Section I, Next Section
Chapter 1 ~ He Hardly Knew What to Think
In his youth, Fitzwilliam Darcy was quiet and reserved, but always enjoyed observing those who were not. It is a truth universally known that a characteristic we find wanting in ourselves is a desirable quality in others. That those closest to us cannot teach it to us, for they most likely lack it as well. But, being in company with those who are in possession of it seems to make us think we posses it. It is here we begin our story.
George Darcy was an extremely handsome man. He counted himself only passably presentable, however, and was greatly embarrassed if any mention was made of his appearance, unless it was by his wife, the gracious Lady Anne Darcy. Whatever Lady Anne said was a comfort to him and seemed wise and good. She had been his closest confidant all these years and he was grieved that she had not been herself these past few days, especially since young Darcy was coming home for Michaelmas. Reflecting on his son, Fitzwilliam, George Darcy considered the news of which he had recently been privy to. What a sad bit of news it was! He must deal with Fitzwilliam in due course, but really did not have the heart for it, considering his wife's ill state and the fact that his son would be returning after an absence of many months. When had he lost sight of Fitzwilliam's habits? When had he begun to exhibit these wild ways? Certainly it did not seem in keeping with the boy's behavior as he remembered it last. Could all of young Wickham's comments have been correct after all. He hardly knew what to think. Well, soon he would know. He would confront the lad with the reports lately sent him and see what he had to say in his own defense. As much as it pained him, he knew it would pain his dearest Anne more. But he would not concern her with this now. Wait until she felt stronger. Wait until the time was right.
Chapter 2
Just before he had left __________ton Academy, he had had a strange letter from his father. It was pleasant enough, asking how his studies went and if he were getting along with his tutors, but it seemed odd he implied that there was much to discuss over the time he would be home. Usually he would speak of activities in which they would participate. How Will, or Fitzwilliam, as he was called at home, would be expected to visit his father's tenants and determine how things went with them. His father thought it never too early to have the boy learn to understand the people who were actually their neighbors, even if they were their tenants as well. But in the letter his father had intimated that there were problems to be discussed.. . no.. ."situations" " misunderstandings" were his words.
So it was that the joy of being home was tempered with a certain amount of apprehension, though he could not imagine what the cause of such concerns would be to his dear father. As they rounded the last bend in the road, he was jolted from these unanswered questions, when the first sight of Pemberley rose out of the morning mist over the pond, filled him with boundless joy and he and the horse broke into a trot and bounded ahead of the coach. With a wave to the coachman, he was soon beyond the calls of Eduard, who sighed and signaled the team to speed up; he hoped he could have a word with Sir Darcy, before he talked with the boy. Oh, why hadn't he anticipated Will riding on ahead like that. 12 year olds were so impulsive!
Chapter 3 ~ It Is So Difficult Being Dignified all of The Time
Lady Ann had just been reading a letter from her sister, Cat. Oh, she'd never call her that now, but when they were children.. .. .. .. .. oh it was different! I must write back as soon as may be," she thought."There seems to be a misunderstanding." Sighing, she looked over at the miniature portraits of their parents."Did she really expect her to agree with her?" Laughing to herself, she pondered that thought.
Cat wrong? Never! Oh, even the thought of it amused her so much that the clear tinkling laugh escaped her lips and shook her so that she didn't even hear the sound of running feet up the long stairway. Laughter was good for her. She could sense that it had healing qualities. What was it her father in law used to say? "An amusing diversion spreads through even the darkest moments like a warm ray of sunshine. It was true. Even at the burial of her beloved Lady Elizabeth she had not been able to dismiss an irreverent thought that crept into the devastating numbness.
Just as the minister had finished the prayers, and they had all stood up again, ready to each say or give a final flower or personal, quiet word at the coffin, she had the image of the time she and Lady Elizabeth had been walking in one of the orchards and, sure that they were far out of hearing of any of the servants or tenants, because they had seen no one all along their walk that blissfully cool summer twilight, she had unexpectedly confided in Lady Ann that she had never liked the minister."Smarmy, I call him," she said with energy,"Smarmy and a sycophant, odious man if I ever saw one! If the world were to go on another thousand years there could never be as stupid, groveling, self-self-aggrandizing fool as this man is. I don't have the least idea of how he was ever given the living. Always gets the parables backwards!" At the shocked look on her daughter-in-law's face, she added,"It is so difficult being dignified all of the time. I shall just have to educate myself in the art of being silly, but not in front of the servants!"
And, as Lady Ann had walked closer to the casket of her beloved mother-in-law, she enjoyed a trembling of peace and joy, remembering the twinkle in Lady Elizabeth's eyes, and the wink she had added at the astonished look Anne had given her."Oh do not look at me so, dear, I just have to let my hair down every once in awhile. It is so difficult being dignified all of the time, I always say, oh I said that, didn't I? You see my dear I do always say.. and she set about on a new cascade of laughter. Giving Ann a pat on the shoulder, she added,"You must never bear witness to these observations my dear. I should have to deny them at once!" The lovely sound of Lady Elizabeth's laughter, it was infectious, and at that, Anne had laughed too, feeling that she had risen to a new level in being human. Understanding perhaps for the first time what true nobility was.
"No wonder my George is so loving and joyful. Look at the affectionate and lively minded mother he was fortunate to have. Would be mine had been half as sweet. At that thought, Lady Ann had abruptly shaken herself out of her own comforting realization that just because Lady Elizabeth was physically gone from her dear family, and soon would slumber in her favorite meadow at Pemberley, she would still be near in her heart. As near as the dearest memory.
Chapter 4
"He.. .. .. .. .. Fitzwilliam! Dear son!" she broke off and exclaimed,"When did you arrive? " She joyfully caroled as her eldest child burst into the room and flung himself at her.
Will adored his mother. He was fiercely proud of his father, but he adored his mother. He sensed even in this happy moment as she hugged him with a decided energy, that something was wrong. Even at this happy time he had wished for almost as soon as he had left Pemberley all those months ago. Oh, the indignity of it! To be sent away. That was how it felt. And even as he had fought back the tears, trying to be a great awful presence that could stand anything, his heart broke as he looked back and saw his father's hand affectionately resting on Georgie Wickham's shoulder. How could he stand it? To know what he knew. To be sent away, oh very well, sent for traditional education at the family alma mater. That was the reason his father had given. That and the fact that he would be nearer to the recently widowed Lady Catherine. And he was sure his father believed it himself. But, Georgie Wickham, allowed to stay??
Impossible. To have the same affectionate relationship he had always enjoyed for as far back as Will could remember, and not have anything change?? Unfair! Had he been able to see through the walls of his dear home, Pemberley, he would have seen his mother weep, for she knew, and could do nothing.
Chapter 5 ~ More Than I trust My Own
Sir George Darcy had not been born into and aristocratic family. It was to be sure a family whose roots could be traced as far back as the name origin, somewhere in the 6th century when a certain d'arc the elder was born. When had the 'ee' sound been added, no one could be certain. Perhaps it was always pronounced the same, but spellings in church records, announcing births or marriages or deaths, and records of deeds, military service, varied as much as the education of the person supplying the information. Or, even more often, the pronunciation would give an added vowel or change a consonant and once recorded, once written down, it must me right, or so everyone believed. And those who gave the information perhaps were not literate themselves and so could not check spelling. Moreover, to go back and change any information now would only set off another entry in the church records questioning the authority of the person who changed it and then a response, and on and on. And so they were Darcy.
The Darcys were landed gentry, known in the countryside for their generosity and high minded values, their fair and kind treatment of their tenants and their high regard for learning and culture. Oh, there were those who thought them too proud, but they were misled into thinking a person disagreeable who only lacked certain social skills.
