by Leenie Brown
“Did you not?” Richard took a seat. His uncle Reginald had wished to confront his brother immediately on entering Matlock House, but after a few words with Lady Sophia, he had agreed to let Richard speak to Lord Matlock first. “I am surprised you did not expect me yesterday what with that announcement in the paper and all.” Richard lifted his chin and peered down his nose slightly at his father the way he might if he were dealing with one of his recruits. He had determined before entering the study that he would not act the part of a son, but rather of a man of rank and position.
“Yes, well, that has come to naught now, hasn’t it?” His father placed his pen in its holder. “Foolish girl,” he muttered before leaning back in his chair and clasping his hands in front of his stomach. “I imagine you have come expecting to be free from duty to your family since my first choice has not proved a good one.” His lips curled in a scowl. “I have begun negotiations for another acceptable choice.” He tapped the stack of correspondence to his left.
Richard smiled and leaning forward, snatched the pile of letters from off his father’s desk and stood. “Oh, she will not do at all,” he said as he tossed the first envelope into the fire.
“What are you doing?” cried his father leaping out of his chair and rushing toward Richard.
“As a matter of fact, none of these will do.” Richard tossed the full pile into the flames. “I have made my choice, and she is not any of these ladies.”
His father’s face was red with anger. His mouth hung open, but no sound came out.
Richard walked past him and took a seat once again. “That is why I have come. I shall be making my own choice of bride.”
His father whirled toward him. “You’ll not have a farthing of your inheritance.” He stomped over to the bell pull and gave it a firm tug.
Richard calmly crossed one leg over the other and smiled at his father, an action which seemed to make Lord Matlock sputter even more about duty and foolish notions and failure. It was a tirade that only ended when the butler opened the door.
“My solicitor. I have need of him at once,” he demanded of his butler as he glared at Richard. “Within the hour. I must see him within the hour.”
“Yes,” agreed Richard, “within the hour would be excellent.” Again, he smiled at his father. “If you are through with your ranting, there is a matter we should discuss before Mr. Fletcher arrives.”
Lord Matlock’s eyes narrowed. “Very well. What have you to say for yourself?”
“Please have a seat, Father.” Richard fidgetted nonchalantly with his cuff while he waited for him to be seated. “I had an enlightening discussion with Lady Sophia yesterday when I was feeling …” he paused, “rather melancholy.”
Lord Matlock’s brows rose. “What did my sister have to say?”
“Do you not wish to know why I was melancholy?”
His father huffed and waved his hand, indicating that Richard should continue with his tale.
“Very well. I shall tell you. It seems that my father did not keep his word. He had promised me a fortnight to come to a decision, but he did not hold true to his part of the bargain.” He held up a hand to keep his father from interrupting. “It was shocking to see one’s life signed away in an announcement in the paper in such an underhanded way. However, that was only a portion of my grief.” He leaned forward and rested his elbows on the arm of his chair. He knew his face must be conveying his displeasure when he saw his father flinch just a bit. “I had already come to a decision, you see, and I had the previous night declared myself to a young lady.” He saw his father’s eyes grow wide. “I did not wish for your money and property more than I wished for her love,” he explained, although he did not know why he attempted to as he heard his father snort in derision. “You can imagine how the news of my supposed betrothal to Anne took her by surprise. In fact, her surprise was so great that it caused her to swoon and receive an injury to her head.” He drew a deep breath and released it slowly, attempting to contain the anger he felt for his father’s role in Kitty’s injury. “I understand that she did wake yesterday; however, at the time I spoke to my aunt, she had not.”
Lord Matlock affected an air of indifference. “So, a young lady of low birth swooned and hit her head. What is that to me?”
Richard clenched his teeth, his anger struggling to be released. “She is a gentleman’s daughter.”
“Of wealth or title?”
“No,” Richard growled, “but of good character.” Oh, how easy it would be to turn his back on his father at this moment. To leave in a fit of fury and to stomp and shout as he did so. But to what avail. It was not as if his father would take much notice of it. To his father, all that mattered was position and power, and so Richard swallowed his anger.
“Character is of little importance when it comes to position in society, my boy.”
“Yes, that is obvious,” said Richard in disgust, a tone which seemed lost on his father, who shifted to a more relaxed position in his chair.
“Now that I have endured your little tale of woe, might you be inclined to tell me what my sister told you?”
Richard smiled, and this was not a forced smile but one of genuine pleasure. Now, was the time to see his father begin to feel uneasy, to feel the loss of that precious power he craved. “I find I might rather tell Admiral Fitzwilliam the tale I heard.” He was pleased to see the puzzled and somewhat concerned expression on his father’s face. “She showed me grandmother’s necklace.” His smile grew as his father’s eyes widened in understanding. “I see you know the tale, but I am lead to believe that my uncle does not. A fact that could be easily remedied.”
Lord Matlock sank back in his chair, looking decidedly ill at ease.
“Did you know that there were two such necklaces?” Richard rose and went to the door. “Harrison, if you would send my uncle to me,” he called to the butler.
“What are you doing?” Lord Matlock’s voice was filled with panic.
