“Miss Elizabeth! I am delighted to meet you at last. Your sister praises you highly.” Mr. Bingley bowed extravagantly.
She smiled at Mr. Bingley’s beam. “I’m very pleased to meet you at last, Mr. Bingley. I’ve heard so much about you. Do you find Netherfield Park a comfortable home?” Elizabeth acknowledged him and glanced slyly at her sister. “Jane is not the only person I have had a good report from.”
Mr. Bingley coloured a little, and glanced at her father.
“No,” Elizabeth laughed. “I have heard of you from Mr. Stoke, who offers the praise.”
“Mr. Stoke!” He looked astonished. “I was not aware you were acquainted with him.”
Jane looked puzzled. “You haven’t spoken of it to me, Lizzy.”
“No, we did not discover until a day or so before I came home that it was the same Mr. Bingley who was his new business partner, with our Uncle Gardiner.”
Elizabeth was pleased to see Mr. Bingley’s two sisters stalk off. She’d already seen enough of their sneers this morning to know they felt themselves far above the people in the town, and she was angry on behalf of all her friends and neighbours.
She turned back to him. It would be easier to talk to him and discern his feelings without him being conscious of their disapproval as they listened.
26
Darcy had been very glad to reach Helmsley early on the Saturday afternoon. He’d written to Mr. Reed before they’d left London, although he’d not given the reason he wished to speak to him.
Now it was Monday, and they were once again on the road north. This time he had his own staff with him.
Reed was now his personal steward, responsible for his security, and the first thing he’d been asked to do was to find Darcy a trustworthy manservant.
Darcy appreciated Mr. Gardiner’s suggestion that he take Mr. Reed for his personal security, and had replaced him at the mill with another man from London. He was surprised how much more positive it made him. He smiled, he was beginning to take his own place as master of his new life, not merely accepting what others said. He reminded himself he must notify Bingley about the change of steward in his mill.
When would he be able to stop living this double life, and tell everyone his name? He scowled out of the coach window. He wanted to know what the family were doing while he was being hidden away, wanted to know more about Wickham, what he might be doing while it seemed everyone who knew about the situation was in the north — he turned to his cousin.
“Richard, I’m sorry to have to say this, but I cannot see why we are going north to meet your parents and my sister, when everything that needs doing appears to be in town. Why did your father suggest this?” He shook his head.
“I do understand that my … that Miss Darcy needs to feel safe, but I am certain we ought to better this plan.” He knew his frustration was evident in his voice, and his cousin glanced at him, resigned.
“I’m not surprised you think this. The Darcy I knew would have railed against being hidden away, too.”
“Then tell me why we are here, for heaven’s sake!”
Richard sighed. “My father wants to have a quiet place to meet you, where we will have time to talk and discuss what must be done. The fact that the only people from your former life who know your new name are those who are utterly trustworthy has helped, as has the fact that —” he stopped suddenly and rubbed his face. “I wonder if he is concerned your father is so much in thrall to Wickham that he may try and deny you are his son.”
Darcy knew he could not contain his expression of shock. “Then there would be nothing I could do, and I ought to go back to my business and continue my life without interruption.”
But could he do that, now he knew? “If my father will not acknowledge me, it is final.”
“No. I beg you don’t consider that.” Richard leaned forward. “It’s extremely unfortunate that matters have come to a head just at this moment. It would have been better to have brought you to him slowly, and allowed the truth to dawn on him at his own pace.”
“I suppose you mean the threat to Miss Darcy.”
Richard nodded. “Can you not think of her as Georgiana?”
“I haven’t even met her yet.” Darcy was nettled. “She may wish to stay formal at first.”
His cousin smiled. “I don’t think so. She will be shocked and amazed at first. But I know she feels herself to be without a real family who care for her, despite the efforts of my parents.”
“And you.” Darcy contemplated Richard. “What was the action you said you might have had to take to protect her before you discovered me?”
Richard shifted uncomfortably on the seat. “Please believe me, Darcy, when I say I do — never did — wish to do this. Not because I do not care for Georgiana, I do; but because we could see no other course open to us.” He looked up, met Darcy’s gaze. “As your father has weakened, we think he has been considering sending Georgiana and Wickham to Scotland, to marry even before she is sixteen. He wished to be certain of the succession to Pemberley.”
Darcy shuddered. No fifteen-year-old girl ought to be forced to do such a thing.
“So you planned to wed her yourself, still only fifteen?”
Richard nodded his head grimly. “She is much too young. But she would have a better life than she would as Mrs. Wickham — and I would not take advantage of her marrying me so precipitately.”
“Would it make a rift between the families?” Darcy wondered how he ought to feel. “If my father won’t recognise me, he will refuse to allow my interference. You might yet have to do this.”
Richard’s lips tightened. “I know. There will undoubtedly be some difficulty. I think my father is hoping your father will lack the energy to try and take proceedings once the action has been taken.”
