“In the past, any affluence of yours has only been transitory. I would suggest not running up debts. I still hold yours from Lambton and quite a few in London as well. Combined, it would be more than enough to remove you from society for a considerable period, should you exploit their good will.”
“Warning heeded,” Wickham replied.
They regarded each other in silence, and Darcy remained only a moment longer. Wickham left a few minutes later. He was rather certain that he held the superior cards in the game against Fitzwilliam Darcy for the first time in his life.
That night, the Lucases held a dinner, and Wickham was unsurprised to notice Darcy’s absence. He had likely left for London to check on Georgiana immediately after speaking with Wickham. He was surprised, however, to hear from Miss Lydia that the entire Netherfield party reportedly left the day before. It was clear they did not know Darcy had stayed behind. Eventually, he was free of the youngest Bennet and made his way to the second.
“Good evening, Miss Elizabeth,” he began.
“Good evening, Mr. Wickham,” Elizabeth returned.
“You seem out of spirits.”
“Not at all. I am only tired.”
“Your eldest sister certainly seems lonely. I have heard Netherfield is quite empty now.”
Elizabeth looked at him with hope in her eyes. “Did your friend call on you before leaving?”
Did she ask for her sake or her sister’s? he wondered. “No, I have not seen Darcy.”
“He once told me that he can resent a person if constantly offended. Do you think it very easy to do?”
So Darcy had talked to her about him. She seemed to think it could be true for her, too. “I have only known him to be so offended with one person, who quite deserved it. Surely nothing you have said or done could do such a thing.”
She gave a wry smile. “This may surprise you, Mr. Wickham, but I do not have the easiest temperament. I may have spoken too freely to Mr. Darcy in a moment of exasperation.”
“I think you do my friend an injustice if you think you may have offended him, and then he selfishly suggested that Mr. Bingley stay in Town.”
“Mr. Bingley? Oh yes. Of course, that was my fear. Thank you for putting me at ease.”
“I would think Darcy only missed his sister. I would not be surprised if he returned soon.”
“Do you really think...that is, I know Miss Darcy certainly misses him.”
She must be corresponding with Miss Darcy; yet more evidence! If Darcy returned with Georgiana in tow, Wickham’s plan would be infallible.
Sensing her unease, he changed the subject. “Your cousin seems quite taken with your friend, Miss Lucas. I would almost think he intends to offer for her.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I fear he would meet with another sad answer. It has crossed my mind that he is partial to her and ridiculous enough to propose marriage on so slight an acquaintance, but I know Charlotte is too sensible to accept him.”
He allowed it to be so, although truthfully he wondered if Miss Lucas would refuse him. All ladies had a price, and he was rather certain he also knew Elizabeth’s. He did not remain too long at her side. Her initial dislike and hesitance were thawing, but he did not wish to push it too far. The time for that would be later.
*****
“Fitzwilliam!” Georgiana called in surprise as Darcy entered the drawing room of his London house. He took in her smile and leaned down to kiss the top of her head.
“How are you?” he asked anxiously. Wickham’s words had echoed in his head the entire way to London. He had been unable to begin a conversation with Mr. Bennet on the subject during his call. He had intended to tell him not to believe Wickham’s lies, but then it seemed officious to tell a man he might believe a liar, and Darcy’s pride revolted at looking weak. The other gentleman was quieter than usual and intent on their chess match. Darcy had intended to remain at Netherfield while Bingley was away and determined he could meet with Mr. Bennet another time, but then Wickham threatened Georgiana, and he had to leave for London immediately.
“I am entirely well. I am surprised to see you, though!”
“Bingley came to Town on business the other day, and luck would have it that I received a notice of my own just yesterday.”
Georgiana frowned. “Oh.”
“You are unhappy to see me? Here I thought I was your favourite brother.”
“You are my only brother, and therefore, I have no choice but to be fond of you,” she teased back. They smiled at each other. “I was hoping I might be invited to Netherfield. I would like to meet Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth.”
