He sighed, the room was silent, waiting for him to continue. “Eventually I reached London, and laboured at an inn in the East End.” He lightened his tone. “I was still saving and studying, and it stood me in good stead when I caught the attention of a very respectable man of trade. He offered me a position as an apprentice, and taught me a great deal. In the last six years he has promoted me to a position of responsibility, and now I am a partner with him in his business, and have been able to begin to make investments to secure my future as best I could.”
“We owe the man a great deal,” his father murmured. “I must thank him.” He looked up at Darcy. “But he is from trade, and you were born to higher things.”
Darcy nodded. “But in the last six years, I have been in trade, too. And before that, I was a common stable boy. I am aware of the decency of the working man, sir.”
“Well, that is for later, no doubt.” His father looked at him directly. “Are you married?”
“I am not.” The time was not right to tell him of Miss Bennet, not until he was sure she was safe. The sight of Wickham had unnerved him rather, and he was ashamed of it. But he would not risk Miss Bennet’s security. “The only thing left to say is that somehow, Richard recognised me. He approached me and has persuaded me that I ought to reclaim my name, and come to see you, and the rest of the family.”
His father turned his gaze to Richard. “I am grateful for your power of observation in returning my son to me. But I will not hear the story at this moment. I am fatigued.” He stretched out a hand to Darcy.
“You can send for your luggage. I will have your bedchambers prepared. Oh, that this day should be here!”
Darcy hesitated. “I will willingly return tomorrow, sir. But I beg you forgive me. I will return to Matlock House for the present.” His father’s face darkened, and Darcy hurried on. “I hope you will understand that much has changed for me and it will be easier if I can stay there.” He smiled painfully. “I am among family, but they are strangers. I know Richard from a week or so ago, and will be more comfortable there.”
“Will you meet your sister?”
Darcy hesitated again. But before he could reply, the earl broke in.
“Georgiana is with Alice, George. You remember I took her to take the waters. Richard found William and brought him to me to discuss what to do, and we returned at once to call on you. So he’s met Georgiana, but she and Alice are not in town.”
Darcy wanted to confront his father with Georgiana’s unhappiness and his suspicion of Wickham, but the older man was looking white and exhausted.
He rose to his feet. “We will return tomorrow, Father. There is much to talk about.”
“There is a great deal for you to learn,” his father muttered. “If you stay we can talk again tonight.”
“I’m sorry, but I have other things I must do before I leave my old life behind.” Darcy hoped he wouldn’t be asked what that involved, and was content when his word was accepted. They took their leave, and walked along the road to Matlock House.
34
Elizabeth sat in her uncle’s office at the warehouse, looking over the progress of the orders while he was away, calling at another regiment. She didn’t see how they could possibly manage the number of orders that were flooding in, and take on more work as well, but her uncle had chuckled.
“We can’t afford to delay, Lizzy. Now the idea is out, all our competitors will be scrambling to offer a similar service, many of them cheaper, with less reliable suppliers.”
She’d laughed. “I thought you were pleased I brought Jane here to tempt Mr. Bingley to town.”
She sat back in her chair, smiling at her thoughts. She’d been right. Mr. Bingley had appeared at Gracechurch Street merely two days after their own arrival, and Elizabeth knew Jane was happy to continue receiving his attentions in the quiet, gracious home of her aunt.
But when her uncle had returned from the warehouse that evening, he’d dragged Mr. Bingley unceremoniously off to his library. Jane had been dismayed.
“Is he going to embarrass Mr. Bingley?”
“No, Jane. I’m sorry to cause you upset, but I doubt they are going to talk about his attentions to you. I think it is matters of the business they have together.” And she’d been right, Elizabeth thought. It had eased her uncle’s mind, and together, they’d put in train the expansion of the mills in the north. Uncle Gardiner was happier, and Elizabeth felt quite predisposed to approve of Mr. Bingley. All he needed to do was to make her sister an offer.