Darcy shook his head. “I thank you for your sense of duty, but how will you ever keep my sister — and yourself — safe? And what if my father has written his will in favour of Wickham? He would then take Pemberley, even if I am acknowledged as his son.”
His cousin swore under his breath. “Coming from outside, you’ve seen the situation from a different perspective, Darcy. We must talk with Father as soon as possible. He will undoubtedly also have further facts which we can discuss. And he has legal expertise from sitting in the House of Lords, and will know what might be done through the courts to protect her.”
Darcy glanced at him. “Why is he doing all this? It doesn’t affect his own estate, does it? He could let it go, knowing Georgiana might be unhappy, but also knowing that young ladies are expected to fall in line with their parent’s wishes.”
Richard met his gaze. “He’s doing it for you, Darcy. Because I want him to.” He laughed bitterly. “And because he dislikes Wickham and is certain he will let Pemberley go to rack and ruin, which will be a pity for all those who work and live on the estate.”
“Has it been a well-managed estate?” Darcy wondered how he would learn to be a good landowner. He smiled wryly. All his experience working with men from the lowest classes, and being one of them, reminded him of their belief that gentlemen did little to earn their gilded style of life.
“It has.” Richard regarded him curiously. “Until your father began to show his age. But it has good staff — or it had. I think there has been some movement away as other positions became available. The staff all know who their next master is likely to be, and do not relish the prospect.”
Darcy grimaced. “Do you know how to manage an estate? How would I learn?”
Richard frowned. “That’s something else I hadn’t considered. Perhaps Father will know, and he might ask David to assist you in enticing some of the senior staff back, and giving you an introduction on what has to be done. I have not taken much notice of that sort of thing.”
“Did you never think you might need to manage an estate of your own when you marry?” Darcy couldn’t understand such lack of forethought.
Richard laughed heartily. “You really do
n’t remember me, do you? Well, it would have been interesting to try and reinvent myself to you, but I will tell you that as an army officer, I have never thought I would survive the war, and preparation for any other eventuality was rather wasteful of energy.”
Darcy spared him a glance. “So in what way do you prefer to spend your time and energy?”
The other looked rather sheepish. “I think there will be time for you to disparage my choices later, Darcy.” He waved his hand lazily. “I saw you consulting the map earlier. Where do you think we ought to spend the night?”
Darcy smiled sourly. “If you can persuade the coachman not to dawdle as he is, we might easily get as far as Otterburn, well beyond Newcastle. If so, we will cross the border in the middle of the morning tomorrow, and you can begin your examination of the local people to find your family.” He still didn’t see how his cousin would be able to locate the family and thought he might have some vague itinerary in mind which would help.
Richard raised his eyebrows. “We can do that. I will instruct him at the next post stop.” He slouched into the seat. “Do try and relax, Darcy. There is nothing you can do at present to speed matters along, and it would be well to be rested before everything changes.”
Darcy forced himself to lean back and breathed deeply. He wished Miss Bennet was here. She’d have thought of other things he needed to know, and he’d be helped if he could talk to her. Would she be safe from a vengeful Wickham?
He jerked forward. “You mentioned a David just now. Is that your brother?”
Richard nodded. “Yes. David, Viscount Renham. He’s my father’s heir.”
“And you also said a few days ago that he was putting matters in train to get Wickham incarcerated. What is he doing, and how will you know of his success?”
“It’s as well you have keen eye for detail, Darcy. I’ll tell you everything I know. And Father will have had news from David more recently than I have.” Richard frowned in concentration.
27
Darcy glanced at the inn at Hawick, apprehension twisting within him. It had taken a full extra day to find them. But inside were his aunt and uncle — and his sister. He couldn’t remember any of them; knew very little of their cares and concerns.
He was aware of his deficiencies in social situations, and now he had to get to know his whole new family. He remembered how Miss Bennet seemed able to make every situation better. As soon as he knew her safety could be assured, he would go back and find her. He needed her beside him, especially at this difficult time.
“It’s still early,” he said abruptly. “I’ll walk along by the mill pond while you go in and find them and tell them I’m with you. You can make whatever arrangements will be most comfortable for my sister, and come and find me.”
His cousin nodded, managing to keep his expression under good regulation. “How do you feel about the coming meeting?”
Darcy shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. It’s important that my sister isn’t too anxious. I have another life I can go back to if I need to, whereas she has no choice.”
Richard grimaced. “I have to tell you I will do all I can to prevent you wanting to go back to your old life, Darcy!”
Darcy strode along the path. Richard didn’t know what he’d had to leave behind; didn’t know Miss Bennet filled all his thoughts. Would his new relations try and prevent him making her an offer? Would they refuse to make her welcome? He could not abide the thought. Having her by his side was far more important than great wealth. His lips twitched. Having both, would, of course, be better.
Ten minutes later, he turned to walk back towards the inn. He shivered, Richard must have had time to tell them.
He frowned, an older gentleman was striding towards him, with all the unconscious arrogance of his elevated place in society. The likeness to Richard and himself was unmistakable. This must be his uncle. He stopped, and waited.
