An Unwavering Trust

by L. L. Diamond

  Once the din had quieted and Wickham had departed, Darcy turned to Mrs. Younge, whose eyes bored into him.

  “What do you intend to do with me?” Her voice was more humble than her expression would indicate.

  “I would like you to pack your belongings and leave. I do not want to ever hear your name associated with a respectable family again. Do I make myself clear?” He pivoted to depart, but Mrs. Younge grasped his sleeve.

  “But Mr. Darcy! I have nowhere to go!” Her once angry eyes filled with tears. He glared at her fingers, which released him with haste.

  “You should have considered that predicament before you conspired with Wickham. I will do naught to help you now.”

  “But perhaps your father will, once he hears what I have to say.”

  Her hands fidgeted as she shifted her weight from foot to foot. Could she truly have information, which could sway his father?

  “And what information could you provide to change your fate?”

  She shook her head adamantly. “I will only tell Mr. Darcy.”

  With a step forward and a lean in her direction, he towered over her small frame. She shrank back only a bit, but it was the reaction he had intended.

  “You will tell me, else you will not have an audience with my father. I will see to it.”

  She studied his eyes and brought her thumbnail to her lip to chew. “I have your word to promote my cause?”

  “That depends on your information. There may be naught my father or I can do.”

  “He could come to my aid if he chose.” She paused and then, nodded. “Very well, I will tell you.”

  He listened as Mrs. Younge told him of her predicament, giving a quick gesture of understanding when her lengthy explanation was complete. “I will tell my father. I cannot guarantee he will take action in regards to your situation, but you have my word he will hear it.”

  “I ask nothing more, Mr. Darcy.”

  Chapter 28

  The familiar Derbyshire landscape passed as the carriage carrying Darcy, Uncle Henry, Huntley, and Georgiana drew closer to Pemberley. It had not been a fortnight since their arrival in Ramsgate, and Darcy’s eyes were heavy from exhaustion. Elizabeth’s desire to afford Thomas as easy a trip as possible made more sense than ever; although, the child seemed to be more well-rested than the remainder of their party.

  They had recuperated in Ramsgate for three days prior to their departure for Derbyshire. Bingley and Grace had welcomed them at Rosings for one night, which allowed them to have a brief visit with the newlyweds and Thomas some time to adjust, so that he did not sleep the day away. They stopped the following night at Ashcroft house in London where they received word they would be welcomed at Matlock—an easy distance from Pemberley—for as long as was necessary.

  After three long days of travel, Uncle Henry and Aunt Elinor greeted them with open arms. They were excited to see their new nephew, and Aunt Elinor secured the child as soon as he was safely out of the carriage, citing he was as close to a grandchild as she had at the moment. Huntley grimaced at her barb and chastising look.

  The journey then continued with Uncle Henry and Huntley, who had invited themselves along upon learning Wickham’s scheme. Both had been justified in the fury Wickham had incited in them, and by extension, their ire towards George Darcy. The elder Darcy’s belief in the upright character of his godson had almost cost the family Georgiana, and Lord Matlock made his stance clear upon the recitation of the incident at Ramsgate—he would not lose another family member due to his inaction. The loss of Anne still weighed heavily upon his uncle. Darcy appreciated his uncle’s support regardless of the reason.

  Huntley had indicated a desire to accompany them in order to aid in setting George Darcy to rights. In his opinion, Wickham should have never had the access nor the opportunity to influence Georgiana. The elder Darcy had been negligent when he hired Mrs. Younge and lackadaisical when he allowed one such as Wickham near an impressionable girl.

  Georgiana was given the option to remain at Matlock with Elizabeth, Thomas, and Grandmamma until the initial explanations were given, yet opted to join the men in the hopes she could assist. She had confided that she dreaded a confrontation with their father, but saw no other alternative than to reveal all.

  At present, she sat beside Darcy, her hand around his arm and her head against his shoulder. There was a distinct possibility they would be separated by that afternoon and both were rather subdued as a result.

