by Kay Mares
Grandfather Darcy has a love of all things equestrian, and on Fitzwilliam’s fourth birthday, he gifts the youngster with a Shetland pony who Fitzwilliam instantly christens Sheldon. From then on if Fitzwilliam is not curled up somewhere with a book, he is on his beloved little grey pony on some ride with Grandfather. His grandfather teaches him to keep the pony’s hooves cleaned out and showed him how to groom the pony before and after a ride properly. They explore the Pemberley lands and sometimes accompany Gregory on his rounds to visit the farmers and tenants. Sitting astride his pony, Fitzwilliam absorbs just what types of responsibilities his father has as Master of Pemberley but as always when out in a public sort of way, Fitzwilliam remains quiet and reserved. The few times some of the more senior tenants greet him in the manner such elderly people have with children, they are met with the same assessing stare from those brilliant blue eyes. Every now and again, a shy smile starts and the boy haltingly returns a greeting.
Lady Anne frets that Fitzwilliam is becoming a bit too serious, so she and Grandmother Darcy encourage his lighter funnier side which he willingly displays to them. Anne and Gregory share a guilty laugh when Grandfather Darcy is using Fitzwilliam’s building blocks to make a tower and Fitzwilliam, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, gently nudges one of the supporting blocks off-kilter causing the whole pile to spill. Grandfather patiently gathers the blocks as he comments he thought he had them balanced just so. Anne is glad to see a little boyish imp come out in her son.
Master Fitzwilliam is leading an idyllic life at Pemberley, and he is learning his place in the world. His mother speaks to him of the nobility of his line from her family, and she tells him of his father’s ancient though untitled lines. The portrait gallery becomes a favorite haunt where the child imagines each of his ancestors watching over him, and the thought gives him comfort. The only unsettling memory he has is of a prolonged visit from both Sir Lewis and Lady Catherine. He has vague images of raised voices and hushed talks behind closed doors while his aunt and uncle resided with the family for a long time it seemed. Sometimes his silly stories do not bring the ready smiles to his mother, and his grandmother and of course Aunt Catherine looks down her nose at him and seems to be more dour than before. But whatever the cause, Master Fitzwilliam is too young to ponder it further especially when there are pony rides to take and more books to enjoy.
When Fitzwilliam turned five, he has his first experience with losing a loved one. His beloved and kind Grandmother Darcy has succumbed to old age. Master Fitzwilliam has a fleeting memory of his father’s valet crying and taking some time off after the death of his wife, but since Fitzwilliam was very young and did not have much contact with Barnabas, the valet, he did not truly understand the man’s grief. Now with the death of his grandmother, Master Fitzwilliam feels the emptiness of losing a beloved relative. The services are sad and solemn but what distresses the boy above all is watching the tears well up in his grandfather’s eyes only to be quickly swiped away. There is a certain gruffness to his voice which Fitzwilliam does not understand either, but he does not ask anyone else about it as both his mother and father are upset as well. The next few weeks are the hardest on Fitzwilliam when he comes to the sorry realization he will no longer have his grandmother there for storybook reading and hugs. That is when the tears start for Fitzwilliam, but his loving mother is there to wipe them away and explain to him about death and what it means to see a loved one once again in heaven. Master Fitzwilliam contemplates what his mother has told him as he fixes her with those impossibly blue eyes then he proceeds to hug her about the neck and tells her not to worry, Grandmother Darcy is safely in heaven awaiting all of them to arrive. As she wipes away her tears, Anne cannot doubt her son’s loving heart and his blossoming protective nature.
Chapter 4
Mr. Wickham, the Pemberley steward, and his wife Mrs. Wickham are the parents of a boy who is about two years old. Mrs. Wickham seems to be a fair mother, but she often leaves the care of the child to her husband. Mr. Wickham is tolerant of the child, never cruel but indifferent. Mr. Wickham is an excellent steward, and Gregory Darcy appreciates the man’s talents in overseeing the many issues which arise with an estate as large as Pemberley. Fitzwilliam sees how Mr. Wickham conducts himself with respect when addressing either his mother or father, but he feels uneasy in Mrs. Wickham’s presence. She, in turn, regards him coldly unless his parents are present then she fawns over him, often ignoring her own son. Fitzwilliam stiffens and pierces her with his stare as he tries to figure out why she treats him differently depending on who is around. He at once decides the lady is not to be trusted and he avoids her most of the time.
