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Chapter 20 ~ continued

Darcy scowled upon hearing the study door close behind him. What is so special about David that I cannot be present for their conversation? Am I a child that must be coddled? He stormed into the library and was about to select a book, when he heard notes floating through the air from the music room. As if lured in like a fish, he followed the sound until he saw its origin. Georgiana was sitting at the piano forte practicing a simple song Miss Jones had taught her. Her brow was furrowed and her lips were held tightly together in deep concentration. Enchanted, Darcy watched his sister practice. At the conclusion of the piece, he applauded. "I had not known that my sister had become so accomplished in my absence."

"Did you like it?" she asked shyly.

"Very much so."

"Will you listen to another song?"

"With pleasure."

Georgiana's face displayed a broad smile as she straightened herself and began playing another song for him. After a half an hour, her recital for her brother ended. Darcy gave his sister a standing ovation and cheered loudly as she curtseyed. "Wonderful Georgiana! Magnificent!" he called.

Embarrassed at her brother's effusive praise, Georgiana blushed. After she had recovered herself, she asked, "I am going to have tea upstairs with Miss Molly. Do you want to come?"

Darcy grinned. He knew Miss Molly was her favourite rag doll and he had just been invited to a tea party only reserved for special people. "I would be honoured," he said with a bow. "May I be your escort?" he asked while offering his hand to her.

"Yes," she said while slipping her hand within his.

While holding hands, the pair walked up the stairs to the classroom. The classroom held a large square table which sat in the middle of the room. The table was shorter than most with wooden chairs around it that were three quarters the size of normal chairs. One wall was lined by a bookshelf that held the study materials and in front of it was a globe. The room had unusually large windows, which allowed a great deal of sunlight to pour in. A fireplace heated the room adequately and provided an additional light source during the winter months. The overall affect of the room was cheery and generations of Darcys had begun their education there. Darcy smiled wistfully as he recalled his own lessons with his tutor, Mr. Macnee.

Though the classroom was mostly used for learning, Georgiana also commandeered it for her tea parties. That morning, she had told Mrs. Reynolds of her plans. Mrs. Reynolds made sure that a plate of little cookies, a few slices of cake, and an old teapot filled with very weak cold tea sat in the middle of the table, ready for Georgiana's party. Mrs. Reynolds and the cook enjoyed taking part in the preparations for the tea party. They were often heard to sigh among themselves, "She is becoming such a little lady."

As soon as Georgiana and Darcy arrived in "the tea room", Georgiana began collecting the guests and putting them in their proper place. Darcy sat down in the seat that Georgiana assigned him. As soon as Georgiana finished placing the dolls in their seats, she frowned.

"What is the matter?" asked Darcy. "Is there a doll missing? Where is Mrs. Stanley?"

"David isn't here," came the answer. "And we cannot start without him."

Darcy grimaced. "I think I know where I may find him. Would you like for me to go fetch him?"

"Yes," she answered while nodding eagerly. "Then everything will be perfect."

Darcy barely concealed a scowl as he rose from his seat and left the room. He marched downstairs to the study door and knocked on it crisply.

"Come in," his father replied.

Darcy opened the door and peered inside. The two men were sitting where he had left them. "Georgiana sent me here to..."

"The tea party, I forgot!" David exclaimed as he leapt to his feet. "If you will excuse me Uncle, I fear I am late for a previous engagement."

"Go, go. It is never good to keep a lady waiting," he answered with a wry grin.

As David followed Darcy out of the room, Darcy asked, "How did you know about the tea party?"

"It's Tuesday and George always has her tea parties on Tuesday."

"Why do you call her George? It is most annoying and is not befitting my feminine sister."

David smiled coyly in return, but said nothing.

Darcy entered the room, followed by David, and quickly sat down next to Georgiana. David sat down on the other side of Georgiana and the tea party began. David chatted amiably with Georgiana and the dolls, correctly naming each one as he addressed them. He carried on with the dolls, pretending to share secrets or gossip with them, which entertained the hostess immensely. On the other hand, Darcy became somewhat uncomfortable after misnaming several of the guests. Though Georgiana patiently corrected his errors, but he was distressed nonetheless. Seeing his discomfort, David tried to engage Darcy in some of his conversations with the dolls, however David’s overtures only served to grate on the awkward guest even more.

At the conclusion of the tea party, David made an announcement. "I have just received a letter which requires my attention. I will be leaving Pemberley tomorrow."

Finally, Darcy thought. It is about time he go home and be with his own family. However, he quickly noticed that Georgiana did not share in his relief.

Georgiana's eyes grew large with concern. "When will you return?" she asked.

David could not meet the child's inquiring eyes. "I do not know," he said quietly, while looking down at the ground.

As Darcy observed the pair, there was something about Georgiana's alarm and David's avoidance that unsettled him, though he didn't understand why.

David spent his last afternoon at Pemberley nervously pacing around his bedchamber. Throughout the day, he had written letters to his parents, brother, cousins, and others who were close to his heart. In it, he described his actions that prompted his premature death and asked for their forgiveness. In his mind, Susan's brother had every right to demand he be punished for the role he played in her death, however, that did not mean that he would approach his demise lightly. He would leave letters explaining all with his uncle with instructions to distribute them to their intended recipients upon word of his unfortunate fate. David thought preparing for his departure would comfort him, yet it did not. There must be something more I can do, he thought. I shall go downstairs to speak with Uncle Darcy. Perhaps he will have an answer.

David quickly walked out of the room and down the stairs. As he approached his uncle's study, he stopped outside to listen to the conversation occurring within.

"Papa, why is David so upset?" Georgiana asked.

"I believe it has something to do with his loss. I believe he explained it to you, did he not?" answered Mr. Darcy.

David strained to hear a response, but could not.

"Yes, my dear. David is very sad after the death of his wife. It may take him a long time before he fully recovers and is happy again."

"Like you?" Georgiana asked softly.

"Yes, like me," Mr. Darcy said. His voice cracked during his reply and David knew his uncle was struggling to speak with his daughter. He was torn between entering the study and rescuing his uncle from having to say more or leaving his uncle and cousin alone to share their pain together.

"But I will always be here to cheer David like I am here to cheer you, right Papa?"

"Yes Sweetheart," came the warm reply. "You are a ray of sunshine to us both."

"That's because I love you!" she responded brightly.

David smiled to himself and crept back to his bedchamber. He had his answer. Upon entering his bedchamber, he took Mrs. Stanley off of the dressing table and put her in one of his trunks. No matter what his fate would be, he would have Mrs. Stanley nearby, sitting on his bed, reminding him that whatever happens, there was someone who would always accept him as he was. He didn't need to play the role of a viscount or of a stern and proud man for her. She was too young to see the affectations he wore for other's expectations, but saw the wounded, vulnerable, and scared young man underneath the show.

At dawn the next morning, David made sure the trunk with Mrs. Stanley was loaded onto the barouche that his uncle loaned him for his trip to Lincolnshire. As David supervised the final preparations, Mr. Darcy stood nearby watching with a scowl.

"This is damn foolish," Mr. Darcy growled. "You needn't travel all the way to Lincolnshire by yourself. I can accompany you or send William in my stead."

"No thank you Uncle Darcy. This is something I must face alone."

"I do not like it at all," grumbled Mr. Darcy. "You are being summoned like a servant."

"Major Warner may not have time for pleasantries."

"I did not like the tone of his letter at all."

"Nor did I, which is why I must face him. I'm sorry I disappoint you Uncle Darcy, but I must do this."

Mr. Darcy glowered at his stubborn nephew. "And I suppose you want me to post the letters if an accident befalls you while on your trip?"

David gave a start. "I had not intended you to see those letters nor read my note until..."

"Until you had left Pemberley. Yes, thank you very much, I believe I gathered that much," Mr. Darcy snapped.

David gave a sheepish shrug. "I left the letters in your desk last night after you had retired. I did not think you would find them until later today. I enclosed a note with them..."

"Instructing me to give the letters to their rightful owners upon your death. Yes, I read the missive. Luckily for me, I didn't sleep well last night and saw you leave my study. I found the letters shortly thereafter." Mr. Darcy grabbed David by the shoulders and looked directly into his face. "If you really believe Major Warner means to kill you, do not go," he said earnestly. "It is obvious that he is not thinking clearly nor are you. Let some time pass before you meet with him. Given time, both of you will see the accident in a more rational light."

David stiffened. "I am sorry sir. My honour and pride won't allow it."

Mr. Darcy dropped both of his hands and gave an exasperated sigh. "Your pride, your damn pride will be the death of you."

"Yes sir, I believe it will."

