She smiled weakly at her brother. “It is true I might have wished for my daughter to be Lady Anne Fitzwilliam, but that would not have saved Rosings. Moreover, I would do anything, other than ask for a loan, to avoid the gossip of the ton again. I have a lifetime of living as the issue of a marriage scandal, with my father’s financial imprudence hanging over my head. I could not subject Anne to that pain. If she received other suitors, she would become known only as an heiress to a ruined estate due to her father, if she married at all and was not left wallowing in genteel poverty.”
Lady Catherine took a sip of her wine and thought for a moment. “Most of my schemes were the consequence of turns of fate. If my sister Anne had lived...if Robert Darcy had not died, and at just the moment of my economic distress, things might have been different. And so it was with Wickham. The Americans repealed the Embargo Act, and like others, my investments in South American markets did well during the interim. But I had seen too much failure to trust the fickleness of the market.”
She looked at Darcy. “The vicar of Kympton had died, and you denied Wickham the living. I am certain you know he was violent in his abuse of you. I heard the gossip repeating his tales and believed he might be of some use. I had no set plans at the time. I only knew that he knew you well, and I believed the loss of his friendship affected you greatly.”
Darcy clenched his jaw tightly. At length, with forced calmness, he asked, “And the plot against my sister?”
“I grew restless by last summer. The situation with America was, and is still, worsening. Wickham came up with the scheme to elope with Georgiana. I did balk at the idea of her marrying so far beneath her and connecting him with our family, but it seemed there was no other way. I also know first-hand that ladies leave their family and the connections of their new ones are never as important to their birth family as to whom the male members add in.” She glanced at her brother before looking at Darcy again. “The Fitzwilliam line prospered due to my father marrying into an outstanding family. What became of his sisters means nothing to the Fitzwilliam legacy. Wickham suggested Mrs. Younge as an accomplice, and I managed to convince you and Richard of her suitability. The plan was to send you a notice in enough time to patch up the affair, but you arrived unexpectedly, and Georgiana could not bear to grieve you. I was to blackmail you with my knowledge.”
She was unsurprised when the Fitzwilliam side of Darcy won out at last, and he shot from his chair, angrily pacing around the room. “Madam, you know not what you nearly accomplished! Wickham is the worst kind of reprobate. Did you care nothing for your niece’s happiness?”
“What is happiness in marriage? He would be no worse than the rest of his sex: concerned with their estates and income and spending their time and affection on mistresses.”
Darcy stared at her in disbelief. “You truly know so little of your ally’s licentious ways? He leaves a path of seduced and ruined women everywhere he goes—to say nothing of his purchased dalliances! I would worry for Georgiana’s health!”
Her ladyship paled at the implications, but Darcy pressed forward. “Did you buy his commission in the militia? Is that how he came to be in Hertfordshire while I was there?”
“Yes. I feared you were becoming attached to that Bingley woman.” Darcy shook his head and his face showed his disgust.
“You left soon after he arrived, as I anticipated. I was less fearful of you becoming enchanted with her once you were back in London. When I read reports of how many events you attended this Season, I grew even more alarmed. It appeared evident you sought a wife.”
She paused in realization. “Wickham did not mention Miss Elizabeth Bennet. When I learned of your prior acquaintance, I was surprised but did not suspect an attachment, for she has no fortune, no connections. Before departing Kent, you admitted your long-standing admiration. Wickham clearly plays his own game and has kept his own counsel.”
“And now you have unleashed this monster on Elizabeth’s family!”
Lady Catherine stammered, “I…I will instruct him to desist.” Even as she said it, she knew it was a hopeless cause.
Darcy only shook his head and glanced at his watch. “Lady Catherine, I have an engagement this afternoon. I must ask that you excuse me.” She did not respond and wore a blank expression. He walked to his desk, picked up a small book, and turned to face his uncle.
“As Anne and my aunt must stay here, I request to reside in your home until Anne is well enough to move. Richard and Anne must marry immediately. There will already be gossip simply because of Anne’s presence here, followed by an unexpected marriage to Richard and a child born suspiciously soon after the wedding. Let us not add more room for speculation. I should also hate for Miss Elizabeth to read any of this and fear the outcome.”