George Darcy scratched his head." How on earth," he thought,"could he have had such a gregarious mother who could engage in conversation with anyone, could refine her speech to such a degree that one might think her capable of tutoring at Oxford, were such a thing possible. And, again, she could moderate her words and indeed, manner of speaking to such a degree that the tenants and servants of Pemberley would not only understand her but not feel unduly intimidated when she spoke to them. How indeed! There is an old saying, universally known that just because you raise chickens does not mean you will have a feather pillow. Lady Elizabeth, George Darcy's mother, was very good at listening or being sensitive to her tenants feelings, but when she was around her own family she tended to recite the day's events or go into a lively and entertaining monologue that asked and answered questions and almost never required an answer.
She did not often notice that others may have wished their share in the conversation. Belatedly, she would sense that someone was uncomfortable or shocked by her candor, never mean or vicious, but still surprising when the information came from one whose husband, Sir Graham Darcy, enjoyed the honor of knighthood.
The title of.. .. .. .. .. was granted to Sir Graham by the king after that sad business in town. It was surprising that not 10 years later he himself, George Darcy was also knighted, though for very different reasons. It was astonishing to him still. Well, he wouldn't think of the now. But, it was amusing. Here he was, Sir Darcy, after all. After listening for years to his aunt warn him that the title his parent enjoyed would never be passed down to him or any other of the family. It was not an hereditary title.
George Darcy, Sir George, pulled himself from his deeper thoughts and said cheerfully,"But, come Young Wickham," smiling fondly at his young godchild, George Wickham,"I have been lost in thought. Have you finished the puzzle? Ah, I see you have, there's a good boy, . It's time we went downstairs to await Fitzwilliam's arrival." He thought as the time drew near that he had much better lead the way himself, lest the impression be given that Young George Wickham had the run of the upstairs as well as the down.
"Poor lad," thought George Darcy,"to lose his mother at such a young age. I hardly know how to be without mine. And to be so misunderstood by his father as well. The elder Wickham was George Darcy's overseer and the main reason that the property was still intact. Oh, what would he ever done without him?" I can't understand it," he mused,"we agree so completely on almost very other subject, one would certainly imagine we'd be of one mind on the character of a person no matter how young. But I have trusted his judgment at times, more than I have trusted my own, thank goodness I did."
Chapter 6: And Fewer In Whom He Could Confide
Eduard rounded the gently graded slope in the long, lovely tree lined drive that led to the main gate of Pemberley. What a grand sight. For a fancy place it was all right. he thought. He clicked to the horses. What a pleasure to drive such a fine rig. But he needed to think on how he would broach the subject to Sir George. It was a head scratcher* it was.
Eduard was a coachman of Pemberley and husband to the housekeeper at the main house. He'd moved up to the servants quarters around the same time Lord Darcy had discovered that he had been quite knowledgeable about horses from the times he was breeding horses in Ireland. Just after it was determined he was the sweetheart years ago of Margaret Kathleen, who had been the downstairs parlor maid. She had certainly worked hard to get down to the first floor work. It was unusual. But she was a jewel. Yes. So they allowed her to marry and it was a blessing all around. She was a woman of keen perception and friendly manner, quick to praise slow to criticize, but when she did, she was right. It made it comfortable for Eduard to be with her, he knew he was rough and not as learned as his wife, but as she always told him, he was smart in other ways, and he was even beginning to believe her. He sure felt smart around her, the way she gave weight to his ideas. And now she's the housekeeper! I knew she was good for them, knew it from the first day. It was from her that he received the final opinion that convinced him the rumours regarding Will couldn't possibly have any heft to them at all. Not that he'd ever doubted his young master. but it was good to have confirmation of his, of the feelin he had in his belly all along.
"How did such terrible notions git into anybody's head in the first place ?" It was beyond his ken, his understanding.. .., NO! Wait! " he exclaimed, almost aloud,"Shore is a thing reminds me of the other time, a time me m'self was deemed suspect. I'll be askin my Margaret Kathleen, she'd be the one ta tell if it be true er no. Effen it be so, there's going to be trouble, one way or t'other."
Earlier he had withstood the temptation of inquiring after the information from Will. And he did not find an opportune time to disclose what he had heard. It didn't even make sense to him, but he sensed it was very important, somehow. Something of the boy's manner was off-putting. Not as though he were just thinking, but as though he was trying to cut his finger with it, Now what would he want to do that for?
At the inn where they had stopped, on the way back from Rosings 'he could see the boy was nowhere near as easy in his manner as he had been at the last changing of the horses. He kept playing with that new ring his aunt had given him It was an easy distance so they had decided to bring" Chestnut " Will's horse. Itdid make it a longer ride because they had to stop and rest from time to time forChestnut's sake. But it had given them the opportunity to call on his sister, at Will's suggestion. For a.. .. .. and privileged boy, he was surprisingly selfless when it came to thinking of others he cared about. You wouldn't even think he'd a known about his sister's time. But there he was sayin hows they should stop there because it would do her good to see her brother. There were few people Will loved and fewer whom he could confide. Bitter experience had taught him that.
" But he spakes ta me, us'ally, Eduard said to himself. Will's a fine lad, you'll neever find a better un.
"Oh, he thought to himself.,"far better for all considered if I don't refer to the young genleman in such a familiar term as tha ; I'd better remember to call him Master Fitzwilliam to his da." Shaking his head, he sighed," I hope nothin ever happens ta change him. He insists I call him Will, but tha's not it. He's just a fine pairson. Why I'd lay down coppers if I had em if he doesn't evern help others whilst he gets a bit o pocket change. Don't understand how they's thinkin the way they do. I hope I kin get a word wi thay that luvs hem, afore it be too late."
Up ahead he could see the young gentleman now, dismounting his horse. It was s' good for the lad to have been allowed to keep.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . at his auntie's stables, so he could ride him whenever he visited. It was but 5 miles from.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. academy and he knew that Will most likely would ha run all the way whenever he was allowed, Eduard thought to himself. Then he chuckled, and one horse even tried to turn his head at the sound.
" 'Auntie ', is it ?" He chuckled again."If ever a name did not suit a person it was tha one. Why, he'd known Lady Catherine all his life and he couldn't even ever picture her washing her face, she was so, uh, high falooten, is what I's call it."
He grumbled, cured of his laugh for a moment as another thought forced its way into his head. What if the young master saw his father before he could talk to him. It could be really important that he did. He coulna be sure but he owed it to his young friend, Will to try."Not that I have all the fittins of it, he thought, but I sure know that lot have it wrong."
*headscratcher (term from cate, thanks)
Chapter 7: It's good to Be Home
"Well then, Eduard," called Sir George with a relieved smile."I see you've made it after all. As the day wore on and there was no post letter it became clear that you had been delayed along the way. I hope there was not trouble with the Axle? The smithy assured me it was repaired to perfection this time. Because " he continued in a distracted way as he inspected the undercarriage. ." if it isn't, we can't waste any more time and good investments on trying to have it be the way it was, no matter how much I love it. It was my mother's favorite.. . and I think of her whenever I.. .. .. .. .. .. .. . well, where is Fitzwilliam? Sir George had finally lifted up his head and looked toward the windows of the carriage. When he saw it was empty a look of fear crept over his face and he turned white. then red. Come, man, where is he. He isn't here! Was he not at Lady Catherine's, was he not.. .. . a sudden thought occurred to him and only that one thought. Because, he loved his son. what could have happened, what on earth no it couldn't be.. . he was sputtering so that Eduard could not get a word in to explain to him that Will had gone ahead. Where was he indeed. Not to report to the.. .. .. .. .. ., his father upon first arriving? Lord! Well he must interrupt.
"SIR!" he said in as loud a voice as he could with out showing disrespect." He 's come home ta be sure, sir. He even now has just rode on ahead on the mare! Ah ware sure y'd a seen him befare I get here. Beggin your pardon, sir, could he be in the house?" Well, this was not going well, how could he take the liberty of requesting a quiet conference with a man who was belatedly concerned with the whereabouts of his son and now obviously distraught. No, he would not get the opportunity now. Pity.. .. sure was a pity. Now, what would happen ? Out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of a boy and for a moment was going to say."Ah Yer Lordship, there he is, and if you wouldn't mind sir there 's a matter of importance I'll be needin to.. .. .. . ."
