The Darcy Brothers

by Abigail Reynolds

  “Well, of course, I am very concerned that no one take advantage of her,” said Lady Catherine at least sounding sincere. Theo was not convinced of his aunt’s innocence.

  “Do you trust Darcy’s opinions?” Theo asked. He noticed Anne was trying to take an interest in the biscuit on her plate.

  “He has not shown much good sense in marrying that Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

  Theo let the comment about Elizabeth go. “But generally, you would agree he is a good judge of character, am I correct? After all, you have entrusted many estate matters to him over the years which is definitely a sign of your trust.” Now he had her trapped. She could not easily say she did not trust Darcy without calling her own judgment into question.

  Lady Catherine sighed and conceded. “You are correct. Generally.”

  “Then would you agree that, if the gentleman is someone of whom Darcy approves, you will also approve without question?”

  Lady Catherine set her teacup aside and considered. Anne watched her mother hopefully while Richard looked menacingly at his aunt.

  “I will approve, but only if Darcy and my sister, Lady Matlock, both agree.”

  Anne started to speak, but Theo put his hand on her arm to silence her.

  “Very well, if Darcy and Lady Matlock approve, you give your word of honor not to interfere?”

  Lady Catherine sat up in her chair and sniffed the air cautiously. “Oh, very well, I give my word.”

  Anne, Theo and Fitzwilliam were so relieved they simultaneously slumped back in their chairs.

  “I will hold you to that,” Theo said.

  “You are becoming more and more like your mother every day, Theo,” his aunt told him with a hint of both resentment and approval.

  “As my mother was the kindest, warmest, most loving person in the world, I shall take that as a great compliment.”

  After finishing their tea, Theo and Richard prepared to depart for London. Lady Catherine skulked off to her private sitting room, but Anne walked out to the waiting carriage with her cousins.

  “Good bye, Theo, Richard. I cannot thank you enough for coming to my aid. I do not know how I will ever repay you.”

  “You will repay me by behaving like a lady,” Theo said, tapping her affectionately on the nose. “No more throwing priceless vases and figurines.”

  “I promise.” Turning to Richard, she said, “You will speak to your mother on my behalf? I will need her support to enter society.”

  “We will both speak to her,” said Richard, “and I am certain she will agree. She has worried about you over the years, but has not visited because of the enmity between your mother and my father. They are too much alike, I suppose.”

  “The Fitzwilliam temperament,” Theo added. “But of course, none of us has inherited it.” They all laughed.

  Anne threw her arms around Richard and then Theo. “I wish you a safe journey. I love you both so very much and shall see you in Town very soon.”

  *****

  Theo was surprised by how good it felt to return to the Darcy house in London. The greeting exchanged by the brothers held a hint of warmth long absent between them, and though Theo could tell William was yet a little awkward in making such overtures, it was a beginning.

  They repaired to the study at the back of the house, sending a request for some tea with an obliging footman, and Theo quickly set before his brother all that had happened in Kent, warmed once more by William’s quick approbation of Theo’s handling of the matter and his heartfelt gratitude for resolving what to him had seemed unfathomable.

  The arrival of the tea tray drew the discussion to a close, and as they each took a seat before the hearth, Theo’s mind quickly turned to the matter of Wickham.

  “Have you seen him? Does he live yet?”

  Darcy nodded. “Yes, and he lives, though it is only a matter of time. Do you –” he threw his brother a keen glance. “Is it your wish to see him before—well –” he waved his arm as if unsure how to express the words.

  Did he wish to see Wickham one final time? Theo stared at his booted feet. He had mulled over precisely that question more than once during the past four and twenty hours. They had been such friends in their youth, and there had been a time when he considered Wickham more a brother than William.

  Frustrated with himself, his blindness, Theo blew out a breath. He had been a fool at times under Wickham’s influence. Yet now the reality of the man’s death was upon them all; what did he want to do?

  “Theo?” He looked up and met his brother’s serious gaze. “It is not obligatory.”

