The surprise on receiving his client’s answer was evident on Mr. Davis’ face. “How? I mean, I have no doubt as to your ability to do a fine job in caring for your sister, but how can you remain at Pemberley? Harvard must be close to three hours from your home.”
“I contacted the appropriate channels this morning and declined admittance to Harvard and the scholarship. I realized that it was necessary for a decision to be made soon and I made it. I will not allow Georgianna to go through more difficult changes than she already has. The child never knew her mother, now she is fatherless as well. I will not take away her only sibling in favor of my own pursuits.”
“William, that is very noble and selfless of you. But please consider what your father would have wanted. He was so proud that you were going to his alma mater. Would he have wanted you to give up all your hopes and dreams, when you have loving relatives who are willing and able to help you? Have you considered that Georgianna may very well benefit from having a woman in her life?”
Will answered in a calm but decidedly matter-of-fact manner. “Yes, I have considered that. I have considered that more often than you may imagine for the entirety of Georgiana’s young life thus far. But I sincerely believe that it is in Georgie’s best interest to have Mrs. Reynolds, our housekeeper who not only adores her but has lived at Pemberley since I was born, remain as a steady, permanent fixture in my sister’s life. She has kind and competent teachers, as well as a nice group of friends at her school. As far as her loving uncle and aunts go, I am more than happy to have them play a significant, albeit not controlling, role in our lives. I welcome it, as my parents did before me. I am very relieved to know they will have no choice but to accept my decision.”
“Alright, but what about your education? You and I both know how much emphasis your father placed on receiving a good education. You can’t… you shouldn’t sacrifice your future.”
“I won’t be. I am going to Vassar. It is only an hour’s commute, for which I can continue to use my father’s driver. I can use that time to study and still be with Georgiana every morning and evening. Mrs. Reynolds will welcome her home from school, as is our usual routine, and we will both have weekends, school holidays, and summers off.”
“Vassar isn’t Harvard, William. It’s a fine school in its own right, but it’s a Liberal Arts College. The best students wanting to be the best lawyers aren’t exactly beating down their doors.”
“I know. My plan is to major in Criminal Justice during my four undergraduate years at Vassar, where I will work very hard to assure I graduate at the top of my class. That will help me get into grad school. At that point, I’ll have worked out the details of how I’ll be able to finish my schooling at a university as close to Pemberley as possible. I already have some ideas on how that can be managed. However, Mr. Davis, if everything in regards to my own future plans were to come to nothing, but my sister grows up to be a happy and well-adjusted adult, I shall consider my goals met. Taking care of Georgianna has always been and will always remain my highest priority.”
“Very well.” Mr. Davis had seen that same look of determined finality on his friend, Will’s father, on many occasions throughout the years they’d worked together. He decided to say no more on the subject. “Since I have you here, there is another matter I would like to make you aware of. It has to do with Ben Wickham, and by extension, George Wickham.”
Chapter Six
The last will and testament of George Martin Darcy was read.
Mr. Davis began by clarifying why each person was asked to be present, either because they were specifically named in the document or, as in the case of George Wickham, was there as the representative of his father’s estate, Ben Wickham being the one named in the will. William Darcy was acting as his sister’s representative; being a minor, Georgianna’s presence was not required.
Mr. Davis began reading resulting in Catherine de Bourgh being left a trust for `the dispensing of funds on behalf of the Anne Darcy Foundation. It was a charity set up in memory of his beloved wife to feed hungry children by means of an after school and weekend program. His sister-in-law had been the chairwoman for the foundation since its implementation several years prior and would continue as such.
To his brother-in-law, Jim Fitzwilliam, his closest friend and golf buddy, he left his clubs, which Jim had always admired. To his sisters-in-law, nephews and a few other friends he bequeathed personal items to which each of them held a connection.
To Ben Wickham, he left all future proceeds from the restaurant attached to the golf resort.
Mr. Davis finally got to the primary heirs, George Darcy’s children.
“To my only daughter, Georgianna Darcy, I leave a trust in the amount of fifty million dollars to be dispersed according to the discretion of the named executors until her reaching age twenty-one.
And finally to my only son, William Frederick Darcy, I leave all my other worldly possessions, including properties and interest to be held in trust until the age of eighteen.
William Frederick Darcy has been chosen by his natural father, George Martin Darcy, as guardian of Georgianna Darcy, natural child of the deceased, on the condition that William Frederick Darcy is at least but not younger than eighteen years of age. In the event William Frederick Darcy is younger than the specified age at the time of his father’s death, the guardianship of both natural children of George Martin Darcy will be given to James Fitzwilliam, for the interval between George Martin Darcy’s death and his son, William Frederick Darcy becoming age eighteen, when all rights of guardianship will become his.
When the lengthy reading was completed, Mr. Davis asked, “Does anyone have any questions?”
George Wickham was first to speak up. “So, I now own the restaurant? Or at least all the proceeds from the restaurant, is that right?”
