The Lost Heir

by Harriet Knowles

  “Time for a cup of tea in celebration,” Gardiner said as he pushed the door open.

  “Certainly,” William laughed. “It is a great relief to me that we have finally gained the good opinion of those we were aiming to please.” He glanced round. “I had wondered if Miss Bennet might be here to ask us of our success.”

  Gardiner laughed. “I told her she must not arrive here before three o’clock. I could not be certain we would have returned before.”

  William glanced at the clock. “Will she walk, sir? Ought I to go and escort her here?”

  “I wouldn’t do that, William. My wife will send her with a maid to escort her, and I think we should first discover whether Colonel Fitzwilliam called this morning.”

  “As you say.” William wished he’d had a chance to tell Miss Bennet about his discussion late last evening with Gardiner, and tell her what he now knew. Ten thousand a year! What would she think of him?

  He sighed. She would withdraw, not seem so involved in him and his business. She wouldn’t wish to be seen as a fortune hunter. Heavy-hearted, he turned to order tea.

  “Did the Colonel call this morning, Mr. Vesey?” he asked, after arranging for tea.

  “No, Mr. Stoke,” the clerk smiled. “I was half-expecting him to call.”

  “Thank you.” William returned to Gardiner’s office and relayed the information to him.

  “I’m surprised.” Gardiner went to the comfortable chairs, and relaxed back. “I gained the impression he felt the matter urgent.”

  “I don’t feel any different.” William was rather aggrieved, the contentment of the morning draining away.

  “And you aren’t,” Gardiner murmured. “You are the same man as you’ve been all these years. You don’t need to change. You’re a fine man. You have gained a better status. That is all.” He fixed his gaze on William. “Don’t let anyone demean the man you are, or the position you’ve been in.”

  A tap at the door heralded Molly with the tea tray, followed by Miss Bennet, smiling. “Good afternoon, Uncle, Mr. Stoke. I’ve been anxiously waiting to learn how your calls this morning were received.”

  “Come and sit down, Lizzy.” Her uncle waved at a chair. “I see you have arranged an extra teacup on the tray, so you can join us to hear all about it.”

  William had risen when she entered. “Take this chair, Miss Bennet. It is the more comfortable one.”

  She laughed up at him. “I can see you’re both gratified at the events of the morning. I am agog to hear all about it.”

  His spirits lightened as she spoke, and he wondered if he might get the opportunity to talk of more serious matters.

  “Thank you.” She perched herself on the chair he held for her, and the fact of her proximity to him was almost overwhelming. Fortunately, Gardiner had stepped in and was describing their morning.

  He listened desultorily. It ought to have been the proudest moment of his business career to date, but his mind was filled with what he wanted to say to Miss Bennet, what he wished for them. But he could not.

  Finally, he could take no more, and sat forward. “Mr. Gardiner, I wonder if you might permit me to walk to the park with Miss Bennet for a few moments? Molly could follow us.”

  Gardiner waved his hand. “Of course. I know you have a great deal you wish to talk about.”

  “I’ll get my coat.” Miss Bennet rose to her feet, smiling gently, and William had to force himself not to offer his hand to assist her. He could imagine the warmth of her hand on his arm, and he felt the heat of a flush on the back of his neck.

  As he waited for her, Gardiner came close to him. “Do nothing precipitate, William. You have the advantage of time, and she is very young.”

  He turned to the older man in dismay. “Do you not approve?”

  “Of course I approve!” Gardiner was astonished. “It is because — well, there is much change coming for you, and you must make things easy for yourself.” He patted William’s arm. “Now, here she is. Talk to her, tell her what you know, and she will support you in whatever way you wish. Just take things carefully.”

  William watched as she approached, her face softly flushed, and smiling at him.

  But before he could speak, the outer door opened, and a sudden shock coursed through him as the officer stepped through.

  Miss Bennet must have seen his expression, for she whirled round and saw who it was. William could feel the coldness radiating from her as she stood between them. He was moved that she thought to protect him, and Gardiner’s quiet chuckle showed him the older man had noticed, too. He stepped forward, around her.

  “You will excuse us, I hope. I was about to take some air with the lady, but, if you wish to see me, I will be back within the hour.” He kept his head up. He was not ashamed of who he was, where he had come from.

  The officer stepped back, caution in his eyes, and William was glad he was not going to greet him too effusively.

  “You will return? I do wish to speak to you as soon as possible.” There was a note of desperation in his voice. William looked at him curiously. Gardiner had said that he had grown up with this man, been the closest of friends. He could remember none of it.

  “I have already said I will return.” He turned to Miss Bennet. “May I introduce this gentleman who — I understand — is my cousin? Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

  He bowed slightly at the caller. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” Before either had time to respond, he steered her past the officer and through the door.

  22

  Elizabeth walked as steadily as she could, despite feeling a weakness stealing through her body — entirely caused by the heat flowing through her fingers from her contact on his arm.

  He looked down at her. “I’m sorry he arrived at that moment; I was hoping for a more peaceful start to our walk.”

  She laughed lightly; she had to put his mind at ease. “Is he really your cousin?”

