My Beginning With Mr. Darcy [Book One]

by Lauren King

  William chuckles and shakes his head at the same time while saying, “That will never happen because I know you will not spend like that. It is not in your nature. Even if you do go shopping, it is not as if I could not afford it for you. You do have some idea of the Darcy wealth, do you not, dearest? I am not boasting; I only want you to be aware so that you will never have to be frugal. I know you will not spend senselessly; therefore, I want you to buy what you want without worry. Allow me to give you that security.”

  “I will say it again. I am blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for being so generous with me.” Elizabeth’s face is filled with love for William; she wants to kiss him but refrains.

  “I will always provide for you. I am also blessed to have you.” William states tenderly as he quickly caresses Elizabeth’s cheek, and then he holds her hand in both of his as they continue to chat joyously.

  After William and Georgiana leaves, the sisters go to Jane’s bedroom chamber to talk about her visit with Mr. Morgan.

  “Mr. Morgan asked to call upon me tomorrow morning again. I think he is going to ask for a courtship. He said that he had something to ask me.”

  “That is good, Jane.”

  Jane sighs deeply then continues. “I am partial to him, Lizzy.” Jane says sadly. “I will tell him about the potential of Lydia’s problem, and then we will see what happens.”

  Elizabeth interjects, “If only he will wait a few more days because Papa, Mama, and Lydia will be back at Longbourn by then. We could send an express to find out the result of all this. If all goes well, then you will not have to mention any of this. Although, somehow, I still think that is hiding something from him.” Elizabeth sighs.

  “However, if Lydia is married then her personal situation is her own. Since it will no longer be a direct problem for us at that point then Mr. Morgan does not need to know. That is not manipulative, right?” Elizabeth sighs heavily again. “Goodness, Lord! I do not know anymore, Jane. All I can say is that I am blessed to have William. What are you going to do?” Elizabeth becomes irritated because of the trouble that they have to endure.

  Jane serenely replies, “I will tell Mr. Morgan that Lydia is having problems with the man she loves. They plan to marry next week, but if he dishonors his word, then her reputation will be ruined. That will affect all of our reputations which could lead to our suitor’s reputation too. I will warn him to think about it carefully because he will need an impeccable reputation if he plans to advance into a judgeship in the future. That is his goal, and I do not want to contribute to its downfall.”

  “Yes, I think that will be fair to inform him like that. He seems to be an upstanding man who is not easily frightened. You truly like him, Jane?”

  “Yes, I do. I guess because there were no impediments to our acquaintance, it made it easy for us to talk to each other freely and show our partiality for one another. I am very happy for that because in comparing this acquaintance with that of Mr. Bingley’s, there is a clear difference in my feelings. My feelings are more mature with Mr. Morgan. I think that may be due to us having to endure Lydia’s problem and Mr. Bingley’s retreat. My feelings for Mr. Bingley were...perhaps not as deep…yet – at that time. Conversely, my feelings for Mr. Morgan are more serious. I am not saying that Mr. Bingley and I would not have been successful in our relationship if it went that far. The only impediment would have been Miss Bingley. Obviously, I may have to contend with Mr. Morgan’s family too, and they may turn out to be similar to Miss Bingley which I am praying not to be true. Nevertheless, I feel Mr. Morgan is the type of man that will stand up for me – Mr. Bingley did not. I hope my assumptions about Mr. Morgan are correct; otherwise, I will be back to the beginning, again.”

  “I understand completely, Jane.” Elizabeth commiserates with her beloved sister.

  CHAPTER 13

  ****************

  WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31st

  At ten o’clock Jane is ready to face the consequences. She is glad to be done with it one way or another. It will be a new year – hopefully a good new year. Mr. Morgan comes into the drawing room with a very happy demeanor. All greetings are relayed by Mrs. Gardiner, Jane, and Elizabeth. After a quick talk of all the balls around town, Mrs. Gardiner excuses herself to go be with the children. Elizabeth says that she will get Athena to come in here so that she can practice her reading with Elizabeth. Jane and Mr. Morgan are left alone with the door completely opened.

  “Miss Bennet, you look lovely as usual.” Morgan says cheerily.

  “Thank you, Mr. Morgan.” Jane answers demurely with a pretty smile.