  With a quick glance out of the window, Uncle Henry closed his book. “There is the marker. We are now within the grounds of Pemberley.

  His sister’s head darted up to peer out of the window. She turned to him with wide eyes and a tear trailing down her cheek. “I am sorry.”

  “Why are you sorry, Georgie?” asked Huntley. “You have done nothing wrong. Mrs. Younge and Mr. Wickham both used you quite ill—Mrs. Younge especially. I find her blackmail unforgiveable. She took advantage of your family’s estrangement and her position for her own gain and to further Wickham’s schemes.”

  “He is correct.” Darcy tipped her chin towards him. “I am touched you were silent in order to visit with Elizabeth, Thomas and me, but none of us wishes for you to be put in danger. I hope you have learnt a lesson and will consider our feelings should something of this nature ever occur again.”

  “Of course, I have. I just never dreamt either would create such a vile plan.”

  Huntley’s doubtful gaze studied Georgiana. “You are very well informed in regards to the servant’s gossip. Had you never heard any tales of Wickham?”

  “I imagine the servants would not have told her much as many of his exploits are not appropriate for a young lady’s ears. Should father have discovered, the servant would have been dismissed.”

  “All servants talk…”

  Georgiana turned to her cousin with a smirk. “Pemberley servants may gossip within the kitchens and hallways, but should a rumour surface in the village, the servant who spoke of the family outside of the home would be dismissed.”

  “Obtaining the identity of the gossip monger is never difficult,” explained Darcy. “I was witness to my father’s dismissal of a maid five years ago. She did not spread anything dreadful, but it was the principle of the matter. He dismissed her before the entirety of the staff.”

  A whistle from Uncle Henry drew their attention. “George was always an excellent master to his tenants and servants. I knew that inspired a certain amount of loyalty, but I now understand why there is so little gossip about the Darcys. The only source is what occurs outside your homes.”

  They passed over a rise and out of the woods where he took his first glimpse of Pemberley in over a year. The house was unchanged as it came into view in its situation on the opposite side of the valley, backed by a ridge of high woody hills, and a stream that wound through the front of the park.

  He had not been gone for many years, but should it not seem different somehow? There remained a part of him that would forever consider it home, despite his love for Sagemore—but then home was now with Elizabeth. There was no home without her and Thomas.

  The carriage descended to the front entrance, where they disembarked, and ascended the steps to the butler who awaited them.

  “Lord Matlock, Lord Huntley, Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy. The servants were not informed that you would be arriving today. Is the master aware of your visit?”

  “My father is not expecting us, Howard, but it is of vital importance that we speak with him.”

  The butler considered him and stepped aside, holding out his hand in an invitation to enter. Then he began to lead them towards the library until a voice bid him to halt.

  “Georgiana, why have you returned and with your brother?” came their father’s strident voice from the stairs.

  She faltered, so Darcy took her hand in a silent show of support. His father did not miss the interaction and stepped down until he was directly before their party.

  “I asked yo
u a question, Georgiana. Do I not deserve an answer?”

  “Y… y… yes, sir,” she stuttered. “I… I had… had a problem in Ramsgate. Fitzwilliam aided in my removal.”

  “What sort of problem?” His inquiry was made in a forceful tone, and Georgiana visibly shrank back from her father.

  “George, we should conduct this conversation behind closed doors,” interrupted their uncle. “I have no doubt in the discretion of the Pemberley servants, but it would not do for any portion of this tale to become public knowledge.”

  His father’s jaw clenched and unclenched several times as he studied each member of their group before finally conceding with a curt nod. “Very well, would you all please join me in the library?”

  Once the doors were closed behind them, Georgiana sank into a chair and began to cry. The stress of the entire situation still distressed her, and she would be of little help in relating the tale.

  George Darcy ascertained that fact and turned to his son. “Would you please explain why you were in Ramsgate at the same time as your sister and why you have removed her from her establishment?”

