The Cumberland Plateau

by Mary K. Baxley

  “Unfortunately, I cannot, but if I could, I would come. I have many business meetings to attend to. In fact, I have to leave for a meeting in twenty minutes. I just wanted to call and let you know I’m thinking of you and that I care.”

  Disappointed, he responded, “I’m glad you called. It means a lot to me.” …You have no idea how much.

  “I’m glad to know that. I need to go now. I’ll call you soon. Take care.”

  He slid his phone shut. “Take care, Cecilia,” he murmured to himself. “Take care.” He closed his eyes and sipped his brandy. He needed her, and not just physically. He thought briefly about Sandra. She had rung as well, but he hadn’t taken her call. He knew what she wanted, apart from giving her condolences, and for once, he wanted none of it. He wondered if he would ever want her again.

  ~*~

  The funeral took place three days later at Pemberley Chapel in Derbyshire. The day was cold and miserable as George Andrew Darcy was buried in the chapel cemetery beside his wife, Anne Margaret Winthrop Darcy. Family members and close friends stood in a circle under umbrellas while the vicar concluded the sermon with the final proclamation as the casket was prepared to be lowered into the ground. “George Andrew Darcy is laid to rest with his fathers. He now belongs to the ages.”

  Fitzwilliam wiped a tear from his eye.

  Just as the casket was being let down, a pair of white doves flew up from a nearby bush. A small budded rose fell from the beak of one of the birds onto the casket when the doves flew over. Fitzwilliam looked up in astonishment as the pair flew in the direction of the cove. …Mum? Dad? Watching them go, he wondered what it meant.

  After the service, Fitzwilliam called his wife. “Elizabeth, it’s over. We’ve just buried Father in the family cemetery. I must say it was a fitting day for a funeral. There was a cold drizzling rain to match our mood.” He choked as he fought back tears.

  “I’m sorry, Fitzwilliam. This is about the same time of year we buried my parents three years ago, and it was raining then, too. I know how you feel. I should have been there with you.”

  “I wanted you here, but darling, hearing your voice makes it easier, and I know it was best not to interrupt your classes. By the way, are mine being covered?”

  “Yes, everything is fine. I took your Latin I class, Charles took the Latin II and Greek, and Jane took the Classical Philosophy class. My classes are fine, too. The semester ends in three weeks.”

  “How is your family—Robert and Tana and, of course, Liddy. How are they all holding up?”

  “As well as can be expected, I suppose. You do know the jury came back yesterday afternoon with a guilty verdict for Jackie Lee, don’t you?”

  “No, I hadn’t heard.”

  “Yes, they did. The judge will formally impose the sentence in two weeks. He was spared the death penalty on a plea bargain.”

  “What about Liddy?”

  “She’s doing as well as can be expected. She goes before the federal judge to plead guilty sometime in the month of June. It’s just a formality.” Elizabeth sighed. “Mr. Armstrong could not get full immunity, and we had to pay five hundred thousand dollars in fines. Liddy has to serve one year in a minimum-security prison, and then she will be out on parole. Aunt Lydia, of course, is devastated by it all, but it could have been much worse.”

  “Yes, it could have. Mr. Armstrong was right. Had they married, they very well both could be serving life sentences, or worse, as I understand American law. Public opinion was so strongly formed against your cousin, and sad to say, women are sentenced to death in your country. This way is better.” He paused for a moment, his chest restricting his breathing as he quietly asked, “Elizabeth…you didn’t sign that check, did you? I mean, you didn’t sign it as Elizabeth Darcy?”

  “Well, how else would I have signed it? I mean, that is who I am, isn’t it? But for the amount that had to be paid, both Jane and my signatures were required. That’s the way the bank account was set up.”

  “Yes…it’s just that I want to keep things as low-key as possible. I’m very glad this is nearly over. What else is there with Liddy—anything I should know about?”

