The Lost Heir

by Harriet Knowles

  He nodded, seemingly a little reluctant. “I think so.”

  19

  William followed his host through to his library. Miss Bennet had been right, but he could think of no way to say he would rather she remained with them while he found out more about the family he had lost.

  “Whisky?” Gardiner waved the decanter at him. “Rather more welcome than tea, I think.”

  William nodded. “Just a little, thank you.” He waited until the man waved him to one of the deep leather library chairs, and he found himself sinking into it. They were designed to be comfortable and relaxing, but he was hardly in the frame of mind to appreciate them.

  “So Lizzy has talked you into seeking more information?” Gardiner’s gaze was curious.

  William smiled. “Not quite. But she agrees it is my duty to do so, and she had a further reason I had not considered.”

  “Oh?”

  “She says whoever wished me harm may well have done so to gain whatever my birthright is, and that such an individual would not be good for the family.”

  Gardiner nodded thoughtfully. “My niece continues to surprise me with the breadth of her views and thoughtfulness.” He shrugged. “And we are the beneficiary of it. Her father ought really override her mother’s protestations and summon her home. But I hope he does not.”

  It was the first William had heard about why Miss Bennet was in London. “I had not heard there was any difficulty for her at home.”

  The older man cocked an eyebrow. “Has she not told you?”

  “No, sir, she has always been reticent about her family.” William wondered if it was because she didn’t want him to feel the loss of his own more keenly, and his heart swelled with emotion. She was the best lady he could ever imagine.

  He shook his head. “It is the one thing I dread about agreeing to seek out my family, that I might not be able to …” he stopped, not knowing how to continue.

  Gardener was looking at him sympathetically, but he didn’t ask William to complete his thoughts. “Ought I just tell you all I know? I think the main shock might have passed now.”

  William nodded glumly. “I have had a week to realise this was inevitable, and several hours since I realised today was the day it would happen.”

  “Very well.” Gardiner sat back and marshalled his thoughts together.

  William allowed his lips to twitch. “Ought I to take notes?” The other man’s guffaw was infectious, and William smiled reluctantly.

  Gardiner looked wryly at him. “To look at it with humour is the best way, I think.”

  William shrugged. “I hope you will continue to permit my association with you, sir.”

  “We would all be delighted, William, insofar as you feel able to.”

  “You think I might not?”

  Gardiner shook his head. “I didn’t say that. But let’s get on. Your cousin’s name is Richard Fitzwilliam.” He glanced at William. “Be prepared. He is the younger son of Henry Fitzwilliam, Earl of Matlock. The earl’s sister, Lady Anne, was your mother.”

  William swallowed. He’d not quite imagined this. “Was? Is she no longer alive?”

  Gardiner shook his head. “She lost her life fifteen years ago, in childbirth. You were not quite thirteen years old, and deeply affected.”

  William struggled to make sense of it. “Her child?”

  “You have a younger sister. She is now, of course, fifteen years old. According to your cousin, she is a beautiful and accomplished young lady.” Gardener looked at him. “Do you want to know your name?”

  William clenched his jaw. “I need to know.”

  “Your given name is Fitzwilliam, after your mother’s family, and your family name is Darcy. Your father is Mr. George Darcy.”

  They sat in silence for a while, as William slotted the facts into his mind. He looked up. “My father is still alive?”

  Gardiner nodded. “Yes. Colonel Fitzwilliam has told me that your father is increasingly frail. The colonel has not told him he has discovered you, but he’s obviously anxious you be reunited.”

  “Before it’s too late,” William finished. He sighed. He supposed there would be a great deal of pressure to acknowledge the family as quickly as possible.

  “You can take as much time as you need.” Gardiner’s eyes were sympathetic. “Colonel Fitzwilliam need not know you have returned to London until you decide it is right to do so.”

  William shook his head. “I would have liked to have completed the business with the uniforms before this all happened. But I have no doubt things will change faster than I would really like.”

  Gardiner nodded and frowned, deep in thought. All William could think of was Miss Bennet. Would he lose her, in finding his old self? And the business they had worked on so hard together, what would happen to that?

  When he finally looked up, deep in gloom about the loss of his prospects for Miss Bennet, he saw her uncle was smiling. “I beg your pardon. Was I not listening?”

  Gardiner shook his head. “No, I didn’t speak. I was watching your features. Even without outward expression, I think I can divine your feelings.”

  William smiled tightly. “There is a lot to understand.”

  The other man nodded. “Yet there is more to say. But I think you have heard enough for today — except for one thing. You will understand that as the only son of Mr. Darcy, you must be the heir to his estate and fortune. I think you ought to know about it.”

  William sighed. “I’m not sure I should. But I trust your judgement, so I will listen.”

  “All right. The Darcy estate is called Pemberley. It is a fine house with extensive grounds and land in Derbyshire. In addition, the fortune amounts to ten thousand a year.”

  “Ten thousand a year?” William could hardly comprehend what the man said.

  “And the income from a large part of Derbyshire, too.” Gardiner was watching him. “I think the best thing to do now is to rejoin the ladies. We might make a table of cards, while you return to normality. You can study Who’s Who tomorrow, or take it to your chamber tonight — although I would recommend trying to get some sleep.”