Just then Georgiana came running out of the house and leapt into David's arms. She had a robe on over her nightgown and her hair was dishevelled. "Don't go! Don't go!" she cried.

"Georgiana! What are you doing outside at this hour! You should be in bed!" gasped her father.

"Don't go! Don't go!" she continued to cry.

"George? What is the matter?" David asked, while rocking her and trying to pat her back soothingly.

"Don't go! Don't go! I don't want you to leave!"

David shared a very worried look with his uncle. How much did she hear? "Why do you not want me to leave?" he asked.

"Because you will go away for a very long time and won't come back. Just like you did the last time!" she sobbed. "Don't go! Don't go!"

David frowned. "I'm sorry George. I must."

"Why?" she asked with tears streaming down her face.

"Because it is something I must do," he replied quietly.

After David looked helplessly over at his uncle, Mr. Darcy took Georgiana from him and tried to soothe the child. She would not be comforted however. Tears continued to stream down her face as David entered the carriage. "Come back soon," she sobbed.

"I will try," David answered weakly while fighting the lump forming in his throat.

Fifteen minutes later, as the carriage left the grounds of Pemberley, David thought back to Georgiana's outburst. Is my current course of action as rash as Uncle Darcy seems to think? Should I become injured or die, how will Georgiana and the others react? My parents, my brother¼ Will they ever understand?

David contemplated the repercussions of his actions on the three day trip to Lincolnshire. None of the scenarios he envisioned gave him any comfort. The only blessing was his Uncle Darcy and the explanations and comfort he would be able to offer the family. He only hoped they would forgive him.

Upon his arrival to Lincolnshire, he traveled directly to Bramble Hall to meet Major Warner. The Major expected him later that day, but the favourable condition of the roads and weather combined to make his trip faster than anticipated. Though David's nervousness increased with every mile that passed, his resolve remained firm. By the time he reached the estate's grounds, he was anxious to dispense with the initial meeting.

As the carriage arrived at the hall's entrance, David surveyed the building and its grounds. The grounds were smaller than he was accustomed, though very well manicured. Flowerbeds lined the path leading to the house that sat in the back of the property on a hill, overlooking the sea. The house was the architectural equivalent of a patchwork quilt, with additions made by several generations. David guessed that the house had been expanded by the successive generations as the family's wealth grew. The result was a house that looked smaller and less stately than Rosings Park or Pemberley, yet was quite large and charming in its own right.

A butler stood waiting for him at the entrance as David climbed out of his carriage and approached the door. "You are Lord Wallingford, I presume?" the butler asked.

"Yes, I am."

"Major Warner is expecting you and is awaiting your arrival in the drawing room."

David's stomach tightened as he nodded and followed the butler into the house. He glanced around the entryway and noted the displays of animals and artifacts from the Major's extensive travels. He soon entered the drawing room to see a man who looked to be a few years older than he was, sitting in a chair facing the entrance to the room. Major Warner rose upon his entrance and both bowed gravely.

"Welcome to Bramble Hall, Lord Wallingford," Major Warner said stiffly. "Please be seated."

As David sat in the chair Major Warner indicated, he sized up his opponent. The Major was an imposing figure, quite tall and muscular, filling out his red army uniform to its fullest extent. David tried to read his thoughts by looking at his solemn face, but as any good military man, his expression was inscrutable.

"I am sure you are wondering why I asked you to come here," Major Warner began.

"I have my theories," David answered cautiously.

"I wanted to meet my new brother in law..."

"You mean the man who killed your sister," David interrupted, with a sharp intake of breath. His eyes did not waiver from the Major's glare.

The Major's eyebrow lifted slightly at David's outburst. David's jaw jutted out slightly as he thought, I will not play cat and mouse. It is best to dispense with the pleasantries and get this business done with.

"Did you kill her?" he asked in a flat tone.

"Yes, though it was not my intention. Her death is a result of my neglect."

"It is just as I thought," muttered Major Warner darkly while rising from his chair and walking towards David. "And what do you believe my intentions are?" he asked while standing at attention in front of David.

David rose and stood toe to toe with the Major, never blinking. "What else, but to avenge her death? I suspect you wish to challenge me to a duel."

"Life will not be that easy for you my friend," returned Major Warner with a scowl.

Chapter 21 ~ The Younger Son

Posted on Sunday, 20 February 2005

Major Warner's ominous warning echoed in David's ears. Life will not be that easy for you my friend. Whatever can he mean? Though the Major's comment took David by surprise, he would not allow his expression to change. Whatever cruel streak this man may possess, I can withstand it. "I suppose you mean to intimidate me with your mysterious comment. However, you will not find that I am so easily frightened."

"Life will not be that easy for you because I want you to live, my Lord," the Major responded quietly. "No matter what transpired, you are my sister's husband and now part of this family. As I am the oldest, it is my responsibility to look after you."

David furrowed his brow. "I do not understand..."

The Major reached out with his right hand and placed it on David's shoulder. "Please, sit down and I will tell you why I summoned you here. Rest assured that my intentions are very different than you envisioned." Bewildered, David slowly returned to his seat, as the Major sat on the desk behind him. "Susan and I were very close. When I was away, she was my window into the family, writing down every detail and sending them off in letters to me. She was a great comfort because it helped me to be an active part of this family, even whilst I was not here... I remember the first time she wrote about you. Even though she had suitors before, I knew just by the tone of her writing that you were different. It came as no surprise to me when she announced your engagement. I had wished to be at the wedding, but my duties would not allow it. That will always remain as one of the great regrets of my life.

"I could tell in Susan's letters, that she found more happiness and contentment than she'd ever known. Letters from my father, Sharon, and our cousin confirmed it. When she told me that she was expecting her first child, her excitement could not be contained. Needless to say, her death came as a great shock and blow to me.

"Beatrice, Susan's maid, had been in service with our family for twenty years. When I heard of the tragedy, I immediately wrote to her and demanded an explanation. I wanted to know everything. Had you shown the slightest bit of neglect, my wrath would have been unstoppable. However, the account she gave did you great credit. She told me of your tender care of my sister as well as your heartbreak. She feared for your health and safety. Once I knew all of the details, my duty was clear. I rushed back to England as soon as I could to look after Sharon, my Father… and you."

David sat in shock. He had never anticipated being received kindly by the Warners or not being held accountable for his wife's death. He sat very still for several seconds, struggling to take it all in until he regained his voice. "I thank you sir, for the great pains you have undertaken on my behalf. You are mistaken, although I am in your debt. I am not in want or need of your compassion, protection, or sympathy. I am managing well enough on my own," answered David in a measured statement.

"Really?" asked Major Warner skeptically.

"Yes."

"Well, I'm glad to hear it," answered the Major quietly, while rising from the desk and walking behind it. "In that case, I have only one service to perform. I must return an object to you." He reached underneath the desk and pulled out a painting and pushed it across the desk toward David. "Beatrice found this at the foot of the stairs in your house the day Susan became ill. I believe it belongs to you."

David's eyes widened as he reached out and took the small painting. "Calais," he murmured. "I bought it as a present for..." He stopped speaking as a look of pain overtook his features. "I was shopping for this painting when Susan had her accident," he continued in a clipped tone. "Please, take it away. Burn it!" he demanded while shoving the painting back across the desk.

"Why? It is a lovely painting and from what I gather, this rendering does the city great justice."

"I do not want it," David answered angrily. "Take it from my sight immediately."

Major Warner nodded and picked up the painting and placed it back underneath the desk. "You cannot stand to look at it because of what it represents. You blame yourself and this painting for the accident," he said softly.

Frustrated, David nodded vigorously. "Yes, yes. I blame myself! Are you happy? What do you want from me?!"

"I want you to forgive yourself and go on with your life," the Major said quietly. "Susan's memory is not honoured by your grief and self-pity will not bring her back. You must go on."

David looked down and shook his head slowly. "How?"

"You must find another reason to live. Something to keep you active. For the long term, being idle at Pemberley will not help you heal."

A knock at the door interrupted the conversation. "Tom, are you in there?" asked a young girl's voice.

"Yes. Come in."

Sharon opened the door and entered. "Father has been asking for you for the past half hour. His coughing is increasing. Shall I fetch the doctor?"

"Have Beatrice send for Doctor Phillips immediately," the Major said with a nod.

David rose from his chair and turned towards Sharon. "Hello Miss Warner," he said with a bow.

"David!" Sharon exclaimed as she rushed to embrace him. "I had not expected you here. I am so glad to see you."

"And I am happy to see you," he answered warmly.

"Are you here to visit Father?" she asked anxiously.

