Fitzwilliam Darcy, Fugitive

by Melanie Schertz

  Bingley offered his guest a cup of tea and some of the food they had on the table. Mr Bennet accepted the tea, though refrained from the food. As the men chatted amongst themselves, there was an easy friendship building.

  Richard’s attention was captured by the possibilities. Could it be that this is the estate that William wrote to me about? He stated the estate was Longbourn, I am certain. If Longbourn neighbors Netherfield, it should be simple enough to meet with my cousin. “What can you tell us about the area? Is there fishing or hunting available?”

  “Indeed, there is a small lake that connects the two estates. If you wish, I can show it to you, show you the best places to fish from. My brother-in-law has spent many hours fishing there. We have two small boats to use on the lake. Hunting is fine, and we have several coveys of quail on my property. I can speak with my steward, ask him to make arrangements for you to join a hunt. One of our neighbors, Sir William Lucas, has a pack of hounds that are perfect hunters.”

  “I am grateful for your generosity, Mr Bennet.” Bingley said. “We have been here less than a day and already feel at home.”

  “As you arrived so quickly, and do not have a full staff, my wife has sent me to invite you to dine with us, either tonight or tomorrow night.” Mr Bennet was pleased that the young men seemed pleasant and unassuming.

  Bingley and Richard looked to each other. “Tonight would be perfect, Mr Bennet. As you said, we do not have a full staff, so we were planning on a cold dinner of items Mrs Nichols was able to procure on short notice,” Bingley replied. “What time should we arrive?”

  “Seven would be a good time. Oh, and I must warn you ahead of time. I have five daughters and a nervous wife. Mrs Bennet fears my death as the estate is entailed to the male line. Having no sons, the estate will be inherited by a distant cousin. So, my dear wife is determined to marry off our daughters as soon as possible. Please do not take offense to her silly ways, she means well. Though you, Colonel, might best leave your red coat here as my two youngest daughters are determined to marry men in red coats,” Mr Bennet teased.

  After finishing his tea, Mr Bennet bid farewell to the young men, and returned to his home. Once Mr Bennet was gone, Richard decided it was time to speak with his host. Richard walked over and closed the door to the sitting room, giving him privacy to speak with Bingley.

  “Do you remember George Wickham from your days at university?” Richard asked.

  Bingley frowned, yet nodded his head. “Unfortunately, I do remember that scoundrel. I pray I never have to see him again.”

  “Bingley, what I am about to tell you has to remain between us, no one else can know. Do you promise to keep this secret?” When Bingley nodded his head, Richard continued. “Do you remember the rumors that circulated that Wickham was most likely the natural son of my uncle, for no man of wealth would sponsor a steward’s son receiving a gentleman’s education?”

  “I remember hearing such rumors, though I did not believe them. What does that blackguard have to do with our conversation?”

  “Wickham has convinced himself that the rumors are correct, and therefore, believes that he is the true heir of the Darcy legacy. In this misguided belief, Wickham has set things in motion in an attempt to remove William from inheriting Pemberley. Wickham murdered a young maid at Pemberley. She was allegedly with child when she was murdered. For years, Wickham has told my uncle lies, to make Uncle Gerald believe William to be of low morals. When he murdered the maid, Wickham did so with William’s stone carving, setting my cousin to take the blame for murdering his alleged mistress. The situation was dire, and my cousin was forced to flee from Pemberley. If he had remained, most likely he would have been arrested and convicted, which would have taken him to the gallows. William needed to be able to clear his name, and he could not do so locked in a prison or being put to death. I have sent an investigator to Pemberley to look for evidence to clear William.”

  “This is terrible. But Colonel, why would you tell me this now?” A puzzled Bingley inquired.

  “I received a letter from William the day we met in front of Whites. William has taken a position of steward at a small estate. He is using a false identity under the name of Fredrick Denhem. The reason I am informing you is simple. The estate my cousin is living at is none other than Longbourn. I knew the estate was in the neighborhood, but did not expect it to be your nearest neighbor.”

  Bingley let out a sigh. “So, it is likely I would see Darcy at the Bennet home and property.”

  Richard nodded his head. “If you had met him there, unknowing the truth, it could have ruined everything.”

  “Have no fear, Colonel. I will not cause any problems for your cousin. Is there anything I can do to be of assistance?

  “At the moment, there is nothing but wait. I cannot thank you enough for leasing this estate and inviting me to come for a visit. I hated not telling you the truth from the start, but I felt the need to protect William.”

  “You have my word; I will do everything in my power to be of assistance,” Bingley stated as he sat up straight in his chair. “Darcy would do no less for me.”

  ~~ ** ~~

  George Wickham had arrived in London a fortnight previous, and had already spent all the funds his godfather had given him. He took advantage of Gerald Darcy’s generosity, setting himself up in one of the guest rooms at Darcy House, and delighted himself in ordering the staff to do his bidding. He felt as if he were already the master of the Darcy holdings and was spending time searching through all of the rooms in order to find treasures he might be able to pawn for some ready cash. Knowing there was a safe in the townhouse, Wickham was determined to find a way to break into it in search for funds.

