Master of Netherfield

by Martin Hunnicutt

  When the ordeal was ended, Elizabeth and Mrs. Annesley took Georgiana above stairs where the young woman cried while Elizabeth held her. Mrs. Annesley returned to Georgiana’s room with a thimble of sherry that she made her charge sip slowly so as to not cough.

  “Such bad manners!” Mrs. Annesley fussed about the visitors and their questions. “Asking such questions of young ladies! And at a funeral!”

  “I shall be well, Mrs. Annesley,” Georgiana insisted.

  **++**

  Following the funeral and departure of the guests, William invited Mr. Bennet to ride with him across the fields. Elizabeth wished she could attend them but knew it would not be proper on the day of the funeral. She remained indoors with Georgiana and they repaired her bonnets with black ribbons.

  **++**

  Chapter 18

  George Wickham’s Resolution

  On the second day following the funeral for Mr. George Darcy, William and Georgiana said farewell to Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth immediately following an early meal. Once again, Elizabeth waved good-bye from a carriage to William and Georgiana standing in front of the great house.

  “Papa, they look so alone. Must we leave them?”

  “Yes Lizzy, we must away,” Mr. Bennet replied.

  In his mind he added, ‘Just as the weight of the whole world is bearing down on the young man’s shoulders.’

  Elizabeth turned around once more – William still stood at the door and she raised her hand in farewell once again.

  “I shall write to Georgiana every day that I can find news, but Papa, how shall I hear from Mr. Darcy?”

  “You may read any letters that I receive and I shall write to him at least twice each week,” Mr. Bennet promised his daughter. “There will be news from the neighbourhood and his estate. And if you slip a page into my hand to send to the young man, I shall not tell your Mamma.”

  **++**

  Inside the house, Georgiana went with Mrs. Annesley to begin her lessons. Darcy thought that the black gown on his young sister a sad sight and he allowed his grief to well up for a moment. But then he pushed the feeling down and turned toward his father’s office – now his office.

  Mr. Clemmons stood when William stepped into the room and bowed, “Mr. Darcy.”

  At that moment, ‘Master William’ vanished; thereafter Mr. Darcy, Master of Netherfield stood in his place.

  “Shall we being?” Mr. Darcy asked. “What letter first?”

  **++**

  Late in the morning, the butler came to the door and inquired if Mr. Darcy would receive George Wickham.

  “I shall receive him in fifteen minutes here in the study. Do not serve tea. Have a pair of footmen escort him to this door and then again when he leaves. He is to be watched until he is off the grounds and out of the park.”

  Turning to his secretary, he handed over three letters. “Send these to Mr. Lynton at Netherfield. He is handling the estates in the south now.”

  “Very good, sir.”

  Darcy and his secretary cleared the business correspondence from his desk, closed all books and folded papers into drawers. When time for the interview came, the secretary slipped out of the room into the adjoining library as the door opened and George Wickham came into the room.

  “Darcy, I came to pay my respects and tell you how sorry I am for your loss,” the man said crossing the room to bow before the master’s desk. “How is Georgiana?”

  “My sister is well.”

  “Your father was a most excellent man and I always thought of him as my own father.”

  “But he wasn’t your father George; all of my father’s natural sons resemble the Darcys with black hair and dark eyes. No one would think you had any Darcy blood with your blond hair and blue eyes.”

  Wickham was silent for a moment before William indicated the sideboard. “Will you take a brandy?”

  “Please,” Wickham replied as William poured a thimble of his father’s best brandy.

  “I did not see you at my father’s funeral.”

  “My sister thought it best that I do not appear.”

  Darcy nodded. “Her husband runs which business?”

  “The livery near the King’s Arms,” Wickham replied. “His father started the business and Mr. Anders keeps his horses for hire in good shape.”

  William nodded and indicated that Wickham should sit across the desk from him as he returned to his own chair. He drew papers from his desk and said, “My father’s will is generous with you, George. He leaves you a thousand pounds on the condition that you leave Derbyshire.”