Lady Catherine also has a child at this point, a girl who is two years old. Lady Catherine named the girl Anne after her sister, but the poor child appears to be sickly and weak. Catherine sometimes rants at her husband that it is his fault the girl is not hardy, but it appears as if Sir Lewis merely avoids his wife more than ever before. Also, as he ignores Lady Catherine’s verbal harangues, he dotes on his daughter who looks up at him with big chocolate brown eyes much like that of a fawn. Miss Anne has a cough which racks her poor thin body and her father sometimes sits up with the girl until these wheezing episodes pass. Together they sit in a big rocker while Sir Lewis makes up all kinds of stories to entertain the frail child.
Fitzwilliam loathes going to Rosings for visits as Lady Catherine barks orders at everyone and frets over Miss Anne. Sir Lewis avoids everyone when in residence and oftentimes he is in London when the Darcys visit. Rosings is a dark and dreary place with overcrowded rooms of gaudy furnishings, huge pictures and tapestries covering every bit of wall and many statues and vases along with other decorations which he is forbidden to touch or go near. The meals are the worst as Aunt Catherine keeps up a running dialogue mostly with herself as she makes comments on every aspect of the meal’s presentation then redirects servants during the whole course of the meal, raising her voice and demeaning the staff. For Fitzwilliam, who was taught proper manners and to treat servants with respect, these affairs grate on his nerves. He has never witnessed his father or mother treating a servant poorly even though he knows the servants are beneath him. How he longs to have Sheldon there so he can ride away from the imperial Lady Catherine but as a proper gentleman, he will remain and speak only when addressed.
Sir Lewis never accompanies his wife and daughter to Pemberley when the de Bourghs return the visit. The staff and family always draw a collective sigh of relief when Lady Catherine and Miss Anne return to Rosings. Nothing at Pemberley is to Lady Catherine’s satisfaction, and after one particularly obnoxious visit in which Gregory actually raised his voice at his sister-in-law, Lady Catherine ceased visiting Pemberley. Instead, she and Anne stay at Rosings with only a few trips to London where the de Bourghs keep a townhouse. Fitzwilliam does not question his parents about the lack of Aunt Catherine’s visits. Instead, he relishes the peace and quiet found at Pemberley. He notes his mother and father hold private conversations about Lady C as he calls her in his mind but being a gentleman, he does not pry. Then comes the news, Sir Lewis has passed unexpectedly.
Another trip to Rosings is undertaken and Fitzwilliam witnesses another form of dying. Any softness which his aunt may have had in the past withers away along with her husband’s passing. Even though she is not an old woman, it appears to Fitzwilliam as if she has aged. Hard lines come around her eyes, and her demeanor is cold and haughty. She looks at the rest of the world with disdain and rules Rosings with an iron fist. Bitterness laces her words which are uttered with contempt and harshness. Lady Anne wept in the carriage during the return trip to Pemberley while Gregory sat tight-lipped and scowling. Fitzwilliam held his mother’s hand and tried to comfort her as he told stories of knights and castles along with kings and queens. The good always outweighs the bad in his tales and love overcomes all. Soon his mother stops her tears, and the two of them share funny stories and memories until all three of them are laughing once mor
e.
