by Kay Mares
Fitzwilliam has perfected a whole set of movements as he adjusts his clothing and seat, rearranges her quills and papers, then restacks the books neatly. All is done to make the other person start to feel nervous and uncomfortable, but Georgiana knows her brother perhaps better than anyone at this point. Before he can launch into his practiced oration on the merits of learning and knowledge, she speaks first. “Could you please just give me a synopsis or quick precis of your subject material?” His jaw immediately clenches as the muscles twitch and his face flushes red. If not for knowing her brother is angry with her impertinent request, Georgiana might have laughed at the sudden change in his demeanor. He gathers himself and stands, shoots her a look of reproach which is scorching and proceeds to stalk from the room. Later he will speak with her, but for now, he allows her to feel her guilt which is another effective tactic.
It is during these years Gregory also fashioned a strong bond with his daughter. He loves her as much as he does his son. Georgiana is the light in the room, her laughter and innocence is a balm to the man’s battered heart. Georgiana’s eyes are the same pale blue as her mother’s, and her beautiful light hair is the same honey blond color as Lady Anne’s. Gregory misses his wife profoundly, and it is only after Grandfather Darcy had a loud and pointed discussion with Gregory about a return to duties that Gregory emerged from his chambers, dulled and listless. As time passed, he returned to his full Master of Pemberley duties, and he is attentive to both of his children, but there will always be a certain sorrow he carries with him. Georgiana is the one happy presence in the manor, and the others are drawn to her native charms.
These years are a time for great maturation for Fitzwilliam both mentally and physically. He is slightly over six feet, and his intellect is keen. At times Georgiana is awed by her brother’s intelligence whereas Colin, his oldest cousin is intimated by him. Gregory has his son start to sit in as he works on estate matters and he discusses various issues with him to hear Fitzwilliam’s opinions. Gregory feels the swell of pride as his son grasps the inner workings of the estate and shows an astute business mind. Trips to London are undertaken as Gregory exposes his son to the shipping business and trade. Additionally, they work on proposals together although Gregory still attends the meetings with just his solicitor. Evenings are mainly spent at Darcy house and rarely does the family entertain unless it is a very close circle of trusted friends. Gregory refused to reenter Society as he does not wish to be exposed to the leeches who would be very happy to become the next Mrs. Darcy to the very wealthy and handsome widower. Gregory told his son he abhors the deceitfulness of the ton and furthermore his heart had been buried along with Lady Anne.
Some of the time spent in London is entertaining. Fitzwilliam accompanies Lady Geneve and Georgiana to the London museum where his descriptions of the artifacts rival the written ones. He usually adds some information which a few times impresses the curators in their comprehensiveness. The operas and symphony performances are big attractions as all of the Darcys appreciate music and quality stage performances. Georgiana is showing a rare talent on the pianoforte which will surpass her mother’s accomplishments. However, even though these are happy times, the exposure to people who would use the Darcys to elevate themselves and the false pandering begin to eat at Fitzwilliam. His already stern demeanor has evolved into a frosty persona displayed to those he does not know well as it also protects him and his gentle nature. Fitzwilliam comprehends his kindness can be a liability in a man’s world, so he strives to overcome it with an icy determination. He keeps his mirth in check as he has decided jocularity will be equated with silliness and a weak understanding. These shortcomings will never do for a Darcy man.
As he continues to build these barriers about himself and his heart, his assessing mind analyzes others, and to his continued dismay, he finds most to be beneath him. They are inane or ridiculous, pandering and sniveling, so he avoids them unless absolutely necessary. However, those close to his heart still know his love, guidance, wit, and humor. In the privacy of his homes, he is silly and light as well as jovial with laughter easily coming from him. As he ages, his humor combines with his intelligence, so his wit is sharp. Whereas before some of the pranks he and Henry had been playing upon one another were juvenile and sprang from the spur of the moment now Fitzwilliam enjoys thinking out various ways to catch his cousin unaware. The same diligence and fastidiousness he employs in other areas of his life, he uses in thinking up elaborate ruses to pull on Henry.
