Knowing her friend, Miss Armitage, was staying in her aunt’s home, and had invited her to stay with her anytime, Caroline made her way to Regent Street. Miss Bingley was shown into the drawing room, where Miss Armitage and her aunt were taking tea.
“Caroline, I had no idea that you had returned to Town. What a pleasure to see you.” Ruth Armitage exclaimed.
“Oh, Ruth, my brother has been absolutely horrible. I have never seen him be so awful. And Louisa was beside him in treating me poorly. They are determined to keep me a slave to the family, not allowing me to be courted by a gentleman who found me to be charming. If I have any hope of marrying and having a life of my own, I must do so away from them. They even threatened me with sending me to our aunt’s home in Scotland if I did not live by their decisions for my life.”
“But your brother is such a gentle and kind man. I cannot believe he would be so cruel.” Miss Armitage exclaimed.
Caroline had tears welling up in her eyes. “The gentleman was a dear friend of Charles, and my brother would not have it. He is also angry because I spoke against the young lady he had claimed as his latest love, for she is a country nobody. His words were that if he could not marry where his heart lay, he would forbid me to be happy.”
Miss Armitage was shocked. “You poor dear. Well, you are fortunate to have arrived when you did. We have a dinner party planned for this very evening. My aunt has invited several young men who are looking for wives. There is one in particular I was planning to write to you with regards to introducing you to him. Mr Geoffrey Goodman. He has an estate in Devon, and has a fortune close to that of your brother’s. Mr Goodman is somewhat timid, though I think you would be perfect for him.”
“Well, I would be willing to meet him.” Caroline pretended to be shy about the situation. “Would there be a problem staying here with you for a fortnight? I do not wish to deal with my brother or sister, and I know the staff at Hurst’s townhouse would inform them of every move I make.”
“You are always welcome, Caroline. Is that not correct, Aunt?” Mrs Armitage nodded her head. “You are welcome, Miss Bingley. I can remember being the youngest sibling and the officiousness of my brothers in particular.”
“It is frustrating that they will not allow me to find the same sort of happiness that they wish for in their own lives.” Caroline stated, wiping at the tears.
“Let me show you to the rooms you may use while here.” Miss Armitage said as she looped her arm with Caroline’s.
~~ ** ~~ Viscount Anthony Fitzwilliam was furious when his brother arrived at their estate. Richard was a colonel in the regulars and was one of the most honorable men in England, only a hair below their cousin, Darcy. Their father’s apoplexy attack had been during an argument with Anthony, and the heir knew that his proper brother would be a pain to live with.
“Richard, there is no need for you to be here. If Father’s condition worsens, I can send you an express.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam ignored his brother’s obvious attempt to be rid of him. “I appreciate your offer, Anthony, but I am determined to be of assistance to Father. Aunt Anne sent for me, as she said Father wished me here. Until Father tells me to leave, I will remain here.”
“I am just saying that it is not necessary. I am sure your time training the new men would be better than sitting around here.” “Oh, it is a pleasant holiday from my duties. I will enjoy riding about the estate and seeing what improvements are needed for the tenants. With the snow setting in early this year, it is necessary to ensure the tenants are safe and sound in their homes, though I am sure that it has slipped your mind. I will meet with the steward later to go over the books. I wish to assist Father in whatever way I can.”
“You will not inherit the estate, what business is it of yours to tend to the affairs here? You are being nosy and presumptuous. I am more than capable of handling the estate matters until Father recovers.”
Richard stood, extending himself to his full height. Being a tall and muscularly built man, the Colonel had learned to use his size to intimidate rather than fight his brother. “Anthony, until the day Father dies, you are not the Master of Matlock. You have already shown your inability to manage the affairs of your own life, let alone the estate. I will not stand by and watch the estate be destroyed by your frivolous life style.”
Anthony became irate. “How dare you speak to me so? You are the second born, the spare, and you are worthless with regards to the estate. You should return to your unit and leave the important matters to the heir of the estate. And, in case you forgot, that is me.”