But it was not Will. It was that other one.. . sneaking away around the side of the house. He had been only vaguely aware of the grinning boy standing next to Sir Darcy as he drove up.
"And what kinda homecomin was that " now that he thought of it,"havin that miserable lad standin with yer da on your first arrivin to' home. Well, no wonder he made himself scarce," he thought, starting to smile." He went to his ma where'd be sure a getting the greeting he deserved. Tha's wha he done. Ha ! And wouldn't I'd a done th same thing m'self."He moved around the side of the carriage, and patted the horses.
"And speakin of priorities.. .. I kanna wait ta see my lassy: MrsReynolds. It's good to be home." "Axil! Indeed!" He mumbled aloud to himself as he gave the reins to the.. .. .. .. .. ."The man may be a knight, but he's got his thinkin awry that's a thing 'ats need'n fencin!"
Chapter 8 - A Series of Events
Before Fitzwilliam Darcy had left for school some months before, there had been a series of events that would have challenged the peace of mind of even the most even-tempered complaiscent person in the whole of England. So, it should not be surprising that the residents of Pemberley would indeed be shaken out of their security of ' knowing 'all went as it should, meaning in favor of their best interests. This is a way of thinking among the wealthy, that is not shared by those of us who do not have the security of knowing all will be paid for, all is secure, our place in the world unchallenged. Lands, standing in the community, reputation, loyalty of friends and loved ones assured, unquestioned.
First Lady Elizabeth's going in such an unexpected way. Then the business of the missing mail. And the money! Let's not forget how the money was not retrieved, even though the mail was finally accounted for. Slipping behind the panel like that, odd. And the undercurrent of gossip. Why would the past intrude itself like that, out of nowhere. It was unsupportable for anyone to question a man of sense and education in matters of personal preference in having a godchild and even having that same godchild named for him. It was the most natural thing in the world. Wasn't it? His steward was a dear friend. It was not untoward for a Master to be such close friends with one who was not his equal. Was it. Wasn't that enough reason to be godfather to the child? What other reason could there be? No one should suspect any other reason for his closeness with the boy. He had seen to that. Hopefully, Lady Anne would not hear of these innuendoes.
One could certainly expect that the loss of a close member of the family could leave a great emptiness in the lives of those whose lives were entwined with hers, but it seemed that the rational thinking the fair-mindedness of certain persons had seemingly vanished with that person's usual joyful demeanor. Fitzwilliam kept everything in. He became very quiet. Was known to go to his father and just put his hand on his shoulder as the elder Darcy sat writing. The servants tried to continue the running of the house as usual, but without Lady Elizabeth' s guidance it soon became rather befuddled. Not only were the staff reeling under the impact of the loss of one who seemed to know each one and look after them like a mother hen in her way, but orders for certain goods did not arrive because she had not been there to be sure it got out on the early post; decisions that needed to be made were not made and it was only in hindsight that one realized how much the household had depended on the steady guidance of Lady Elizabeth. No one seemed ready to take on the wise running of the household of Pemberley, nor even to recognize there was such a need or be able to articulate it if they did. Only lady Anne seemed much the same but only in a manner of speaking. Oh, she wore black as expected, and refrained from perpetuating the usual social engagements on her part as well as entertaining others. But, she was often heard humming or sitting quietly by a window, smiling to herself as she looked out over the rolling hills of Derbyshire.
It was finally decided among the servants that Margaret Kathleen Reynolds would speak to Lady Anne and ask some of the questions regarding the orphan household decisions. As soon as she had, Lady Anne had roused herself from her own style of grief and been quite responsive. Of course Mrs. Reynolds could take it upon herself to make decisions and selections and give further directions in areas she had not been used to doing. Only, would she inform Lady Anne of any major decisions? So Lady Anne would be advised should any questions arise at a later time?
Of course, it was regrettable that Lady Elizabeth had not left a guidebook as to how she kept the well respected household of Pemberley running with so happy a staff and so few problems, so they were at times flying by the seat of their pants, working on trial and error, organizing on memory and wishful thinking and sometimes missing the very simple way of doing something. Like the mail. It was the daily duty, self assigned, of Lady Elizabeth to casually enquire of all, if they had any correspondence. Since Sir George Darcy did not keep a secretary, as his father had, his letters were always written in the fine and elegant hand, marked by thoughtful, carefully worded, clear and highly refined phrasing. He sometimes stayed up all night, writing by candle light, if it were a matter requiring some immediate attention. He even sharpened his own pens! But it had been Lady Elizabeth who made certain the letters were sent off as they should. No leaving missives around to get lost or tampered with. And so, one could actually say that had she been there, it would not have happened.
Chapter 9: It Is Beyond My Understanding
Pemberley, DerbyshireFebruary 2nd 17--
My Dear Mr. Giswald,
I am heartily sorry to demand your attention at this time of year, but it seems that we have overlooked a bill of laden that you sent to our attention some months past. It is beyond my understanding how this has been overlooked. Please accept my sincere apologies and find here enclosed the sum of _____ pounds to cover the original cost of the building materials and an additional sum of ________ to amend the charges laid at my door by the matter of late payment.
We shall take every step possible to assure that this does not occur in future.
Sincerely,
George Darcy, Knight to his Royal Majesty, & etc
Abercromby & Olmstead ESQs
Sutton Place, Hampshire since 1747
By Order of His Majesty &etc.. ..Msrs Abercromby & Olmstead :
Please inform at what date precisely you sent us the original report, regarding _________ and if you please, the date on or approximately when you say you received last, payment from Pemberley Estate of Derbyshire. Our accounts report that the proper sums were sent to your man some months ago. We were aghast to learn they had not yet been received as of January 4, this year of our Lord ____. In attempt to show our resolve to right these matters, please find enclosed the amount equaling _________ pounds. Should the previously sent fees be discovered, and it only be an accounting error, to be sure you may keep these monies at your disposal until the next fees are due. No interest will be expected on my part should this be the case since you have been inconvenienced long enough and it is a small matter that may, god willing, make up in part at the very least, for your efforts.
Sincerely, George Darcy
Pemberley, Derbyshire,
Knight to His Most Royal Majesty ___
&etc.
Bronsworth House
Dunworthy Lane,
Farthington
London, ____Gentlemen,
It was with great hopes that I met with you regarding the additions to Pemberley. Certainly, your designs and particulars on the subject could not have been more well thought out. Your reputation certainly does not do you justice. Therefore it is with regret that I make the following request. To postpone the construction for the time of 1 year, when it will be possible for us to give you the advance you require. You most assuredly may retain the original sum we set down as a deposit. We will not expect that you will not require another deposit one year hence when our negotiations resume. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused you and your workers and any undue concern you may feel regarding a need to set our dates ahead if they conflict with previous commitment shall be overcome, since it was we who have required the drastic changes in our contract. Should it not be possible for you to give us a postponement, we heartily understand and you may commence the work as soon as it may be to your schedule. We ask, however that we may, send a partial payment on account of the advance just now and another will be soon to follow. Please forgive any inconvenience this may have caused.
Sincerely,
George Darcy, Knight to His Royal etc.
Pemberley, Derbyshire
February the 5th 17-----------
Robert Whatley,
The Hoof and Crow
Lambton, DerbyshireDear Sir,
I do not immediately have the pleasure of understanding your message. Would it be possible to have you make an appointment at Pemberley sometime before Friday, next? If not, I will take the opportunity to call on you at your established place of business, and perhaps you may allow me some time to become informed on the matters alluded to in your message. Bear in mind that I shall require details of the most provable kind, if you expect me to give weight to what I believe may be some most serious allegations.