Lord Denchworth easily assented to the plan, but Lady Catherine was finally roused to speak and hastened to her nephew. “William, forgive me. I do not deserve it, but forgive me. My interference in your life has been officious and born of pride, but I never intended to pain you or harm you or Georgiana.” She watched with trepidation as Darcy assessed her for a long moment.
He closed his eyes and furrowed his brow. When he spoke, it was in a low voice. “Aunt, your conduct has been devoid of nearly every proper feeling for nigh on twenty years. You have deeply wounded those I love and regard.”
All colour drained from her ladyship’s face, and she squeezed her eyes shut in resignation. How could I ever be so foolish as to expect forgiveness? Is there a man in all the earth who would act so weak? How he must abhor me! She was turning away when he touched her arm and looked her earnestly in the eye.
“I was once unable to forget the follies and vices of others, nor their offenses against me. My temper was resentful and my good opinion once lost, was lost forever.”
She began to tremble, fearful of losing her sister’s son. Although few would dare call her affectionate, she had long imagined he would one day be her son—the only man she had regarded as worthy of her daughter.
“But the most honourable lady of my acquaintance has taught me the lesson of forgiveness. I believe you now recognise your errors, and if you can but make peace with Miss Elizabeth, Georgiana, and your daughter, then you shall have my forgiveness.” He took her hand and softly kissed it, bringing tears to her eyes.
His expression turned grave. “I can explain more fully later, but you have already perceived Wickham has a stake in all this. The Bennets remain at risk, so it is vital that Wickham not learn of this conversation and rush into acting prematurely. You mentioned instructing Wickham that you had no further use for him. I would beg instead that you continue as you have before; he must not know you have accepted my betrothal to Miss Elizabeth.”
With tears streaming down her face, Lady Catherine sincerely agreed. Darcy kissed his aunt’s cheek—an act he had not done since his mother died—nodded to his uncle, and departed for his dinner at the Gardiners’.
*****
Darcy slumped into a chair in his uncle’s library. With the exception of dining with the Gardiners, the day had been unbearably and irritatingly long and painful. His uncle demanded the family conduct themselves as normally as possible to help avoid the rise of scandal. Darcy had accepted the invitation to Lady Jersey’s ball for the evening, and his aunt and uncle insisted he keep the engagement. The only source of relief came from his Fitzwilliam cousins, Emilia and Alice, and their close friends, Lady Isabella Beauclerk and Miss Mary Dundas, previously arranged on his dance card. After spending some time in the card room, he was only importuned to dance twice more. Unfortunately, they were two of the ton’s most scheming young ladies, and their fathers clearly desired a match with him due to his political connections via his uncle. He made his excuses shortly after supper, rather than continue the torture. He overheard gossip, alerting him that the arrival of his aunt and cousin at his home had been noted. He left with Richard and made it known that he intended to reside at his uncle’s house.
Darc
y took the offered glass of brandy from his cousin. “Is everything settled for the ceremony?”
“Yes. Fortunately, I applied for a special licence as soon as I returned to Town, due to overhearing Lady Catherine’s plans. We shall marry on Monday, as the physician believes Anne will be well enough to move to Denchworth House by then. I shall resign my commission tomorrow, and the notice of our marriage will likely appear in Wednesday’s paper.”
Darcy took a sip of his brandy, deep in thought. His cousin brought him from his reverie. “I know you wish to reproach me.”
“I can well imagine after three years, temptation may be too great,” Darcy said with a wry smile.
“Is this my ever-controlled cousin?” Richard jested but truly was near disbelief.
“What would you have me say? I know well enough what passionate love for a woman can do to a man. And you, of all men, know I would not recommend satisfying your desires with paid service, especially once betrothed.”
Fitzwilliam blushed, and Darcy surmised that his cousin was not innocent of that criticism, but Darcy understood his views on the matter were unusual for men of his station. “Richard, it was a difficult situation, and you moved to take the correct actions.”