  “There is one more thing, if you do not object, Mr. Gardiner.” William summoned his courage. “Does the Colonel have any idea who might have been behind the attack on me?”

  Gardiner, who’d been about to rise, sank back into the chair. “Yes.” He looked grim. “He named a man about the same age as you, who has great influence with your father. He has an understanding that he will marry your sister, who is, of course, considered the heiress to Pemberley.” He waited a moment. “Apparently your sister is very unhappy about it, and the Colonel fears she will be forced to marry the man as soon as she is sixteen, as your father is so unwell.”

  Damnation! William rose to his feet and crossed to the window, staring out into the darkness. He almost wished himself back in the stable and able to curse. But he could not do so here, in the company of Gardiner.

  He turned with an effort. “I think I must ask you to excuse me, sir. I will not be good company at cards this evening.”

  20

  Richard had listened to Georgiana playing much of the evening. Her accomplishment was not in doubt, but the melancholy music she had chosen had turned his mood sombre, and, glancing at his parents, he knew they felt it, too.

  But she had given up a few minutes earlier, and closed the lid over the keys. “Aunt Alice, may I be permitted to retire? I am fatigued.”

  “Of course, my dear. You’ve had a sad day. I’m sorry, and I hope you are able to rest.” His mother inclined her head, and Richard, once again, wished Georgiana could accept his mother’s affection. But his cousin’s shyness and increasing sadness was making her withdraw from them, and his anger at her father increased.

  He rose to his feet and walked with her to the door. “I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy calling at Darcy House this afternoon, Georgiana.”

  She looked up at him, her eyes shiny with unshed tears. “But I have to g
o, don’t I? And I know the only thing that will please Father is that I agree to marry Mr. Wickham on my sixteenth birthday.” She hesitated. “I … when Papa talked about Scotland, do you think he meant I might even be expected to marry before my birthday?”

  “I’m sorry.” And Richard was sorry. It seemed there was nothing to be done. Her father had control over her until she was one and twenty, or married. “The alternative is to refuse to say your vows at the altar, and I know that will be too hard for you.”

  His little cousin lowered her head. “It is.” Her voice was almost inaudible. “I know it is wrong of me to wish …” but she couldn’t continue. Richard reached for her hand and bowed over it.

  “Dear Georgiana. Please don’t think like that. I will talk to my parents now, this moment, and we will see what is to be done. I promise you, I will not allow this to continue.” He turned her towards him, and waited until she looked up at him, her gaze hopeful.

  “What can you think of, Cousin Richard?”

  “I can’t tell you that yet, but I will talk to you in the morning. We will think of something. I know this situation is insupportable any longer.” Cold anger had burned inside him after escorting her to Darcy House to see her father. Wickham’s mocking features played through his memory. “Please try not to be too distressed tonight, and rest. I will ensure something is done for you.”

  He was pleased to see hope in her eyes, but his heart was heavy. He could hardly see what could be done if he was unable to even get past Gardiner to see Darcy. If only Darcy was available now — the Darcy he knew, not the stranger he had become.

  Darcy would not allow this to continue. Richard watched Georgiana climbing the stairs, talking rather more brightly to her companion than he could have hoped. He turned to return to his parents. They must see the situation as he did.

  He bowed slightly as he joined them. “Mother, Father, I believe the situation for Georgiana is now unjustifiable. I hope we might come to a swift decision on what can be done.”

  His mother nodded. “I’ve called for more tea, but you gentlemen might wish to order something stronger.”

  Father laughed. “Ring for a couple of whiskies, Richard. I have had an idea which might hold things temporarily, and I know you will have thought of something.”

  “Nothing that is remotely palatable to me,” Richard replied sombrely. But he rose and rang the bell before he drew up a chair and sat with them. “The situation at Darcy House is untenable. Wickham has complete control of the situation. The way he looked at Georgiana when we arrived would have had me running a sword through his worthless heart — if he has one.”

  He scowled. “I could feel her shrink back. And now it seems that Uncle George is considering having them go to Scotland to wed even sooner —” he rubbed his forehead. “I have given her cause to hope a little just now, or I think she might be desperate enough to do something foolish — and she isn’t thinking straight this evening.”

  “Is it hope that can be fulfilled?” His mother looked at him calculatingly.

  Richard waited while the drinks were brought in, and the doors closed behind the servants. “It will have to be,” he said firmly. “If we can think of nothing else now, tonight, I will have to take her to Gretna and marry her myself.” He looked sternly at his mother. “It is not what I want to do. It is not the right thing for her or for me. But it is better for her than the only other current option she can contemplate. Although I would be watching Wickham over my shoulder for the rest of my life.”

  His mother gasped, and the earl nodded. “Although it is a dream your mother has had for some time, she knows it is not your choice. It is an honourable thing for you to suggest, but let’s see if we can come up with something that will not be quite so final.”

  Richard laughed humourlessly. “Not least because I don’t want Darcy to think I’m after Pemberley.”

  “No, the fact he is alive has changed everything.” his father looked him in the eye. “If you cannot gain access to Darcy through Gardiner, I will have to call on him.”

