The Cumberland Plateau

by Mary K. Baxley

Mr. Darcy stood erect and straightened his clothes as he walked towards the door. Opening it, he stalked through, slamming it shut without so much as a backwards glance.

  Fitzwilliam sat alone for a moment in quiet reflection, and then rose to leave the room with a spring in his step and a lightness in his heart. George Darcy embodied the epitome of strength and character, while Fitzwilliam was considered to be meek and reserved, but Fitzwilliam had just proven that character is born, while reputation is made. Still waters run deep, and a quiet spirit is often misunderstood and underestimated.

  ~*~

  Later that evening, his brother David approached him in the upstairs sitting area. “What on earth did you say to the Old Man? I haven’t seen him this angry since you refused to marry our step-cousin.”

  “I told him that I’m taking a teaching position in Tennessee,” Fitzwilliam answered flatly as he offered David a cigar before taking one for himself.

  “Good for you. I have to admire you,” David said with a grin as he lit his cigar and then offered his brother a light.

  “I also asked him to let you have my birthright.” Fitzwilliam smiled.

  “Well,” David scoffed as he poured two brandies and handed one to his brother. “First off, I don’t want it because then I would be expected to marry Anne. Second, I know how Father feels about me.”

  “Yes,” Fitzwilliam smirked, “that didn’t go down very well, and by the way, I will not be marrying Anne. So don’t ever mention that to me again.”

  David laughed aloud. He knew what a sore spot that was with his brother. For the last four years, their father had been trying to arrange a marriage between Fitzwilliam and their mealy-mouthed step-cousin—the sole heiress to Vanderburgh Banking, one of the largest banking systems in Europe. He inwardly smiled as he thought of the heated exchanges between his brother and father. But, if his brother was about to leave him here to face the relentless drumming of their father’s lectures alone, the least he could do was join him for an evening out.

  “Fitzwilliam, before you go to the States, why don’t you come out with me and Benson? I can get you a date.”

  “No, I don’t think so.” He laughed. “Are you corrupting Benson now? Uncle Harvey won’t like that.”

  “Benson is his own man. He’s twenty-five and decides for himself, as do I,” David retorted. “Now, Brother, back to you. How long has it been? You could do with some female comfort.” David’s eyes engaged his brother’s from over the rim of his glass. “You know what you need, Fitzwilliam. Monica has a friend who’s a real looker. Let me arrange it? It’ll be good for you.”

  “Monica? I thought you were dating Sandra.”

  “I am,” David replied, taking a long slow sip. “I’ll see Sandra the day after tomorrow. After all, variety is the spice of life, but we’re not discussing me. We’re discussing you. So what about it, Brother? Let me arrange something for you.”

  “No, David,” Fitzwilliam laughed softly, “that’s not what I want. I’ve had my fill of frivolous flings, and I certainly don’t need a woman for the night. Thank you very much.” Fitzwilliam puffed his cigar. “You go and enjoy your ladies’ charms. Just be careful, and don’t let some woman trap you.”

  “Oh, I’m always careful,” David said with a broad smile as he chewed on the tip of his cigar. “And I know the ways of women. I’m always meticulously careful of the details, but what about you?”

  “I’ve no need to be careful, since I don’t take chances, but if I did, I know how to be safe.”

  “Well, you need to find a wife, then.” David winked. “It’s one or the other.”

  “I’ve no desire or need for a wife, either. I just want to take this teaching opportunity. If I need female comfort, as you call it, I can arrange it for myself.” Fitzwilliam smiled, finishing his drink and setting it aside.

  “Suit yourself then, but I still think you ought to come out with me. You’re way too uptight. I happen to know it’s been a long time. Why don’t you come along?” David finished his brandy and then poured himself and his brother another.

  Fitzwilliam rolled his eyes and smiled as he picked up the offered drink.

  “Have it your way,” David said, smiling with a simple nod.