“YOU WILL STOP THIS IMMEDIATELY!” came the voice of their aunt. Lady Anne had heard the conversation and had had her fill of her eldest nephew. “Anthony, you are a disgrace. If my father knew of your behavior, he would have cut you from the inheritance. As it is, your behavior has caused such a decline in the estate’s income that it may be a moot point. Unless there are large surpluses of funds come to the estate, my brother may be forced to sell it in its entirety. Then you will be heir to what, a whole lot of nothing. Your mother spoiled you, and what good has come from it? You are to blame for your father’s condition as well. I know you were arguing with him over your debts he was attempting to cover. You nearly killed your father. I have left strict orders that you are not to be left alone with my brother, for I do not trust you to not harm him further.”
“Aunt, I will ask you to leave this house
immediately.” Anthony bellowed. “You have no standing to order me about, or to dictate to the staff as to who may or may not visit Father.”
Richard moved towards his brother, grabbing hold of the Viscount’s coat front. “You will apologize to Aunt Anne or I will beat you until you apologize to her. I will not allow you to treat our aunt with such disrespect.”
“Take your hands off me this moment.” Anthony demanded. “You will be cut from your allowance as soon as Father dies. You will not get one coin from me.”
“There is no coin for you to give anyone.” Richard stated loudly. “You have wasted everything our family built up over generations. I have saved money from my wages, and I still have my inheritance from Grandmother Fitzwilliam. You, on the other hand, have nothing after Matlock is gone. However will you live?” Richard really had no care what happened to his brother after their father was gone. At that point, Richard was determined he would wash his hands clean of his elder brother.
“I will marry. The dowry of my wife will be enough to sustain me and keep the estate from total ruin.” Anthony was desperate.
“Who would be foolish enough to allow you to marry their daughter? Only a wealthy businessman who wished to rise in society and you would never stoop so low.” Lady Anne stated.
“You could speak to Darcy again. I am sure that you can convince him to assist me with my debts. He has been comfortable for quite some time, and has more than he needs to run Pemberley and Darcy House.”
“He is also saving towards improvements to his estate, and preparing for his future children when he marries. Why should he throw away his future because you cannot control your indulgences? William deserves to be happy, to find a wife and have children. He has the right to pass on his inheritance to his heir, not bail out his cousin.”
“And Albert is set against my marrying Georgiana in the future? Her dowry would save the family and the estate.”
“My husband and my son agree that Georgiana will not be brokered in marriage to you. And I agree as well. Georgiana is only a child, it will be many years before she is old enough to marry anyone, but we will not arrange a marriage to someone who is irresponsible.”
Fury overcame the Viscount. “None of you will lift a finger to assist me? I am to be abandoned to the streets, with no one to care whether I live or die?”
“You have made your bed, Brother. Now you shall have to lay in it.” Richard stated as he let go of his brother’s coat and left the room.
Once Lady Anne returned to her brother’s side, Anthony
stepped to the sideboard and poured a drink. Seething, he took the drink and stood by the fireplace, watching the flames dancing about. “I will make each and every one of you pay for your treatment of me.”
~~ ** ~~ It had been a week since Caroline Bingley disappeared from Netherfield, and still no word was to be had. Bingley had mended, but was still quite agitated with his sister’s behavior. He feared her future attacks against those she was angered with, and prayed daily that she would behave. His greatest fear was any harm she might cause the Bennet family.
Each day had seen Bingley and Darcy visiting Longbourn and enjoying time spent in the company of the eldest Bennet sisters. The young men were delighted with the time they were able to know the young ladies better, and were often invited to dine with the family. Bingley was pleasantly surprised to see his friend so taken with Miss Elizabeth; he had never seen Darcy so taken with anyone. Darcy in love was most interesting, as the Master of Pemberley was like a young lad, making a fool of himself with his besotted ways.