  Theo shook his head. “No—I know; and I will own to having thought of it.” He sighed. “He is unworthy and has caused us all much anger and despair, and transportation was as likely to have ended in his demise as anything. Yet now his end is upon us…” he left the sentence hanging in the air between them. They both had so much to resent Wickham for.

  “Despite his injuries and his imminent fate, he is George Wickham yet.”

  Theo raised a brow at Darcy, then reached for his teacup. “Then he is not cowed by his circumstances? He looked fearful enough when bundled into that prison cart.”

  “Oh I think he understands the end is approaching, yet he is not of a relenting or forgiving nature. When I saw him, he was quite unrepentant of what he had done. I believe he still lays the blame for his lot in life firmly in our—and more specifically my—hands.”

  A feeling of distaste rose within Theo as he recalled Wickham’s slur upon Georgiana the other day. He had no desire to see him again. “Even in such circumstances, how can he…”

  Just then, a loud rap on the door drew their attention and Colonel Fitzwilliam strode in.

  “Well—what news? Has the scoundrel relinquished his hold on life yet?”

  Darcy shook his head, but before he could speak the Colonel frowned. “Yet you were speaking of him,” and at Theo’s surprised look he added, “It is not often you share the same air and countenance. Thankfully, I might add, for it is quite intimidating!”

  Darcy smiled slightly. “Is there any further word on the attack?”

  The Colonel nodded, then espied the platter of biscuits near the tea tray and grabbed a handful before throwing himself into a nearby chair. “I have just spoken to an acquaintance close to the investigation and thought I would drop by and share what little there is. Apparently, there is no trace of the assailant though the weapon was left behind—a small pair of shears.”

  Theo winced. “An unusual choice! And what of Wickham? Does he claim to know who wielded them?”

  “That is the oddity.” The Colonel munched on a biscuit for a moment and Theo and Darcy exchanged an amused glance. “According to my source, Wickham refused to provide a name. Whether he knew the attacker or not therefore remains unknown. Of course, in his condition, there is nothing anyone can do to force him to reveal what he may know.”

  Darcy frowned. “If they are known to him, this must be the one noble gesture of his selfish life.”

  Letting out a slow whistle, Theo placed his cup on a side table. “A fine time for him to suddenly show some moral backbone. This has all the markings of a wronged woman.”

  The Colonel snorted. “Indeed—and we can assume from her weapon she was intent upon pruning him once and for all. And this weapon was not the only thing she left behind—a small nosegay was found on the floor.”

  For a fleeting moment, something tugged at Theo’s memory, but he shook it aside. “I do not understand how she could have gained access to his cell.”

  “Inside help, apparently. It is supposed one of the jailors let her in under cover of darkness in the early hours. As the jailors of Newgate are all as thick as thieves with each other, no one is letting on as to who assisted or why.” The Colonel popped the last biscuit into his mouth and got to his feet. “I must away; duty calls.”

  Theo sighed, and he too rose from his seat. “It goes against my training to own it, but if it is a woman he has wr
onged, I confess I hope she is not caught and tried.”

  Darcy sent him an understanding look as he joined them. “It is good to see you, Richard; thank you for accompanying Theo to Rosings.”

  “It was my pleasure, Darce. You know I like nothing more than a little skirmish before dinner! Always whets the appetite!” He winked at Theo, and they shook hands before he turned for the door. “I will see you both anon.”

  The door closed upon the Colonel, and Darcy turned back to face his brother.

  Theo had resumed his seat. “And what of Miss Lydia Bennet? Please tell me you had more success than I in that quarter?”

  “I am not sure whether it could be deemed a success, but a solution has presented itself. She is to be wed to Wickham.”

  Theo rolled his eyes at Darcy as he sat down. “Then she will be happy—it was all she desired, and she could see nothing beyond it. How is it to happen? And will the stigma of being the widow of a criminal not stain the Bennets’ name yet?”

