Smoky Dreams

by Jaeza Rayleigh

  Chapter 8: Offers of Aid

  As they drove to the village Darcy could tell the weather was getting colder. It seemed possible they might have snow by morning. He decided to get plenty of books, just in case they were snowed in. Darcy hoped the bookseller had a good selection in topics of interest to him.

  Knowing he could spend hours browsing in a bookstore, Georgiana asked to stop for what she called her ‘fripperies’ first. She did not intend to buy much, but part of the fun was looking around and thinking about all the things she could do with the various trims and ribbons. Darcy was willing to let her get all that out of her system at the start of the excursion. He was even willing to go into the shop with her if it would make her happy, although he did warn her not to try to solicit his opinion on any of the fripperies.

  "I have no sense for how one piece of lace looks when compared to another. It is all one to me. You enjoy yourself and I will have fun watching you," he told her before they went into the shop.

  At his urging she took her time looking over the various displays and selecting a few special items to add to her collection. For his part, Darcy appreciated the chairs the shopkeeper had by the door. Apparently, he was not the first male relative who had to wait while a wife, daughter or sister made her choices. Sitting there he had some time to think about his other responsibilities.

  The bell over the door roused him from thoughts of the Christmas boxes Mrs. Reynolds would deliver to the tenants at Pemberley on his behalf. He looked up to see a familiar face, one that drew him up to first stand and then bow politely.

  "Miss Lucas, a pleasure to see you," he said.

  "I can say the same, Mr. Darcy, and a surprise as well. Is someone here with you?" Charlotte Lucas asked, equally surprised by the courtesy he displayed.

  "My sister is there at the counter, nearly done with her shopping. May I introduce you and…is this your younger sister?" He thought he recognized the timid and rather mousy-looking young girl standing behind Miss Lucas, but he was not certain.

  "Yes, I do not think you had much contact with my sister, Maria, on your last visit. We would be honored by an introduction to Miss Darcy."

  Darcy walked towards the counter and spoke up slightly as he did. "Georgiana, dear, I would like to introduce you to two of the local ladies."

  Georgiana looked up from her little pile of treasures. Her eyes widened slightly, but she kept her composure as her brother presented Miss Lucas and Miss Maria.

  "I am pleased to meet you both," she said as she curtsied.

  "Miss Lucas and her sister are daughters of Sir William Lucas and live at Lucas Lodge. They are very near neighbors of Netherfield. Bingley and I enjoyed a few evenings at their home during our last visit."

  Georgiana seemed to relax a bit with his explanation. Miss Lucas looked at Darcy curiously as Miss Maria stepped forward to exclaim over the items Georgiana intended to purchase. The two young girls began to converse in a very friendly fashion.

  "I am surprised you and Mr. Bingley have returned, sir," Miss Lucas told him. "The note Miss Jane Bennet received from Miss Bingley indicated it was unlikely her brother ever would come back to Meryton."

  "A misunderstanding, I am afraid. I have heard some of what was in that note and it appears Miss Bingley overstepped herself with the information she provided. My friend, Mr. Bingley, always intended to return as he said he would. He was simply faced with some unexpected delays in London. I wished to return here as well, as I realized I had not made the best of impressions; a failure I hope to correct over the next several weeks. He was kind enough to allow me to bring my sister, so she would not have to spend Christmas in London alone. Part of my poor mood on my earlier visit was worry over her. I feel better having her where I can look after her comfort."

  "It seems you look after her very well if you are willing to follow her into a shop like this," Miss Lucas smiled at him after a glance towards the two happy girls. Darcy knew she and Miss Elizabeth were close and he hoped Miss Lucas would be an advocate for him.

  "I would even follow her into the dressmaker's shop if it became necessary for her happiness," he said. "My sister is all the near family I have left. I treasure her."

  "She is lucky then. The note we were discussing speculated that there might be a betrothal for her soon." Darcy could tell she was trying to approach the subject delicately. He felt lucky that she had given him an opening to dispel Miss Bingley's lies.

