by Kay Mares
“And I you, Father.” Fitzwilliam departs from his father’s study with a light heart. Father will contain and control George. He is right; it will all work out as it should. Fitzwilliam leaves to find Georgiana. Once he does, he rescues her from her boring studies, and they take a walk on a forest path. Soon Fitzwilliam has her laughing and giddy as he points out silly looking twisted trees and funny shapes in the clouds. When they return to the manor and Georgiana says she should work on her drawings, Fitzwilliam once more has her near tears when she is presented with a ridiculous drawing of a stick horse with huge silly eyes and a bushy tail sticking straight up. He labels the horse as Georgiana’s, and she keeps the picture tucked safely away. It will be the last bit of laughter which will be heard in the house for a long while.
The next day as Fitzwilliam is in the library reading, he is alerted to the sound of running feet and shouts. Gregory Darcy has collapsed outside of his study. He is rushed to his quarters, but from the way his limbs hang limply at his sides and the dusky gray color of his skin, it is painfully obvious the man is dead. At the age of two and twenty, Master Fitzwilliam is now Mr. Darcy, Master of Pemberley as well as the only comfort to a grieving twelve-year-old sister. Just six months prior, Fitzwilliam had held a sobbing Mrs. Reynolds as her husband was laid to rest in a reverse of when she held him after the passing of his mother. But as he comforted the widow, he did not feel the weight of responsibility as heavily because his father was still the Master. Now he has his sister to protect and raise as well as the many lives who depend on the estate and its interests for their own livelihoods. It is a steely resolve which courses through him when he determines he will do his duty and make the estate stronger than before. He will be a fair and just Master. He will put Georgiana ahead of his own needs and protect her as he vowed to do all those long years ago. He has to be their leader, to set the example. No one will find the new Master of Pemberley wanting.
At the graveside services, Mr. Darcy only shows emotion when he comforts Georgiana. The tenderness he expresses with her is gentle and true. Mr. Darcy will then go on to secure the future of the estate while continuing his sister’s education so she will become an accomplished woman. Georgiana appreciates all her brother is doing for their futures, but she sees the grief and sadness which engulf his eyes. Many think his blue eyes to be cold and devoid of feeling, but Georgiana knows the truth. The kind gentle brother she had while growing up is slowly being replaced by a stern taciturn man who she does not know. Every once and again, her brother Fitzwilliam will show up usually when Henry, Bingley, and Jonesy are present but mostly Georgiana frets as Mr. Darcy seems to be who her funny and kind brother now is. Even so, he is patient with her, and he still becomes silly with her, but he is never as easy as he was before the death of their father.
It took Darcy a month after his father’s death to move himself into the Master’s chambers. Removing his father’s personal effects was difficult, and he felt as if he betrayed his father’s memory when the room was redecorated to Darcy’s tastes with new furniture and Darcy’s own personal effects. The dressing room and closet now hold Darcy’s attire and toiletries, but to Darcy, it seems odd and out of place. The first few nights he slept in the room were restless and unsettled but once more his fortitude came to the fore, and he told himself he was just nonsensical. Victor and Barnabas have determined between them that Barnabas will now become Darcy’s personal valet as Barnabas is more nuanced in the latest fashions for gentlemen. Darcy keeps his emotions in check as he does not wish for the staff to view him as weak, so no one is aware of the turmoil within Darcy’s heart. As Darcy acclimates to his new role, far off a precocious and clever fourteen-year-old girl sits at her father’s knee where she learns of a man’s world but also her father allows her to develop and hone her intellect. She loves to laugh but never meanly, she protects her family, and she develops a lively wit which keeps others enthralled. The new Master of Pemberley would have been amused by and dismissive of the girl.
