Darcy tapped the arms of the chair and then pointed his finger at himself. “This stubborn man needs to be alone for a while. By that, I mean days, not minutes. I need to consider everything everyone has said.”
“Everyone?”
“Yes. You, my cousin Richmond, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Kent’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
“She was at Rosings. I am surprised you did not possess that little piece of information. You seemed to be aware of everything else. I admit it; she is what held my interest. I had the chance to be with her with no Blake to get in the way.”
“Oh. No wonder you forgot about me. I understand better. Still...”
“Yes, it was unforgivable of me not to send word about the delay.”
“Unforgivable is a strong word. Perhaps rude is a better one. You forgive rudeness all the time. I, too, understand the power unrequited desire for a young lady has on a man.”
“Thank you. But it is you that forgives my rudeness. I cannot recall a single instance where you were ever rude to me.”
“I assume she spoke forcibly?”
Darcy nodded. “Yes, and with great gusto and verbosity.”
“Ah. Well, I will leave you then to sort it all out. Nevertheless, remember all that I said. I warn you that if you do not change your ways, then life will become as you see it. No one will ever want to connect themselves to you for any reason other than money or name. Do not let it be so.”
Kent left for the front door. Darcy followed behind and directed Geoffries to stop monitoring Georgiana, but when he headed to his study, he overheard Kent at the front door greeting the one man he did not wish to see.
Chapter Nineteen
“Blake.” Kent straightened his hat and smoothed his jacket while descending the steps at Darcy House. “You rode the Andalusian. As I have said before, he is a mighty fine piece of horseflesh, and I will admit I am jealous.”
“My invitation still stands. I insist you play on my golf course this summer.” Blake patted the horse’s neck, and with a twinkle in his eye added, “I can teach you how to perform certain strokes better, and the two of us can challenge Bingley and Rawlings. Darcy is just horrid at putting, and I would not handicap Bingley that way.”
“Perhaps we could spot Bingley a few extra strokes to compensate for having Darcy as his partner. Ten strokes would be my guess.”
“More like twenty! What brings you to Darcy House? Is he in?”
“Yes, but he is in as foul a mood as I have ever seen.”
“His visit to his aunt’s did not go well?”
Kent shrugged. How should I tell him? Damn. Why did I not just let him find out for himself? I am an idiot. Damn.
“What is wrong? Is something amiss with the alliance? Does he need my uncle to take action?”
“No, nothing of the sort. While I was not told our conversation was confidential, I believe it is a private matter between us.”
“An argument, I assume.” Blake leaned down and in a half-whisper asked, “Does he suspect your interest in his little sister?”
“You, too? Good God, why does everyone think I could be interested in a little girl?”
“Oh. I beg your pardon. I noticed your particular attention to her lately, and I am truly sorry for my pompous manner. I misspoke, and I do apologize.”
“Do not worry so. Darcy suspected I took an interest in her too. He truly does overreact sometimes. I suspect it was because he returned home in a horrible mood.” Suddenly worried that he was deliberately trying to create a problem, Kent put his hand over his mouth. Blast, can I not keep my own mouth shut?
Blake dismounted in one fluid motion. “You must tell me what is wrong!”
Kent looked down at his boots. “Miss Elizabeth was at his aunt’s parsonage with Miss Charlotte Lucas, well, Mrs. Collins now.”
“Which one is Mrs. Collins?” Blake asked sharply.
“Miss Lucas. He had an awful row with her.”
“With Mrs. Collins?”
“No! Miss Bennet.”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”
“Yes, of course!” Did I not just say she was visiting Mrs. Collins? “Apparently she was forceful in her words.”
“Miss Elizabeth or Mrs. Collins?”
“Miss Elizabeth!” Kent shook his head in disbelief. Can he not keep up with the conversation?
Catching his breath, Blake glanced at the door and then back to Kent. “Would you be so kind to excuse me? I need to speak to Darcy.”
“Wait, Blake. I was not privileged to know what transpired, but I caution you to leave him alone. I spoke harshly to him earlier. I attacked his character and, I believe, so did she.”
Blake spun around and glared at Kent. “Was he unforgivably rude to her? I must know. Surely you are aware of my preference for her.”
“I believe it was more that she hurt him.”
“He must have done something for her to act in such a manner. Excuse me.”
Kent worried while Blake bounded up the front stairs and banged on the door. What have I done? Oh, God.
***
“May I help you, sir?” the doorman asked the distinguished gentleman standing in front of him.