"No, I had not."

"But he must see you!" she exclaimed. "Please, it will help him to see you. He is so weak. Please say you will see him!"

"Of course. Anything you ask," he reassured her.

Sharon grabbed David's hand and eagerly pulled him out of the drawing room, down the hall, and up the stairs. Before he was prepared to face Mr. Warner, David was dragged into his father in law's bedchamber. Both men's eyes widened as they saw each other. He had not expected Mr. Warner to look so old and worn. It had been nearly a year since they saw each other, but Mr. Warner looked as if he aged ten. Bags had developed under his eyes and his former strength seemed drained from him. What was once a vibrant and imposing man, seemed smaller and much frailer.

"Mr. Warner..." David began hesitantly.

"David, my good boy. I told you at the wedding to call me 'Father.' You have not forgotten, have you?" Mr. Warner answered with a gentle smile, while beckoning David to come stand next to his bedside.

"No sir, I have not forgotten," David replied.

"Good, good... And how have you been? You have been most neglectful when writing your family. I have not heard a word from you in months."

"I am sorry sir, but I did not think..."

"No David, you did not think," interrupted Mr. Warner. "You are family still. Nothing will change that."

"But sir..."

"You forget son, I am a widower as well. I, better than anyone, understand the pain of losing someone you hold most dear."

"But I loved her more than life itself."

"I know," whispered Mr. Warner while reaching out and grabbing David's arm. "I wish I could tell you that time will heal the wound, but it will not. A part of you will always miss her. However, in time you will learn how to move on, beyond your loss. You will live again."

Before David had a chance to answer, Mr. Warner went into a coughing spasm. David quickly handed him a glass of water from his nightstand. As soon as Mr. Warner's coughing subsided, David said, "We will continue this discussion later. Right now, you need your rest. The Major has sent for the doctor."

A look of concern flashed across Mr. Warner's face. "You will not leave, will you? I do have much to say."

"No sir, I will stay as long as you wish."

"Good," Mr. Warner sighed.

That night, David wrote to Pemberley informing his uncle of what transpired and a note to Georgiana reassuring her that he would return as soon as was possible. He also wrote a letter to his parents telling them that he was visiting some friends in Lincolnshire.

Over the next several weeks, David stayed with the Warners, growing more and more a part of the family each day. Between the combined efforts of Tom, Sharon, and David, Mr. Warner began to regain some of his former strength and was beginning to look more like the man David first met.

One morning, after David and Tom had finished their breakfast, they were sitting in the study pouring over Mr. Warner's investments and trying to straighten out his holdings that he had not managed while ill. After several hours, a knock came at the study door, interrupting them from their work.

"Lord Wallingford, Mr. Franks, a solicitor is here to see you," announced the butler.

David glanced over at Tom, who returned an equally confused look. "Show him in."

"Very good my Lord," the butler answered with a bow.

Within a minute, Mr. Franks entered. "Lord Wallingford," he said, with a deep bow.

"Mr. Franks," David answered with a bow.

"Lord Wallingford, I heard from some neighbours in town that you were staying here at the Warner estate. I wanted to call on you immediately and settle some business with you."

"With me?" David asked. "You must be mistaken. I have never met you." Mr. Franks looked at Tom and cleared his throat. David took his hint and answered. "You may speak freely in front of Major Warner. I have nothing to hide from him."

"Very well sir," said he with a bow. "I am here to give you the deed to your estate, Clifton Manor, that you purchased some months ago. It is but five miles from here near Sutton on Sea... I had thought that whilst you were in the country, you would want to see your new property."

"Heavens, I forgot," whispered David while paling. Recovering himself, he answered, "I thank you sir for your pains. I would be glad to finalize any business that I may have in regards to the estate. I apologize for my tardiness with this task."

"'Tis nothing my Lord. You have already paid for it and it is lawfully yours. I am only completing the last duty. However, I will give you a word of caution, it has not been lived in for some years. Though the former owners attempted to keep the estate in respectable condition, the house and grounds may need some work to restore it to its former beauty."

After the solicitor left, Tom turned to David with a smile. "So, shall we see what you have bought? Besides, I am rather tired of always being indoors. I shall have the horses readied immediately."

Within the hour, they set off to see the estate. David and Tom chatted amiably while riding at a leisurely pace towards David's new property. The quickest route was to ride through the village of Mablethorpe and follow the coastal road. As the horses were walking through the town and past the shops along the main thoroughfare, David saw a man abusing his servant. The master, an older and cross looking man, was beating his servant about the head and back with his walking stick as the servant attempted to carry his master's load from a shop to a cart. To David's horror, he recognized the one of the parties, immediately jumped off the horse and rushed forward. "Stevens!" David called as he attempted to throw himself between his former valet and the master's cane.

"My Lord!" Stevens exclaimed in shock.

"You worthless piece of rubbish!" shouted the master as he attempted to strike Stevens again, but instead hit David.

As the older man raised his walking stick above his head to deliver another blow, Tom caught it. "I think you've done enough for one day, have you not?" he growled in a low and threatening voice.

"It is my right to beat my servant when I deem proper!" protested the man indignantly.

"But it is not your right to beat my friend, the Viscount Wallingford," Tom returned sharply.

"My Lord, what are you doing here?" Stevens asked incredulously.

"I might very well ask you the same question. How has fate brought you to this end?" David asked while surveying the state of his former valet. Stevens had lost a great deal of weight, wore very shabby clothes, and looked older than his years.

"After I left Calais," answered Stevens while looking at the ground. "I returned to Lincolnshire where my family resides. Then I found work with Mr. White."

David shook his head sadly. "I am sorry you have sunk to this. Can you ever forgive me?"

Stevens finally raised his eyes to look at David's face for the first time. "No my Lord! It is I who owe you the apology. I can scarce believe that you do not take the cane from Mr. White's hand and begin beating me. Had I heeded your orders..."

"You left the house under the explicit direction of Lady Wallingford so that you could retrieve some wood for her fire. Hardly a deed worth punishing," David interrupted. "If you will find it in your heart to forgive me for my horrible temper and turning you out of my house and employ, I would be honoured if you would accept a post as my new butler."

"My Lord!" Stevens gasped, "I would be greatly honoured."

"Then it is settled."

"Not so fast," interrupted Mr. White crossly. "He is my servant and you are stealing him away. But I suppose his worshipfulness thinks he can run rough shod over those who are beneath him…"

David reached into his pocket and tossed the man his bag of coins. "That should compensate you for your troubles."

"More than compensate I'd say," agreed Tom menacingly, with an angry glare at Mr. White.

Mr. White shook his bag of coins greedily and nodded his head. "I suppose, but who will carry my purchases from the shop to my cart?"

David and Tom each quickly went inside and grabbed the man's purchases.

"My dear sirs, allow me!" cried Stevens.

"No," they both answered in unison. "You are very tired. You should rest," urged Tom.

After Tom and David loaded the man's cart and sent him on his way, David introduced Stevens to Tom and related the story of Stevens' former employment with the Fitzwilliam family. After taking him to a local pub and making sure he had a decent meal, Tom sent for another horse to be brought to town and the three men set off from Mablethorpe to see David's estate.

When they reached the rusty iron gates of David’s new estate, Clifton Manor, Stevens climbed off of his horse and opened them. David urged his horse forward with a twinge of pain and regret. The gravel path wound towards a pretty grey modern house of respectable size. The house and grounds were nothing compared to Pemberley, Rosings Park, or Matlock, but was a bit smaller than Netherfield Park. David surveyed the grounds as he approached. The grounds were a bit wild and overgrown, but not without its charms. The smell of salt was in the air and he could hear the sound of waves crashing in the distance. As the men dismounted and began to climb the stairs leading to the front door way, the feeling of reverence overtook them. David hesitated a moment before opening the door and entering the house. The entryway had mahogany paneling and white marble floors. Stairs to the left of the entryway led to the upper floors while the doorway directly in front of them led to hallways into the house. The men wandered throughout, surveying the interior. It was dusty, however it remained in good condition. Except for a few minor repairs to be made to some windows, a quick perusal did not indicate there were any problems a good scrubbing could not cure. While looking out of the library window, down the sloping lawn towards the sea, David spied a small cottage nearer towards the beach. It was secluded, quite separate from the house. It sat on the edge of some woods, with a view of the sea and the house. With great curiosity, David walked outside and down the footpath leading to the cottage. Opening the front door revealed a one room cottage with built in bookcases along two walls. It was probably used as a reading room or study by the former master of the estate, he thought. It had large windows overlooking all of the sea's majesty.

As David looked about the cottage and surveyed the view, he sighed, "I am finally home."