“You would have acted differently.”
“I would never hold you to my standards,” he said gravely. “The matter with Miss Middleton troubled me greatly, but I cannot say I never felt temptation.”
“What I once would have teased you for I now envy. Anne was hurt to realise my experience. I should have done more to protect Anne from my desires. I am certain you would do no less for Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy shook his head. He no longer believed his judgment infallible. “It is unlikely to be a concern for me. I do not face your temptations. Although we also must conceal our attachment, which likely added to your fervent feelings, the affections are not mutual nor equal. We are currently miles apart and will constantly be chaperoned when together. Between your familial relationship with Anne, and Lady Catherine so preoccupied with attempting to force my hand, she never thought twice about leaving you two alone. Those are strong enticements for any honourable man.”
His whole body began to react as he recalled being lost in Elizabeth’s delicious kisses, but he commanded his mind to focus.
“There is hardly a fear of Elizabeth allowing me to succumb to passion when she does not reciprocate the feelings.” Darcy knew a kiss was one thing, a statement of her interest or intent, but he did not mistake it with a returned sense of ardour or a declaration of love.
Richard quirked his brow. “Oh? I had thought things might have improved in that regard.”
With a satisfied smile, Darcy replied, “I know she esteems me. I feel content with that. I am hopeful, with time, I will earn her admiration and love, though I cannot imagine doing so before the wedding.” I will not take her until her desire for me is as intense as mine is for her.
His cousin allowed Darcy to wool-gather for a moment before changing the topic. “Had you known about the circumstances of our grandparents’ marriage or that the Denchworth estate neared ruin before my father?”
“No, I did not. I knew your father and mother discontinued the practice of naming the first born son William Fitzwilliam but had always assumed that Nicholas was named after your uncle, as your father inherited much from him. I knew my mother disliked their decision, and that is why she insisted on my name and calling me William. I suppose she believed someone should honour the legacy, even if her father failed it.”
“My father believes the problem lies with our great-grandfather. He was a third son and not trained to inherit; he despised the responsibilities, died due to his debaucheries when our grandfather was just a lad, and left the estate in debt. Matters only worsened with our grandfather.”
“It is a sad truth that many noble families are in similar situations. It may have cost him some pride, but your father chose wisely to sell the other estates to preserve the family seat.”
Fitzwilliam merely nodded his head, and the two sat in silence for a few minutes before Darcy broke it. “You know I struggled over deciding to offer for Elizabeth, correct?”
“Yes, I understand she has a very small portion, connections in trade, and her father’s estate is entailed. Like all of us, you were taught to find an illustrious match.”
“Yes, but do you know what really hindered my attachment? I left Hertfordshire determined to forget her because her family showed a lack of propriety. I believed my family so superior that I could not attach myself to her relations. Mrs. Bennet may be Hertfordshire’s greatest matchmaking mamma, but she pales in comparison to most of the ton, especially our aunt. Elizabeth’s youngest sisters are determined flirts, but I doubt there is one in the Bennet family who had a torrid affair, let alone for mercenary reasons. Mr. Bennet is indolent in regards to his estate and his family. He married a very silly woman for whom he has little respect, but he does not engage in the comforts of a mistress. Compare that with our ancestry!”
Darcy gave out a rueful laugh. “He believed Wickham’s lies and doubted my honour, but I did not make myself agreeable and departed the country without notice, only to return with news that I must marry his daughter. Wickham spent months creating a friendship with the man and ingratiating himself to the community. My father continued to trust Wickham until his dying breath. My own sweet sister planned an elopement with the reprobate.”
Darcy shook his head, angered by his past impressions and conduct. “No, my family’s behaviour is no better. People merely overlook it due to our rank and fortune! No wonder people find me proud!”
“William, what did Miss Elizabeth say in her letter? I believe you are dwelling on her past sentiments instead of her current ones.”
Patting his breast pocket, where the letter resided next to his heart, Darcy agreed. “Perhaps you are correct. She seems content with our betrothal and desires to know more of me. But no matter that her sentiments have changed; my behaviour merited every reproof. I cannot think of it without abhorrence.”