  As they sat in silence, David cast a quick glance at his brother. He wished Fitzwilliam would take him up on his offer. A night of mindless, passionate sex without the entanglement of emotions would do him good. Tonight it was Monica, tomorrow Leslie, and the next Sandra. David chuckled as he thought of his plans. …Ah, yes, a night spent in the arms of a beautiful woman taking his pleasure…Love ‘em and forget ‘em. He blew a ring of smoke. That’s what my brother needs. He needs to get laid

  Sipping his drink, David felt an uncomfortable tightness grip his chest as the memory of that woman intruded again. His expression turned sober as he took a large gulp. Damn her. Five months ago, he’d had a most unpleasant experience at the hands of a woman—one whom he had greatly underestimated.

  They’d met in a boardroom, of all places, where he was attempting to negotiate a contract with her. Her beauty had not escaped him when he had walked into the room that day, but business was business, and he knew better than to mix the two. Yet the attraction was strong, and since when had he had trouble picking up a woman when he wanted one? But this one was different. He blew another ring of smoke, reliving the experience again. She was as shrewd as she was beautiful, and he was all but certain she had wanted him—until she’d rejected him. He bit down on his cigar, almost biting it in two.

  The impact of her rejection still stung at his ego, and it was not likely he’d forget about it anytime soon. Never had a woman held the upper hand with him, and Cecilia Lawton wouldn’t be the first. She was a challenge, a beautiful one at that, and he’d never let a challenge go unmet. This one wouldn’t either. It was only a matter of time.

  A slight chuckle escaped David’s throat, catching his brother’s attention. David smiled and nodded at his brother’s curious stare. Fitzwilliam probably presumed he was thinking about Monica. He couldn’t be further from the truth. David took another sip of brandy. …Someday, Lawton, you will accompany me. I know you have desires… needs. Every woman does. He smirked. Well, Lawton, I’ve got a few of my own, and I’m going to discover your secrets… I want to know what turns you on. And when I have you, it’ll be a night for you to remember. Yes, Lawton, you’ve met your match.

  Draining his glass, David set it aside and blew another ring of smoke. He put out his cigar and rose to leave, giving Fitzwilliam one last chance to join him, which his brother declined.

  ~*~

  Later that night, Fitzwilliam poured himself another drink as he sat alone in his room, contemplating his life. Brooding on his upcoming birthday, he keenly felt the effects of his loneliness. Another year had come and gone. Perhaps David was right. He had been alone for so long that it had become an old habit, one which he was rapidly beginning not to care if he ever broke, or if he ever found her—the one he was looking for.

  As he sat and thought about all he had experienced in the domain of love and sex, his mind drifted back to the cove at Pemberley. The cove had always been special to him since the first time his mother had taken him there. When he grew older, he would go there as often as he could. And the summer before Oxford, he’d even lost his virginity there.

  His cousins, William and Benson Darcy, had spent the summer at Pemberley that year, as they did every summer, while the two Harrison sisters had spent their summer with their grandfather on a neighboring estate. The girls would ride out exploring the countryside every day, as would William and Fitzwilliam, until one fateful day when they accidentally met in the area of the cove. From that day forth for the rest of the summer, the two couples met and were inseparable—William with Leah and Fitzwilliam with Rachel.

  Fitzwilliam looked back fondly as he thought of the carefree days of his youth. Rachel had taught him much more than he could have ever gleaned from a book. When the summer had ended,
they had parted as friends with the intention of seeing each other at Oxford. Somehow, they never did.

  He went on to date many women during his first two years at Wadham College, experiencing the university life common among his peers. At first it had been fun and exciting. The women were willing to please, and he’d been more than willing to be pleased by them, but then the excitement began to wane, leaving him feeling empty. He was looking for something and not finding it. He wanted a steady relationship with a woman he could love, one who would love him in return.

