A Father's Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by J Dawn King

  “What?” Darcy was stunned. “Wickham would have bankrupted Rosings in a short time.”

  “Not with Cathy at the helm.” Lord Matlock sighed deeply. “What my sister did not tell you was that her arrangement with George Darcy was made to soothe your father’s conscience. As much as he loved Wickham, having a natural born child was an embarrassment to him. I believe it was why he was so critical and demanding of you. Yet, in spite of the embarrassment, he loved that mongrel and felt guilty for not being able to give him the rights of firstborn. Because of the circumstances of Wickham’s birth, he could not be married to Anne, so your father wanted the next best thing, to be able to give the rake an estate. I swear to you on all that I hold holy, Darcy, under ordinary circumstances, George Darcy was an intelligent and fair man. However, I also swear that I will do all in my power to see that you do not pay for your father’s mistakes.”

  “Thank you, Uncle. I greatly appreciate your support.”

  “Darcy, have you thought about what you want for your future?” Darcy wondered at the direction his uncle was taking. “Truthfully, Darcy, Georgiana has quite surprised me with her actions this past week. I did not know that she had it in her to attend you like she has. I have heard her laugh more than I believe I have ever heard her before. She attended you in the fashion of a mature young woman and I could not be more impressed with her. I wondered at George Darcy appointing you and Richard as her guardians, but the proof is before my eyes this week.”

  “Uncle, thank you for your kind words, though I feel that Richard and I do not deserve the credit for the niece you see here at Netherfield Park. The credit would have to go to Miss Elizabeth, I believe. She has told Georgie several times that she needs to ‘stand tall, you are a Darcy’. Georgie finds humor in this because she is taller than Miss Elizabeth, but she also is developing confidence. I could not be happier about this, Uncle.”

  “And, that brings me to the point. Miss Elizabeth. What are your intentions, Darcy?”

  “In truth, Uncle, I am in love with her. I am aware that this seems sudden; however, we actually met briefly six years ago in London. I was impressed then with her humor and intelligence. As I come to know her better, now I am even more impressed. She is beautiful, kind, and generous. How could this not be of benefit to my sister? Already we have seen the fruitage of their association. And, how could it not be of benefit to me? What a partner she would make for me, for Pemberley, and for any future children we may have.”

  “Is she aware of your feelings, son?” Lord Matlock could not imagine how any resident of Netherfield Park could not be aware of the growing attachment of these young people.

  “I do not know. I have not spoken of this to anyone, most certainly not to Elizabeth.” He pondered whether she had recognized his feelings or if he had mumbled his attachment to her when his fever was high. “I only hope I am worthy of her.”

  “Darcy, you must know that your aunt and I will support any decision that you make in this regard. It will be difficult for Miss Elizabeth to adjust to our society, which can be cruel to someone not born to our circle. Cathy will surely not do anything to make it easy for either of you. Are you willing to fight this particular battle at this time?”

  “Uncle, she is worth everything to me. I would slay dragons for her.”

  “Then we will fight these battles together. The Darcys and Fitzwilliams united, how is that?”

  “Thank you, Uncle. I appreciate it more than you can know.”

  “No, Darce, I believe I know.” He grasped the arms of his chair and stood. “I had best check on the ladies while you meditate on the delight you would have gazing on a pair of fine eyes for the rest of your years.” He chuckled as he left the library, confident that Darcy would do just that.

  Upstairs, Miss Caroline Bingley paced from one end of her sitting room to the other, occasionally picking up small items and throwing them with all her strength into the fire burning in the room. Frustrated with Mr. Darcy for not offering for her, angry with Lady Catherine for presuming to try to attach Darcy with her insipid daughter, and furious with Elizabeth Bennet for daring to come between her and her intended. For Mr. Darcy was intended for HER! She could speak with her brother, Charles, but he would never stand up to Mr. Darcy and demand that he marry her. She would have to take matters into her own hands and soon. She continued to pace and plan.

  Down the hall Georgiana knocked on the door to Elizabeth’s room. At Elizabeth’s, ‘Enter’, she opened the door and went in to see her friend. “Elizabeth, may I speak with you for a moment?”

  “Certainly, Georgiana, please come and sit beside me.” Elizabeth patted the settee next to her. Elizabeth’s thoughts of the future had been unpleasant, so she appreciated the distraction. “I am delighted you are here, Georgiana.”

  “Elizabeth, I am concerned about my brother.”

  “Is he not well? I am set to remove the stitching this afternoon.” Elizabeth was immediately concerned.

  “No, no, Elizabeth, it is not that.” She worried the handkerchief in her hands, wringing it repeatedly. “It is distressing to see so many try to push him and pull him into agreement with their desires and demands.”

  “Georgiana, do you worry that he will not stand firm for what he knows is best?”

  “No, not really, I guess.”

  “Georgiana,” Elizabeth took the girl’s hand in her own. “Now, stop this worry. Your brother appears to be a stone wall when he is firm in his beliefs, is he not? If he does not feel that Lady Catherine’s desires would be to your benefit or to his, do you really think that he could be swayed?”