The following year, Mr. Warner died, leaving Sharon under the protection of David and Tom. They served as her guardians and trustees to her dowry and bank account. David continued to write to his Uncle Darcy and Georgiana nearly every week and visited them as often as time allowed, but he did not visit as frequently as he would have liked. The newly promoted Colonel Warner was not home often leaving the duties as guardian to Sharon and master of the Warner estate to his brother. However, Mr. Darcy wrote long letters to him, dispensing advice on rearing a child, maintaining an estate (or two), and investing finances, while Georgiana wrote to tell him about the latest tea party.

"I don't like school," Sharon grumbled petulantly while using her fork to push her dinner back and forth on her plate.

David looked up at his companion, ran his hand through his hair, and sighed. It had been four years since her father’s death and she began boarding school. It seemed she asked to be released from school more and more frequently. He patiently and deliberately lifted his napkin from his lap, dabbed his mouth, then placed it back on its former resting place. "Sharon, it cannot be so terrible can it? You have many friends there and it is one of the finest schools for young ladies in the land," he soothed.

"But I would much rather be here at home. It is so much more comfortable here. There aren't as many awful rules. Besides, I am almost sixteen, far too old to be a mere schoolgirl. You placed me there so that I may learn to be a lady. Well I have learned all I can. I should be here now as Mistress of the Estate."

"And so you shall soon enough. But until that time arrives, you should continue at your school. You should meet new people and gain a wider acquaintance with young ladies, such as yourself," he said gently.

"But I miss you whilst I am there. Do you not miss me or do you relish your freedom from your ward?"

David rolled his eyes. "You cannot be serious," he said with a smile and a slight shake of the head. "The school is but a three hour ride from here. I see you at least once every fortnight and you are home once a month if not more frequently. It is hardly as if you are away from here at all. Besides, with your brother away in the army, I am your only guardian who remains in the country and you are too wild for me to manage on my own," he teased.

"Then if I am so wild," she countered, "would it not be better if I were here, under your watchful eye? And would it not be best if you were to rid yourself of your house and move here?"

"As I have explained several times before, we are not so much brother and sister to make it at all proper," David answered with a shake of the head. "Besides, soon enough you will meet a handsome young gentleman and then you will not look with favour upon my watchful eye…"

Stevens burst into the room with a panicked look in his eye, interrupting their discussion. "My Lord," he said with a bow. "This just came for you at the house. As the messenger who delivered it gave it to me with the expressed instruction that it was of the uppermost emergency, I brought it directly here to the Warner's. I am sorry to interrupt your supper."

David motioned for the letter to be brought to him and quickly ripped it open.

Pemberley, Derbyshire
My dear cousin,

Something of the most wretched nature has befallen my dear father and I do not know to whom I can turn. He has fallen suddenly and violently ill. I have summoned the doctor and he tells me that Papa is to make a full recovery, but I do not believe him. I think he is hiding the true seriousness of my father's ailment from me. I beseech you to come to Pemberley immediately.

Your loving cousin,
Georgiana

Sharon witnessed David read the letter with some alarm. "Whatever is it? Tom hasn't been injured, has he?"

"No, it has nothing to do with your brother. My Uncle has become suddenly ill and my cousin George needs my assistance. I fear this is too heavy of a burden for her to manage on her own. I must away to Pemberley. Stevens, I want you to prepare for my departure immediately. Have the carriage readied and packed. I will return home and will leave for Derbyshire within the hour." Stevens bowed and rushed from the room. "I am sorry Sharon but I will not be able to accompany you back to school as is my custom. I’ll have Stevens escort you back tomorrow."

Sharon paled at the thought of a young girl having to deal with her father's illness. "Do not concern yourself with me. How old is your young cousin? Cannot her older brother be there already, aiding her in her time of distress?"

David shook his head. "I'm afraid Darcy is on his tour of the Continent... Miserable timing... If this is as serious as George seems to believe, I only pray to God that I can get him a message in time."

"Then you must leave post haste. I will pray every day for your safe journey and for your uncle's speedy recovery."

After riding throughout the night, only stopping long enough to change teams, David arrived at Pemberley two days later. He hoped that Georgiana's concern was unfounded, but he doubted that was the case. He knew her too well to believe she would beg for his assistance if it were merely a trifling cold. As his carriage stopped at the front steps, he leapt from the door. As soon as he entered the house, Georgiana came running up to him, throwing her arms around him and burying her head in his chest. "I knew you would come," she said shakily. "I have been so afraid."

David lifted her chin and kissed her on the forehead. "There, there George. Do not fret. I am here and everything will be fine."

Georgiana began to sob. "He's been so ill David. What can we do?"

"Is your father expecting me?"

Georgiana shook her head. "He would not have liked it had he known I wrote you and William about his illness."

"And what did you say to your brother?"

"My letter to him was very similar to the one I wrote you. You do not think I was wrong, do you?" Georgiana asked, with her eyes growing very wide.

"No, I am sure that you did what is best," he answered reassuringly. "Where is your father now?"

"In his bedchamber with the doctor. I am so frightened! He has not left his room in days."

"Then I will go up to see him and speak to the physician."

"But David..."

"Do not worry George. I will tell him that I was passing through the area on the way to visit my parents and decided to stop by. I won't mention the letter."

Georgiana gave him a weak smile. "Thank you."

David leaned over and kissed her on the forehead again. "Anything for you, my sweet. Now be a good girl and instruct the servants to take my things into my bedchamber. And there is a little gift for you in one of my trunks, have Christopher give it to you."

"Thank you David." Georgiana tried to smile and look excited about the gift, but she could not. Every time he visited, he brought her a new doll. Although it was thoughtful of him to remember her, she still didn't know how to explain to him that she was now eleven years old and had outgrown dolls and tea parties years earlier. It was painfully obvious to her that in his mind, she was still a little girl.

"Now run along. I'll see to your father," he said as he walked towards the stairs.

A sinking feeling of dread began to settle into the pit of David's stomach as he climbed the stairs and made his way to his uncle's bedchamber. George Darcy disliked being poked and prodded by doctors too much to submit to any examination unless it was strictly necessary. When he reached the bedchamber door, he overheard a disagreement inside.

"I said no, and that is final!"

"But Mr. Darcy, this treatment is necessary for your recovery."

"That is what you said yesterday but your medicine is of no avail..."

David knocked twice then entered, interrupting the discussion. "Hello Uncle Darcy!" David exclaimed in his cheeriest voice. "I was in the neighbourhood and thought I would call upon you."

"Since when do you go bursting into rooms without being invited," Mr. Darcy grumbled.

"I'm sorry sir. I did not realize you had company," he answered with a crestfallen look. "I will disturb you no longer."

"Oh come in, come in. But be quick about it and for heaven's sake, close the door," Mr. Darcy snapped.

It was unlike George Darcy to be in such a foul mood, but David suspected it had more to do with the jar of leeches the doctor had in his hand, rather than his nephew’s presence. He did as he was asked and walked across the room to stand at the foot of the bed. "What seems to be the problem?" he asked innocently.

"Mr. Darcy will not submit to medical attention," the physician huffed. "He must be bled and I brought leeches that leave very little mark. It is for his own good."

"And I say you have taken enough blood from me you vampire!" countered Mr. Darcy. "Now I just want to be left alone."

"May I speak with your physician in private Uncle Darcy?"

"Do as you wish David, just keep him and his jar away from me!"

David bowed to his uncle then motioned for the doctor to join him in the hall. As soon as David and the physician were in the hall, David whispered to the doctor, "Now tell me everything. What is my uncle ailing from and why must he be bled?"

The physician shook his head, "I am sorry to have to tell you this, but your uncle is gravely ill. He has been suffering from acute stomach pain for weeks now and it is getting steadily worse."

"And the cure?" David asked anxiously.

"He must be bled on a regular basis and take laudanum for the pain. However both treatments he now refuses."

"But will your treatment cure him?"

"Well... No..."

"Then why do it?"

The doctor, growing impatient from arguing with his patient and now the nephew, answered crossly, "It is obvious that you are unfamiliar with the benefits of medicine."

"If it is so beneficial, then why does my uncle refuse it?"

The doctor sighed, "It seems your uncle does not like to take laudanum because he claims it makes him feel unlike his normal self and the repeated bleeding makes him weak."

"If that is the case, then I support my uncle's decision. He should not be bled nor should he be forced to take laudanum."

"But sir! He will die without medical treatment!" exclaimed the doctor earnestly.

"Will he live with treatment?"

The doctor avoided David's probing eyes. "No, I fear your uncle's body is fatally broken down. I am sorry."