  He thought he had found what he was looking for near the end of his second year when he’d met Stella Fitzgerald. She’d been lively, witty, and charming. He wouldn’t call her beautiful, but she was pretty enough, with her long red hair and sparkling green eyes. They had dated for six months when Stella had convinced him that they should live together. Though he had reservations about the idea, he’d consented. But after six months, he’d realized she was not the one, and that he had made a terrible mistake. They had nothing in common beyond the initial attraction. She’d cared nothing for the things he loved—Pemberley lands, books, riding—nothing! All she’d cared for was London society and possessing the Darcy heir, along with his money, which she’d freely spent—sometimes depleting his allowance, causing him to have to approach his father for more money, which in turn, had caused more problems and heated arguments.

  Fitzwilliam released a hard breath. Unknown to him at the time, Stella had planned to trap him with an old trick that tested his personal integrity. She had come to know that Fitzwilliam was a man of honor and was always willing to do the right thing, no matter what the cost. An act of Fate or Divine mercy, he wasn’t sure which, had saved him from her trap, and he would never forget it, nor would his father let him. And because of it, from that day forward, he’d made a solemn vow. There would be no more one-night stands or casual affairs.

  He knew somewhere there had to be a woman for him. But after many years of searching, he had concluded that there was no woman who would love and appreciate the things he loved—Tolkien, Lewis, Medieval and Renaissance literature, Greek plays and philosophies, and Latin histories. No woman who would take the time to understand him. No woman existed whose feelings and emotions ran as deep as his or who could love him for the person he was, not his family name or money.

  Ten years had now passed since Stella, and he was still alone. He had caught sight of one such beautiful girl who had piqued his interest while visiting the university, but she was just that, a girl—a student, and that was forbidden. Even if it were permissible, it would be foolish. They were unequal in every way imaginable. It would never work. Therefore, he had made up his mind. He was going to Tennessee to teach and nothing more.

  Chapter Three

  …I will enjoy sitting here with a cigar and a brandy…

  Darcy had just returned from his early morning walk in the hotel courtyard. As he climbed the steps to the second story level, he shook his head, irritated with the current situation. The Plateau Plaza was the only hotel in the sleepy little town of Walnut Grove, and it was a far cry from what he’d been accustomed to on the numerous occasions he’d traveled. For a small town, he supposed, it wasn’t bad, but it lacked the excellence in quality he was used to. The sitting room was small, the cable connection ceased to function with every passing rain shower, and the beds were hard. The rooms didn’t even have a wireless Internet connection.

  Strolling into the room, he found his friend.

  “Bingley, I hope that real estate agent we hired comes through soon. I don’t think I can take this hotel any longer.”

  “I hope she does too, Darcy, because I have to say, I’m not pleased with this situation either. By the way, she called while you were out with some prospect she’s looking into. She has a few things to check, and if it’s available, she’ll ring back within the hour.”

  “Well, let’s just hope it’s available and suitable. I’m more than ready to move. Classes begin in less than a week, and there is so much to do,” Darcy said, pacing the floor.

  Hearing the phone, he answered on the first ring. “Darcy speaking.”

  “Mr. Darcy, this is Sylvia Potter. I have fabulous news. I’ve found a house. Can you see it after lunch?”

  “Yes, we’ll be ready.”

  “Good! I’ll pick you up at two o’clock. The house is in the Old Town District near the university. I think you will like this one,” she said. “A very prominent professor owned the property, but the house has been closed since his death. His son wishes to lease it fully furnished. So, if you find it satisfactory, it’s yours.”

  “Excellent!” Hanging up the phone, Darcy turned to Bingley and smiled. “Let’s go to lunch. How about the little diner on Main Street? We have enough time before Mrs. Potter is picking us up. I’m buying. ”

  “Sounds good to me. You can give me the details on the way.”

  ~*~

  Promptly at two, Mrs. Potter arrived at the Plateau Plaza. Driving into the historic part of town, Darcy’s mood brightened and a smile curled his lips. The entire area was enclosed in a canopy of large oak and maple trees completely covering the road below. It was obvious by the beautiful well-kept Victorian houses that the neighborhood was old. As they traveled down Elm Street to Willow, Darcy noticed the beautiful blonde from earlier in the summer sitting on a porch swing reading a book and sipping a beverage. He smiled and glanced at his friend.

