The Lost Heir

by Harriet Knowles

  Darcy put down his cup, and bowed slightly to his hostess. “Thank you for the tea, Mrs. Gardiner. I think I will return …” He hesitated. “I’m not sure whether I will be at Matlock House, as before, or Darcy House, now.” His brow furrowed. It was disturbing.

  Gardiner smiled at him. “You will feel more settled soon, if you have been staying in a different inn every night.”

  Darcy nodded ruefully. “One night, then perhaps I will stay at Netherfield for a few days.” He smiled thinly. “The family don’t know where it is — at least I hope so.”

  Gardiner guffawed. “Well, we won’t tell them, if you don’t wish us to. If they call here, I’ll say I will send on a letter if there is anything urgent.”

  Darcy turned to him. “Oh, that would be helpful, if you do not object. I think I ought to be findable, but I would not like to discompose Bingley if they have a habit of appearing anywhere uninvited.” He sighed. “I am not certain how such families live.”

  “It’s early days for you, William.” Gardiner looked sympathetic. “You must take things slowly, and gradually get used to this new way of living.”

  Darcy rose to his feet, preparing to take his leave. “Indeed.”

  Mrs. Gardiner still looked anxious as she got to her feet. “Mr. Darcy …” She glanced anxiously at her husband.

  He turned to her, wondering if she wanted to speak about having begun this whole change. “Madam?”

  She hesitated, and looked at her husband again. “There is something I wanted to say.”

  “Of course.” Darcy stood by the chair. He could not sit down until the lady did, but she seemed agitated.

  “Well … there is; that is, I haven’t told my husband yet, but I have wanted to apologise to you. I fear something I did might have precipitated this whole matter.” She glanced at him and there were tears in her eyes.

  Gardiner looked curious, but took her hand. “Sit down again, Madeline dear. If it has been troubling you, I’m sure you will feel better once you have shared it — whatever it might be.”

  Darcy had been angry about what had happened when Richard had revealed it. Now he was glad he already knew, and had been able to let go of the anger. He didn’t wish to lose the friendship of Gardiner, whatever his wife had done. “If it embarrasses you to talk about it, madam, I will tell you my cousin has already revealed it, not knowing I didn’t know.”

  Her surprise was evident. “You must have been very angry with me.”

  He hesitated, but dissembling didn’t come easily. “I admit I was discomposed at first. But now I understand you had not revealed where I was, and it was my cousin who followed you home and searched for me around Cheapside. So it was not your doing, madam. Please do not be anxious about it. I am not angry.”

  “What is this all about?” Gardiner looked perplexed. “Madeline?”

  Darcy interrupted. “Perhaps it would be easier for you, Mrs. Gardiner, if you explain to Mr. Gardiner when I have gone. As I said, I know what happened, and I am convinced you did not reveal where I was. There is nothing to apologise for.”

  65

  Darcy tightened his jaw as he looked up at the great front door of Darcy House. Behind him, the coach rolled round to the yard at the back, and at his shoulder, Mr. Reed was watchful.

  “Well, Mr. Reed, I hope things will soon be somewhat calmer, but for now, let us see what is afoot.”

  “Indeed, sir.” The man hesitated. “Do you know when Mr. Darcy, senior, was going to return to town from Pemberley? He might not yet be home.”

  “True.” Darcy smiled. “It seems a long time since I left there. I hadn’t considered he might stay in the north.” He glanced round. “Although I think he will have returned at once, to discuss with my uncle whether I can be prevented from making Miss Bennet an offer.”

  “It is unfortunate neither he nor the earl made any effort to speak to her at Blackwell Court, sir.”

  “Yes.” Darcy scowled. “And made her feel uncomfortable enough to leave in haste!” He strode up the steps. “I need to have very firm words with my father!”

  The butler stood ready to take his coat and hat, but Darcy hesitated. “Is Mr. Darcy, senior, at home, Mr. Jones?”

  The man bowed. “Yes, sir. He has been in residence for three days.”

  Darcy glanced at Reed, seeing his amusement, despite his impassive features. He stripped off his coat and handed it over to the waiting footman, along with his hat and cane. “And is Miss Darcy resident here, or at Matlock House?”