  "No, indeed. We have no such plans for her. Georgiana is not even officially out in society. I would not consider a betrothal for her until she has had a few seasons to feel comfortable and find someone who will care for her properly. Aside from that, the party Miss Bingley attempted to link with my sister is very much in love with someone else and hopes to have a joyous announcement of his own as soon as some misunderstandings are cleared up."

  "I wish him good fortune on that score. That note caused much disquiet and sorrow."

  "I am very sorry for that. I am afraid I unwittingly had a part in making both the disquiet and sorrow worse over the last two days. I would like to apologize to those affected but have been requested to stay away from their home along with my friend."

  Miss Lucas nodded agreeably. "I think I understand. I may be able to help clear up the matter with those involved. I should like to see a happy resolution to that problem."

  "We are agreed then. Of course, if there is anything I can do or any information I can provide, I will happily respond."

  "I heard earlier today that there might have been yet another misunderstanding around your return to Meryton. Could you perhaps clear that up?"

  "Do you refer to an altercation with a certain officer of the militia?" He was enjoying the circuitous manner of this discussion. While he normally liked to be direct in his speech, it was a pleasant change to the earlier straightforward baring of his soul on these matters. He had already known Miss Lucas to be an intelligent woman of good character. He was now finding her to be an interesting conversationalist as well.

  "That is the subject I found confusing. I had heard, of course, about a denied living and a falling out between the parties involved, yet there seems to be more to the story."

  "There usually is, if one digs deeply enough. The officer in question generally relies on his listeners doing no more than accepting his stories at surface value. In this case, for instance, there was a living and it was denied to him, but only after he declined to accept it and received a large cash payment in return for signing away all rights to it. After wasting the money, he requested it again and was angry when it was denied. He enjoys playing the role of victim to gain sympathy and more. In truth, he is a rather dangerous character in some of the ways he uses his charm. A few of your merchants found that out already. I simply hope none of the young ladies in the area also learned that lesson."

  "So, he is not someone we would wish to have in our midst."

  "Most definitely not. I should have done something to warn the community when I was here before. That matter is one of the things that brought me back. The officer has now been removed to debtor’s prison. There was an altercation, partly physical, which may have appeared to witnesses to have been unprovoked. In fact, it was prompted by some rude comments those witnesses could not have heard. I do not like to hear my sister insulted."

  "I should think not. She seems a very pleasant young woman and good company for my sister. It would not be appropriate for Maria to visit with her at Netherfield since she is not yet out, and you do not appear to have a hostess. Would you be willing to bring her to Lucas Lodge to visit with us? You and Mr. Bingley are also most welcome."

  "I will ask her if she would enjoy making a visit. It will also depend on the weather. The air smells a bit like snow on the way."

  "Yes, I noticed that this morning and have come to order some extra provisions just in case. Maria wished to stop in here and I agreed to indulge her. It was a happy chance. I should like to help you improve your standing with some of m
y neighbors. I would think once the misunderstandings are cleared, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary would also be good company for your sister."

  "That was among my hopes when I decided to bring her along. She has not been much in company and there are several young women in the area I would consider as likely friends." He wondered how much else he could ask of her, but just then Georgiana and Miss Maria joined them, having completed their purchases.

  "Miss Maria knows which store stocks the sheet music I am after, brother. May we go there next, so she can show me?" Georgiana asked animatedly. She appeared happier than Darcy had seen her in some time.

  "I have no objection. Would that be too far out of your way, Miss Lucas?"

  "Not at all," she said. "I understand Mr. Clarence recently received some new stock. Perhaps I can find a piece that will suit my skills."

  They left the shop with Georgiana and Miss Maria talking excitedly as they walked together. Darcy offered Miss Lucas his arm and they strolled along behind. He hoped for a little more conversation and was not disappointed.

