A World of Expectations_Book 2_The Confrontation

by Gayle Lynn Messick

  “Yes, I see your point. I will wait as you suggest. But my heart remains heavy.”

  “Your expression indicates you have another question.”

  “Is it wrong for me to wish Elizabeth would never marry another man?”

  “Is it wrong for me to be happy my wife died? Yes, but we are men.”

  Darcy nodded.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Regardless of our burdens, life uncaringly continues to propel us along the heavily travelled road, down which no one can see what awaits them. A protective shadow cast over the path cloaks our lives much like an oak tree provides cooling shade in a sweltering summer, thus giving us the opportunity to continue even when our strength is sapped. Curves in the highway make us laugh and smile with joy while other turns literally break our hearts due to lost love or the death of a loved one. Then there are the potholes that jolt us into speechlessness. Perhaps the carriage carrying us forward is rundown from the wear and tear of the journey, and is not as speedy as when it was new, but still, the road lies ahead, pulling us forward with windy whispers of hope for better days to come.

  And so it was, after weeks of reflection, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy ventured forward as a different man, a little wiser and a lot kinder, cautiously listening to the soft voice suggesting better days and a brighter future just around the bend.

  With Mr. Gardiner as a full partner, Astor lived up to his agreement, and assisted the young men on matters that they were not prepared to handle. Bingley and his family of inventors provided great support, and transferred their endeavors away from the Falcon. The Lowell family in Boston provided the connection needed for trading with the East Indies, including China, and Rawlings repeatedly remarked on the irony that the Falcon created the relationship by having the ship diverted from New York to Boston. Kent and his family solidified their importance to the group. They built the ships, handled the trade of goods, and assisted in every business request.

  As news spread throughout the gossipy ballrooms as well as the lowly taverns of London, everyone lined up on one sides. Almost every Tory supported Lord Winthrop’s coalition, the Peregrine, while many Whigs preferred the young men’s alliance. Arguments abounded between the rich and the poor, those with established wealth and those recently rich. The servants supported whomever their master supported, but the tradesmen lined up behind Darcy and Kent—even those that had once turned away from them. They ensured timely payment of invoices, even if Darcy or Kent had to pay them from their own pockets. Together, these two co-leaders proved capable of overcoming most every obstacle Winthrop placed before them. The Corn Laws presented the biggest problem, and using this most devastating weapon, the Falcon’s directed Lord Liverpool to push through more legislation aimed at hurting the manufacturing and trade market. Darcy had much to learn about the difficulties faced by tradesmen at the hands of the aristocracy and the impact of laws passed.

  The young men worked hard and the fledgling alliance was able, within two months, to stand on its own and become the driving force behind the new world of machinery, and with it gained an advantage on the rapidly emerging industrial world.

  Blake never returned to the alliance nor did he join the Falcon’s group. An honorable man, he did complete the work he had started with Darcy’s alliance, but had his solicitor act for him. After moving to his own small estate in the country, and away from his father’s house, Blake spent most of his London time with his political Uncle Harrowby. He was conflicted by the Tory’s new emphasis on passing more Corn Laws, because the effort went beyond protecting the aristocracy and large estate owners to deliberately attempting to decimate the Darcy’s alliance. Nevertheless, as a Tory and an aristocrat, Blake chose not to ask his Uncle Harrowby, a political force in the House of Lords, to intercede on this issue. Blake ignored every one of his father’s invitations and demands.

  ***

  Business filled Darcy’s days, continuing along in a routine manner, but he did attempt to change his personal affairs with his acquaintances. His first endeavor was to correct the authoritative relationship he maintained over his sister.

  “Yes, brother. Did you send for me?” Georgiana moved to her normal chair in front of his desk.

  Darcy rose from behind his desk and used his open hand to point to the more comfortable chairs in front of the fireplace. He felt a sting when he caught sight of Georgiana’s shocked reaction. They took their seats, and Darcy leaned forward, his arms resting on his thighs to support his upper body. “You look lovely this morning.”

  “Thank you.” Georgiana held her breath as fear filled her eyes.

  “I have decided to treat you as my sister, and one fully grown, and not as my child. I promise you, I will no longer be arbitrary in my decisions. Firstly, I will offer you the opportunity to express your thoughts. Secondly, I will completely explain the reason for any prohibition or denial of your wants. Thirdly, I will allow you to respond, without interruption. We will work out any problems together.”

  Georgiana relaxed, but only allowed her posture to slacken by the smallest of margins. “I am pleased, but… ” She waited for her brother to inject his thoughts, and when he remained quiet, she continued, “I am surprised by your change. I do not understand what you expect from me.”

  “To be the beautiful, sweet, and loving sister you are. I will be depending upon you to be my hostess with larger groups of guests, but first I need to know if I ask too much. I will never again demand you perform, unless you have indicated your willingness to do so.”