David's shoulders sank and he slumped against the hallway wall as he tried to absorb the news. Once he regained his voice, he said in a very low, but determined tone, "Then I believe we should try and make him as comfortable as possible. I will not allow him to undergo a course of medicine he does not want. I thank you for your care of my uncle. I will call for you if you are needed again. Good day."

“But sir…”

“Good day,” David replied icily.

Realizing that any argument was futile, the doctor nodded, gathered his belongings, and left.

David re entered his uncle's bedchamber with a feeble smile. "It seems that your physician is rather fond of his leeches, though they are nasty looking creatures."

George Darcy's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And what brings you to Pemberley?"

"I had not called upon you and George in such a long time that I thought a visit was frightfully overdue. Do you not agree?"

"Your timing is rather suspect, nephew."

"Well sir, Sharon is in school and Thomas is in the army, I thought it an opportune time to come here and solicit your advice on overseas investments."

Mr. Darcy’s lips tightened. "Really?"

"In your latest letter, you told me that I should not leave all of my holdings in land but diversify. I quite agree but am not sure where I should invest my money..." As David chatted on about his finances, he took a quick look around the room. Mr. Darcy sat in his bed, propped up by pillows, while wearing his bed clothes despite the fact it was afternoon. His uncle's pale and thin looks were quite unlike himself. In the corner sat a bowl of gruel on a small table, apparently untouched.

"As I have always told you, money is only a tool, but a useful one at that," began Mr. Darcy. "Wise investments now can benefit both you and future generations of Fitzwilliams..."

As Mr. Darcy lectured, David paid little attention. He nodded his head and attempted to look interested, but his mind was otherwise engaged. Uncle will never admit to me that he is ill nor will he let me stay if he thinks I am hovering over him...

"...so how long are we blessed with your presence? Surely you must need to return to your home. Looking after the Warners' estate as well as your own must keep you busy," asked Mr. Darcy suspiciously.

"Stevens takes very good care of the properties," David answered with a casual wave of his hand. "I had hoped to impose upon your hospitality and seek your counsel for a week before going on to Matlock... Unless, of course, you would like for me to stay longer..."

"No, a week is fine," Mr. Darcy said with a nod of his head.

"Well sir, it has been a long trip. If you'll excuse me, I think I will go to my bedchamber and rest."

As David turned to leave the room, he heard Mr. Darcy's voice crack, "David?"

"Yes Uncle."

"The doctor has a nervous disposition... He is a good man, but I'm afraid he worries far too much... I only have a minor cold... I will be fine in a few days... There is no need to worry Georgiana, is there?" Mr. Darcy asked haltingly.

David gave his uncle the most reassuring smile he could. "You know that I always have George's best interests in mind sir."

"Thank you," Mr. Darcy sighed, while settling back in his bed.

"Get some rest. I will speak with you later," he said softly while leaving the room.

As David walked the long hallway towards his bedchamber, he contemplated what he would say to his cousin. Deep in thought, he entered his bedchamber wearing a grim face.

"Is it that terrible?" Georgiana asked shakily. She was sitting on the edge of his bed, awaiting his arrival.

Hearing Georgiana's voice roused David from his thoughts and he immediately put on a smile. "No, no, nothing like that. Your father lecturing me on my finances and I'm afraid I have much to learn... Your father will be fine George."

"You're lying," she countered quietly. "He's been very ill. I can see it on your face... He's dying, isn't he?"

David turned his back on Georgiana and slowly closed the door to his bedchamber. "No, of course not. What makes you say that?" he answered, while still facing the door.

"Because you won't look at me."

David turned around and crossed the room. He knelt down in front of her and took her hands within his. "I promise you George, I will do everything I can for him."

"But what if..."

"But what if nothing... You must believe me."

Tears began welling in Georgiana's eyes. "I am so frightened."

David rose and sat next to her, wrapping his arms around her. "There is no need to be afraid. I will be here to protect you," he comforted. "And your brother will be home soon. You will see. Everything will be just fine."

As David sat upon Apollo, Darcy's fastest stallion, he surveyed the land in front of him. Pemberley had been blessed with gently rolling hills, several streams, and a lake. However, much to his dismay, Pemberley and all of Derbyshire also had quite a few rocks spoiling the lush grass. David had stayed at Pemberley for five days and his uncle was expecting him to leave shortly. This was one of his last opportunities to ride around the estate and he intended to make the most of it.

"Well, here goes nothing," he muttered to himself before urging Apollo on. As Apollo raced down a hill at breakneck speed, his rider forced him to go faster. He leapt over a stream at the bottom of the hill in one bound. As the horse galloped wildly and crested another hill, David saw an undergardener a split second before the animal did. The undergardener was trimming some shrubbery when he looked up to see the animal bounding towards him. The man shrieked in fear as the startled horse suddenly reared, throwing its rider off of his back. David felt the momentary sensation of flying through the air before the world went black.

Chapter 22 ~ The Invalid

Posted on Wednesday, 23 February 2005

“Sir, I think he is waking up…”

“Well it is about time. Damn foolish...”

When David slowly opened his eyes, he was not surprised to see his Uncle Darcy and a physician hovering above him. As his eyes began to focus, he realized that he was in his bedchamber in Pemberley and his side and left arm ached. “Well hello there. From the look on your face Uncle, you do not look very pleased to see me.”

“Of all of the foolhardy things… You are lucky you did not split your head in two,” Mr. Darcy scowled.

“Yes, very lucky my Lord,” the physician agreed. “You missed hitting your head on a rock by about a foot…”

“Not that hitting your hard head would have done any damage,” Mr. Darcy fumed.

“What happened?” David innocently asked.

Exasperated, Mr. Darcy exclaimed, “What happened?! What happened?! I will tell you sir! You were galloping recklessly around Pemberley on that devil horse my son favours. You are lucky Apollo did not kill one of the servants or Georgiana! Foolish!!!”

“The fault is mine sir. Apollo is too much of a horse for me. I could not keep him in check.”

“Well that will no longer be a problem, will it?” Mr. Darcy growled.

David furrowed his brow, “What do you mean?”

“The horse will be destroyed. I will not have that demon racing around Pemberley endangering its rider and any unfortunate person who may stray into his path.”

“No!” David exclaimed while trying to sit up in his bed. The shooting pain in his side stopped him.

“My Lord, you have likely broken your arm and some ribs. I do not know if you have any other injuries,” the physician explained. “You must stay here in bed and recuperate. It will be some time before you will be able to return to your normal duties.”

“Uncle Darcy, please do not kill Apollo. It is not the horse’s doing!” David desperately begged.

“Oh really?” Mr. Darcy asked, raising an eyebrow at the revelation.

“The fault lay solely at my feet. Apollo is Darcy’s favourite horse and he is a much better rider than I…”

“Not true! You are just as accomplished as my son. If you could not control that beast from racing around Derbyshire, no one else could.”

“Apollo wasn’t accustomed to having a different rider aboard. I believe…” The sound of a gunshot in the distance stopped David’s pleas.

“Too late,” Mr. Darcy answered.

“Darcy is going to kill me,” David groaned while sinking back onto the bed.

“Probably… But now there is nothing that can be done,” Mr. Darcy snapped. “Well now that we know that you are awake, I will let Georgiana know. She has been worried sick about you. You are a scoundrel for scaring her like this.” Mr. Darcy and the physician quickly left, allowing David to contemplate his actions.

Within three minutes, Georgiana quietly entered with a concerned look on her face. “Father says that you likely broke some bones.”

“It appears so…”

“He also says that you may have other injuries not yet discovered.”

David smiled reassuringly. “Not likely. I have been riding horses for too many years not to know how to fall off of one.”

“You did do this on purpose, didn’t you?!” she gasped.

“Shhhh. Lower your voice, I do not want your father to know!” he urgently whispered.

“Believe me, he already suspects.”

David winced, “Is he very angry?”

“The most angry I’ve ever seen him.”

He sighed. “I suppose it is too late now to come up with a better plan… What do you think he will do to me?”

“There is little he can do,” she whispered. “I overheard the doctor tell Father that you will be in great pain and cannot leave Pemberley for at least three months and possibly longer or your bones might not heal properly.”

“Good,” David smiled. “Your brother should be home before then.”

“But what can you do now? You will be confined to your bed for weeks, if not months, and you will be lucky if Father does not lock you in here until you leave.”

“George, I need your help. I need for you to be my eyes and ears around Pemberley. I need for you to look after your Father and report to me what you know. I may be confined to my bed for awhile, but I will be here. I can advise you.”