She looked back down at the papers, sorting into a separate pile those which needed clarification from the quartermasters who’d placed the orders.
The door opened, and the clerk put his head nervously round the door. “Miss Bennet …” he was followed closely by the gentleman she’d been thinking of so often.
She jumped to her feet. “Mr. — Stoke!” She was so relieved she hadn’t called him Mr. Darcy that her curtsy was rather shaky.
He bowed, his eyes guarded. “Good morning, Miss Bennet. I understand your uncle is out of the office?”
She smiled, her heart doing little somersaults within. “I’m expecting him back very soon, sir. Perhaps you’d care to take some tea. Molly could sit by the open door, if you wish.”
He bowed. “Tea would be welcome, and it would be better for your reputation if Molly does as you say.”
“Good,” she said briskly. “Draw up a chair, Mr. Stoke, and I will arrange tea and chaperone.” His chuckle made her weak at the knees as she hurried to the door.
A few minutes later, she poured the tea, having pushed the papers aside. He eyed them curiously. “I see your uncle is keeping you busy.”
She laughed. “I had gone home to examine your Mr. Bingley, and see if he was suitable for Jane.” She handed him the cup. “While I approve wholeheartedly, he didn’t appear able to make up his mind. So I brought Jane to London, to see if he might be encouraged to make a decision one way or the other.”
Mr. Darcy’s lips twitched. “And what is the result?”
“Oh! He was in London within two days, and called at Gracechurch Street.” Elizabeth laughed. “But we have been so busy here, Uncle took him straight into his library to work. I think both Mr. Bingley and Jane were quite put out.”
He looked interested. “So it has proved to be a good business?”
“It’s far beyond everything I’d ever thought possible.” Elizabeth smiled at him. “Uncle credits it all to you, but there is far more work that we can accommodate.” She sighed. “He is anxious not to turn anyone away, or our competitors will take the business.”
He nodded, his eyes on her face, and she hoped she didn’t blush.
His voice was quiet. “It doesn’t really matter, of course. Anyone cheaper or less well prepared will let them down, and the business will then come to us.”
She raised her eyebrows. “I wish you had been here to reassure him. They have spent the last few days finalising arrangements to expand the mills.”
“Oh, it is a good idea,” he exclaimed. “I just meant that he need not be too anxious if anybody implies the loss of business might be detrimental.”
Elizabeth glanced at Molly. The girl was hand stitching something intricate, and seemed to be concentrating on her work. There was also a hum of conversation at the clerks’ desks, and she judged it safe to speak in a low voice, provided she was careful in her choice of words.
“I hope your business in the north and back in town has been satisfactory, Mr. Stoke.” She said the name with a meaningful glance, but frowned a little. “I am afraid it has cost you much sleep, you look very fatigued.”
He smiled wryly. “I’m happy the worst of it seems to be over, Miss Bennet. But I confess I have often wished to be back here, doing work I can be proud of, and with friends around me.”
“Let me pour you more tea.” She reached for his cup. “But your family are pleased to have you returned to them. Your cousin — you were good friends before th
is, and I’m sure you can be again. I don’t think you ought to feel yourself friendless.”
He sighed. “I have been a solitary person ever since I can remember. I suppose it is because I have been suspicious of whom I can trust.” He smiled at her, and the warmth in his eyes made her heart jump. “Those I trust most of all are those I have worked with here.”
She smiled weakly back at him, unable to have confidence in her voice.
He seemed to understand, because his voice turned brisk. “While I am here, I had better do some work, I think. Give me some of the papers and tell me what you are doing with each.”
Elizabeth looked up at him. “Do you really wish to assist? You must have much on your mind.”
He laughed. “That is why I’d like to think of something else for a while.”
“Well, I will not demur any further,” she said. “I’m very grateful for any help there is.” But as she separated the papers into two, there was a further knock at the already open door.