“Did you know that there were two necklaces?” Richard repeated as he stood near the door waiting for his uncle’s arrival.
“I had heard there might have been.”
“Remember what I know of grandmother’s copy of the necklace when you speak with my uncle,” cautioned Richard. “I would hate to see our family ruined.” He lowered his voice and took three steps toward his father. “I would not hesitate to speak of what I know, if the ruin would only affect you, but I must think of my mother and brother.”
The door opened, and Richard turned to leave, stopping before his uncle and nodding toward his father. “I have had my say. He is all yours, Admiral. Do as you see fit. I will await you with my mother and aunt.”
And with that, he quit the room and walked the length of the hall slowly. He needed a moment to collect his thoughts and calm his mind. There was no need to bring his anger and frustration with him to a room where emotions would likely be strained by the uncertainty of what would come from the meeting between brothers. Reaching the door to the drawing room, he straightened his coat.
“Tea has just arrived, sir,” said Harrison.
Richard nodded toward the room. “How are things?”
“It is not for me to notice, sir.”
Richard cocked an eyebrow and his head at Harrison’s answer. “I am not my father.”
“No, sir, you are not.”
Richard waited.
“There were raised voices for a bit, but things seemed to have been sorted.”
Richard smiled. “I appreciate the information, Harrison. Do not fear; I shall not alert anyone to the fact that you have ears which are in working order.”
“Thank you, sir.” There was the hint of a smile on the man’s face.
Richard clapped him on the shoulder. “Into the fray then,” he said as Harrison opened the door for him.
His mother immediately rose to pour him a cup of tea. “Was your father reasonable?” she asked as she handed him the cup.
“He never is,
but I think he is ready to see reason.” He took the cup and thanked her before taking a sip. “You told my uncle what you knew of grandmother’s necklace?” he asked Lady Sophia.
She nodded. “He was understandably angry.” She looked at her hands which were folded in her lap. “If I had known…” Her voice trailed off.
Richard placed a hand on hers. “It was not willingly concealed, and you thought him happy.”
Her smile was sad. “And he understands that.”
“I believe his anger is more toward my husband,” said Lady Matlock.
“As it should be,” muttered Richard. There was little he felt in regards to his father save anger and disappointment, but his mother was a different story. For her, he felt love and concern. For her, he had endured his father for years, attempting to please not him but her. “Are you well, Mother?” He took another sip of his tea before placing it on the table next to him and leaning toward her. “You look a bit worn.”
She placed her hand on his cheek as she often did when trying to comfort both herself and him. “It has been a trying two days.”
“Indeed,” he agreed. He chuckled as Anne came into the room and flopped into a chair with a huff. “I dare say it shall not be any less trying for some time,” he whispered to his mother.
“Do sit up.” Lady Catherine gave Anne a glare as she crossed the room. “If you insist on finding a husband, you must do it properly, and a proper lady does not fling themselves about.” Her hands waved wildly in the air as she said it.
Anne pulled herself up in her chair and folded her arms. “I shall have to add that to my list of questions. ‘Are you capable of accepting a wife who does not always sit properly when at home?'”
“You shall not ask that.”
“Oh, I think I shall.”
“I do not know what has become of you. It must be the foul air of the city.” Lady Catherine turned toward Lady Matlock. “She is so compliant when at home.”
Richard bit his cheek to keep from laughing as Anne rolled her eyes when her mother was not looking.
“I avoid you when at home, Mother, as I had been doing whilst here. However, I will not sit by and allow you to marry me off to some second son.” She waved her hand in Richard’s direction. “My father was a baronet, and I am his only daughter. I would expect nothing less than…” She pursed her lips and tapped her fingers on the arm of the chair. “Oh, I suppose I could accept someone as low as a knight.”
Her mother huffed. “A man with wealth and land is not to be overlooked.”
“And which did my cousin here possess?” She crossed her arms and slouched further into her chair.
“He would have had both if he had but listened to his father.” Lady Catherine’s eyes narrowed. “Sit up.”
Richard watched the exchange with interest. He had never heard so many words from his cousin at one time. At Rosings, she always appeared to be weak and in need of solitude. Now, he found himself smiling at her antics as she raised a brow at her mother’s command and slowly pulled herself up to a semi-proper position. Then, she tilted her head and smiled as if daring her mother to speak.
“Headstrong, obstinate girl! You will be lucky to capture a fortune hunter with such an attitude. Gentlemen, especially those with a title, desire biddable wives.”
Anne pulled herself up to her full height in her chair and turned first to her aunt and then Richard. “Did Rycroft wish a biddable wife? Do you?” She looked at both expectantly.
Lady Sophia shook her head. “Samuel would not know what to do with an amenable wife. He needs a woman who can challenge him at times.” She glanced at her sister. “However, though his wife has and shares her opinions with him, I have not seen her do so improperly. There is a difference between having your own mind and being a harridan. In fact, Lady Rycroft would be an excellent instructor. She has helped Georgiana greatly.”
“She has?” asked Richard in surprise.
