Mr Denhem did not hesitate. “I stayed at an estate near Drogheda for a short time, before moving to another estate, to the south of Carrick. This was where I lived the longest.”
“A pleasant area. I wish we had been able to stay longer, but we needed to return sooner than expected, as my grandfather had taken ill. It has been my desire, for many years, to be able to return there, taking my family, but alas, we have yet to make such a journey.” Mr Bennet appeared to be lost in thought. A light knock on the study door brought the gentleman back from his musings. “Ah, my daughter has come to join us. Enter, Lizzy.”
Denhem was surprised to see the young lady who entered the room. She was unlike any other lady he had met, with her soft brown eyes with flecks of gold, and her chocolate locks, which appeared to strain the hairpins holding the curls in place on her head. The smile on her lips spoke of good humor. Though she was not tall, she was well proportioned in her figure. The poor man had no immunity to her charms, and he knew he was in trouble if he was not careful. He had met many young ladies in his life, and had never felt the attraction he did in a matter of moments of meeting this young lady.
“Lizzy, this young man has come to apply for the position of steward. I thought it wise to include you in the discussion, as you are quite familiar with all that occurs at Longbourn. Allow me to make the proper introductions. Miss Elizabeth Bennet, this is Mr Fredrick Denhem, recently returned to England from Ireland. Mr Denhem, this is my second eldest daughter, Elizabeth. In case Mrs Dillard did not tell you, I have five daughters, and no sons. So, you should count yourself forewarned, my wife is intent on having all of our daughters married off as soon as possible, in case of my demise.”
“Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Denhem stated, bowing over Elizabeth’s hand.
Mr Bennet watched the encounter closely. Seeing the instant memorization his daughter had on the young man made the elder gentleman pleased. He was of the opinion that anyone who took instantly to his Lizzy was someone who had good taste. Many times in his life, it was interaction with his favorite daughter or her opinion on a matter that made up his mind when making decisions.
“My dear girl, would you care to ask the young man any questions? I would like to know you are thinking of what will need to be done to make Longbourn improved and better producing.” Mr Bennet had a difficult time keeping a smile from gracing his lips. He did not wish for his daughter to know that the young man beside her was someone her father favored for her. One thing Mr Bennet had always based business on was the reaction to her, and, after seeing the reaction of Mr Denhem, he was certain that the young man would be part of his family one day.
Over the following hour, Mr Bennet watched his favorite child debate with Denhem, standing her ground on some issues, while she was impressed with the modernization of the man’s thoughts. Many of his ideas were similar to Elizabeth’s, ideas she had tried to instill in the former steward, though he was too set in his ways to consider such changes. Seeing someone before her who would willingly make modern changes to crop rotation and modernize the cottages for the tenants and servants, Elizabeth was thrilled.
“Well, Mr Denhem, I believe you have the endorsement of my daughter. I know very few men who would show her the respect and agree with her suggestions, so I am deeply impressed with your respect and openness to her opinions. You have the position. Now, the cottage that will be yours will require some repairs. As I have stated, your predecessor was elderly and his health was in decline. There are several tenant homes that are also in need of improvements. Being a single man, I presume you are not well versed in cooking. You are welcome to take meals with the family if you wish. If you prefer to prepare your own meals, I can have Lizzy and her elder sister set up your pantry.”
“I admit I am not much at preparing my own meals, so I would gratefully accept your offer of meals.” Denhem’s cheeks reddened slightly. “Making tea and coffee is the sum total of my abilities in the field of cooking.”
Elizabeth took pity on the young man. “Jane and I will come with you to the cottage, if you wish. We can see what supplies are there and make certain you are stocked on coffee, tea, and any other staples you might require. We can also see to any other improvements you might desire in the decor. There have been no changes to the cottage since before my birth, so it will be in need of freshening.”
“There is no need for anything fancy, Miss Bennet. I am a simple man, with simple needs.”
“Wait until you see the cottage. Then we will discuss any changes.”
~~ ** ~~
The elder two daughters of Thomas Bennet escorted their father’s new steward to the cottage which would be the man’s home. “Mr Denhem, I hope you will find Longbourn to be to your liking. Our tenants are extremely important to us, as it is through their efforts that the estate is able to exist. Jane and I visit the tenants weekly, seeing to any needs for medical care, food, and clothing. If you discover a matter that requires our attention, please know you may speak with Father, Jane or myself.”
“I am pleased to know I will be working for a family that realizes the importance of those who work for them. It is a rare commodity, and one I share. My father instilled the importance of taking care of those who work for you.” Denhem replied.
The cottage was located to the south of the manor house, near the large barn and stable area. Elizabeth was pleased that they were able to offer the young man a comfortable place to live. Her desire to make everything to his liking came from wanting to know him better. In the time they spoke in the office, she was pleasantly surprised to find him to be open to her opinions. And his handsome appearance did not go unnoticed. For the first time in her life, Miss Elizabeth Bennet found herself attracted to a man she could respect.
