Mr. Darcy's Daughter

by Rebecca Ann Collins

  "I have had no contact with the family in many years, but I am aware through a mutual acquaintance that Frank Wickham lives apart from his mother in a cottage on the far side of the Longbourn Estate. Mr Bowles, who used to be my steward and recently moved to Longbourn, will be able to take you to him," Jonathan explained and added some cautionary advice.

  "I must warn you, though, should his mother, Mrs Lydia Wickham, get wind of your presence in the area and the purpose of your visit, you may not find it easy to avoid her attentions," he said, and Darcy acknowledged his uncle's advice."Indeed, sir, Mama has informed me that Mrs Wickham is not an easy person to deal with. I would greatly appreciate any advice on how she is to be approached."

  Jonathan laughed."With much caution, I would say, Darcy. Your mother is being very charitable in her description. Aunt Lydia has lost nothing of her guile and, since she is always full of complaints, an encounter with her can become quite wearisome. I suggest you take Mr Bowles with you; he occasionally takes her produce from Longbourn and Mrs Wickham is well disposed towards him."

  Mr Carr intervened to say that time was of the essence and they would need to see Mr Wickham at the earliest opportunity.

  "Every day's delay can mean less hope for Josh Higgins. At the time we left Derbyshire, the police were very sure he was their man," he said, hoping to impress upon their host the urgency of their cause.

  Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Jonathan Bingley's eldest daughter Anne-Marie and her husband Mr Colin Elliott, who were to dine with them. Mr Elliott was the local Member of Parliament, a man much admired by young Darcy Gardiner. Together with his wife and their young son, he had moved earlier in the year to live at Longbourn, the property which had originally been the home of the Bennet family.

  Through a series of fortuitous circumstances and one sad mischance, the sudden death of Mr Collins, heir to the estate by entail, Longbourn had ended up in the hands of Jonathan Bingley, who had gifted it to his daughter Anne-Marie on her recent marriage to Mr Elliott.

  Mr Carr recalled meeting the remarkably handsome couple briefly at the wedding of her sister Teresa to Mr Frederick Fairfax, the architect. He noted also the remarkable resemblance between Anne-Marie and her cousin Lizzie Gardiner, who was soon to be his wife. In general appearance, he thought, they were so alike, one might have mistaken them for sisters, except that Mrs Elliott was older, more self-assured, and had an air of independence that he could not but admire in a woman.

  Lizzie's attraction was the charming freshness and enthusiasm of youth, which she brought to all her activities and relationships; Carr had found it irresistible. As his thoughts returned to her, he felt suddenly alone amidst all these people who knew each other so intimately. He missed her terribly and wished he were back in Derbyshire, where she was but half an hour's ride away from his home.

  He forced himself back to the present, wrenching his thoughts away from pleasanter prospects, to join in the conversation around the dinner table.

  Mr Elliott had been applied to, by Darcy, for advice on their difficult undertaking. Having had some dealings with the intractable Mrs Wickham, on a previous occasion of similar difficulty, Mr Elliott agreed that it was certainly a daunting prospect, but he held out some hope."At least with Mrs Wickham, one knows what one is dealing with," he said."While she protests that she has some tender feelings, some sense of outrage about the way in which the world in general and some people, in particular, have treated her, and claims to have strong bonds of family loyalty and filial affection, all these may be immediately discounted, if sufficient money could be found to assuage her present discomfort."

  Everyone chuckled and Anna Bingley even protested that the poor woman was surely not that bad. But Anne-Marie swiftly defended her husband's account of Lydia Wickham."Unlike most ladies, she makes no pretence of having contempt for money; in fact, she has a great respect for it, which overrides all other feelings," she said, to which Mr Colin Elliott added,"Indeed and she is quite open about it. When you approach her, Mr Gardiner, do so with your pocketbook well stocked with cash."

  Like Jonathan Bingley, Elliott also recommended Mr Bowles.

  "If anyone can help you find Frank Wickham or get information from his mother, Mr Bowles can," he said, promising to send him round to meet them on the morrow, so they could plan their campaign.

