A World of Expectations_Book 2_The Confrontation

by Gayle Lynn Messick

  “I will ask the highest paid partner to query his uncle for help,” Darcy announced.

  The men finished breakfast and headed out to meet with an official at the East India Company. They planned to apply for the necessary trading license. The official was pleasant, and methodically explained the process for trading with the Company, repeating much of what Kent had said earlier. As the men listened, Kent kept his eye on the assistant sitting behind the official.

  Darcy filled out the required papers after the others agreed. The official carefully placed the documents in his desk drawer and waited patiently until the three men departed. He summoned his assistant and handed him the application, although Kent had remained at the entrance to the official office with an alibi to his friends of having to retrieve his gloves left behind. He hid behind the door, listening to everything said.

  “Take these documents to this home at Grosvenor Square.” The official handed a packet to his messenger. “Do not allow anyone to detain you. This is most urgent.

  The assistant read the address and said, “Yes, sir. Immediately.”

  When the assistant left the room, he nodded to Kent and closed the door. They moved down the hall where Kent inspected the address. “The Peregrine? The Falcon is interested in us? What is inside?”

  “Yes. The Falcon is paying for any information concerning you. This is your application.”

  Kent handed the man a guinea, his mind pondering why the Falcon was pursuing him. He sent the clerk on his way. He caught up with Darcy and Rawlings outside the building. He did not reveal what he had learned. The three men spent the afternoon visiting with other tradesmen in Cheapside. Kent introduced him to the persons handling goods from, Russia, British America, the West Indies, and Africa. Kent’s connections were located in every port in the trading world, with the exception of China. Kent took them to all the best warehouses, including the East India Company Warehouse, where the three men spent the rest of the day browsing and making notes of the types of products sold.

  “Will you both stay for dinner? “ Darcy asked as the men headed back to Grosvenor Square.

  Rawlings shook his head. “I am sorry, but I cannot. I must finalize my affairs before I leave. I received word from the Captain we will sail on Tuesday, next week.”

  “Well, I accept,” Kent said. “I need to record a few thoughts from today’s outing in our journal. If I wait, I will not be able to remember anything of importance.

  Darcy nodded. “Dinner will be a little early tonight. I am taking my sister and my cousin to a play.”

  “Which one?” Kent sat upright.

  “The Rivals at the Lyceum.”

  “I am not familiar with it.” Kent watched as Darcy stared at his hands. Kent wondered why he would not look at him. He coughed. Still, Darcy glanced anywhere except at him. What is he hiding?

  The carriage remained quiet as it moved through the busy streets, first stopping at Rawlings’ home and then winding its way to Grosvenor Square, where the two remaining men separated for a time: Kent left for the library; Darcy to his bedchambers to prepare for the evening.

  “Miss Darcy! You look lovely tonight.” Kent bowed, and as he raised himself upright, he cast his gaze on another lady descending the stair. He offered a small smile before returning his attention to Georgiana.

  “Oh, Mr. Kent. How are you today? Did you keep my brother busy all day, or did he tire you out?”

  Kent nodded. “Your brother never stops. I will admit I am famished and look forward to dinner tonight.” He glanced again at the other lady walking towards them.

  “Oh, I do not believe you know my cousin. Let me introduce her to you.” She turned to the lady dressed in a manner that contrasted with her olive coloring. Victoria stood next to Georgiana. Victoria had dressed in a pale blue silk with tiny pearls outlining the neckline. A five-sapphire necklace encircled her neck and her hair was pinned up with small sapphire and pearl pendants. Georgiana looked sweet in a pink dress covered with a sheer white nearly transparent layer along with a neckline appropriate for her age. It gave the impression of an angel. . May I present Lady Victoria Fitzwilliam? Victoria, this is my brother’s friend, Mr. Kent of Leicester.”

  Kent bowed as Lady Victoria curtseyed. He snuck a peak at Georgiana. She winked at him causing him to stutter.

  “Mr. Kent is an expert on piano composers.” Georgiana raised her brows and released a giggle.

  Kent smiled widely while tipping his head towards Georgiana. “Any knowledge I have is because of you, Miss Darcy. I am hopeless without your help.” Kent bowed and rewarded Darcy’s sister with his practiced smile before glancing at Victoria. “Lady Victoria, are you an expert on the pianoforte, too?”

  “No, Mr. Kent. No one is as proficient as Georgiana. Do you play at all?”

  “I believe I can honestly say I cannot play one note! My endeavors are limited to the turning of pages.”

  “That I can do as well!” Victoria laughed. “Georgiana is favored then with two page turners, while we are privileged to hear her beautiful playing.”