  “Brother, I have overcome so much, and you were correct, the little dinner parties with your friends have made it easier for me. I am sure I can succeed, but occasionally I may need help.”

  “Please, do not shy away from asking me to help with anything. We can do this together.”

  Sitting quietly for a few moments, the siblings contemplated the tasks before them. Georgiana, twisted her handkerchief and asked in a soft voice, “Did you wish to scold me?

  “Not at all. Why would think I would?”

  “For my assistance to Mr. Kent. I have been waiting for you to do so.”

  Oh, Georgiana! I beg your pardon for not easing your anxiety on this. I am proud of you. I only wish I had been the man you wanted me to be and not the one in which you felt the need to conceal your activities from.”

  “Does this mean had I been interested in Mr. Kent you would not object? Bear in mind, I am not interested, but I need to understand who you consider a worthy man for me.”

  “Any man that is kind, good, and honorable. I no longer care if his status is high or low. I do not seek titles or wealth as a pre-condition. I want you to be happy, and that means I will accept anyone that you wish to marry, as long as…”

  Georgiana caught her breath.

  “He is not seeking merely your fortune or our name. We,” he pointed to her and then himself, “must be vigilant, but we can do so together. I promise.”

  She smiled and relaxed her entire body until gasping at her lack of good posture. She attempted to straighten up when he shook head. “In this room, when we are alone, you do not need to sit so rigidly. We are brother and sister, you know!”

  Georgiana sprung to her feet and gave her brother a hug and a kiss upon his cheek. She studied him for a lingering moment.

  Darcy presented a half-smile. “Did you know Kent remarked once that you could spot angst in a person?”

  “And I suppose you want to know if I see yours? Your eyes have lost the light that flickered in them, they seem dull.” Georgiana whispered.

  “Do not fear me! Yes, it is true. I am saddened; in fact, my heart has been wrenched from my body and by my own hand. Well, that is how I feel, and I know you are curious. I also know you will understand, because now I finally comprehend your melancholy last summer.” His voice caught in his throat, and when he did release the words, it cracked. “I am so sorry for my boorish behavior.”

  Georgiana waited for a moment then touched his cheek. “Mis
s Elizabeth Bennet declined your offer of marriage.”

  Darcy nodded. “See, you know without my saying a word. Yes, she did; she was right to do so. I do not deserve her.” He lowered his head until his chin touched his chest.

  “But you do. You are the best brother.”

  Darcy straightened upright and inhaled deeply. “But not the best man. I realize that I have much to change. I must attend to my selfish and conceited traits if I wish to become the type of man she would approve of. Even though I have no hope of...”

  Georgiana grabbed her brothers’ hand when he gasped. “Do not give up.”

  “My dear, sweet sister, I have no hope for a future with her. I have no one but my own self to blame.” Darcy’s last words cracked.

  She placed several light kisses upon his hand. “There is always hope.”

  Darcy caught his breath in his throat, blinked several times, and then gazed into his sister’s kind face. “An unknown powerful force is demanding I change for her. Everything I do is aimed towards her approval. I want her to see me as a gentleman worthy of her acquaintance. I know it cannot be more, still it is what drives me to change.”

  Georgiana wiped away the mist in his eyes and squeezed his hand tighter. He rose, pulling her up with him, and hugged her tightly. “Help me, dear, sweet Georgiana. Help me become the man she would want to know. Teach me how a woman worthy thinks and feels.”

  With tears falling down her cheeks, Georgiana hugged him tightly. “I will.”

  ***

  Two months had passed since the eleventh day of April, the day that everyone referred to as the Eligo, the Latin word meaning to choose. Kent had suggested it would be appropriate as the trademark for the group, and every man agreed, since each had to decide which group to ally with on that fateful day.

  Darcy held a dinner each month for all the partners, and had invited the remaining members of the Lunar Society—Watt, Murdoch, Keir, and Gaston—to conduct their meetings at his house on those nights. They had agreed with alacrity. He also invited men of means, those whom might sponsor or invest in their endeavors. The inventors brought their newest accomplishments to demonstrate, which proved the best entertainment, until Georgiana performed for them on her pianoforte. Her playing tamed the wildest of the men.

  Only Blake and Bingley were missing. Blake had chosen a different path, living out his own eligo; Bingley remained up north. He did not return to London, even with his Uncle Watt for the dinner meetings. Instead, he kept himself busy with the rifle orders. Watt had spoken to Darcy about his nephew’s lack of interest in anything other than business. Darcy suggested they meet at Pemberley in late August for that month’s dinner meeting, and promised Watt that he would insist upon Bingley’s attendance. The two men concocted a plan to draw Bingley out of his self-imposed exile. Darcy was most disturbed when Mr. Gardiner remained mute when he inquired about the Bennet daughters. He did not press the issue, believing protectiveness was the reason behind Gardiner’s silence.