“I would like to see Mr. Gardiner.” Rawlings handed his card to the man, who bowed, and offered the foyer as a place to wait. Rawlings did a quick survey of the room and was surprised by the understated elegance of the room. He had assumed those that had recently improved their fortunes would opt for a gaudy display of their new wealth.
In less than five minutes, a tall, broad shouldered man with gray specks in his hair approached in a hurried manner. “Mr. Rawlings, welcome to my home. This is a great honor.”
Rawlings bowed and followed Mr. Gardiner to his study. Once there, Gardiner poured drinks and then politely inquired about his trip.
“I hurried my return to England once I discovered a troubling matter. This passage went well. No British escort this time!” Rawlings remembered that night with a smile. “I hope you received my letters.”
“I did indeed, sir. How did you find my old friend, John Astor?”
“He is well. He is an energetic man; I grew tired just hearing about his trips to the west. He possesses a grand vision of the future and he will be enormously successful. Although he is a bit brusque at times; I found I liked him.”
“I fear his tendency to be hardnosed will win out in the end. He never could tolerate anyone who rested on his laurels. He did send me a message about your proposition, but I suspect his wife took charge of it.” Gardiner laughed. “He was always focused on business concepts, never the details.”
“I can attest that has not changed.” Rawlings hemmed. “I promised him I would meet with you straight away. You see...” He looked down at his hands, cleared his throat, and explained, “We were fooled into believing you were...”
“Dishonest? Astor did write about it to me.”
“Good. Then perhaps you know John Cuffage? He is the owner of the New World Cigar and Wine shop on Bond Street. Astor thinks the man is identifying himself under a false name.”
“I have been there, and Astor is correct; Cuffage is not his name. I suppose I never knew his real name, because I recently learned he had called himself John Rogers. Astor knew him by that name while I only dealt with him as a Cuffage..”
“Astor suggested that is his name too. I have yet to visit my friend, Mr. Darcy. I must leave soon. I sent him a message to warn him of the duplicity. I fear there is a connection between Cuffage and Darcy’s steward, Mr. Rogers, since he was the one that recommended we collaborate with Cuffage. But I needed to speak to you first, and I promised Astor to come directly here from the ship.” Rawlings was reaching for something in his coat pocket when he caught sight of Mr. Gardiner busy at his desk, rummaging through the drawers.
Finally finding what he wanted, Gardiner handed Rawlings several letters. “Perhaps he would accept these from you.”
Taking the letters, and up
on recognizing them, Rawlings jumped up, nearly spilling his drink. “Bloody hell. What is going on?” He stopped abruptly, turned to Gardiner, and in a lower voice apologized.
Gardiner stood. “No need. I felt much like you when I was turned from his house.”
“What? No, do not tell me more. I will take my leave and speak to Darcy immediately. Something is amiss here.” Rawlings gulped his drink, bowed, and added, “I would still find it an honor to do business with you.” Before Mr. Gardiner could answer, Rawlings pulled a document from his pocket. “Here is the outline of our final plans with Astor. You, of course, will be a full partner, although I am somewhat doubtful you will want to connect yourself to Mr. Darcy.”
“Ah. Do not worry. We all make mistakes when we are young. I am not at the old, wise stage yet, but every day I approach it quicker than I like. Go speak to Mr. Darcy and clear up this matter. My door is open to you anytime… and to him, too. This man, whatever his name is, almost ruined me as well.”
When Gardiner escorted Rawlings to the door, he slapped him on the back. “I also look forward to hearing about the competition. I believe I paid for it several times.”
“Who was your favorite?”
“Why, Mr. Kent, of course!”
Rawlings bowed his head. “I shall endeavor to see your losses covered by the profits we shall realize in the future.”
“Hear, hear!”
With that, Rawlings climbed aboard his carriage and left for Darcy House.
***
“I demand to know how she fares.” Blake glared at Darcy. “Were you ill-mannered to her in any way?”
“To quote another gentleman, it is none of your concern. Stay out of it.”
“I will not!” Blake rose to his full height. “Did you insult her? Or harm her?”
“Of course not! She is perfectly fine, and I assure you she is in full command of her voice.”
“What happened? Blake paced around the room. “Did she ask about me?”
“I am surprised you are interested. Have you not transferred your feelings to Miss Godwin?”
“Miss Godwin? Transfer my feelings?”
“Atterton’s ball! You entertained yourself, and you two slipped out of sight as we left.” Darcy sighed. “Another balcony? Another lady to woo and leave behind? Do you court every pretty woman you meet? Do you always end up on a balcony?”
