The Disappearance of Georgiana Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery

by Regina Jeffers

“It is my honor, Ma’am.” Joseph bowed in greeting. “Mrs. Darcy has spoken so kindly of you that I must claim a prior acquaintance.”

  Jane smiled easily. “My sister has a tendency to exaggerate.”

  Elizabeth snorted. Her sister’s “serious innocence” always brought a touch of laughter. “Just as I told you, Mr. Joseph. Mrs. Bingley speaks the truth even if she destroys my ego in the same breath.” She motioned him toward a cluster of chairs. “Come join us. I would hear of young William and of Mary.” Elizabeth nodded to the butler. “Mr. Nathan, please see to refreshments, and inform Mr. Darcy of Mr. Joseph’s visit upon my husband’s return.”

  The butler made an efficient exit. When they were settled, Elizabeth asked, “What brings you to Derbyshire, Matthew?”

  “Mary and I are removing to Newcastle. My mother’s illness tarried longer than expected, and I have given up my living in Stoke to accept a position in Mr. Parnell’s firm.”

  Elizabeth covered her surprise. “Oh, Matthew, I am grieved to hear it. You took such pride in your calling.”

  The man acknowledged her words with a simple nod of his head. “My first calling is to my family. Besides Mary and William, I have two sisters who require my guidance.”

  “I suspect that our dear Mary has declared that God holds a different plan for you,” Elizabeth said.

  Joseph sighed deeply. “You understand my wife’s nature: forever the romantic, completely the optimist. Personally, I cannot imagine how my writing shipping orders will impact people’s lives, but Mrs. Joseph continues to say that God provides us with what we need when we need it.”

  “I suppose it might be what one shipped, Mr. Joseph,” Jane observed. “I imagine the world could live without Oriental silks or Egyptian artifacts, but shipments of corn or coal changes how we live. Your influence may be stronger than you believe.”

  Joseph reluctantly agreed. “Your sister, Mrs. Darcy, should be related to my Mary. They are cut from the same cloth.”

  Her reply brought a ready smile to Elizabeth’s face. “It is quite likely, Mr. Joseph. In hindsight, I see my immediate affinity for Mrs. Joseph’s company as a desire for Mrs. Bingley’s closeness.”

  Mr. Nathan returned with the refreshments. Joseph accepted the tea before saying, “Pemberley is certainly everything I have heard it to be.” His eyes took in the room’s grandeur. “Mr. Darcy has a great legacy to leave his son.”

  “My husband works tirelessly to secure Bennet’s future,” Elizabeth observed.

  Joseph cleared his throat. “I have no doubt of Mr. Darcy’s business aplomb. But speaking of the boy, I hope you will permit me the pleasure of young Bennet’s acquaintance. If I report to Mary that I was at Pemberley and did not see Mr. Darcy’s son, my wife will take me to task.”

  Jane gave a nod and then rose. “I shall bring Bennet down, Lizzy. Enjoy Mr. Joseph’s company.”

  “Thank you, Jane.” Elizabeth motioned a maid to the room before returning her attentions to the man. She said brightly, “I give you full reign to brag on young William. I wish to know it all.”

  Joseph laughed lightly. “You mistake me for Mrs. Joseph,” he teased but immediately began a litany of his son’s accomplishments.

  “That is delightful,” Elizabeth said. “I feared William would suffer from his early appearance in the world.”

  “Mary says he is still a bit behind for children his age, but my son has steadily gained weight and appears quite hardy.”

  Cradling the cup in her hands, Elizabeth sipped her tea. “And Mary is truly well?”

  “She is. My wife oversees the packing. Her father has arranged the transportation of our property to my parents’ home.”

  “Mary is in Staffordshire? Why did you not say so before? She must stop at Pemberley on her return to Newcastle. My family arrives tomorrow for my sister Kitty’s wedding, and I would be so pleased to have you and Mary join us. Please permit me to send a Pemberley footman to escort her and William to Derbyshire.”

  Joseph informed her, “My sister Ruth travels with Mary.”

  “That is of no consequence. There is more than enough room at Pemberley to house your sister along with Mary and William,” she assured.

  Joseph smiled widely. “It would please Mrs. Joseph to have your company, Mrs. Darcy, and I do have business to conduct in Father Parnell’s name with your husband.”