  “Nothing except that she will also have to testify in the capital trial of the Colombian, Carlos Sanchez. Jackie Lee turned state’s evidence on him. And I am keeping everything as low-key as I possibly can.” Elizabeth hesitated. “Fitzwilliam, you seem nervous about all of this. Is something the matter? Is this being covered very much in the U.K.?”

  “Well…it’s a big story. Consequently it is in the news, but it’s nothing for you to be concerned with.” He couldn’t bear to hurt her, and he knew the truth would do just that because it was being covered, but not in a way she would care to know about. Every scandal sheet in Britain was running a story about him, his wife, and her family—and it wasn’t flattering, but so far the mainstream media had had very little to say on the matter. He glanced up to see that his family was returning to the car.

  “Listen Elizabeth, I don’t have much time. We’re getting ready to go back to London, but I need to tell you that things are about to become very intense here. For that reason, I may not be able to call you for a while. After the will is read, I’ll have to work late, meeting all the advisors, solicitors, and faithful executives. Until this has been settled one way or the other, I have to fully concentrate on the task at hand. I’m determined not to lose control over Pemberley no matter what I have to do. This is of the utmost importance to me as Pemberley is my legacy. I’m in the fight of my life. I made a promise to my father, and I intend to keep it.”

  “Fitzwilliam, do you want me to join you in London when the semester ends?”

  “No, I think you had better stay where you are. A lot of things are happening here, and I don’t want you unduly exposed to them.” He paused to collect his thoughts. He didn’t want to tell her too much, but he had to tell her something. “The problems I had with my father were more widespread and complex than I had originally thought. He disapproved of our marriage. You know that, but apparently some other people did, too, and still do. They’re friends of my father who control part of Pemberley. But it’s more than just our marriage they disapprove of—they disapprove of me. They don’t believe I have the drive and determination that my father possessed when it comes to running the company as CEO. But don’t worry; everything is going to be all right. I can’t tell you more than I’ve already told you, because I know nothing further at this point. When this is over, you’ll to come to London. It shouldn’t take long. We’ll be together very soon. I love you so much, Elizabeth…never forget that.”

  “I understand why your father disapproved of our marriage, but why would anyone else?”

  “It’s not so much the marriage as the rift that it caused between my father and me. Some others think I should have chosen a wife with a similar background—someone in the same social circle. In the end, it doesn’t matter, because I don’t care what anyone thinks. Elizabeth, I have to go. We’re ready to leave. I’ll call you when I can. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. Call me and keep me informed. I’m worried.”

  “Don’t worry, Elizabeth. All will be well.”

  ~*~

  After talking to her husband, Elizabeth didn’t feel reassured at all, even though she knew he was trying to comfort her.

  More people than his father disapproved? What did he mean by that? Something was very wrong. She would have to wait until he called again. She shrugged her shoulders and chewed her lower lip. She would go to Longbourn for the weekend. Her strength was always renewed at Longbourn, especially in the cove.

  Having returned from the family estate in Derbyshire, Fitzwilliam stood in his father’s study at Darcy House, contemplating all that had happened. He would arrange to meet his closest advisors and cousins as soon as the will was read, but first, he had to talk with his brother about the events of late and what their father had told them. Hopefully, it would mean as much to David as it did to him. Deep in
thought, he didn’t notice the knock on the door.

  “Fitzwilliam, are you there?” his brother asked as he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

  “Oh, sorry. I’ve been thinking about Father—his last words to us, and other things.”

  “Is that what you wanted to see me about?”

  “Yes, partly.” Fitzwilliam glanced from the rose he’d carefully placed in a crystal vase and set on his desk to his family’s coat of arms, hanging on the wall. The dove on the shield held a fern and a sprig of two rosebuds and a single rose in its beak. The rose and the white dove had always had a special meaning in his family’s history, symbolizing faith, hope, and love, and sometime in the Middle Ages, those symbols had been incorporated into the D’Arcy Coat of Arms. He took a deep breath and turned to his brother. “David, did anyone give that rose to Father whilst he was in the hospital?”