I can say no more.
George Darcy Knight &etc.
March the12th
Wickham,It is most urgent that you postpone your trip to London for at least two days. Please meet me in the stables after tea. Thank you in advance for an immediate response.
Sincere regards, George Darcy.
Chapter 10: Some Things were NOT Equal
Thinking just now that the master's concern for the boy had probably put any reprimand out of his head, Eduard gained new hope he could yet gain a word with Sir Darcy before he spoke to Will. So, Eduard did not go directly to the stables as was his wont to do. Instead, he made his way up to the back door, nearest the kitchen and motioned through the window to one of the cooks helpers. The lad came over at once and Eduard spoke to him in a playfully confidential manner.
"Would ye tell Mrs. Reynolds there's been a bit o trouble wi the delivery of condiments," he said, grinning.
"Yesser, but.. . wouldn't you be wantin me to tell her you was here sir? "
"Oh, not tat all, lad, not tat all. Let me have a bit o fun. Aye? "
The boy looked at him quizzically but left at once after tellin the cook. The cook glanced over at the door and for the first time that day, broke out into a great laugh.
"Up to your teasings, sir ? "She asked, but did not wait for an answer for just then she reached out and grabbed an arm by the wrist, that had taken advantage of her distracted state and grabbed the first cooked bits of meat, that had been readied for the young master's homecoming and was about to put them in a wescoat. Young mister, you let go that bit o beef. Why if I've told you once I've told you a more, the best cuts o beef go to the master, the missus and the young master, for all you think yerself so up and mighty round here. Off with you. Away with ye, or I'll tell your father what else you've been up to."
At that, the awkwardly angular but generally fine looking lad, dropped the beef. On the floor! And grinning with a look of triumph, sauntered off. He'd achieved his goal. No fine cuts tonight for Will to make up for boarding school food.. It would have been so tender, showing the long care they'd done with it. and there was no time to begin a new tender making of a new piece. They'd have to toss it to the dogs.. Oh he'd give it to the dogs, just be sure it didn't get saved and served. Little things like that were so disheartening. That cook! Not that the master had told her to give him lees fancy pieces of meat.. . It was what she believed was right. And, she always let Georgie know it too.
"No, that's not for the likes of you! " she'd say.
Although George Wickham had been raised almost all his life at Pemberley, a companion to Will Darcy in every way, sharing outings, fishing, and tutors as well, there were still some things that were not equal. Like the clothes, he thought. And the food, like now. A seemingly conceited and bitter lad he nonetheless gave the outward appearance of ease and charm, friendly at once to new acquaintances, putting them at their ease with a well placed compliment or observation meant to ingratiate. His manner was confidential. He would know you but a short while and begin confiding as though he had known you a very long time. In such cases as these, the response was to be flattered, not only at the attention of so fine looking a young man but at the taking of one into his confidence. There was truth in all his looks. He stated his facts as though they were. He slanted each story so as to make himself look to best advantage and that he had indeed been abused by exactly those whom he had most abused. But his flattery was easy and his ways were ingratiating. And, so, new acquaintances were often taken in, often for long periods of time months at a time, but not so those who had watched him in action since he was a very small boy. They, or most of them, had suffered more than once from his tales and misrepresentations and learnt from it to be wary around him. His father knew as well and had given instruction that he was to be told at once if there was any incident of suspicious notice. But there were those who remained not only unconvinced but adamantly defensive and protective of Georgie Wickham, and it was partly the cause of his not benefiting from the errors of his ways. For it is a truth widely observed, that if you drop a pudding and it's caught before it breaks your foot, you'll drop many a more before you're careful. So the benevolent protectiveness, offered to him by his godfather, George Darcy, not only caused resentment in his son Fitzwilliam, but was the only cause for question in the reputation of so excellent a man. For the elder Darcy was blind to his godchild's faults, which were many. Blind to the dissolute ways the boy had learned. Or, was he? Or did it just seem that way?
"A fine job, he told himself. Thinking again of the beef. Next.. .. . hmmmm, Oh, I remember. ."and he was off in the direction of the carriage house where they would be unloading the young master's luggage.
Chapter 11: Wondered What He'd Been Up To
"There's the darlin man himself she said to the air, smiling. Here, give us a kiss" pointing to her cheek.
Taking the linens from Dulcie, the upstairs maid, Margaret Kathleen motioned for her husband to come into Fitzwilliam's room with the luggage.
"Go down, to the carriage house and see what's become of the rest of Master Fitzwilliam's things. There's a good girl."
As she placed the linens in the wardrobe, she smiled as her husband planted a sweet kiss on her neck and gave her arm a squeeze.
"Now, there's a fine thing, now," and she patted his shoulder and kissed him on the cheek," to be missing luggage and not even home two hours.
Eduard went back into the hall for the other two cases and bringing them in, placed them along side the first two.
"I know there was a trunk. Lady Catherine assured me it was to be watched carefully, as such a fine piece would be a great temptation to those who had less than they."
" Dulcie will do her best to find it, I'm sure and there'll be plenty of time later to worry about.. .. . why, Eduard, whatever is the matter?"
" Oh, tis a cruel thing, I'm thinking. Just now when I was at the carriage house getting the harnesses sorted out and getting Amos to help me with Will's things, there was a teeerible loud talking going on over t' other end o the place. I didn't want to over hear the conversation but there was no avoiding it."
When Margaret Kathleen kept silent and continued to lay out the linens for the evening's needs of the young master, he continued. ."Do you not want to know who it was even? "
She shook her head sadly. "No, I can guess; it had to be either the Master, Sir Darcy and Old Wickham or it was Old Wickham and Georgie, his son, the little.. . lord, I don't know what to call him. You know, she continued to her surprised husband, Lady Anne came down the stairs all on her own with Will, I mean, the young master Fitzwilliam. I wouldn' a missed the look on Sir George's face to see her up and about like that. And he gave Will such a long loving look, you'd a thought he'd thought he'd never seen him again. And when he swung Will, don't let me call him that in front of the Lady or My Sir, Will fair to glowed with the joy of it. I think he thought he'd outgrown such things, but it looked so fine a thing to these eyes of mine, i thought I'd burst for joy m'self.
"It's too bad that the master had to have that meeting after tea," she continued." but there was no getting around it." It's all about them missing letters you remember., causing such a to do. What high dudgeon they was all in when they found they'd not only not been sent.. .. oh so many things to become from it. The building fees were lost and no one knew. The vouchers to the attorneys, and to the academy for Will's tuition, all in vouchers or cash. We thought when the letters turned up that that would explain what happened. But with the missing money, it was more a mystery than before. Everyone's been tense ever since, and you being gone the very next day, you didn't hear the rest.
"Well, I did hear in town that there's suspicion being cast on young Darcy. Knowing how he likes to ride his horse and all the upheaval round here, the'se figuring the boy just played some tricks on his da to be getting attention, there being so much else on Sir Darcy's mind. So when a voucher showed up at the Hoof and Crow, and it wasn't coming from Sir Darcy or any of the regular messengers, the guess was that either one o the tenants here, or the boy did it. No one else were here!"
"Nonsense, Eduard, did you ever know of Master Will taking even a piece of bread that he knew to be someone else's. If anything he'd be offering his before anyone knew a need was there. And he's been that way all the time I've known him. He was 4 years old and I always say them that's kind and good as little bairns allus kin give you call to think they'll be good as a young man or lady. No, no indeed, It couldn't be our Master Will. And I've been asking around to see if there's been any talk of some of the tenants, tho I can't think who would treat the master so aftere how good he's allus been to them. No indeed, I do 'nt ever think on one of them being as foolish either to risk being caught ; they would be knowing how those vouchers are numbered and can be traced. Only someone very naive or foolhardy.. .. .. Noooo, ye think?
