Pemberley

by Kirsten Bij't Vuur

  Kitty has turned out rather well with Lascelles' attention, and Lydia wasn't nearly as hopeless as we thought. I think a governess would have done wonders. Cuckolding her mother is not the only reason Elizabeth is disappointed in you. You were a good father to her and Jane, but the others could have done with a little more attention from you to help them become sensible adults.'

  Even brought so matter-of-factly that actually hurt to hear. Not because it was a surprise, Mr Bennet had come to the same conclusion some months before, but because it had hurt dear Lizzy and Jane, who had often urged him to check his younger daughters. And they weren't even the real victims, his eldest two had ended up well, but Lydia would be paying for her father's mistakes all her life.

  'You are right, of course. I will talk to her, apologize. To Jane as well. And Darcy... thank you for making sure my mistakes didn't bring down my family altogether. If you hadn't forced Wickham into marrying Lydia I dare not think what would have become of my dear Jane and Lizzy. You know he's not so bad once you get to know him, Wickham, I mean. He used to feel entitled because your father showed him such preference, promising him the life of a gentleman whilst his own father tried to keep him grounded. Of course that couldn't end well, but he has settled quite nicely nonetheless, and though he has regrets over the life he has led and the prospects it cost him, he now knows that he has only himself to blame for how his life turned out. I expect them to be travelling south any day now, they're going to Kent to his new station.'

  'So you have reached out to him? Have gotten to know him a little?'

  Darcy seemed more interested in Wickham than Mr Bennet would have expected.

  'Yes, in fact you were there when something changed between us. I used to despise him for what he did to Lydia, and also for making a fool out of me.

  Mostly the latter, I suppose, I'm not free of vanity, unfortunately. But then Lizzy asked about the army and he showed a different side of himself, I came to respect him just a little bit. I must inadvertently have shown my feelings, for he addressed me later to excuse himself for his past behaviour and to thank me for feeling the slightest sympathy towards him. We talked and have

  kept up a certain correspondence since. Mostly army related, but some personal things as well.'

  And though he'd failed to mention poor Lydia's loss in any of his letters until Lizzy had found out about it from Lydia, Wickham had entrusted his father-in-law with a certain scene between him and Lizzy during her visit to Newcastle. Mr Bennet had no idea why Wickham had seen fit to tell him how he'd tried to force his wife's sister into intimacy, he was merely glad Lizzy had managed to handle the situation so firmly and discretely. Maybe Wickham had needed to relieve his conscience and had no-one else to confide in. The very thought of telling a father he'd assaulted his daughter was beyond Mr Bennet's comprehension. Most men would have been tempted to expose Wickham, even challenge him, was Mr Bennet indeed as indolent and uncaring towards his children as his conscience said he was? Or was it just common sense to let something rest that had been adequately handled by his very competent daughter? Wickham wrote how Lizzy, Mrs Darcy he called her and Mr Bennet knew using that name hurt Wickham, had forgiven him if he'd treat her as his sister-in-law from that moment on. Didn't that mean the matter had been relegated to the past? As long as Darcy didn't find out?

  'Mr Bennet, please tell me, did George Wickham ever tell you about my father? Do you know something? Does he know?'

  Whatever was he talking about?

  'He told me they had been close, and that he'd always been jealous of you.

  But not much else about your father, why?'

  'Well, you were lost in thought for a moment there, so I thought he might have told you something private. I thought you might know.'

  'Know what about your father, Darcy?'

  This was a thing for Darcy, and the reason he'd shown such an interest in the man he hated, and to be honest, had every right to hate. And Mr Bennet didn't even know all of it.

  'That my father may very well be his father, Mr Bennet. That George Wickham may be my half-brother.'

  For the first time since Lizzy told him she wanted to marry the despised Mr Darcy, Mr Bennet found himself with nothing say. In stunned silence he stared at the dignified young gentleman he had soon after come to respect, then like.

  'It's why my aunt is here, she has letters from his mother to my father that

  will prove once and for all whether Elizabeth's suspicion is true. Well, not just hers, my uncle has suspected for years. We have proof they had an affair, and not just a single moment of weakness but a lasting thing that went on for years.'

  'I'm so sorry, Darcy, that must have been a right blow to find out. You had such respect for your father. And now I proved weak as well... But no, he never mentioned anything like it. If he is indeed what you say I'm quite certain he doesn't know a thing about it. He would have tried to exploit it, you see, if he'd had the slightest feeling he had a right to any of the things he envied you he'd have claimed them immediately.'

  'Even being my father's illegitimate son doesn't give him a claim on anything.

  But you're right, that wouldn't have stopped him from trying. And I cannot imagine he would have tried to elope with Georgie if he'd known she was his sister by blood.'

  Again Mr Bennet felt like he had been struck with a hammer.