He could not retain his grin. “You like them, then?”
“Very much! Only now I will never get to meet them.”
“Why do you think that?”
“You are here now, and Aunt Eleanor will drag you away to all kinds of parties and events on the quest of finding you a wife. You will not have time to return to Hertfordshire above a twelvemonth, and I daresay Mr. Bingley will not be too keen to leave London either. I have already had notes from Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst telling me how happy they are to be back in Town and lamenting the country.”
She paused a moment and added, “William, why is it such a prize to have a country estate if all you want to do is spend your time in Town?”
He sighed. His little sister was rapidly growing up and had just made some very correct assessments. “I suppose it is all about status. Too many believe that we are to enjoy our income from the land but not enjoy living there.”
“But we do enjoy living there! Do you not grow tired of performing to the demands of society?”
Darcy only nodded before inquiring, “Do you really fear Aunt Eleanor will have me in the parson’s noose?”
“Lud! What a terrible way to describe marriage!”
He smiled again. He only teased like this in his own home. Georgiana was the one most likely to see it, although Bingley and his male cousins knew it as well.
She did not wait for his answer. “And yes, I do. Most men who are the masters of their estates would have married years ago. She has been beyond patient, and at least she has not pushed Anne on you like Aunt Catherine does.”
Georgiana met his eyes, and they smiled at their unsaid knowledge. Aunt Eleanor desired Anne to marry their cousin, the viscount. However, he disliked this marriage talk. He would not be forced by anyone. “I will take a bride of my own choosing and in my own time.” He said it with finality, but the imp did not hear.
Georgiana patted his cheek and said in a placating tone, “Of course, dear brother. You always do what is expected of you.” She began with gusto, but then her hand fell to her lap and shame flooded her eyes before she looked away. “Unlike me.”
Uncaring that Mrs. Annesley sat in the corner of the room, Darcy pulled his sister into an embrace. “No, dearest. I am very proud of you. Few would have the fortitude to confess to their scheme or recognise it as wrong afterwards. You should not criticise yourself so. We are so fortunate. You were saved.”
“I know you are right, but it is hard to believe he is so terrible.”
Darcy paused for a minute. “I know it is, he was my friend for many years as we grew up. And I think perhaps he could have been no worse than many men as your husband, but you know I want so much more for you than a man of questionable character marrying you only for your fortune.”
She sniffed in his arms. “There are times I wish we had no money at all!”
He could entirely understand the sentiment. If he had no fortune and family name to think of, then he would not feel so guilty for longing to have Elizabeth Bennet as his wife.
“Come, let us have no more tears. I shall refresh myself and change for dinner, and then if you ladies would allow me to escort you, I would be most pleased.”
Georgiana released him and managed a small smile. After a silly and sloppy bow designed to make her laugh, he exited to his chambers.
Dinner was a quiet affai
r. He still felt the effects of his cold, and he was looking forward to retiring early when his aunt and uncle called during coffee. Georgiana sent him a knowing look.
“You simply must come with us tonight,” his aunt began.
“I am truly tired from my travels.”
“Nonsense! Now, James has cancelled and cannot come, and Lady Crenshaw will be so put out. I had wanted James to meet with Lady Belinda, but you will do just as nicely.”
Darcy closed his eyes in frustration. “My lady, my presence cannot be missed if they do not know I have returned.”
“But they do! Miss Bingley announced it to everyone she met in the park yesterday.”
“I only chose to come today!”
His uncle waded in at last. “Come, my boy. It is expected, and it is only gentlemanly to please the ladies.”
Darcy narrowed his eyes. “Why is Arlington not attending? Who else has been invited?”
“He recalled a previous engagement at the theatre,” Lady Matlock sniffed.
Darcy rolled his eyes. Yes, Arlington was quite fond of certain aspects of the theatre, never more so than when his mother attempted to match him with a proper lady of society.
“Lady Belinda is very lovely,” his aunt put forward. “She is sweet-tempered, too.”
