by Leenie Brown
“Fitzwilliam,” Rycroft called. “Fitzwilliam, it is of great importance.”
Richard opened the door and scowled at his cousin. “Your stomping and shouting are most unsettling for this time of day.”
Rycroft pushed his way into the room and began gathering Richard’s coat and hat. “To put it bluntly, I do not give a farthing about unsettling your day.” He shoved the coat at Richard. “Put it on.”
Richard’s brows rose. It was unlike his cousin to be so demanding. “What has you in a temper?”
“I should be in bed with my wife, but instead, I have been sent to collect you.”
Richard bit back a smile at the look of utter frustration on his cousin’s face. “And why must I be collected.”
“I am not exactly sure,” said Rycroft. “I was not listening as I ought to have been.” He waved a hand in the air. “Something about the paper and your father. I have never been particularly good at listening to Aunt Catherine when she is in a dither.”
“Aunt Catherine?” Richard took his hat from Rycroft.
“She appeared at my home demanding to see you. Apparently, Darcy’s butler is better prepared to handle her as she did not gain admittance to Darcy House,” he grumbled.
“She was probably in no mood to be put off by the time she reached your home if she was unsuccessful at Darcy’s,” reasoned Richard.
“Most likely,” agreed Rycroft holding the door open for Richard. “If you would be so kind as to hurry. Until I have produced you and our aunt has been satisfied…”
Richard held up a hand. “I know. You do not need to explain.” He locked the door and descended the stairs as quickly as he could.
“You mustn’t begin your day without a bit of food.” Mrs. Wood held out a small parcel to Richard. “A bit of cheese and a roll. It’s not much, but it should help settle your stomach.”
Rycroft stopped midstep and spun to look at Richard. “You are unwell?”
“Most men are after a few too many drinks,” said Mrs. Wood.
“I did not have as many as I had planned, ma’am.” Richard thanked her for the food and followed his cousin out the door.
Rycroft climbed into his carriage and shook his head. “I was not thinking,” he said apologetically. “I am afraid I have forgotten rather quickly the fear of losing one’s love. I am sorry.”
Richard waved it away. He did not wish to speak of his loss. “It is understandable when one has been granted the blessing of happiness.”
Rycroft groaned. “Another thing I should not have mentioned, I suppose.”
“I do not wish for you all to treat me with pity,” Richard growled.
Rycroft nodded. “You should eat. Our aunt is difficult enough to endure under good circumstances.”
Richard untied the cloth and broke off a bit of the roll. He hoped it did help settle his stomach, for it would be nice to have at least one part of his body feeling settled.
Rycroft waited until he had put the food in his mouth before he spoke. “I was not speaking of pitying you. I was speaking of being considerate. I was not considerate, as I was, in fact, only thinking of myself.” He leaned his head back. “However, if you would like to pity me, you may, for I find I am feeling quite sorry for myself and would enjoy the company.”
Richard rolled his eyes. He knew that his cousin was not being as selfish as he sounded. As was often the case, he was attempting to lighten the unease of another by painting himself in an unflattering light. “If you wish to have someone with whom to share that particular type of misery, I suggest we stop at Darcy’s and drag him along. I am afraid I shall never be able to join you in such misery as I doubt I will ever have a wife with whom I wish to lie in bed all day.” He broke off another piece of roll. “Ouch!” Rycroft had kicked him.
“I beg your pardon.”
“It was no accident,” snapped Richard as he rubbed his shin.
Rycroft shrugged. “Perhaps it was not, but it was well-deserved. You should not speak such lies.” He leveled a glare at Richard. “You will marry for love. Has my mother not already said as much?”
Richard nodded.
“Well, you know my mother. Very little will stand in her way…including your father.” He leaned his head against the back of the carriage once again. “Finish your food. Mary will be displeased if she hears I took you away without allowing you to break your fast.” His head popped off the wall of the carriage. “And when I call for tea, drink some.” He leaned his head back again, a small smile creeping its way onto his lips as he closed his eyes.
