by Kay Mares
When he is able, Henry comes to visit Fitz at Cambridge. It is then Henry makes the acquaintance of two people who will become close and trusted friends to his cousin. The first fellow is a gentleman by the name of Francis Xavier Theodore Jones whose family had owned the land where present day London now stands. Through the sale of the lands to investors for development in addition to some profitable investments the family made themselves, the Jones family is very wealthy and influential. It would first appear to many people that there could be no possible way for the two men to have any type of friendship. In fact, most would assume Fitzwilliam Darcy would loathe the wayward and fickle Mr. Jones, but their assumptions are grossly wrong. Whereas Fitzwilliam hides himself and his shyness behind his scowl, Jones has perfected a persona which paints him as shallow and unintelligent. Mr. Jones hides an incredible intellect which he displays in his own studies as his marks rival Fitzwilliam’s. The ton tolerates him because of his family’s wealth and connections, wishing to be aligned with the estimable Jones family. Mr. Jones himself is a jocular sort whose easy manners endear him to many, but they do not take him seriously as he seems not to possess a formal bone in his body. The astute and clever Master Fitzwilliam sees past the façade and recognizes a kindred spirit so to speak. The two had been introduced by some mutual friends, and in an evening when the others surrounded themselves with ale and some raucous games of darts, Jones and Fitzwilliam were in a deep conversation about business, science, politics and other weighty topics.
For Jones’ part, he is keenly aware of Fitzwilliam’s intelligence, sees through the brooding mien and finds beneath that surface a funny man who does like to laugh and jest once he is sure he can let his guard down. It was Fitzwilliam who added the Y to Mr. Jones’ last name and the moniker ‘Jonesy’ stuck. Fitzwilliam was forced to do so when on one of Henry’s visits, the good man had let slip Fitzwilliam’s nickname of Fitz. Naturally, Jonesy found that highly amusing along with the scowl and verbal insults. “You see now why we call him Fitz? He had a fit because I simply let you know his nickname. Fitz there thinks he can intimidate me with his glower and his impressive vocabulary but alas he cannot.”
“The only reason I cannot intimidate Henry with my vocabulary is that Henry does not understand half of what I say to him, so he remains blissfully unaware and insipid.” Fitzwilliam intones with his standard gravity in place but a twinkle in his eye. “I remind you once more Henry, not to call me Fitz.”
“Say, Fitz,” Jonesy asks, as Fitzwilliam swings the glare onto his friend as Henry snickers, “why do you employ such a dour and forbidding face? You should let others know how affable you really are.”
“For the same reason you appear vacuous and inane to everyone, it prevents disingenuous people from coming too close. Just as you have found out, many only wish a connection to better themselves while they offer nothing in return.”
“Yes, but Jonesy’s charming, flirty nature helps with the ladies.” Henry smothers a laugh as he pokes his morally stringent cousin in the ribs. Fitzwilliam gives a long-suffering sigh.
“At the risk of sounding like a pompous prig, I have to say I was not raised in such a manner. Besides most of the women are positively frightened of me.” Fitzwilliam does not wish to admit to his friends he is positively frightened of them as well. He does not trust easily, and after watching the attempts of some to charm his father, Fitzwilliam is convinced most women are after one thing, money.
“Well, that is the point, Fitz. If you would just let down your guard some, you may find a lady who would converse with you. Shockingly you may even enjoy the encounter.” Fitzwilliam is aware of the double entendre, but he allows it to pass as Henry and Jonesy share a grin.
“Oh yes, I can imagine the exchange,” here Fitzwilliam picks up a serviette and makes use of it as a fan. “Oh my, Mr. Darcy, have you heard the latest gossip about Miss So-and-So and Mr. Mister? It’s all so intriguing. Then they will move onto some sob story or another, while trying to convince one a swoon is coming on, to act so helpless.” Once more he flutters his lashes, and he pretends to become faint. “If such maneuvering does not work then they move onto false compliments and sycophantic flattery. Such as, ‘Oh Mr. Darcy you are so intelligent, what you say is above a poor female such as I’ or ‘Mr. Darcy, I have never seen such a large…’” here he pauses as his friends break up in predictable laughter at his crude innuendo. “Seriously. Where do I find a female who would have a stimulating conversation about topics which may interest me? I would not mind if the lady disagreed with me as long as she has valid points of her own. I have no desire to have some decoration hanging off of me, parroting every opinion I have.” Fitzwilliam chucks the napkin back down on the table and takes a small sip of his ale. Henry and Jonesy relish this side to their friend and wish he would display it more often.
