“Perhaps I shall ask Charles if he will invite him to come with him.”
“That would be the perfect solution.”
“Good. Then I shall do so tomorrow if Mr. Darcy is still missing.”
“Thank you. Now sleep, fair maiden, for your knight shall be here ere you know it.”
“Let us hope both knights appear tomorrow.”
DARCY HOUSE
The next day
A constant banging brought Mr. Barnes to the front door to ascertain what could be so urgent that it was necessary to disturb the entire household. Anyone with proper manners knew that a door without a knocker meant that the owner was not at home or, at the least, did not wish to be disturbed. As it happened, Mr. Darcy had still not ordered the knocker replaced.
Shooing away a footman who started forward, Barnes cracked the heavy door a few inches. A gentleman of advanced age stood without. From his attire, his gold tipped cane, and the pocket watch that he consulted, it was clear that he was wealthy; thus, Barnes swung open the door.
“I beg your pardon, but I was told that Mr. Darcy is in town, and I wish an immediate audience with him.”
The master and Colonel Fitzwilliam had left for an early ride in Hyde Park, hoping to be done before most of London decided to do likewise; however, Barnes was not about to share that information with a stranger.
“I am sorry, but Mr. Darcy is not here.”
Snapping the watch case shut, the man asked, “But he is expected, is he not?”
“I am not at liberty to say, sir; however, if you will leave one of your cards, I shall inform him that you called when I see him next.”
Obviously flustered, the white-haired man began to pat the inside pockets of his coat. “My sources are impeccable, so if he is not here, I believe he will be soon.” Finally, he gave up the quest for a card, shaking his head in defeat. “I do not believe that I have a card, but I am Jameson Harrington of Marsden Park in Manchester. My estate is adjacent to Winfield Hall, Andrew Darcy’s estate. I wish to speak to Mr. Darcy regarding his cousin.”
The hair on the back of Barnes’ neck stood up. As the senior servant at Darcy House, he was privy to private information and was aware of many of Andrew’s failings. He was certain that Mr. Darcy would want to hear what the man had to say.
“Mr. Harrington of Marsden Park. I shall write that information down and see that he gets it.”
“You do not understand! It is imperative that I talk with him as soon as possible. I am staying at Lord Warren’s home, and he may contact me there. I know that he is familiar with Lord Warren.” Then he pulled a small brown package from his pocket. “See that Mr. Darcy gets this when you give him my information.”
The mention of Lord Warren’s name brought Mr. Barnes even more unease. That gentlemen had been one of George Darcy’s dearest friends and was still an occasional visitor to Darcy House. Taking the package, Barnes assured him, “You may rely on me, sir.”
Watching as the man turned to leave, Barnes noted that he struggled for balance despite the cane. Reaching out to grasp his arm, the butler motioned to a footman who waited with the carriage on the street below.
“Thank you. I am afraid I forbade Jackson from seeing me to the door. Too proud, you see.”
“Think nothing of it,” Barnes replied warmly.
He watched until the carriage pulled away. Then taking a deep breath, he released a heavy sigh. This cannot be good.
Chapter 5
Hyde Park
When he and Richard entered the park at daybreak, William’s favourite riding lane was unoccupied. It had been almost impossible to follow the trail as the sun had not risen sufficiently, and in some places the trees on either side of the lane obscured the view entirely. The steed that William rode whenever he was in London, Kronos, was used to Hyde Park and sped along as surefooted as ever.
“Slow down, Darcy! Titan is not familiar with this trail and I do not wish him to startle if a flock of birds takes flight.”
William immediately pulled back on the reins, causing his stallion to fall into a trot. In a moment, Richard was alongside and a conversation that William had wished to avoid commenced.
“You seemed out of sorts last night, Cousin, especially when Lady Susan made a fuss over you at dinner. For a moment, I thought she was going to cut your roast into small pieces to prevent you from choking on it. No doubt that is something she learned after having a child. Very useful, very useful indeed.”