These years will be shadowed by uncomfortable knowledge regarding George Wickham and unfortunately more heartache and grief. The first signs of serious trouble with George manifested themselves when Fitzwilliam noticed, in spite of being only about twelve years old, George never seems to be without a little coin. This coincides with a few supposed misunderstandings George has with some shopkeepers who accuse him of stealing. George can use his new smooth style along with his charms to convince them it is all a mistake. A few times the talks became heated, and Fitzwilliam covered the costs just to stop George from getting into serious trouble. George is also using his charms on some of the girls, and he is quite the flirt and flatterer. Most of the time the girls giggle shyly and flit away, but the more bold ones stay in his court until the protective mamas come to whisk them away. But even these mothers are swayed by the boyish good looks George sports along with a cheerful manner. Fitzwilliam knows George is putting on an act as George later mimics and mocks the ladies.
The next issue which has Fitzwilliam in quite a funk is his forceful and demanding aunt has now started to tell anyone who will listen that the great houses of Darcy and de Bourgh will be united when Fitzwilliam does his familial duty and marries his cousin Anne. Gregory is furious as he knows the match is a drastic mistake and he does his best to contradict the outrageous claim. Smoothing Fitzwilliam’s ruffled feathers is another matter. “Ignore her, Son. She does not speak with any authority and as I can tell you if you give her even an inch she will take the proverbial mile. The rest of the family knows Lady Anne would never have wished such a union.”
“But that is precisely what hurts the worst, Father. Aunt Catherine knows nothing of what Mother and I spoke regarding my finding a suitable match. How can she parade her wishes about as if they were Mother’s wishes is beyond the pale. And what of me? Have I no say in my own future?” Fitzwilliam is irate as he paces back and forth in front of the fireplace. “You have told me to be in charge of my own future, to be my own man and here a woman is attempting to dominate me. It is unseemly and embarrassing.” Gregory understands his son’s anger as he feels the same. How dare Lady Catherine even try to enforce her dictates on a Darcy? Gregory will travel to London when Lady Catherine is there, and he plans to have a word with her. It will not be the first nor last of many confrontations between the two.
“What I cannot understand is how she and your mother, God rest her soul, came from the same family. For that matter Thomas either. Neither of them have your Aunt’s caustic personality.” Gregory mutters a curse under his breath. How he wished he could have cut himself off from the de Bourghs long ago. Lady Catherine wrote him a strongly worded letter which encouraged him to seek another bride for it was not proper for Georgiana to be raised in a household full of males. Lady Catherine even had the gall to suggest Georgiana be allowed to live with her so she could see to the appropriate training of the girl. Gregory chaffed over the letter for days before he sent a special letter by courier with one word, NO! Lady Catherine was affronted because she only wished the best for her dear niece. Georgiana is intimated by the woman and does not like to visit there.
“Make sure that if anything ever happens to me, you do not let that harridan anywhere near Georgiana. You must protect her. Why look at what she has done to her own daughter. Poor Anne is a shell, a timid fawn who is afraid of her own shadow. I would not doubt some of Anne’s illness is a method to escape the constant chatter from that old shrew. The other part of Anne’s sickness has to b
e real due to the moldering and dust which permeates Rosings. God forbid the servants are allowed to do a thorough cleaning which would upset her Ladyship.” Here Gregory cocks his head and mimics Catherine, “Why I never heard of such a thing. Tearing down the tapestries and paintings, causing such chaos. There is no need for that, and besides, there is nothing wrong with Rosings or the way I run it. It is perfectly acceptable.” Gregory waves his hand in an imperial manner, and Fitzwilliam laughs at the imitation of his aunt. “Forgive me that was unkind. I should not have mocked her so.” Gregory looks anything but repentant.
“Your secret is safe with me, Father,” Fitzwilliam replies with a wink before he takes his leave.
It is around this time Gregory, and Grandfather Darcy receive quite a fright over Fitzwilliam’s health. There had been a substantial snowfall over the last two days, and when the clouds cleared and the sun shone forth, the brilliance of the rays of the sun upon the snow is dazzling. The temperatures remain below freezing, but the winds have died down, creating an enchanting and crisp winter day. Fitzwilliam and George decide to take a ride around the grounds and enjoy the frosty landscape. Unfortunately so did two of the tenants’ children who ventured to a nearby stream and were out on the ice. One of the boys fell through the ice as the other scrambled to the safety of the bank. There the boy tries to reach his friend with a small branch, but he is unable to pull his friend to safety.
