And in this particular case, one of his problems truly was Theo’s fault. If Wickham had not been in Newgate, he would have seen a surgeon for the wound in his arm before it had festered, but apparently in gaol he had been left to rot until it was too late. The stink of the pus oozing from his bandage told its own story. That arm should have been amputated days earlier.
Wickham had gone to gaol because of him. He knew better than to steal when he might be caught, but he had counted on Theo never allowing him to be punished if he stole from a Darcy. Wickham had never truly known him.
He realized Wickham was watching him closely. Wickham had always known how to read his moods. “There is no point in quarreling now. It is all over anyway. You and Prince William will be great successes, and as for me—” Wickham gestured down at himself . “I will not be here to trouble you much longer. But you could still do me one last favor.”
“What is it?”
Wickham lowered his voice. “Bring me some opium. Let me leave this world with a little pleasure.”
“Opium?” For a moment, all Theo could think of was Anne’s medicine, but then he recalled those times years ago when he and Wickham had visited the opium dens together. A few times had been enough for him, but Wickham kept returning as if he could not stay away. That was when they had begun to grow apart. Suddenly a great many things began to make sense to him. “I will see what I can do.”
“My thanks, Theo. I knew I could count on you.”
Theo gave a short nod, then left. Outside the room, he took a deep breath of the clean air, untainted with the stench of rotting flesh.
The attendant hurried up to him. “Are you done, sir?”
Theo took a coin from his pocket and pressed it into the woman’s hand. “Fetch a surgeon to see if anything can be done for him. Tell him he is an opium addict, and have him send his bill to me.” He handed her his card.
“Yes, sir, and thank you kindly.”
*****
Darcy sat back, watching his brother and sister engaging in conversation. This had been a good idea of Georgiana’s, to have a family dinner, just the three of them. How many years had it been since they had shared a meal without other company? It certainly had not happened since Georgiana had left school.
“I wish I could meet your Mr. Garrow,” said Georgiana. “He must have the most amazing tales to tell.”
Theo flicked his eyes in Darcy’s direction before replying. “Perhaps it could be arranged some day, after you are out, of course. He does not often go out in society, but might accept an invitation for dinner.”
“I do hope so.” Georgiana took a deep breath, then turned toward Darcy with a determined look on her face. “William, is it true you would slit Theo’s throat if he took me to observe a trial at the Old Bailey?”
Darcy choked on a sip of wine and glared at his brother. “No,” he said darkly. “I would not slit his throat, though I might give the idea serious consideration.”
Theo said nothing, only watched with an amused smile dancing on his lips. Georgiana was the one to respond. “I do not see why. I think it would be educational for me.”
He recalled the crowded gallery, full of pungent odors and crowded with commoners. “You would find it most unpleasant, I fear. It is thronged with the sort of person you have never been exposed to, and the matters discussed in the trials are shocking and quite unsuitable.”
His brother clapped his hand over his eyes, shaking his head. “You may as well tell him all of it, Georgiana.”
Georgiana squared her shoulders. “It would not shock me. Theo tells me all about his trials, and if he does not, I pester him until he does. And he did take me there once, after I begged him to, but said he dared not do it again because you would slit his throat if you found out.”
Theo leaned back in his chair. “Guilty as charged, my Lord. I fear our little sister has developed a taste for lurid melodrama, and cannot get enough of it.”
“I cannot believe you would tell her of such matters!”
Theo shrugged, his expression suddenly guarded. “She is interested, and she chafes at the bonds society places on a young, well-bred girl. I would rather tell her of the evils of the world than have her go out to discover them herself. Besides, she has a clever mind, and has been known to give me useful suggestions.”
Devil take it, how was he supposed to remain on good terms with his brother if Theo insisted on going behind his back and exposing Georgiana to all sorts of riff-raff? This was how the trouble in Ramsgate had started, and look what had happened there! “I am still Georgiana’s guardian,” he said icily, “And I would prefer to discuss these things in advance, rather than after the fact.”
Theo set down his fork with unusual care. “Indeed, you are her guardian—or her gaoler, depending upon how you look at it.”
“Do not be ridiculous!”
“Ridiculous? Tell me, O Great Guardian, what sort of book does she like to read?”
Darcy huffed. What was Theo trying to prove? “Poetry, travelogues, and books about music.”
His brother’s eyes narrowed. “Gothic mysteries and romances. Which of us is correct, Georgiana?”
Georgiana pushed back her chair and jumped to her feet. “Neither of you.” Her voice trembled. “Why do you have to turn everything into a battle? Theo, you are among your family, not in a courtroom. William, why must you speak to Theo as if he is a child who needs discipline? Elizabeth would be ashamed of both of you.”
Elizabeth. The one accusation that could stop Darcy in his tracks. What would she wish him to do? He cleared his throat. “I assume this visit happened before our recent reconciliation. Perhaps in the future we could discuss such matters together.”
The corner of Theo’s mouth twitched. “It is England’s loss that you cannot become a judge, Georgie. Very well, William; I will keep you apprised of any plans concerning Georgiana.”