  “No, not that I know of.” David looked at his brother strangely. “Why do you ask?”

  “Oh, nothing really. It just reminds me of Mother and her rose garden at Pemberley. What was it she used to say? ‘Where a Rose is tended, a thistle cannot flourish’ or something like that. It was a quote from one of her favorite novels, The Secret Garden, I do believe. Also, did you notice the white doves that flew over the gravesite? One of them dropped a rose in Father’s grave. Roses are not in season this time of year. Don’t you think it strange?”

  “Not particularly. It was a freak accident, and the rose could have come from anywhere. Perhaps from one of the many flower arrangements. It was simply coincidental. That’s all,” David said with a shrug.

  Fitzwilliam shook his head. “Well, I think it’s a strange happenstance that we find a rose in the hospital room floor, and then that bird drops one in Father’s grave just as the casket is being lowered.”

  “So? Do you think that rose has some meaning attached to it?”

  “I don’t know. All I know is that it makes me feel peaceful, and I’m going to have this one pressed and framed. I’ll place it between Mum and Dad’s pictures over my desk. I just wondered about the rose and the quote from the book. That’s all.”

  David looked from the rose to his parents’ portraits. “Surely you didn’t call me in here to discuss a rose and some novel.”

  Fitzwilliam glanced at his brother as he ran his fingers through his hair. “No, I didn’t. I had something else in mind as well.” He turned and caught his brother’s gaze. “David, what did you think of Father’s last words to us? I think he really did love us.”

  David shook his head and came across the room to the drinks cabinet where he took out a decanter of brandy. Pouring out two measures, he surveyed the room as if to collect his thoughts. Finally their eyes locked. “Fitzwilliam, you’re the sentimental one, not me,” he said, sipping his drink while he composed himself. “I’m sorry it took his deathbed before Father could confess what he should have lived, but, if I have to be frank with you, all I can say is that I feel nothing. I’m not sad. I’m not glad. It’s as if there is a big gaping hole where my heart should be. I feel absolutely nothing… except… freedom.” He smiled. “Think about it. We’re now free… free to marry whomever we choose, free to claim our inheritance without any strings attached. Free! That’s what I feel.”

  Fitzwilliam was taken aback. “But David, you seemed upset when we last saw him alive. I saw you.”

  David snorted. “Don’t mistake me. If I shed a tear or two, it was for what should have been and now can never be. That’s what you saw, Brother.” He finished his drink and set his glass down firmly. Then, he turned and left the room, closing the door with a resounding click.

  Fitzwilliam stood rooted to the floor, staring at the door. He understood David perfectly. Fitzwilliam knew he had loved his father, but he didn’t feel the sense of loss that he knew he should feel, either. The loss he felt was one of regret—and that he felt keenly. Regret over the reserve that had distanced them from one another and the fact that his father had never understood him, nor had he understood his father. Yet his father’s last words had meant that he was right. His father had loved his children the only way he knew how, and in that knowledge, Fitzwilliam took comfort.

  He also understood what David meant about being free. They were indeed free—one burden had been lifted. They were now free to live as they chose without the looming threat of their father’s influence in the background. Fitzwilliam breathed a sigh of relief. He had persevered. He had married Elizabeth, had his inheritance, and now he was equally determined to secure Pemberley. He glanced at the rose and downed his drink. Then he, too, left through the door his brother had exited.

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  …Money is power, and Hilda is money…

  Tension hung in the air so thick it could be cut with a knife as Hilda Vanderburgh stalked the floor of George Darcy’s study, waiting for the group assembled there to take their seats. Fitzwilliam, David, Georgiana, Harvey and his two sons, William and Benson, were all present, together with Thomas Metcalf, lead solicitor of Pemberley Group, and Gordon Blakely, Pemberley’s top Public Relations man. As each person sat down, the room grew silent, waiting for Hilda to begin.

