by Wells, Linda
“Right.” Bingley said tightly. The men fell silent for a few moments and Darcy watched him closely.
Stewart felt a need to break the tension. “Um. Wickham sails around the 18th of July.”
“Good.” Darcy looked back to Stewart. “Is there any way to confirm his departure?”
“Well, the prison will keep a record of it, he was moved from Newgate you know, he is on one of the prison hulks, the HMS Savage, working hard labour on the river during the day. Do you wish to actually see him board?”
Darcy let a long breath escape. “I suppose that would be too much? Following a cart to … Portsmouth?”
“No they will take a ship from here.” He tilted his head to a window and the Thames. “The hulk is located near Woolwich.” Stewart grinned. “He is certainly getting a taste for his life on the sea now. He will be taken out to the transport ship a day or so before, then they will be gone with the tide one fine day.”
“Let me know what you can,” Darcy said grimly, “so that I can tell Elizabeth. We will not be truly assured until we know that he is gone.”
“Of course. I have kept tabs on him in prison. He has done rather well there, I am sorry to say.” Seeing Darcy’s concern he shrugged. “Either someone is funding him or he is very adept with his begging. Regardless, before he was moved, he had the coin to keep the shackles off, his belly full, and his baser needs satisfied. He even got some poor bugger to sell him some teeth, I understand.”
“So my fist did not leave any lasting damage.” Darcy sighed.
“No, but the scar on his neck from Fitzwilliam’s sword remains.” Stewart smiled. “Too bad the neck cloth covers that.”
“That woman from Georgiana’s school said that she would stop visiting him.”
“My people have made no report of her, of course, she may be using someone else, but what does it matter? He is gone soon. Relax, Darcy.” Stewart watched him stand. “Where are you off to?”
“I have a surprise to purchase for my wife.” He smiled and bowed. “If you care to come along, you are welcome.”
“I have court, but I wish you well.” Stewart smiled and stood along with Bingley. “I think that Julia will call on Mrs. Darcy. Perhaps we could all meet for an evening?”
“I will let you know.” Darcy shook his hand and smiled at Bingley. “Can you come?”
Bingley picked up his walking stick and downed the rest of his brandy. “Absolutely. Give me a lesson in pleasing a wife. Someday it may be useful to me. For some woman.” He walked ahead of Darcy and his smile fell away. Darcy watched him from behind and wondered what was going through his mind.
12 JUNE 1810
We returned from church this morning to find that a note had been delivered from Matlock House. The warm weather demanded that the funeral for Mr. Singleton be accomplished quickly and he was buried the morning after they arrived at Ashcroft. Uncle could not remain away from Parliament for long, so he and Aunt Helen returned yesterday evening, and they came here for dinner tonight. Layton will help Singleton to address the countless requirements of taking over the estate, then he and Alicia will forego the rest of the Season and return to Matlock. They are anxious to see their daughter again. Perhaps seeing us with Rosalie and the Singletons with Grace influenced them. Whatever the reason, I am happy for them.
Uncle reports that Mr. Singleton had become quite drunk at his club, and when he returned home, found Audrey sitting with Grace in a drawing room. Apparently he became enraged at the sight of his granddaughter, and swore unspeakable words at her, then raised his cane to beat Audrey for having the temerity to birth a girl instead of an heir. It seems that he had been welcoming of her as his daughter-in-law until she had this child, and since then his rage had only barely been in check. Singleton heard Audrey’s cries and wrestled the cane from his father, and struck his face with his fist. When his father attempted to retaliate, he clutched his chest in mid-stride and dropped to the floor, never to breathe again.
No neighbours came to pay respects; the undertaker had to hire mutes to stand about the grave. I compare this man’s passing to my father’s and the contrast is spectacular. I am hardly a man with a great number of friends, but I believe that when my time comes, I will not be sent to eternity alone. Examples such as this move me to live as good a life as possible, be fair to my tenants, and attentive to my relations, and deeply love my wife and child. “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.8”
Elizabeth put the ribbon in place and sat at the desk in their sitting room unmoving, and stared through the doorway into the bedchamber they shared. Darcy appeared and smiled, and then saw tears in her eyes. “What is it?” He asked and knelt next to her chair. “Elizabeth?”