  “I know that. But I think he is merely waiting until Darcy himself decides what to do. This morning, I gained the impression that he is willing to tell Darcy he ought to claim his heritage.”

  “Oh, I’m happy about that!” Mother’s tone lightened. “I have been afraid he might be content with the life he has made for himself.”

  “He certainly seems to have been very successful in gaining security,” Richard nodded. “But, from what I saw last week, he may feel we will prevent him from marrying where his heart lies.”

  His father’s lips tightened. “That might be inevitable.”

  Richard shrugged. “It might have to be accepted. After all, if he really doesn’t remember us, he will feel his duty lies with those who have assisted him — we’d have had to accept her if he was already married.”

  “We will have to find out about her. Perhaps she is not as unsuitable as we fear.” His mother looked at her husband. “What was your idea, Henry?”

  The earl smiled at her. “We have to approach this in two ways, both from an urgent point of view, and from a longer-term one. The first — I have decided to say we have advice that you ought to take the waters, so we will be taking Georgiana with us to the West Country for a tour. In fact, we will travel — without telling anyone — to Scotland. That will mean she is far away from London, and can relax with us where she won’t be found until events in London have been dealt with.”

  He turned to Richard. “Your job will be to convince everyone we are temporarily at Bath, and Georgiana is there to keep your mother company while she takes the waters. Then — you have two other tasks, and I’m sorry they are onerous.” He met Richard’s gaze.

  “Firstly, you must convince Darcy to take his rightful place as heir, and hopefully he will be able to see his father before he passes.” He smiled thinly and rose to his feet. Crossing to the fire, he turned back to face his son.

  “Secondly, we have to ensure his safety. That means dealing with Wickham. The man is a menace to society. We know that despite the arrangement for Georgiana, he is a womaniser and gambler.” His scowl could have matched Richard’s. “Why George cannot see it, I do not know.”

  “I can deal with him, Father,” Richard growled. “It would be a pleasure.”

  “No! I beg you do not, Richard!” His mother sounded anxious. “He is not worth you risking the hangman’s noose!”

  “No,” his father shook his head. “I would prefer you not to take the risk.” He returned to his chair. “No, I am certain Wickham has amassed considerable debts in the name of the Pemberley estate. I will go and see David in the morning, and set him to work with you in buying up what we can — quietly, so he does not discover it.”

  He smiled wolfishly. “Then I can call them in, and have him arrested. We will arrange that he isn’t able to contact your uncle for at least a few days. In that time, I can try and gain wardship of Georgiana on the grounds that her father is temporarily deranged. I might even be able to take stewardship of Pemberley from him to settle on Darcy, if we have Darcy back at that point.” He looked expectantly at Richard, who nodded slowly.

  “It is a good idea to gain David’s assistance.” His elder brother was in town now from the country. “He’ll be very good at the task.” He smiled over at his father. “You have woven a good web of plans. I think it might well work.”

  “And if not, we will, at least, be in Scotland,” his mother said quietly.

  Richard shook his head. “Please do not hope for something I don’t want, Mother.”

  She had the grace to look a little embarrassed, and his father harrumphed ungraciously.

  “Well, let’s get on with our plan. Richard, in the morning, you will escort your mother and Georgiana in the coach out on to the west road.” His brow creased. “You don’t need to hurry, you could stop for lunch at the White Bull in Isleworth, perhaps. I will go and see David and discuss with him what is to be done to beg
in to buy up Wickham’s debts. Then I’ll come back here and write a note to George, telling him that I’ve taken your mother and Georgiana to take the waters. I’ll make sure the note doesn’t get taken to Darcy House until late afternoon. I’ll take the second coach and join you at Isleworth, and you can bring it back. Go straight to David and you can plan your campaigns together.” He frowned again, deep in thought. “I’ll communicate with you both entirely through the post at the mews at the back of Providence Court, behind Renham House. No-one ought to think of searching out information there.”

  He looked at Richard. “If you do manage to get Darcy to join you, it might be a good idea to bring him to join us in Scotland. It would be a way for him to get to know us again, away from the pressures and the risk of Wickham. You’d be able to answer all his questions at leisure during the journey up, and Georgiana can meet him.”

  “That’s a very good idea.” Mother seemed pleased. “I always liked that you and Darcy were friends, Richard, and it would be wonderful to see you regain that.”

  “We’ll have to see,” Richard warned. “He may well have his own ideas of what he will do. He might want to go at once to his father. And Uncle George will certainly tell Wickham.”

  “Which is precisely why we ought to keep him out of London until that scoundrel is behind bars,” growled his father.

  21

  The next afternoon, William glanced cautiously round him as he followed Gardiner into the warehouse. Then he straightened; he would not allow a sense of unease to impair his satisfaction with their business calls that morning.

  He and his patron had taken the opportunity to travel direct from the Gracechurch Street house to four different regimental quartermasters to discuss their business proposals. They had been well-received at all of them. Two had even called for their brigadiers to propose an instant decision. It was enough. Now they could expand their production, safe in the knowledge that news would spread fast around other regiments, and they would be contacted by others.