Wide eyed, Georgiana asked, “Y-y-you want me to spy for you? I-I-I do not think I can do that, not even for you!”

With his unbroken limb, David reached out to Georgiana and squeezed her hand. “I believe you are right. Your Father is very ill. However, he would never stand for me staying here while he is sick. I had to invent a reason for him to force him to allow for me to stay. And now I need for you to be strong, at least until your brother arrives.”

Georgiana looked down at the ground and nodded. “I will do my best.”

“Don’t worry. I know that I can depend on you.”

Over the course of six weeks, David grew stronger. Though his arm and ribs were sore, after a week he could gingerly move around Pemberley with his arm in a sling and engage in sedentary activities with little discomfort. After two, he was writing long letters to Sharon, the staff at Clifton Manor, the staff at Bramble Hall, and his solicitor.

Though David’s bedchamber was luxuriously furnished, it only had a small desk in the corner. The small cherry desk was well suited for writing short notes about the latest garden party. However, for the current occupant with broken ribs, it was very uncomfortable. He sat at an awkward angle, ensuring that his left arm and ribs would not touch the desk edge. Due to the large volume of letter writing and his obvious discomfort at the small desk, Mr. Darcy insisted that he conduct his business from the study. Mr. Darcy’s study had a large spacious desk with comfortable chairs that made it easier for the young invalid to write. He also took a little pride in the fact that his sometimes wayward and stubborn nephew conducted his business with great efficiency despite the distance. Perhaps all of my lectures did sink in, he thought.

Letters were being sent from and arriving at Pemberley daily, allowing David to manage his affairs remotely. He wrote long letters to his young ward, urging her to improve her mind by extensive reading, and recommended books to her. He also sent a lengthy missive admonishing her for reading Tom Jones, although he did sheepishly admit to having read it himself. He wrote detailed instructions to the butlers, stewards, and gardeners of both Bramble Hall and Clifton Manor, ensuring that each estate was in top order. He also wrote explicit instructions to his solicitor in London, Mr. Heathcliff Barrows, to purchase a five percent stake in the East Virginia Trading Company for thirty thousand pounds. Half of the amount was to come from his account and the other half from the Warners’ account. He was a little puzzled when he received a reply from his solicitor a little more than three weeks after he sent the original purchase order stating that the solicitor had completed the task even though it took longer than anticipated due to the sale of assets that must precede such a large purchase. David knew that he had nearly seventeen thousand pounds in his account at Child’s & Co. and the Warners had a great deal more. He sent an inquiry to Mr. Barrows to describe at length why assets were sold and what they were.

Unfortunately, the six weeks did not pass as comfortably for Mr. Darcy. He lost weight and his coughing grew worse. He rarely left the house because he exhausted quickly. David felt no small amount of relief when an express appeared one day, telling Georgiana that her brother had arrived safely at the Darcys’ London home and he was preparing the barouche for the travel to Derbyshire. He should arrive at Pemberley the following evening. Darcy had received Georgiana’s missive and immediately started for home. He spared no expense or inconvenience to return home as quickly as he could; however the trip from France was not a short one. It was exactly eight weeks to the day since Georgiana had sent him the note, pleading for his return.

That night, a little after two in the morning, an express arrived. The rider galloped up the long Pemberley driveway, hopped off of his horse as soon as he arrived at the house, and began to pound at the door. BANG! BANG! BANG!!! echoed through the house.

“Blast! Who could that be?” David exclaimed while pushing off his bed covers.

Mr. Darcy had a long coughing fit that evening and had finally fallen asleep. David had stayed with him throughout the night and had just returned to his bedchamber and laid down for what he hoped would be a long nap when the express arrived. Although there were plenty of servants to help watch over Mr. Darcy, Georgiana and David had taken it upon themselves to do most of the nursing. Their efforts helped comfort the ill man, who was beginning to feel his mortality. In addition to the coughing, which rarely ceased for long, he was in constant pain.

David gingerly rose and draped his cobalt blue silk robe over his shoulders and carefully put his good arm through the sleeve. Since breaking his arm and ribs and having his left arm in a sling, dressing without some help was difficult. He felt exhausted as he slid his feet into his slippers and stumbled out of the door of his bedchamber. His eyes were bloodshot and his hair disheveled as he strode down the hall.

As he passed her room, Georgiana opened the door, her eyes wide with fright. “You don’t think anything…” she began.

“I’m sure your brother is fine,” he said reassuringly. “I’ll go see who it is.”

Right then, the butler, Mr. Ellis dashed up the stairs holding out a letter. “Your Lordship, the express was for you. The courier said that it was of great importance.”

“Waking us up in the middle of the night? Yes, I gathered that much,” David grumbled, snatching the letter from the butler’s outstretched hand. “Bring me a light,” he commanded.

Mr. Ellis scurried away and returned with a candlestick within half a minute. He held the lit candle, illuminating the envelope and David and Georgiana’s faces.

David was startled to see his family crest on the seal. He struggled to tear open the envelope and then he and Georgiana began to read. As he read the first three lines, his eyes grew large. “Good God!” he exclaimed.

Chapter 23 ~ Missing

Posted on Sunday, 27 February 2005

David and Georgiana were so engrossed in reading the letter they did not hear Mr. Darcy’s coughs as he approached. “What is it?” Mr. Darcy asked.

David took a deep breath to steady himself. “Let us speak in my bedchamber.” He then strode down the hallway with Mr. Darcy close on his heels.

David entered his room quickly and lit a candle. Mr. Darcy soon followed and closed the door.

“That something terrible has occurred, I know. What is it?” asked Mr. Darcy.

“I have just had a letter from Stevens, with such dreadful news. My ward Sharon has left her friends and school. She has simply disappeared.”

“Disappeared!” gasped Mr. Darcy.

“Yes, the headmaster himself arrived at Clifton Manor yesterday to inform me that she is missing. A search party has been organized, but she has not been found,” David replied in disbelief.

“Is there no indication where she may have fled to?”

“No. Apparently Sharon has been much depressed and distracted as of late, however the headmistress did not know why. When she did not appear for the evening meals the night before last, the headmistress looked for her. When she went to Sharon’s room, she noticed that a trunk and some of her clothes was missing, including her traveling clothes.”

“I am grieved, indeed. Grieved – Shocked. But is it certain, absolutely certain?”

David nodded his head sadly.

“Did she leave a note, a word, anything that may indicate where the girl traveled to?”

“No, nothing. The school is searching the road to Gretna Greene. However, Stevens is not convinced that is where she was headed. None of the girls in the school knew of any young man that caught her fancy. Stevens is organizing a party to look for her in Lincolnshire and the road to London.”

“That is a lot of territory to cover,” Mr. Darcy murmured.

“Yes, I know. That is why I must ask to borrow a horse. I must return to Clifton Manor at once.”

“David, you cannot leave.”

“But sir!” he protested.

“You are not strong enough yet. The doctor said that you cannot ride in a carriage, much less a horse, for at least three months and possibly longer.”

David pleaded, “As you said, the physician is more careful that he ought to be.”

Mr. Darcy sighed. “If you insist…”

“I insist!”

“Then God speed,” Mr. Darcy answered while slapping David on his broken arm. The shooting pain dropped David to his knees. “I thought so,” Mr. Darcy said while shaking his head. “You are in no condition to travel.” As David rose slowly while grimacing, Mr. Darcy admonished him further. “With your broken arm and ribs, you’ll never stay on a horse long enough to leave Pemberley, let alone arrive in Lincolnshire. And if you can make it to Clifton Manor, what then? You will be in such pain that the servants will have to nurse you back to health, rather than search for your sister. No, you would do far better to stay here, out of the way.”

“But sir!”

“Your butler Sevens, you have told me before that he is trustworthy.”

“Yes, very much so.”

“And he is familiar with the area?”

“He grew up there.”

“David, let him do his job. If you go home, he will have two to worry about, and not just one,” Mr. Darcy replied comfortingly.

“And what shall I tell Colonel Warner, Sharon’s older brother?”

Mr. Darcy pondered for a moment. “Surely there is no cause to alarm him just yet. Wait a few days. I would not recommend sending him a letter, to have him worry, when the problem was already solved. Once we know of her whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, then you shall tell him.”

David nodded. “In the meantime, what should I do?”

“Write Stevens. Authorize him to use every possible means to find her. Inform him that no expense is to be spared.”

David sighed, “ I suppose that is best.” He grabbed the candlestick and left his bedchamber deep in thought. He was so consumed by the problem before him, that he did not notice a pair of eyes watching him very intently as he left his bedchamber and walked down the hall.