  “Miss Darcy is staying with her aunt, sir.”

  Darcy nodded. He must go and see her before going to Hertfordshire. “Please announce me.”

  His father didn’t rise to his feet as he entered the library. He looked white and tired. “I’m glad you’re here, son. Pour us both a drink and you can tell me what you’ve been doing.”

  Darcy nodded, his determination to speak his mind tempered somewhat at the sight of his father’s frailty. “I’m sorry our time at Pemberley was not long. But I hope to go there again fairly soon.” He handed his father the glass, and took the chair opposite him. “In the meantime, when I return to town, perhaps I can start going through the account ledgers here, and learn those.”

  “Return to town?” He father sounded a little suspicious. “But you are here.”

  “Indeed. But I find I have further business in the country from tomorrow. It may take a few weeks, but it must be undertaken.”

  “But you’ve just returned!”

  Darcy shook his head. “Father, I have more than a decade of another life to manage. Some of what I do I will be able to finalise and not need to return to, yet there are other aspects which I wish to bring with me to this new life I have.”

  His father leaned forward. “And which one of those is Miss Bennet?”

  “Miss Bennet is the lady I wish to be my wife, sir. I have found she is everything I need and desire in the lady who will be beside me as I learn what I need to do.”

  “But she is from a family which will materially disadvantage you, son!” His father’s hand trembled as he pointed. “Maybe not as the man you have been, but now you have the choice of every marriageable lady in town!”

  “I want none of them.” Darcy rose to his feet and paced the floor. “How many are there who know what I have been through, who know the efforts I have made to gain advancement and security? How many of them have assisted me, helped me and advised me what to do when I knew not what would happen? How many of them would even look at me as an individual, and not any wealth I may have? How many of them have saved my sister from a terrible ordeal, even though they barely knew her?”

  He turned and faced his father. “I know part of my duty as your son will be to marry and procure an heir to the estate.” He took a deep breath. “If it cannot be Miss Bennet, there will be no one else.”

  His father looked shrunken. “But she will not be able to manage such a great estate — and the ladies of society will never accept her. She’d be unhappy, and you would not want that.”

  “No, I would not. If you accepted her, it would be easier for her.” Darcy crossed his arms and stared at him. “If you do not wish to accept her, tell me. You may permit Georgiana to marry Richard. Pemberley will be in better hands than Wickham’s, and I will return to the warehouse and make my life as I wish.”

  “No!” The word seemed to be wrung out of the older man. “I cannot lose you again!”

  “Then you must give me your blessing, sir.” Darcy stood his ground. “As your son, I hope you would wish me felicity in marriage, and Elizabeth is the one lady who can give me such.”

  “Are you engaged?” his father whispered.

  “No, I am not. She refused to permit me to make her an offer, she said you and my uncle were against her and it would be harder for me to make my life with you. She is no fortune hunter.”

  He strode to the window. “It is what I have been doing this se’ennight past. I sought advice from the wisest man I know, th
e apothecary who saved my life. I have since given much thought about what would be right.”

  “You have not told us who he is.”

  “No, I have not, I am not sure if it is wise to do so.” Darcy ran his fingers through his hair. “I have wondered whether I should wait until I am master of Pemberley. Then the decision is mine. But I do not wish to wait. I love and admire the lady.” He dropped back into the chair. “Father, I would sincerely desire your approval. She would be an admirable mistress of Pemberley, as well as making me the happiest of men.”

  “Her family is dreadful, William, quite dreadful.”

  Darcy’s heart went cold. “Have you been there?”

  “No.” His father’s voice was tired. “Your uncle and I sent someone.”

  “You sent someone.” Darcy knew his voice was colder than ever. He got to his feet.

  “Very well!” His father’s voice rose slightly. “We will accept her! You cannot reject your birthright!”

  Darcy swung round. “You will do more than accept her. You will welcome her, and assist her to find her place in society.”

  “Yes, yes! I cannot lose you again, son. Please do not leave this house!”