  “May I?” Wickham asked as he held out his hand.

  Darcy handed over the will with the comment, “Bottom of the second page.”

  Wickham read aloud, “...never elevated him to the pulpit and but love him too well to leave him penniless. The bishop has defrocked him so the damage ends. I encourage him to venture into town and to make himself an establishment that suits his nature.”

  William spotted the unshed tears in the man’s eyes but said nothing as Wickham returned the pages.

  “A thousand pounds will establish you in a business somewhere George,” Darcy replied. “What interests you?”

  “What do I know of trade? I was raised a gentleman.”

  “You were given an education and I fear you will waste it.”

  Wickham frowned, “Well, what am I to do?”

  Darcy’s face remained neutral as he offered a suggestion. “Remove yourself to London and find a tavern that needs a new master.”

  “A thousand pounds will not secure a tavern in town!”

  “Two hundred pounds will lease a decent building for a year. Another hundred will stock it – pay your suppliers on time to keep ale, gin and rum flowing and you will have customers at your door all day and night to fill your pockets with coins.”

  “Buy me a commission!” Wickham exclaimed.

  Darcy tilted his head to one side slightly taking the measure of the man before him as he considered the request. His reply did not please Wickham overly much. “If I were so inclined, it would be in my cousin Fitzwilliam’s regiment and he goes to face the French again soon.”

  Wickham frowned. “I shall go to town then. Perhaps I can sell the favours of ladies and run a house of ill-repute.”

  Darcy’s face remained impassive. “Your sister and brother-in-law will not receive you thereafter I am afraid.”

  “Darcy, could you assist me with a little more than the thousand? I have some debts to repay before I leave Derbyshire.”

  “My father paid your debts as part of the settlement with the bishop.”

  “So, you know all? I thought the old man would keep it secret.”

  “It is hardly something that can be spoken of in good company, Wickham.” Darcy frowned but added, “George, I mean you no ill will. My father forgave you for your sins against him. I hope you can make something of yourself in the world but it will not be in connection with me or the Darcy estates after today.”

  Sighing deeply as though sad and affected by William’s words, George Wickham waited as Darcy summoned his secretary and the solicitor to bring Mr. Wickham his cheque for a thousand pounds. Once Wickham had signed the receipt as witnessed by the secretary and the solicitor, Darcy gave him a small purse of five pounds in coin.

  “This will see you to London on the coach. Do not steal one of your brother-in-law’s horses; the man would sue you for the thousand pounds and win in any court.”

  Wickham opened his mouth to make a remark but then thought better of it and merely nodded before standing and bowing once again.

  “Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” he said simply before leaving.

  After the footman closed the door, William sat in his father’s chair – now his chair – and hoped it was many years yet until he saw George Wickham again.

  The secretary returned to the room with a new handful of letters and the butler returned to announce that the Honourable James Cargill waited in the parlour. Woul
d Mr. Darcy have time to speak to the Member of Parliament this day?

  “Inform Mr. Cargill I shall be with him in ten minutes. Ask Mrs. Reynolds to provide tea but no other refreshments. I shall not drink with the man today – he cannot hold his liquor. Clemmons, I believe we need him to push for the East India Company to get some assistance with...”

  **++**

  Chapter 19

  Problems with Maids and Mrs. Murray

  It was almost four of the clock before Mr. Darcy visited his sister. Upon his arrival in her sitting room, a maid arrived from the kitchens with fresh tea, biscuits and cake.

  “I shall grow fat with these biscuits and no time to ride,” William told his sister and Mrs. Annesley. “Mrs. Reynolds keeps a sharp kitchen.”

  “Brother, I am ready to return to Netherfield,” Georgiana told her brother. “I was most displeased with the maids this morning and sent one girl below stairs.”

  Surprised at the tone of his sister’s voice, Darcy glanced at Mrs. Annesley for the companion’s reaction but asked his sister, “Tell me what happened?”