Unknown to Bingley, Darcy had been meeting Elizabeth at Oakham Mount each morning. Their conversations had ranged from their favorite childhood memories to their dreams for the future. They had each spoken of their favorite poets, composers, even their idea of the perfect day. Though Elizabeth was fighting hard to keep from admitting it, she was well on her way of falling in love with the bold man who announced his intentions towards her the first day of their acquaintance. She wished for more time to pass, to assure herself that it was not a passing fancy she was feeling. Marriage was a lifelong journey with someone else. And Elizabeth wished to marry for the strongest reason, a great love.
In her heart, Elizabeth knew she had found this love with Darcy. All she needed to do was convince her mind that it was true.
~~ ** ~~ George Wickham sat in a pub in London, drinking his ale. The man who sat near him was offering a job and a way to exact revenge against his longtime nemesis, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Wickham had grown up at Pemberley; his father was the steward for the previous Mr Darcy. Old Mr Wickham took care of the estate after Darcy’s father died, making sure that Pemberley was protected for the prince of the estate to return to his throne. Wickham was furious with his father, taking care of the young master’s interest rather than assisting his own son in taking over for Darcy.
Darcy’s father had provided in his will for Wickham to attend school, just as the young prince, though Old Mr Darcy had decided on his godson taking orders and inheriting a comfortable living at the village of Kympton. This was the furthest thing from young Wickham’s desires. He had grown accustomed to being important, flaunting the fact that he was the godson of the previous Master of Pemberley and demanding being treated as he felt he deserved.
Wickham had abused many of the young ladies who worked at the estate. From upstairs maids to tenant daughters, Wickham meant to conquer as many as possible, thinking he was a great lover who would be greatly desired.
His father died the year after Wickham and Darcy graduated from the University. Having seen Wickham’s taste for the ladies, and his taking them willingly or not, Darcy decided to put an end to the young man’s behavior at Pemberley. Knowing Wickham would never take orders, nor should he be in such a profession, Darcy settled the sum of three thousand pounds added to the one thousand that was written in Darcy’s father’s will. He gave the funds to his former friend and forbade Wickham to ever return to Pemberley.
Two years went by until Wickham was desperate for assistance. He made his way to Pemberley and claimed his desire to take orders, wishing to accept the living at Kympton. Darcy refused to give him the living, stating he had already been compensated for giving it up. This infuriated Wickham. In his mind, he felt that he was owed more than a mere four thousand pounds. After all, it was Wickham’s father who had kept Pemberley productive and strong. Wickham saw himself as the heir to Pemberley, not Darcy.
With Darcy’s refusal to give Wickham more funds, the latter decided that one day, he would find a way to seek revenge against his childhood friend. This came in the form a young lady named Victoria Lawson. Victoria was the sister of one of Darcy’s university friends, and Darcy took a liking to the young lady. Wickham was in London, attempting to find ways to acquire funds, when he saw Miss Lawson again. Though Darcy had come to think of Miss Lawson more as a sister, Wickham knew that he could strike at Darcy through her.
Charming the young lady was simple, Wickham was well versed in such behavior. When it came time for the innocent Miss Lawson to succumb to
Wickham’s seduction, she refused. That did not stop Wickham, as he had no compulsion in forcing himself upon young ladies. He took her virtue, leaving her battered in the process. He also left her with something else. Several months later, Wickham heard Miss Lawson had drowned. The truth was learned later, Victoria Lawson could not live with her disgrace and killed herself and the unborn babe she carried. Wickham made certain that Darcy knew that the babe had been his.
Now, this man before him wished to pay him to bring more misery to Darcy. “My employer wishes to hire you to bring Fitzwilliam Darcy to disgrace. He wishes to make the disgrace publically known, ruining his good name forever.” The man, calling himself Culiver, stated as he called for more drinks.