  Darcy hesitated. “The elopement, such as it was, is all about the Bennets’ neighborhood. Thankfully, no word of Wickham’s incarceration has followed it. Yet without marriage to him, there is little we can salvage. Even a swift marriage to another, should such a thing be possible, could not answer so well.”

  “But?”

  A raised brow was the only response to Theo’s question.

  “There is something you have not yet revealed.”

  Darcy gave a rueful smile. “You are not in Court, Theo.”

  Theo grinned. “So there is something—tell me.”

  Releasing a heavy sigh, Darcy nodded. “Wickham is intent upon making things as difficult as possible for everyone but himself.” He shifted in his seat, his recollection clearly troubling him. “Despite his condition, he finds amusement in finally having something to bargain with.”

  “What could he possibly demand? You cannot give him back his life!”

  Darcy got quickly to his feet and walked over to the window. Then, he turned to face his brother. “He does not wish to die in Newgate. Unless the charges against Wickham are dropped, he will not consent to wed Miss Bennet and afford her the protection—such as it is—of his name.”

  Theo blinked. “But the charges are registered. We cannot just—”

  “In principle, no, we cannot. But as no trial can now take place, nor a conviction gained, I am informed—as I am sure you are aware—a little oiling of the Clerk to the Court’s palm will see the case dropped if we are all in agreement.” He met Theo’s eye, his air and countenance reflective of his concern. “It is down to you, Theo. I am prepared to do this for Elizabeth, for her peace of mind. If Lydia Bennet is wed to George Wickham, outside of Newgate and with no pending charges, her reputation will be somewhat restored and thus the stain upon the Bennet family is considerably lessened.”

  Theo drew in a deep breath. It had taken all his will power to send for that constable, to have Wickham arrested. He had known it was necessary, but he had suffered for doing it. Yet here was a compromise that seemed as though it suited everyone, and he knew what the right thing to do was. Getting to his feet, he walked over to join his brother, meeting his anxious gaze firmly.

  “Then of course I agree, though yet again he has cost us dear.”

  “Thank you, Theo. I know there is a legal process to these things, but I am assured it can be expedited at some expense. I believe it is one worth the bearing.”

  “And the marriage to Miss Lydia Bennet?”

  “Once Wickham is permitted to leave Newgate, he is to be transferred to a small chapel of rest nearby where the ceremony is due to take place at first light on the morrow. A special license was the only choice, and I have already put it in motion,” Darcy paused and glanced at his pocket watch. “I must be at my attorney within the hour to finalize things.

  “Special license?” Theo shook his head. “It is not right; yet more expense to correct Wickham’s wrongs.” He looked at Darcy who shrugged his shoulders. “And the lady—no doubt she is delighted at the need for one.”

  Darcy almost growled his response. “Be thankful we are not privy to Mrs. Bennet’s thoughts upon the matter.”

  Theo released a short laugh. “Yes—I gathered from Miss Bennet the other day that she is close to her mother. It does not surprise me to learn that they are alike. Mrs. Bennet does not attend the ceremony, then?”

  Darcy shook his head vehemently. “When Elizabeth put the suggestion of it taking place to the Gardiners and her father, who arrived in Gracechurch Street yesterday, they agreed not to inform Mrs. Bennet until after the event.”

  “A wise move, it would seem. And Miss Lydia Bennet? She is not too distressed by the news of Wickham’s fate?”

  “From what I understand, the only distress caused to the lady was that of not having time to order wedding clothes. All else, I believe she finds to her liking.”

  Theo patted Darcy on the shoulder. “I do not know how your Elizabeth—or Jane Bennet either—became such delightful—and dare I say, rational—ladies, but I am thankful for you it is so!”

  “I am only thankful Hertfordshire is a long way from Derbyshire!”

  “Speaking of Elizabeth—is she well despite the present situation?”

  Theo suppressed a smile as his brother’s features softened instantly. “She is remarkably well. She will be here later with her father; I will introduce you. The one concession to wedding finery he has permitted is for his daughter to carry a small posy of flowers; Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner were to visit a nearby florist to order it this morning.”

  Theo frowned as once again something pulled at his memory.