“Why do you constantly think ill of me? Can you not give me the benefit of any doubt? Can you not believe in my character or look upon me with respect? I may not have your wealth, but I am an honorable man. I remember the night well. Miss Godwin claimed her dance from a dinner conversation we had at Lord Harrowby’s. She then escorted me to the back room, where I met with my uncle and a few other Tories. I do not know where she went afterwards; nor did I care. She merely did Lord Harrowby bidding.”
“I beg your pardon.”
“Now will you tell me? Did Eli… Miss Bennet speak about me at all? I must know!”
Darcy studied his friend’s concerned expression not know how to begin, so instead of rambling he pointed to the chairs. When he took his seat, he tried to compose his words. He suspected that the moment he revealed the truth to him, Blake would react furiously. Sighing, he sat down and began his answer.
“Yes, she did ask about you. It was in politeness.”
Blake gulped his drink, and leaned forward in his seat. “I need to know how she feels about me. Did she indicate in any little way that my company was wanted? Were there any hints as to her leaving Longbourn so suddenly? I know she would not have specifically spoken about that day, but please, tell me everything she said.”
“No, she merely asked if you were doing well. Blake, think; this all may be for the best. The Bennets have no money, and what connections they have are not honorable. Her family would never be accepted by your father, and he would treat her meanly.”
“Phew! I care not what he thinks. I would protect her. She said nothing more?” Gazing at nothing in particular, Blake tapped the arm of the chair and, after a moment, he cleared his throat. “Kent mentioned you two argued. What did you argue over? Did you make an idiotic reference to her dishonest uncle in Cheapside?”
“No, we argued after I asked her to…” Darcy hesitated and then added, “It was in response to a personal question. She strongly objected to my request. I did not expect her reaction, and the words flew out of our mouths. She was vehemently opposed.”
“Vehemently opposed. What did you ask of her?” Blake stared at him. When Darcy rubbed his forehead and mumbled that he had wanted her to be his, Blake leaned forward and yelled, “Did you... did you ask her to become your…?” Blake furrowed his brow. “You disgust me. I hope she spit in your eye. What kind of man are you? She is a gentleman’s daughter—”
Darcy jumped up. “Calm down. I offered marriage. I offered marriage! Why does everyone think ill of me?”
“Marriage? Dare I turn around in your presence and give you an opportunity to stab my back with a real knife? It could not hurt any worse than this, I assure you. And I called you my friend! I wanted to be like you! ”
Darcy retreated to the window. His shoulders slumped, his head hung low.
Blake noticed the change in Darcy’s countenance. “Ha! She turned you down.”
“Most decidedly.”
Blake’s smile widened. “So perhaps there is still a chance for me then? Perhaps I . . .”
Darcy gulped the remnants in his glass and turned to face Blake. “I know she does not want me. She…”
“What?”
“She did say she wished the whole lot of us from Netherfield Park would rot in…”
“Hell?”
Darcy nodded. “She did not say that but she is not pleased with any of us and indicated so.”
“Damn. She hates us all! I cannot stay here. I must think.” Blake set down his drink to leave, but before he could depart, he heard someone’s loud footsteps approaching the study.
“Darcy!” Rawlings yelled as he made his way down the hallway, Kent followed behind after noticing the anger on Rawlings’ face while he bounded up the steps two at a time, without speaking to anyone, and burst into the house.
“Rawlings! You have returned early. My God, is there a problem?” Darcy raced toward his friend.
“I need to speak to you now,” Rawlings said when he stormed in the room and slammed the door shut without realizing Kent and Geoffries were close behind him. Blake slid into a chair out of Rawlings’ line of vision.
Rawlings poked his finger in his friend’s chest. “What the bloody hell is going on? Why did you treat Mr. Gardiner the way you did?”
Darcy pushed Rawlings’ hand away. “Sit down and calm yourself. Can I get you a glass of wine, or something stronger perhaps?”
“No! What you can do is tell me why you treated Mr. Gardiner in the inexcusable way that you did?”
“We spoke about Mr. Gardiner before, Rawlings. Nothing has changed.” Darcy raised his tall frame up as tall as he was able. “I am no mood for dramatic hysterics today.”
“I cannot oblige you. I will speak in any manner I wish today. I will not sit down! I sent you a warning from America, and you should have been on your knees begging for Mr. Gardiner’s help.”
A World of Expectations_Book 2_The Confrontation Page 32