by Jann Rowland
“That is not guaranteed unless he knows from what he is protecting her,” snapped Thomas.
“You do your uncle a disservice, Son. There is little impropriety which will escape Edward’s notice. There is no danger to your sister at present—I am convinced of it. There is far more danger in rushing off to London to provoke a confrontation. Tomorrow will suffice.”
Though he did not like it, Thomas nodded tightly. “Very well. But I shall be among the party that goes to London. I am Lizzy’s brother, and I shall not shirk this responsibility.”
“And I will accompany you,” said Charles. Though he had not spoken much, there was, in his manner, an indignation such that Caroline had rarely seen previously. Her brother was so mild-mannered as to render such outbursts unusual.
“Heaven save us from the fury of a pair of young bucks with protection on their minds,” said the elder Mr. Bingley. “I am of mind with Mr. Bennet in this matter. All shall be well.”
“We shall go in the Bennet carriage,” said Thomas, all but ignoring his father-in-law’s comment. “I mean to depart at eight, Bingley. If you mean to join me, then I expect you here a quarter before that hour.”
Bingley’s tight nod of affirmation spoke to his determination. The rest of the company seemed resigned.
“There are times, Son,” said Mr. Bennet, turning to his eldest, “that impatience rules your behavior. Now is not the time to be a hothead—this must be handled in a calm and rational manner.” Mr. Bennet’s eyes swiveled to Charles. “You are usually more rational than my son when his dander is up. I shall count on you to restrain him.”
There was no question of the Bingley party returning to Netherfield that day, so Caroline offered the invitation to stay and dine to her family. But while the decision had been made to go the following day, the discussion of the matter was not over. Little was accomplished that day other than to speak at some length, and there were times when tempers became a little heated because of it.
Throughout the course of the day, it seemed like two camps developed among those present. On one side, Thomas was eager to be off and convinced of Mr. Darcy’s perfidy, and he drew Charles along with him, and, at times, even Jane and, to a lesser extent, Mary were pulled into the mayhem. On the other, Mr. Bennet, along with Caroline’s parents and Caroline herself, urged calmness and rationality. By the time the hour grew late, the entire company was fatigued by all the debate and ready for dinner. But then Caroline had a thought.
“Mr. Collins is to dine with us today!”
Blurted out as it was in the middle of a lull in the conversation, one not familiar with the gentleman might have thought the comment was apropos of very little. But anyone who was acquainted with Mr. Collins immediately understood the significance.
“This matter must be allowed to rest,” said Caroline into the shocked silence. “We all understand Mr. Collins’s feelings. I shudder to think of what he might be compelled to do if any hint of these suspicions should reach his ears.”
“It may be that my cousin will surprise you,” said Mr. Bennet.
But the gentleman did not clarify his statement, falling silent instead. For the next several minutes, the company made several awkward attempts to introduce different topics of conversation into the discussion, with very little success. The matter which had occupied them throughout the day was little inclined to give way to more mundane discussion.
Whether Mr. Collins realized the company was in an odd mood that evening was uncertain. The parson arrived soon after Caroline’s exclamation, and he accepted the increase in the company without comment, though she did see him regarding the Bingley party with some interest. For a time, there was little said among them, until Mr. Bennet introduced some matter of the parish and began speaking with Mr. Collins. Then several other conversations began among the others, and while the company never became loud, there was at least the sense of normalcy among them.
As she watched her family, Caroline was struck by a sense of unease. Thomas was still clearly angry, and his conversation with Charles—they had taken themselves to the side of the room, likely to avoid being overheard—was punctuated with clipped hand motions and flashing eyes. To allow Thomas to go to London tomorrow with only Charles for company seemed like a recipe for disaster, especially when his indignation was pulling her brother along in his wake.
“I see you see the same thing as I do.”