"I think, indeed! I know it must have something to do with Georgie Wickham. And the nerve of him, telling Sir Darcy about that fishing pole, blaming other things busted or missing on poor Will, so the poor man knew not what to think. He musta thought his lad had gone out of his wits to be so deceptive and devious when he was always so honest, and reliable. And MLady all in tears as her boy was sent away, to get him disciplined. And the plan to send Georgie too so they'd both be the same, but Georgie coming up with that fake cough, so he'd had to wait til next term. OH ! It galls me no end."
" Oh, one knows exactly what to think, and that 's exactly what I heerd in the carriage house; the one moving in on the truth, though he never thought the boy as bad as that; nand the other shouting or trying to shout him down that he wouldn't hear of such an explanation about the boy. what was the matter with him, he was thinking."
"I bet it's her come back to cause trouble gots something to do with this, I never did think that would work out right. But I wasn't asked. A boy must 'nt be moved around so, and mustn't be supervised or counseled by a vain, self centered, pompous person such as herself. Boy, I'd like to take her down a peg or two."
Chapter 12: He Chose to believe With Very Little Doubting
It would appear that many persons were keen observers of young George Wickham's unkind, provoking and perhaps devious ways, but not everyone. Was it a gift or a curse that Sir George Darcy put upon his godson when he chose to believe with very little doubting, the boy's version of things? The fact that Georgie may be quite misunderstood by an ever increasing number of people, was a source of pain to him.
"It is astonishing and just proves how rumour could misrepresent" was how he thought. "Why, I challenge any grown person to exhibit the ease at being in company."
He certainly had never achieved it. But he began to think himself better at it the more time he spent with Georgie. No Matter how new the acquaintance, Georgie always projected a kind of smooth, cheerful charm that tended to disarm those on whom he shone his special beam of attention. It was not immediately apparent to those whom he met, that what he was actually doing is oozing a kind of self-ingratiating flattery and creating an intimacy in- appropriate for such a new acquaintance. He appeared natural, warm, kind, concerned, sincere and misunderstood, as he wove his tales almost imperceptibly into the conversation.
It caused people to be self revealing in return, and to leave the encounter with a feeling, they were not sure why, if you asked them, but they liked him, liked him very much and were eager to meet him again. Sooner or later, most would realize an untruth, be surprised to find they'd been duped into some financial dealing, lending before they had quite decided to and without being able to explain how they had come to the decision in the first place. Georgie's facile manner was his own, but the appearance of so much goodness and truth, was perhaps a unconscious imitation of his godfather. He actually believed himself to be truthful and sincere. He could explain away any doubt that only rarely came into his consciousness. How he convinced himself and how he kept up with his stories, was beyond the understanding of anyone.
Chapter 13: Had He Been Able to Offer Some Comfort
As he had strode gracefully towards the house, long greatcoats flapping with the rhythm of his long strides, George Darcy had sighed with relief. It isn't often he became so upset, but these past few months had been a strain on him. Along with the business of the mail, and the consequences of it, that were still to be sorted out, There was, lingering just beneath the surface, the numbness at the loss of his mother. Unpleasant as it was he was beginning to feel comfortable in his sadness. It was as though a cloak of night had wrapped itself around him and the pocket of grief like the pocket of air our bodies warm under a blanket, seemed part of him. Had he been home when his mother became ill, that last time, he may have been able to get the servants rallying about more quickly and therefore get the physician here sooner. It was so fast!Just a moment earlier, they reported her telling one of her marvelous stories of when she was in Paris as a young girl with her eccentric aunt, and how the aunt insisted on seeing a dance hall show! She had laughed so merrily when they told her later how her eyes had almost popped out of her head when the dancers came out on stage with their legs showing. Shocking. And she had told it so vividly that the rest of the party had laughed with her, failing to notice when the laugh became a cough and then shortness of breath. By the time they could get her to the couch her complexion had dimmed and she felt quite moist when her cheek was touched by an adoring daughter-in -law.
"There was not a thing possible for a person to have done to help her any more than was done, however much we had wished it so." his dear Anne had told him later. But her husband would not be convinced.
Lady Elizabeth had suffered a spasm of the heart and was gone in another few moments. They had thought for a moment she might come about, right after they had moved her and someone had been careless and leaned on her, right on her chest and lost balance and leaned again so there was a push of weight on her twice or so. And some thought that there was a breath just then, but it did not repeat itself. If only there had been something someone could have done at the moment, to keep her breathing and her color up just until the physician came. But alas, by the time his man had ridden to the village and back again, followed by the learned gentleman in his carriage, she had become cool and had not moved in quite awhile. A sparking light was gone. And who's would replace it ? Whose refreshing candor and enjoyment of folly would ever light up the rooms of Pemberley. Even Lady Anne with her sweet ways, could not guarantee the sounds of laughter floating down the sumptuous halls, the spark of life that had kept all in a continuous round of anticipation and reverie on the good times they had.
And, he thought just now, to even fear for a moment that something had happened to Fitzwilliam, his only son, was unthinkable. His mother's loss had brought back not only the deaths of his grandfather, but of his dearest friend, James, as well. But at least he had been there then, at least he had been able to offer some comfort in the last moments.
"Indeed I would consider it an honor and a privilege," he had exclaimed when James had confided him his dying request. "I should begin at once. And, I will never rest unless it is so. Now, James, come my friend, we've been in far worse places than this. You will be there to find her yourself ! And what a happy time it will be." He wrapped his arms closer around his wounded friend, and pulled his collar up to shield himself against the wind. Odd, he thought that James was the one to save him, and now may not survive. It should have been me.
"Help will come, James, I am sure of it ; My dearJames, dearest friend in the world; our party was to come back ashore by the first star." He said aloud in as cheerful a voice as he could muster, but to himself he admitted that all may be lost.
The ship had run aground and they had been fortunate to have escaped with their lives. Had not the small party of sailors under his leadership been sent ashore earlier to get fresh water, many more of the officers and mates would have been killed by the roving pirates who forced the ship alongside and then plundered their cargo and personal effects. James had shoved him overboard, or he himself would never have left his ship, The.. .. .. .. And no splash was heard while the shouts and cries of attackers and victims were heard. In the process, James had been injured by a cutlass, across his upper thigh and yet jumped after George Darcy into the brine. The fire had forced others into the water also and soon, as they had swum the distance it took to get far of the smoke, they saw the other ship heave under way and come about as it slowly turned to sail southeast. James had pulled George onto a piece of broken plank and then paddled his way towards shore. Later the others had retrieved a longboat that had drifted ashore and met up with the landing party and decided that as soon as the fire had died down they would row out to the ship, or what was left of it and see if they could help anyone there.. and get some supplies for camping ashore. "This encouraging of pirates had often backfired on the English before," he thought. "Well, Sir Francis would hear a piece of his mind again. That was certain." The memory had made him most determined.
Absorbed in these thoughts he had relived so many times, more often recently, George Darcy had entered the house by the front door without knowing how he got there. As he proceeded across the grand foyer towards the stairs, he broke out into a wide grin, for there on the stairs was not only Will, but dear Anne up and about as well. All else forgotten hen rushed forward to greet them, grabbing Fitzwilliam in his great arms and twirling him around so his legs swung in a wide circle. Will was overjoyed, it had been a long time since his father had done that, and he'd thought he was considered too big or too old for games like these. But just now, just for the moment, he felt the strong arms around him and thought, home. I'm really home now. From behind a half open door another who had not been twirled around for a long time watched the scene with narrowed eyes. Slowly the door closed and the happy reunion continued. Other eyes watched too, Mrs. Reynolds 'eyes twinkled.
"If I ever knew a thing in my life, it's this : what those two are doing is a tonic for my lady. It will be all right. We'll have to see to it and help a bit, but I always said them that's good and kind when they are young, will be good and kind when they are 12. And, I've seen nor heard nothin to change my thoughts on the subject. Eduard may get a moment with the master after all. I'll be doubting he'd broach the subject just now at this happy moment."