“Indeed she has. You would not think such a change could occur in such a short amount of time, but I think you will find your charge a more thoughtful girl for having spent time with Mary.” She gave Richard a meaningful look. “There is even that mantle of uncertainty that she wore which has lifted.”
“Splendid.” Richard nodded as he contemplated the information.
“She is one of those Bennet girls?” asked Lady Sophia softly.
Richard nodded. “Mrs. Bingley is the first; Mrs. Darcy is the second; and Lady Rycroft is the third.”
She bit her lip in an uncharacteristic show of uncertainty. “I do not know if I should say it, but I was impressed with Miss Bennet the day she returned my parcel. She seemed a proper lady.”
Richard smiled. He understood her cautiousness in voicing such an opinion. He was certain it was not one of which his father would approve, and unlike his cousin Anne, his mother was a tractable wife. It was what she had been taught to be. Her husband’s opinions came first, and hers fell in line with his. It had always been thus. There had been moments of pause when she had wished to speak for her son. He could see it in her mannerisms, but she had maintained her composure and held her tongue as she thought was fitting a lady of her station.
“I think you would be pleased to meet the Bennets. They are all well versed in the social graces,” said Lady Sophia. “All, that is, save perhaps the youngest.” She cast a sidelong glance at Anne and smiled a Lady Matlock. “The youngest seems to be less compliant with society’s rules.” She turned toward her niece. “She is, however, very young. I dare say she is the same age as Georgiana.”
Her comments were not lost on her niece, for Anne’s posture straightened. “I should like to meet Lady Rycroft,” she said.
“Perhaps next week,” said Lady Sophia. “She is just newly married, and my son is loath to share her with anyone.”
Richard laughed. “Indeed he is. He was none too happy to be fetching me this morning.”
Lady Sophia’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “He was a bit of a thunder cloud.”
“Ah, good,” said Lord Matlock throwing open the door to the sitting room. “You are still here. My solicitor will have instructions for you as to how your inheritance will be handled and suggestions for how to draw up the necessary papers to present to the father of this lady to whom you are betrothed.”
Richard’s blinked. Had he heard that correctly?
“Oh, do not look at me so. I am not fit for Bedlam. I have merely decided it would be best if you married this young lady since you have already proposed the idea to her. I am still not complacent with her rank, but it shall have to be.”
Richard’s eyes shifted to the admiral, who wore a satisfied smile.
“It is true. My brother has finally found his sense.” He raised a brow. “However, his manners have not improved perfectly, it seems.”
“Is it not enough that I do what is right? Must I also be happy about it?”
“As long as your dissatisfaction does not cause any of my nieces or nephews to be unhappy.”
Lord Matlock huffed and turned to Anne. “That means you shall also be allowed to choose your husband.” He swallowed and his lips curled as if he had tasted something sour. “He must meet with the approval of your uncle, Admiral Fitzwilliam, and your aunt, Lady Sophia. He does not need to meet the approval of myself or your mother since we were both complicit in the arranging and announcing of your betrothal to Richard.”
“And my nephew’s commission?” prompted the admiral.
Richard’s father closed his eyes tightly and rubbed the furrow between his brows. “If you wish and a suitable replacement can be found to fill your place, I will be willing to see to his compensation.”
“I can…I can marry Katherine?” he stammered. “Without losing my inheritance?”
“Aye,” said his uncle. “And you may still sell your boxes, if you wish. Your father will not stop you.”
Richard rose to his feet. “I can truly marry her?”
“Yes,” said his uncle wit
h a laugh. “By special license, am I right, Lord Matlock?”
Richard did not notice the emphasis placed on his father’s title or the small flinch of his father’s face. He was far too overcome with his good fortune to be aware of much. He kissed first his mother, then his aunts and cousin before startling his father with a kiss on the cheek.
“Go,” said his uncle as he embraced him. “Tell her the happy news. It will take days for the papers to be ready. I will make certain you are dealt with fairly.”
“Harrison,” Richard called, “My hat and coat. Immediately.” He paused and turned to his uncle. “Thank you.”
“Go,” his uncle replied. “Take the carriage. My brother will see to my needs.”
Richard took his hat and coat from Harrison. “I can marry her,” he told the butler as he rushed out the door, hat somewhat askew and coat unbuttoned. “I can marry her,” he called to the coachman as he rushed toward him. “Gracechurch Street as quickly as possible, my good man.” He settled into his seat. A smile firmly in place on his face, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “I can marry her.”
Chapter 10
Richard’s foot tapped a steady rhythm on the floor of the carriage as he waited for the steps to be lowered and the door opened. Finally, he climbed out and ascended the few steps to the front door of the Gardiners’ residence. His hand was just about to lift the knocker when the door was opened, and he found himself face to face with Darcy. The smile that he had been wearing since leaving Matlock House faded as he took in the concerned look on his cousin’s face.
“What has happened? Has she taken a turn for the worse?” Panic filling his chest, Richard looked over Darcy’s shoulder into the house, wanting nothing more than to push by his cousin and race into the house to find her.
Darcy placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. “She is gone.”
Richard’s hand grasped onto Darcy’s arm as he swayed slightly. “Gone?”
Darcy nodded. “She did leave a note, however.”