  "I heard from our cook that reparations are being made for a wrong that was committed against the staff of a local household last month. Do you know anything of it?" she asked.

  "I learned of the matter yesterday, as did my friend. He did not approve of the actions that were taken in November and has conveyed that message to the individual responsible - with uncharacteristic force, I might add. He and I both agree it was a shameful act. I am thankful Mrs. Nichols and the community stepped up to prevent the incident from becoming a tragedy. I understand Mrs. Bennet led the relief efforts."

  "My neighbor is a very generous woman. Most newcomers do not see beyond her loud voice and sometimes inappropriate manners. The people of Meryton know who she truly is, and we value her. This is a close community and we all do what we can to help one another."

  "I hope to be accepted as a part of the community for as long as I am a guest at Netherfield. As I said earlier, I know I did not make the best impression. I said insulting things I did not mean and did not intend to be heard. I attended the gatherings but did not properly participate and I failed to express my thanks for all the kindness I was shown. This time I hope to do better. I only need a second chance."

  "I think you will receive it," she said, smiling. "Continue as you have begun, and all will eventually work out. Here we are. This shop sells music and stationary. The shop next door sells books."

  "Ah, that is my ultimate destination. I am afraid the library at Netherfield is not well stocked with books. I am hoping to change that circumstance as well."

  "I am certain Mr. Tamblar would love to sell you as many books as you wish to purchase. Mr. Bennet and Eliza are his best customers in Meryton, but he is always happy to gain others."

  They entered the music store and Miss Lucas stepped away to begin searching for some new pieces to learn. Georgiana happily looked through the sheets, talking with Miss Maria as she did. With his companions occupied, Darcy settled near the counter to watch the scene. This time his thoughts were more cheerful. Miss Lucas offered hope of communicating with the residents of Longbourn without the challenge of making a personal visit.

  Darcy had always felt Miss Lucas was well-disposed towards him and favored a match between him and her friend. He wondered why she had not found a good match herself, and then he remembered what Mr. Archer had said about there being far too few eligible young men in the area to go around. Perhaps Darcy could find a way to help her to be exposed to eligible men who might appreciate a woman of her good sense and practical nature. He might have to engage in more circuitous speech to see if that was of interest to her and what criteria she might have on the subject of a good match. It could be something to discuss during a visit to Lucas Lodge.

  Miss Lucas was still looking at the music when Georgiana and her new friend came up to where Darcy waited. As he paid for his sister's purchases, Miss Maria looked questioningly at him. Darcy picked up the packet from the counter and turned to her.

  "I will not bite, Miss Maria. Did you have something to ask me?"

  "Yes, Mr. Darcy. Lydia Bennet told me her sister saw you hit Mr. Wickham. Why would you do that?" She ducked her head slightly as if she thought Darcy might bite her after all.

  "He insulted my sister, Miss Maria. I struck him in response without even thinking about it. Despite the impression he has given, Mr. Wickham is not a good man."

  "And despite the impression Mr. Darcy has given, he has proven he is," the shopkeeper put in, surprising the trio at the counter and Miss Lucas who was just about to join them. "I do not sell in large enough amounts to give credit, but several of my neighbors do. After Mr. Darcy had that Wickham fellow taken up for debt, we learned the man owed large amounts to practically every merchant in the village who caters to the soldiers or to gentlemen. I hear Mr. Darcy bought up all those debts so our people would not have to suffer the losses and added it to a debt of several thousand pounds Mr. Wickham already owed to other people he has swindled. Thank you for your help, sir. I am certain we will all be less trusting of the militia men going forward, but that would not have paid the rents or put dinner on the table for those who had already lost by them."

  Darcy bowed in acknowledgment of the man's words, while Miss Maria looked at him wide-eyed. Georgiana and Miss Lucas were less surprised, but still seemed impressed by the testimonial.