“He is hopeless.” Henry pronounces. “Too exacting, too strict, too moral, too clean.”
“I beg to differ there. While I am careful about my appearance, I am not above getting a little dirt on my hands. Who was it who helped you wash the mud from your clothes, Henry, after that last ride from the pub?” Fitzwilliam demands. “Victor was unable to save the shirt, so once more I had to confess to another ruined garment.”
“You were the one who fell from his horse.” Henry retorts.
“Oh this is rich, do tell. Was the ever sober Mr. Darcy in his cups?” Jonesy is eager anticipation.
“Most certainly not, however, I cannot say the same for my dear cousin. He was tipsy coming back from the pub near Lambton and about to lose his seat when I reached over to steady him back onto his saddle. As he fell from his horse, he grabbed at my arm, pulling me with him and we landed in a muddy area of the road. Henry was the worst for wear as I had fallen on top of him, but we were both covered in goo. Henry’s grasp on my garment resulted in a tear in addition to the mud splattered all about. Not wishing to have my cousin seen in such a deplorable condition, I helped him rinse his clothes as best I could in a stream.”
“You pushed me in the stream because you were having a fit about your shirt,” Henry states calmly.
“You were too inebriated to manage the slope of the bank, and you fell in without my assistance. I saved your life as you were in no condition to swim.”
Henry grunts because he really cannot recall how he ended up in the water. “Good thing your father was not vexed. I remember him snickering at our condition as he ordered the servants to draw baths and arranged for a late night snack. We enjoyed ourselves sitting in the small kitchen off of the main one, sharing stories and adventures.”
“Indeed we did. Father was happy to share some levity with us that night.” When Fitzwilliam lifts his head, the stern demeanor is gone and replaced by a soft glow of happy memories. After another year has passed, Jonesy and Fitzwilliam add one more person to their private little group.
Charles Bingley had inherited a sizable fortune from his father and grandfather who both were in the trades. Charles’ grandfather had invested, saved and made many profitable choices which secured the family’s wealth. However, Charles’ father was content to live off of the money without doing much to make it grow. When he passed, and Charles assumed control of the fortune, he decided he would like to do more than his father did. Charles has two sisters, one who is already married and a second sister who is not. Both sisters desire an entrance into Society, so when Charles expressed his wishes to be more proactive with the family funds, the sisters were supportive. When Charles decided right before the death of his father to attend Cambridge, Caroline and Louisa were pleased as that would ensure their brother would make the connections necessary to be accepted by the first circles. Charles is similar in nature to Jonesy in that he makes friends easily and he is naturally sunny. He differs from Jonesy in that he is more prone to rely on others’ opinions than his own.
Jonesy first befriended Charles then introduced him to Fitzwilliam who welcomed the impressionable young man into the mix. Charl
es soon looked to Fitzwilliam for wise counsel, especially concerning the ton. Fitzwilliam took the role of teacher and leader seriously, imparting advice on most subjects with Bingley being an avid learner. Charles admitted to the others he often changed his mind on a whim, was easily convinced to another’s way of thinking and would rather agree than disagree. Fitzwilliam almost acts as a father figure for Charles as Charles’ own father left him to his own devices most of the time. Once more the friends find themselves at their favored little pub some minutes away from Cambridge and Fitzwilliam drank more than his usual amount. He is not drunk, but he is definitely relaxed. Fitzwilliam along with Henry and Jonesy have been giving Charles all kinds of advice ranging from how best to saddle a horse to choosing the correct cravat and knot for an evening out. Fitzwilliam, feeling particularly chummy, has his arm around Charles’ shoulders in a brotherly sort of hug. He sways a bit as he clamps Bingley on the shoulder.
“Bing, Bing, my good man. Is there any other better than Bing here?” Fitzwilliam asks the others.