“I do not like reading of your passing.” She met his gaze. “Please …”
“I will not write of it again.” He said softly. “I understand.”
“I cannot bear the thought of …”
“Shhhh.” He closed his eyes and hugged her. “I understand.” Letting go, he kissed her cheek. “I was thinking of Singleton’s father, not of reminding you of … There I have done it again. When will I learn to think before I speak?”
“I could not say, but I certainly hope it is soon.” Elizabeth sighed. “I am sorry; I suppose that I am a little pensive today. I received a letter from Audrey describing Robert’s confrontation with his father. If they had any idea how angry he was with Grace’s birth, they never would have come to his father’s townhouse after they left Bath. She was terrified, not just for herself and Grace, but to see in person the abuse that Robert suffered under his father’s hand. She said that he had told her some of it, but I believe that he was far more open with you.” Darcy nodded and caressed her hair. “That Robert was capable of such violence frightened her. She said there were times when, before he reformed, he would come home and she would walk on eggshells around him, afraid that anything she might say would inspire a barrage of bitter words.” She looked up to see his concern. “They were never directed at her and he never touched her.”
“Thank God. I suppose that his words were inspired from the drink, perhaps it loosened the memories of his father’s behaviour. I imagine that the strike she witnessed, however, was that of a man determined to protect his family from the abuse he suffered for most of his life.” Darcy said softly. “I have no doubt that I would do the same.”
“You have already.” They kissed and Elizabeth leaned onto his shoulder. “Audrey described Mr. Singleton, and she said that she understood now that voice that Robert once had. She has no fear of him becoming that way again, but it helped her to understand more of his past behaviour. It seems that your thoughts match hers.” Darcy continued to caress her hair, as she spoke against his chest. “How can a father hate his son so much? Can you imagine hating any child of yours?”
“No, but I was raised by George and Anne Darcy. I could never understand that feeling of not being wanted.” He kissed her forehead. “You are thinking of your mother.”
“How did you know?”
“I know you, love.” He smiled at her. “Do you wish to talk about it?” When she did not respond he took her hand and squeezed. “I cannot see you treating your daughters as your mother did you.”
Looking at him with surprise, she shook her head. “You know me too well.”
“Oh that will take a lifetime, a very long lifetime.” He kissed her gently then stood and holding out his hands, helped her to rise. “Now, we must repair this damage. We have friends coming.”
Elizabeth wiped her cheek. “It would not do to see the Harwicks with red eyes.”
“No, not at all, especially with Evangeline coming as well. The poor woman will have enough tears for all of us.” He chuckled when she glared. “No, no dear. I do not deserve that look! You cried rivers when you were with child.”
“I did not.”
“Oh no, I remember it well, I would swear the roof was leaking, the house was so awash with tears.
” Darcy’s eyes twinkled.
Hands on hips, eyes flashing, Elizabeth glared. “Are you through?”
“And add to that the time I found you polishing the silver …”
“It was tarnished.” She sniffed. “If we had a proper butler …”
“As soon as Bernard is finished with his training, we will.” Darcy laughed. “Of course the nightly presentation of feet in my lap to rub was charming.”
“If your feet were swollen I would rub them.” She walked away then spun to face him. “And I would not complain. I would be grateful that my husband asks for my aid. Furthermore …” Elizabeth stared at him. “Why am I arguing with you?”
“I do not know; why are you?” He tilted his head.
“You are distracting me.”
“Me?” He gave her a hug, nuzzling her throat before nipping at the skin, then soothing it gently with his tongue. “Come, love, we have friends visiting.”
“You sir, are too smug for your own good.” Elizabeth settled into his arms, and Darcy kissed her hair. “What would I do without you?”
“Do not start this again, Lizzy. I am trying to keep my own dark thoughts at bay.” He wrapped her up tighter and they stood together, silently swaying.