“And, just who is your employer?” Wickham asked. “You have no need to know, all you need to know is that when you have accomplished your job, you will be rewarded handsomely. At the moment, Mr Darcy is visiting a friend of his in Hertfordshire. Mr Bingley, I believe you are acquainted with the man, has taken the estate of Netherfield Park, near Meryton. Mr Darcy will be staying there for some time. I have been authorized to purchase you a commission in the militia, which has recently arrived at Meryton and will be there for the winter. This will allow you the freedom to interact with the citizens of the
neighborhood, as well as spread gossip against the man. But my employer requires Mr Darcy to be ruined, something that will permanently destroy his reputation. Do you think you can manage such a feat?”
“And how much is your employer willing to pay for my work?” “We will give you five hundred pounds now, and when the job is complete, you will receive ten thousand pounds.” Culiver said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a leather folder containing the funds promised.
Wickham became quite pleased. “This is on top of the commission, you do not expect me to purchase it with this paltry amount. I will require this to buy my way into the confidence of others once I arrive in Meryton.”
“Of course, as I said, my employer is prepared to purchase the commission as well. So, do we have an understanding? Oh, and my employer expects this to be handled quickly. When you arrive, begin investigating possible ways to destroy Fitzwilliam Darcy quickly.”
“We have a deal, Mr Culiver. I shall leave for Meryton tomorrow. Will you have the commission purchased by then?”
“I will. And I will send word to you here when I have it ready for you.” Culiver stood to leave. “Until later.”
Wickham sat back and finished his drink. Oh, yes, this will be sweet revenge.
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
CHAPTER 6 Darcy was excited as he looked over his reflection in the mirror. There was a complete change in his looks, even his valet commented on the contentment that was visible in Darcy’s features. Bingley had been wearing a similar look upon his face, the look of being in love with a wonderful woman.
Darcy had been at Netherfield for one and one half months, and the only days he had not spent in the delightful company of Miss Elizabeth Bennet had been days when the weather had kept the young men trapped at Netherfield. Those days usually found Darcy pacing about his sitting room or sitting in the library with an open book on his lap, not reading a word as he daydreamed of the young lady who had stolen his heart.
Bingley was surviving such days in better form than his friend, though he dearly missed his Miss Bennet, as well. Louisa and Hurst had remained at Netherfield, planning to stay until after Christmas. They had talk
ed of returning to London to search for Caroline, but Hurst preferred to keep his wife safely away from her sister, especially after they learned of their family increasing finally. The Hursts had wished for a child of their own, and had worried that they would never be parents. When Louisa learned she was finally with child, Hurst announced that she was to remain as far from her sister as possible. With Caroline’s unpredictable behavior, Hurst did not trust her near his wife.
Determining his future, Bingley had decided he would ask Miss Bennet for her hand in marriage. He knew he was in love with her, that she was the one woman who made him feel complete and brought joy to his life. Bingley had discussed the future with Jane, and was pleased to learn she had many of the same dreams and desires that he did. The past two days had been snowing, keeping Bingley and Darcy at Netherfield. Bingley had wished to ask for a private moment with Mr Bennet, but had to wait until the storm abated.
He was certain that it would not be long before Darcy was asking Elizabeth to marry him. The change in his friend was amazing. His natural shyness was hidden when in the presence of Elizabeth Bennet, allowing him to speak openly, smile constantly, even laughing openly in public. Never had Bingley seen such contentment in the Master of Pemberley, a man who carried the weight of the world upon his shoulders.
The weather had calmed, leaving behind a blanket of white across the neighborhood. Bingley and Darcy decided to make their way into Meryton before visiting Longbourn, wishing to take gifts to their ladies. They stopped at the mercantile, purchasing a box of confections, before stepping across the street to the bookshop. After Darcy chose two new books for Elizabeth, the men were planning to make their way to the milliner shop for some new ribbons for their ladies.
That had been their plan. It was quickly changed when a young man stepped from the mercantile nodding his head slightly towards Darcy. Wickham. Darcy’s expression changed immediately, seeing the man who had been a thorn in his side for many years. What is he doing here, of all places? I must do everything I can to keep him from Elizabeth. I will not allow him to cause her harm.
Meet Me at Oakham Mount Page 5