  “No, you are right, Elizabeth. It just seems like things are so uncertain.”

  “Oh, dear girl, you have had so much happen to you this past week. Yet, think of how well you have adjusted to these changes. You truly are a marvelous young lady, that I am pleased to have as my acquaintance. Georgiana, you have the power to decide how these changes will affect your future. In helping me with your brother, you accepted and acted on that responsibility as a woman, not as a young girl. Please, be proud of your accomplishments. Do not worry about your brother. You both are intelligent and wise. I cannot begin to imagine either of you allowing yourself to be placed in a position where you would compromise your own high standards of right and wrong.” Elizabeth patted the hand she held. “Talk to your brother about your concerns. I am certain that he will reassure you that you have no reason to worry.”

  “Thank you, Elizabeth, you are correct. I will talk to my brother.”

  After Georgiana left, Elizabeth thought about the man. She knew there could be no future with Mr. Darcy; they were as east is to west in their spheres. Yet, deep in her heart, she hoped that her tender feelings would not be in vain.

  When the gentlemen returned from Lucas Lodge, Mr. Bingley carried a message for Elizabeth from Charlotte Lucas. It was with great anticipation that she accepted the note. She asked that she might be excused to read the short missive.

  November 20, 1811

  Lucas Lodge

  Dear Lizzy,

  I am hopeful that all is well at Netherfield Park and that you are finding joy in your companions. I have no news of your family. Mr. Collins has turned his attentions in my direction and this, along with my closest friend not being in residence, has precluded me from calling at Longbourn.

  This morning, Mr. Collins made me an offer of marriage and I accepted. Lizzy, I know what you are thinking, but I am not you. It is not I who is a romantic. Please be happy for me. This proposal provides all that I have longed for; not to be a burden on my family and a home of my own.

  A date for the nuptials has yet to be discussed, but with your eventual return to London I am not sure if you will be able to attend. I would love to have you visit me at my new home in Kent; perhaps in the spring?

  As always, your loving friend,

  Charlotte Lucas, soon to be Mrs. Charlotte Collins

  ‘It is done,’ Elizabeth thought. Charlotte wil
l be the newest Mistress of Longbourn at the passing of her father. She understood why Charlotte did not call on her mother and sister. Her mother would be furious and, likely, so would her father. Though only three miles apart, she could almost sense how angry he would be.

  The men had cleaned up from the hunt and returned to gather with the rest of the party in the front drawing room. Only Lady Catherine and her daughter were not present. Mr. Hurst, who normally was in the background, was pleased at his success with the hunt.

  Georgiana sat by Elizabeth and whispered that she had talked to her brother about her concerns and that all was well. Elizabeth quickly smiled at her, deeply pleased that there seemed to have been a turn in events and that they could now relax and enjoy some peace, unaware that she was being observed. Mr. Darcy looked at her with love and affection. Colonel Fitzwilliam and his brother Henry looked at her with admiration. Lord and Lady Matlock looked at her with appreciation for all she had done for the Darcys, and Miss Bingley looked upon her with hatred. Mr. Bingley and the Hursts were discussing the hunting party and missed this display.

  Having given her full attention to Georgiana, she was unaware of the emotions swirling around the room. When the butler, Mr. Burton, stepped into the doorway to announce a visitor, Elizabeth’s smile remained on her face. That is, until she saw the two men standing to the side and behind the butler; her father and her uncle Philips. In her father’s hand was an opened letter and in his eye was a glint of malice directed straight at Elizabeth.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire

  “Father!” Elizabeth stood and faced the man that had caused her such pain. In spite of her lack of respect for the choices he had made that had impacted her life so dramatically, he was the man responsible for her birth. She was not one to focus on the bad, but rather to look at the past in a way that gave her pleasure. The simple truth was that she had years of fond memories of curling up with her father in his library, discussing literature, progress in the sciences, hearing tales, and sharing ideas. Yes, he had hurt her terribly, but it was her choice to decide whether she would continue to allow the pain to engulf her heart, and she chose not to.

  Mr. Bingley, who had already been standing, strode to the visitors and warily welcomed them to Netherfield Park. He had become acquainted with Mr. Philips at a card party hosted by the man and his wife. Mr. Philips had seemed a pleasant man, though quiet in company. His wife’s constant chatter made up for the silence.

  Being aware of his poor showing at his last visit to Netherfield Park, Mr. Bennet endeavored to observe the manners typical in a gentleman’s household. He gave a short bow to his host. “Thank you, Mr. Bingley, for your kind welcome.” Then, all pretense of civility having been dispensed with, he turned to his second daughter. “Elizabeth, might I have a moment of your time?” The manner of his question should have reassured her that this would be a friendly exchange, but the tone in which it was issued indicated that another painful confrontation was in the offing.

  “Certainly, sir.” Elizabeth determined that she would not allow her father’s anger to overcome her own manners, so struggled to keep her breathing and her voice calm. “Mr. Bingley, might we make use of your library for our discussion, please?”

  “Of course, Miss Elizabeth, you may.” Turning to his butler, he asked that they be directed to the room down the hall.