The man stopped a few yards away, and hesitated. Darcy smiled thinly. “Lord Matlock?” He bowed slightly.
“Darcy!” The other bowed, too, before approaching more closely and extending his hand. “May I? I can hardly believe it is you after so long.”
Darcy shook his hand. “I understand it is difficult for you, sir.”
“Never mind that! It must be infinitely harder for you. I am very relieved you’ve agreed to be reunited with us.”
Darcy swallowed. Soon he would meet his sister, and discover what sort of person she was. “I’m not sure if my presence will be of assistance to you. Richard seems to think my father may refuse to acknowledge me.”
“Does the thought disturb you?” The older man didn’t look at him, but started strolling back along the path away from the inn. Darcy joined him.
“I don’t believe so. I may be discounting the effect, but I was content with the life I was building for myself.”
The earl glanced at him. “I understand you have achieved a remarkable level of success.” He chuckled dryly. “You always worked prodigiously.” He stopped and swung round to face him. “But we believed you dead. My son tells me you suffered grave injuries at the time, and your life was despaired of.” After a few minutes of silence, he continued. “Can you tell me what happened?”
Darcy shrugged. “I have told no one what transpired, and I do not like to think of it.”
The other looked disappointed, but unsurprised. “I will respect your wishes for the moment, Darcy. But can you tell me if the injuries might have been the result of an accident, or if you were set upon?”
He had the heart of the matter, of course. Darcy screwed his eyes shut. “I pray you will not repeat this to anyone, or use the information without my consent.” When the other nodded, Darcy continued. “I have a single, fleeting memory of a high, mocking shout of triumph as my horse was felled by a rope jerked up across the path I was galloping along. Before and for a few weeks after that, there is nothing.” He turned to his uncle. “I have not talked about it, for the memory disturbs me, and I am discomposed when reminded of it.”
“I understand,” the earl repeated. “But it accords with the way I thought things had happened. We are very fortunate you recovered, and have now been returned to us.”
Darcy nodded bleakly. Many people would think he was the main beneficiary, elevated to a wealthy position, but he thought the earl and his family were the more improved. They would see him returned; see him take over responsibility for his sister; see him obliged to care for a father who might well resent him usurping a favourite; and see him be in danger from this man Wickham.
“Richard told me what you have asked of his brother with regard to buying up this man’s debts,” he said abruptly. “Do you really think you can prevent my father paying them off and thus prevent him regaining his freedom?”
To his surprise, his uncle suddenly looked very much older. He sighed. “I ought to have known you would see through the attempt.” He grimaced. “I must somehow make it work. I do not want Richard killing him in a duel and paying the price.”
Finally, Darcy understood. He sighed, wishing his cousin had never set eyes on him. He’d be living his old life, one that was comfortable through being familiar. And he might have had an understanding with Miss Bennet by now. Instead, he was here; duty being piled upon him, piece by piece.
He turned. “I believe we ought to return to the inn. If my sister is as shy as Richard has said, I think she will be becoming more anxious by the minute, knowing I am about to call.”
“Of course,” his uncle murmured, matching his steps along the path.
“I also think we ought to make plans to return to London at once.” Darcy was firm. “The journey is quite long enough for me to become acquainted with my sister and aunt, and there will also be time for us to discuss this business in full.”
The earl nodded. “I think you’re right, Darcy. Perhaps I was wrong to journey up here. But Georgiana seems happier away from town.”
Darcy glanced at him. “Is there somewhere she can stay until
this is over? Relatives or friends — somewhere she can be kept secure and away from constant reminders of the situation?”
The earl glanced at him again. “We will have to think about it. Until half-an-hour ago, she had no notion that you had been found alive. We have been assuring her that we will not permit her to be forced to wed Wickham, but until we had seen you, and decided the best way forward, we have not been able to be explicit about how we will prevent it. So she is not entirely convinced.”
Darcy nodded wryly. “Just meeting a new-found brother for the first time might be difficult. Richard has described her character to me, but I have little experience of young ladies, especially those of high position.”
His uncle grimaced. “Well, I suppose the sooner it is done, the sooner it will be over.” He smiled thinly. “I am, at least, pleased you are every inch a gentleman, even in appearance. Things might have been more problematic had you been in difficult circumstances.”
He followed his uncle into the parlour a few minutes later, and saw a fair-haired girl rise to her feet, standing a little behind an extremely elegant, gracious lady. Both were dressed in the finest fashion, and he knew exactly where the fabrics had come from, and the modiste that they must use. He hid a smile — it would not do as a topic of introduction. But his uncle was speaking.
“Alice, my dear, I am proud to reintroduce this fine young man as our nephew, Darcy.” He smiled at the girl. “Georgiana, your brother, who you missed terribly as a young child.” He turned.
“Darcy; my wife, the Countess of Matlock. And this is your sister, Georgiana.”
Darcy bowed. It was a sensible thing to do, to remind his sister they had played together in the past. But it was no easier for him, who ought to have many memories, but all were as naught.
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