“No indeed there is not, Charles is all that is good and kind.” Jonesy raises his glass in a sloppy salute.
“Yes Bing, there it is, you are a jolly good fellow.” Fitzwilliam concurs with Jonesy.
“Thank you, Fitz, Jonesy for the compliment but I’d rather you not refer to me as Bing. It’s not the most flattering name you know.” Charles tries to look stern, but the attempt is pathetic and ill.
“Now Bing, for I think Bing is as fine a name as any,” Fitzwilliam slurs a tiny amount, “you needn’t worry. We all have our various monikers, and we like them very well.”
“Oh yes, Fitz there has always cherished his nickname.” Henry chimes in.
Jonesy focuses one eye on Fitzwilliam. “Just what is your cousin’s nickname, pray tell?”
With a wry grin and his mouth twisted up at the corner, Fitzwilliam answers with one word, “Arse.”
Bingley and Jonesy along with a downright jovial Fitzwilliam laugh and sputter as Henry glares at them then he too joins in with the jocularity. He turns to the bar where a small bell is kept to alert the barkeep of a customer’s presence. Once again Fitzwilliam has turned to Bingley imparting some serious counsel, and Henry waits for the right moment. While Fitzwilliam is lecturing Bingley about the importance of soil drainage, which Jonesy cracks is a dry topic, Fitzwilliam loses his train of thought momentarily but regains it then addresses Bingley again. “Bing.” The sound of a small bell is heard. Fitzwilliam tries again, “Bing.” The delicate peals of the servant’s bell sound once more as a slightly confused Fitzwilliam tries to speak to Bingley. “Bing…”
“Bong!” Jonesy booms as the servant’s bell tinkles once more. It is worth noting that the presence of alcohol can make even the most foolish and inane events hysterical which is how the men react to the bell and Charles’s new nickname. Charles protests its use more than Fitzwilliam protests his own sobriquet, but Charles soon learns the more he complains, the more likely he is to hear some infernal bell or other.
While Fitzwilliam enjoys Charles’ companionship immensely, the major drawback is Charles’ sisters. His older sister, Louisa had married a man some years her senior who has a reasonable income, but he is most interested in playing cards, eating, and drinking wine. Mr. Hurst is not above falling into a snooze when in the presence of others nor is he much on any conversation. The most any hear from him is when he complains the meal is not about to be served, or the rest do not wish to play cards. His indifference to his wife allows Louisa to spend much of her time in the company of her and Charles’ youngest sibling, Miss Caroline Bingley. Caroline, like Charles, sports flaming red hair but the similarities end there. Whereas Charles is all that is sunny, Caroline is cold and calculating. Like so many ladies of Society, Caroline is aware that she is an attractive woman, so she has no issues with flaunting her assets. Once the mercenary then sixteen-year-old lays eyes on the nineteen-year-old friend of her brother’s, Caroline determines her search for the perfect mate is over.
Fitzwilliam’s cold, aloof manner along with his dismissive attitude towards those not of his sphere appeals to the girl. Here is a man who understands the rules of Society and rank. This man does not let anyone trifle with him, and he is coolly confident. Now she has just to convince him she is the perfect match for him and all will be well, Caroline’s entrance into the ton will be secured, and she will reap the benefits as Mrs. Darcy. Caroline has heard from other debutantes that Master Fitzwilliam is impervious to all attempts from them to gain his favor or notice, but Caroline plans to exploit her brother’s friendship with the man to crack his exterior. For Fitzwilliam, Caroline’s scheming and pandering makes his resolve stronger still as he tries to rebuff her constant flirtations. Caroline becomes a sort of novelty among the young ladies as none of them can claim an acquaintance with Fitzwilliam or even recall having spoken much to him. Truthfully, Caroline hardly ever receives any conversation from him either, but she does not let the others know the truth. For Fitzwilliam, Caroline becomes another annoyance.