George and Fitzwilliam happen on the scene, alerted by the boys’ cries for help. As soon as Fitzwilliam assesses the situation, he strips down to breeches and shirt as he orders George to race to the manor to summon help. Fitzwilliam, without hesitation, enters the shockingly cold water and breaks through some of the ice to reach the waterlogged boy who is shivering as his teeth chatter uncontrollably. A few attempts are made to reach the shore, but the remaining ice will not support their weight, and the young boy now requires Fitzwilliam to keep his head above water as the freezing water has sapped his strength from him. Fitzwilliam holds the boy in one arm as he grasps a fallen log with the other. He cannot hold onto the boy and swim against the stream’s current while fighting the ice as well so he waits for help as he keeps the boy from submerging underneath the water.
George has returned with footmen, grooms and a frantic Gregory Darcy. The men first relieve Fitzwilliam’s aching arms from their burden of holding the almost unconscious boy then turn their attention to the young Master as the boy’s family wraps him in blankets and rush him home to the warmth of a fire. Fitzwilliam is mostly able to exit the water under his own power, but he is shivering uncontrollably. The ride back to the manor is rapid, commencing as soon as they bundle Fitzwilliam up in some rugs brought along for just that purpose. As they make their way into the courtyard, Gregory barks out orders for a hot bath, roaring fire, and dry clothes.
Grandfather assists with helping his grandson to the private quarters where Victor awaits Fitzwilliam with a warming bath. Once the task is completed, Master Fitzwilliam is put to bed under many covers as the fire in his chambers is stoked until blazing. Mrs. Reynolds appears with several draughts for Fitzwilliam to consume in the hopes they will ward off chills and fever. Unfortunately for Fitzwilliam, the concoctions are foul, causing him to pucker and grimace as he drinks them. Henry drops by for a visit and is ushered into Fitzwilliam’s quarters and hears first hand of how the young Master risked all to save the youth but the visit is cut short as Gregory insists his son find some rest. It is not until much later in the night when Victor reports that Fitzwilliam has developed a fever along with a stupor which Fitzwilliam has trouble emerging from.
Mr. Darcy summons the physician, and the man orders more medicines to be obtained from the apothecary. Gregory dispatches a footman to rouse the apothecary, wait for the elixirs then return as fast as humanly possible. In the meantime, damp cloths are utilized along with sponge baths to try to bring the fever down. The medicines arrive, and Gregory himself holds his son as he encourages him to drink. Fitzwilliam tries to protest, but his father does not relent. For the better part of three days, the fevers plague Fitzwilliam before they break and the teenager is once more completely coherent. Henry has returned every day for updates and to sit with his cousin. On the fourth day, he is rewarded to see his cousin’s return to health. Gregory enters the room to make sure Fitzwilliam finishes all of his prescribed tonics only to find most glasses half-filled and a weak excuse from his son stating that he forgot to finish them.
Gregory talks with his son about how proud he is with his decisive action which resulted in the boy’s life being spared, but he cautions his son also to consider himself. He does not wish to see Fitzwilliam put himself into harm’s way unnecessarily. However, Gregory cannot argue with Fitzwilliam’s logic about how he orchestrated the rescue and Fitzwilliam’s comments about doing his duty to the tenants make sense. Gregory is the type of Master who will work alongside of his farmers and tenants during a crisis, and he has taught his son the value of having those who are connected with the estate to truly respect him as the Master. Fitzwilliam has gained the respect of all who hear the tale of the daring rescue.
As is the way with healthy young males, Fitzwilliam is back to normal by the fifth day and resumes his studies and duties. The Matlocks arrived to see him, and they praised his efforts. The boy’s family reported no ill effects, and they sent a letter expressing their gratefulness for Master Fitzwilliam’s intervention. Lady Geneve and her family stopped by to express their admiration for the heroic deed. Staff, tenants, and servants all comment on the courage and bravery Fitzwilliam demonstrated. Many of the ladies the same age as Fitzwilliam follow him with their eyes when they see him in public and flirt with him excessively. Naturally, all of this added attention annoys the private and shy boy who retreats as far away from his admirers as possible. Fitzwilliam frets over the notice given to him, and he ponders whether or not people are genuine in their praise or if they only wish to be associated with him because of his reputation.