Mr. Davis took off his glasses and rubbed the space between his brows. “I had you come here, George because legally you are your father’s only heir, entitling you to all that was his. However, the property bequeathed to Ben by George Darcy will revert back to the estate in the event that the autopsy reports confirm what the police suspect: that Ben died before or at the same time as George Darcy.”
“What are you talking about? What does that even mean?”
“It means that if Ben died before or at the exact same time as George Darcy did, then he never inherited anything. He would have already been deceased, and a deceased person can’t legally inherit anything. The police report shows that George Darcy’s car was struck on the passenger’s side of the vehicle, resulting in Ben, as the passenger, dying immediately. We know this because of the fact that the severity of the injuries to his neck and head would have meant instantaneous death for Ben. George’s injuries, while ultimately fatal, suggest that he may have been killed immediately, but it’s more likely that he may have lived for a short time. Though, you can all take comfort in the fact that it’s unlikely he was conscious for any of the time after the vehicle was struck.”
After hearing Mr. Davis’ sobering information, silence engulfed the room.
“So I get nothing, is that what you’re saying?” George Wickham asked with incredulity.
“Yes, that’s how it turned out, George.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me! Why did you bring me here if you knew I was going to get nothing? Did you want to raise my hopes up just to crush them?”
“George, please,” implored Mr. Davis. “William has mentioned to me some personal effects that he feels his father would want you to have. But George, it’s not as if you’re destitute. You have Ben’s life insurance policy. Handled correctly, it can set you up comfortably.”
“Comfortably? Oh, that’s great! Comfortably compared to set for life, Mr. Davis, is not even in the same ball park, in case you were confused about the differences,” George huffed in frustration.
“George, there are no guarantees about the future of the restaurant, as is the case with any business. Mr. Darcy believed
in your father’s abilities as the best in his profession to continue making the restaurant a success. Had he survived, you would have likely benefitted from your father’s inheriting; but with his death, you have received a different inheritance. Only time will tell which of the two would have been more substantial financially.”
“Oh, who are you trying to fool? We all know the answer to that one! They’ll get a replacement for my father soon enough and business will thrive as usual!” George replied bitterly, before storming out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
No one knew what to say following George’s dramatic exit.
“Well, that was uncouth, I must say,” Catherine de Bourgh broke the silence. “Now, Mr. Davis, am I correct in assuming that because my nephew was named as Georgianna’s guardian, it is he who will appoint someone else as guardian? How does one legally have the transfer made?”
Mr. Davis took a deep breath and stole a look at Will. “Yes, you are correct, Mrs. de Bourgh. If he chooses to appoint someone else as Georgiana’s guardian, I will get the paperwork together. We must go to court in any case, for the judge’s approval. But I don’t expect any problems with whatever William decides. Judges rarely go against the wishes of a deceased parent, unless the named guardian is unfit, which certainly doesn’t apply here.”
“Excellent! Perhaps my nephew and I can remain behind after the others disperse and give you the information you need to get the paper work under way. I’m sure they were on their way out soon anyway.”
Taking the formidable lady’s hint, most of those present said their goodbyes and quickly removed themselves from Mr. Davis’ office.
Noticing Jim, Val and Richard lagging behind, Catherine asked, “Yes? Is there something else you need from Mr. Davis?”
Richard, in his usual playful way, responded, “You did say you wanted your nephew to remain, didn’t you?”
“Not you -William!”
“Oh, sorry, my mistake,” he said, smiling mischievously as he caught Will’s eye.
“Richard, please, not now,” his father reprimanded. “You can wait for us in the car. Will has not informed me of his decision as to who he wants as Georgie’s guardian. Val hasn’t even had her say yet.”
“What does Val have to do with it?” Catherine asked haughtily. “This is our family business.”
Even mild tempered Jim wouldn’t put up with his sister’s arrogance. “Val is more my family than anyone else. She has been my family for longer than I was in our parent’s house with you, Catherine.”
“Oh, do calm down, James! You know what I meant.”
William stood up before the mood in the room got any more hostile. “I have something to say. I want to thank you all for your support and kindness to me and my sister. You have been there for us since our Mom died, and I know you will continue to be there if ever we need you in the future. That having been said, I ask for your understanding when I tell you my decision regarding Georgiana’s guardianship.”
He then went on to describe his feelings on the matter and what he had explained to Mr. Davis earlier that day. The Fitzwilliams asked if he was sure he could handle such a responsibility.
“Well, to be honest, I do believe I am up to the task. However, only time will tell. So I ask you for just that; time. Please do not worry yourselves before there is anything to worry about. I ask that if after some time you feel I am not doing well enough in carrying out my obligations, you may express your concerns, and I will listen.” Walking to where his aunt was seated and putting his hand on her shoulder he added, “Please understand, Aunt Catherine, Georgie and I only have each other left. I’m not ready to let go of that.”
Her nephew’s last words touched his aunt’s heart. She truly cared about him and his sister and knew the pain of having someone you love suddenly taken out of your life.
She reached up to pat his hand. “You know I’ll always be only a phone call away, William,” she assured him with tears forming in her eyes. “And I’m going to take you up on being a significant part of your lives.”