  “It is what he’s told your uncle. And you have said you thought the resemblance meant he must be a relation.” He seemed to hesitate. “He is the younger son of the Earl of Matlock.”

  Shock raced through her, but she dared not show her discomposure. “And how did you feel when Uncle told you that?”

  He chuckled mirthlessly. “There was a lot to discover. The worst of it is that there appears to be some urgency that I take up my rightful place in the family.”

  She nodded, but didn’t say anything as they strolled on. He would need time to decide what he wanted to tell her, and she was content to hear what he wished whenever he wished to say it.

  When they came, the words were stark. “My name, apparently, is Fitzwilliam Darcy. I have a father and a fifteen-year-old sister. My mother died when I was twelve, and was the sister of the current Earl of Matlock.” He drew a deep breath. “I was fifteen years old myself when I disappeared while staying with friends.” He stopped, and turned to face her. “It seems my father’s estate is sizeable. My — cousin — thinks the man who is responsible for my disappearance is a man who has great influence with my father — who will force my sister to marry him as soon as she is sixteen, as she is the heir to my father, whose strength is fading.”

  “Oh!” Elizabeth’s hand was to her mouth. “I’m so sorry!” She stopped and drew a deep breath. He was perfectly well aware of the force of what he’d been told. And he was a man who knew his duty; knew his responsibilities to others. She waited for her feelings to steady before she spoke. “And my uncle told you all this last night?” He nodded, watching her.

  She tried to smile. “It is no wonder you didn’t wish to act normally and join us in the drawing room yesterday evening!”

  He laughed. “I’m sorry. I felt I would not be good company.”

  “I can understand it,” she nodded; and they strolled on through the park. “You will speak to your cousin when we return?” Elizabeth felt able to ask after they had turned for the second time around the park.

  “I will. He will not take no for an answer, I
think. And I ought to find out more about the situation.” He shook his head. “Or I will not be able to make the right decision.” He hesitated. “Might we sit for a few minutes under the tree before we return to the warehouse?”

  Her heart beating rather faster than she quite wished, Elizabeth sat on the edge of the bench, keeping her features under good regulation — at least she hoped she did.

  Mr. Stoke — or perhaps she ought to begin to think of him as Mr. Darcy — sat silently beside her. Finally, he drew a deep breath and turned to face her.

  “I wanted to thank you, Miss Bennet. You have made these last months a great pleasure to me. Working together on the business prospect has been an education to me, and a joy to discover the benefits of working closely with another …” he seemed to stop suddenly, as if he wanted to say more, but wasn’t sure whether he ought.

  Elizabeth wished he would continue. There was a lot more than business matters she’d felt between them. But she could hardly say it.

  “It’s been an education for me, too, Mr. Sto … er, sir. I have been privileged to have you take my ideas seriously, as if they matter. And I’ve learned a great deal, too.”

  She rose to her feet, wondering if this might be the last time she had the opportunity to speak to him. “But perhaps we ought to return. I expect the colonel will be waiting impatiently.”

  He huffed a laugh. “I doubt he will wish to show it.”

  She nodded. “Please take care. I doubt the man who is to marry your sister will be happy to discover your return.”

  His look showed he understood her perfectly. “I would hope to be able to call again and see you, Miss Bennet.”

  She turned towards the gate. “I would like that, but I will understand if it is not possible. If I have had to return home, my uncle will be able to give you the direction.” She forced a smile. “I might have to go quite soon. My elder sister has discovered an affection for a new gentleman who has moved into the country, and I must approve of him before I allow her to risk her happiness!”

  He seemed to be relieved at the change of topic. “And what do you know of this gentleman?”

  “He is a Mr. Bingley. He moved into Netherfield Park, near a small town called Meryton, which you’ve probably never heard of.”

  “I know it — and Mr. Bingley.” He sounded strangled, and she looked at him in concern. He shook his head. “I didn’t know you live in Hertfordshire. It is Bingley I stayed with last week, although I did not venture to leave the house for any social events.”

  She became aware she had stopped and was staring up at him. “It is a curious coincidence,” she laughed. “Perhaps I can ask if you approve of him!”

  He laughed too, the strain appearing to lessen around his features. “He is an amiable and pleasant gentleman. He has a large fortune. I think he would make a loyal and faithful husband. But he is from trade, if it matters to your family. He has inherited the mills your uncle and I have been working with.”

  “Goodness me!” Elizabeth was amazed. “I’m very glad to hear of your approval — and Mama will be delighted by his fortune. Papa will only be concerned that Jane is happy, and whether Mr. Bingley has enough to make her secure.”

  He seemed to be considering his next words. “You’ve spoken very little about your family, Miss Bennet. And something your uncle said last night made me aware there might be some difficulty with them. I’m sorry about that. I didn’t meet them, and I have heard no more than I have said. If there is anything I can do to assist, I hope you will ask me.”

  She laughed, and shook her head. “I think your family difficulties far eclipse mine, Mr. — er.” She shook her head in frustration. “I don’t know how to address you, and I doubt you really know, yourself. I must wish you happiness and contentment in the days and weeks ahead, and hope to hear you have weathered any trouble there might be.”