Georgiana, hearing their voices raised, had snuck into the bedchamber and peeked around the corner into the sitting room. “Is everything well? What is wrong?” She asked nervously.
They startled and glanced at each other, agreeing wordlessly that she had invaded their privacy. “Nothing.” Elizabeth said quietly, and wiped Darcy’s cheek. “Nothing at all.”
“No, nothing.” He kissed Elizabeth and hugged her to him. “All is well.”
“Please tell me.” Georgiana plead. “I want to know. I do not like hearing you fight.”
“We were not fighting Georgiana, and you should not have been listening to us.” Darcy looked at her sternly then to Elizabeth. “I am no good with explaining this.”
Elizabeth smiled with his mild remonstration and turned to her sister. “First of all Georgiana, your brother is absolutely right, eavesdropping is rude and entering the room where a private conversation is occurring is inexcusable unless there is some urgent matter to be addressed. I know that it is uncomfortable to hear people you care for seemingly disagreeing, but what you just did was incorrect and it should not be repeated. A proper young lady would not do that.”
Darcy smiled to himself to hear Elizabeth chastise her, but maintained his stern expression when he furthered Elizabeth’s censure. “I have no doubt that your aunt would not have allowed such a thing; and if you wish to remain out of the nursery and allowed to join us for meals and when our family and closest friends visit, you will have to maintain proper behaviour. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Brother.” Georgiana clasped her hands and cast her eyes down. “I am sorry.”
Elizabeth exchanged a look with Darcy and he lifted his lips in a small smile. She turned back to her sister, “Now, since we seemed to have worried you, I want you to think about when we spoke of how to behave with a man. How too much flirting might encourage him to act inappropriately?” Georgiana nodded and Darcy’s brow creased as he looked worriedly between them. “And that his actions might move him to behave in such a way that might leave you with child?”
“Elizabeth!” Darcy cried. She looked at him sympathetically.
“That is a man who does not love or care for the girl in question. That is an example of a man who only seeks his pleasure. Your brother and I love each other deeply, and the reason we are speaking somewhat emotionally to each is because we just reaffirmed our commitment.”
“How?” Georgiana breathed.
“By admitting that we cannot imagine life without each other.” She smiled and turned to him. “Or wish to be reminded of the possibility ever occurring. We were not fighting.”
“oh.” She saw that Darcy’s gaze had softened, and blushed. Darcy and Elizabeth recognized that she understood their discussion was playful.
Elizabeth looked back to her. “Such conversation or behaviour is acceptable between a married couple, or an engaged couple. Do you understand the difference? The tone of a conversation that you may hear can be misinterpreted.”
“I guess that this is another example of how every couple is different. I guess that this year when I go back to school, I will be more like Mary and not listen to the girls so much.”
“I think that would please her very much, I know that it pleases me.”
“I think that I will be interested to hear what you were told.” Darcy directed his gaze to Elizabeth. “Perhaps a school in a new location would be preferable.”
“I have no doubt that the same conversations are held no matter where groups of girls are gathered, dear.” Elizabeth squeezed his hand. “And I am sure the same applies to schools for young men, as well.” Darcy’s eyes grew in alarm with the memory of his school days.
“Mrs. Darcy …” The maid saw the master and mistress holding hands and looked away. “Forgive me madam; there are some visitors here for you. Mr. and Miss Lucas.”
“Charlotte!” Elizabeth cried. Darcy laughed to see her mixture of excitement and distress. “Oh I must look terrible!” She rubbed her face and patted her hair.
“You are beautiful, love.” Darcy tucked a curl behind her ear and kissed her hand. “Did you expect this visit?”
“Yes, well no, well … Charlotte said that she might visit if her father decided to come to town, and I said that she could stay with us.” She smiled when he raised his brows. “It is for one night, dear.”
“She is your friend, and most welcome.” He kissed her cheek. “Let us greet our guest, or is it guests?”
“Oh.” She laughed. “I think that her father was to stay at a hotel.”
“Umhmm.” He held out his arm. “Come, love.”