Chapter 14: Couldn't Understand Whom it Could Have Been
Looking back on the meeting at the Hoof and Crow, George Darcy could feel himself begin to tense, once more.
"What audacity, to accuse a child of such things! And without any evidence whatsoever. Impudence!"
Yes, he understood there had been reports of seeing one of the Pemberley steeds at the rear of the Hoof and Crow Inn. Yes, that was proof of something, but what? That someone had tied the horse there; that was all. And later the ladies reported that there was a peeping tom in the laundry area. Well, yes, all right, coincidence, no way of saying who it had been. And so, if there had been someone looking at the laundry.. . hardly a crime for which to banish someone to the colonies on a prison ship.
"What was that other thing? Oh, yes, a voucher with the Darcy crest on the envelope, used to pay for room and a meal!"
Chapter 15: She Patted His Dark Curls In The Old Familiar Way
As Lady Ann was about to retire for the night, there came a faint knock on her door. Hoping that it was either her husband or Fitzwilliam, she walked over to the door and asked
"Yes?"
"Begging your pardon, ma'am, but Master Fitzwilliam is havin a bit of difficulty. "
The familiar face of Mrs. Reynolds, made Lady Ann smile, even though she was concerned about her son.
"Where is he ? For heavens' sake take me to him."
Right in his rooms ma'am", said Mrs. Reynolds. She was hoping to be asked what the problem was but received no such encouragement. But, being who she was, she began anyway:
" He came into the house all alarmed like and he looks as he'd been crying . But never say I told you, ma'am. "
"Looking over at Mrs. Reynolds, as they walked quickly to the West wing, along the promenade of the second floor, she asked
"Was there anyone with him? Do you know where he was coming from? "
The carriage house and stables, I believe ma'am . No he was alone, though earlier, I saw him with the master.
"What time was that?"
"Shortly after tea . No, it was later, more like an hour later. He'd been to his room and changed up . He seemed in fine spirits. Said he was going to talk to his da. Then he was off before I could say his trunk had gone missing. "
"Gone missing?"
"Yes'm."
"Odd!"
"Yes'm"
They arrived at Fitzwilliam's door, just as Dulsie was taking out the towels and basin.
"Take these too," she said to Mariah, the young girl who was learning to be an upstairs maid. "Ma'am, I wouldn't be telling you what to do, but I think Master Fitzwilliam is plum wore out."
"Thank-you Dulcie, now go along, I'll bring down any other toiletry things that need washing. "said Mrs., Reynolds, and she smiled at the girl.
Mrs. Reynolds was hoping to be of assistance, actually hoping to be allowed in on the conversation between Fitzwilliam and his mother, but Lady Anne, sweetly smiled at her and indicated to her with an almost imperceptible nod of her head, that Mrs. Reynolds could go.
"I'll call if I need you, Margaret . Thank you. I know how much you care for him, and I will be all right, you'll see. It will do me good to sit with him, if he'll let me."
"Ma'am? "
"No, it's better. I'll ring. "
And she rapped lightly at Fitzwilliam's door.
"Wills? Are you dressed? May I come in for a moment, dear?"
Hearing his mother call him the pet name he had had as a little boy, did something to Fitzwilliam. He wiped his eyes and quickly went to the door and let his mother in. He even managed a slight smile before she wrapped her arms around him, patting his dark curls in the old familiar way.
"What's this I hear about you winning a spot on the .................. that's a very nice thing !"
Fitzwilliam had not expected this. He responded, animated for a moment and talked of the competition as one of the proudest times he'd had. And he hadn't even had to bring it up, here she was, weak as she was, talking to him about it. He'd always suspected that his mum had not really been fascinated with the competitions, but only got interested because she loved him. But, he didn't care. For a few minutes he felt better about everything, and he even looked better than when she came in.
"Mother", he began, once the topic began to wane, " I must speak to you about something but I do not wish to impose on your rest. I know doctor has said you must stay off your feet. Please let me get a stool."
His mother gratefully accepted the foot stool . As joyful as this confinement was to her, it certainly had imposed itself on her usual energy.
'Wills, before you begin, I want you to know that I can never directly oppose your father in his decisions, even if I wanted to . I may however have some time convenient to himself and me to bring up the subject and he will listen to what I will say. So you have it, that I will present a fair picture to him . All right, dear..."
The sweet look and relief that broke across Fitzwilliam's face was all the answer she needed to know that the boy had once again been the unwitting victim of young Wickham. It has always been so.
"So, tell me what awful and terrible things you are supposed to have done, and how much it has cost you to cover for Georgie again. "
"Mother, you are always the same. You know without my saying that I am innocent of the charges laid at my door. I know not even how to begin. But, there has been an investigation of sorts, at the academy, regarding my character. I know because of the questions that headmaster has put to me. He does not come out and say: "Darcy, how came you to have so much currency on your person when last you were in the village," but he implies I have not been honest in my reporting of totals I brought with me for the term. At first, I was late in settling the bills for my textbooks and writing supplies, and they really were most incredulous that it should be so. And .....
His mother broke into a laugh when he imitated the headmaster's scowl and gruff voice. But, realizing how agitated, Wills was, she took control of herself and said:
"And did you have so much currency in the village as you imply he may have accused you of, had he wished to be more direct.?"
"Yes, of course, Mother, I had to sell my silver........ Lady Catherine gave me for my birthday. How else could I have covered Georgie Wickham's IOU's he ran up in the village when he came with Old Wickham to deliver important papers to the school for Wickham's enrollment next term. Georgie ran up not a few debts even in the short time he was here, and used my name to do so. They do not know the new boys so well in the village and could have easily believed him if he said he was me. How could I tell father after that last thing with the fishing rod. He must think I was just getting even with Georgie for telling on me before I could make arrangements to replace the rod."
"And, not having money for your school supplies? "
"Well, that was of course, when I found the envelope empty of anything but two pages ."
"Wait!..... Two pages?"
Lady Anne looked alarmed. She knew the letter informing Wills of Lady Elizabeth's death was four pages. She also knew that part of the reason her husband was so upset with their son, was that Fitzwilliam had not seen fit to come home to the interment of his grand mother. She had decided that he indeed had had too much work at school that would be difficult to make up, had he spent a fortnight altogether: coming home; attending the funeral; and after a respectable few days; returning to school . And her husband had accepted that, reluctantly as a pardonable excuse. But she had not been able to comfort her husband when his son did not even write to say anything about his grandmother's passing.
"Perhaps", she had thought, "he, being so young didn't quite know what to say, and was perhaps keeping his own grief in his own way. But it was a concern."
"Yes, Mother," Fitzwilliam responded, "The letter was to have the rest of the term voucher in it, (which wasn't in it) and also let me know about the trip Gran would be making to visit me before term was over on her way to ..................
"By the way," he said abruptly, " I haven't seen her since I've been home; Is she visiting Aunt............? I do so want to show her my new certificate, and ask her to test me on my Greek verbs. "
He was pulling some school papers out of his case just then and he did not hear his mother let out a sobbing gasp.
Chapter 16: Not All the Promises in the World
Georgie Wickham stood by the road, under an enormous old elm tree he had often climbed to watch for his mother to come back from one of her errands. Now he just stood and waited, kicking clods of earth that clumped around the roots where grass could not grow. He was sure that what he had overlistened to in the carriage house could not be true. Oh, sure, the parts about the horse, the laundry room ..
"Ha ha ha" ,he chuckled to himself.
..and the suspicious payment note with the Darcy crest... he could explain all that.
"What was the fuss about anyway? " he wondered. Just because he hadn't asked permission to take the horse. It was so annoying to have people make things up about you. i couldn't imagine doing that to anyone, especially not that selfish , spoiled, stingy , Fitzwilliam."
