He walked to his own car, sliding into the seat and hunting for his briefcase. Once he located it, he removed his IPad, opened a draft email, and began to type, explaining everything. He had no idea how long he sat in that seat, how long it took for him to compose his rambling thoughts into a cohesive composition, but when he was done, he went back inside.
“Ah, Roger. I wonder if I might ask a favor of you.”
“A favor? What could the likes of me possibly do for the great Darcy,” Roger replied with a laugh and a back slap.
Darcy had to grit his teeth to ask it. “I was wondering if you would give me Elizabeth Bennet’s email address.”
Roger looked at him, his expression shrewd. “Why should I? No doubt you’re having thoughts about stealing her away from me next summer.”
“My reason for requiring it isn’t important but I can assure you that’s not my immediate intention, although I make no promises for the future.”
“Since I know you’re a man of integrity I’ll believe you. To tell you the truth, it wouldn’t matter anyway. I know she could learn a lot more under your mentorship and gain so much more experience at your firm. I want her to go far so I wouldn’t dream of holding her back. Give me a moment and I’ll get it for you.”
A few minutes later, armed with the required information, Darcy filled it in and hit send before he could change his mind.
******
Sitting in the lecture hall half an hour early as normal, Elizabeth used the time to check her schedule for the day, check her tasks list, and take a look at any email or messages she might have received. She already knew from her smartphone notifications that she had a few waiting for her but she made it a rule never to look at them until she’d arrived and was prepared for her class. Not unless they were from Jane anyway; anything else personal could wait. She read a light and breezy message from Louise that made her chuckle then moved on to the next, promising herself she would reply to Louise during her lunch break.
The sender of the next message had her heart racing, although she wasn’t too sure it was in a good way. [email protected]. What could that insufferable man possibly be emailing her about? She had a good mind to just delete it without even bothering to open it. She seriously considered it. Her finger hovered over the trashcan icon but she found that she couldn’t quite bring herself to do it. Oh, she would throttle whoever had given him her email address when she found out who it was! Unable to ignore her curiosity, she opened the message and began to read.
The public setting required her to contain her anger when he first mentioned Charles and Jane, forcing her into reading everything he had to say on the matter with no outward reaction. Though she hated to admit it, by the time she had his full explanation on the matter, she could perhaps see why he’d considered himself to be acting in Charles’ best interests, although she still felt incredibly insulted. If perhaps this slight had been directed at her and his low opinion of her family had been the only issue, she could probably overlook it. However, she couldn’t possibly excuse what had been done to Jane, no matter his pretty and eloquent reasoning. She moved on to the next passage, raising an eyebrow when Wickham’s name was mentioned. Now this should be worth reading. Let’s see if he could at least be honest about this.
At first, the story matched what she already knew, that they had grown up as friends and become closer still when their fathers had formed a bond. Darcy described Wickham’s father as a good man, hardworking, honest, ethical, and inspired in his chosen profession. He said that his own father took a liking to young George as he was a charismatic boy, and Darcy Senior saw him becoming a great man just like his father. He also revealed the same as what George had done, that his father had told them if they both worked very hard, there might be a possibility of a partnership within his law firm for them both. She felt the same sorrow as she had the first time she heard about the sad circumstances of his mother’s death, and how he and George had grown even closer. George had grown up without a mother as well, she having run off with someone and never contacted her husband or son again. Wait. Didn’t George say his mother had died? That was the point where the telling of the tale began to display subtle differences and additions from the one she’d already heard.
Both of their fathers died tragically in a car accident. A drunk driver hit the passenger’s side of the car, where George’s father Ben sat. Ben was killed instantly. There was another car involved? A drunk driver was responsible for the accident? While it remained the same that Darcy had sought his cousin’s help to raise Georgiana, in this account, Wickham started to go off the rails in high school. He’d been a football star there, but had been caught convincing someone to hack into the Principals computer and change his grades on the subject he was failing at the time due to having discovered women and partying. Elizabeth was shocked at the reason. She could hardly equate this with the man she knew! But as it was one student’s word against another, George received no discipline. He went to college on a full scholarship, but after one year had been expelled for taking money illegally from a scout. Confused, she read on.
When George came back to their hometown, he wanted the position of shared guardianship of Georgiana. The timing was all wrong here; George said he made the offer immediately after their father’s deaths. He became insanely jealous and lashed out at Richard at every opportunity. Darcy said that he and George had already grown apart because of their very different lifestyles during high school, but now in one year’s time having gone through his father’s insurance of a hundred and fifty thousand, and losing the scholarship, George sought him out, reminding him that he was obligated to him through his father’s wishes and telling him that he must abide by them and put him through law school. George said how much the loss of Darcy Senior had hit him as he was such a steadying influence in his life while at the same time, reminding Darcy that if it hadn’t been for him he wouldn’t be fatherless.
