A World of Expectations_Book 2_The Confrontation

by Gayle Lynn Messick

Darcy approached Blake with a drink in his hand. “I thought you might need this.”

  “No. I thank you. Drinking will not solve my problems. Blake stood. “If you do not mind, I prefer a ride.”

  “Heracles?”

  “Yes. He is a beautiful horse. I am grateful you cannot putt.” Blake winked to Darcy. “At least in that I may be happy.” His smile faded.

  “Another skill I must learn. One day I will beat you at chess. We may be in our old age, but I will be victorious. I am a ready challenger at anytime.”

  For the next few minutes, they continued to speak in more relaxed, friendly manner. Blake realized Darcy stared at him as if he was searching for a five-syllable word to describe what he saw. Blake had no need to admit how sadness had overcome him. He was sure his missing enthusiasm was obvious to anyone looking past their own self-centered thoughts. Darcy was not selfish when his friends were involved. He hoped his friend believed his father was responsible and not Miss Elizabeth Bennet, although he would not acknowledge the reason why.

  Blake glanced at the door. “Before I forget, I want you to know I have renamed the horse.” Blake said.

  “Oh?”

  “Netherfield. Of course, I will not correct anyone referring to the horse as Heracles. I wanted you to be aware that I will occasionally call the horse Nether.”

  Darcy started. “I remember you named your filly Chesterfield after a favorite… place. Netherfield was a favorite place?”

  “Yes. Very much so.” Blake responded, his voice dull to his own ears. Following the visit from his father, the questioning from the crowd of admirers, and the scrutiny by this friend, he no longer cared how he sounded or if he lived up to anyone’s expectations.

  The two men soon departed White’s, followed by few other members desiring to glimpse the magnificent white Andalusian stallion.

  ***

  Darcy returned home desirous of finding his sister. Her response yesterday to his message had been short, while meaningful. She would arrive in time for dinner today. He experienced a strong yearning to find someone who had been successful in overcoming heartbreak and he hoped she fit his need.

  Geoffries informed him that Georgiana had yet not arrived, hiding his disappointment until he spied his sister as she was coming up the front steps. He pulled his lips back to reveal a tooth-filled smile. He knew his servants had never witnessed his delight expressed so candidly before; nonetheless, today he cared not what they thought. His heart raced. She had grown so tall and she was smiling. Smiling! His joy weakened when he saw his cousin, Richmond Fitzwilliam, escorting her up the steps. At least the colonel had brought his congenial ways with him.

  “Welcome home, Georgiana.” Darcy lifted her off her feet and swung her around. “You too, Richmond.” They exchanged warm welcomes followed by customary inquiries about the health of the Richmond’s family —Darcy’s uncle and aunt, Lord and Lady Cheswick, and his other cousins, Brandon and Victoria. The Fitzwilliams were his only living relatives and he felt close to them since his birth. His mother named him Fitzwilliam following the same custom that used when Lady Cheswick’s gave her family name to her second son, Richmond.

  “How is it possible you did not win, Darcy?” Richmond asked. “I had a large wager on you. All our friends did, in fact. I daresay you may not be popular with the Ton. They lost a bundle.”

  “I was at White’s today and heard their complaints. I am sorry to disappoint you, nonetheless, I knew I was defeated the moment Bingley announced his game. Speaking of which, he and I will play a golf match next week at Royal Blackheath. Perhaps you may like to join us and show me how putting is done?” Darcy aimed his smirk at his cousin, his brows raised.

  “Unfair, unfair. You know I have never played.”

  The banter between the two men grew and the servants all took note. Darcy had invited Richmond to stay for dinner, which he did so with alacrity. Georgiana, having gone to change for dinner after the initial welcome, arrived last in the dining room.

  “Georgiana, you look lovely tonight.”

  “Thank you, brother. Victoria assisted me in choosing a few new gowns. I want so for you to like them.”

  “If they are all as pretty as this one, then yes I am sure I will.” Darcy patted her hand. She sat to his right. Darcy turned his attention to Richmond after he took his usual seat on the left. “You did not mention your sister earlier. How is she doing?”

  “Victoria is quieter these days. I prefer to speak on happier subjects. In fact, I am more interested in hearing about your trip. Tell us about the Tup Running! I wager Blake was surprised at your choice. Did he really grab the tail?”

  “Yes, he most assuredly did! Quite amusing.” Darcy entertained them with stories about all the games. They barely ate while he spoke, enthralled by the competition and his description of the Andalusian stallion.

  “Ah, I wished you would have won.” Richmond sipped his wine. “I would have secured him from you with our own contest!”

  “Humph. And what would you have chosen that would best me?”

  Before either man answered, Georgiana shouted out, “Flirting! Richmond would win easily.”