  After Miss Lucas paid for her small purchase, the little group headed to the door. Before stepping back out into the cold, Darcy arranged to bring Georgiana to call on Miss Maria the following afternoon barring interference by deep snow. The two Lucas ladies headed off to complete their shopping, while Darcy and Georgiana went into the next shop to look for books.

  Chapter 9: Books and Dinners

  As Miss Lucas had predicted, Mr. Tamblar had been more than happy to add Darcy to his list of customers that morning. He made his opinion clear as Darcy examined a new shipment of books that had just arrived at the store.

  "These are from an estate near St. Albans that failed due to debts. It seemed to be a comprehensive collection, so I purchased it at auction knowing I could either sell it piecemeal to Mr. Bennet or sell it forward to some of my contacts in London. If you find anything of interest, I will be happy to make a deal with you."

  "If I may spend some time looking through it, I think we might come to some kind of agreement," Darcy told him. "Do you have a place where my sister can be comfortable while I examine these?"

  The shopkeeper smiled, sensing a good potential sale. "I can bring around a chair and small table, if you will excuse me for a moment. I will also have my wife make up a pot of tea for the young lady. I keep on hand a few back issues of fashion magazines like La Belle Assemblée that the younger Bennet girls like to peruse when Miss Elizabeth Bennet is here looking for books. Your sister might enjoy them as well."

  Georgiana indicated the arrangement would be fine with her. Soon, she was enjoying tea and a few biscuits while flipping through the pages of a magazine. Darcy began the work of looking through the stock of books.

  As Mr. Tamblar said, it was a comprehensive collection. The majority of the books were in pristine condition, many with uncut pages showing they had never been read. Darcy set aside large stacks to purchase and then spent some time browsing the remainder of the bookseller's stock. These would be going to the Pemberley library after his visit and he thought they would be a worthy addition. Before finally setting to the business of agreeing on a price, he made several other additions to his collection of books, including a few Georgiana requested. The two men haggled good-naturedly for a bit before coming to a total that both deemed very fair. Once the bargain was struck, Mr. Tamblar had his shop boy crate up the purchase and promised it would be delivered to Netherfield that afternoon. Before leaving, Darcy gave him a large down payment and promised to have the remaining balance sent from London as quickly as possible.

  "I trust you, Mr. Darcy," the bookseller said. "You
would probably have had enough cash on hand right now if you had not paid off all Mr. Wickham's debts with the other merchants yesterday. I have heard about that and am grateful the shopkeepers of our village did not see such a heavy loss. Your credit is always good with me, sir."

  It was a vote of confidence Darcy greatly appreciated. He offered his thanks to the man and assured him once again the funds would arrive soon. Taking one book from his purchase to read while he awaited the delivery, he picked up Georgiana's packages and the siblings made their way back out to the carriage.

  Darcy and his sister returned to Netherfield happy with the way their morning had gone. The excursion to the village had been a success on many levels. From the comments of the merchants, Darcy could see the tide of public opinion was starting to turn in his favor. He did not know how much that would affect the opinion of the estate owners and their families, but it could not hurt. He suspected Miss Lucas would see to starting the process of rehabilitating his reputation, and that of Bingley, with her neighbors. Mr. Archer might be of help as well. Darcy and the magistrate had parted on friendly terms after all, despite their rough beginning.

  In another benefit to the morning, Georgiana and Miss Maria Lucas seemed to have struck up a genuine friendship. Not only would that association be good for his sister, it would serve to further spread his side of the story to the residents of Longbourn. Darcy looked forward to their visit to Lucas Lodge the next day with the hope of hearing good news.

  The pair encountered Bingley in the entryway as they arrived at the house. He was dressed for riding and had a determined look on his face.

  "Did you have a satisfactory visit to the village?" he asked when he spotted them.

  "Very much so," Darcy replied. "We met Miss Lucas and her younger sister in one of the shops and I had an interesting conversation with the elder sister. Georgiana and Miss Maria became acquainted as they shopped."