As Mr. Darcy left the room and began to cough, Georgiana walked up beside him and wrapped her arm around his. Her eyes were wide with concern. “Father?” she asked.

“Do not worry child,” he replied with a pat on her hand. “David is writing his staff. He will spare no expense or effort to recover his sister.”

“He looked so pale…”

“Yes, no doubt with worry. We must do everything we can to help him. I know that he has tried to watch over us, now it is our turn to watch over him. We must look after him and protect him in any way we can.”

Georgiana nodded and slowly helped her father back to bed.

After David wrote and dispatched his letter, he sat in deep contemplation. Have I been a good guardian? he asked himself. Where did I fall short as a brother? He sat in deep thought for hours, searching his memories for any hint of where Sharon may be.

When the hallway clock struck seven, it roused him from his thoughts. “Seven o’clock,” he sighed. “I should dress and prepare for the day.”

An hour later, he appeared fully dressed in the breakfast room. He had dark circles under his eyes. He had little rest over the previous weeks and none the night before. Georgiana entered the room quietly and began to fix herself a plate of food. When she sat down, he noticed that the exhaustion evident on her face reflected how he felt.

After pushing the food around her plate for several moments, she finally spoke. “Good morning David,” she sighed. “How are you this morning?”

“I will be fine George. And yourself?”

“The same. My brother will be here today. Father says that he will not arrive before supper but I believe that he will arrive earlier. I will be greatly relieved when he is here.”

“I as well. Your father’s discomfort has been increasing. It will be good to have Darcy nearby to help him.”

“Do you think Father will recover?” she tentatively asked while searching his face for any sign of hope.

Unable to look at her, he looked down at his untouched plate of food. “I do not know.”

Georgiana looked down at her own untouched plate. “Thank you for being honest.”

David sighed, “For the longest time, I thought he would recover. Now, I just don’t know. But we must keep our hopes up, hide our concern from him, and we must do what we can.”

Georgiana nodded.

“And George, I want you to eat your breakfast.”

She shook her head. “What do I care for eating when my father could be dying?”

“I know that you might not want to eat, but the only way you will be able to continue your efforts for him is to stay strong. You have been growing thinner and weaker and it pains me to see it,” he responded softly.

“I am not the only one.”

“Yes, me too,” he said with a smile. “But I’m not always good at following my own advice. With Darcy here, that will help us immensely. In the meantime, we should both eat.”

After dining, David returned to the study to consider what else could be done. About a half an hour later, Mr. Darcy knocked at the door. “David?” he said between coughs.

“Yes, please enter Uncle.”

Mr. Darcy entered and sat at one of the chairs in front of the desk. “Have you heard any new news?”

“No nothing. I wrote Stevens a short note instructing him to find Sharon, no matter what. I have also written a letter to the school, providing them any suggestions which I could offer.”

“Good. I’m sure you will hear something favourable shortly.”

David sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “I feel so useless… Do you have a map of the area? Perhaps by looking at it I will have some clue as to where she went.”

“Yes, of course! I should have thought of that earlier. I will have a map displayed for you immediately.”

Soon after their conversation, David helped Mr. Darcy return to his bedchamber to rest. David then locked himself away in the study to attempt to discover where Sharon had fled.

Just before four o’clock in the afternoon, David heard a commotion outside of the door to the study. He rose and opened it. He was greeted to the sight of Georgiana running forward and jumping into her brother’s arms. “William you are home!”

“Yes,” Darcy smiled. “I am happy to finally be here.” He started when he looked up from his sister to see his cousin standing in the doorway to the study. “David?! I hadn’t expected you.”

“In England, I believe the accepted method of greeting is to say ‘hello’,” David chuckled.

“Yes, of course,” Darcy mumbled while nodding his head at David, “Hello.” As he looked upon his cousin’s irritating grin, he furrowed his brow. “Are you staying long?”

“Oh at least several months!” Georgiana chirped.

David gave an enigmatic smile. “I am not sure of the length of my visit.”

“Well, we are always happy to have you here,” replied Darcy unconvincingly.

“Thank you.”

Darcy looked at David’s sling. “And what is wrong with your arm?”

“Injured,” David replied in a flat tone, which did not encourage further inquiry.

“And how is my Father? Is he in health?”

David frowned. “Darcy, I won’t mince words. Your father is very ill.”

Darcy furrowed his brow. “Surely, it cannot be that bad.”

“You must prepare yourself. He coughs frequently and is in constant pain. He will be glad to know of your arrival, but his appearance will be a great shock. He is much weaker and thinner than when you last saw him. The doctor believes that he does not have long to live. I am sorry.”

“And what is your opinion?” gasped Darcy.

Georgiana began to sniffle. “I… I am sorry,” replied David softly. “His condition is not improving.”

“And what about other doctors?”

David sighed and shook his head. “We have contacted all of the greatest physicians in the country. Many have already visited. There is nothing that anyone can do.”

Darcy’s shoulders sank. “Then I suppose I should not waste any more time in seeing him.”

“Your presence will be a great comfort,” David said softly.

“Does he know?”

David sighed. “George and I have done our best to hide the truth, but yes, I believe your father suspects that he will not recover. We have tried to keep our spirits up and hide our fears when we are around him.”

Darcy nodded. “I understand. I will be with Father.”

Georgiana kissed him on the cheek. “Be strong William,” she whispered. As soon as Darcy walked up the stairs, David gave Georgiana a comforting hug.

Just then, Mr. Ellis approached with a letter. “Lord Wallingford, an express just arrived for you.”

“Thank you,” he replied while taking the letter from the butler. He tore open the envelope and began to read.

As he read the page, his eyes grew large. “Oh Good God!” he exclaimed.

Chapter 24 ~ A Broken Man

Posted on Saturday, 5 March 2005

Georgiana paced in front of the study door for a half an hour. David had entered and closed the door behind him as soon as he finished reading the letter. The look on his face when he finished reading the letter was one that she could not describe. The look of horror and shock broke her heart.

Georgiana finally resolved to enter and provide any assistance she could offer. She asked the cook to prepare her a pot of tea and some cookies for her cousin. Once the tray was prepared, she carried it to the study door and knocked. After fifteen seconds with no answer, she carefully balanced the tray with one arm, opened the door, and entered slowly. David was sitting behind the study desk, his right elbow resting on it, with his face was buried in his hand. He did not move upon her entry, so she slowly went to the desk and silently put the tray down. She observed him carefully for a moment before preparing a cup of tea for him. As she placed the cup of tea near him, she expected him to move, but he did not. She gazed upon him with his head buried in his hand and his wavy brown hair falling forward into his face, he looked like a lost little boy. Georgiana could not help but quietly approach him and brush a stray curl from his forehead. Startled by the feeling of her touch, he jumped and looked up at her with his sapphire blue eyes.

“George,” he exclaimed. “I’m sorry I did not hear you enter. I must have been lost in my thoughts.”

“I-I-I am s-s-sorry. I just wanted to bring you some tea,” she stammered.

“Thank you my dear,” he sighed. “I’m afraid that I do not care to eat or drink right now.”

“I-I-Is it bad news?”

“I’m afraid so,” he said with a scowl whilst handing her the letter. She took the letter and began to read.

London

Dear Lord Wallingford,

I hardly know what to write. The information I have to share with you grieves me to the core. But I am stalling, I will get right to the point. Last week, when I received your letter, I was confused. I thought that you had expected me to sell assets in order for you to acquire the 30,000 pounds necessary to purchase stock in the East Virginia Trading Company. Knowing you as well as I do, I knew that you would not want to borrow money against your current holdings, but would prefer to sell items outright to earn the money.

My Lord, you had 16,918 pounds in your Child’s & Co. account. I thought that it would be best if I sold 14,000 pounds worth of your investments in order to raise the necessary funds. Normally I would question such a large investment in one venture, but because this opportunity was full of such promise, I did not question it. -- I wish I had. -- In order to ensure that a ten percent stake in the company was available for purchase by you and the Warners, time was of the essence for the transaction. I sold your assets and bought a five percent holding in the East Virginia Trading Company for you alone. I also withdrew 30,000 pounds from the Warners’ account at Child’s & Co and purchased a five percent stake in the company for them.

It wasn’t until I received your last missive that I re-read your original order. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that you only wanted a five percent stock in the company split between yourself and the Warners and not five percent each! Once I discovered my mistake, I immediately traveled to the East Virginia Trading Company’s offices to sell back five percent of their stock for a refund.

It was upon arriving at place where the offices once stood, that I realized my other mistake. Although I assure you my Lord that I had thoroughly researched the company before recommending that you invest in it, it appears that the company was a sham. It was a fraud. When I arrived at the offices, I only saw empty rooms. All of the furniture and all evidence of their prior actions had vanished. The principals have defrauded other several wealthy investors and disappeared.