“Humph!” William grumbled. Though he did not reply, he kicked Kronos back into a canter, leaving Richard behind once again. He had not been pleased with Susan’s preoccupation with his every move, but he had hoped it had gone unnoticed by most of the party. Since Richard had not said a word when they returned to Darcy House last night, he assumed that he had been too busy arguing with Edgar to notice her fawning. Now it was plain that he had seen everything and meant to use it to annoy him. Bristling, he began to recall the humiliating experience.
Would you like another roll? Shall I signal the footman? Are you tired? Better a cup of coffee than another glass of wine. That will only make you sleepy.
And when the men joined the ladies in the music room, he noticed for the first time how closely her views mirrored women much younger than she, such as Georgiana.
All of you men smell of cigars! I think cigars are ghastly! They stain your teeth, and I have heard they contribute to colds.
Please do not tell me you like to hunt. Only barbarians hunt defenseless animals—foxes and such things as that.
Oh, please! Operas are so dull. I may speak Italian, but I do not wish to think too hard whilst I am being entertained.
I prefer the theatre as long as they are not performing one of those dreadfully boring plays about the monarchy. I had rather watch a comedy.
I may read a page or two from some boring book, but to be truthful I had rather peruse a magazine, especially one with illustrations of the latest fashions.”
During the entire party, William had kept a serene expression, though inside he often cringed. Finally his patience had worn thin and he announced that he was leaving, much to Lady Susan’s disappointment and Georgiana’s annoyance.
While he was recalling all that had taken place, Richard overtook him once more, teasing, “I say, Darcy, I owe you an apology. I must admit that Lady Susan has certainly changed.” William kept silent, for he knew that Richard was not serious. “Only, she has changed for the worse. I cannot believe you would voluntarily marry such a woman. How degrading to be spoken to like a child!”
William’s temper flared. “I do not think Lady Susan worse than most women of the ton. She is young and will, no doubt, improve.”
“She is four and twenty, yet I see no difference between her and Georgiana! Mark my words, Darcy, should you marry her, her stupidity will drive you stark raving mad!”
Having had his say, Richard turned Titan and kicked him into a gallop back toward Darcy House, leaving his cousin to ponder what he said. He had no way of knowing that William had suffered these same misgivings.
What choice is left to me if I do not marry Susan? I shall never settle for a mindless debutant, schooled to simper and bow to my every wish before I have any idea WHAT I wish!
He proclaimed aloud, “Since becoming of age, I have not met a single woman I find attractive who also possesses common sense!”
Instantly, the one lady he had no success banishing from his thoughts materialized—Elizabeth Bennet. Whenever the finality of marriage weighed on his mind, to his vexation she would appear.
Do not be a fool! It takes more than mesmerizing eyes to make a match, and she would never be accepted by your family or those in your circle! Besides, she has no knowledge of what it takes to run an estate such as Pemberley. She would be utterly destroyed by the gossip of your peers and overwhelmed by the responsibility of her position!
Disconcerted, he urged Kronos towards home with a swift kick of his heel.
DARCY
HOUSE
Later that same evening
The rain that had begun at noon had not abated, but increased in amount and ferocity as the day dragged on. Now it was accompanied by loud claps of thunder and frequent lightning, both accurately reflecting William’s present disposition. Safely ensconced in his carriage, he found it quite ironic that a day that had begun with such promise had darkened along with his mood.
Having read Mr. Harrington’s note the moment he returned from his ride in the park, William immediately set out for Lord Warren’s townhouse. Richard had offered to accompany him, but he thought it best not to bring someone the gentleman was not expecting. As it turned out, the news had been disappointing; thus, while the carriage slowly navigated the rain-swollen streets of London on the way back to Darcy House, he replayed in his head all that he had learnt. For despite any reservations Mr. Harrington might have, he intended to inform Richard.