The Reverend Volmere has retired as he wished to do and even though Gregory Darcy’s will read that George Wickham is to have the living, Darcy has misgivings. He spoke candidly to the elder Mr. Wickham who agrees his son is not fit for the clergy. Darcy invites Wickham into his study where he regards his childhood friend closely. Darcy has been Master for about six months now, and he is starting to settle into the role. George Wickham enters the study to see an impassive Darcy behind the imposing desk, but he is not awed. Darcy quickly comes to the point, the living. George tells him in no uncertain terms that he does not take orders and instead wishes for a payout. Darcy had anticipated George’s desire, so the cheque and an agreement were written out then signed by each man. George gives his farewells and is not heard from until he comes back at a later time, asking Darcy for more money to pursue a different career. Darcy refuses as the prior payout had been generous and Wickham retreats but bitterness remains between the two men. George had not bothered to return for the services for his deceased father and the abandonment on George’s part is unpardonable in Darcy’s mind. Darcy is unsure where he went and how he survived, but rumors of gambling and lechery have reached Darcy’s ears.
When Georgiana is nearing fifteen, Darcy decides Georgiana would benefit from a lady’s companion, and he found a woman who has reliable references. Mrs. Younge is kind to Georgiana, but there is something in the lady’s manner which Georgiana could not quite place her finger on. When the pair went to Ramsgate, Mrs. Younge seemed a bit anxious, but Georgiana did not know why. The surprising and welcomed presence of Mr. George Wickham who had treated Georgiana affectionately years ago went a long way in easing Georgiana’s homesickness and her worries over Mrs. Younge. Over the course of the days which followed, Georgiana enjoys Wickham’s companionship, and he is very attentive to her. He fusses over her bonnet if the sun shines too fiercely and frets if the breezes off of the water are too chilly. His soft slightly seductive voice makes Georgiana feel special as he tells her of her beauty and charm. She begins to fancy herself in love with the gentleman, so she seeks the advice of a more content Mrs. Younge who assures her that she is in love and in her opinion, Mr. Wickham is smitten with her.
George Wickham wishes for marriage so he may lay claim to Georgiana’s fortune but if a mere seduction is all he can accomplish he will settle for that too as he knows Georgiana’s ruination will tear out Darcy’s heart. Perhaps Darcy will pay him a handsome sum to hush up the indiscretion then Wickham can return for more money whenever he runs short of funds. George is beginning to think perhaps that scenario is preferable instead of being united in marriage to a childlike bride. However, taking Georgiana to wife means Darcy will have to welcome him into his homes, and he will have the knowledge that Wickham claims his husbandly rights with Darcy’s sister as often as he wishes. The possibilities are intriguing, and George is unsure which would put the most pain to Darcy. It is during this time an unannounced visit from Darcy foils all of George’s plans. Mrs. Younge is immediately dismissed while George Wickham and Mr. Darcy part on acrimonious terms.
Georgiana grieves for a love which did not exist while Darcy tries to comfort her and reassure her he is in no way disappointed with her. In his own mind, he chastises himself for not paying more attention to his sister, convinced that had he done so, she would not have been so susceptible to Wickham’s false charms and flattery. Darcy does not tell his sister of his pain, but she sees it in his eyes, another blow to his heart and her guilt to think her foolishness has put it there causes her to become withdrawn and shy around others. She no longer trusts herself, and she has wept bitter tears over offending a brother she looks up to.
For Darcy, these are some of the darkest years of his life. The turmoil is always present below the surface, and for the most part, he keeps it hidden. He visits the stables regularly where he seeks some comfort with the horses; they always ease his troubled mind. He noted a particularly striking young colt last summer who is jet black without a mark of whi
te on him. The horse was too young to be broke for the saddle, but Darcy studied the animal and decided, based on the already strong build, this horse would be his next mount. He ordered that no one was to train the horse except him. After the death of Mr. Reynolds, the former head groom, Mr. Fells took the job. Mr. Fells is an accomplished horseman, and he warned the Master of the look in the horse’s eye. “I can’t say I like the look in that colt’s eye, Mr. Darcy. It’s not the fiery look of a young stallion rather there is a coldness there I fear.”