  “Will you be attending Mr. Salisbury’s New Year’s Eve Ball tonight with Darcy and Miss Elizabeth?”

  “Yes, I will be attending. And you, sir? Will you be spending the evening with your family?” Jane asks amiably. She really hopes that he will be at this ball. She would like to spend some more time with him.

  “No, I will also be attending the same ball. May I take this opportunity to ask you for your first set, Miss Bennet?”

  “Yes, you may have my first set, sir.” Jane smiles shyly and happily; she knows the significance of this request.

  “Miss Bennet, please allow me to say that I find you all that is pretty, kind, caring, sensible, and understanding. I have enjoyed my calls here immensely, and I feel that we are a good match for a good future. I hope that my feelings for you are reciprocated because I would dearly like to request a courtship with you. My intentions are honorable, Miss Bennet.” Morgan states straightforwardly and to the point.

  Jane actually feels a thrill course throughout her body. She will be very happy to be in a courtship with Mr. Morgan, but she has to do the right thing, first, and then see how Mr. Morgan will react. This will show her the type of man he is.

  “Mr. Morgan, I thank you for your compliments. I will be bold and tell you that your feelings are reciprocated.” Jane responds softly while blushing; afterwards, she ploughs right through. “I need to tell you something that could be relevant to your decision in wanting to court me.”

  Jane explains to Mr. Morgan what she had told Elizabeth yesterday.

  Morgan listens intently. He is certain he heard everything correctly, but he wants to make certain. “They will be getting married, then?”

  “Yes, that has been agreed upon but no marriage contract has been signed by my Father. The sergeant may still back out which is why I am compelled to warn you about the potential effect on your reputation if you decide to court me. I do not ever want to contribute adversely to your career’s downfall or have you misperceive me in any way. I will fully understand if you should feel that you cannot abide by such a problem. There is no blame here, Mr. Morgan.” Jane explains steadily and reassuringly. She cannot blame him or anyone.

  “Miss Bennet, you say that you return my feelings?” Morgan asks with optimism.

  “Yes.” Jane replies softly as she looks down at her hands on her lap.

  “Then I am not worried. Miss Bennet, if you truly care for me, then I will be able to handle this potential problem. I doubt that your Father or Darcy will allow this sergeant to get away with ruining your sister’s reputation. Darcy’s reach is far and wide; this sergeant will be a fool if he crosses Darcy. Darcy is the epitome of a gentleman, but he will not allow anyone to hurt his family. I can clearly decipher that he considers Miss Elizabeth his family. Now, in the courts of law, this sergeant should not cross me either. Between Darcy and me, we will inform this sergeant that it will be to his best interest not to dishonor your youngest sister.” Morgan smiles with satisfaction. “Can I have your official answer now, Miss Bennet?”

  “Are you certain, Mr. Morgan?” Jane asks sincerely and with hope that Mr. Morgan is truly acceptable of this and will not decide to retreat from their courtship later on when her feelings are fully invested in their relationship.

  “Yes, I am positive.” Morgan answers confidently.

  Jane replies shyly but joyously. “I am glad to accept y
our courtship, sir.”

  Morgan smiles handsomely while saying, “Then, I will get your Uncle’s consent first. When do you expect him, Miss Bennet?”

  “My Uncle will be home around noon time, sir. I will let him know that you wish to speak with him. My Uncle has the authority to answer for my Father regarding me and my sister.”

  “I am very glad.” Morgan responds satisfyingly while smiling handsomely at Miss Bennet.

  “Will you mind waiting here while I go check with my Aunt about when my Uncle is expected?” Jane is ecstatic inside; Mr. Morgan accepts her family problem!

  “I will wait right here, Miss Bennet.” Morgan smiles joyously as he stands and she walks out of the room.

  When Jane comes back to the drawing room, Elizabeth and Athena are with her. Jane tells Mr. Morgan that her Aunt has invited him to stay for luncheon. Morgan accepts with alacrity.

  Darcy arrives at the Gardiner residence at half past noon and is greeted most eagerly by Elizabeth. She says quietly for only William to hear, “I missed you, darling.” Elizabeth smiles charmingly at William, and then she says in her normal voice, “Mr. Darcy, Mr. Morgan has been visiting with us.”