Chapter 11
Fitzwilliam graduated from Cambridge with honors, and he gratefully returns to Pemberley. His father is immensely proud of his son, and Gregory allows Fitzwilliam to stand in his stead in some of the tenant disputes and on some of the smaller business dealings. Each time the six foot three inch Fitzwilliam Darcy has proven his competence and acumen, so Gregory gives him more assignments and leeway regarding estate matters. Gregory had met Jonesy, and at first, he thought the man to be feckless, but a serious talk with Jonesy allowed the elder Darcy to see the young man’s potential just as Fitzwilliam had. Fitzwilliam talked his father into allowing him to make the final settlements with one of the bigger investments in London and Gregory agreed. The alliance with Jonesy would be beneficial but not in the way Gregory first thought. However, Fitzwilliam already gleaned that having Jonesy as a known friend would have the other men play into his hands. When the proud and haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy enters the meeting room already hosting four older and distinguished gentlemen, these men are amused by the youthful mettle Fitzwilliam brandishes.
They each have the same thought, Gregory Darcy has stepped out of Society and lost his touch, instead sending this pompous and untried young man. They will not have much to do to have this man bend to their wishes. They are further amused when it is revealed one of Fitzwilliam’s acquaintances is the jaunty Mr. Jones. Here, they think, stands an easy mark if he calls Mr. Jones a close friend. But this attitude is precisely what Fitzwilliam is counting on, he wants their guard down, and they do just that. The meeting is over much quicker than the gentlemen realize and with the deft work of the Darcy solicitor, their signatures are obtained, and the deal is closed. Fitzwilliam rises to make his departure, and one of the gents encourages him to remain and enjoy a cigar. The penetrating stare Fitzwilliam gives makes the man squirm as Fitzwilliam declines and departs after making the proper bows and addresses.
The three other gents think to have some sport at the young Darcy’s expense, but the forth who has endured the stare starts to reread what they agreed to. Everything is legal and above board, but Fitzwilliam Darcy has orchestrated a deal which benefitted the Darcys greatly while these other investors are left without as much power as they wished. It is with much chagrin the men realize a new stallion is in charge who is more formidable than the prior one. They will not again underestimate Fitzwilliam Darcy. In fact, in the future, they strive to ingratiate themselves upon the man. Back in his carriage, Fitzwilliam Darcy chortles with Jonesy about the meeting and the men’s false superiority. Fitzwilliam’s father is pleased, and he too shares a laugh at the men’s expense. Jonesy and Fitzwilliam will go on to partner in many deals, the biggest one being the railway proposal which cements the future for generations of family members. Most times, Jonesy’s reputation precedes him and others will again be caught unaware.
Back at the manor, Gregory finds he can turn more and more of the estate and its ventures over
to his competent son. Their talks are still as a father to a son, but there is a real friendship growing as well. The only area of contention which comes up between the two is George Wickham. Gregory Darcy has noticed Fitzwilliam’s reluctance to discuss the man, and he has viewed with mild alarm a bit of hostility George displays for Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam never talks poorly of George; he just questions Gregory’s decision to give the living to George once Reverend Volmere retires. Fitzwilliam wonders why his father no longer wishes for George to succeed his own father in the role of steward but to think Wickham will take orders and be a logical fit for the church makes no sense either. Fitzwilliam asks his father to explain his reasoning which he does but not fully.
“It is my belief George will do better as a clergyman than a steward. I have spoken with Mr. Wickham, the elder, and he agrees with my assessment. George needs to study Scripture which he will when he takes the living, and I will be able to oversee his progress and direct him. I think it a prudent match as does his father.”
Fitzwilliam is not convinced, and while he hopes his father’s prediction will come true, he knows of George’s darker side and the rebellion he often displays. The other gents call him Mr. Wicked for a reason. Fitzwilliam knits his brows together as his concerns fall on deaf ears. “Come now Fitzwilliam. George is not all bad. He has not had the advantages you have had. I would like for him to have the living. George’s father has been and remains one of my most loyal servants, and I would wish for his son to know success. I will hear no more of it.” Gregory Darcy purses his lips and indicates his mind is made up. Fitzwilliam’s scowl deepens, and his father notes it.
“Fitzwilliam, you are far too serious just as your dear mother used to fret. It shall all work out in the end. You and I must talk sometime about your dour exterior. It frightens everyone away!” Gregory’s good humor has returned then he gazes at his son whom he loves dearly. “I have been and remain so very proud of you, and I anticipate watching you grow further into a fine, respectable gentleman. I love you so very much.”