Darcy nods as he too notes the young horse’s eyes. “He will be fine. I shall train him myself.” As Darcy dismisses Mr. Fells, he rubs the horse between the eyes as he stands close to its neck. “There now, I understand. You have a difficult time trusting others, do you not?” The horse’s ears swivel every direction and even flatten a time or two. “I sense your turmoil as you sense mine. I know your fear.” Darcy continues to murmur to the animal as its ears stop their turning. When Darcy starts to leave, the horse’s ears actually prick forward as a tiny muted nicker escapes. Now enough time has passed for the horse to be broke and Darcy has done an admirable job. The bond between man and beast is undeniable and both thunder about pastures and fields. The horse is tall like his Master, and with his black color, he seems to be as formidable as the man who rides him. The horse’s name speaks to his owner’s own tumult. Tempest will be Darcy’s mount for many years to come.
Chapter 12
Darcy has now been in the role as Master of Pemberley for six long lonely years. He has made the estate prosper, the tenants praise him, and the residents of Derbyshire are grateful for his continued benevolence. Society has demanded of him a return, and the pressure is on him to make a good impression not only for himself but for Georgiana as well. Georgiana remains shy and unsure; Darcy becomes more jaded and circumspect as women throw themselves at him and try to ply their charms on him. He protects his sister and his estate and is very jealous of his reputation. Caroline is a continued nuisance, and Darcy is as foul as ever before. Henry and Jonesy try to tease him and bring him back to the jovial man they once knew, but only shadows remain of that person. It is not to say Darcy is always dour, no, he has orchestrated some beautiful pranks on his friends which were hilarious, to say the least, but more often than not, he remains taciturn and unsocial.
George Wickham returned once more to Pemberley to try to persuade Darcy to make his fortune. Even George Wickham, who possesses more gall than most, is taken aback at the scowling and intimidating Mr. Darcy. Darcy is enraged the man would even entertain the idea that Darcy would assist him in any way, so the confrontation becomes heated quickly. Wickham must have felt some trepidation, or maybe it was simple revenge but whatever the reason, he reaches out with a blade and slashes Darcy’s side in a fit of blind fury. As soon as the red blood seeps through the white shirt for Darcy had removed his waistcoat, Wickham regains his senses and bolts from the room. Mrs. Reynolds and a footman assist the Master, alerted by the raised voices. “Have Wickham followed and make sure he leaves the area!” Darcy shouts to the stunned footman, then as he holds pressure to his side, he orders Mrs. Reynolds, “See to my sister’s safety. She must not know what has occurred here then you may attend to me. I demand absolute silence about this incident. See that the staff knows anyone caught discussing this will be released immediately.” Mrs. Reynolds leaves, astonished at the Master’s words but does as he asked.
When Mrs. Reynolds returns with cleaning supplies, bindings and the thread which has been boiled for sutures, Darcy allows her to examine the wound. She brought Barnabas who assists her with tending the cut. It is more long than deep, but it burns, and each suture causes Darcy to grimace, but he never cries out. Mrs. Reynolds knows the young Master well, so she respectfully and quietly broaches the subject of the attack to him. “Mr. Darcy, I am not questioning your orders, Sir, but permit me to ask, would it be beneficial to have Mr. Wickham arrested? He has injured your person.” Barnabas has finished binding the wound and is helping Darcy into a clean shirt. The blood has been washed from Darcy’s hands and the bloodied and torn shirt put into a sack along with some blood splattered letters. The shirt and letters are to be burned. Luckily none of the blood escaped onto the floor.
Darcy gingerly sits down on his imposing leather chair. He knows Mrs. Reynolds is not out of line for her query, so he waits and calms before he answers her. Barnabas has proven to be a most trusted servant so Darcy is confident he can share a little of his thoughts with them and not fret over any gossip. “I understand your concern and believe me I’d just as soon see the man strung up. But I fear in doing so, I would be hurting Pemberley’s reputation as the man has made it known to many about his connection here. I do not wish for scandal to become attached here.” Darcy cannot tell them all of the details about Georgiana’s near ruination, but they are aware of the sudden dismissal of Mrs. Younge and the absence of Wickham. Mrs. Reynolds witnessed Miss Darcy’s tears on occasion and offered comfort, but Miss Darcy did not reveal the cause of her sorrow. “You both will have to trust me when I say that exposing Wickham’s crime upon me will be detrimental to my sister and I will not have it. Georgiana must never know what occurred here today.”