  “I suppose I have to get used the the name Darcy,” he said wryly, his voice low. “I chose the name Stoke, as it was part of the name of the village where I was found, and suitably anonymous so it couldn’t be traced back anywhere.”

  “It’s served you well, Mr. Stoke. Now I will hope the name Mr. Darcy serves you equally well. You are the same honourable gentleman I have come to respect and admire.”

  “Thank you.” His voice was thick with emotion, and they walked back to the warehouse without speaking any further.

  23

  When they returned to the building, William was amused to see the palpable relief of his new-found cousin.

  Gardiner also seemed relieved; perhaps entertaining him had been too much. The older man rose to his feet hastily. “You two gentlemen may use my office, I have business to do in the rest of the warehouse.” When he reached the door, he clapped William on the shoulder. “I’ll have fresh tea sent in.” He dropped his voice. “Remember, we had great success this morning with our business. Today is a good day.” He looked at him hard, before closing the door behind him.

  The colonel — his cousin! — was standing beside the chair he’d risen from, seemingly as uneasy as William felt. William smiled thinly.

  “It is a difficult moment, I suppose.”

  The other man smiled, equally as out of sorts. “It is. Thank you for being willing to meet. I’m happy you suffered no lasting infirmities from what must have been a difficult time.”

  William nodded. He supposed it was down to him to manage the situation — at least he was on familiar ground. “Mr. Gardiner told me yesterday that you and I were close friends as we grew up.”

  The colonel nodded. “We were. Closer than I was to my own brother, really.”

  “How did we refer to each other?” William needed to know. “I suppose we ought …”

  The other man shook his head. “There is a lot to get used to, and I will not be offended if you wish to stay more formal at first.”

  William raised his eyebrows. “Did we have embarrassing childhood names?”

  “Not at all,” the other chuckled, but stopped while Molly carried in the tray. She kept her head down, looking embarrassed.

  “Thank you, Molly.” William wanted to reassure her that he was still the same, supposing all the staff here had heard some imagined version of the story.

  The colonel’s gaze followed her to the door. “Do they know?” he asked.

  William shook his head. “They have been told nothing, but I imagine some tall tales have been told about the situation.”

  “I think it’s inevitable,” the other replied. “Might we sit and talk? I know the situation does seem difficult, but I want to hear what happened to you.” He wiped his brow. “I searched for years for you, all over Wiltshire. I couldn’t believe you were gone.”

  “Wiltshire!”

  The colonel nodded. “Yes. You were staying with friends north of Landford, and were riding in the early morning, as you often did. Your horse was found, wandering near the village, but there was no trace of you.”

  William frowned. He’d have to look at the map, but he wasn’t about to tell this stranger that he’d been found miles away. How had he ended up in Bishopstoke?

  His cousin’s wry smile forced the situation back. “Yet I find you here, secure, and I hope, happy with what you have achieved. I am amazed and humbled. You were always driven to excel.”

  “Was I?”

  “You were. Always the best at everything you tried. It was — annoying sometimes.” The man sat up. “I called you Darcy, of course. I know it has not been your name for many years, but I hope you will eventually come to own it again, as is your right.”

  William nodded reluctantly. “You had better refer to me in that vein now. I will have to get used to it. But remember, if I do not answer, I will need to be reminded.”

  “Thank you, Darcy. It was difficult to call me Fitzwilliam, of course, and as it is your given name, it would have seemed odd. You always called me Richard, as my parents do.”

  “Richard.” William tried the name out.

&nbs
p; “You have no idea how good it feels to hear again the sound of your voice saying my name.” His cousin’s voice was thick with emotion, and he shook his head. “I’ve missed your friendship more than I can say, but I’m afraid to overwhelm you with a selfish attempt to get back what I lost.”

  William reached forward to pour the tea. “I’m sorry I can’t offer you whisky, but tea it has to be.” He nodded at the tray, and Richard leaned forward to take his cup.

  “Tea will be fine. My mother insists I take tea with her often.” He grinned, and suddenly looked younger. “She will be delighted to see you again.”

  William glanced up from his cup. “How many people know you have found me? What about the man you suspect …?”

  Richard scowled. “No, only my parents know. I have been discussing the situation with them, trying to plan to keep you safe and comply with any wishes you might have.” He placed the cup down and rose to his feet, prowling restlessly about the room. “The situation has become urgent. If I hadn’t found you, I would now be doing what I didn’t want to do in order to protect your sister. But she is so unhappy, I was afraid she’d do something foolish.”

  William frowned. “Tell me about her.”

  Richard glanced at him. “It is a long story, and I have a proposition to put to you which will see us with plenty of time to discuss these matters fully.” He returned to the chair. “She was extremely unhappy yesterday after visiting Darcy House, and my parents have departed London with her this morning — ostensibly to take the waters — but, in fact, to tour Scotland.

  “I am to ask you to join me in travelling north. We will meet up with them, and you will have the opportunity to get to know your sister and my parents, to ask all the questions you can think of, and to get used to being Darcy again. And it will keep you out of London until we can work out a way of getting Wickham behind bars.” He spat the name out with venom.

  “Wickham being the man you suspect of arranging my death, I suppose.” William found himself smiling.