  Darcy took a deep breath and released it. He did not wish to cause trouble for Georgiana, yet there was no other way to explain the situation other than to divulge everything.

  “Georgie and I have been frequent correspondents since I last departed Pemberley.”

  His father’s face bespoke of his irritation as he pivoted to face his daughter. “You expressly defied my wishes?”

  To everyone’s surprise, Georgiana lifted her face from her handkerchief, looked her father in the eye, and responded, “Yes.”

  “Yes? And this is all the reply which I am to receive?”

  Uncle Henry stepped forward and placed a hand on the elder Darcy’s shoulder. “Perhaps it is best if we save this discussion for later. It is imperative we get to the point and a decision made as to how to proceed.”

  His father regarded his uncle with confusion. “I do not understand.”

  “You will.”

  “As I said,” continued Darcy, “we have been corresponding. We met in October when Georgie was in London, and then made arrangements to spend time together in Ramsgate.

  “Grandmamma and I both had concerns in regards to the suitability of Mrs. Younge whilst she was in residence in London.”

  “Your grandmother removed Georgiana from Mrs. Younge’s care.” His father frowned and clenched his fists. “I was displeased with her officiousness in the matter. She gave no reasonable explanation for her actions, other than she wished for a visit without interference.”

  “Because I begged her not to tell you, Papa.”

  The elder Darcy furrowed his brow and kneeled down beside his daughter. “You begged her not to tell me what, pray tell?”

  “George Wickham arrived in London a week after the family departed for Rosings.”

  His father shrugged his shoulders. “I would prefer he not stay at Darcy House due to the possibility of harm to your reputation, but he has his own chambers and was unlikely to interfere with your plans.”

  “But he did,” she whispered. “His behaviour was unlike in the past, and he was insistent he should accompany me on walks in Hyde Park.”

  “Explain to father what you mean by different.” His father had to understand, which would not occur unless his sister related the story in full.

  She glanced over and closed her eyes for a moment before she began to speak. “As I said, he was insistent he would accompany me on walks. He had the seating changed at dinner, so he was seated directly beside me.

  “Then Mrs. Younge mentioned that he was such a handsome suitor.”

  “Suitor?” the elder Darcy boomed. “Surely, you jest?”

  His sister began to cry, and Darcy stepped forward to take her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Mrs. Younge threatened to notify you of my communication with Georgiana should my sister inform you of Wickham and her actions. Grandmamma managed a confession of the circumstances from Georgie and removed her with all due haste from Darcy House for her protection.”

  His father pinched the bridge of his nose as if fighting a headache. “Mrs. Younge indicated Rebecca wanted to spend time with her granddaughter. She felt your grandmother disapproved of her as Georgiana’s companion, which was why she was relegated to remain at Darcy House.”

  Darcy gave a bitter chuckle. Mrs. Younge’s lie was not so far from the truth. “But Grandmamma informed you of Wickham’s behaviour.”

  “She did, but not to the extent Georgiana just did. She also did not mention Mrs. Younge’s complicity.”

  “At my request,” interjected Georgiana.

  “She should have ignored your request and told me! Wickham was supposed to be making arrangements to study the law, not court my daughter!” He raised his voice and Georgiana startled. “You should have told me.” The elder Darcy sighed and stepped over to kiss her on the head. “I apologise, Poppet. I am frustrated and unsure of what to believe.”

  “You should allow Fitzwilliam to continue,” said Uncle Henry. “There is much more to the tale.”

  Georgiana grasped her father’s hand, redirecting the elder Darcy’s attention to her. “My brother speaks the truth. I feared you would prevent my communication with him, so I allowed Mrs. Younge to threaten me. Please believe me, Papa. Fitzwilliam came to my aid in Ramsgate. Without him, I would have been lost to you.”

  His father’s eyes narrowed and his eyebrows furrowed. “I demand to know every detail of what occurred in Kent.”