  “Was there no flirting to be had in Hertfordshire?”

  Darcy felt the heat rising on his face and, by his cousin’s smirk, Richmond had spied the color change spreading upwards from his neck.

  “You did not, man, I do not believe it! Well, did you or did you not engage in a little flirting? Do tell. I am most anxious to learn if there was any sweet lady watching you grab that ram!”

  “I am sorry to disappoint you, cousin, no. No one twirled a rose at me.”

  “Surely there were a few pretty ladies. London does not own them all!”

  “Yes, of course, several women were attractive. The Bennets are the local beauties. The eldest two especially.”

  “Eldest? How many are there?” Leaning back in his chair, Richmond maintained his gaze on Darcy.

  “Five.”

  “Five?” Richmond sat upright, his jaw dropped, his brows lifted high. “All pretty? I must take a trip to Mr. Goulding’s horse farm soon! I am in need of a stallion myself. Apparently there is more in Meryton than fine horseflesh. Now, how many sisters are out?”

  Darcy sighed. “Unfortunately, all five. Only the eldest two would interest you. Their manners are impeccable; the youngest require stern direction.”

  “Miss Elizabeth Bennet is pretty, I am positive.” Georgiana hid her giggle behind her napkin.

  Richmond turned his stare at her. “What do you know?”

  “I lately read, and in my brother’s own hand, how beautifully Miss Elizabeth Bennet plays the pianoforte, and sings too! He has rarely heard anyone that gives him more pleasure. Is that not true, brother? She giggled aloud when Darcy rolled his eyes. She leaned towards Richmond and with a conspiratorial smile, added, “And she is witty and reads the best books.”

  “I must hear more about the pretty Miss Elizabeth Bennet that plays and sings so well.”

  “Humph. Georgiana, you best finish your meal. I wish to hear you play and sing. I missed it very much.” Darcy swallowed the remaining wine remnants and offered no further comments about the witty and pretty Miss Elizabeth Bennet. A long time passed before his normal coloring returned, which his sister and cousin also used to tease him.

  ***

  Darcy finished his dinner, had a few drinks with Richmond, and then allowed Georgiana to retire early when his cousin left. He sat alone in his study reminising about a pair of fine eyes when an image of two sad one glared at him. He imagined different possibilities for how Blake was coping until Rawlings' arrival interrupted his reflections. He shook away his thoughts and jumped up. “Let me pour us coffee.”

  “Damn blasted, arrogant curs.”

  “Please sit down and tell me what is causing you such distress.”

  “The Four Horse Club.” Rawlings grunted after he plopped into the chair.

  “Why would you be so angry with them?”


  “I am no longer a member.”

  Darcy raised his brows. “Not a member? How can that be? You helped start the blasted club. You have raced with these men since Cambridge. What caused the problem? Surely the competition did not result in this!”

  “No. The members’ attitude did.” Rawlings sipped coffee. “I cannot remain with such self-important men. I must admit they opened my eyes wide today. I understood Sir Paxton’s usual unsympathetic attitude, but Buxton—my closest neighbor—looked down upon my friends. How dare a man without his own impressive lineage sneer at my friends! The same goes for Mr. Annesley!”

  “I believe they both belong to the gentry, which cannot be said about Kent or Bingley.” Darcy waited. He sensed the problem.

  “All my life I was taught to think less of those beneath me, especially tradesmen.” He glanced at Darcy. “Do not look at me that way. You and Blake received the same instruction. You remember what they said: You are better than others. You have a right to walk about as if you own the world because, well, you do. He did not speak those exact words; however, the meaning is unchanged. My father taught me to take from tradesmen; never give. Certainly I should not entertain them in my home. I do not know how many times he warned me that they only want our money and our connections. Do business as one would do when purchasing gloves. They are shopkeepers; I am the purchaser. Damn. I believed him.”

  Darcy frowned. He recalled his own upbringing and remembered hearing those exact phrases. He wondered if his father would have permitted his alliance. No. His father would never have approved. He returned his attention to Rawlings, who paced the floor spouting vile curses.

  “Rawlings! Calm down. Tell me what happened.”

  Rawlings glared at the crystal decanters on the side table until Darcy poured two glasses, one brandy, and one scotch whiskey. Rawlings sipped his drink and settled back into the comfortable overstuffed armchair “Kent and Bingley were snubbed, given the coldest shoulders I have ever witnessed and by every member. They had been welcomed for five minutes until I introduced them. The damn newspapers had exposed their backgrounds at endless length. I understand the tradesmen were the subject of many dinner parties.”

  “Did you truly anticipate any other reaction? Blake foretold of his club’s attitude. I wanted secrecy; at least until we were so well established. What did you expect would happen?”