“Are you coming, Georgiana?” Elizabeth asked when she noticed her not following.
“You will let me greet guests?” She said quietly. Darcy and Elizabeth stopped and turned. “Aunt Helen said that I was too young for such things.”
“This is our home. I just told you that if you maintain the proper behaviour, you will be welcome. Besides, you have met Miss Lucas.” She smiled when Georgiana perked up. “I know that Lady Matlock is determined to teach you the proper ways of being a lady, but I cannot imagine keeping you from greeting our friends.”
They made their way to the drawing room designed for receiving guests and were surprised to find Charlotte and her brother Robert waiting to greet them. “Oh Mrs. Darcy! Your home is breathtaking! I am afraid to touch anything.” The ladies hugged and laughed.
Elizabeth drew away and smiled. “If I hear you call me Mrs. Darcy again I will be most unhappy with you.”
“I was just giving you your due, you are married and a mother, and well, look at where you live, it is such a change from Longbourn.” She looked around again. “Mr. Darcy, you must be so proud.”
“I am very proud of my wife and child.” He bowed to her and turned to Lucas. “This is a surprise; we were expecting your father. I should have realized it was you when Mr. Lucas was announced instead of Sir William Lucas.”
“Father is still affronted with the lack of exclusivity at court, and refuses to come. But business still must be conducted, so it fell to me.” He smiled to see the ladies lost in conversation already. “Charlotte begged for a chance to visit with Mrs. Darcy. I apologize for the lack of notice, our departure was rather sudden.”
“As was my knowledge of the entire plot.” Darcy nodded to the women. “Your sister is staying with us; you are certainly welcome as well. We are expecting guests for dinner tonight, but I am sure that you will enjoy meeting them, we all attended Cambridge at one time or another. Stewart will be among them.”
“I would appreciate that, thank you. Your tolerance is remarkable.” Lucas smiled. “We took a cab from the stagecoach stop, and I have not been to the hotel as yet.” He looked around at the room. �
��This home is more than I imagined. Pemberley …”
“Would you care to see a painting?” Darcy offered. “There is one in my study, we could speak privately.”
“Is there a need for that?” Lucas caught the serious tone of his voice.
“I believe so.” Darcy stepped over to Elizabeth. “Dear, I will take Mr. Lucas downstairs to the study.”
“I can imagine the subject of your conversation.”
“I imagine yours will be of a similar bent?” He smiled slightly. “So much for staying out of it.” He kissed her cheek then bowed to Charlotte. “Lucas?” He indicated the door. “Shall we?”
WICKHAM PICKED UP a stone and hefted it into the cart at the edge of the river. His eyes darted left and right, taking note of the guards and the other prisoners. Slowly he walked back down the rocky bank, bent and swirled his hands through the filthy water of the Thames, found another stone, and delivered it to the cart. Once again he studied his guards, as he had every day since beginning to labour from the prison hulks. He saw their disinterest in their jobs, and noted their habits. Unshackled while he worked, he knew this was his one chance … He walked back to the water, watched the guard turn his head, bent as if to retrieve a stone, then continued forward, slipping beneath the lapping water, his mouth and eyes tightly shut, and swam below the surface, allowing the current to move him along.
When his bursting lungs demanded a breath, he poked his head up, and saw that he was some fifty yards away, and had not been noticed. Striking for the shore, he clambered up, ignored the destitute waifs there picking coal, and hurried up to the street. A head count would find him missing soon, and his distinctive prison uniform had to be discarded. Looking around the crowded street, he saw that his wet appearance was drawing attention. He needed to act quickly. A man lying between two buildings, passed out with drink, was perfect for his plans. Wickham approached, glanced around, grabbed the man beneath his arms and dragged him into the dark alley.
Two hours later, the body of George Wickham was discovered in the alley, and guards searching for him from the prison were relieved that they would not be held responsible for his escape. His face had been badly beaten, and the neck cloth used to strangle him obliterated the known scars that he possessed, but the wet uniform, and items found on his person were good enough to identify him. With that, his body was immediately dispatched to a surgeon for anatomy practice.