  Later, after the ladies had withdrawn to the drawing room, where they were joined not long afterwards by the gentlemen, Anna Bingley and Anne-Marie entertained them with music and song. Though Mrs Bingley was undoubtedly the superior performer, having studied in Europe and acquired a high degree of proficiency and style, she was nevertheless well supported by Anne-Marie, who had recently, with the encouragement of her husband, started to take singing lessons.

  As the mood of the company changed, softened by the music and the wine, the conversation moved to other matters. The ladies wanted Mr Carr to tell them how preparations were going for the wedding, to which, he was warned, they were all coming.

  "Lizzie is Mr and Mrs Darcy's first granddaughter and you may be sure there will be a great party for her," said Anna, and Anne-Marie asked to be remembered to her young cousin."Lizzie is a great favourite of ours; we are looking forward to seeing her as a bride," she explained.

  Mr Carr tried to satisfy their curiosity to the best of his ability, but he knew very little of the wedding plans and could not give them much detail, except that Lizzie's sister Laura Ann was going to be her bridesmaid. He was, however, able to tell them a good deal more about the refurbishments he'd made at the farm and Lizzie's role in helping him make all the right choices for drapes and accessories.

  "It's a fine, handsome old house and needed only the right touches to restore it to its former dignity. With Mrs Gardiner's excellent advice and Lizzie's good taste, I think we have done well," he said and Anna, who had a keen interest in these matters, said she looked forward, very much, to seeing it.

  Darcy and Colin Elliott, meanwhile, recounted some harrowing accounts of the loss of the vote on the Reform Bill in Parliament and the consequent resignation of Lord Russell and his government. Neither could believe that a few intransigent Liberals had contributed to the downfall of their own government.

  "Mr Gladstone must be furious!" said Darcy, and Mr Elliott confirmed that indeed he was. Jonathan introduced a somewhat more serious note, remarking upon the increasing number of violent demonstrations that had erupted around the country, especially in London and some of the larger towns, in the wake of the resignation of the government and the collapse of some large financial houses. Darcy had plenty to say on the subject, too.

  Mr Carr, when the ladies went to attend to the tea and coffee, set out to get to know Mr Jonathan Bingley better. He knew from Lizzie and her mother that Jonathan was one of the most highly respected members of the family, ranking together with Richard Gardiner in the affections of Mr and Mrs Darcy.

  His record of service to his party, the Parliament, and his local community was quite remarkable. He had twice been the recipient of significant civilian honours, yet, he was invariably modest, unassuming, and considerate of others.

  Knowing, as he did, Mr Bingley's achievements in politics and community leadership, Mr Carr was genuinely surprised by his total lack of self-congratulation or complacency, two attributes that had characterised most American politicians he had observed.

  Their conversation was both amicable and interesting. Congratulating Mr Carr on the purchase of the farm and stud at Rushmore, Mr Bingley said,"I was happy to hear that you intended to live on the property and improve upon it. I know Mr Darcy is, too; it is the only way to protect the land and prevent its fragmentation by developers. They dispossess the village people and sell to absentee landlords, who have no interest whatsoever in the community."

  Mr Carr agreed and revealed that he had also received a couple of offers for the stud."There seemed to be several people interested, yet reluctant to come forward themselves," he said."Approaches
were almost always made through a third party."

  Jonathan laughed heartily."Ah yes, of course," he said,"because they want nothing to do with the land or the community that has worked it for generations. Their only interest is in the profit it will bring in when it is resold. You are wise, Mr Carr, not to become involved with these men. They are mainly from London or some large commercial city and have a keen eye for the money they can make from land. Some farmers are going through hard times and will sell to anyone who offers them a decent price. To these men, a property like the Camden Stud will be a veritable gold mine."

  Mr Carr was adamant."I certainly have no intention of selling, Mr Bingley.

  I am very happy in the area and intend to settle there permanently. I have said so, many times, but they are very persistent."