Richard gave his head an amused shake. It was good to see his cousin so happy even if it made his own heart ache just a bit more.
~*~*~*~*~*~
“This is your fault!” Lady Catherine jabbed her finger in Richard’s face as he entered the drawing room at Rycroft Place.
“Lovely to see you as well, Aunt,” he said wryly before greeting the rest of the occupants of the room.
Lady Catherine huffed. “If you had just agreed to the marriage, none of this would have happened!” She snatched a newspaper off a chair and nearly flung it at him before plopping in a rather unladylike fashion into the chair. “She is ruined. Utterly ruined.”
Richard looked at the paper, searching for whatever it was he was supposed to see. Rycroft stood at his shoulder.
“Oh,” said Rycroft tapping an announcement, “I see our cousin has a mind of her own after all.”
Lady Catherine made a thoroughly unladylike sound of displeasure.
Richard laughed. “I do not see how this is my fault. I am not the one responsible for the ‘grievous error in announcing the betrothal of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss de Bourgh,’ nor am I the one who placed an advertisement for a husband.” He took a seat across from his aunt. There was a seat next to her, but having had his ears tugged and hands swatted many times over the years, he decided the safest option would be to sit where she could not reach him, for he was certain that her disgruntled mien mingled with his equally foul mood would result in sore ears and hands at a minimum. He folded the paper and read the announcement once again.
It is with a heavy heart that this paper must inform the public of a grievous error which was made in announcing the betrothal of Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and Miss Anne de Bourgh. No such agreement exists, nor is it an agreement into which either party is willing to enter. However, Miss de Bourgh, an heiress in her own right, does wish to inform those Christian gentlemen of good reputation and having in their possession a title as well as solvent and accurate financial reports that she is willing to accept correspondence and calls with the intent of reaching a marriage arrangement. Please be advised that references and documentation showing an adherence to the above criteria will be required.
Richard chuckled and lay the paper aside. “Rycroft, did you not promise me a cup of tea?” He crossed one leg over the other.
“Indeed, I did.” His cousin gave him a grateful smile. “I am afraid I rushed Richard along to get him here as quickly as possible.”
Mary lifted a brow at her husband and then tilted her head and narrowed her eyes slightly before asking, “Have you eaten?” Her question was directed at Richard, but her eyes remained on Rycroft, and a teasing smile graced her lips.
Richard smiled. “I have, thank you.”
“Does no one care that my daughter’s reputation is in tatters because of him.” She stabbed the air in Richard’s direction.
“As our nephew has said, Sister, this is not his fault. The fault lies squarely on the shoulders of whoever made the erroneous announcement as well as any party to the original agreement which was made, quite obviously, without the consent of either Anne or Richard.” She sighed and shook her head. “While I imagine the larger part of the blame falls to our brother, I cannot help but think the advertisement for a husband is due in large part to the young lady’s mother never giving her a proper come out.”
The room collectively held its breath as they watched Lady Cat
herine’s face turn a deep shade of red. Her eyes narrowed. Her lips became a tight line.
Lady Sophia calmly tilted her head to the side and waited expectantly for her sister to respond.
“Her health would not allow it. She is of a delicate constitution which would have found the rigors of a season far too overwhelming.”
Richard nearly caught his laugh of disbelief — nearly.
“It is true.” Lady Catherine turned toward him.
“I apologize, Aunt, but I cannot reconcile a lady of a delicate constitution with a lady who has the temerity to announce her refusal of one marriage offer and in the same breath ask for another.” He accepted a cup of tea from Mary and took a sip. “I find I am quite pleased by her boldness.”
Lady Catherine huffed. “You needn’t be so pleased. Your father was creating a list of gentlemen with unwed daughters on whom he should call when I left.”
