was never happier to see him in my life!"
Isabella reached over to give his hand a brief but grateful squeeze. James smiled back at her with all the affections he felt in his heart, but did not speak directly to her.
"We are so proud of you, dearest James," exclaimed Aunt Jane. Uncle Charles proposed yet another toast in James's honour, and their conversation continued long into the night.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, James summoned enough courage to approach Isabella.
"Shall we take a turn in the garden, Isabella?"
"I shall be delighted," she replied. James felt encouraged by her seemingly amiable mood, and extended his arm in a gentlemanly manner. However, Isabella merely smiled, and walked ahead without taking his arm.
"Bella, I have been such a fool!" exclaimed James as soon as they were out of everyone's hearing. "Utterly selfish and stupid!"
"You do not have sole claim to foolishness, James," replied Isabella with equal frankness.
"Am I forgiven then?" When she did not answer immediately, James turned to face her and pleaded most humbly, "Please forgive me, Bella! I was so jealous! I did not mean to say such unpardonable things to you!"
"James, I did my own share of self criticism and soul searching," said Isabella, "and I could not excuse myself for my actions either. I only hope that the unpleasant scene between us did not rob us of our special friendship - that we can still remain best friends."
James noted with dismay that she spoke distinctively of friendship, and not of love. He decided to take the risk, and pressed the subject. He had always been completely honest with her, and he could not risk another misunderstanding again.
"Bella, we are the best of friends!" he declared with firm conviction. "Our special bond cannot be dissolved by mere blows of circumstances! My fervent hope remains the same - that someday, I can call you something more dear than my friend or my cousin!"
"James, let me speak with equal frankness!" confessed Isabella. "I truly adore you - you are humorous, caring, brave, and reliable. In my better judgment, I know I should love you, and be glad of your devotion. Any sensible woman with a caring heart would find marriage with you a splendid prospect, but . . . I cannot marry you! There is something I cannot fathom yet, but I can feel its distinctive presence. This nameless factor will prove to be the great hindrance to our true happiness."
"What are you talking of? I cannot comprehend your meaning at all!"
"I can scarcely comprehend myself!" exclaimed Isabella in frustration. "I have been pondering long and hard, and I cannot find the right answer!"
"You love my brother Alexander," declared James as the simplicity of the truth came to his mind.
"No! I do not love him!" protested Isabella vehemently. "He is a cad!"
"A cad? Impossible! My brother is the best of men!" James insisted without hesitation.
"He freely admitted that he did not have any scruples when it came to . . . to kissing women! He justified it as his way of expressing 'artistic appreciation' for feminine beauty."
"He told you that?" asked James curiously.
"Yes! Shortly after our heated argument, I confronted Alexander. I wanted to know what prompted him to kiss me, and he gave me his deplorable explanation. He even laughed rather boastfully - saying that he did not think that his kiss could cause such excitement whilst he knew full well that it did cause much havoc," she said blushingly.
After a moment's reflection, she added, "It rather makes one wonder about his extended stay abroad. How many local beauties did he express artistic appreciation in such a demonstrative manner?"
"So, you believe him to be a villain."
"Yes! He may be a paragon of many virtues, but he is certainly unscrupulous in regards to meddling with the feelings of unsuspecting females."
"Bella! I cannot believe that of my own brother!" James protested again. "Alexander leads such an exemplary life, a man with no irreligious or immoral habits!"
"Perhaps - but his conduct abroad might have been entirely different! Averse influence from foreign wines and exotic beauty, perhaps? We have all heard tales of young gentlemen carousing shamelessly . . ."
"Bella, you are allowing your fertile imagination running amuck! You are not being your habitually sensible self!" complained James. He was torn between defending his brother's honour, and winning the heart of his beloved in unequivocal terms.
"I do not wish to speak of Alexander no more! I know you love your brother, and I admire your defense of him, but I desire to think no more of him. I am determined to be indifferent to him!"
"As you wish, Bella," James smiled accommodatingly. It was not hard for him to wish being the sole object of her attention.
"Then, might I suggest another plausible answer to your great puzzlement?"
"Yes?" she asked curiously.