  As he returned from a late night of reverie with friends at a tavern near the docks, Wickham was shocked to find the door to the townhouse to be locked. He knocked on the door, but there was no response. “Open up, Danvers. I wish to go to my rooms.”

  Waiting for a moment and finding no response from inside, Wickham began pounding on the door. “Danvers, open the door. I will not tolerate such treatment. Wait until my godfather learns of the shoddy treatment I have endured.”

  The door opened and Wickham made to enter the house, but was halted when the butler refrained from opening the door more than a crack. Wickham lost his temper, demanding entrance to the house.

  “An express arrived today from the Master. He has given me authority to remove you from the premises immediately.” The butler shoved a cloth bag through opening of the door. “Your belongings are inside the bag. All of the property of the family were removed from your possession. There are five pounds in the bag, as per the Master’s request. You will no longer be allowed inside the townhouse nor will you be allowed on the grounds.”

  “This is not funny, Danvers. Step aside and allow me to enter.” As Wickham began to push on the door, he glimpsed the sight of one of the footmen standing beside the butler. The footman was the largest man in the employ of the Darcy family, and he was intimidating. Wickham had seen the man carrying furniture that normally would require two or three men, and he had no desire to provoke the footman to utilize his strength against him.

  “Mr Darcy is aware of your behavior while here, including your ruining of the maid, Jenny. The Master is displeased with your taking advantage of his kindness and insists that you find other accommodations. He also stated that you should find employment as he will no longer be funding your lifestyle. Now, leave and do not return. If you do return, you will be turned over to the constable.”

  Wickham was flabbergasted. How could everything go so wrong? He was to inherit the Darcy legacy, Pemberley, the townhouse, the smaller estates in England, Scotland and Ireland, and all the investments. They were to be his, as he was the first born, and Fitzwilliam would be captured and hung soon enough. Gerald would then need to acknowledge Wickham as his son and turn over everything to him. How was it that he was being forced to leave the townhouse without any notice? And how was he
expected to find employment? It was not to be borne. He stumbled his way back towards the docks, hoping he could find affordable lodging.

  As he neared a tavern, a group of rowdy men exited, roughly shoving a man in the center of the group. A moment past before Wickham recognized the man who was being abused. “Denny, how are you?”

  The other men turned toward Wickham. One of the men moved menacingly towards him. “Do you know this cheat?”

  “Denny would never cheat you, he is too honorable to behave in such a manner. Perhaps it is a simple mistake. Of what do you accuse him?”

  “He cheated us in a card game. Took all our money. That one is a trickster, and we be aiming to teach him a lesson,” The burly man said as he stepped closer. “If you be his friend, you must be a trickster too. Have you come to help him cheat us?”

  “No, I was on my way to find lodging.” Wickham began thinking. “What if my friend were to return some of your funds. Then you would have some money and be able to purchase a meal and a bottle. Would that suffice your need to punish my friend? I am not saying that he is guilty of any wrong doing, but if he were to repay some of the funds, perhaps it would save him from being injured.” Looking at Denny, Wickham gave a slight nod to warn his friend to agree.

  “Of course, I am willing to return some of the funds, so that you are not empty handed. I did not cheat you, but I can understand your desperation in losing so much. Please, allow me to give you each some of your coins. I ask only to keep enough to cover the amount I lost purchasing food and drink for all of you this evening.”

  The group of men looked around at each other, finally agreeing with the resolution. They would at least have something to give their wives when they arrived home. After receiving the coins, the men made their way to their homes, leaving Wickham and Denny alone.

  “George Wickham, you arrived at the perfect moment. What are you doing down here? I would have thought you to be living in that fancy townhouse you talk about.”

  “Currently, my godfather is angry with me. So, I must find a temporary solution to my lack of funds and lodging.” Wickham replied.

  “Come with me. The boarding house where I am staying is just around the corner. I have a potential way of improving your situation.”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  Chapter 7

  Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived at Longbourn in time to be introduced to the members of the Bennet family. Both men were immediately taken with Jane Bennet, both finding her to be breathtakingly beautiful. When Denhem entered the drawing room, he was surprised to see his cousin and dear friend standing before him.

  “Ah, Mr Denhem, I would like to introduce you to our guests and new neighbors. Mr Charles Bingley and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, this is my steward, Mr Fredrick Denhem. Mr Denhem, Mr Bingley has taken the lease of the estate of Netherfield Park. They just moved in today, and, as they have little in the way of staff, we decided to invite them to join us to dine.”

  “A pleasure to meet you both.” Denhem stated, giving a slight bow to the men. He was pleased to see his cousin, but was shocked to find Richard in such a manner, speaking with the Bennet family as if everything was perfectly normal. And he never expected Bingley to be with his cousin, let alone taking the lease of the estate neighboring Longbourn. It was too good to be true. Denhem wondered if Bingley knew what had happened. If he did not, he would be completely confused and likely to put an end to the ruse Denhem was perpetrating to protect himself.