I will continue to search for them and recover your money, but at this point, it appears as if you and the Warners have lost 30,000 pounds each.

Sincerely,
Healthcliff Barrows, Esq.

“W-w-what will you do?” Georgiana gasped.

“I have not the first notion… Sixty thousand pounds lost with only a worthless certificate to show for it. I am ruined. First my sister has disappeared and is most likely dead and now my fortune is gone. I have not the smallest hope.”

Georgiana’s eyes grew very large. “Go speak with Father. He will know what to do.”

“I will later, but Darcy just arrived. Should I not allow your brother some time to speak with his father?”

Georgiana shook her head vigorously, “Time is of the essence.”

“Tomorrow will be soon enough.”

“You cannot wait! You cannot!” she urged.

“I suppose you are right,” David mumbled before quickly rising from his seat. “Thank you for your good advice.” He kissed her on the forehead. “You are a very wise little girl,” he said with a smile before quitting the room.

“Someday you will realize that I am not such a little girl,” she sighed after he left.

David walked up the stairs and down the hall, but hesitated before knocking at the door and interrupting the family reunion. After a minute of debating the merits of waiting versus interrupting, his recollection of Georgiana’s pleas tipped the scale in favour of knocking. After he rapped on the door, Darcy’s voice called from inside, “Yes?”

David opened the door and entered. Mr. Darcy was lying in his bed and his son sat in a chair next to the bed. While Mr. Darcy looked thin and pale, David could immediately notice that his son’s presence cheered him greatly. “Forgive my intrusion…”

“You look very ill David,” Darcy gasped. “Is there nothing I can get you for your relief?”

“No, thank you. I am well. I have just received news, that is all.”

Mr. Darcy’s eyes grew large. “Son, why don’t you speak to Georgiana? Tell her about your trip.”

“But Father…”

“Please, do as I say.”

“Yes sir,” Darcy frowned while rising from the chair next to Mr. Darcy’s bed.

“And close the door behind you.”

Darcy scowled. “Yes sir,” he answered with more obedience than he felt.

As soon as his son left, Mr. Darcy wheezed, “It is very bad news, is it not?”

“Yes, but it is not what you expect,” David began while sitting in the chair next to the bed. “I have just received a letter from my solicitor informing me that the Warners and I have been swindled...”

“Oh no.”

“To the amount of thirty thousand pounds…”

“Oh no!”

“A piece.”

“Heavens no! How is half such a sum to be recovered?”

“I do not know,” David sighed while slumping in the chair. “I authorized my solicitor to purchase a five percent stake in the East Virginia Trading Company for thirty thousand pounds. I had intended for the Warners and I to share in the expense. The solicitor misread my instructions and purchased thirty thousand pounds worth of stock for each of us.”

“And what of this trading company?”

“Apparently it was a ruse. The principals never intended to start a new trading company after all.”

“How did you come to know these people?”

“My solicitor, Healthcliff Barrows, wrote to me of the opportunity to invest two months ago. He knows that I am always looking for new ventures and he thought it was a good prospect.”

“David, I do not wish to put too fine a point on it and you needn’t answer if you do not wish, but what of your finances?”

He scowled. “I confess Uncle, I now have none. In order to purchase the stock, Mr. Barrows sold many of my investments. I have little to show for myself other than Clifton Manor.”

“Do you have any liens against it?”

“Thankfully no. I have heeded your advice and have not indebted myself, which may be my saving grace. I do not know how I will repay the Warners.”

“Surely your brother will not hold you accountable for this mistake. You have made him a lot of money over the years. Certainly he will forgive you for one misstep.”

David shook his head. “But I cannot. If it were a failed legitimate venture because of an Act of God sinking the vessels, I would agree with you. It would be a business risk. But it was not. It was an Act of Man and due to my neglect, I did not discover it. My honour will not allow those who depend on me to suffer because of my error... And the Warners need never know. I will simply replace the money in their account.”

“And how will you repay the money?”

“I will sell Clifton Manor,” he answered resolutely.

Mr. Darcy closed his eyes for a moment in deep contemplation. When he opened them, he said, “You must send for Randolph Wetherstone. He will know what to do. He is my attorney and lives in Kempton. Ellis will know how to reach him.”

“Forgive me Uncle, but if my London solicitor does not know how to recover my money, how will a country lawyer?” David replied skeptically.

Mr. Darcy smiled, “If I did not know you better, I would think that you thought that the country is nothing at all. Regardless, the Fitzwilliams have been doing business with the Barrows for decades, but I never thought very highly of them. Yes, the father and son are unfailingly honest, but not necessarily very bright. While I have just a country lawyer, he may be of infinite more use to you than your city solicitor.”

“Given the state I am in, I can hardly argue. I will have him sent for immediately.”

Two hours later, while Darcy was waiting in the drawing room before supper, Mr. Weatherstone arrived and was announced. He was surprised that his father’s attorney would appear so close to the evening meal, but he immediately rose and greeted him as soon as he entered the room.

“How are you young master Darcy? How are you?” asked the solicitor. He was a kindly, rotund man, with a full head of white hair and spectacles, who always had a ready smile. He looked more like a neighbourhood parson rather than an attorney who served some great estates. However, Mr. Darcy always warned his son not to judge on appearances alone. His confidence in his solicitor was boundless. “I understood from your father that you were on the continent. I had not expected you back in the country.”

“I just arrived this afternoon,” came the answer.

“And do you know why I was summoned?” the elder man asked. “I received an urgent letter from Lord Wallingford an hour ago. I understand that he is helping your father draw up some of the new provisions for his will. Is it something to do with that?”

Darcy furrowed his brow. “No, I do know. He did not mention anything about the will… Surely it cannot be anything urgent with Pemberley can it?”

Just then David and Mr. Darcy entered the drawing room. Mr. Darcy leaned on his nephew for support as he entered the room. His appearance surprised his solicitor. He was frail and weak and his clothes now hung loosely on his body. Mr. Weatherstone correctly surmised that Mr. Darcy could not often leave his bed.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice. David, may I present Randolph Weatherstone. Mr. Weatherstone, my nephew, Lord Wallingford.”

Both men smiled and bowed cordially to each other.

“Now that the pleasantries are over, shall we adjourn to my study?” Mr. Darcy asked. “We have some important business to discuss.”

“But of course,” agreed the attorney before following Mr. Darcy and David out of the room.

Assuming that the solicitor’s visit concerned Pemberley, Darcy naturally followed. As he reached the door of the study, David was closing the door. “Darcy, will you please escort your sister in to supper? I’m not sure how long we will be,” his cousin requested.

“But David…” was all of the protest he could lodge before his cousin closed the door between them.

Two hours later, Mr. Weatherstone emerged from the study with a grim look on his face. He immediately walked out of the door and to his carriage. He would be leaving for London that evening and would contact Bow Street Runners as soon as he reached Town. Mr. Darcy and David continued behind closed doors for another hour before emerging. David helped Mr. Darcy up the stairs and back to his bedchamber. While the meeting had been taxing on Mr. Darcy, he hoped he had been of use to his nephew. Once he was comfortably settled back in his bed, David ordered that a light supper be brought to him.

As Mr. Darcy began his meal, David slipped out of his room and began to look for his cousin. He found Darcy sitting in the library, engaged in reading. “Excuse me Darcy,” said he. “I just returned your father to his bedchamber. I would sit with him now, but I have some business to conduct. It would be better if you or George was by his side.”

“Can I not be of some other assistance?” Darcy inquired. “If you have some business to conduct or letters to write, you had better let me do it. You are still convalescing yourself and it is far easier for me to correspond with others.”

“I thank you, but no. I can manage well enough on my own. The greatest assistance that you could be is to stay by your father’s bedside. If you would please assist me in that way…”

“But if it concerns Pemberley…”

David shook his head, “No, it isn’t what you think.”

“I can be of assistance,” Darcy persisted.

“Please, it is your father that I am most concerned about now.”

“Why don’t you stay with Father and I write your letters?”

“Darcy!” David snapped. “I have no stomach for disagreement at this moment. I am tired. I have had little sleep. George is tired. She needs her rest. We have been tending to your father for weeks. I would appreciate it if you would do your share. If you will not, then I will watch over him alone.”

“No,” Darcy scowled. “I will do what I can to help Father. I was just offering you my services.”

“I thank you but no. It is not needed. I can manage on my own. The only assistance I need is for you to tend to your family.” With that, he quitted the room.

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