‘Even the coldest hearted person would not have been moved,” Elizabeth read. ‘Of course, I relented and granted his request for assistance. I paid the school upfront for three years tuition, only to watch him continue to be extravagant and make bad choices. When he asked for a summer position within my firm, I felt he had given me no option but to refuse. Not only would his lack of knowledge and attitude be detrimental to our reputation and my clients, he also had no real interest in the law or of learning anything. I felt the position was too important and valuable to give away to someone who had no intention of ever making any great contribution in the field but rather was only interested in receiving a salary. Once again, he tried to influence me by using my father’s liking of him and stating his hopes and dreams for his future. It was nothing short of emotional blackmail.
‘I had to remind him that my father had actually said a future would be open to us only if we both worked very hard for it, and point out that he certainly wasn’t doing that. His response was to spread rumors around the campus that my father was directly responsible for his father’s death. I never wanted to see him or hear from him again. I felt that my father would have approved of my actions, both in trying to assist and knowing at what point to give up and let him find his own path in life. I heard soon after that he had changed his major from law to acting, but it was none of my concern by then. My obligations were over. George Wickham had not turned out the man we’d hoped he would be. The information I have shared with you is well documented.’
Elizabeth sat back in her seat, dumbfounded. It was essentially the same story, yet each account laid the blame firmly at the other’s feet. She was horrified that as a budding lawyer considered one of the best in her year, she wasn’t entirely sure which account to believe. She should be able to tell! Even though she was still furious with Darcy over the whole Jane and Charles situation, she had to admit that she was leaning towards his version as being the truth. She didn’t have time to give it the thought it deserved, though, as it was soon time for her class to begin and she had to shut down
her smartphone and put it out of her mind.
Later that day, Elizabeth found herself dwelling on it all and made a spur of the moment decision. She gave Jennifer a call and spent a few moments making small talk before throwing in a casual enquiry about George.
“Oh him, yeah he’s still working here and is as incorrigible as ever but guess what? He dumped that new receptionist and is now dating a trainee file clerk. As if the receptionist wasn’t young enough as it was, this girl looks like she’s barely out of high school!”
“That must be causing a bit of scandal.”
Jennifer lowered her voice. “It is, but can I tell you something else in complete confidence?”
“Of course, isn’t that what lawyers are for?” Elizabeth said with a laugh.
“The accounting department brought something to the office manager a short while back. Something wasn’t adding up. There’s a hush-hush investigation going on at the moment.”
“No! And they think it might somehow involve George?”
“That’s the whisper, although last I heard there wasn’t any definite proof yet. I daresay he won’t be the only one being looked at, but, well, you know.”
Elizabeth did. She knew exactly what Jennifer was saying without actually saying it. She believed George was guilty. That certainly put a different light on things in terms of what she believed about Darcy, but it still didn’t excuse him from breaking her sister’s heart. She decided to leave things alone for the time being and without replying she deleted the email.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
During the winter break from school Elizabeth found herself sitting next to Jennifer on a plane to Las Vegas. It wasn’t somewhere she ever planned on going willingly; but Roger had invited a number of interns, along with his other employees to attend an all-expense paid trip to the huge conference there, complete with lectures and question and answer sessions hosted by some of the best legal minds in the country. As much as she wanted to go, Elizabeth hesitated because of who else might be in attendance. In the end, Jennifer and a few others from the office talked her into it.
On their last night there, after the conference was officially over, it seemed like practically everyone in attendance was ready to have some fun and take advantage of what Vegas had to offer. Elizabeth wasn’t interested in their kind of partying and slipped out on her own. She made her way to the in house restaurant and took a seat at the bar.
“What can I get for you, Miss?”
“I would like something decadent, creamy and delicious, but not too strong. What do you recommend?”
“For a limited time we have an Italian eggnog martini to die for, complete with peppermint stick garnish,” the bartender suggested.
“Oh yes, that sounds perfect. And what kind of appetizer would you pair with that?”
A voice behind her answered her question. “I believe I can recommend the spiced banana nut crostini or the cheese straws.”
Elizabeth didn’t need to turn around to know who was speaking. Taking a stool next to hers, he said, “Hello Lizzy. It’s been awhile.”
“It has. How have you been, George?”
“Great, just great. Very well rested after falling asleep through most of the lectures this weekend,” he joked. “How about you? Still hitting the books hard?”
“Oh yes. I must admit I’ve been looking forward to having some time off to sleep in and be lazy.”
“Well, you certainly are looking fantastic. I sure have missed my favorite intern. How about grabbing a bite after drinks?”
“Um, I really can’t. I’ve got my heart set on seeing Celine Dion’s show. I heard it’s fabulous. Listen, can I leave my drink here while I go freshen up?” she asked the bartender. “And I’ll go with the crostini please. Goodbye, George.”
George watched her until she turned the corner and was out of sight.
“Can I get anything for you, sir?”
“Yes, I’ll take a dirty martini please.”
“Coming right up,” the bartender said as he turned to gather the ingredients. Scanning the area to make sure no one was looking, Wickham took the opportunity to slip a little something into Lizzy’s drink. Well Lizzy, I don’t think you’re going to make that show tonight, he thought smugly.