"Can it be that you have yet to tumble, in a full-fledge manner, in love with me? You have been so concerned about your dislike of my brother that you have neglected how much you do like me?"
"James! Please do not rush at me with such provoking matters!" begged Isabella. "I remain quite adamant in my original opinion. My recent experience has confirm that I am far too immature to consider love and matrimony with anyone."
"Bella! Surely, you cannot object to my courtship?"
"Since that day after Christmas, I have rejected the attention of all suitors," stated Isabella matter-of-factly. "I quite consider myself on the shelf."
"No!" protested James. "You cannot do this!"
"My sweet James," said Isabella patiently, "I think it is a very wise decision. I shall not think of any particular man for the duration."
"Well then," said James in resignation, "I shall be the first suitor in line if you should change your mind!"
"Thank you for your forbearance!"
"Bella? My darling friend - can I be so selfish as to ask for one kiss in the meanwhile? I shall hold my peace and be content."
Isabella smiled, glad to hear the familiar, gently teasing tone in James's voice. She was also glad that they could speak so freely with each other again. She had missed talking to him.
As a token of her goodwill, she stood on tiptoe to give him a quick, chaste kiss on his cheek.
Before she could step back, James seized hold of her, and gave her a much deeper kiss on the lips instead!
Whilst his brother James and Isabella Bingley reconciled, and came to a new understanding, Alexander Darcy threw himself wholeheartedly into implementing all the necessary changes to make the Ridgemont mines a safer and better place to work and live.
Since the cave-in accident, Jack Goodwin had refused to let the young Mr. Darcy within a hundred feet of the mines. But being kept away physically from the tunnels did not compromised Alexander's ability to be an effective overseer. There were always more matters of concerns than he had time to deal with, and he was grateful for Mrs. Goodwin's motherly concerns for him. Indeed, he was greatly appreciative of the protective and almost familial way the Goodwins had taken to him to their hearts.
In less than four months, the Ridgemont mine had transformed from a miserable low-yielding coal mine with hungry workers living in squalor to a much improved place where miners worked in safer conditions, and were paid fair wages. The newly built miners' huts that replaced the old, deplorable shelters were small, but clean and airy. Each family had its own hearth, and was not forced to buy their food and sundry supplies from the company store at the mines. For the first time in many years, the people of Ridgemont, especially the children, were well fed, and had ready smiles on their faces.
Alexander spent his days busy with the management of Ridgemont. At night, after supper with the Goodwins, he would tutor many of the miners and their children in rudimentary reading, writing and mathematics. This tutorial duty had come about quite unexpectedly.
The first evening after James was dispatched back to Pemberley, Alexander had a discussion with Jack Goodwin regarding the account ledgers. Goodwin confessed that he could barely read or write, and therefore, could not make head or tail of the ledgers.
"My old Ma taught me a bit - reading from the good Bible - but I started in the mines very young, and never learned much. My Polly can read - far better than me."
"Well, Goodwin," remarked Alexander, "You seem to be a bright fellow. You need to read and write properly to be my assistant. If I can help my sisters with their Latin, French and Italian, I am certain that I can help you with the Queen's English."
Jack Goodwin was hesitant, but Alexander would not be refused. So, each night, he would teach the foreman, using the few books he had brought along with him. The Goodwin children were equally fascinated, and Alexander generously included them as his students. Before long, the word had spread throughout Ridgemont, and many others also wanted to learn. Alexander found himself tutoring the men after supper, and giving lessons to the children during the day. Letters and numbers were later supplemented by drawing and history lessons as well.
The people at Ridgemont were amazed beyond words by this young aristocrat. Master James, with his jovial manner, had won everyone over very early on. Master Alexander, on the other hand, seemed forbiddingly silent and unapproachable. Yet, from his decisive actions and his quiet but generous ways, those around him gradually saw a man whom they could trust implicitly, a man to whom they could always voice their concerns and would not be ignored.
Many thoughtful gestures - such as the herbs, roots, and flower bulbs he ordered from town, dairy cows to provide milk for the children - were much appreciated. The herbarium he established now provided herbs for making medicinal remedies and poultices - many such remedies came from the special homespun recipes of the old housekeeper of Pemberley - the late Mrs. Reynolds. Small patches of flower gardens had sprang up around Ridgemont with their first spring blossoms, and added much pleasantry to the otherwise stark scenery of the coal mine.