  “What is it?”

  “Nothing,” Theo shrugged the notion aside. “It is a great deal to take in over a short space of time!”

  “Indeed. Well, I must prepare for my appointment.” They both turned to walk towards the door. “Let us trust to hope Wickham survives another night, and we can finally bring this sordid business to a close.”

  *****

  The following morning, Darcy arrived at Gracechurch Street as soon as the hour was acceptable; indeed, it was perhaps a little earlier than would normally be tolerated for a call, had the purpose behind it been nothing more than politeness.

  As it was, his determination to ensure the marriage took place whilst Wickham maintained his tenacious grip on life was entirely overridden by the desire to see Elizabeth again. Every day it became harder to leave her, and he longed for this sordid business to be over, that they might contemplate their own future—a life together as Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, living at Pemberley.

  A wave of happiness filtered through him whenever he allowed his thoughts to roam in such a direction, taking him by surprise even yet, and he smiled as he stood at the window of the Gardiners’ drawing room waiting for someone—again, the name Elizabeth whispered through his mind—to come and greet him.

  How much more at peace did he feel? These past weeks, not only securing Elizabeth as his wife—his smile widened—but also the first steps of rapprochement with his brother, foretold a whole new beginning, and…

  Darcy started as a horse and rider pulled up sharply outside the Gardiners’ house—Theo! What the devil was he doing here? He had decided against seeing Wickham again and, as a consequence, had no role to play in the wedding that morning. He frowned as his brother dismounted and wound the reins around the railings before turning to the pack attached to his saddle.

  Turning on his heel, Darcy left the room and walked quickly to the front door, swinging it aside as Theo came bounding up the steps.

  “What on earth are you doing?” Darcy exclaimed, “And why are you carrying those?”

  Theo grinned in his usual engaging fashion.

  “Good morning, William!” He bowed extravagantly and thrust a delicate bouquet of flowers into his brother’s hands. “May I present a small token of my affection?” He winked, and Darcy could not help but laugh as he stood back to allow his brother entry into
the house.

  Placing the flowers carefully on the hall table, Darcy pointed towards the drawing room door, and Theo preceded him into the room.

  “This is an unexpected visit?”

  Theo nodded. “Indeed, it is. And until all of three hours ago, I had no plan to do so.”

  Darcy glanced at the clock on the mantel as they took seats near the hearth. “As it is but a half after nine, I assume there is a story to tell?”

  For a moment, Theo’s handsome features darkened, his air and countenance quickly losing their animation. He stared into the fire crackling merrily in the hearth and, fingers of wariness tapping gently on his shoulder, Darcy prompted, “Theo?”

  With a start, Theo looked up. “Forgive me; I am lost to thought.” He sat back in his seat and met Darcy’s concerned look. “You are right, I have uncovered something I wish to share with you.”

  The fingers took firmer hold, and Darcy moved his shoulders uneasily but said nothing as Theo got to his feet and grabbed the poker, giving the logs a hefty shove. Then, he turned to face his brother, the poker yet in his hands.

  “I went in search of Wickham’s assailant.”

  “What!” Darcy stood up, the wariness turning into fear. “Are you out of your mind? Why must you court danger, Theo? When will you curb your reckless…”

  Darcy stopped as Theo threw him a fierce look, holding up a hand to stall his words. “Do not judge me! Do not always suppose I have been reckless!”

  “I am sorry.” Darcy bowed his head and drew in a shallow breath. Damn it, he had done it again—instinctively assumed the worst of his brother, not given him credit for the man he had become. He raised solemn eyes to meet Theo’s. “Forgive me? I am still learning to curb my own faults and should not forget it.”

  Before Theo could respond, the door opened, and they both turned about.

  “William!” Elizabeth walked quickly to him, offering her hand in the presence of company, which he placed a firm kiss upon and then retained hold of. Blow whatever etiquette he should follow, he needed her calming presence. “Theo, how lovely to see you! I did not expect the pleasure of receiving two Mr. Darcys this fine morning!”