The trio entered the cottage and began making an inventory of the contents. Clearly it had been lacking in a cleaning, which did not come as a surprise. The pantry was vacant, including even the barest of needs such as dishes and a teapot. Elizabeth had brought paper, pen, and ink to make a list of items that would be needed for the new steward and quickly began writing as Jane looked about. “And do not forget candles. Goodness, even the candle sticks are gone. Why would Mr Winters take such things? It was not as if they were the best quality.” Jane was puzzled.
“Perhaps his daughter was in need of items and Mr Winters wished to do what he could to be helpful. As you said, they were not of the best quality, but they were not the cheapest either. After the many years the dear man gave our family, I will not hold ill will towards him for such trivial matters.” Elizabeth glanced around the room, checking the furnishings and the curtains. With a chuckle, she continued. “I am surprised they left the furniture. Perhaps they thought it would be noticed if they had a chair or sofa tied down in the bed of their wagon. Mr Denhem, are you comfortable with the curtains? Would you prefer a different color or design? I can remember when Mrs Winters made these curtains, and I believe I was near ten years old at the time.”
“There is no need to fret. The cottage is a fine place, and I know I will be comfortable here. There is no need for anything fancy for me,” Denhem stated. “And I can make purchases of what is needed for the cottage. I would not wish to be a burden to the estate.”
“Mr Denhem, you are to be vital to Longbourn’s success. Having items of comfort are of no burden to our family.” Jane said. She then walked down the hall, looking in the first room on her left. It was a bedchamber. Jane took notice of the bedding, then went to the closet to see if there was more bedding and towels to be found. She found only one towel, and a single coverlet, so she would inform her sister of the need for more.
Once the list was made, the Bennet sisters left the cottage, after informing the young man of when the evening meal would be served. Elizabeth also assured him that they would gather the items needed for the cottage. When they were out of sight, Denhem closed the door of the cottage, and walked over to one of the pair of chairs and dropped into its
seat. Letting out a sigh of relief, he could began to relax.
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
Chapter 3
Mr Denhem began unpacking the saddlebag that he had brought with him, leaving a satchel at the inn. He had brought very little with him, only what he could take on his horse. There would be a need to purchase items when he went to Meryton. The cottage was comfortable, more than he had expected. When he had planned his future, leaving his father’s home, Denhem was uncertain as to his living situation. Mrs Dillard had given him a precious gift by telling him of the steward position at Longbourn. He would need to thank her properly when he was in Meryton.
After a brief rest, Denhem left the cottage to return to the inn, to retrieve his satchel. He was pleased to thank Mrs Dillard, promising to do his best for the Bennet family. As Mrs Dillard and Mrs Hill were sisters, the innkeeper was very fond of the family, so she was pleased to know he would take care of them.
Arriving back at the cottage, Denhem opened the satchel. He had brought very few clothing items, as he did not wish to dress in clothing that was far above the station in which he now would live. He had brought funds with him, so he would be able to purchase more practical clothes for a steward of small estate. Near the bottom of the satchel was a miniature likeness of his mother. Lady Anne was cherished by all who knew her, especially her firstborn. Mother, how am I to clear my name of such a foul accusation? How can I make Father believe the truth? Wickham has filled his head with so many lies. I know Father has been distraught ever since you died. But to think he could believe me capable of behaving so abominably, deeply wounds me. Only Richard can help me now. I pray he is in England, not on the continent. I will write to him tomorrow, after I make purchases in Meryton, as I will require writing supplies.
Denhem pulled the drawer of the bedside table open, placing the portrait inside. He gave a sigh, before closing the drawer, then reclined on the bed, fully clothed. The need for sleep overtook him, and he swiftly drifted into slumber.
~~ ** ~~
A letter arrived for Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam in London. His father knew Richard had recently returned to England, after being wounded in battle fighting Napoleon’s army. During his recovery, Richard was residing at the Fitzwilliam family townhouse in the Mayfair district. As the colonel came down the stairs, in preparation to break his fast, the butler stepped forward. “Colonel, a letter from your father. The rider is still here, as I thought you might wish to send a response. I have cook seeing to the lad’s needs.”
Obviously, the butler knew the family well enough to suspect a problem, as his father had likely insisted on the rider express delivering the message. Richard took the missive and broke his father’s seal.
Richard,
I am at Pemberley. There has been a horrifying event, and I feel it imperative to inform you of the situation. A maid has been murdered at Pemberley, and the evidence points to your cousin being the murderer. I am certain that you feel as I do, that William is innocent of the allegations, but I cannot convince Gerald to believe me.
Wickham is behind the accusation, stating he entered the guest room and witnessed William strike the murderous blow to the maid, using the stone carving that his mother had given him so many years ago. According to Wickham, the maid was with child, and he believes the maid was certain she could make your cousin marry her. This was, according to Wickham, is the reason William killed her, to rid himself of an unwanted bastard.