Startled, Caroline looked up to see Mary regarding her. Caroline had never been close to the youngest Bennet daughter, and while she did not dislike the girl, neither had she much in common with Mary. At times much like her sister, Elizabeth, at times much more serious, Caroline often did not know what to think of her. It seemed Mary was quite serious at that moment and had something to add to the conversation, given her words.
“What, exactly?” asked Caroline. Though she had not meant to be short, the words had been spoken without prior consideration. Mary, however, did not take offense.
“If you will pardon me for saying it,” said Mary, “the prospect of your brother and mine traveling to London together to confront Mr. Darcy seems one which is doomed to end badly for all concerned.”
“That was my thought as well.” Caroline paused while Mary sat beside her, then turned and looked to her new sister curiously. “Do you have a suggestion?”
“If the gentlemen cannot be relied upon, then someone must go with them to ensure their good behavior.”
A slow smile spread over Caroline’s face as she realized what her sister was suggesting. “I doubt even then they would be restrained.”
Mary shrugged. “Perhaps not. But there is a better chance of it than otherwise. They will spend the entire journey working each other up into a greater frenzy, no doubt bringing Lizzy’s wrath down on their heads.”
The mirth faded from Mary’s face and she added: “To tell the truth, I have seen nothing in Lizzy’s behavior which suggests that she is afraid of Mr. Darcy or, indeed, that his behavior has been anything other than scrupulously proper. Of course, I refer to this visit.”
“I cannot disagree,” said Caroline.
“Then it falls to us to ensure this situation does not become more uncomfortable for our sister.”
The two ladies clasped hands, sealing their agreement. The rest of the time before dinner was spent speaking together in low voices, arranging matters to ensure their sister was protected. Caroline felt better now than she had since Jane had made the shocking revelation. It would all turn out well—of that, Caroline Bennet had faith.
The compulsion to be in Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s company was nigh overpowering. Eager though Darcy was, however, he managed to restrain himself. Though he arrived in London the day after Miss Bennet, he allowed the rest of the day to settle himself into the family’s Mayfair home, and then spent the next engaged in some small tasks, knowing she was likely still taking the reins of the house in Mrs. Gardiner’s convalescence. By the third day, however, he was impatient to see her.
As Mr. Gardiner was her guardian while she was staying with him, Darcy thought it proper to discuss the man’s niece with him before calling. As such, he sent his card around the morning of that day. It was a surprise to receive an invitation to dinner in return. Darcy thought about it for several minutes—he was concerned about intruding on the family with Mrs. Gardiner ailing, but the mere existence of the invitation indicated there was no need to worry. Thus, Darcy accepted. While he was made a little more impatient that he would not see Miss Bennet until that evening, knowing he would now see her made his impatience easier to bear.
At the appointed time, Darcy presented himself at the door of what appeared to be a lovely home on Gracechurch Street and was welcomed into the house by a maid. After passing his hat to her, he was directed to Mr. Gardiner’s study down the hall. A quick glance in what looked to be the sitting-room as he passed did not reveal the presence of Miss Bennet; as Darcy had suspected, the man wished to speak to him be
fore he was once again admitted to her presence.
“Ah, Mr. Darcy,” said Mr. Gardiner, rising from his seat when Darcy opened the door. The older man stepped around his desk, hand extended, which Darcy accepted gratefully. “Please, have a seat. Can I interest you in a brandy?”
“Not at present, I thank you,” replied Darcy. “I am grateful you consented to receive me, sir. It must have come as a surprise to hear of me so soon after our meeting at Pemberley.”
“Surprise is not the term I might use,” replied Mr. Gardiner with a wry smile. “Utter shock might come closer to the truth, but even that seems inadequate.”
“I had no notion of it myself.”
“But having seen my niece in Hertfordshire, you found yourself helpless before her charms?” The grin with which Mr. Gardiner regarded him betrayed his jesting. “Having long thought much of the charms of all my nieces, I can hardly blame you, sir. I assume that the reason for your necessary presence in London is because of hers?”