The most surprising aspect was how well this young gentleman could yield a tool and work untiringly alongside his employees - putting up new shelters and digging fresh wells. Tall and broad-shouldered, Alexander Darcy towered over almost everyone except for Jack Goodwin. Beneath that finely woven linen shirt, silk waistcoat and leather breeches was a strong, muscular body strengthened by manual work he had done back at Pemberley. Jack Goodwin smiled approvingly when he saw Master Alexander used a shovel the first time. Unlike Master James, this one knew where to plant his feet and how to pivot his hips for maximum exertion of force.
"Sir, you are unlike any gentleman I have met," remarked Jack Goodwin one afternoon. "Not that I have met many nobs and gents, not around these parts, but I have never known a gentleman to work like a labourer! You seem to enjoy physical work as much as reading and drawing."
"I like being busy, and physical work has its advantage - it renders one to sleep in exhaustion, without being haunted by dreams," replied Alexander with rare candor.
Goodwin regarded him with interest. The young Mr. Darcy was a gentleman of the most discipline habits. What would ail him and cause such distress?
His own unguarded remark to his trusted foreman prompted Alexander to brood over his private concerns. He had been so overwhelmed by the myriad of problems confronting the Ridgemont mines that he barely had a moment to think of other personal matters.
Yet, Alexander Darcy knew the most vexing problem of his heart had remained, despite of his honorable pledge to his brother for keeping away from Isabella Bingley.
The image of Isabella had remained as vivid as ever in his mind's eye. He had stalwartly refused to allow himself to think of her during his waking hours - it seemed dishonorble to both Isabella and James if he indulged in such fanciful thoughts. Whilst he slept, however, his rational mind could not maintain its iron grip on his thoughts.
Dreams would invade his sleep - filled entirely with images of Isabella - smiling, dancing, and talking to him. He had relived their kiss a hundred times! Small, precious details - soft texture of her skin, the fragrant scent of her hair, the warmth of her lips - continued to haunt his memory, and tormented his heart. His sense of loneliness was compounded by the knowledge that he could not stop himself from loving her! At times, he felt as if he would go mad from wanting to be with her. It was with conscious decision that he took to physical labour at every opportunity.
On Sunday, when all of Ridgemont took their day of rest after church services, Alexander would tour the neighboring counties - often keeping to the country roads and fields for a furious gallop on his prized stallion, and opting to stay away from towns and villages. A swim in the river - the water bracingly cold in springtime - was a good alternative.
Sheer physical exhaustion, at the end of each day, was Alexander's only salvation for his sanity of mind.
Chapter 13: Family Visits
The Darcy family made their annual Easter visit to Rosings with the notable absence of Alexander Darcy. Lady Catherine de Bourgh, although well pleased to see her favorite nephew Fitzwilliam Darcy, was quite put out that Alexander had remained up north at the coal mine in Ridgemont. The young man had dutifully written to her ladyship, expressed his regrets, and sent her his thoughtful Easter greetings.
Lady Catherine, however, had looked forward to her granddaughter Catherine spending more time in Alexander's company. Young Catherine, after all, had reached her sixteenth year. If not a ravishing beauty, she was willowy and attractive in her own way. In time, thought Lady Catherine, her granddaughter would acquire the necessary feminine arts and allurement to entice her fine grandnephew! The veritable dowager had convinced herself that a marriage between the two young people was entirely possible, and was anxious to secure it by every willful means at her disposal.
"I find it very vexing," exclaimed Lady Catherine de Bourgh to her nephew, "that such heavy burdens be placed upon our dear Alexander! You should have insisted that he come into Kent this Easter. I am quite put out that I have been denied of his pleasant company!"
The wrinkled face of her ladyship took on a more severe look as she regarded Mrs. Darcy. If only her own daughter Anne had secured Darcy's heart long before the former Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn made her appearance in her nephew's life! How differently things would have been! She could not help but glared at her daughter Anne as well, who sat silently with her equally quiet husband Mr. Ashford Adams. The Adams was a very dull couple indeed.