  “It is a wonder that this is called a library; sparse lot of books here.” Mr. Bennet mumbled as he looked at the vacant shelves as they entered. Beckoning for Elizabeth to be seated, he held the letter out, though it was just beyond her reach. “This morning in the post was a letter addressed to you from a Mr. Haggerston of Haggerston and Smyth of London. Do you know this man, Elizabeth?”

  “No, Father, I am not acquainted with anyone by that name.” Elizabeth cocked her head, narrowed her eyes and thought deeper. “Wait, Father, I do not know the man, however, I believe that he is a business associate of Uncle Gardiner’s.”

  “You lie!” Thomas Bennet’s composure visibly fell. Any efforts at gentility, manners, or civility were gone. Shaking the letter at her, he shouted, “This letter says that you are the recipient of a large dividend from the Honorable East India Company. How did you come by these shares, Lizzy? What did you have to do to get them? Does Gardiner control them? How many are there? What is their value? Tell me! Tell me, now!”He was so agitated that his whole body almost convulsed. By the time he finished with his interrogative questions, he had walked close enough to Elizabeth that he was almost touching her.

  Elizabeth was curious as to the reason someone would write to her in this matter about something so unknown to her. She knew, though, that she needed to keep calm as she, for the first time in her life, feared what her father would do. She breathed deeply before she spoke. “Father, I know of no shares in the Honorable East India Company. True, I was in India with Uncle and Aunt Gardiner, but I know of no reason that there would be shares in my name. Nor, am I aware of why this person would write to me at Longbourn, nor even write to me at all. There must be some mistake.”

  “Oh, there is a mistake all right. The mistake is that any shares would be in your possession. You are not yet of age; so cannot own such property. They are mine! Mine, do you hear!” His voice, by this time, was the loudest Elizabeth had ever heard it. She looked to her uncle Philips for help to calm him down. Uncle Philips just stood by the fireplace with his head hung down in silence.

  The door to the library suddenly burst open and in walked Mr. Darcy along with the other gentlemen from the drawing room, including Mr. Hurst. Darcy strode rapidly to Elizabeth’s side. “Miss Elizabeth, are you well?” At her nod, he turned to her father. “What is the meaning of this? We could hear your voice clear in the drawing room! How dare you come here and berate your daughter! You, sir, are no gentleman!”

  Mr. Bennet turned on Darcy as if he were personally responsible for all the ills in the Bennet household. “And, who are you to tell me what I can or cannot say to my daughter, or how I should say it? My daughter, who you seem to esteem so highly, is nothing but a liar and a thief. She has deliberately withheld valuable assets from her own parents and sister that would see to our care for the rest of our lives. What think you of her now, sir?”

  “Miss Elizabeth, are you, indeed, well?” asked Lord Matlock. He stepped in front of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet as if they were not in the room.

  “Thank you for inquiring, Lord Matlock. I am well,” she reassured him. He stood to her other side and turned on Mr. Bennet.

  “Gentlemen, let us be seated, so that we may discuss this calmly.” He waited until Elizabeth’s father and uncle were seated before continuing to speak. “Mr. Bennet, I recognize that you are father to Miss Elizabeth, but nothing will be settled unless we can all calm down.” Turning back to Elizabeth, he asked, “Is there anything about this matter that you would like to share that might help us understand the situation clearer?”

  Looking at Lord Matlock’s kindly face, she explained, “When I was asked to leave Longbourn, our butler, Mr. Hill, placed a letter in my hands. He also gave me enough coin to get me to London to the home of my Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. Had he not done so, I would have been penniless, out in the street.” When she saw the general reaction of the men, she hurried to add, “Please, do not be disturbed. Because of Mr. Hill’s kindness and generosity, I was unharmed. When I arrived at my uncle’s home, I gave him the letter. I did not read its contents.”

  “So, Miss Elizabeth, you were unaware of what was written in the letter?” Lord Matlock asked. He noticed that Darcy had moved closer to Elizabeth, as if to offer his physical protection and support.

  “No, Lord Matlock. The day that I arrived here, I had received two letters by express. One was from Miss Darcy requesting my help in caring for my sister, Jane. The other was from my father, demanding that I return to Longbourn to marry his heir, your sister’s vicar, Mr. Collins. Before I left the Gardiner home, my uncle took me to his
library where he showed me the letter. I read it.” At this, Elizabeth looked utterly defeated. She could not make herself even look at her father. “I knew that my father’s heart was broken at the loss of his only son and heir and I was aware that he felt I was responsible. I had assumed that his response that day of casting me out was just temporary, that he would return to his sense of reason and logic, as I believed it usually, at least until that time, dominated his decisions and actions. For the past five years, I lived with the hope that he still held tender feelings for me deep in his heart; until I read his letter.”

  “I know this must be difficult, but do you remember the letter’s contents?” Lord Matlock asked. He took her left hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm, pressing her arm to his side in an effort to comfort her.

  “No!” Mr. Bennet yelled. He turned to his brother-in-law for support. “We do not need to revisit this. The salient fact is that my daughter is in possession of wealth that she clearly owes to me.”