  “Mr Denhem, a pleasure to meet you.” Bingley said, returning the bow to the other man. “I am hoping Mr Bennet would be kind enough to loan you to me in the next few days, as I could use the advice of someone with knowledge of running an estate. My father dreamed of our family becoming members of the landed gentry, so I have no experience in the field. And my friend has a little experience, though being the second born son, turned his future towards serving our country in the military. So, we throw ourselves on the mercy of you, Mr Bennet.”

  “Of course. Mr Denhem has not been here long, but he has learned about the parish rapidly. And he comes with plenty of experience in the field.” Mr Bennet bowed his head to the men. “We are very neighborly here in Hertfordshire, and wish to assist our neighbors in thriving. It is good for all of us if we help one another.”

  “You could not ask for a better neighbor, Mr Bingley. The entire Bennet family has welcomed me and treat me like family.” Denhem praised his employer. “As the gentleman has stated his approval for you to ask for assistance, please feel free to send word when you wish to speak with me. I reside in the cottage behind the barn, near the stables.”

  “You have my gratitude, Mr Bennet and Mr Denhem,” Bingley thanked the men.

  The supper was enjoyed by all, though the men were quick to learn how persistent Mrs Bennet was in her desire to match her daughters with eligible young men. Denhem was seated near Mr Bennet, across the table from Elizabeth. The pair had become comfortable in discussing many topics which Mrs Bennet thought inappropriate for a young lady to discuss. Frustrated in her attempts to curb her second born daughter, Mrs Bennet had all but given up changing Elizabeth, and was attempting to promote her other daughters to the new neighbors.

  “Colonel Fitzwilliam, you say you were injured in battle. How frightening. I cannot imagine how dangerous being at war is. Your mother must be constantly worried.”

  “Unfortunately, my mother past several years previous. She did say she disapproved of my choice of occupation, as she was frightened for my safety. But my injury is minor in comparison to many of the young men we have sent to battle Bonaparte. And it is minor compared to the horrifying treatment he has inflicted on those in his own country and the countries he has invaded. So, I am willing to do what I can to eliminate his threat.”

  “How brave of you, Sir. If I were you, I would begin to long for home and hearth. Do you have a betrothed? Someone promised to you, waiting for your permanent return to English soil?”

  Richard shook his head, a chuckle escaping him. “No, Madam, I have been far busy with my career, as I did not find it fair to engage myself to someone when I may return to the continent at any time. To ask a young lady to wait for me to return would be cruel.”

  “Well, you should have someone to think of in fondness, waiting for you to return to her. It would be of comfort during difficult times when you are on the battlefield. Having someone to think fondly of you gives one a purpose in life,” Mrs Bennet stated, looking about the table at her daughters. She had already set her sights on Bingley for Jane, as her eldest was far too pretty to be married to a man in the military, no matter if he were the son of an earl. A second son had no property and likely no funds beyond what he earned. No, Jane would be better as the Mistress of Netherfield Park. Mr Bingley would be perfect for Jane. Knowing Elizabeth was not showing any interest towards the colonel, Mrs Bennet looked at her younger three daughters. Perhaps Mary would be perfect. Lydia would not be pleased with a husband deployed to the continent and to battle. No, Lydia would be better for someone in the militia rather than the regulars. If not Mary, perhaps Kitty would do for the Colonel.

  As the supper was coming to an end, Mr Bennet made a comment that surprised his family. “Mrs Bennet, I have had so many distractions today and have forgotten to inform you of a guest who will be coming to visit.”

  “And who is this guest?” Mrs Bennet’s attention had been peaked.

  “The distant cousin who is to inherit the estate when I am gone. He will be arriving tomorrow afternoon and will remain in the neighborhood for a sen’night.”

  “That odious man, do we truly have to endure his visit?”

  “Indeed. But know that it is the son of my cousin, not the man you have met in the past. The son is a clergyman now, and stated he wished to mend the breach in the family that was caused by his father, who has passed from this world. I do not hold out great hope for the son to be an improvement over the father, but I will hold out some hope.”

&nbs
p; Mrs Bennet was still disgusted. “The father was an awful man, despicable and rude. He made such a scene at our wedding breakfast.”

  “Fanny, we must hold out our hope for the son being better than the father. It is my belief he wishes to marry one of our daughters, thus repairing the breach and ensuring a place for you to live when I am gone.”

  “Mr Bennet, if the son is even half as odious as the father, I will not allow him to marry one of my daughters. I would prefer living in the hedgerow than subjecting one of my girls to such a horror.”

  Those words shocked everyone at the table. It was several moments before anyone was able to speak again.

  ~~ ** ~~

  Danvers opened the door of Darcy House to welcome his master and Lord Matlock to enter. “A pleasure to have you returned, Mr Darcy.”

  “Thank you, Danvers. Have there been any problems? Has Wickham been here?” Gerald Darcy inquired.

  “He was here late, three days ago, when we informed him his presence was no longer welcome at Darcy House,” The butler answered the gentleman. “He returned yesterday and attempted to enter until the footmen reiterated that he was not to come here again.”