“I thank you,” Darcy said heavily. Why must this be so difficult?
“In the spirit of this new agreement, you should be aware I intend to continue supplying our sister with novels you may think beneath her, as well as discussing my cases with her when she wishes, and offering my sympathy to her on how painful it can be to know your beloved elder brother would disapprove of you if he were aware of what you were doing.” More gently, he added, “It can be very difficult to live up to your standards, William.”
Unexpectedly, Georgiana giggled. “Elizabeth says even he cannot live up to his own standards.”
Darcy tugged at his cravat. “There is a certain amount of truth to that.” Was Georgiana truly frightened to admit her interests to him? What did she think he would do to her?
Then he realized the truth. The answer was sitting at his table. Georgiana thought he would reject her as he had rejected Theo for so many years. Somehow he must make her understand that would never happen. “Georgiana, I would be happy to escort you to observe the courtroom proceedings. Perhaps we can find a day when Theo will be arguing a case, so you can see what a fine barrister he has become.”
Georgiana’s eyes grew wide, then she jumped up from her chair to throw her arms around him. “Thank you, William,” she said, her voice trembling. “That would mean a great deal to me.”
With a lazy grin, Theo said, “Let us be careful to select a day when I am arguing a case I have at least some hope of winning! I would not care to disappoint both of you at once.”
His sister’s face lit up. “But you have a chance of winning every case, so we might as well go to the first one. When would that be?”
Theo’s grin faded. “On the contrary. There are cases I cannot win because someone has paid the witnesses to testify against my client. And others where my client did in fact commit the crime, but it is my job to defend him to the best of my ability. It is hardly a victory when my efforts mean a guilty man goes free. The worst cases are those where the defendant is found to be innocent, as indeed he is, but merely having been taken to prison and then to court is
enough to soil his reputation forever, or the slow pace of justice means his business has gone bankrupt and his family hungry in the meantime. I may succeed in keeping him from being transported or hung, but I cannot give him his old life back. There are some cases where no one wins.”
Darcy met his brother’s eyes, and knew they were both thinking of a particular case no one had won. George Wickham had fooled them all once more. As soon as he had hope of a future outside prison or transportation, his strength had begun to return, and the surgeon who had taken his arm now said it was more likely than not he would survive long enough to make his new wife regret her hasty marriage to a man with one arm and a visage scarred enough to scare children. Wickham might be free and in England, but he would never be able to employ his charm again, nor would he ever gain the riches he longed for. Instead, Mr. and Mrs. Wickham would be forced to live in seclusion on whatever allowance her family allowed them, an outcome none of them could take pride in. No doubt Darcy would end up settling some sort of income on them simply to ease Elizabeth’s worries about her sister.
That raised another question, one which might be safer discussed in front of Georgiana rather than alone, where he and Theo might fall to quarreling again. He had not yet addressed that cold letter Theo had sent him at Rosings telling him to stop sending his allowance. “Very true. Sometimes no one wins. And speaking of your practice, Theo, while I am pleased to know it is thriving, there is no reason to stop your allowance from Pemberley. Our father set it up with the expectation it would continue throughout your life.”
“No doubt he thought I might need it! But as it is, I am earning enough money to provide for my needs. I have been for some time, in fact, and have only kept accepting the allowance because of a debt I needed to pay.”
No doubt he had many debts from his wilder days. Darcy caught himself before that thought went any further. He was not supposed to condemn Theo out of hand, but look for the good in him. At least he believed in paying off his debts. That was something. “Should you require assistance in paying your debts, I hope you will apply to me.”
“I appreciate your generosity, but there is no need. The debt is paid now.”
“Theo.” Georgiana’s soft voice interrupted.
“Yes?”
“Perhaps you should tell William about your debt, lest he misunderstand the reasons for it.”
Devil take it, why did Georgiana know so much more than he did about Theo’s life? “Theo’s private affairs are his own business.”
“Not always.” Georgiana’s direct gaze was on Theo.
“Chief Justice Georgiana Darcy, at the very least,” said Theo with a rueful smile. “Since she insists, I will explain, but I would appreciate it if you would withhold any commentary on my actions. I am well aware there were flaws in my reasoning.”
Good God, what sort of trouble had Theo got himself into? “I will do my best.”
“After Wickham left Ramsgate, Georgiana discovered her ring and the diamond necklace our mother had left her were missing. On a hunch, I visited a pawn shop I knew Wickham had employed in the past. I found them there and purchased them back. That is why I was in debt. The necklace is valuable.”
“That was the theft you charged him with? I thought it was a ring of yours.”
“I saw no harm in allowing everyone to make that assumption, and it was simpler that way.”
Darcy could hardly fault his brother for attempting to keep Georgiana’s name out of a criminal charge. “I am glad you did so. But as I said, the allowance is still yours. You may not need it now, but someday you may wish to marry and purchase a home of your own.”
“William, just because you cannot get to the altar soon enough does not mean I am longing to be leg-shackled! Keep the money in the Pemberley coffers. I can take care of myself.” His voice was distinctly cool now.