  Anna came over to join them, seeking to"interrupt their shoptalk," she said, and having offered Mr Carr more coffee, proceeded to ask after Cassandra Gardiner.

  Mr Carr, whose love of Lizzie was equalled only by his admiration for her mother, told her as much as he knew of Cassandra's efforts to help manage her father's estate, Pemberley, while still coping with all the demands of her own family."I have to say, Mrs Bingley, that I have never before encountered a lady who worked so hard and with such complete uncomplaining dedication," he said, and both Mr and Mrs Bingley agreed.

  Jonathan declared that he had had a similar account from his mother, Mrs Jane Bingley, who was familiar with the situation at Pemberley.

  "I understand that in Mr Darcy's absence, Cassy took over the management of Pemberley and did it so well, her father is now keen for her to continue."

  "Indeed, sir, and while I know she would like to spend more time with her family at Matlock, she never complains. Miss Gardiner tells me that her mother believes it is her duty to support her father in the absence of her brother Julian."

  "Cassy Darcy," said Jonathan Bingley,"is a most extraordinary woman and, one might say, a fortunate one. Her husband, Dr Gardiner, is not only an eminent physician, he has achieved what was thought to be quite impossible, convinced the hospital board to spend more money on research! He is also one of the finest men I have known."

  Mr Carr was, by now, convinced that the family he was joining was not only a distinguished one, it was remarkable also for the concern and support its members showed for one another. But just then, as if to remind him that every family, however well regarded, had its black sheep, Darcy returned to remind him that they should have an early night, since they expected to rise early on the morrow and go forth with Mr Bowles in quest of the elusive Frank Wickham.

  Mr Carr sighed. It had been an exceedingly pleasant evening and he was sorry it had to end."Perhaps," he said to Mr and Mrs Bingley, thanking them for their gracious hospitality,"when all this is over, you will be my guests at Rushmore Farm?"

  The invitation was accepted with enthusiasm.

  The visitors, still weary from their long journey, retired early in preparation for what might prove to be an arduous day to follow. They did not expect to achieve their goal with ease and feared they may be hindered by the machinations of Mrs Wickham. Shortly afterwards, Anne-Marie and Mr Elliott took their leave.

  Jonathan remarked to his wife that Anne-Marie was clearly a very happy woman. Anna, had no reason to disagree with her husband on this point. Her affection for Anne-Marie had led her to hope that she would one day be more happily wed than she had been to the dour and dull Dr Bradshaw. In marrying Colin Elliott, it was quite obvious that they had both found that happiness.

  There was certainly no mistaking the warmth of their affection for one another.

  "I think you are right, dearest," she said and added,"From what I can make of Mr Carr, it would seem that young Lizzie Gardiner is soon to be similarly blessed."

  Jonathan took his wife's hand and kissed it, recalling how much he owed to her love and understanding. She had been a tower of strength, his defence against despair, when he and his children had most needed affection and hope.

  "That, my love, is what we must all pray for," he said, as they went upstairs.

  * * *

  After breakfast on the morrow, Mr Bowles arrived to meet with Messrs Carr and Gardiner. Mr Elliott had already explained the purpose of their visit and Bowles was well prepared. Although he had served the family for many years, it was his practice not to become embroiled in the conflicts and squabbles that occasionally erupted even in the best-regulated families and disrupted the even tenor of their lives. He had maintained some contact with the Wickhams and, since the death of Mr George Wickham, Senior, he had, with the permission of his employers, taken over the occasional hamper of farm produce, a ham, fresh fruit, or game for Mrs Wickham and her daughter. It was clearly appreciated.

  With her husband dead and her elder sons living almost permanently in London and far too selfish to offer her any assistance, Lydia Wickham was hard put to support her often self-indulgent lifestyle on her small annuity. Despite her best efforts, and no one could have tried harder, she had not as yet succeeded in persuading any wealthy gentleman to marry her daughter, whose strong resemblance to her mother must have proved less than advantageous.