Deep in reflection, his thoughts were suddenly interrupted as the carriage came to an abrupt halt. When the door flew open, a footman stood without, holding a large umbrella meant to shield him from the rain. Normally, in such a downpour, William would have jumped from the carriage and rushed to the door, but since the man had gone to the trouble, he took the umbrella and hurried up the steps. The front door swiftly opened and Mr. Barnes swept an arm across his body in a gesture of welcome. Tossing the wet umbrella to a footman who stood nearby, William walked inside.
“Mr. Darcy, you are soaked! Do you wish me to send Martin to your room to assist you in changing?” Barnes asked.
Mr. Martin, an older gentleman who was once his father’s valet, resided at Darcy House, while Mr. Adams, William’s valet, lived at Pemberley. William chose not to travel with a valet, so this arrangement suited, though he often took Adams if visiting elsewhere for very long. Being preoccupied with stamping his boots on the rug to remove much of the water, William did not answer right away. But as he turned to allow Barnes to remove his greatcoat, he replied, “No. While my coat is drenched, I am not. Is my cousin still here?”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam is in the library, I believe.” The butler held out a letter. “This was delivered just moments ago, sir. It went to Pemberley before being forwarded here, so I thought you might want to read it straightaway.”
William took the letter, his brows knitting as he broke the seal. It was from Bingley and had been sent by express to Pemberley in lieu of post. Examining the contents, he was surprised to find that it was actually from Caroline Bingley.
APRIL 17, 1812
Mr. Darcy,
I pray that you excuse the deception, but my brother will not act, and I felt it imperative that you know of a new development.
Your cousin, Andrew Darcy, is currently our guest at Netherfield, having arrived on the heels of your departure. With your removal from Meryton, he has now become the focus of Miss Eliza Bennet’s scheming.
I felt certain that you would want to know in order to put an end to her fortune hunting, for he seems quite taken with her, and I fear what may happen. Please come quickly.”
Caroline Bingley
GIVING NO INDICATION of what he had read, he addressed Barnes, “I shall join the colonel at once. Please see that we are not disturbed.”
“Certainly, sir.”
Barnes’ unease increased as he watched his master walk towards the library. The set of William’s shoulders and the heaviness of his step signified that either the interview with Mr. Harrington had gone poorly or the letter just received contained troubling news. Perhaps it was both.
Sighing, the butler turned to supervise the mopping up of the water, which was pooling on the marble floor where it dripped from William’s coat. Spying his wife coming towards him, he implored, “A maid to clean this up, please, Mrs. Barnes, before someone takes a fall.”
“Of course.” She rushed back down the hall, calling for one of the downstairs maids who was just ahead of her.
THE LIBRARY
For a brief moment after entering, William thought that his cousin had already quit the room. About to inform Barnes that he been mistaken as to Richard’s whereabouts, he was turning to leave when he spied a hat lying atop a table near the wall of windows overlooking Hyde Park. The well-lit spot made an excellent place to read, but given today’s cloudy skies, it made for an equally fine place to sleep.
As he approached, he noted that a sword was placed next to the hat. That, and his cousin’s snores, left no doubt that Richard was still there. Peering over the couch just beyond the table, he spied the prone form of his cousin sound asleep, his boots dutifully removed. The sight caused William to smile, for he had chastised Richard often for not removing the boots when he napped. Sadly, what he had to relate came to mind, and his smile quickly vanished. Leaning over the sofa from behind, he shook his cousin’s arm just as a loud clap of thunder vibrated the windows and echoed through the room.
“Richard.”
“Wha... what?” Instantly Richard was on his feet, patting the place where his sword normally hung before grabbing one of his boots. Hopping on one foot, he demanded, “Where is my sword? Thaggart, find my sword!”
Regretting that he had startled him, William walked around the end of the sofa with his hands up in surrender. “Calm yourself, Richard. You are in Darcy House in London.”