  “Who has business with me?” Darcy called as he strode into the room, his hand outstretched to Joseph. His smile said how pleased he was to entertain Matthew Joseph under Pemberley’s roof.

  Joseph scrambled to his feet to accept Darcy’s hand. “Mr. Darcy, I apologize for not sending notice of my visit.”

  Darcy slipped his arm about Elizabeth’s waist. “As I am certain that your appearance has brightened Mrs. Darcy’s day, I hold no objection.” Darcy gestured to the chairs. “Please let us sit.”

  “Mr. Joseph has joined Mr. Parnell’s firm,” Elizabeth shared. She held Darcy’s gaze for but an elongated second, but their closeness allowed them to communicate without words and unmasked.

  Darcy nodded his understanding. “Parnell informed me of his desire for you to join him. However, I was unaware of your acceptance.”

  “Mary desired that William know his grandfather, and my sisters required my assistance.”

  Darcy said nothing. He recognized Joseph’s sense of honor. Although the man preferred to follow God’s orders, Joseph would abandon his living to meet his family obligations. Darcy respected such devotion.

  “I have asked Mr. Joseph to join us for several days, and I would seek your permission to send someone to escort Mary and Mr. Joseph’s sister to Pemberley. Mrs. Joseph arranges their removal to Northumberland.”

  “Again, I have no objection. Send Jasper. He is familiar with Mrs. Joseph.”

  “Thank you, Fitzwilliam,” she said softly.

  “I do have business to discuss, Mr. Darcy. Father Parnell has entrusted me with a venture in which he would have your involvement.”

  Darcy’s eyebrow rose in curiosity. “Really? I had thought my business with Parnell finished with our last shipment out of Hull.”

  “It is a new rail opportunity,” Joseph shared.

  Darcy noted Jane’s entrance as his wife said, “Before you gentlemen sequester yourselves in Mr. Darcy’s study, Mrs. Bingley has returned with Bennet. I expect you to rain praise upon the Pemberley heir’s head, Mr. Joseph,” she teased. Darcy sat straighter to accept his bundled son from Jane Bingley. The boy stretched and yawned as Darcy settled the child on his lap. “As one may observe, Mr. Darcy has a calming effect on Bennet’s disposition.” Elizabeth smiled broadly at him. “However, my husband must often compete with my father for the privilege of reading to the boy in the evening.”

  Joseph sported a wry smile. “If I recall, you told me you find peace in the sound of your husband’s voice, Mrs. Darcy.”

  “So I do,” she agreed.

  Darcy turned the sleepy child so Mr. Joseph might admire the boy’s countenance. “What color are his eyes?” Joseph asked as he lightly touched the boy’s cheek with his fingertip.

  “At the moment, they are still blue, but Mr. Darcy believes they shall be green,” Elizabeth said softly.

  Darcy’s smile turned up the corners of his mouth. “More hazel than emerald. Not as pronounced a green as Mrs. Darcy’s.”

  Joseph sat back in the chair. “Your son favors the Darcys in his facial features,” the man observed. Silence filled the room for several moments as each adult admired the child’s countenance. “Would you object to my offering a prayer for Bennet’s well-being?” Joseph said quietly.

  Elizabeth quickly said, “Certainly not.”

  “Eternal God,” Joseph began, “to our children giveth thou mercy. Protect them from harm. Nourish their bodies. Allow them to see the strength of your hand. Grant them the truth of your words. Brighten their hearts that they may ever reflect your glory. In Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

  “Amen,�
�� Darcy and Elizabeth repeated together.

  “Thank you, Mr. Joseph,” Darcy said solemnly.

  Elizabeth rose and took the child from Darcy’s arms. “I shall leave you gentlemen to your business. If you will give Mr. Darcy the directions, I shall send Jasper on his way to Staffordshire.” She gave both men a brief curtsy. “I shall see you at supper. I am most anxious for you to become acquainted with my father and with Mr. Bingley.”

  “Parnell wishes to finance the Duke of Portland’s public venture?” Darcy asked as he surveyed the maps resting on a broad table near a bank of windows. “Where is Portland in these negotiations?” he continued.

  “An Act of Parliament authorized the railway in 1808. It began as a fifteen-kilometer, double-track gauge, horse-drawn wagon way. It uses cast-iron plate rails with an inner flange.”