Annoyances and worries aside, when Fitzwilliam is almost fifteen, his beloved and robust Grandfather Darcy fell ill with a racking cough and high fevers. The poor gentleman suffered for about one week before finally succumbing to his illness. Another wake and funeral are carried out and once more the family is present at a gravesite watching another beloved member being laid to rest. Fitzwilliam is strong for his father and sister. Georgiana clings to her brother, and he picks her up and holds her close. The scene brings a fresh round of tears to the onlookers as they witness the succor Fitzwilliam gives his sister. Gregory is stoic as well, and both of the Darcy men bury their grief as they return to their everyday lives. Grandfather Darcy lived long enough to see his grandson start on the path to manhood and he was pleased with Fitzwilliam’s progress. He was ecstatic to note Fitzwilliam’s passion for horses and his horsemanship surpassed even Grandfather Darcy’s talents. But another connection to Fitzwilliam’s grandfather is broken when dear little Sheldon the Shetland pony dies due to old age the winter Fitzwilliam is fifteen.
Chapter 9
The time before Fitzwilliam left for Cambridge settled into a bit of a routine. Both Darcy siblings worked on their studies; each learned what it meant to be a member of Society and to become a lady or a gentleman. Georgiana is becoming a well-rounded young lady who reads, writes and speaks French along with a fair understanding of German. She displays a talent for design and fashion as well as painting. Her skills on the pianoforte are unmatched by anyone her age and even those older cannot claim as much competence. However she, much like her brother, is shy. Whereas her brother hides it behind his inscrutable mask, Georgiana simply retreats into her various pursuits. Both Darcys enjoy the out of doors so when the weather allows, they are exploring the natural world.
One summer, Geneve is attempting to fly a kite. Geneve has always looked at Fitzwilliam as an older brother, and she spent many hours with the Darcy siblings as the estates are near one another. Today is no exception as she along with some neighbo
rhood girls took to the outdoors to fly their kites. Predictably the strings would become hopelessly tangled. Fitzwilliam agreed to oversee the girls, and he brought with him a complete work of Shakespeare which he is attempting to read. His problem is not comprehension but rather the constant interruptions as one girl then the other pleads for him to remove the numerous knots from the kite string. With a patient smile, he goes to work and frees the lines once and again.
Another time Gregory along with Georgiana and Fitzwilliam, went into Lambton for some supplies and for Gregory to speak with Reverend Volmere. Fitzwilliam and Georgiana walked over to a nearby pond which is a favorite location for children to play. Geneve and some of the other girls are already there, floating little wooden boats which they would then pull back to shore with reeds. Some bullies are throwing dirt clods at the boats causing them to sink when Fitzwilliam walks up.
“What’s going on here?” Fitzwilliam demands.
“None of your business. You best leave unless you wish to get hurt.” One of the boys retorts with a sneer. Fitzwilliam gauges the situation quickly, and he gathers the crying girls around him where he hands each girl some coin to buy their boats.
“As I am the owner of those boats now, I deem it is my business,” Fitzwilliam states with his scowl firmly in place.
The bold boy who first challenged Fitzwilliam swings a fist and connects with Fitzwilliam’s lip. Georgiana, when seeing the blood, runs the short distance back to town to alert their father. But Fitzwilliam rallies and returns a resounding wallop to the troublemaker which knocks him to the ground then he swings his glower on the other boys who flee leaving their leader behind. “Get up,” Fitzwilliam commands him. “You will remove your shoes and stockings, roll up your pants and retrieve every last boat. Do I make myself clear?” The boy nods, does as he is told and every last boat is collected. These he gives back to Master Fitzwilliam who alternates between smiling at the girls and glaring at the bully. Fitzwilliam finishes giving the boats back to their rightful owners, refusing to take back his coins, and has shoved the bully who runs away when Gregory arrives.