There was little to be gained from denying it, and Darcy suspected everything to gain from showing Mr. Gardiner how besotted he was with his niece. As such, Darcy decided to be completely open with him.
“The timing of my coming is entirely due to your niece. There were a few matters I saw to when I came to town, but they did were not urgent enough to draw me here otherwise.”
Mr. Gardiner laughed. “Excellent! I have always wished for my nieces to attract gentlemen who could not do without them, and I dare say you will do.” Then the mirth disappeared, and Mr. Gardiner looked at Darcy with some intensity. “Am I correct in apprehending that you have not neglected to consider your family’s reaction to your attentions to my niece?
“There is nothing but a sincere concern in my query, sir,” said Mr. Gardiner before Darcy could respond. “Lizzy is a good girl—all of my nieces are—and she is the daughter of a gentleman. Her father, however, is less than half the consequence of yours, and as you can see, she also has ties to trade. It seems this does not bother you—but what of your family?”
“It is a matter I have considered,” acknowledged Darcy. “In the end, however, I am content with my decision. Miss Elizabeth will do well in my society, I believe, and while my father and some of my extended family may be disappointed, in the end they will accept her. This is, of course, putting the cart before the horse—I have only just started to pay court to her, and I do not have permission for a formal courtship yet. I have not approached her father.”
“Elizabeth’s wishes will guide my brother,” replied Mr. Gardiner. “Though I do not suppose he will allow the opportunity to sport with you to dissipate without exploiting it.”
Darcy laughed. “No, I cannot imagine such a thing.”
“Then it is settled. You seem to have my brother’s approval, so there is little about which I may complain. As long as there is adequate chaperonage, you may call on Lizzy at any time.”
“Thank you, Mr. Gardiner.”
“Now, might I interest you in that brandy I suggested?”
“Please,” replied Darcy.
At length they were called into the sitting-room where Miss Elizabeth was waiting for their arrival. She arose when they entered, her countenance brightening at the sight of him. For Darcy’s part, he could hardly believe his eyes, for though she did not appear to have changed in the short time since he had last seen her, she seemed ever more vibrant, desirable, and beautiful than ever. Perhaps it was nothing more than his perception, or the effect of being separated from her for three days. Perhaps it was not.
“I am enchanted all over again, Miss Bennet,” said Darcy stepping forward. He caught her hand up in his and bestowed a kiss on its back for the first time, the thudding of his heart counterpoint to Mr. Gardiner’s snort of amusement. Darcy did not care—he was once again in the company of the best woman in the world.
“It had crossed my mind to wonder what had become of you,” said Miss Bennet. “Are my attractions so paltry that it takes a man three days to muster up the courage to confront them?”
By her tone one might think she was only teasing, but Darcy was certain it had come about due to her desire to avoid the appearance of embarrassment. Mr. Gardiner laughed at his niece’s words, and Miss Bennet arched an eyebrow at him, but Darcy only grinned. Two could play that game after all.
“The only complaint I have concerning your attractions is being overwhelmed by them.” Darcy leaned forward and said in a softer tone: “Had I known I would be welcome, I should have come the very hour I arrived in town.”
“Perhaps next time you will judge better,” replied Miss Bennet.
“Perhaps I will.”
In all, it was a pleasant evening. Mrs. Gardiner was still unwell, though apparently on the mend, and did not descend. Thus, Miss Bennet and Mr. Gardiner entertained them. As the evening progressed, however, Darcy noticed that Mr. Gardiner was more engaged in watching them, providing chaperonage as they spoke together about many topics. First on Darcy’s mind was when he would be allowed to see Miss Bennet again. It was, therefore, fortunate that the woman herself proposed their next meeting.
“My aunt’s housekeeper is to return tomorrow, Mr. Darcy, meaning I shall be more at my leisure. The children have been confined to the house of late, and I thought it would be a treat for them if we were to go to the park tomorrow. Shall you join us on our excursion?”