Chapter Seven
In the weeks following the funeral, Will easily managed to keep up with his schoolwork, which wasn’t too difficult considering he was finishing up the last two months of his senior year. As predicted, he was named valedictorian and gave an inspiring speech about facing their futures head on and making the best of what life deals you. Everyone realized he was speaking from experience, which made it all the more meaningful.
George drove up to the graduation ceremony in a shiny new Porsche convertible, rumored to have set him back around sixty thousand dollars. How much he received from his father’s life insurance, no one knew for sure, but the general assumption was that it must have been quite substantial, based on the way he was throwing money around these days.
There were also rumors circulating that George paid someone to hack into the principal’s computer and change the grade Mr. Burns gave him. Besides there being no proof that Wickham was behind it, the Principal felt sorry for him and no action was taken. He received a full scholarship to play football for a college down south.
Will was relieved that within a month after losing their dad, Georgiana was doing rather well. It did, in fact, surprise him at how quickly she seemed to adapt. Of course, things were a lot different for her than they had been for him. He was the difference. She was already used to looking to her brother for guidance.
At the same time he knew taking care of an eight year old was very different from dealing with a teenager. A teenager… He was only a teenager, though he certainly didn’t feel like one. Hadn’t felt like he supposed one would feel, not for a very long time. Sometimes he wished he could be easier going, like Richard.
“Hey, Dad says you’re going to have Carl the Driver bring you back and forth to Vassar. I wouldn’t mind getting in on that,” Richard said as he released the basketball. “Yes! Nothing but net!”
“Please don’t call him that, Richard. Carl is for all intents and purposes a member of the family. And yes, he will be. I wanted to talk to you about that,” Will replied, taking the ball and making a shot of his own, but coming up empty.
“That makes HORSE. Again. I will never understand how you can be as tall as I am but stink at basketball.”
“My heart isn’t in it I suppose. Listen Richard, I’ve been thinking. I could use an extra pair of hands around here once I start college. There are bound to be days when I’m busier than usual, have lots of reading to do or papers to write. And for whatever reason, Georgie enjoys your company,” he joked. “What do you say to moving in here with us and helping out with Georgie when you can? I’ll make it worth your while.”
“What about when I have lots of reading to do or papers to write on the same days you have? How are we going to manage that?”
“Richard, not only are you taking little more than half the classes that I am, but you’re majoring in Art History, a subject you already know more about than anyone I know, considering your mother is the curator for one of the finest museums in the country. Which I suspect, by the way, is why you chose it.”
“Oh, you think you know me so well. For your information, that’s only part of the reason I chose it. The other is that girls really go for the artist types,” Richard corrected, raising his eyebrows up and down.
Will couldn’t help but smile and shake his head. Richard was more than his cousin, he was his best friend. He always brought humor into every situation, usually without playing the fool.
“Well, when we both have busy schedules Mrs. Reynolds is more than willing to make sure Georgie gets her homework done and see to whatever else she may need. Don’t misunderstand me; I fully intend to be available most of the time. If I can’t keep up with my schedule and spend enough time with Georgie, I’ll cut back on a few classes. I would just prefer to have someone she feels comfortable with here when I can’t be. Someone to take her riding and swimming; you know, all the things you do when you’re here anyway. Carl ca
n take us together in the morning and if you finish your classes earlier than I, which we can expect most days, I’ll set up an account for an Uber driver to take you home.”
“What if my classes run later than yours?”
“I’ll set up an account for an Uber driver to take you home.”
Richard laughed. “I may not have a fancy sports car like someone we know,” he rolled his eyes, “but I’ll probably want to drive myself sometimes. So, I guess I can adjust my schedule and make the sacrifice to save your skin. Anyway, you know how our family has always been about getting a degree. I just need to appease the powers that be and then I’ll get the job I really want. Soooo…you said something about making it worth my while…?”
“Yes, I believe that’s only fair. I thought you would like having your own horse. We’ll stable it here, of course. You may keep a horse here for as long as you’d like. Also, the only way I can think of attending a good law school while at the same time being home every evening with Georgiana… is to have someone fly me there every day. Seeing that your dream job is to be a pilot, how would you feel about having your own commuter plane? You’ll need to start flying lessons soon. I imagine it will take four years of experience before I’ll feel comfortable putting my life in your hands,” Will grinned.
“Sweet! Count me in! And, Will, just for the record, I would have done it for nothing. But since you were offering…”
“I know Richard. And, thank you,” Will said sincerely.
Chapter Eight
Settling in to a new routine at Pemberley, Will devoted as much time as possible to Georgiana, making sure he was there if she needed someone to talk to, while Richard’s good humor kept them both entertained. All three of them did well in their respective classes. By the following summer, no one doubted that they were making a success of their situation.
Charles Bingley, a new friend of Will’s, was visiting for the summer. He was interning with Will at Darcy and Associates, and both were enjoying a relaxing day off. Richard was sitting with them around the pool exchanging stories while Georgianna swam, when they heard a familiar voice.
Legally Darcy: A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice Page 3