She looked up, puzzled. Her uncle wouldn’t knock. But the clerk was there again, looking harassed.
“Excuse me, Miss Bennet. There is a gentleman asking to see Mr. Gardiner. I wasn’t sure whether to send him …”
“I will come directly.” Elizabeth stood up, feeling the caution in Mr. Darcy’s attitude. She crossed the room to see who was waiting in the entrance.
“Mr. Bingley!” She was very relieved it wasn’t Colonel Fitzwilliam, or the as-yet unknown Mr. Wickham, and her voice showed her pleasure.
Mr. Darcy appeared beside her. He was smiling, too, and she looked up at him. “Perhaps we can invite Mr. Bingley to join us for more tea. I doubt my uncle will be much longer.”
Soon they were sitting over fresh tea, and Elizabeth had abandoned the paperwork for now. Mr. Bingley glanced at Molly sitting in the doorway, and at Elizabeth. He turned to Mr. Darcy.
“I got your letter, er, Stoke.”
Mr. Darcy smiled back at him. “At the moment, the change is not fully public, although Miss Bennet and her uncle are completely in my confidence. But until Mr. Gardiner is here and we can talk privately with the door closed, it is better to be circumspect. I am happy being known as Mr. Stoke.”
The other man nodded, and Elizabeth felt warmth flow through her. Mr. Darcy had made it clear that she knew his new name and status; he hadn’t tried to pretend gentlemen’s secrets had been kept from her.
“I understand.” Mr. Bingley beamed at her. “But does your sister know?”
“No, sir, she does not.” Elizabeth smiled at him. “I knew she would not wish to keep anything from you, and it would have discomposed her to have to keep a secret.”
“Well, well! Have you enough fresh tea for me, Lizzy?” Her uncle breezed through the door, beaming.
They all rose to their feet and the gentlemen bowed. Elizabeth went forward to greet him. “I’m happy you have a nice big office, Uncle. It’s been useful.”
He chuckled, throwing his hat onto the table by the door. “So I see.” He looked through the doorway.
“Thank you, Molly. You can go back to Mrs. Oliver now.” He closed the door firmly, and came over to join the others. He looked first at Mr. Darcy.
“Well, William, how goes it all for you?”
Mr. Darcy dipped his head politely. “I suppose everything is happening as it should, although I think it will take many weeks to sort out.” He looked round at them all. “I wrote to Bingley a few days ago, explaining briefly that I am now Darcy, but he doesn’t, of course, know the full story yet.”
Elizabeth felt warm inside. Mr. Darcy had trusted her with information he didn’t yet feel able to share with other friends.
Mr. Bingley was shaking his head. “What I do know seems unbelievable. I can’t imagine the circumstances that led to the discovery.”
“I’m sorry I’ll have to ask you to wait a few days longer, Bingley. There is one small matter of my security which I hope will be sorted out quite soon. In the meantime, I will be grateful for your continued silence on the matter.”
“Of course, old fellow! You know I will always be pleased to help.”
Mr. Darcy nodded tightly, and turned to her uncle. “What I really came for was to request the part of my earnings that has not yet been made over to me.” He looked rueful. “It is an expensive business, being a gentleman, and my family has not yet remembered I am without an allowance.”
Elizabeth rose to her feet hastily. “I will not intrude on your business further, gentlemen. It is not my place to hear this.” She hurried out of the room, and closed the door quickly behind her, a tight knot deep inside.
Mr. Darcy had been quite unashamed to speak of money, not at all too proud to acknowledge that he still needed the support of his past work. She knew he’d been saving and investing for many years for his security. It must be gone now. She knew how grieved he must be. But, if he’d had the confidence to allow the expense, surely he must be sure that he’d been accepted into the family?
She smiled. That much was good. And he’d called here, and not been too proud to talk to her, even if he was now from one of the highest families in the land.