  “Thank you, Father.” Darcy sat down again. “I’m sure you will not regret it. I will stay tonight and dine with you. Tomorrow, I will go to the country and see if I can call upon her.”

  It was clear his father knew of her whereabouts, he thought resignedly. He smiled slightly. “I will send for my things from Matlock House.”

  As he reached the door, he turned. “Oh, and if it makes a difference to you, the Duchess of Durdar was impressed with her. She has told me she will sponsor Elizabeth for the next season. I think the ladies of society will accept her, don’t you?”

  Elizabeth. How could he wait another day to see her?

  66

  Longbourn was loud and chaotic. Elizabeth walked out into the gardens, frowning slightly at the looming rainclouds. She wanted nothing more than to go for a long walk, but perhaps it was better she forgo it today, or Mama would exclaim over her muddy shoes and hem when she returned.

  She turned to the apple tree in the centre of the lawn. She could sit on the bench that encircled it for a while and wait for her headache to lessen.

  “That’s a very heavy sigh, Lizzy!” Papa’s voice startled her.

  “Oh, Papa! I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “That much was evident.” He beamed at her. “May I join you, or were you hoping for peace to contemplate?”

  “Of course, Papa. I will enjoy your company.”

  “Good. It is even more peaceful out here than my book room with the door shut.” He leaned back against the rough bark.

  Elizabeth laughed. “Especially as Mama continually disturbs you, having thought of something to tell you!”

  “Ah, well,” Papa shrugged. “It is not every day that her eldest daughter is about to marry a most eligible man!”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Everyone is so excited. I am glad it will only be another month, or I could not bear the strain. But, of course, it means there is not long to get the wedding clothes. Will Mama be accompanying Jane to Aunt Gardiner’s, do you think? Or should I go with her?”

  Papa nodded. “I think your mother will go, Lizzy. It will be more peaceful here, of course, although I know Lydia will make every effort to fill the silence.”

  “So will Kitty, I’m sure!” Elizabeth laughed. “You and I might be able to talk of books again, as we used to.”

  “Well, that is why I am here, Lizzy. I need to talk to you again about the duchess having invited you to stay.” Papa looked unusually serious, and Elizabeth’s heart fell.

  “What do you want to tell me, Papa?”

  “What did she say in the letter you received?”

  Elizabeth was puzzled. “I showed you, Papa, the day it came.”

  He looked surprised. “You haven’t received one this morning?”

  Elizabeth shook her head, and he frowned. “I assumed you would have, as His Grace wrote to me.”

  “Oh! What did he say?”

  Papa drew some folded sheets out of his breast pocket. “I had better not let you read it, Lizzy, but he states they are now in town and he wanted to confirm that Her Grace is greatly anticipating meeting you as soon as possible.” He rubbed his face. “I was certain she would also have written to you.”

  Elizabeth wondered at the persistence of the duke and duchess. “I am surprised, Papa. Last time I told you it was merely a gesture, and we ought not to tell anyone, because they would regret making such a generous offer and hope we would not presume upon their kindness.”

  Her father huffed a laugh. “I admit, I thought you were correct. And I agreed with you it might detract from the attention your mother would lavish on Jane’s wedding.”

  “Well, I certainly cannot go until after the marriage.” Elizabeth felt a hollow emptiness. If she was in town, she might find out about Mr. Darcy.

  It was difficult, not knowing what he was doing, or how he was feeling. Mr. Bingley never seemed to know anything. And now she knew Mama would go to Gracechurch Street with Jane, she would need to remain here for Papa.

  She smiled, she would write to Aunt Gardiner this very evening. Uncle would have news of him.

  “Perhaps you will receive a letter from the duchess tomorrow,” her father said fretfully. “I will delay my reply.”

  Elizabeth put her hand on his arm. “What troubles you about their offer to sponsor me in town, Papa?”

  He shook his head. “It ought not to, I know. But the wedding is more expensive than I would have liked — oh, I know Mr. Bingley is assisting, but there is still a great expense. And now the duchess will be equipping you for the season without a care to the cost!”