His eyes stung now as he remembered how he had hid in the hay of the stall. He had only planned to be there just long enough to slip the notes and pages back into Fitzwilliam's trunk, but then he heard voices , just as he had pulled out some larger pieces of clothing and instead of taking the chance on being seen, he dragged the trunk, clothes and all into the stall with him and waited, his heart beating wildly. Not a good idea to get caught..he knew he could explain away things , but to be 'seen' here? No, it wouldn't do.
"Blast it, Wickham;" he heard his godfather say," it's gone too far this time."
"Nothing less than I predicted sir." replied the elder Wickham, Sir Darcy's trusted friend and steward. "When this all began , I had my doubts as to the wisdom of it , but you seemed so determined with the idea I was the only one to help it all work out; I couldn't deny your request; you've always been so good to me."
"And you to me " replied Darcy. But now look what's happened. Her influence over him is beyond anything that can be counteracted. I thought when she left, we'd seen the last of her. I'd been sure to set her up with a lovely income and a decent house in town, not in the finest parts , but very desirable. It was as much as I could do , considering my promise."
At this , Wickham lost his temper. " All you could do? All you could do? WE had done so much more already, giving her a home, respectability, and a name. I don't think all the promises in the world could make up for the pain she'd caused. Youhave done your duty to your friend in taking care of the boy as you have. And I , myself could not have done more to please her and to assure her that I would never desert her as was done to her thinking before." Panting and red in the face , he continued, " But she is the one to desert; she the one to betray; and even with the freedom to leave and have all her responsibilities for him taken care of...."
Georgie started. "Who were they talking about?"
At first he had thought it was the distant cousin who had come to visit and been so intent on spending time in the city , but with no means of her own , that her whining and carrying on had finally forced Sir Darcy to set her up at a little house in town to continue her studies there.
"But , no, it couldn't be. There was only good news as to her contentment and progress; then who? " He listened more..intently .. so intently that he spilled some of the clothing out from on top of the trunk and onto the floor. Hurriedly he pushed them back in and closed the trunk, standing on it so he could have a look over the walls of the old stalls.
"And that's why I never wanted him to know..." bellowed Wickham," It's bad enough his mother's gone , but to think he doesn't have to mind me! You've put an impossible situation before me. I have enough trouble getting him to obey even now he thinks I am his father."
Wickham's chest got tight and his eyes burnt, the sounds around him disappeared and he thought he would fall .He grabbed a hold of the wooden wall and sank down onto the trunk. "Oh, why did I ever come in here?"
Chapter 17: The Very Best of Men
Someone else had overlistened to the conversation between Sir Darcy and the elder Wickham. It had not been intentional, it's just that when Eduard went on down to the carriage house to see if he could retrieve the missing trunk, he had heard loud voices. If he walked out of the stall he was searching now, he would reveal his presence, if he did not, he could not but help but be witness to the conversation, if that's what you could call the frenzied interchange of words between the two, ordinarily composed and reticent men. As he listened, in spite of trying not to, his mind went back to earlier times at Pemberley; Pemberley, a place where all should only be as beautiful and peaceful as her lands and architecture; but it was not. To be sure the family was a fine treat for the eyes to see. And now with the new bairn coming.... Lady Darcy could only be described as getting more beautiful each day, regardless of how weak she felt. Beautiful was not a word he would use to describe the other'lady'not tat all.
"I remember," Eduard thought," the very day that she left; it was a blessing if ever I saw one."
He remembered Margaret Kathleen, his wife saying it would be the chance that all of'em needed to get theirselves calmed down and...
Well, she had been right, except for the boy. Who would have guessed that Georgie would so sorely miss the parent who had not only neglected him through the most benign habit of usually not listening to him when she was there, but also of being out and about always, in town looking at bonnets or finding reason to do a late errand for the estate in the village and stopping by the Hoof and Crow on some pretext or another that caused her to miss dinner with the boy and her husband as well.
"Husband! Hmmph!" snorted Eduard, if Ida been that, dinna want to say 'lady 'that female's husband Ida thought myself punished for some crime I know not what woulda been so teeerible as to warrant harnessing anybody to that mare." But he was jolted from his thoughts by a noise in the next stall, a thump and a strange rustling of the straw and some snuffling sounds. He peered over the top of the wall.
"Well, there's the trunk in any case." he sighed. But whoever was here with it is gone. The voices of the men and what they had said had penetrated his thoughts even as he had tried to block them out. "Can this mean that Wickham did not choose the woman to be his wife? That
As the voices grew more heated , Eduard could not avoid hearing every word.
".....and you've no call to expect me to continue this charade.... " Wickham continued." It can't be doing any of us any good !"
Sir Darcy lowered his voice, suddenly displaying great calm, so much so that Wickham was alarmed.
"Don't you see?",he hissed, "She will not understand! " Not only because I have kept it from her but because it can be suspected there's another explanation; one which the gossips and taletellers will choose instead of the truth. How can I say that I asked you to care for this woman , marry her , give her your name and present yourself as the father of this child, and not have suspicion cast upon myself? It would be too cruel. And I cannot bear for the truth to be known. Not now. "
Eduard heard the voices fade as the men left the carriage house. He judged that the one calm voice had influenced the tone if not the attitude of the other more riled one. He was about to exit the stall , when the voices became clear again. rounding the corner where the doors stood open. The men had stopped.
"Wickham, so you see the wisdom in this? "
"Yessir, since you put it the way you have... but I do ask, no pray to you to please pull the reins back on Georgie.
"He must be influenced to the better. No matter how or what she has told him or imposed on him to do; he must know that it is wrong. And... if he will not listen tome , please bring the love he bears you to impress upon him that he 'hurts you and the very reputation of Pemberley, nay the Darcy name as well. It has surely hurt our credibility among our business associations. It has delayed the construction on the house; it has seriously jeopardized the character ( or perceived character ) of Fitzwilliam ....."
"
The voices once again faded but Eduard heard the Master's voice dissolve into emotion and the other murmuring reassurances as the continued away from the carriage house.
Eduard could not get the trunk out of there fast enough; he knew he must take the long way around and proceeded to do so, around the older stables and the small graveyard.. There he saw , under a tree , a sorrowful figure indeed. Head bowed, arms covering the eyes , body shaking as if it would never stop.
But for all that Eduard was a compassionate man, he could not bring himself to stop to comfort the boy.
"Aye, lord forgive me, I wouldna' want to see pain caused anyone, but here's a case where the seeds you sow may not come up the crop you planned. "
And he sighed a heavy sigh and hurried along to the main house where Mrs. .Reynolds would surely be waiting to hear he'd found Master Fitzwilliam's trunk.
"Poor Will, and this sure enough will end up his fault, if it doesn't cause a backlash of the worst kind. I just don't know what to make of it all. "
And, he continued on up to the proud, magnificent , unblemished ( so far) Pemberley.
Chapter 18: She'd Never Have Let Him Go Unpunished Before
Looking up momentarily from arranging her skirts, and fussing with her rings, the lady in the carriage caught a glimpse of a figure coming toward her.
'Young, " she thought ," Full young to have such a heavy weight on his shoulders as his posture suggests. BUT, no matter, " she smiled to herself... and checked the lace along her neck for the proper fluff.
"Ma'am ? " he said with a deep sigh as he arrived at the carriage.
"Yes, I've been waiting quite some time. Did you bring it? "
"Ma'am , I have the rest of the notes here, just as you asked." Another deep sigh... almost breaking into a cry... but it was wasted on his fleeting companion. She was busily counting the notes.
"Did anyone see you?" She asked , not looking up.
"No, ma'am," he answered, slouching against the carriage for support.
Irritated, more than concerned, the lady brushed aside the curtain for a better look at the young man, for nearly a man he was. She had not seen him in daylight in quite some time and had to admit to herself, he was quite an attractive young man. But, with a brief shudder, she looked away. He reminded her of someone, someone she'd much rather forget.