“If you were not truly amiable, you would not have forgiven our aunt.”
Darcy did not think he had been so self-sacrificing. “It was difficult, but others have recently forgiven me of my officious interference. How could I not forgive my mother’s sister when she asked in all sincerity?”
Fitzwilliam only shook his head and changed the topic again. “How did your meeting with Miss Elizabeth’s uncle go? Have the investigations uncovered anything useful?”
“No. As I now know Lady Catherine was giving him small supplements for some time, it does not surprise me. I had thought he must have engaged in serious criminal activity during that time, but aside from his usual debts and his taste in ladies, he has committed no crimes. It seems he did not accrue so much debt as he has in years past. I suppose he decided to moderate himself so he could reap rewards from either Lady Catherine or me before needing to evade creditors.” Clearly exasperated, Darcy finished with, “We are at an utter standstill.”
Chapter Fourteen
Friday, May 8, 1812
George Wickham sat in Longbourn’s sitting room and suppressed a smirk. One would think there could be little enjoyment in calling on the most silly and vulgar mother and two daughters he had ever met, another one that sermonised, a besotted courting couple, a pretentious and haughty woman, and a beauty that he could not touch, but Wickham saw them all as actors on his stage. He remained certain his scheming would succeed.
“Miss Lydia, Miss Kitty, Denny returned from London last evening and brought with him the most recent news from Town. When I saw the review of Lady Jersey’s ball, I knew you two would desire to read it. Miss Bingley,” he paused until he was certain she deigned to listen, “surely it is of interest to you as well!” He watched with delight as all three ladies’ eyes lit up with covetousness. What a joke it would be if they fought over it!
Lydia’s cries of joy drew the notice of the rest of the room, and in les
s than a minute, she was reading aloud. Wickham allowed his mind to wander until she drew closer to the portion he was most interested in her reading. When he entered earlier, he had seated himself in a position to best witness Elizabeth’s reaction.
“The gentleman Mr. D__ of P___ in D___shire danced the night away with several partners, including Miss P__, daughter of the wealthy gentleman from S__y, the beautiful Lady S__, daughter of Earl G__y, and his cousins, Lady E__ and Lady A__. He was seen leaving the event early, with his cousin the colonel, and the ladies of this paper wonder if it were not to hasten to his presumed betrothed and cousin, Miss de B__ of Kent, who is said to have arrived at his house with her mother.”
Lydia laughed. “La! What a joke! I am sure the ladies are all ugly and boring. Mr. Darcy has poor taste in dance partners. He would not dance with Lizzy at the assembly, and he did not even ask Jane or me at Mr. Bingley’s ball! Not that I would want to dance with him; he is too disagreeable and will not laugh.”
Bingley laughed, but his sister was loud in her opinion. “My dear, do not believe everything you read in the papers. I know for certain that Mr. Darcy is not engaged to any of his cousins, and I have seen him enjoy many a dance partner when in the correct company. I have been his partner often enough to know he is very skilled at the dance and most agreeable.”
Wickham chuckled internally, as it was clear Miss Bingley felt the need to reassure herself of Darcy’s availability, but the object of his observance paled a little and had yet to remark. Elizabeth’s reaction was over in an instant, but when Jane reached over and squeezed her hand, clearly in reassurance, Wickham felt his confidence grow. She clearly cared for Darcy, and Wickham was as certain as ever of that man’s regard for the lady. The presence of Lady Catherine at Darcy House would make a confrontation imminent, and Wickham believed Darcy would soon announce his betrothal to Elizabeth. Wickham implemented the next stage of his plan.
“Miss Lydia is correct. My old friend is too particular and always chooses wealth and rank over the most agreeable and pretty partners.” He looked at Elizabeth, but then turned to Lydia and gave her his most charming smile. “How I wish the regiment were not to decamp for Brighton so soon. I have never had such pleasant dance partners and entertaining conversation as I have had in Hertfordshire.” Lydia clearly enjoyed the notion that she held such power over the handsome officer.
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