  Hilda observed each member present. Not only had she been George Darcy’s sister-in-law and close confidante, she had also been his chief financial advisor. And, as the executor of his will and having spent many long hours in meetings with George, Hilda knew how he felt about Fitzwilliam’s obstinacy—especially his marriage to a woman George considered to be beneath his son. She nodded subtly as her eyes focused on her nephew.

  Taking her chair behind George’s desk, Hilda cleared her throat. “Fitzwilliam, David, Georgiana, this is the last will and testament of your father, George Andrew Darcy.” Breaking the seal, she unfolded the papers and began to read, skipping over much of the formal verbiage.

  “Georgiana Sophia Darcy is to be given a monetary sum of £500 million to be held in trust, ten percent of my shareholdings in Pemberley, PLC, and a position in the company to be decided upon by the Board of Directors. David Jamison Darcy is to be given a monetary sum of £2 billion to be held in trust, forty percent of my shareholdings in Pemberley, PLC, a permanent seat as Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors, as they approve, and is to preside over Darcy Enterprises as president. Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy is to be given a monetary settlement of £4 billion to be held in trust, fifty percent of my shareholdings in Pemberley, PLC, all of the estate property of Pemberley House and its lands, and Darcy House residence in London with David Jamison Darcy and Georgiana Sophia Darcy given a lifetime right to live on said properties.

  “Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy is my choice for the positions of CEO and Chairman of the Board over the whole of Pemberley, PLC as approved by the Board of Directors with the stipulation that he give up his current career of teaching, dedicate himself to the running of the company, and reside in Britain for a period of not less than five years. After said period of five years, he is no longer under the restraints of the will. If he is unable or unwilling to fulfill his obligation, then £2 billion held in trust and the positions of CEO and Chairman of the Board will revert to David Jamison Darcy. Should David Jamison Darcy not be able or willing to fulfill his obligations, the money and positions will revert to Georgiana Sophia Darcy.”

  Adjusting her glasses and looking pointedly at Fitzwilliam, Hilda dropped her gaze and continued. “As to Mrs. Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy, she will have no claims on Pemberley, PLC or any property associated with the Darcy family. Should a divorce occur within seven years, she is to be awarded £7 million, provided she agrees not to take any legal action against Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy or the Darcy family estate. Should a divorce occur after the seven-year period, she is to be awarded £20 million in trust from the estate, but otherwise, no allowance from the estate will be made for Mrs. Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy. Should the marriage produce any children, they will become legal heirs under their father, Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy, and will inherit according
ly as his said heirs.” Here Hilda paused to gauge the reaction. Seeing Fitzwilliam’s jaw tightened in apparent anger with his eyes fixed on her, she smiled inwardly. “That concludes the will as to how it pertains to the Darcy heirs. The rest entails small details for servants, other relations, friends, and so forth.” Hilda continued reading the minute details.

  Fitzwilliam was both relieved and angered, relieved that he was in possession of his most ardent desire, Pemberley House and estate, but angered by the five-year clause and the high-handed controlling manner in which Elizabeth had been treated. He didn’t foresee a divorce or any marital problems, but was rather hurt that she had been referred to in such an offensive way, insinuating she had married him for his money, when he knew that couldn’t have been further from the truth. The sting of his father’s objection to his marriage was there for everyone present to see, and that rejection of something so intimately important to him made Fitzwilliam burn with indignation.

  Once the will had been read, Hilda instructed the Darcy siblings.

  “Now that the terms of the will are known, it will be up to the three of you to secure the Pemberley conglomerate. If you do not do so, then you will only inherit the material items of the will.”

  Hilda looked pointedly at the two brothers. “If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to call upon me. I was your father’s advisor, both personally and financially, as well as one of his closest friends.”

  With the reading of the will concluded, people began milling about and talking. “Fitzwilliam, my sons and I plan to stand by your side throughout this entire ordeal,” Harvey said, clapping his nephew gently on the shoulder.

  “Yes, we do,” William said. “I’ll be behind you, and I’ll take on as much responsibility as you’re willing to give me. We’ve worked closely in the past, and as your lead accountant, I’m well versed in all of the financial aspects.”