by Kate Speck
“What?!” Lizzy exclaimed, “What has he done? I can’t believe Mr. Darcy would be harsh as to banish anyone so it must be a considerable offense.”
William calmed and breathed out, “I will not go into details but he is a liar and a gambler. He deceives even those closest to him and will hurt anyone in his path. He is... he is a scoundrel and a womaniser. Do not think him a friend, Lizzy.”
“Oh no!” Lizzy shouted. “I told him that my sister was beautiful and that we were a close neighbour from Netherfield. Do you think he’ll harm my sister? My Jane?”
“No, Lizzy. He has no connections with you and he only cares about money.” William hugged his friend to comfort her. “Your father will protect Jane and she is far too young to tempt him. If you would like, I can write to your father to inform him in case Wickham shows his face in Hertfordshire.”
Lizzy nodded in agreement. “I think it’s a good idea, Will. I want my family to be guarded and no one should be left unprotected. I’m sorry, Will. I thought you were upset that I was making a new friend. He seemed so pleasant.”
William smiled as they walked back towards the mansion with the stallion following behind. “I know you are a good friend and anyone who gains your friendship gains a loyal friend for life. I encourage you to make friends but take care that you do not open your heart so freely. There are many who are out to get something from you and have ignoble intentions. The only way to know a person takes time and meeting their acquaintances. You are far too trusting and I do not wish for harm to come to you.”
Lizzy smiled as she wrapped her arm around his waist. “I would like to believe that I have some good sense of judgment but I have much to learn still. Thank you, Will. I appreciate that you protect me from harm.”
“I will always protect you where I am able.” William smiled. “Did you like the tree? It is my favourite and has a great view of the pond.” He handed Snowflake to one of the servants.
“Oh, yes! It is perfect for climbing. I am almost tempted to carve my name on it and claim it as mine.” Lizzy answered as the entered the house.
“It is mine and it has my initials on it already.” William laughed. “I will carve yours on it for you tomorrow. I will gladly share it with my little friend.”
Just then, they both heard shouting coming from Mr. Darcy’s study. “Come, Lizzy,” William ordered, “Georgie wants to practice the harp and you are to play the pianoforte. It is time for your music lessons.”
He guided her to the music room and after seeing to the girls at their lessons with Miss Carter, he returned to the study to be of assistance to his father should he need it.
~*~
“OF COURSE NOT!” Wickham shouted, “They are all LIES!”
William entered and sat down on a nearby seat.
“YOU! What did you say to your father? You snitched on me?” Wickham yelled. “How dare you taint my good name by spreading lies?”
“Did you truly believe that I would not tell my own father, Wickham?” William stood and faced his childhood friend. “I told him all; the women, the gambling, and your debt to me. He paid for your education and deserves to know the truth. The truth that you are spreading gossip of being a bastard to a great man, Wickham. The Darcy name was mentioned, I know it all.”
Wickham paled and plopped down onto a seat. “I... I was trying to impress my friends. I lost all respect as soon as they found out that I was the son of a steward and I had to make up a story so they would befriend me again. I never said whom! I only implied a connection. I swear I will study hard so I can make you proud, Mr. Darcy. I wish to study law and I know I will be an excellent barrister or a solicitor. I give you my word that I will work hard and am deserving of your generosity. I swear it on my father’s grave.”
Mr. Darcy had remained calm throughout his speech but grew bright red at the last statement. “Wickham, your father was a friend for five and twenty years and only in his memory will I not toss you into debtor’s prison for the £600 you owe my son. You besmirch your father’s legacy through your lies and I am now angrier because you chose to swear on your father’s grave. You are a liar and I do not trust you. You have two days to empty out your father’s cottage and you will never set foot on any of my properties again. In your father’s honour, you will be given £100 per annum for the next ten years from the Bank of England and then I wash my hands of you, George. I am giving you more than warranted but if you cause trouble, I will certainly ensure you get what you deserve. Get out of my house, Wickham. I will not see you again.”
Wickham huffed and stormed out in rage, opening the doors abruptly with a loud thump and pushing the footmen out of his way.
“Do you think it will be the end of this, father?” William asked as he watched the angry man walk across the lawn in a few minutes. “I fear he will attempt to take revenge.”
Mr. Darcy nodded at the footman who stood at the open doors and the servant departed after a bow. “I have already assigned Jacob to keep an eye on him. Until he is off my property completely, someone will always be monitoring his move. Once he departs, I plan on having him followed to see where he goes and then have my investigator check on him once in a while. I will keep my family safe and protect us, Fitzwilliam.”
“Good, I am glad to hear it, sir. But father,” William added, “Lizzy spoke with him before he came in here and she had inadvertently shared that she was from Hertfordshire and that her sister was beautiful. Lizzy wishes for Mr. Bennet to be aware of George Wickham, should the rascal attempt to go near Longbourn.”
Mr. Darcy sighed, “It is a good idea, son. I will write to him and warn our dear neighbour of Wickham’s character. It is a large country but I will not risk my friends because angry people are never wise and it is better to be prepared than to be caught unawares.” He walked to the window to look out with his son. “I am glad you told me, Fitzwilliam. George was unreasonable and he continued to spread lies after lies, even though he knew I was holding the truth. I fear he will not turn out well and will likely gamble his way to debtor’s prison or die from the French disease.”