It is clear that Wickham has been preparing for this day, as he has convinced Gerald that William is a reprobate and a scoundrel. The vile man has placed his own actions on the shoulder of poor William. I cannot understand why Gerald would believe such nonsense about his own son. Did you not tell me of one of your officer friends having become an investigator? Do you know if he would be willing to come to Pemberley to investigate the situation? The magistrate, Sir Jacoby, has issued a warrant for William’s arrest. We must act swiftly, to protect our poor boy from ending up dancing at the end of a rope.
Send word as soon as possible. We need all the assistance possible to save William.
Your father, Lord Matlock
“Good God, how can this be?” Richard cried out.
“Colonel, is there something I can do to be of assistance?” the butler asked, concern heavy in his tone.
“I need someone to take a message to the military encampment as soon as I write it. I will be but a moment. Please have someone ready.” Richard replied as he was already racing up the stairs towards his apartment. Throwing open the door, Richard’s shocked his batman, who had just replaced the ewer of water on the washstand. “Roberts, we may need to leave London soon, depending on what I learn in the next hour. Be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.”
“Of course, Colonel. I will have a trunk packed and ready. Do you know to where we might be traveling?”
“North, that is all I know for certain. Perhaps to Pemberley.”
Having been the colonel’s batman for many years, he was well familiar with the Darcy estate. And he was familiar with the colonel’s moods. It was clear to Roberts that something was amiss. “All will be at the ready, Colonel.”
Richard wrote a brief message, then returned downstairs, handing the missive to the butler. “I will be in my father’s study. There will be a man coming to speak with me; send him to the study.”
Within an hour, Richard was joined by the former Lieutenant Samuel Andrews. “Andrews, I am grateful for your coming so quickly. And I am grateful that you have returned to England. You have been in the Orient for quite a long time.”
“It was a journey I am pleased is over. Never was one to tolerate ships. All the rocking and movement, my poor body suffered tremendously.”
“Was it worth the trip? Were you able to manage everything while you were there?”
Mr Andrews nodded his head. “My father’s death left much to be dealt with. My stepmother and my siblings needed to be relocated to England, Father’s business and house sold. Took near a year there to complete everything, but I learned much from the people in the district where they lived. Even some tricks that I can use in my new profession.”
Richard had handed the man a cup of coffee, as he remembered his friend had preferred the beverage over tea. “It is your new profession I wish to discuss with you. I have need of your services. Would you be willing to travel to Derbyshire? My father sent word of a matter of utmost urgency where your skills would come in handy. There has been a murder at my uncle’s home, and my cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy, has been accused of the crime. The man who claims to have witnessed the act is a known scoundrel and reprobate, and he cannot be trusted. My father and I are of the same opinion, that the witness is lying.”
“Are you certain you are not wishing for him to be lying? Sometimes we have difficulty accepting the truth of those for whom we care.”
“The man in question has spread lies about my cousin for many years. Unfortunately, my uncle has come to believe the lies he has been given, rather than believe his own son. My cousin is a good man. I believe he is innocent for many reasons, but the main reason is this: the murdered girl was a maid at my uncle’s estate. She was allegedly with child, which was said as a motive for the murder. My cousin is a rare and decent man, and he has never been with a lady. He made the decision to keep himself pure, for his wedding. One of his father’s cousins died from the French disease, and my cousin remembers seeing the man as he was dying. As you can imagine, it was not a pleasant sight. Even with my brother and I teasing him, William remained true to his decision. I cannot believe my cousin has been with any woman, let alone a young maid in his father’s home.”
“Such a rare man indeed. Especially for someone of your station. You have so many…opportunities to indulge in pleasures.” Andrews sipped the coffee from his cup. “By the way, this is exceptional coffee. I would like the name of your warehouse, so I can procure some for my home.”
“My father took many years to find this blend, and he i
s quite fond of it. If you take the job, you can ask him when you are at Pemberley.”
“For you, Colonel, I will take the job. I had not planned on doing any traveling for the foreseeable future, as I wish to aid my family in settling in their new home. You have saved my life numerous times, and I can never repay you for such. I can leave later today. Do you have recommendations as to where I can hire reliable horses along the way?”
“I made a list for you. Here is a letter for you to show them, so my family can pick up the charges.” Richard handed several sheets of parchment to the investigator. “And I can give an advance on your pay.” He placed a small pouch on the desk next to the papers.
“Sir, I have always found you to be true to your word. I shall give the investigation my complete devotion.”
“I would expect nothing less, Andrews.”
~~ ** ~~
That afternoon, Richard needed to visit White’s men’s club, as he had been given the task of relaying a message to one of his father’s friends. After delivering the message, Richard was preparing to leave, when he came upon an old friend.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Fugitive Page 2