  “Mrs. Potter, who lives in that house?” Bingley asked, pointing to the house where the young woman sat.

  “That’s the Bennett townhouse. It belonged to Ron and Meg Bennett, but they were killed two years ago in a tragic car accident out on County Road 52. Their children live there now. That’s Jane Bennett on the porch. I believe she teaches English at the university,” Mrs. Potter replied.

  Bingley smiled. “Yes, I’ve seen her before.”

  Mrs. Potter glanced at Bingley and smiled as they turned the corner onto Maple Street. “Her parents taught at the university, too. Meg Bennett was a math professor and Ron taught electrical engineering. It was a great loss for the community when they died. The Bennett family is well respected. They were one of the founding families back in 1803. They also own a large farm in Pleasant Grove. It’s very beautiful I hear tell. Many of these homes belong to the upper crust of Plateau County. Jane’s a beautiful girl, and I believe she’s single. Her sisters are quite pretty, too. The belles of the county, from what people say.”

  “Interesting,” Bingley murmured.

  “And that’s the Harwell house over there, on the corner of Maple and Willow Street,” Mrs. Potter said, pulling up to the curb and parking the car out front. “It’s a little large, but it is fully furnished. Let’s go in and have a look.”

  Getting out of the car, Darcy looked over the outside of the house, well pleased with what he saw. It sat upon a slight hill, as did all of the houses on Maple and Willow. One had to walk up three steps and follow a brick walkway to the three-story house. It had a wraparound porch with a gazebo on one corner, and the front door was made of very heavy oak.

  “Gentlemen, let me tell you about the house,” Mrs. Potter enthusiastically spoke while they walked up the walkway. “It was built in 1888 and has been well-maintained, as you can see. Notice the front door. It was hand carved, designed by a craftsman from Naples, Italy. When the house was built, Mr. Randal Harwell had this specific design ordered to be built out of oak. In fact, the entire interior is done in rich yellow and red oak harvested from the family farm out near Pleasant Grove. These houses were the town homes for the wealthy farmers from out in the county. They used them for the season, such as it was.” She smiled. “You don’t see houses designed like this anymore.”

  Darcy inspected the door, running a finger along the smooth curve of the wood where the glass was inlayed. …Excellent work, and very well made…

  When they had finished inspecting the outside, Mrs. Potter unlocked the door and led them into the house. S
tepping into a wide vestibule, Darcy noticed a table to the right where a receiving register and a plate for calling cards resided. Interesting, he thought. Noticing that it was open, he concluded that it must have been used within the year. He smiled. It had been a tradition long ago in a time when small details were the rule of the day. Perusing the room further, his eyes settled on the large oak staircase that led to the second floor. …Beautiful Southern design… Lost in thought, Mrs. Potter’s shrill voice snapped him out of his reverie.

  “We’ll begin our tour with the upstairs, but first I want you to notice this beautiful bathroom behind the staircase.” Taking Bingley and Darcy around the back, she opened the door to a large and spacious room with hardwood floors and oak cabinets. It still had the original claw foot bathtub along with a very large old-fashioned sink.

  “This bathroom is in its original condition with only minor updates for comfort and convenience. Very little has been changed throughout the house. Really the only changes to the entire house have been to modernize it with indoor plumbing, electricity, a dishwasher, washer and dryer, and natural gas. But the overall décor of the house is unchanged. Now, let’s start our tour.”

  Both men nodded in agreement. Walking around the staircase to the front and up the stairs, Darcy smiled. …The nostalgia of this house is pleasing… I’ll have to inspect that registry when we come back down…

  When Darcy arrived at the upstairs landing, he noted six bedrooms and a full bathroom. This would provide more than enough room should his brother or sister decide to visit. Eager to begin inspecting the rooms, he walked to the bathroom first. Glancing inside, he observed that it too had a claw foot bathtub along with an added modern walk-in shower and a full dressing room. A vanity and sink had been added with shelves placed on either side for toiletries or other necessities.