“Tell him about her twenty thousand pounds and that her uncle is the Earl of Oxford. That will be what really interests him.”
Darcy resented it all. This was the sort of wife he should take to please society. A cold, heartless, mathematical decision. No wonder his sister believed herself in love with the steward’s son. No wonder he was attracted to a penniless country lady.
Lord Matlock spoke again. “Come and enjoy yourself this evening. We will not let you lock yourself away in your study and worry about your business and the small number of lunatics attacking mills. The Countess of Matlock surely outranks General Ludd.”
Darcy sighed. “I will come but only because Arlington has cried off. Do not think you can bend my arm into this sort of thing more than once either. I am my own master, and I keep my own schedule.”
And it was true. He kept his world exactly as he liked it, and he did not allow his aunt and uncle—an earl and countess—to think otherwise.
The party proved tedious and not only due to the scratching feeling in his throat. Lady Belinda had about as much depth as a piece of paper. Everything felt so very choreographed. At supper, they were seated next to each other. While he was seldom enchanted with a lady, even for an evening, he had to admit she was one of the most beautiful ladies he had ever seen. He looked at her as though she were a painting. Her features were perfectly formed and spaced. Her countenance was the perfect complexion society desired. Her eyes were large and clear, her hair shiny and artfully arranged. Her gown was the latest style and made to her advantage. However, through all this observation, he remained unmoved. She lacked animation. It was as though she were nothing more than a piece of art. Or rather, as Elizabeth had put it, she was made to be an ornament on some man’s arm.
Her conversation proved no better. She was not deficient by any means, and she performed on the pianoforte with precision and sang with grace. She was passably witty, but her thoughts seemed to hold no true expression. It gave the impression of an over-rehearsed play. Everyone knew their role; himself included. It occurred to him that he was overly critical. He always was with the prospect of a lady. Certainly, he had told himself, Elizabeth Bennet was unimpressive at first.
He sighed to himself as he sipped his wine. Of course, he had only told himself that. The truth was he had thought her pretty before Bingley even pointed her out, but he would not bend to Bingley’s will. He never danced with ladies with whom he was unacquainted; their imaginations were too rapid. Yet throughout his time in Hertfordshire, he struggled to contain his admiration. However, Lady Belinda might be the most stunning and witty creature the world had ever seen. Men might launch wars for her, and it meant nothing. She was not Elizabeth.
“You are all alone over here, Mr. Darcy,” Lady Belinda whispered to him, and he nearly jumped.
“Forgive me, I only just arrived in London this afternoon. I am rather fatigued.”
She looked at him for a moment. “You do look tired. I hope you will not take ill from the exertion.”
Her kindness surprised him. When she approached him alone, he thought she had unscrupulous intents. “Thank you.”
She let out a sigh. “Men are so lucky to come and go as they please! Your aunt was just telling us that you had spent several weeks in Hertfordshire.”
“I did.”
“I tire of London. I long for home, near the seaside in Essex. I do not think I could ever live away from the sea.”
She said it so pointedly that Darcy began to think she had another motive for speaking to him. He was uncertain how to reply. “I, too, prefer my estate over Town.”
She cast her eyes about the room. “That is a shame, Mr. Darcy. I cannot think of a single lady in this room, or even in all of London, who would make such a confession, unbidden at least.”
And yet she just had.
“There are jewels to be found even in the country, I find.”
“I am sure it is true.”
“I do not know of anyone who would pass up a jewel when they see it, though.”
He took a sip of wine before replying, “Perhaps it is cursed pirate gold.”
“Oh, not even then! For how else would we have the tales of cursed jewels if people did not take them anyway?”
“Fools,” he said. The conversation was intriguing. Not on a romantic level, but something compelled him to continue.
“It is not the jewel’s fault either, sir. And to my mind, the ones who take it, knowing the legends and the risks, seem to find their own joy in it.”
“You do not find that a man who is willing to risk his health, happiness, and the security of a great many people simply for a stake at one jewel, or even many, to be the worst kind of mercenary and foolish?”