So it is a few weeks later Darcy finds himself on a carriage heading to Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire to view an estate his friend Bingley leased on a whim. Darcy’s mood is dark. He has hired men to keep an eye on Wickham’s every move with reports returning to Darcy regularly, and the information proves troubling, but Darcy will no longer intervene. Mrs. Annesley has replaced Mrs. Younge, and Georgiana is quite pleased with the new companion. They are in London enjoying some entertainments with the Matlocks who are delighted to host their niece at various events. Georgiana’s letters are cheerful and bright so Darcy holds hope she may finally be recovering from her brush with a cad. The swaying and occasional bump of the carriage does little to improve Darcy’s mood as he sits there and inventories his life.
On the positive side, he is Master of a large and imposing estate which is flourishing and becoming more powerful under his watchful eyes. His sister can be called an accomplished lady and has all of the makings of an elegant and refined woman. The few friends he has are loyal and trustworthy, and he genuinely enjoys their companionship. He is pleased with his health and vigor. He counts Tempest among his assets as the stallion proved to be a worthy sire and an exceptionable mount who is bonded to Darcy. The horse breeding is a resounding success with the military and the racing world both seeking out the Pemberley bloodlines. Darcy’s reputation in the investing and business world is secure with many seeking him out for more ventures. He has his pick of any lady he would wish to marry and therein is the start of the negative points.
Darcy is not happy with his unmarried status, and some of the family are starting to question him about it. Aunt Catherine is hounding him about a union between him and Anne despite his repeated claims to the contrary. The Matlocks remind him that he needs an heir for Pemberley as he well knows, but the thought of marrying just to produce children makes him feel as if he would be no better than his horse. He would do his duty like any sire but without emotion or feeling. Being shy, he wonders if he could even perform without having some sort of love or a little affection for the woman. To marry and produce offspring without love would be the same as animals used for breeding and he cannot divorce the comparison from his mind. A particularly jarring rut has him grunt in pain then he shifts in his seat as Bingley once more closes his eyes and naps.
There is another problem. While Darcy considers Bingley his good and particular friend, Bingley’s sister Caroline has stepped up her campaign to ensnare him. He has outwitted the best of the manipulators of the ton, but because she inserts herself into most visits with Bingley, Darcy is forced into her company more than he would wish. In turn, Caroline thinks his reluctance to marry means he is going to propose to her. What a quandary that is! Darcy considers he is really unpracticed in conversing with the ladies as he m
ostly gravitates towards the manly talk with which he feels more comfortable. His dancing skills are still excellent due to his natural grace but also because he is constantly pressed into dancing with Georgiana to help her learn the steps and turns. So here he sits on a bouncy road, heading to a place he’d never been before with a woman he barely tolerates and a side which is paining him almost constantly.
Once they arrive at Netherfield, Darcy and Bingley change and begin assessing the manor’s structure and the surrounding grounds. Mr. Hurst snores on a settee, and the Bingley sisters walk through the interior of the mansion. Soon the locals will make their calls, and Darcy dreads the appearance of the country society he knows will be present. Sir William Lucas calls first along with Mr. Bennet, a landed gentleman, but Darcy remained in his quarters while they called. They returned a visit to Sir William’s home a few days later, and as Darcy feared, there is much lacking. However, the Lucas’ eldest daughter Charlotte proves easy to talk with and even though she is very plain and near to being on the shelf, Darcy approves of the girl as he notes that she defers to him as a proper lady should but she does not pander nor offer obsequious comments. He finds her simple, straightforward honesty refreshing but he still is largely taciturn. Bingley, in the meantime, has ingratiated himself upon his new neighbors and he excitedly tells Darcy of the upcoming dance at Meryton which he wishes for all of his household to attend. Darcy will suffer the evening for his friend but without any desire to go and mingle with such a rustic crowd.