  “Morgan, how are you?” Darcy asks cordially.

  “I am well, Darcy. How are you?” Morgan answers cheerfully with a wide grin.

  “I am very well now.” Darcy looks contentedly at Elizabeth immediately after responding to Morgan. Darcy notices Morgan’s unmistakable joy.

  “Mr. Darcy, Mr. Morgan will be joining us for luncheon too.” Elizabeth says cheerily.

  “Oh, how nice.” Darcy replies good-naturedly.

  Darcy understands that means Morgan, most likely, has asked and has been accepted to be in a courtship with Jane; otherwise, he would not have been invited to stay for luncheon. This means that Morgan is tolerant of Miss Lydia’s problem. Darcy really believes that Sergeant Denny will not be a big problem, especially if Darcy motivates him with some money or some threats. He will definitely ensure that Elizabeth will not have to endure this shame; Darcy will not allow that.

  Most likely, Bingley has lost Jane; he made a big mistake. If only he endured this a little longer, it would have worked out. Perhaps, Bingley did not care for Jane as much as he thought. It is more likely that this obstacle was too much for him to overcome. Well, in any case, it is too late now. Jane is not fickle; she honestly likes Morgan and will not simply go back to Bingley if he should change his mind.

  They all will see each other tonight at the ball, anyways; that will be very interesting to see how these two men will interact once they know that Jane is in a courtship with Morgan. Darcy is quite upset at Bingley for not standing up for his own happiness; he will surely regret losing Jane. It is not that Darcy is against Morgan winning Jane’s hand; it is because Bingley is a very good person. Bingley deserves the happiness that he could find with Jane; alas, he is too late. Morgan also deserves Jane’s love because he is a good man too; more importantly, he is willing to stand up for her. Furthermore, if Jane genuinely wants a future with Morgan, then there is no better reason than that. Bingley has lost Jane.

  They all sit at the sofa when Athena comes to ask that Jane and Elizabeth come to speak with her Mother. When the ladies leave, Morgan tells Darcy the good news.

  “Well, congratulations, Morgan! You must be very happy. I am glad for you.” Darcy says jovially while they shake hands heartily.

  Darcy has always thought that Morgan was a decent fellow; they got along well at Oxford. They drifted apart, somewhat, after graduation because Darcy became overwhelmingly busy with his duties and responsibilities after his Father passed. They saw each other multiple times throughout the last few seasons and always had fun talking and catching up with each other’s lives. They considered each other good friends, even now. Darcy is genuinely happy for Morgan. He is just sad for Bingley.

  “Thank you, Darcy. Indeed, I am very happy. Jane is a delightful young lady with whom I have the most honorable intentions.”

  “I am very glad to hear that. You have spoken with Mr. Gardiner already?”

  “No, I have not; I await his return home to speak to him directly.”

  “Good.”

  A few moments later, Mr. Gardiner enters the drawing room and all three men greet each other. After Darcy makes the introductions, Mr. Gardiner quickly excuses himself and requests to speak to Darcy in his study. Obviously, Darcy accepts promptly; he senses Mr. Gardiner’s urgency. Morgan does not get a chance to ask for an audience with Mr. Gardiner before Darcy and Mr. Gardiner leave the drawing room in haste.

  Mr. Gardiner expresses his exigency. “Mr. Darcy, I hate to bother you with this but it is urgent, and I need your assistance in a very important matter.”

  Darcy is even more alert and rushes, “Mr. Gardiner, I will assist you in any way I can; please, speak your mind.”

  “Do you know any Bow Street Runners that are willing to come to my warehouse and stand guard for a couple of days – just to show their presence? I just want to scare off a couple of hooligans. I am sure Lizzy told you what happened in regards to my business that led to the robbery?”

  “Yes, she has. I do know of a couple of Bow Street Runners. I can try to contact them, but I have another idea.”

  “What is it, Mr. Darcy?”

  “I can contact Richard to bring some of his off duty soldiers who want to make some extra money to stand guard for you. With their uniforms on, it would make common hooligans think twice about trying to rob a place that is teeming with the military. Will that also work for you?”

  “Good Lord; yes! That is a great idea!” Mr. Gardiner replies excitedly.