  During the dinners, Darcy had made a point of not only meeting everyone, including the ladies, but discovering more about each person. He asked many questions, and charmed the ladies with his new ease of conversation. He practiced with every opportunity to speak kindly and with respect, regardless of the social or financial status of the guest. He allowed his wit to compete with Rawlings, which surprised only those who had not been a close friend to the earlier man, before he had become the current Master of Pemberley.

  Georgiana enjoyed the dinners, and looked forward to each one. She blossomed into an excellent hostess, although her shyness and uncertainness still had its grips in her being. She invited Victoria to every occasion, but since the day of the Eligo, Lord Cheswick had barred her from Darcy House. Miss Sarah Kent, on the other hand, accepted every invitation. She kept her gaze turned to one man, and when he chose to include her in conversation, her heart would pump furiously, which unhappily was not as often as she liked, nor was she pleased he did not speak on anything aimed at romance. It was all pleasant and surprisingly witty, but not the words a young lady wished to hear when conversing with the most dashing of men.

  So it was, on the fourteenth day of June, 1812, the dining room of Darcy House was filled to capacity. A harmony of voices flourished, as the astonished servants served the meal. Women spoke their mind, but unlike Bingley’s party, a pre-determined seating arrangement was followed. Darcy worked with Georgiana to decide the best grouping of attendees, in order to make sure everyone was included in conversation.

  They had just begun the meal, when Geoffries handed his master an urgent message. Darcy was quick to open it, and carefully read the note. He held his hand up to quiet the others sitting around the table. Looking at his guests, Darcy smiled. “Blake has sent word. As of today, the government has lifted the trade restrictions with America. There will be no war.”

  “Hooray for Blake. Cheers!” Everyone held their drinks high.

  Blake had worked tirelessly on getting the restriction lifted. His Uncle Harrowby had used every political favor. The uncle and nephew had grown close over the previous months; Harrowby had educated him on Parliament, politics in general, and the Tories in particular.

  Blake had an agreement with Darcy that once the government lifted the restriction of trade, he would no longer have any part of the alliance. However, during this period, he learned his heart was not in the world of business; he did not care for it all. In the end, connecting with the tradesmen’s sons did not bother him the most; it was the dull and boring details of the everyday activities. He also discovered he no longer cared to win approval from the members of the Ton. He did make one important discovery—politics were different. He believed he could make a difference; an honorable difference, as his Uncle Harrowby had taught him. He had found his calling in life, for which he would eventually thank Darcy. Had it not been for the alliance, he would never have given this life a chance, nor re-established a relationship with his uncle.

  The conversation during dinner celebrated the trading possibilities now that the embargo was no longer a problem. Rawlings thought about Lowell and his Boston friends. He recognized that New England had had difficulties with the restrictions, having seen a few signs of it when he visited. Ships lay wasted in the harbors. Families were losing their financial security. Lowell, however, would profit from a continuation of any embargo. Business problems in one area opened up success in another. Since Rawlings had purchased stock in Lowell’s cotton mill, he made money regardless.

  Kent was pleased with the progress and his family’s acceptance and role in the alliance. His Uncle Daniel had a fortune riding on averting war. Kent had warned him to diversify, but to no avail. His uncle was a determined man. Darcy, too, had tried to dissuade him, but also to no avail. Privately, the two friends had made a plan to protect him. Today, however, Daniel Kent rejoiced in the news. He crowed about the decisions he made.

  In July, the alliance made a second trip to the Soho Manufactory, and remaining true to his word, Darcy led Kent in playing many pranks on Sarah. Kent had shared Darcy’s carriage on the way to Birmingham in order for them to devise the most devilish of pranks.

  “She hates her food peppered, but I do not see how we can do it.”

  “Yes we can, Kent. You just need to see the whole picture. We will butter the underside of her spoon and then press it into pepper. She will not see it before she takes her first bite of dessert!” Darcy laughed.

  Kent guffawed when she took her first taste of cobbler. Darcy kept his countenance until Kent glanced at Darcy and then burst out, “Vengeance is mine, dear sister. I have the master of pranks to assist me so you are warned.”

  Happily, the next day she retaliated by placing a spider under in his coffee cup , causing the war of pranks to escalate until three days later Mrs. Boulton put an end to it. They came to a truce over dinner one evening with a handshake between Darcy and Miss Kent, who in turn made Rawlings shake hands too. He had been secretly assisting and help
ing her to win. Rawlings smiled widely when Darcy’s expression revealed his shock when his friend announced, “Remember, I was the one who taught you!”