The severity of Lady Catherine's countenance could not truly hide the grudging admiration and acceptance she had long given the wife of her dear nephew. If the truth were told, Miss Elizabeth Bennet had made quite favorable impression upon her ladyship during her first visit to Rosings - as a dear friend of Mrs. Collins and a cousin of Rev. Collins. The vehement dislike and anger that Lady Catherine felt towards Miss Bennet only came when her nephew foolishly lost his heart to this young woman of such lowly family connections.
Lady Catherine's wrath was great, and her anger intense. Yet, she was indebted to Mrs. Darcy. It was by Mrs. Darcy's generous and forgiving nature that reconciliation between nephew and aunt was made possible - Mr. Darcy forgave his aunt's outrageous insults to his Elizabeth because of Mrs. Darcy's insistence. The undeniably blissful marriage of the Darcys and the new generation of worthy young Darcys eventually convinced Lady Catherine that Elizabeth Bennet was a very good wife for her nephew.
Such acceptance of Mrs. Darcy did not prevent Lady Catherine from taking snippets of insult at Mrs. Darcy's relations, especially regarding the Wickhams. Mrs. Darcy bore such occasional attacks with good humor. She often retorted with her own witty repartees that rendered Lady Catherine quite speechless. Her husband, however, did not take such insipid insults too kindly. His anger often threatened to erupt against his aunt, but fortunately for all, Mrs. Darcy always managed to avert any such potential outbursts by placing a discreet but loving hand upon her husband. A mere caressing brush of her fingertips upon his could calm his very soul, it seemed.
"I am quite put out," repeated Lady Catherine. "My dear nephew, how can you possibly expose your son and heir to such unnecessary dangers - leaving him alone amongst an unruly mob of ruffian miners? Someone might slit his throat in the middle of the night just for the sport of it!"
"Indeed, your ladyship," said Mr. William Collins immediately, nodding his head in agreement, "it is most distressful!" The clergyman - her faithful and loyal protégé of almost three decades - thought her ladyship was entirely correct in her assessment.
"My son is not in any danger," replied Mr. Darcy firmly. "The people of Ridgemont may be coarse, but certainly not an unruly mob! Like my tenant farmers at Pemberley, these folks too have families to take care of. They are not likely to harm someone who can bring them great benefits."
"Overseeing a coal mine is a very dull business! Believe me, madam, for I was at Ridgemont with Alex," said James with his most reassuring smile, inwardly thankful that he had heeded his father's stern instruction to keep mute in regards to their recent misadventure at Ridgemont. "My brother occupies most of his time writing entries in boring ledgers, as well as drawing and painting."
"Alexander has grown so attached to Rosings. His spirits were so low when he took leave of us last December! Do you not recall of such fact, my dear Elizabeth?" said Lady Catherine as she spoke directly to her grandniece.
"Oh, yes," smiled Lizzy winsomely, determined to ignore the implied meaning of Lady Catherine's words, "although my brother blamed it on my choice of music, which rendered him in an overly somber mood."
"Yes, too much Beethoven, my dear child," agreed Lady Catherine thoughtfully. "You should play more . . ."
At this injunction, Lady Catherine hesitated slightly. This self-acclaimed true lover of music did not have the erudite knowledge of music as she claimed to have.
"Oh, I agree entirely," said Lizzy sweetly, assisting her great-aunt in her temporary lapse of opinion, "I should play more Mozart!"
Lady Catherine smiled - a rare but genuine smile - at the youngest Darcy. The sweet child had much of her mother in her, and it was not entirely unfavorable!
The presence of the Fitzwilliam family added much pleasure to the Easter gathering at Rosings. Sir James Fitzwilliam was as patient and attentive to Lady Catherine as he ever was, and his dear wife Georgiana stayed close by his side - the same attentive way Mrs. Darcy was to Mr. Darcy - perhaps for similar reasons!