Richard took a few more sips of his tea and contemplated that piece of news. He had known it would be unlike his father to quit a matter so easily. He looked at Lady Sophia and smiled. “I believe, Aunt, that it is time my father and I had a particular discussion.” He cast a sidelong look at his uncle Reginald and waited for Lady Sophia to give him approval. He would not do this without her consent, for he knew that it had the potential to cause a good bit of family strife.
“A splendid idea, Richard,” said Lady Sophia, “I wish to come with you. Samuel, we will use your carriage. Reginald, would you ride with us?”
Richard’s eyes must have shown his surprise, for she smiled and added softly when she had risen and was standing beside him, “Your father will be more compliant if we have Reginald in the sitting room.”
Richard smiled and shook his head. “You are well-versed in strategy.”
She leaned closer. There was a twinkle in her eye. “How do you suppose so many of my young friends have found themselves happily married?” She pulled on her gloves. “Some people play chess. I do not. I have the season.”
“What about Anne?” Lady Catherine crossed the room toward them. “What am I to do about Anne?”
Lady Sophia turned toward her sister. “I would make sure tea is served at the interviews and that she is shown to best advantage.”
“Interviews?” Lady Catherine said in surprise.
“There will be callers. Anne is an heiress, the daughter of a baronet, and the niece of the Earl of Matlock. One of those things would make her an attractive choice to many gentlemen, but when you combine them, she will have a surfeit of suitors.” Taking in her sister’s calculating gleam, she added, “I would not, however, try to make the choice for her, since she obviously has a mind of her own and is not afraid to exert her opinions.”
“But…” Lady Catherine grabbed Lady Sophia’s arm. “But I do not know how to show her to best advantage.” Though her voice was soft, barely above a whisper, there was no missing the panic that filled her.
Lady Sophia patted the hand that lay on her arm. “Catherine, that is of your own doing; however, I am not without some compassion for my niece.” Her hand stilled but remained on top of Lady Catherine’s.
Richard noted the way her brow rose slightly and her mouth curved into a small smile, and he knew she was preparing some bit of strategy as she stood quietly for a moment.
Finally, she gave her sister’s had another pat and said, “I will help Anne, if, and only if, you help Richard and Miss Bennet.”
Lady Catherine’s eyes grew wide. “Miss Bennet?”
“Yes, Miss Bennet, the young lady whom Richard would like to marry.”
Lady Catherine darted a look at Richard before giving a small shake of her head. “I tried to warn him of Mrs. Bennet. I told him to accept Mrs. Darcy and Lady Rycroft without hesitation, but he would not listen.” She tapped her hand over her heart. “Oh my, I feel quite ill.”
And she did look it. The colour had drained completely from her face, and her breathing had become noticeable as if taking in air were a challenge. Richard took her by the arm and led her to a chaise. “A bit of wine,” he said to Rycroft.
“Salts,” said Mary, “then the wine.” She took the newspaper from where Richard had discarded it and began to fan Lady Catherine. “My mother suffers from fits of nerves,” she explained. “A few moments of quiet, combined with a fan, some salts and a glass of wine have always been effective.”
Richard watched as Mary took charge and soon had his aunt looking decidedly less ill.
“It would be best if she were to return to Matlock House and retire for a rest.” Mary directed the comment to Richard and then turned back to Lady Catherine. “However, I am curious to know something, if I may, your ladyship.” She waited to receive permission before continuing. “You mentioned that you advised Lord Matlock to accept both my sister and me. Is it because of what my mother said when you visited Longbourn?”
Lady Catherine closed her eyes and began to look faint once again as she nodded.
“Then,” Mary’s voice was soft, “I would suggest you try again to convince Lord Matlock to be accepting of my family, not for my sake, nor even for the sake of my sister Elizabeth, but for the sakes of Colonel Fitzwilliam and my sister Kitty.” She bit her lip as if unsure if she should continue, but after a short pause, she did. “I have seen the necklace. The delicate weaving of the gold is exquisite, not easily forgotten.”