“No, sir. For the man knows the value of the treasure. No, I call a man who marries a wife for nothing more than twenty thousand pounds mercenary and foolish.”
She looked at him boldly, not accusingly but as though seeing through him just the same. Sorrow filled her eyes, and then she fled his side. He made his excuses soon thereafter.
Georgiana was still awake upon his return home. “How was Lady Belinda?”
“We had the most peculiar conversation.”
“There is talk that she is, well...peculiar lately. You were in Hertfordshire and did not hear. She was attached to a young naval captain who visited near her estate last year. Her parents did not favour the match. He was sent off to sea, but she has refused several offers. The news came just after Michaelmas that her beau was killed in action. She is unable to mourn him as they were not engaged, and her parents continually push her into the path of others.” Georgiana blew her nose into a handkerchief. “I know now I never really loved Mr. Wickham, or he me, but could you imagine being kept apart from the one you love because of your parents’ expectations?”
He meditated on Georgiana’s and Lady Belinda’s words before falling into a restless slumber that night. He awoke late the next morning to a re-emerging cold. This time, he welcomed his dreams of Elizabeth Bennet’s bright eyes and pert remarks. He was unsure how to arrange things with Georgiana. Mrs. Annesley had requested to journey to her daughter’s home in Hampshire. Georgiana could stay with Lord and Lady Matlock, but Darcy was loath to leave her behind after Wickham’s threat. He disliked the idea of them meeting as well, but he knew he would be returning to Hertfordshire whether he had to drag Bingley with him or not.
Chapter Nine
“I wish you would have called on Darcy yesterday,” Caroline said as she sipped her tea at the breakfast table. “We might have been invited to Lady Crenshaw’s dinner then.”
Bingley rolled his eyes. His sister was forever using Darcy as a means of entrance to even
ts she otherwise could not attend. They had no acquaintance with the Crenshaws. “I had no time for calls. I am here only on business. I am surprised Darcy is in Town, though. He said he would remain at Netherfield, although that was when I expected you and Louisa would remain as well.” He scowled at his coffee. “I must finish as quickly as possible and return.”
“You worry too much what those undignified country people think of you.”
“It is quite uncivil for us all to leave without bidding them goodbye. They were quite hospitable to us. You think they are too simple to know the slight you are giving them, but I assure you, they have easily discerned your dislike.”
His true reason for wishing to return to Netherfield was to see more of Jane Bennet. Although they had danced, she had not saved a space for him on her dance card the evening of the ball. She had smiled when he requested his sets, but she did not blush as though she had been wishing for it. Nor did she whisper that she had hoped for it. Immediately, he questioned her regard and aborted his plans to propose. Upon later reflection, he thought that was too bold for her. In this, he must be the bold one. First, however, he needed a strategy for learning her heart. “I will call on Darcy today.”
“Oh! I long to see dear Georgiana again.”
“You will have to make your own call on her. I am leaving directly, and you are not prepared.” He stood and gave her a nod before leaving. He was seldom so stern with his sister, but Darcy would not appreciate the favour Bingley needed to ask, and he would dislike having Caroline in tow even more. Additionally, if all went well, Caroline could not go with them to the bachelor apartments of Darcy’s cousin, Lord Arlington.
In a short time, he arrived Darcy’s townhouse and rapped over-eagerly on the door. Darcy’s butler showed him to the study. “Mr. Darcy is busy at the moment. If you wait here, I will see if he can meet with you.”
Bingley glanced around the room. It was strange that Darcy was not already in the room. He looked at his friend’s desk; it appeared pristine and untouched this morning. Ordinarily, he would be shown into the room with Darcy at work, and Bingley would sit across from him. As the sole occupant, Bingley was uncertain where to sit. He stood awkwardly in the room. How strange that he should feel this uncomfortable at his best friend’s home. Shaking his head at his ridiculousness, he sat in his usual chair. It was the errand that made him nervous.
Sufficient Encouragement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (When Love Blooms Book 1) Page 10