  “And this is the line between Kilmarnock and Troon Harbor?” With his finger, Darcy traced the route on the map.

  Joseph pointed to key cities on the adjoining drawings. “Father Parnell believes we could easily connect Glasgow to Carlisle or even all the way to London.”

  Darcy let out a low whistle. “It would change the face of both Scotland and England, but I do not imagine it would come easily. It would take major innovations. My previous knowledge of Portland’s lines says that the Duke used it purely for carrying coal from the Kilmarnock pits to Troon Harbor on the Ayrshire coast.” Darcy could not remove his eyes from the geographic renderings. “What does Parnell hope to accomplish with this venture?”

  “Mary’s father has suggested that if the line could strictly limit the number of trader wagons it permitted to use the line, we could control the flow of supplies.”

  Darcy eyed Joseph carefully. The man grimaced when he explained the manipulations of his wife’s father. Joseph’s honest nature made him question the plan. “Parnell visualizes a monopoly?” Darcy asked cautiously. “I would have no qualms in blocking our competitors. If I have financed the line’s development, I should reap the rewards. However, if Parnell plans to limit supplies to drive up prices, I will not participate. I refuse to create a legacy for my heirs earned with my cottagers’ broken backs.”

  Joseph expelled a deep sigh. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. You have given a voice to my qualms. I admire Edgar Parnell for his business sense, and I appreciate his creating a position for me in the firm he built from the floor up, but I question my ability to follow through on Father Parnell’s vision.”

  Darcy purposely refused to look at Joseph. “Who says you must parrot Parnell’s words? It has been my experience that people respond best to those who treat them with dignity and respect. Instead of fighting Parnell or begrudgingly executing the man’s orders, why do you not take Parnell’s tasks and make them your own? Likely, Mary will inherit her father’s many business establishments, which means they will eventually fall to you. You must decide what face those businesses will present to the public. You can change small things, giving your name to many of the negotiations. Changing one element affects other parts of the contract.”

  After a long silence, Joseph said softly, “You have given me much to consider, Mr. Darcy. I will pray for guidance.”

  Darcy smiled knowingly; yet, he was not fooled. Contrary to first impressions, Mr. Joseph possessed an iron resolve. Joseph and Parnell were likely to butt heads often. “Just do not forget that God often answers prayers without fanfare or divine intervention. Sometimes, guidance presents itself in an unexpected manner.” Darcy gestured to the drawings. “So, what role does Parnell expect me to play in this venture? I mean, besides the financial obligations.”

  Joseph set his shoulders to the task of answering. “Although this transaction is all speculation at the moment, Father Parnell hopes to anticipate the direction the line will take and to develop businesses to supply the rail’s completion, as well as to sustain its growth.”

  Darcy’s mouth set in a firm line. “This is not something I would take lightly. I need time to examine the documents you have brought to my attention. Plus, I would seek the counsel of my friend, Mr. Bingley. This could be a moment of great cleverness or of folly. I will not gamble away Bennet’s heritage. Speculation is not a game I practice.”

  “I am not certain that I approve, Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth placed her long tresses in a soft plait.

  “Mr. Bingley and I have discussed it. If I choose to examine the area personally, it should be now before the weather changes. Summer does not tarry in Scotland’s southern uplands.”

  “But you would be from Pemberley for weeks,” she protested.

  Darcy came to sit behind her. They often held conversations in this manner: she at her dressing table, he sitting on the trunk at the end of her bed, each speaking to the other’s reflection in her dressing mirror. “I would not wish to be parted from you or from Bennet for more than a few minutes, let alone days or weeks, but this is a prime investment, one which could guarantee Bennet’s financial security. It would be foolish to ignore the opportunity; yet, before I invest heavily in this scheme, I wish to have answers to all my questions. My initial dealings with Parnell tell me the man can be ruthless in business matters, and I will not finance such schemes. However, I will not turn my back on an excellent opportunity.”

  Elizabeth looked more closely at him. “What does Mr. Joseph say?”

  They sat in silence for a few moments. Finally he said, “I should have known that you would recognize the source of my reservations. Joseph and his wife’s father have different approaches.”

  “I see,” Elizabeth said slowly. “Mr. Joseph possesses some questions of his own.”