  A tear dropped to her cheek. “Wickham came to the house the morning you departed.”

  “He was supposed to be in London.” His father’s voice reflected his disbelief, but his confusion was evident.

  “That may very well be,” cried Georgiana in frustration, “but he was not in London then, as he is not in London now.”

  George Darcy stepped back, shocked at his daughter’s uncharacteristic display of temper.

  “Elizabeth and I stepped out to take a walk along the coast when we spotted Georgie as she walked with Wickham—without a chaperone.”

  “Where was Mrs. Younge?” His father glanced back and forth between his son and daughter.

  Georgiana lifted her head from where she had been resting her forehead on the heel of her hand. “She claimed she was ill and could not accompany us. I attempted to demur, but she was insistent and suggested there would be nothing improper since we were to walk in a public place. Mr. Wickham made the intimation that I would be rude to refuse.”

  The stress of the situation was taking its toll on his sister. He would need to handle matters as much as possible. “When we spied them walking along the sea wall, Elizabeth drew Georgie away, so I could confront Wickham.”

  “You allowed your wife to chaperone your sister?” his father stormed.

  Uncle Henry stepped between them and placed a hand to the elder Darcy’s chest. “Settle down, George. Lizzy is intelligent and poised for one so young. I daresay she would have been a better choice of companion than that horrid woman you employed. Whilst Fitzwilliam spoke with that worthless ward of yours, Lizzy ensured Georgiana was brought to her grandmother, and did so without Wickham’s notice.”

  “You only think Wickham worthless because he was the son of a steward.”

  Uncle Henry gave a derisive chuckle. “I think him an opportunistic little weasel, who will milk you for any farthing he can get.”

  Huntley stepped forward. “Those farthings would not last long, as he would lose more than he possessed at the nearest gambling establishment whilst he ran up a tab on ale he had no intention of paying. Oh! And let us not forget the barmaid or innkeeper’s daughter…”

  “That is enough,” interrupted Darcy. “I do not relish a discussion of Wickham’s more notorious exploits with Georgie in the room.”

  George Darcy glowered at the viscount. “I have heard yours and your father’s opinions of Wickham prior to today, yet you have never had any proof he is
as you say.”

  A scoff came from Huntley’s direction. “You are a fool.”

  George Darcy reddened and stepped forward, but Uncle Henry again put a hand to his chest. “This is not conducive to solving our current problem.” He turned to his son. “Arthur, perhaps you should take a walk.”

  “I only spoke the truth!”

  “I know, son, but it is not of any aid at this point. We need to finish the discussion about Ramsgate, and dredging up the past is not helpful.” Huntley sulked and strode from the room with a vicious slam of the door.

  Without a pause, Darcy returned to the task at hand. “We know Wickham’s motive was to wed Georgie in order to obtain her dowry—Mrs. Younge confirmed as much. She also indicated that he believed I had been disinherited, and Wickham himself claimed he deserved my place as your son—as your heir. He had grand plans to somehow become master of Pemberley in the future through the marriage.”

  “I would never have sanctioned such a match,” countered his father.

  “He does not require your consent for an elopement.” Uncle Henry stepped over to the brandy and removed the stopper as he raised his eyebrows. “Do you mind?” When no answer was given, he shrugged and poured a small glass.

  Darcy glanced down to his sister, and then back to his father. “His plan was to take her to Gretna Green. After he told me of Scotland, he noticed Georgie was gone and became furious. He threatened her reputation as well as mine amongst society. He then made comments I will not divulge before my sister.”

  Her eyes bulged, and she sprang to her feet. “What was it he said?”

  He shook his head. “No, it is too vile. I will tell father, but I will not upset you further.”

  She huffed. “I suppose I shall join Huntley on that walk.” Her exit was similar to her cousin’s, and as soon as she left, Uncle Henry took a seat.

  “I suggest you have a seat for this next part, George.”

  George Darcy shook his head. “I do not require a chair. I require you to continue.” He looked back to his son insistently.