“Miss Collingford is to join you?” asked her uncle casually. Darcy knew there was nothing casual in the question, for young children could not be appropriate chaperones.
“Of course,” replied Elizabeth.
Mr. Gardiner did not reply, instead looking to Darcy, who was of no mind to demur. And, thus, their outing was set for the morrow. While Darcy was of two minds about accompanying children, it would allow him time in Miss Bennet’s company.
Chapter XVIII
One of the perks of possessing a genial and easy temper along with a gentleman’s education was the ability to make friends. When that was coupled with a handsome countenance, opportunity was one’s constant companion.
On more than one occasion in the past, Fitzwilliam Darcy, the sanctimonious and detested son of Wickham’s patron, had commented of Wickham’s propensity to make friends, without the ability to keep them. As if Wickham cared what Darcy the prude thought of him. Friends were all well and good, but Wickham had never concerned himself with how others perceived him, and if a friend became offended because of something he did, then so be it. In the end, the truth of life was that every man needed to look after himself—especially someone in George Wickham’s position.
The situation at the law office was becoming critical. Patterson, that unimaginative and prejudiced bastard, had been speaking of Wickham to the partners of late, if the looks he received from Mr. Mortimer were any indication. Wickham was neither so fast at his work as any of the clerks, nor so meticulous. There were days when he simply could not make himself care enough to give any effort to the work. Cleary, his days at Mortimer and Sons were coming to an end.
What he would do afterwards was a matter of some concern. With no means of keeping himself, Wickham would be forced to return to Pemberley to stay with his patron, and while the thought of living in luxury at that great estate was certainly no hardship, the longer he spent in Mr. Darcy’s company, the greater were the chances the old man would discover what Wickham had kept hidden all these years. The house in town was a possibility, but Wickham knew the housekeeper there neither trusted nor liked him, and the butler was little better.
The matter caused him no end of worry as he struggled to complete enough of his tasks to ensure himself continued employment until he decided what was best to be done. It was during these few days that Wickham learned something of interest, which he thought may have the power to change his fortunes.
“The house is occupied?” asked Wickham as he sipped on his ale. The stuff was not the best, but when in distressed circumstances as he was, one
must accept what was available.
“Aye, it appears to be so,” replied his companion, a man of no consequence whose name Wickham could not even recall. Another benefit of his gentlemanly manners was the ability to obtain information from others in many stations of life. Wickham had always kept a close eye on anything to do with the Darcy family, such that when the house in town was suddenly inhabited at a time it was least expected, the matter would come to his attention.
“Are the whole family in residence?”
“I cannot say,” replied the man. He gestured with his mug, which was now empty, and Wickham, flashing him a winsome smile, motioned to the barmaid to refill it. A little ale was effective in loosening many a man’s tongue, a strategy Wickham had often found reason to employ.
“I was told nothing more than that the house is occupied again,” said the man, his tankard once again full. Then he laughed, a guttural grating sound, which put Wickham’s teeth on edge. “The news has gone through several others, so I do not even know if it is true.”
“If it had been a more detailed rumor, I might agree,” said Wickham thoughtfully. “As it is, a simple rumor such as Darcy house having an occupant suggests truth.”
“Maybe,” said the man, raising his mug again.
“Thank you for the information,” said Wickham, rising to his feet. He dropped a couple of coins on the table to pay for the drinks and sauntered out of the tavern, pausing to pinch the bottom of one of the barmaids on his way out. The way the woman eyed him suggested willingness, should Wickham expend the effort.
But now was not the time for such things. It was not a common occurrence for the Darcy family to be in residence in their London home at this time of year. If his godfather was in residence, it would behoove Wickham to make his obeisance to the gentleman in hope of guiding Mr. Darcy to the proper conclusion about Wickham’s future. If it was another member of the family, there was a chance Wickham might be able to profit from it. Either way, it would behoove Wickham to discover the truth of the matter, for then he could plan to take advantage of it.