35
Darcy walked the half-mile from the warehouse toward the Swan Inn; Mr. Reed close behind him. He turned slightly, and indicated that he should walk alongside. “I’m sorry you had such a long wait for me.”
The man smiled. “It is what you pay me for, sir. I was able to ensure no one was listening at the door. And the seamstress brought me a mug of tea.”
Darcy smiled. “Good.” He looked ahead. They were about to turn into Lombard Street. “I want to explain matters to the old man who runs the inn. He was very good to me while I was here, and I don’t want him to hear it through gossip. Then we’ll return to Matlock House. I’m hoping to find out what the news is on calling in Wickham’s debt.” He was very happy to have such a trustworthy man to discuss things with. He was able to be objective, as the family were not.
“Yes, sir. I’ve had the Matlock horses taken to the post nearest the warehouse. Would you like me to send for them to be brought to the Swan?”
Darcy shook his head. “No, we can walk there directly.” He was quite glad he wouldn’t be seen riding a thoroughbred away from the yard where he used to be a stable lad — it would seem vainglorious.
Darcy arrived back at Matlock House in time for a late lunch. He nodded at the groom who took the horses, and turned to his steward.
“Thank you, Mr. Reed. Please be ready to go to Darcy House with me later this afternoon.”
Richard greeted him as he entered the house. “Darcy! We wondered what had happened to you!”
Darcy shrugged. “I left word where I’d gone.”
“Yes, but my father couldn’t credit it, and you were gone some time.” Richard fell in beside him. “Still, you can join us for lunch and he’ll soften in his mood, no doubt.” He dropped his voice. “Did you go to see the young lady?”
Darcy snorted. This was how it would start, he knew. “It will seem strange, with your mother still not at home,” he said, determined to change the subject.
Richard chuckled. “I will take that as a sign to mind my own business.” He clapped Darcy on the shoulder. “David has joined us, so we will no doubt talk business after lunch.”
“Your brother?” Darcy suddenly lost his appetite. He wanted to know that he and the family were safe from Wickham, yet this plan to call in debts seemed the wrong thing to do. He pushed the thought away. The rest of the family knew far more about the situation than he did, and he must listen carefully before asking questions.
The heir to the earldom, David, Viscount Renham, looked very like his younger brother, with the same, easy-going expression. He greeted Darcy as if it was the commonest thing in the world to find a lost cousin in such circumstances.
Darcy relaxed a little over lunch during the wide-ranging conversation. But nothing was said of Wickham, or Darcy’s past and future. Finally, the earl nodded at them
all.
“Let’s go through to my library, gentlemen. We can talk more easily there.”
Darcy followed his uncle and cousins into the great, dark-panelled room, and they sank into the comfortable leather chairs. Darcy took the more upright chair, and Richard looked exasperated.
“Join us, Darcy. Then we won’t have to shout.”
“You won’t have to shout,” Darcy responded calmly. “I confess I’m fatigued, and I don’t wish to fall asleep in the middle of the conversation.”
His cousin’s snort of laughter made him smile reluctantly.
“Yes. Well, let’s get on with it.” The earl dragged out his pipe, and Darcy stiffened himself for the smell he found distasteful. But there was nothing to be said, he knew that.
“David?” Uncle Henry puffed furiously, almost disappearing behind a cloud of smoke.
“Well, I admit I haven’t purchased all the debts I have found out about.” His eldest cousin had a faintly scholarly air, and Darcy hid a smile. “I have fairly certain evidence of over five thousand pounds, and somewhat clear views of a further four thousand.”
“Nine thousand!” The earl jerked upright. “What is your uncle thinking of?”
David grimaced. “I don’t know.”
Darcy looked at him. “Does he know of them?”
“Possibly not.” David pinched the bridge of his nose with his finger and thumb. “Some of these debts are very old. I think Wickham is planning on not telling Uncle George, and not paying until he is master of Pemberley.”
The Lost Heir Page 15