December is now nearing, and that means first and foremost the celebration of the birth of the Savior. But like any child, Fitzwilliam looks forward to the presents he will be receiving. This year is special for another reason. Grandfather Darcy has taught Fitzwilliam how to whittle, so he has made gifts for each of his parents and his grandfather. Working painstakingly, Fitzwilliam created crude animals for each. His mother receives a bird with wings outstretched, for his father he has carved a hunting dog and naturally his grandfather is the proud recipient of a horse. As the servants bring in hot chocolate to ward off the chill, the adults are pleased to hear Fitzwilliam address the servants and thank them for their efforts. Perhaps, Lady Anne thinks, the shyness and reserve Fitzwilliam displays will eventually disappear. This is their seventh Christmas together, and it is one of the best.
During the Christmas season, the family went to the Darcy townhome in London, and they attended the plays and orchestra events. Master Fitzwilliam has early on enjoyed a quality musical performance of any kind, and he will often hum the pieces as he strolls about or if sitting, he swings a finger as if directing the music as he hums. His parents enjoy his performances, and to their delight, they find when Lady Anne entertains on the pianoforte, Fitzwilliam is developing a very pleasing singing voice. He accompanies his mother often but only when it is the immediate family. In the company of others, he becomes taciturn.
“Gregory, I fear for Fitzwilliam. He seems so serious, and a few times it is as if he is brooding. I wish he would allow himself some levity when among others.”
“Do not fret, Love. I do not think he is brooding rather he is deep in thought as is his wont. I declare I have never witnessed someone devour books as he does. Then all of those questions. Insightful and astute. Botany, science, music. He seeks explanations for everything. I am beginning to dread the word why.” Gregory laughingly says. “As his tutors continue with his instructions, I would think his childhood curiosity will be satisfied.” Anne still sports a worried look. She is unsure how her bright but extremely shy son will do once he is expected to be present in Society. He also revealed a particularly fastidious side regarding his possessions and his clothing. His personal standards are exacting. The tutors reported to Mr. Darcy that Fitzwilliam is progressing ahead of schedule and his grasp of topics is impressive. They also state that his natural reticence vanishes as he asks all sorts of questions and expounds on his own thoughts. The tutors note as well that Master Fitzwilliam is extremely organized and precise about his books and papers. He is a delight to teach and never does he shirk his studies. Mr. Darcy is very pleased and has thoughts of his son attending Cambridge someday just as he did so many years ago.
Chapter 5
The year Fitzwilliam turns eight is an interesting one for many reasons. George Wickham, although only five, has become a constant playmate. It seems as though his poor mother succumbed to some sort of illness although it is odd that one day she appeared healthy at the Wickham’s cottage and then without warning she simply disappeared. There were no services or burial which Fitzwilliam recalled, just a sudden absence with a thin explanation that the lady had passed and was buried quickly. Mrs. Wickham had, a few months back, given birth to a girl who did not live beyond a few days. Mr. Wickham tried to ease his wife’s grief by purchasing her whatever caught her fancy often to the determent of his pay. They began to live beyond their means, but Mrs. Wickham was never satisfied. George was largely ignored by both parents at this point, so he grew to be mischievous, always looking to be the center of attention even if it meant getting into trouble.
George’s antics amuse Fitzwilliam, and although sometimes he finds the younger boy to be annoying, Fitzwilliam usually overlooks it. However, there are a few times when George allows a small mean streak to get the better of him. Once while the boys were standing at the edge of the stream on a rather steep bank, George gave the unsuspecting Master Fitzwilliam a firm shove causing him to tumble down into the water. While not hurt, the murky water caused Fitzwilliam’s shirt to become stained. “Why did you do that, George?” Fitzwilliam asks him as he crawls out of the water and pulls the shirt away from his body, better to assess the damage done.
“I don’t know, but I must admit, it was rather funny to see you roll down into the water.” George is still laughing.
“You know we are expecting some company this afternoon at the manor. I must hurry now so I can change and be ready to greet our guests. How will I explain this to Mother?” Fitzwilliam frowns once more as he considers his soaked boots and bedraggled trousers. Judging by the creek water smell emanating from his clothing, nothing short of a hot bath is going to remedy the problem.
“Oh bother with all that. Just sneak in and have the servants attend you. They will not tell your secret.” George says with all the authority of a rambunctious five-year-old.