"Do you need me to look in the other trunks?" suggested the boy, beginning to become more interested in the fairly strong scent coming his way as she waved her laced hanky. . . It somehow revived him, cheered him. After all, here she was that was a certain if not reliable event.
"Nooooooooooo, I have quite enough for now, luvvy. " She oozed the word as only a person can who has very little concept of the word love can. It was a tool, an unwelcomed false endearment that only distanced her from it's hearer. But he was grateful for it all the same.
"I'll meet you here, a fortnight hence and don't dawdle next time. . . . . "
He looked up, quite suddenly, remembering why he'd been slow to arrive at their meeting place. . . and the pain in his face was so genuine, that even she couldn't ignore it . "What the matter now?? She just about shrieked. "Why did you never tell me that I'm not really a Wickham???? he managed to finally ask. . . through a choked voice.
"MY LORD! " The woman exclaimed. Georgie, whoever told you THAT? "
Her face was not even faintly pretty now, it was contorted with such fury and intense inexpressible rage that her face was almost purple. "She barely acknowledged the boy as she signaled to the coachman to be off, and only much much later thought she perhaps should have said or done something reassuring. . . but what she didn't know.
As the overly fancy carriage sped away from him, Georgie straightened up to his full height. His eyes glassed over. . . he was remembering. "It had always been like that. "he thought with a sadness that was as deep as the century. Something in him finally gave way at that moment and he vowed to himself he would never care much again, not for his father . . . 'Oh yes, what father ?. . . he laughed bitterly. "And not the same for her either, he snarled." Couldn't she have at least asked him to sit in the carriage? or Say 'thank you?' Well, maybe I should have gotten her some nice gift. He began to rage at himself for all the times he'd not said the right thing, for all the times he hadn't obeyed his father . . . . ' bitter smile again crept across his face. . . . " My father is not my father . . . . well, that man, George Wickham is not . . . . If he'd had any doubts after over listening to Sir Darcy and Wickham senior in the carriage house, his doubts were dispelled by remembering the reaction of his mother. He'd only asked her because he hadn't had time to pull himself together before he'd had to go to meet her. She'd never have let him get away with being late before. . . . he'd have had a scratch on his face from that ring again if her aim was as good as always. Well, noooo he'd wanted to know if it could be true because he'd already begun denying to himself what he'd heard in the carriage house . But she'd been so. . . . . . . . . . . . what was her reaction?"
He busied himself with these thoughts as he headed back to Pemberley by way of the far pasture . . . . Only one pair of eyes saw him trudge heavily across the field. "She's in high dudgeon to put it mildly" . . . he finally decided to himself. . ". . . Even afraid. . . . maybe. . . . no furious," he concluded. . . . "but at whom? Se hadn't even waited to discover the source of his information. It was not, perhaps necessary to her, she may already know. "
Chapter 19 : It Was As Though He Had Just Heard The News Himself.
Lady Elizabeth had just finished walking with her husband in the garden this side of the pond. It was still her favorite place to walk, and if he'd been able to express in words how he felt, his as well. She thought back to the moments just before their walk.
Sir Darcy had looked alarmingly agitated when he'd come into the parlor. He hadn't seemed to know quite whether he'd wanted to stand or sit.
"Whatever is the matter , dear, " she asked. "
"Umm.. Huh?, " he replied looking away from the fireplace and pacing to the window..
"You are not yourself, my love." she continued, thinking she wasn't quite herself either after her talk with Fitzy in his room. He had disclosed that he didn't know, didn't know to this moment even that his beloved grandmama had died."
She walked over to her husband, thinking this might be a very bad time to tell him. "You seem quite distraught, mightn't you want to go for a walk with me . I do think I could use some air. "
Sir Darcy turned suddenly and gazed upon the beloved face of his wife, Elizabeth. His thoughts were suddenly totally focused on her well-being. "Oh, certainly, my beloved. Are you well enough to attempt it? " He smiled and knew that she would attempt it , well or not, if she'd made up her mind to do it.
"Of course, what a tonic it will be for me to be with you on this beautiful afternoon. I do believe there is a breeze. Would you mind asking Mrs. Reynolds to get my wrap?"
"My love, I insist on getting it myself.... " Sir George began...
"NO!" Elizabeth surprised even herself at the abruptness of her answer, but the LAST thing she could take a chance on now was Sir George happening across Fitzy before she could speak with him.
Just then Mrs. Reynolds came into the room to announce to Sir Darcy that the mail had arrived and Young Wickham had not been seen but they were still looking for him as requested.
Lady Elizabeth sighed. Thank goodness that boy was not here now, she thought.
Mrs. Reynolds had brought the cape, meeting them on the front steps. They had linked arms and talking softly had proceeded to begin their stroll even without the wrap. They had made it as far as the bottom stair without half realizing it.
"Thank-you, Mrs. Reynolds, and please check on young Fitzy, uh, the young master before you go back to the pantry?" She said this with such a look of supplication, Mrs. Reynolds knew it was quite urgent she do just that and without a moment's delay.
Lady Elizabeth knew that Mrs. Reynolds could comfort Fitzy without even saying a word. Just walking into the room would reassure him. Actually, it reassured most of the household. "What a treasure. " she thought. Now she could focus her full attention on her husband. She looked at him as he aided her along the walk. Showing more concern on that handsome face than she could bear. "I am feeling quite well, George. Please do not look so anxious. This time is much easier than the last. I just know it will go well. Let us just think of how lovely it will be when there are 4 of us instead of three."
George Darcy started at this. "Three?" he thought "Oh, she must mean herself and Fitzy and himself. But it didn't quite sound right. He considered young George Wickham such an intricate part of his day that ... " oh well, it is true, he thought, he's really not my son. He just feels so much like one. More so even than..." he stopped in his thoughts. Elizabeth had been quite earnestly telling him something about Fitzy. What had he heard even through his daydreams? Grandmother .... not knowing.... wasn't his fault, the letter was incomplete...some tampering had taken place and the school had left it up to Fitzwilliam to decide... feeling it inappropriate to advise him to go home for the funeral unless he brought it up, in keeping with Sir George's instructions....
"WHAT?" he exclaimed at last. He reached out to his wife and held her . Right out there amid the bright blossoms of Autumn. The birds called to one another . A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves on the giant old elms. A frog splashed into the pond. He heard nothing. Tears welled up , burned on his fine cheek... a pressure rose into his chest and then to his throat and held there. He caught short gasping breaths. "My mother.. Lady Anne. Fitzy didn't know ... Oh my god." It was as though he had just heard the news himself for the first time. Actually , it was the first time he had felt the full impact of the news. And he had scolded the boy, for not doing his duty. No wonder the boy had looked confused. He didn't know what his father meant.
At last, he released his embrace of his wife and looked into her face. The golden gaze was there. The understanding. The compassion was there. And a little look that said he'd been wrong in jumping to conclusions again. But not accusing. Slowly he led the way to a low swing under a tree. They sat there gently swaying, almost as though someone was rocking them, for a long while holding hands and murmuring soft denials and softer comforts until it seemed a bit chilly suddenly. They rose, took long deep breaths, and turned to walk back to the house. It had been awhile since they had been there but it was still their friend the garden. And more importantly... as they had settled into talking of what now, what next, they had both at once decided that it must be a girl Elizabeth was carrying, and they must name her Georgiana. It had been a concern what to name the baby after the last two had been lost. And then Lady Catherine had named her daughter Anne. And once Lady Anne had gone it seemed there was no way they could name the baby for Sir George's beloved mother. Now it was settled . And it was almost as though Lady Anne had been there and slipped the idea into their minds herself. Deciding they would both be there to break the sad news of Lady Anne, but also tell Fitzy at last about the baby ....now it was well into the 'safe' time, they walked arm in arm up towards the house.