What had he done now to anger Theo? Was it wrong to be generous to his younger brother? Bewildered, he said, “I did not mean to offend you.”
Theo blew out a long breath. “No, I am sure you did not. I appreciate you are trying to help, William, but I do not wish to be your financial dependent.”
“But it is not my money. Our father bequeathed the allowance to you in his Will. I owe it to you.”
“It comes down to the same thing.” Theo turned to Georgiana. “Chief Justice Georgiana, perhaps you can explain this better than I to our stubborn brother.”
Georgiana glared at him. “As if you could not do it yourself! William, taking the allowance places Theo in your debt. Even if it was originally from our father, you are giving Theo money, and he cannot give you anything in return. You would not like to be in that position, either.”
“I suppose not.” But devil take it, he was supposed to take care of his younger brother! Why did Theo have to be so stubborn? “Very well.”
“Of course,” Georgiana continued thoughtfully, “There is nothing to stop you from setting aside the money you would be paying him, and if someday Theo wants to avail himself of his inheritance, you can give it to him then, rather than doling it out to him over the years.”
Now that was a sensible solution! “An excellent thought. I will do that.”
Georgiana smiled apologetically at Theo. “A good judge must be impartial, you know,” she said.
He laughed. “That will teach me why we should keep knowledge of the law from young ladies! You will make some fortunate gentleman a formidable wife someday, Georgiana.”
“Only if he permits me to visit the Courts,” she said. “And now, Theo, you no longer have an excuse when I want to bring home one of your law books to read.”
Theo lifted his wineglass to her with a smile. “No one can ever say obstinacy does not run in our family!”
Darcy could certainly drink to that.
*****
A few nights after the family dinner, Theo met Monty at their club for a drink. He was drained from all the turmoil of the past few weeks and looking forward to a quick drink and an early night. The recent nuptials between Wickham and Lydia Bennet—now Mrs. Wickham—had been especially difficult for him. In spite of Lydia’s stubbornness, Theo almost felt sorry for the girl. What kind of future would she have tied to a dishonest rake like George Wickham?
It could not have been the wedding of her dreams. There had been no wedding breakfast or celebration, and the consummation had occurred before the ceremony instead of after. He doubted Lydia would even let her new husband anywhere near her, as her disgust for his condition could not have been more clear. He assumed she had gone to stay with the Gardiners.
“How was that cozy little family dinner you were dreading?” Monty lowered himself into the leather chair next to him, his long legs stretched out before him. His broad muscular frame never quite fitted the club chairs.
Theo smiled. “I was surprised how much I enjoyed it.”
“Your little sister is turning into a lovely young lady. When will she be making her come out?”
Theo gave his friend a sideways glance at the reference to Georgiana and saw Monty’s eyes were twinkling with mischief. Instead of reacting as his friend had clearly hoped he would, Theo said, “Of course, I always love time with my sister, but it was good to be with William, too.”
“Theo, I am truly shocked!” Monty said in a mocking voice. “Are you feeling well? Developing a fever perhaps?”
“Be serious for a moment. If you are able, that is. My brother is making an effort to be more agreeable. Elizabeth has had an astonishing effect on him.”
Monty raised a questioning brow. “The man formerly known as Prince William? Agreeable? I will own I found him civil enough when we finally met, but this is a stretch from your usual assessment of him as a proud, stiff-necked fellow!”
“You would not believe the changes in him. And by the way, I have made a vow not to call him that anymore so I would appreciate it if you would desist also.”
“What sort of changes are we talking about?” Someone caught Monty's att
ention across the room, and he raised a hand in greeting just before the young man disappeared into the card room.
Theo waited until Monty's attention was back on him before responding. “Well, for one thing, he is trying very hard not to order every one about as he has always done.”
“A complete reformation then!”
“Hardly that, but I do give him credit for trying. It is as if now he is thinking about having a family of his own, the one he has is even more important to him,” Theo said.
“I have never seen anyone so besotted with a woman as he is over Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” Monty swirled the brandy around in his glass. “But then she is a beautiful and charming creature.”
“Do you know he spent an entire day going from one jeweler to another looking for just the right wedding gift for her?”
“An entire day?” Monty looked incredulous.
Theo massaged his temple. “He asked me to go along, and I foolishly agreed thinking it would give us some time together. I thought trying cases was exhausting! Let me tell you, court is nothing compared to traipsing around after my brother when he is in search of something. He is relentless and very particular!”
Monty laughed. “So have your brother and the lady set a date yet for their wedding?”
“I am not certain. They are discussing a double wedding with Bingley and Elizabeth’s sister Jane.” Just the thought of another wedding was enough to make Theo groan, and he reached for his glass again.
“Good heavens. A double wedding? You told me there were five girls in the Bennet family? Are they all as pretty as the ones I have met?”
“I do not believe you! What are you doing even looking at them? The ones you have met are either married or soon to be married,” Theo exclaimed.
The Darcy Brothers Page 34