  “I expected my desires to be respected. If I desired to sponsor Kent and Bingley in the club, then my opinion should have sufficient value to accept them.”

  “Surely you exaggerate their reactions. Come, come Rawlings. These unwritten rules covering class distinctions safeguard our place in society, and you have known this all your life. Do you remember when Kent had said we owned all the land and all the resources? Well, we do! However, our attitude is not stopping their class from trying to push us out. I believe we must give them room, or they will uproot us completely.”

  “Do not be such an officious foot-licker. How will they do that?” Rawlings scoffed. “Perhaps they might win it card games!”

  “No. We are on the path to hand it over to them. I have said it before; I cannot rest on my laurels. Look about, Rawlings. Who has the energy these days? Not our class. You are the one who said we spend out days gambling, drinking, and seducing. All the while, we disown any hard work, preferring for our stewards make the effort. We are not the ones with the new visions, they are.”

  “I suppose you are right. I did not truly believe what I said, although I accept it as true now. Rawlings sat for a few minutes staring into the flickering fire. Sweat dripped from his forehead. He admitted that the warmth came from the brandy he had been gulping not from the flames. Still, he asked for another.

  “Damn, I hate to think about Blake. If I am this angry at my treatment, he will be worse.”

  “How so?”

  “He will back down. He does not possess the strength to go against these people.”

  “I am not so sure. Hopefully, he may surprise us both.”

  The two continued to discuss the alliance and found convincing reasons including tradesmen’s sons would prove invaluable in the end. After Rawlings calmed down, they discussed the problems with the Lively, which had delayed its leaving. They continued long into the night, drinking and discussing the trip.

  In another house a few streets from where Darcy and Rawlings sat, two other men discussed the incident at the club while playing their on-going Twenty Points competition.

  Kent took his shot. “You understand my position now. Do not deny it.”

  Bingley sighed and remained quiet.

  “Phew! They will never let us enter their little club. You know it. Why did I believe otherwise this past month?” Kent took his next shot. “Two points!”

  Twirling his cue stick, Bingley gazed into the distance and then spoke calmly. “Well, Rawlings quit. He glared down at them, and then resigned. You can see he, at least, is committed to altering the way things are done. And I trust Darcy.”

  “I was surprised by his actions. He started the damn club, yet they threatened to kick him out.” Kent leaned on his cue stick while his friend took his shot. “You did not include Blake as someone to trust, which brings up another question all together.

  “What?” Bingley stood erect. “Blake is trustworthy and has always been honorable in his dealings, much more so than many tradesmen. My father kept a list of the cheats and robbers.”

  “And his father? Forget them. We could do this alone. Do we actually want to continue the connection and do business with Blake, Darcy, and Rawlings? He was so angry today, all the same what happens after his relatives intervene? Do not stare at me; the Earl of Wolverly will intercede. Blake will never stand against his father.”

  “I believed you no longer felt isolated or left out. Remember this is a good opportunity for us as well as them.”

  I do not need them to be successful. They need my connections more than I need them, as they need yours. Your family owns the Baker rifle.”

  “Do not be foolish. We have signed the partnership agreement. I do not go back on my agreements. Do you?” Bingley sighed. “No, you do not. Everyone respects your word, Kent. Do not lose that now. You are becoming the man you despise.”

  Kent cringed. “Sometimes I let my anger flow out my mouth when I do not mean what I say. I have a temper.”

  “Yes, not unlike another friend.” Bingley placed two balls in the corner pocket. “Five points total for me. If you stay angry, I will be a guinea richer tonight. You do not shoot straight unless you are calm.” The two men chuckled. Bingley sighed. “I will attempt to talk Rawlings into rejoining his club. He loves driving.”

  Kent stared at Bingley. “We should start a new one. Rawlings could lead us.”

  “We would not be allowed to drive in the streets as the Four Horse club does. They have connections we never will. It is just the way life is.”

  “I will make the offer to Rawlings, and if he chooses not to start a new club, I will not resent him if he rejoins his old one.”

  The night ended with drinks in the study while Bingley and Kent agreed to do what they could for Rawlings. That was, once a calm Kent collected his guinea for the win.

  Chapter Three

  The Darcy siblings shared breakfast together from the time their mother passed away until his sister’s ill-fated trip to Ramsgate. Since then, Georgiana had found the mornings the most difficult, choosing instead to be alone to face her schedule of busy nothings: dress, eat, study, practice, eat, play, and sleep and in that order. This morning, Georgiana revisited her situation while she waited for her abigail to finish. She sensed her world was changing, the same for her brother. There was something different at dinner the night before—an unnamed perspective or a shifting opinion. She knew the exact moment it changed—it was when she saw the blush rising on his cheeks.