The long music program - performed mainly by Lizzy and Jane Darcy - following the Easter supper prevented Mr. Collins from repeating his rather tedious Easter sermon. Mrs. Collins gladly took the opportunity to chat with Mrs. Darcy whenever there was a lull in the music recital. The young gentlemen present, especially Andrew Fitzwilliam and Lewis Collins, gladly enjoyed both the sight and sound of such enchanting beauties before them.
James Darcy managed to interest his cousin Catherine Adams for a game of chess, and found his young cousin to be an excellent player. As they sat apart from the main party, James was able to engage her in some measure of conversation.
"I often play chess with my father," explained Catherine, "as I am always indoors."
"You should exert yourself more," said James with brotherly encouragement. "Fresh air and sunshine! Walking is very invigorating for you! You do not suffer from chronic illness like your poor dear mother, but you are not the picture of health either!"
"I wished I were like your sister Lizzy!" confessed Catherine
James laughed in agreement, "Most of us in our family wished we were more like Lizzy!"
"Your brother is very intimidating!" confided Catherine. "He is so stern all the time - I am actually rather relived that he is not here presently." She glanced over at her formidable grandmother, apprehensive that she might overhear her words.
"I know that Grandmama has her own wishes, but I . . . I pray every night that my cousin Alexander finds a wonderful wife - someone who can bring him the happiness he deserves," added Catherine in a quiet voice. She stole a glance at Andrew Fitzwilliam as she spoke.
James caught her forlorn look, and felt sorry for her. It was rather obvious that young Catherine Adams admired the handsome and amiable Andrew Fitzwilliam, but to the causal observer, it was plainly clear that Andrew was very enthralled by Lizzy and her dazzling charms.
James felt a certain dissatisfaction - nay, a certain anger - at the way human hearts could become entangled in such irksome webs! Whoever said the way to true love was never a smooth path was correct!
His mind naturally turned to Isabella Bingley. He wondered how she was, and whether she missed him as much as he did her. She was already in London with her family, and it would be many weeks before he would see her again.
"I do envy you, James," remarked Catherine, "that you are free to travel whenever and wherever you wish!"
"As Andrew must return to Cambridge to finish his final term, I am obliged to travel with the Fitzwilliams for the next several weeks. Lord Matlock and his family are currently at Brighton, and Sir James wishes to join his elder brother for a brief visit. Then, we shall be off to Devonshire - to visit an old comrade-in-arms of Sir James's - a Colonel Brandon, I believe. Then, we shall journey to London for my cousin Margaret Bingley's wedding. So, as you see, Catherine, I shall not be travelling freely at my own whim until my Continental Grand Tour later in the year."
"With our cousin Andrew?"
"Yes, and with my cousin Henry Bingley," replied James with a hearty laugh. "I dare say we shall have a grand time - and we shall not confine ourselves to admire solely ancient relics, old sculptures and dusty canvases the way my brother did with his Grand Tour!"
Mr. Darcy's arrival at the Ridgemont mine was in great contrast to his first visit. Everyone had gathered to greet him as he alighted from his carriage. There was much cheering and loud applause. Alexander stepped forward to shake his father's hand, and was rewarded with an unexpected fatherly embrace in the full public view. There was much emotion in Mr. Darcy's dark eyes as he regarded his son for a long moment.
"You look very well, Alexander. Your dear mother and sisters send their love. They are already in London. James is traveling with the Fitzwilliams. He wanted to accompany me, but I felt it would do him a world of good to be in Sir James's company for a good spell of time," said Mr. Darcy with a broad smile.
"I agree with you entirely, Father," nodded Alexander. "I have always enjoyed being with Uncle James."
Mr. Darcy made a grand gesture with his hand as he complimented his son, "Ridgemont looks quite amazing. I thought I came to the wrong place."
"You have not seen half of it, sir," said Jack Goodwin proudly. He greeted Mr. Darcy with a confident bow, and added, "Master Alexander has transform this former hell, begging your pardon, sir, into a small slice of miners' paradise."
Jack Goodwin was most eager to show his employer around - he was like a child with a new Christmas present - and Mr. Darcy gladly allowed his foreman to lead the way.