  “The girl spoke out of turn Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Annesley reported. “She told of your ejection of Mrs. Murray from the house and the woman’s tales in the village of mistreatment.”

  “Georgiana, I am sorry you had to hear such as this,” William told his sister. “I wanted the woman removed before you arrived with Mr. Bennet and Miss Elizabeth.”

  “I understand more than you think brother. I am not grown but I am not an infant. When I was confused after one of father’s visits to Netherfield – you and he argued about funding a trust for a ‘natural child’ – I asked Elizabeth for an explanation. She was confused as to what to say but she took me to her mother and Mrs. Bennet explained that Father had a mistress with a natural child.”

  William sat back in his chair. “There were two mistresses and three children.”

  “We have three siblings?” Georgiana asked with surprise while Mrs. Annesley looked away; she had dealt with a family and ‘natural children’ previously with the Earl of Coleridge.

  “They are Father’s natural children and his will provided for their education and a trust.”

  “Who will direct this education? Will they receive a proper upbringing?”

  “It is not something you must worry about, dear.”

  To William’s surprize, Georgiana shook her head.

  “The maid reminded me of the stories about my birth. She said that everyone knows I am not...” Georgiana tried to say as tears formed.

  William moved instantly to his sister and pulled her into his arms.

  “You are my sister – Georgiana Darcy – never allow any doubt to enter your mind!” he insisted. “Nothing and no one will ever make you any less than my sister.”

  Georgiana laid her head on her brother’s chest and felt safe in his embrace.

  “We must see to the care of our brothers after we settle Pemberley,” she said with finality. Then she straightened up and accepted his handkerchief to dry her eyes.

  “I see you still carry Elizabeth’s embroidery work everywhere you go William,” she teased when she looked at the worn handkerchief.

  “Miss Elizabeth is my seamstress,” William responded. “It has been three years now since any other handkerchiefs have been in my pocket.”

  “I miss the Bennets and Netherfield,” Georgiana said. “How long do we remain in Derbyshire?”

  “Our visit will last for several months. We are in mourning for a year and should not travel a great distance. And there is much to settle and politicians to placate here about.”

  “Then I shall endeavour to make it feel more like home. Mrs. Bennet promised to correspond with answers to any questions I have and Mrs. Reynolds is most agreeable.”

  “I shall see you at supper,” William said as he rose once again and left the room. Behind him he heard Mrs. Annesley begin a conversation regarding how to plan meals with the housekeeper.

  **++**

  Mr. Darcy returned to his office and sent a footman to find Mrs. Reynolds and bring her to him. Seated behind his desk, he dismissed the secretary and the solicitor for the moment.

  “You wished to see me Mr. Darcy?” asked Mrs. Reynolds as she entered the room several minutes later.

  “Yes. My sister was... Earlier today, the maid serving my sister was very unkind to Georgiana, making remarks regarding Mrs. Murray and my sister’s parentage.”

  Mrs. Reynolds was white with fury within moments of Darcy’s words.

  “I have spoken to my sister who was better informed than I had imaged.”

  “Sir, I am so very sorry. I shall speak to the girl...”

  “Who is her family?”

  “She is a girl from Kympton sir. Her sister is one of...”

  “And so, she does not have kind feelings toward the Darcy family.”

  He considered his options and shook his head before saying, “I should like to speak to her in the next fifteen minutes with your attendance of course.”

  Very quickly, the maid was found and brought to the study. The girl – barely fourteen years and resentful – stood on the carpet before the new master. Mrs. Reynolds stood behind her and William wondered if the girl was scared of him or of the housekeeper.

  “What is your name?”

  “Lily Marsden, sir.”

  “And Lily, you were serving as a chambermaid for my sister this morning?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “And you told my sister stories of Mrs. Murray?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “And you made comments about my sister as well.”

  “Yes sir.” Lily’s hands were picking nervously at her dress by this time.