  “Oh, Papa! I’m sorry the offer worries you so much!” Elizabeth embraced him. “I will tell her that there is no money for more than one gown and one day dress, and I will insist that Aunt and Uncle Gardiner provide it. I will repay them from my pocket allowance. I will not allow you to be anxious about the money!”

  She wondered why he had stiffened and pulled away during her little speech, but she was determined to complete it, but as she drew breath and sat up straighter, a voice sounded behind her.

  “Bravo, Miss Elizabeth! I ought to know only you would speak thus.”

  “Mr. Darcy!” Elizabeth leaped to her feet and spun round. “I didn’t expect to see you.”

  Her father nodded at him. “I had thought we might expect you. Lizzy, you will need to introduce us.”

  “Oh! of course. I’d forgotten you had not met.” She turned to their caller, trying not to let her eyes show her joy too much. “Mr. Darcy, my father, Mr. Thomas Bennet.” She turned to her father.

  “Papa, this is Mr. Darcy of Pemberley, lately Mr. Stoke of Gardiner’s.” She wasn’t ashamed to show her pride in the man he had been, as well as the man he was now.

  His gaze was on her, warm and loving, as he bowed to her father. “I am honoured to meet you, sir. The housekeeper told me to come into the garden and join you. I hope you do not object.” Elizabeth could see his eyes were on the letter in her father’s hand. “I hope there is not bad news.”

  “Not at all. Take a seat, Mr. Darcy. I’m glad to finally meet you.” Papa turned to her.

  “Lizzy, go and find Hill, and ask her to send out tea. Mr. Hill can set up the table.”

  67

  Darcy watched her face, her ire at being sent on an errand apparent to him, even though her father seemed to see nothing in her serene expression.

  “Yes, Papa,” she said meekly, and turned for the house.

  He heard a muffled chuckle, and he looked enquiringly at Bennet.

  “I see you know Lizzy far better than I had thought, Mr. Darcy.”

  He smiled wryly. “I did not know that you knew of me at all, Mr. Bennet.”

  “Oh, I know more than you might think. My brother-in-law is very busy, but he writes regularly with news of his
business and family, and you have been part of his work for many years.” He smiled mischievously. “Jane has also mentioned your name when it has arisen in Lizzy’s letters to her.”

  Darcy met his gaze to speak to him, but Bennet lifted his hand.

  “No, I wish to thank you, Mr. Darcy, before Lizzy rejoins us. I haven’t heard very much about what transpired in the north country, except that without your assistance, I might have lost my daughter. You have my deepest gratitude.”

  Darcy stared at him. “But it was my fault. If my family had not found out how I felt, and I had not taken my sister to Gracechurch Street for safety, none of it would have happened.” He shuddered. “I can never forgive myself for it.”

  “But you assisted her being rescued, along with your sister.” Bennet waved his hand casually. “And it appears no harm has been done. Lizzy seems the same.”

  No, he didn’t know his daughter as well as Darcy had given him credit for. His gaze wandered to the house. Would Elizabeth return to them? He had seen for himself the shadow of her embarrassment behind her expression. He wished to talk to her without her father there. He smiled wryly. And he dearly wished to know what was in that letter.

  Fortunately, Bennet seemed to realise he had the letter in his hand, and absently pushed it into a pocket. “You will have met the Duke and Duchess of Durdar when it all happened, wouldn’t you?”

  “Indeed.” Darcy nodded. Might Elizabeth have the chance to be in London soon? “I found them wonderfully kind and generous.”

  Bennet nodded, distracted. “Are you staying in Meryton, Mr. Darcy? I wasn’t aware you might call here.”

  Darcy nodded. “I am a friend of Bingley’s, and have an open invitation to stay at Netherfield Park.”

  Bennet’s lips twitched. “I imagine Miss Bingley is delighted to see you.”

  Darcy pressed his lips together. He mustn’t laugh, but it had been amusing at lunchtime, when he’d arrived and it was quite obvious that neither Miss Bingley or the Hursts knew of his change of name, or his status. The explanations had been tortuous, and suddenly she was clinging onto his arm, laughing breathlessly at his every utterance. He shivered, and Bennet laughed openly.