“I hope he finds himself and makes something of his life. He has been given more than many others and it is regrettable that he took everything for granted.” William shook his head. “I do not think he even misses his parents, father. His mother passed years ago and he is now orphaned at one and twenty but only seeks gratification and riches without any work. I would have died inside if I had lost you and mother, sir.”
“Well, we are here and all is well. Your mother and I will pass when it is our time, Fitzwilliam, but you will continue to thrive and live for your own life. You will be husband and father someday and will have the same discussions with your own children.” Mr. Darcy smiled. “I am excited for your future. You have much to look forward to and many good times to come.”
Mr. Darcy took a seat and pulled out a letter and handed it to William to read it. “I received a letter from your Uncle Henry, son. He writes that Uncle Lewis is ill. He has been having more difficulty breathing and his chest hurts him most of the day. The doctors have bled him and given him many draughts but Henry feels his time is near its end.”
William sat next to his father, “Is there anything else to be done? He is still young yet.”
Mr. Darcy chuckled, “He might be seven and sixty but he drank and indulged more than he should have for many years. He accepts that he will pass soon and Henry urges me to send word on next steps should Lewis not last the year. When we were at Rosings Park last, Lewis, Henry, and I discussed the plans for Rosings and what we will be doing with Catherine and Anne. Rosings will be given to Richard as the designated heir but Henry will have the viscount see to the management details until Richard returns home, and Anne will live out the rest of her life with the Fitzwilliams. Catherine will be sent to the dower house but we do not believe she will be cooperative. Lewis has made several contingencies depending on his wife’s reactions, but she will be limited and have no power ov
er the estate. Mrs. Jenkinson informed Henry that Anne remains weak but is pleased with the additional education she is allowed now. She has a phaeton that she enjoys riding with her companion and has been happier without her mother’s directives.”
“I am glad you and both of my uncles have arranged it all. What is to become of Rosings? I am grateful that you and uncle will oversee it since Richard is not here to take on the estate, and I have another year of university as well as three and a half years of my grand tour before I can assist. I would like to be of use but I will not be in England and Richard will have returned in two years and should be a competent master if he wishes to retire then. If Uncle Lewis passes within this year, will Uncle Henry reside in Kent?” William asked. “He is often in London for parliament and spends the summers in Matlock. Can he handle another estate? Robert is at Matlock to care for Summerfield Park and with two young children, he would not be able to travel back and forth often.”
Mr. Darcy chuckled, “Henry does not wish to reside anywhere near his sister. He adores your mother but cannot stand the sight of Catherine. No, he will take Anne to Matlock and I will assist until Richard’s return with the choice of residing at Rosings or leasing it out. What do you suggest, Fitzwilliam? Would you rather spend the winters at Rosings or Netherfield?”
William raised his brow, “Netherfield, of course. Rosings brings awful memories and the place is gaudy. Lizzy’s ghost stories are not unwarranted, as I could swear I heard strange noises myself and if we were to live there, mama would have to redecorate the entire place.” Both men laughed. “I like Netherfield because it is peaceful and I feel comfortable there. I could not imagine not seeing Lizzy as often as I do now, even after I complete my studies.”
“Good; we are in agreement then.” Mr. Darcy responded. “I pray to God that Lewis will remain strong and stay with us for many more years but we will make plans accordingly to lease out Rosings as time draws near. I would like to visit him this autumn before we take residency at Netherfield. Perhaps we will treat Lizzy to another trip to London.” He winked.
William laughed loudly, “I doubt she wishes to go back to Rosings after the last time, father. She liked the gardens there but she was still terrified of Lady Catherine and the monstrous statues in the drawing room. How terrible Lady Catherine’s tastes are, I cannot begin to comprehend.”
“She likes everything that appears opulent. She cares not what it is as long as it looks expensive and can boast of it to others.” Mr. Darcy huffed. “Can you imagine her demanding her husband to spend £20,000 on the glazing of the mansion alone? Of course, Lewis thought it ridiculous. She spends Lewis’ money as if it grows on trees and only cares for her neighbours’ admirations. And she recently asked for a new chimneypiece at £800. She knows her power is nearly at an end but Uncle Henry and I will ensure she is managed later.”
Mr. Darcy and William made several more plans for the rest of the year and William soon returned to find the girls in the music room. He smiled tenderly at the sight of his beloved sister and dearest friend giggling and playing a duet terribly at the pianoforte.
Chapter 5
September 1805
William laughed as the young girl bounced on her seat. “I knew you would like it but I did not think this much, Lizzy! You will have to put it down some time, you know.”
“I know but I want to relish the moment for as long as I can.” Lizzy beamed. “I can’t believe you are letting me take such a treasure home. I promise to take care of it and not damage it. Abby is doing a fine job of helping me so it doesn’t rattle too much and I can’t wait to show papa when we get home.” She winked at the maid who had become dear to her these past three months. William was returning Lizzy to Hertfordshire then heading back north to Cambridge for his final year. The Darcys planned on returning to Netherfield the next month after a short visit to Kent while the maid would remain at Netherfield.