  Darcy joined the threesome. “Oh, thank you for entertaining the ladies.” He smiled at his sister and cousin. “Dinner awaits.” The group moved to the dining room led by Darcy and Victoria. The dinner discussion remained focused on music, composers, and humorous childhood stories. Kent continued to draw out Georgiana, but Victoria as well.

  At the end of the meal, Darcy rose from his chair. “We must be off, if we are not to miss the first act. Kent, you have the library to yourself.”

  Kent rose from his chair, bowing politely as he watched the three depart. His uncle’s word booming in his ears: “Do they keep you separate from that part of their world.” The longer he stood, the more flush his face became, the deeper his brows furrowed, and the colder his stare became at the closed door. Nostrils flaring, he snarled aloud through a jaw clenched tight, “And perhaps, Mr. Darcy I should build the fire, clean the floor, and empty your chamber pots. Or, perchance, I will one day leave you standing alone while I go off with the ladies. Well, not tonight.”

  Chapter Seven

  The Darcy carriage pulled to a stop at the entrance door of the Lyceum. Drury Lane Theater had suffered a fire two years earlier and temporarily leased this building, known for exhibiting Madame Tussaud’s waxworks. The repairs would take another year with improved subscriber boxes and, more importantly to Darcy, the alternate private entry. Tonight, he glanced around the entrance, chuckled when he imaged all these lords and ladies turning into wax creatures and frozen in place with their mouths open.

  Darcy turned to assist his sister and cousin. When Victoria stepped down, the murmuring increased. This was her first outing in many months and sine he was gentleman escorting her, the tongues flapped, reviving long forgotten suppositions. Her gown’s tightness, even with a high waistline, clearly suggested a small waist lay underneath, which further added to the talk among the theatergoers.

  Georgiana kept her head down while Victoria examined the crowd, stopping to stare whenever a fair-haired man smiled her way. Darcy led the ladies towards the door, returning nods to acquaintances while they walked without stopping to talk. Once they settled into their seats, and searched the audience for friends, Richmond burst into the box. “Good evening!”

  “Welcome!” Darcy said. He caught his cousin’s signal for a private conversation, and hurried to the hallway, but when Georgiana admitted her fears to Victoria about her début, Darcy held Richmond back. He listened outside.

  Victoria responded with a few humorous stories related to her coming out. Georgiana revealed her discomfort was not of the presentation but of being around gentlemen who would flatter her.

  Victoria patted her cousin’s hand. “You appear at ease with Mr. Kent.”

  Darcy could see a smile appearing on Georgiana’s face.

  “Victoria, if you would be so kind, would you share your opinion of him?”

  “I believe he is most charming, and he does make me
laugh, which I have not done in such a long time. He studies a person whenever they respond to his questions. He is polite, well mannered, and is educated in gentlemanly affairs. Now, it is your turn to tell me more about him.”

  “He is a great friend of Fitzwilliam’s. They seemed to be involved in something together, although they have not revealed what. Oh, Victoria!” Georgiana sighed. “He is smart, very intelligent, and I enjoy hearing about his family. And Mr. Kent is kind, do you not think?”

  “Yes, he does so.”

  Georgiana leaned closer to her cousin and whispered, “And so handsome.”

  Darcy jerked upright. He furrowed his brow and ignored Richmond who was tapping his shoulder. He waved him away.

  Victoria nodded. “Yes, quite. He has a disarming smile, which he uses often.”

  “He tells the most humorous stories. I know you agree since you laughed many times.”

  “I cannot deny it. I could not contain myself about his sister’s pranks.” Victoria sighed. "Unfortunately, we will not meet her.”

  “Why?”

  “Georgiana, you must guard yourself from… well… persons not of our sphere.”

  “Humph! You sound like your brothers. Did you not find Mr. Kent worthy?”

  “Mr. Kent is a friend to your brother, and we know how discerning he is; still I do not see any other type of connection for you with him.”

  “Because he is not titled? Or that he has no estate? He is kind, handsome, and wealthier than another particular gentleman acquaintance. Mr. Kent has no other faults, except who his parents are. You should become better acquainted with him, and you will see he is suitable for any lady.”

  “Be careful, my sweet young cousin. If you are not careful, you will lay yourself open to all kinds of rakes. You must listen to your elders if you wish to secure your future.”

  “Who has to be careful? It seems we both have made mistakes.” Georgiana rapidly fanned herself before snapping the fan shut and glaring at the attendees below.

  Victoria lowered her head, as did Georgiana. The two ladies spoke no more.

  Richmond finally pulled Darcy away, only stopping where the crowd had dispersed. “I am worried. We need to leave immediately, before this damn first act starts.”