  “However, that may work against you too because the hooligans may think that you must have something very valuable to be guarded by the military or the Bow Street Runners.”

  “Yes, you are right, but I have to do something to scare these hooligans away from my business once and for all.”

  “I think you will simply have to hire more men to guard your business, but for now let us try to scare these hooligans away with Richard’s men.”

  “Yes, that is what I will do. Do you think Colonel Fitzwilliam will be able to help me?”

  “I am certain he will if he is able. There are always soldiers on leave that want to make extra money and from what I have heard, Richard’s men are decent men that could use some extra funds whenever they can find the work. Let us go to Richard’s head quarters immediately, then.” Darcy explains plainly.

  Mr. Gardiner is greatly relieved for Darcy’s suggestion. “Yes, let me inform Mrs. Gardiner, and then we will leave straight away.”

  “Yes, I would like to let Lizzy know also.” Darcy says thoughtfully.

  “Certainly.” Mr. Gardiner answers readily as he leads Darcy to where the ladies are with the children.

  Mr. Gardiner can tell that Mr. Darcy honestly loves and cares for Elizabeth. He is very thoughtful of her like a husband would be. Mr. Gardiner is very happy for his niece to have been blessed with such an excellent betrothed. In a rush, Mr. Gardiner leads Darcy into their sitting room where the children are playing and Mrs. Gardiner is talking with Elizabeth and Jane. The men quickly tell their respective ladies what they must do without delay; this scares the ladies, but they recognize that it has to be done at once. They warn their men to be extra careful. Jane is very worried for what is happening, and she figures that Mr. Morgan has not gotten the opportunity to speak with her Uncle yet. However, it is imperative that her Uncle attends to his current problem, thus she does not say anything about Mr. Morgan requesting an audience with him.

  Darcy reminds Elizabeth that she should not go out anywhere until he returns and she replies, “Darling, please be very careful when you are there. Will you come back here right after you and Uncle hire the soldiers?”

  “I will see what else your Uncle will need my assistance in, and then I will come back. Do not worry, dearest.” Darcy looks up to see Mr. Gardiner looking at him. They both say good bye
to the ladies and all of them hurry out to the drawing room to farewell Morgan.

  “Mr. Morgan, I apologize for my hasty retreat from luncheon today. An important business matter has come up that cannot be delayed. Please, stay and enjoy the luncheon with these three lovely ladies. I hope to be able to talk with you further on your next visit. Forgive us, Mr. Darcy and I must leave, straight away.”

  “Certainly, Mr. Gardiner. By all means, please take care of your situation. Is there anything I can help you with?” Morgan wants to help if he can, but the problem appears to be rather personal, and he understands that Mr. Gardiner would not want to expose it to his niece’s new suitor.

  “I thank you, no. I appreciate your offer, Mr. Morgan.” Mr. Gardiner hurriedly turns to ask, “Mr. Darcy, are you ready to leave?”

  “Yes, we should hurry, Mr. Gardiner.” Darcy replies at once.

  Fortuitously, Darcy finds Richard at his head quarters getting ready to leave. Darcy and Mr. Gardiner explain everything. Richard gathers five soldiers that want the extra work, and they all head to Mr. Gardiner’s business. Mr. Gardiner and the other seven men walk into his warehouse offices and the soldiers are shown around. All of the remaining warehouse workers are made aware of the five soldiers securing the premises for the next few days. Mr. Gardiner’s warehouse manager – Mr. Jennings tells Mr. Gardiner that the two hooligans are coming and going. He has seen them walking around the docks pretending to look at the one ship down at the end of the dock.

  Richard volunteers his ideas on guarding Mr. Gardiner’s warehouse and dealing with the two hooligans. Mr. Gardiner agrees with Richard’s suggestions, and then everything is put into place. After about two hours, everyone is situated where they should be, and they are told what they should do. Some of the regular warehouse workers agree to stay overnight tonight to make sure everything runs smoothly, especially with new people around. Mr. Jennings lets Mr. Gardiner know that he saw the two hooligans leave the docks when they saw the soldiers. Mr. Gardiner informs Mr. Jennings that whoever is not staying on the overnight shift should go home at their usual time. If there is anything that needs immediate attention, then Mr. Jennings is in charge, and he should contact Mr. Gardiner directly, as needed.