  Consequently, she was forever applying to her sisters Elizabeth and Jane for money to pay her bills and would even call upon Mrs Collins at Longbourn fora"loan," although there was very little chance of the money being repaid. She would run up debts with the local stores, and when she had no more money to pay them, she would close up the house and disappear for some weeks. On her return, she would write pathetic letters appealing to her sisters for help, warning that if they did not help her she would go to jail and disgrace them all!

  She was, therefore, very glad of the gifts of produce that Mr Bowles and his wife Harriet brought her and would thank them as if they, rather than the Master and Mistress of Longbourn or Netherfield, were the source of the generous donations.

  One advantage of this peculiar arrangement was now to become evident. Mr Bowles, complete with a basket containing poultry, fruit, and honey, was able to visit Mrs Wickham, confident of a cheerful welcome and an invitation to take tea in the parlour, while unbeknownst to his mother, Mr Carr and Darcy Gardiner were bending their efforts to persuade FrankWickham to return with them to Derbyshire.

  Writing to his mother a letter, which he despatched from Netherfield by express, Darcy gave his own version of the events of the day…

  Dearest Mama,

  I am writing in haste, so you must not mind my uncouth scrawl. I am concerned only to set your mind at rest at the earliest opportunity. This will go by express and should be in your hands well before we arrive home.

  Before I proceed any further, let me say it, Frank Wickham is indeed the youngest son of Aunt Lydia Wickham and he has consented, albeit with some trepidation, to return to Derbyshire and tell his story to the coroner who, in all probability, will enquire into the death of Mr Jones.

  Darcy was keen to give credit where it was due.

  Our success is due, almost in its entirety, to the sound advice of my Uncle Jonathan Bingley and the absolutely splendid scheme devised by his man, Mr Bowles, who is the new manager of Longbourn.

  Let me give you a brief sketch of events now, a more detailed account will follow upon our return. Frank Wickham seems a genuinely decent fellow. He lives alone in a cottage on the far boundary of the Longbourn Estate. For most of the Summer and Autumn, he travels around the country, sketching and painting, and having worked to complete the pictures, he takes them to London each Spring and sells them to dealers.

  They are certainly not great art, but are pretty enough to appeal to some. He claims he makes sufficient for his needs, which are few, and he seems content.

  He also teaches drawing and painting to private pupils, in their homes, when he can get the work. He would like to get more such work, I think, but appears to be disadvantaged by the reputation of his family, which precedes him everywhere. I do believe he would give almost anything to put as much dista
nce as possible between himself and his older brothers George and Philip, whose disreputable behaviour seems to have adversely affected Frank's own prospects of obtaining any worthwhile position. Mr Bingley points out that this is not surprising; their appalling reputations have them barred from any respectable house in the district.

  Frank Wickham, on the other hand, does strike one as having some principles, for when Mr Carr explained the plight of Josh Higgins, who was already in custody for a crime he could not have committed, Wickham agreed, albeit after some hesitation at the mention of police, to accompany us to Derbyshire. Should his story be believed, and there seems to be no reason why it should not, Josh should be completely exonerated and released.

  Frank Wickham confirms everything that he is supposed to have told the innkeeper at Matlock as a true account of what took place. It was he gave Josh Higgins the money, which the police thought he had stolen from Jones.

  Mr Carr, who played a most effective hand in persuading Wickham that he may well be responsible for the transportation if not the hanging of Josh Higgins, if he remained silent, believes that the police will have no option but to release Josh, which I am sure Papa and you will agree is an exceedingly good result.

  Dear Mama, there is, however, one problem that may cause all of this to unravel.

  Frank Wickham owes money, not a large sum, an amount of twelve pounds, to a man in Matlock, from whose shop he purchased materials and supplies during the Summer. He is the general merchant, Mr Brewer.

  When Wickham left in haste, he forgot to pay his outstanding bill. Now, he fears that Brewer may have gone to the police; if he has done so, it may well compromise Wickham and devalue his evidence. He does claim that he always intended to send the money and wishes to apologise for not having done so before leaving the area.