  Darcy lifted his brows. “Why are you so upset?”

  “Do you know anything about this play?”

  “No. What is the problem?”

  “The plot is about a young girls’ elopement with a deceitful military officer—a man disguising his true self. Sound familiar?”

  “Oh, God. I did not know. You are correct. Georgiana must leave before the curtain rises.” Darcy turned and took long strides across the lobby towards his box, not stopping to acknowledge anyone along the way. They reentered the box and immediately felt the unhidden tension between the two silent young women. The girls sat with their backs toward each other while they searched the audience. Georgiana smiled and waved to someone just entering below. Darcy noticed the man returned the wave and then rushed to his seat, slumping into it, and stared at the stage.

  Darcy tapped Georgiana shoulder. “Ladies, I beg your pardon but we must leave.”

  “Why, brother? Is someone ill?”

  “No. I… am unsure of the suitability of this play.”

  “I prefer to stay. I know about the particulars and… I must see this play, please. I assure you, brother, I am fine.”

  Darcy gazed at his sister while holding her hand in his. He squeezed it once and smiled when her tiny hand squeezed his in return.

  “Victoria?”

  “We have spoken about the story, and I wish to remain as well. I have heard it is an amusing play, and I do so long for a little light-hearted wit.”

  Darcy relented, and the two men took their seats behind the ladies.

  Richmond tilted his head towards the boxes across from them and whispered, “The Falcon is here tonight. Should we speak with him?”

  Darcy turned his head and spotted the elderly gentleman staring at him from the box directly across from them. Darcy nodded, acknowledging him, and then quickly returned his focus to the stage. “No. Georgiana needs me here tonight. You know how he enjoys telling stories about his prowess. I am more concerned about Georgiana than keeping up appearances and paying my respects to—”

  Richmond interrupted, “the damned old buzzard.”

  Darcy grinned. “Yes, precisely, although he is a harmless old bird. I will remain here with my sister.” He leaned forward trying to locate the man who had waved to his sister. The seat was now empty.

  ***

  “Tonight I must be successful. I cannot afford to fail. My thirty percent depends upon it.” Lord Blake rapped on the imposing door at 39 Grosvenor Square until a highly starched butler admitted him inside. His uncle’s invitation to dinner indicated important political leaders would be attend including the most influential of the men—Lord Liverpool, the Secretary of State for War.

  Blake hoped he would find an opportunity to approach Lord Liverpool with information on the Baker rifle. The servants removed his outer coat, gloves, and hat while he contemplated several opening tactics: Sir, why are you letting the brave soldiers use slingshots when a superior firearm is available? On the other hand, I could say, I wager the poorest marksman in the Army can become England’s best with just one shot from this rifle! He considered going back home to get his rifle and then returning to the party to shoot the main course. Lord Liverpool would not ignore the gun then. He chuckled aloud while a servant led him to the dining room.

  Lord Castlereagh, a previous Secretary of State, had chosen the chair to his uncle’s left. The most notable Tories and their wives were seated at the table along with one pretty, young lady. When his Uncle Harrowby tipped his head at the empty chair next to her, Blake was pleased to discover that he would sit next to Lord Liverpool. He tipped his head to his uncle.

  “Blake, have you met everyone?” When he indicated that he had not, Harrowby introduced the men and their wives.

  Blake glanced at the other influential men and realized that he did have the best connections just as Darcy had suggested. These men held power over every area of life.

  Harrowby continued his introductions with a few special remarks about the only unmarried woman. Blake nodded to her, but then turned his attention to the two men across from him.

  Lord Sidmouth warned his friends the Luddism movement in Nottingham had spread to Yorkshire, Lancashire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire. The men broke into factories at night, destroying the new weaving machines. Blake made a mental note to question Darcy about how this might affect exporting their textiles.

  Blake’s aunt tapped her fingers on the table. “Has anyone has seen The Rivals currently playing at the Lyceum.?”

  “Much too frivolous for me.” Lord Sidmouth responded, and returned the conversation to politics, which lasted throughout the meal regardless of their wives attempts to divert the talk elsewhere. They sent each other what Blake supposed was long-suffering looks.

  Blake consumed his meal while he listened, attuned to any news affecting their business, whether positive or negative. It was the first time he had been interested in politics. He reminded himself to pass on information about a frame-braking act to Darcy. He is heavily involved in the cotton industry up north, and this would be important to him. I wonder if he knows about the Luddites. He noticed his uncle gazing at him with a curious expression.

  The time arrived for the ladies to disappear to the drawing room while the men remained for the traditional after-dinner brandy. Blake recognized his opportunity had arrived once a discussion about war began.