Goodwin was well aware of the enormous amount of money Mr. Darcy had put into Ridgemont. While it was wise business sense to improve the work conditions for the miners, Mr. Darcy was under no obligation to improve their homes, or to provide for other necessities and small luxuries to make domestic life pleasant. The foreman, along with every inhabitant of Ridgemont, wished to show their gratitude to the Darcys. All of them took every opportunity to reassure Mr. Darcy that his compassion and generosity would not be in vain. They would work tirelessly to bring prosperity to the Darcys.
"The coal itself is of excellent quality, and our production yields have improved dramatically," said Alexander as he showed the recent mining records and detailed charts to his father when they had finished the general inspections of the coal mine. "Despite of our incredibly large expenses in the initial period, I expect us to be profitable by the end of next month."
"Excellent," replied Mr. Darcy as he studied the meticulous records before him. "Our bankers at Barings will be well pleased." He turned to give his son his full attention. "Alexander, I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of you! What you have accomplished here in these few short months is truly amazing! Not merely bringing physical changes to the place, but something more substantial and vital. You have restored hope, dignity and trust in the hearts of these people."
"Thank you, Father. You are too kind in your praises. I am only the facilitator. You provided the funds and the means, and the people of Ridgemont are working hard together."
"Their diligent work reflect your capable leadership," stated Mr. Darcy earnestly. "I doubt if I could have done the same when I was at your age, my dear son."
These words of sincere parental praise rendered Alexander Darcy happier than he had been for a long time.
That evening, Mr. Darcy and his son partook a simple meal with the Goodwins. The domestic felicity of the household was heart-warming. Young Timmy Goodwin proudly played a brief rendition of Beethoven's "Ode To Joy" on his new piccolo - a gift from Master Alexander.
"Bravo," applauded Mr. Darcy graciously, "you show real talent, my lad."
"Thank you, sir!" exclaimed Timmy as he grinned from ear to ear. He did practiced very diligently, and found music very enjoyable.
"Goodwin, I see that you have been reading Poor Richard's Almanack," remarked Mr. Darcy as he admired the simple wooden sign over the hearth - 'Home Sweet Home.' Beneath it, Jack Goodwin had written 'A Good Wife and Health, A Man's Best Wealth.'
"Yes, Master Alexander gave me a copy of it. Between Poor Richard and the good Bible, a man can gain much wisdom."
"Indeed," replied Mr. Darcy. "It is rather amazing that the late Mr. Benjamin Franklin started writing his Almanack in 1732, and continued doing so for over twenty-five years. His many works remain very popular around the world - a century later!"
"I have another favorite proverb - 'Industry, Perseverance, and Frugality, make Fortune yield.' I have followed it since I learned it, sir! Master Alexander gave us a great many books - we have started a small circulating library with my dear Polly as librarian," said Goodwin proudly.
Mr. Darcy exchanged a look with his son, and nodded solemnly. He stood up, extended his hand to his foreman, and said simply, "Mr. Goodwin, upon the recommendation of my son, I hereby appoint you as the assistant overseer of the Ridgemont mine. Jacob Bokins and Peter Brown shall be your new foremen."
Jack Goodwin was speechless. He stood gaping at the Darcys without full comprehension. His good wife was equally astounded.
"But, sir," Goodwin stammered incredulously, "I am a rough miner with savage manners. I cannot write a fancy hand . . ."
"But you have a stalwart and honest character - a man who considers the welfare of the people here with his every heartbeat," reassured Alexander. "I have shared your bread at your table these many months, Mr. Goodwin, and I can vouchsafe to say I know few men as decent and reliable as you."
Such words of praise and the courtesy address of "Mister" nearly brought tears to the big man's eyes. He could only shake the proffered hands of the Darcys with gratitude, and avowed to do his best until his last breath.
"But I need much training still!" implored Goodwin.
"Goodwin, your help has been indispensable to me these several months. You shall manage very well. I leave with my father tomorrow - for my cousin's wedding in London. I shall return to Ridgemont afterwards. Do not despair! You are aptly capable, or I would not have recommended you," said Alexander with firm reassurance.
"Yes, sir," replied Goodwin, his sense of confidence bolstered by his natural inclination as well as Master Alexander's obvious faith in him.