“George, one should not tell lies. It will not do. How will my parents ever trust me if I start to tell them untruths?” Fitzwilliam sniffs. While Master Fitzwilliam is not above misbehaving every now and again, both Mr. and Mrs. Darcy do not fear him telling them a prevarication. Quite the opposite in fact. He has already gained a reputation for honesty even if his bluntness causes hurt. Once when his father asked his opinion about his suit, Fitzwilliam calmly stated the color of the waistcoat as unbecoming and made Mr. Darcy look heavier. Gregory huffed and began to offer an admonishment, but Anne giggled and reminded him that he asked Fitzwilliam for his honest opinion. Gregory nodded resignedly.
“Well, I’m going to go to the stables while you get ready for your stupid visit. Goodbye!” With a wave and a dash, George is down the lane headed to the barn area. Fitzwilliam longs to go with him, but he knows his duty and his parents are expecting him to be at the manor. Once there, he explains his dilemma to Mrs. Reynolds who quickly has a bath drawn and Victor, Master Fitzwilliam’s valet, readies a change of clothes for him. Fitzwilliam greets the guests along with Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and garners many compliments even though the whole affair is torture for him as he abhors having any attention focused on him. It is after the luncheon when the gathering meets in the main parlor for conversation that Fitzwilliam moves to the farthest window and gazes outside as the adults speak. Anne noticed this behavior on prior occasions, but Gregory assured her Fitzwilliam would grow out of it once he becomes older and has more to contribute to the dialogue.
In between studies and a few chores Fitzwilliam is required to do, there are many opportunities for play and leisure. Naturally, books are a large part of Fitzwilliam’s life, and he and his mother go to the vast library to research a certain topic or to further their knowledge about a plant or an animal. Anne and Fitzwilliam often go on rambles about the grounds while Gregory is either attending his paperwork or is off riding to inspect the lands with Grandfather Darcy. At times mother and son plunk small pebbles into the pond watching the circular ripples spread and other times as Anne clips colorful wildflowers, Fitzwilliam happily carries them back to the house for her. Once they observed two birds, who are fighting over the right to perch on a certain branch of a tree. The birds are diverting as one flaps his wings at other who leaves only to return to chase the first one away. The birds keep on with their antics, and soon Fitzwilliam is making up a dialogue between the two birds. His made-up argument between the sparrows is witty and silly. Anne encourages this side to Fitzwilliam because he so rarely displays it.
What will the ton do to my soft, sensitive son? She wonders as she listens and laughs with him. So many there are only after wealth and prestige. Not many pure souls to be found there and it will be important for Fitzwilliam to make a good match. But who will adore this side to him? Who will allow him to indulge in whimsy and silliness? The world is already cruel enough, and Society is especially so. Reputations made and ruined all over gossip or scandal. Lies and deceit throughout but overlooked because of one’s connections or rank. How I wish Fitzwilliam could stay here and just take over running Pemberley where he would never be e
xposed to such, but it is unreasonable and impossible. Dear Gregory will teach him what it is to be a man and to survive in the world, but this gentle soul will be destroyed by it unless he marries a woman who sees him behind that serious mien he has learned to sport.
Anne’s musings are interrupted by Fitzwilliam’s call for her attention to the birds who have increased their brawl by the addition of one more. Now they fall and spin to the ground in a flurry of feathers and chirps then almost as if they just noticed the two people standing nearby, all three start and fly off. Fitzwilliam’s brilliant blue eyes are shining as he tracks the birds’ movements and he is actually laughing at the folly of the silly sparrows. “Oh Mother, all that time and energy wasted, and no victor remains. I suppose they will take their silly quarrel elsewhere and start all over again.” As they returned from their ramble, Anne expresses a desire to play a little while on the pianoforte but Fitzwilliam requests of her to await his return so he may listen. His love of music is increasing, and he delights in his mother’s playing and singing. “Please Mother, will you await my return? I would like to visit with George quickly if I may? I shan’t be long.”