Richard felt Lady Sophia’s hand grasp his shoulder from where she stood behind him.
Lady Catherine drew a deep breath and moved to stand. “You are quite right, Lady Rycroft. It would be best if that necklace were not seen again.”
“Do not move,” commanded Admiral Fitzwilliam before she could rise. “Do you mean to tell me that the rumours of my mother having a paramour are true?”
Lady Catherine bowed her head and looked at her hands which were clasped firmly in her lap. “Yes.” She peeked up at him. “I did not know of their truth until I attempted to stop Darcy’s marriage.”
The admiral opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again. He raised his finger as if he were going to make a point and then lowered it. Finally, he gave a curt nod of his head as if he had decided upon something and extended his hand to Lady Catherine. “We have a meeting with Lord Matlock. One that it seems is long overdue.” A smile spread across his face. “Oh, how I shall enjoy this. How often has he lorded his rank over me?” He chuckled. “And to think that all this time, it should have been I who was above him.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and patted it. “Do not fear, Sister, as long as he is reasonable, this matter shall stay a family affair.”
Lady Catherine huffed. “When has our brother ever been reasonable, Reginald?”
He raised an eyebrow at her comment.
“Oh, he may have favoured me because we were twins, but he did not let me forget that I was not only second born but also female. No matter how loudly I object to anything, he nearly always ignores me.”
“Unless,” said the admiral, “it is in his best interest to agree.”
“Precisely,” said Lady Catherine with a further huff before beginning a diatribe about her brother, that announcement, and her daughter’s future as she exited the sitting room.
“She is well recovered,” muttered Richard to Lady Sophia as they followed Lady Catherine from the room.
Lady Sophia sighed and patted his arm. “I fear your father will take a bit more persuasion.”
Rycroft accompanied them to the door of the sitting room, but being unwilling to leave Mary alone and not wishing to prolong his guest’s departure, he watched from there as his relations left and called out his good wishes for their success. Then, as the door was closed behind the last person, he turned back to Mary. “Are you well?” he asked, coming to kneel beside the chair where she sat looking rather confused.
She shook her head. “I do not understand exactly what has happened. I knew that the necklace and the accompanying note cast doubt on Lady Catherine’s legitimacy. That is why I refe
rred to the necklace at all.” Her eyes were wide and filled with concern. “I had hoped she would lend her support to my sister. I did not wish to create any larger scandal, I can assure you.”
Chuckling, Rycroft rose and pulled her up into his embrace. “My dear Lady Rycroft, it seems you are as proficient at starting scandals as I.” He stopped her protest with a kiss. Sighing contentedly as he broke the kiss, he held her for a moment. “Lady Catherine and Lord Matlock are twins,” he said at last, “so your revelation concerning the necklace that my grandmother gave to her lover, casts doubt not only on the legitimacy of my aunt but also my uncle. And, if the admiral were to be of the vicious sort ─ and I assure you he is not ─ he could challenge his brother’s right to inherit.”
“Oh.” Mary’s voice was filled with remorse. “If he does challenge it, what shall become of Lady Matlock and her children.” She pursed her lips and shook her head. “I should not have said anything.”
Rycroft tilted her chin so that she was looking at him. “You did nothing wrong,” he said firmly. “It is a secret that has been kept too long. Strong words will be hurled, threats will be made, but Lord Matlock will capitulate to whatever demands the admiral makes. And then, all will be well, or at least, as well as can be expected in this family.”
“You are certain?”
“As certain as one can be.” He kissed her forehead and then the tip of her nose. A rakish smile spread across his face. “I, however, am the rightful heir to my title and as such, have a duty to it.” He bent and scooped her into his arms. “It is a duty that I dare not shirk.” And despite her protests that it was most improper to be carrying her through the house and up the stairs, he did just that.
Chapter 9
Lord Matlock looked up briefly from his desk as Richard entered his study. He gave a slight nod and scowl as he waved to a chair. “I had not thought I would see you for a few more days.”