Richard was a little embarrassed, as well as annoyed. “Good heavens, Darcy! Could you not have awakened me a little less vigorously? I thought for a moment that Bonaparte... well, never mind what I thought.”
“I apologize. I had no way of knowing that thunder would rattle the windows the moment I touched you.” As if to validate his assertion, another round of thunder shook the entire room.
Richard sank down on the sofa, rubbing his eyes vigorously. “I only meant to close my eyes for a moment. How long was I asleep?”
“I imagine since I left for Lord Warren’s residence, and there is no need to apologise, as you evidently needed the rest. After all, you were on the road constantly before you arrived at Pemberley, and then we left the next day for here.”
“I am a little tired. Could you spare a poor soldier some coffee? I think I shall need it to help me think more clearly.” Stopping to raise one brow as he got a good look at William, he added, “I assume, from that scowl on your face, that what you learned about Andrew was not welcome news.”
William walked over to the bell pull and gave it a tug. “You assume correctly. Let us have our coffee before we begin. I think I need a clear head as well.”
Several minutes later, they occupied comfortable chairs in front of the large marble-mantled hearth, neither speaking as they sipped hot coffee from china cups. Between them on a small table, Mrs. Barnes had placed a plate of various biscuits. At the sight of these delights, Richard had begun to whittle the number down, and it was only after his third helping that he decided he was sufficiently awake to listen.
“Tell me what that blackguard has done and leave nothing out.”
A HALF-HOUR LATER, Richard let go a low whistle, shaking his head in disbelief. “I was not expecting that. Is there even a slight chance that Andrew has fallen prey to a fortune hunter? After all, by appearances he is a wealthy man, and his friends help him to sustain the illusion.”
“Even if I were inclined to lean in Andrew’s favour—and I am not—after meeting Mr. Harrington, I have no doubt as to the truth of the matter.” William reached into his coat pocket and brought out an object that he tossed to Richard. “This settled it.”
Examining the cameo, the colonel clucked his tongue. “So, Miss Harrington was the recipient of one of Andrew’s calling cards. It matches those given to his other victims, so I would say that this brooch hammers the nails in his coffin.”
“There were also several letters to Miss Harrington professing his undying love. I was allowed to read them, though her father insisted on keeping all but this one.” William held up a folded paper. “I shall use it to force a confession, if necessary.”
&nbs
p; “I am surprised that he let even that one out of his sight.” Richard scratched his chin. “Is he an imposing fellow? For, apparently, Andrew is not overly concerned. He put his promises in writing, for heaven’s sake!”
“Truthfully, he is older than your father, I would guess, and does not appear in good health. When he walks, he relies heavily on a cane. Still, his comportment and determination are impressive. It is his intention to force Andrew do right by his daughter, regardless of the toll it may take on his health.”
“He has no others he can rely on? No sons?”
“His only son died several years ago, and Effie, that is his daughter’s name, is the only child left. I saw a small portrait of her, and though she is plain, she is not ugly. In thinking on the matter, I believe that Andrew may have been considering marrying her to combine their estates, since they are adjacent. According to Harrington, it is well known in Manchester that Marsden Park is profitable. What Andrew would not have known straight off is that the estate is entailed to the male line.”
“And if he learned that Miss Harrington cannot inherit,” Richard interjected, “he would cut and run!”
“This, according to the letters, seems to have been the case.”
Richard examined the cameo, turning it over repeatedly. “I admit that this piece does impress. The border appears to be seed pearls and diamonds.”
“It is a good reproduction. One would believe it authentic, especially if it was gifted with the same sad story.”
“His dear departed mother’s brooch? How despicable!” Richard exclaimed. “Are all women fools for a man who confesses to mourning his mother? And, naturally, the gift of a purported family heirloom makes his actions seem honourable!”
“It does,” William sighed. “He promised he would dispose of the entire lot after our conversation regarding his children and his inheritance.”
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 8