  “None that he has voiced,” Darcy said. “However, I have listened carefully to what Mr. Joseph does not say. I have also asked Bingley to hear the man’s proposal, and Charles agrees: Joseph is not completely confident in this transaction.”

  Elizabeth came to sit beside him. “Does Mr. Joseph fear that Mr. Parnell offers a false face, or is Matthew’s objection his dislike for anything but his call to orders?”

  “You have aptly summarized the situation. Matthew Joseph has admitted that he often finds Parnell’s business maneuverings less than ethical. Is that Joseph’s self-righteous pride speaking? We experienced the man’s implacable nature first hand when we sought to bring comfort to Mrs. Joseph at Prestwick’s Portal. Business dealings are never clearly black or white, and Joseph’s character does not easily recognize that shades of gray are sometimes necessary.” He caught Elizabeth’s hand in his and brought the back of it to his lips. “Exclusive control of the rail line is possible, but does that mean that the area will suffer? Parnell and his business partners could control the price of everything shipped on the line, as well as in and out of the Scottish ports.”

  Elizabeth snuggled closer. “The ramifications are that huge? I had not suspected it possible.”

  “I am honored that Parnell has sought me out as a partner in this endeavor; yet, my caution stands tall.”

  Elizabeth sighed deeply. “Then it is best that you investigate. At least, you may stay with the Bingleys while away from home.”

  “I have spoken to Bingley about his investing in the venture as well. Your sister’s husband is eager to learn more of what is planned.” He stood to lead her to their shared bed. Darcy rarely slept in his own chambers. He had spent a few lonely nights there when Elizabeth first delivered Bennet, but he finally made a pallet on the floor beside her bed because he could not bear their separation. Her steady breathing as she slept brought him an unidentifiable satisfaction. “I suppose that means that you have no desire to join the Bingleys.”

  Elizabeth caressed his jaw line. “I would enjoy our time together, and you are aware that I shall not accept our parting with any degree of contentment. Yet, it is not likely that our houseguests will depart before you. I cannot abandon my family to Pemberley while I trail after my husband, even if I am tempted to do so.” She went on tiptoes to brush her lips over his. “You will need to leave after Kitty and Mr. Win
kler’s ceremony.”

  “I was considering the day following the nuptials.” He untied her wrapper’s closure and slipped the silky garment from her shoulders.

  “I suppose there is no alternative,” she observed as she slid her arms about Darcy’s waist and pulled herself closer. “However, I shall miss your warmth terribly. How shall I sleep without you, Fitzwilliam?”

  Darcy kissed her temple and then allowed his lips to slide slowly across her cheek and down her neck. “I cannot fathom the emptiness,” he murmured.

  “At least, for the cost of a day’s ride to Alpin Hall, you may visit with Georgiana and assuage your fears.” She gasped as his lips sought the soft spot at the base of her neck.

  “Perhaps we could finish this conversation in the morning, Elizabeth.” His breathing had become shallow, and his voice was low and sensual.

  She placed her hands on either side of his face. Lifting his chin so she could reach his lips, she pressed her mouth to his.

  As always, his wife’s passion was Darcy’s undoing. He had long ago accepted his inability to resist her. When she walked into a room, Darcy had to be by her side. She was his true north. His hands tugged at the hem of her gown as his tongue teased over hers—a challenge to meet his desires.

  Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s fingers worked at the loose knot of his belted robe. “Fitzwilliam,” she groaned when he deepened the kiss.

  Darcy swept her into his arms and dropped her onto the bed. His need to feel skin upon skin controlled him. He divested himself of his clothing and then removed Elizabeth’s. His mouth returned to hers. “I never want to leave you,” he whispered hoarsely. “You are the breath of my life.”

  Arching to him, Elizabeth responded to his touch. “A clarion bell,” she said as her hand slid down his back. “I cannot resist your call.”

  “I love you, Lizzy. More than life. You and Bennet are my world.”

  Elizabeth looked up to see Mr. Winkler strolling along Pemberley’s entrance lane. She had brought Bennet out for some air. She held her young son in her lap and playfully teased the child with a colorful rattle. Bennet cooed and actually smiled at her. Elizabeth’s heart sighed in contentment. “Mr. Winkler,” she called, regretting having to share this moment with any other soul besides the boy. “Have your parents arrived safely, Sir?”