As the bartender set his drink in front of him, Will took a seat a few chairs down. Not noticing any other patrons at first, he ordered a seven and crown before looking around, and spotting Wickham. George raised his glass in greeting. Before Will had time to react, a group of attendees entered the bar area.
“Well, if it isn’t Will Darcy!” one of the men in the group said loudly.
Ignoring George, Will answered, “Oliver! I didn’t know you were here. How are you, my friend?”
“Oh, I can’t complain. Guess I could, but what’s the fun in that, right?” he gave a hearty laugh. “Let me introduce you around, though I think you know most of these thieves in lawyers clothing. Say, how about joining us for dinner and catching up?”
“I’d love to,” Will answered, ready to get as far away from Wickham as possible.
“That’s great; man it’s good to see you! Come on- looks like our table is ready.”
“Sir! Sir!” the bartender called after Will, who was following the noisy group into the main dining room. “He forgot his drink,” he offhandedly commented to George.
Elizabeth walked up, disappointed to see George still sitting there. She had been joined by a couple dozen from the firm George worked for. “Look who we found,” Stacey from accounting said. “First this one,” indicating Lizzy, “and now Georgie boy! Come on you two, the conference room is set up with a complimentary bar. We’re headed there now.”
“I really can’t; I have other plans,” Elizabeth begged off.
“Then I do too,” George answered giving Elizabeth a look she understood completely.
“I’ve already told you no once, George,” she said firmly. “I haven’t changed my mind.”
Taken aback by her cold reply and with Stacey pressing him to join her, he quickly weighed his options. He couldn’t afford to get on Stacey’s bad side. George stood up to leave. “Well, it was good seeing you again, Lizzy. Enjoy Celine.”
The group lingered, some noticing Elizabeth for the first time, stopping to chat and inviting her to join them. Remembering Darcy’s drink, a delightful thought occurred to George. He made his way over to where Will had left it, and with all the commotion going on and the bartender at the other end waiting on other customers who had come in, George slipped the rest of what he had on him into the drink. Looking around, he spotted a hostess and made his way towards her.
“Excuse me Miss, but my friend left his drink at the bar. Would you be so kind as to bring it to his table? He’s with the large party at the round table in the center there. He’s the one with the red tie.”
“Of course,” she answered and hurried off to fulfill the request.
George stepped back and watched as Darcy took the drink from the young woman, thanked her and took a sip. Ha! Now let’s see what your admirers think of you when you start to slur your words and get drunk on one drink, Mr. High and Mighty!
George went back to the group and left arm in arm with one of his coworkers, grinning from ear to ear and congratulating himself for his cleverness.
After finishing his drink, Will placed his order for a glass of wine to be served with his food before excusing himself from the table, and headed to the restrooms. He glanced at the bar to see if Wickham was still there, but to his shock, he saw Miss Bennet instead.
He hesitated for an instant but decided he wanted to speak to her more than he wanted to avoid her.
She looked his way as he approached.
“Mr. Darcy!”
Seeing those eyes looking at him he faltered. “Miss Bennet. Have you been enjoying yourself? At the conference, I mean?”
“Yes, very much, thank you. I didn’t know you were here. There is quite a crowd this weekend, much more than I expect
ed.”
“Yes, I believe it is the largest attendance there’s… um, excuse me, I think I need to sit down for a minute. I believe they must make their drinks rather on the strong side here. Then again, I haven’t eaten anything today, which may have something to do with it.”
Elizabeth nodded a bit too enthusiastically in agreement and said in reply, “I’m finding the same thing. Though I rarely drink, so that must be the reason I’m feeling the effects already. Your tie is very red.”
“Yes, it’s a power color,” Will replied. “And your family, they are well?”
“Oh, you know…” was the only answer she managed.
“I’m feeling rather flushed. I think I need to cool off in the fountain,” Will said as he stood with difficulty.
“Now that’s an idea I can get behind,” Elizabeth said before she burst out laughing.
Will began to laugh with her, first softly then so hard he had trouble catching his breath.
“Let’s go then,” he said, taking her arm to help steady her and himself.”
When they reached the fountain in the expansive lobby, Elizabeth said, “That beautiful.”
“You are beautiful, Elizabeth.”
“So are you, Mr. Darcy.”
A concerned Oliver walked up to the bar and looked around. Even if his friend had taken ill suddenly, it wasn’t like the always responsible William Darcy to disappear without at least sending a message back to the table.
“Excuse me, bartender, but did you happen to see the gentleman I met up with earlier come through here? He seems to have disappeared.”
The bartender smiled, “I wouldn’t worry about him, sir. He left arm in arm with a very pretty young woman he seemed to know from the conference.”
Oliver raised his eyebrows in surprise and amusement. “You don’t say? Well, thanks.” As he walked back to his table he wondered about the woman who could make Darcy forget all his well-bred manners. A smile crossed his face. She must be some woman.
Legally Darcy: A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice Page 15