“Mr. Bennet will love it, I am sure. It is yours to keep, Lizzy. When I have need of it, I know where to borrow it.” William smiled as her eyes grew wide. “Can I consider it your early Christmas gift?”
Lizzy nodded excitedly. “You can consider it my Christmas and birthday gift for the rest of my life! You never have to give me anything ever again. I’ll treasure it, Will!”
William laughed, “Of course I will get you another gift, silly girl. I find joy in contributing in your edification of the world and you are truly the brightest girl I know. If only the men at the university would put their efforts into learning like you instead of wasting their time at gambling halls and taverns, we would have a country full of amazing innovations and scientific discoveries.”
“I agree, Will.” Lizzy declared. “I was very impressed to learn about Caroline Herschel and her contributions to finding new nebulas and comets. Can you imagine working for King George III and being a paid scientist as a woman? I know she’s not as famous as her brother William Herschel but it makes me hopeful that more women might become respected scientists, authors, perhaps judges or even prime minister in the future. We might gain the right to vote and make important decisions in the country instead of silently waiting for men to make the choices for us.”
William laughed, “I will be honest with you, Lizzy, I do not know if we will see such an achievement in our lifetime because I honestly do not know very many women who would be capable of such a feat, but I would have refused to believe it vehemently before I met you. You are exceptional and have made me reconsider what the female accomplishments are and I can see a future with more women involved with progress. I know fine ladies are supposed to embroider cushions and paint tables but too many are accredited with being accomplished when I have never heard of the young lady. I know it is the expectation of society but the word is applied too liberally and I know no more than half a dozen truly accomplished ladies from all of my acquaintance. One sits in front of me now and she is not yet thirteen.” He smiled broadly.
Lizzy giggled, “I have heard that a lady must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and modern languages to deserve the word. I’m nowhere near close to knowing those topics, as you are fully aware. I draw awfully and cannot dance without falling over and my best language skill is in Latin, which is a dead language and is not spoken!”
“But you have improved your mind by extensive reading and you are loyal and compassionate.” William responded. “You may be a bluestocking but you are wittier than most men and you will accomplish much in your life.”
Lizzy smiled broadly, “And that is why I will never marry. I can’t imagine drinking tea and speaking of laces and ribbons and whose table design looked better than another. I would rather meet with scientists and speak of politics and try to prevent wars. Can you imagine a husband allowing me to tend to financial discussions instead of planning out the menu and organising balls and dinner parties? I enjoy making tenant visits but if I had to sit still and play cards to gossip and talk of current fashions, I might pretend to faint so I could read in my rooms instead.”
William nodded, “You are certainly unusual but I will support your ventures, young lady. As your blood-brother, I will join you for those discussions and make sure you at least have a good maid and housekeeper to ensure you are being fed on time and the house is kept clean.” He winked at Abby who was giggling. “I will take care of you, Lizzy. You only need to study your books and enjoy your adventures.”
The pair laughed merrily and spoke of their plans for Christmas and what places William was planning to visit on his Grand Tour.
After the three-day ride, Lizzy was glad to finally see her beloved home at a distance from the carriage so that she could share her telescope with her father and tell her sisters of the grandeurs of Pemberley.
~*~
Jane heartily embraced her sister. “Welcome home, Lizzy! I have missed you. You have never been gone so long before but I am glad you wrote often and told us of your adventures. I am pleased to see that you were not injured d
uring this trip.” She smiled and turned to young Mr. Darcy. “Thank you for the safe delivery of my sister, sir.”
“Miss Jane,” William solemnly bowed. “Please call me Darcy or William. We have known each other for years now and Lizzy is my dearest blood-brother.” He winked at Lizzy who was laughing by her sister’s side.
“Thank you, Darcy. I am glad you arrived safely. Come in and rest a bit, please. Papa will be back shortly. He and mama had a quick tenant visit who recently had a baby.” Jane explained while they began to walk indoors. “Here is Mary. The other two girls are with Mrs. Porter at their lessons. They have improved much during the past months, Lizzy.”
Mary curtseyed and excitedly hugged her second eldest sister. “Welcome home! I have much to share with you, Lizzy! I discovered a book called Fordyce’s Sermons and it has been most educational. It teaches of modesty and reserve and virtue. I especially like the sermon on female meekness and domestic accomplishment.” She suddenly ceased her speech and blushed, “Not that... well, I know many of the topics do not concern you, Lizzy, but I have found it intriguing...” She did not continue.
Lizzy embraced her very serious ten-year-old sister, “Mary, if you’re interested by it, I will not criticise your choice, but I hope we’ll have a good discourse and be able to dissect the sermons together. Reverend Fordyce may have had good intentions but his word is not the Holy Book and you must understand when he wrote the sermons and why. Did you know he wrote those sermons over ten years before his own marriage? And that he married his wife at the age of one and fifty? He was very old when he married a woman fourteen years his junior, Mary, and although there are some benefits to learn from the Sermons to Young Women, perhaps if men paid as much attention to Sermons to Young Men, we might find husbands of similar minds for ourselves.”