  “Is it true that your family has suffered a misfortune at the hands of Mr. Wickham?”

  “Yes sir. My sister Anne was turned out by me father when she begun to show and Mr. Wickham wouldn’t marry ‘er.”

  William frowned. “I believe that my father found her a husband, gave her dowry of fifty pounds and paid for her marriage within the church.”

  As she grew agitated, Lily’s tenant farm dialect appeared. “Yes sir, ‘er ‘usband can’t sell ‘er at the fair like a cow or none such.”

  “I am sorry that your sister suffered but Mr. Wickham has been removed from Kympton and shortly...”

  “But ‘e was ‘ere this mornin’! I seen ‘im walkin’ proud and ‘e ‘ad a purse...”

  “Hush girl!” Mrs. Reynolds scolded.

  “Mr. Wickham was here but I have dismissed him and sent him from here to never return,” Mr. Darcy told her. “He leaves Lambton on the coach today.”

  “No sir. ‘e says ‘e had to call on Mrs. Murray quick like!”

  Darcy was surprised only for a moment by the revelation and he closed his eyes as he struggled to restrain his anger. When he looked up again, the girl and Mrs. Reynolds both were silent and frightened.

  “Lily, you are not dismissed from service at Pemberley but you may not work with any of the family or any guests again. Mrs. Reynolds will assign you work befitting your skills. If I ever hear of you speaking against me or my sister, I shall dismiss you and your father will be turned off his farm.”

  Lily waited until she reached the hallway before she burst into tears but Mrs. Reynolds cuffed her ear and said, “Silence! The master could have dismissed you without references. ‘e was exceedingly kind to you!”

  “But what would ‘appen to m’ family if ‘e turns ‘em out?”

  “Keep your tongue in your ‘ead and they won’t be on th’ road,” Mrs. Reynolds fussed as her emotions overwhelmed and her own origins slipped into her speech.

  **++**

  With the secretary and solicitor in tow, Mr. Darcy left Pemberley for Lambton. The coachman assured his employer that he knew the house where Mrs. Murray was in residence and in under an hour, the carriage pulled to a stop. Darcy followed by the two men made his way to the door and knocked. When the housekeeper opened the door, Dar
cy pushed his way inside.

  “Where is Mrs. Murray?”

  “Madam has a guest in the back-parlour sir, but...”

  Darcy slipped around the woman and hurried down the hall to a door that he opened without knocking. He found George Wickham and Mrs. Murray in close conversation while seated on a sofa.

  “Darcy!” exclaimed Wickham. “What are you doing here?”

  “This is my house Mr. Darcy! I shall ask you to remove yourself at once!” Mrs. Murray exclaimed.

  Without regard to the woman, Darcy said, “Mrs. Murray, I came immediately upon hearing that Mr. Wickham came to pay a call.”

  “Mr. Wickham came to share my grief over losing your father,” the woman said, blotting at an imaged tear as Darcy glanced at the uncovered mirror on the wall and the bright blue dress the ‘grieving’ mistress wore.

  “The depth of your feelings is clear to anyone Mrs. Murray,” he said as he bowed his head. The woman blushed but did not say more.

  “Why are you here Darcy?” asked Wickham.

  “I came to encourage Mrs. Murray to remove to Kent. Mayflower House is available for her use.” Darcy stopped and looked around at the current house. “I image this house will be let to another before many days – I have no need of it.”

  “My son is not to be treated thus!” Mrs. Murray argued hotly.

  “Your son’s expenses come from my pocket madam. It will take at least two years to fund his trust and until that time, any monies you receive outside of your rents come from me. And it is some time until Michaelmas when rents will be collected.”

  “Darcy, Mrs. Murray is mourning your father.”

  “Yes, she is. And you are here to see if you can get your hands on her income.” Darcy turned to the woman and explained, “This afternoon, George read my father’s will and I am certain he noted your life estate in the house and rents at Mayflower.”