  'Oh, you didn't know, I forgot. At least he didn't tell you. He did try to get at my sister's fortune, about a year and a half ago. I've kept it a secret for my sister's sake, but sometimes I have wondered if I had a right to. It might have saved Lydia a lot of grief if it had been generally known what he'd done.'

  'It wouldn't have stopped Lydia from shaming herself, Darcy. That was mostly my fault, for not raising her with the proper principles. I knew her mother wasn't up to educating five girls or even one, I should have taken them in my own hand or hired a governess, but I didn't. I'm sorry to hear about your sister, I take it his plan failed?'

  'Through sheer good fortune, yes. She doesn't even mind that much anymore, it was mostly my fault anyway, I hired the wrong governess and didn't spend as much time on my sister as I should have. She was often lonely, and George Wickham used that to work his way into her heart. She tells me she mostly remembers him as a kind older brother.'

  'And now he may turn out to be just that. Well, I wish you good luck finding out the truth, whatever it is. I'm sorry my transgression had to come out at such an unfortunate moment, you must both be disappointed with the people you used to look up to. I'm afraid that's what growing up is often like. But I'm very grateful you have each other, and it is abundantly clear your sister is very happy with her famous pianist. You can handle a few nuisances like having George Wickham for a brother. Thank you for your patience, Darcy.

  Do you still want to see Mrs Annesley, or can I tell her that what she fears

  has been averted?'

  'She did come here to talk to us about the centre piece, so I guess I cannot escape seeing her. But her private affairs are her own, I will not get involved in those. And I suppose Elizabeth blames you, not her. You did well with Prince George, Manners admonished us to stay formal with him however familiar he gets. And be careful, Simon says he can get a rock to spill its life's story. We're all kind of relieved he leaves tomorrow, he is nice enough and a good contact for Fielding, but he wants to know literally everything and he has this thing for other men's wives.'

  'I've noticed. You don't mind?'

  'Oh, I do, but he only flatters Elizabeth to irritate my aunt, he knows she is not for him. Besides being much too young for him. No, it's Anne he's after.

  He found out she married for convenience, not love, and pushed and prodded and observed until he discovered she was not doomed to a loveless life with a philanderer.'

  'What, he thought Manners a philanderer? Not that observant, apparently.

  Anyone can see he is a faithful soul. Just not to whom he wants the world to believe. And if Fowler hadn't g
iven himself away weeks ago in some London theatre I'd have said Lizzy was in danger from a servant rather than the prince. There is something about him. But as it is, you'll all have a cosy summer together, better make sure your lady gets all the excitement she craves for she shows a few signs of becoming a mother next winter. It was a pleasure talking to you, Darcy, if you're looking for me I'll be in the library.'

  Time to catch up with Will, then see what was going on between Prince George and Mrs Manners. She was in as little danger of conceding to the prince's wishes as Lizzy was, but it would be excessively diverting to watch her mother's reaction to the presence of a known philanderer with an interest in her daughter. As for himself, Mr Bennet could only hope his earlier behaviour had kept Lady Catherine from considering herself of any consequence to him. Somehow she didn't strike him as someone who'd accept a refusal easily or at all once she'd formed expectations.

  As they were putting on their coats in the large hall, Elizabeth wondered whether Fitzwilliam would be nervous all through their little outing with Prince George. Maybe she should have asked the prince to let them meet with Lady Catherine first, but he would have wanted to know the reason and they would not have been able to keep it from him. Fitzwilliam certainly didn't

  want his father's weakness known in the prince's circles and the cunning prince would have gotten it out of one of them. And if by some miracle that didn't work, Elizabeth didn't put it past the prince to either charm or interrogate Lady Catherine into spilling the beans. She'd never seen Fitzwilliam's arrogant aunt so polite and unassuming as in Prince George's presence and was actually a little sorry to have missed the scene between the two of them. Although maybe it was better she hadn't seen Prince George's fearsome side, he obviously liked her impudence and she didn't think she could keep that up if she witnessed him pulling rank on someone.

  'You are mighty quiet, Mrs Darcy. You father didn't bring bad news, I hope?

  He seemed lively enough to me.'

  Incredible, did anything escape this man's notice? Now what was she going to say? Mrs Annesley was off limits, George Wickham even more so, and she didn't even dare mention her mother, he'd know instantly that she was holding back.

  Her quick mind suggested a bit of information that would keep the prince occupied for a few hours.

  'No, Your Highness, he always loves to visit us unannounced, he did that in London and I suppose he couldn't help himself in Derbyshire either. No bad news from papa, but my father did notice something profound, something I have been wondering about for a few weeks now. It's about me, and he didn't just raise me but my four sisters as well so I'm inclined to trust him in his observation.'

  'What could your father notice that you didn't know about yourself, Mrs Darcy? You've got me totally confounded.'

  'I suspected it, of course, but my father confirmed my hunting days may soon be over: I am probably with child. I don't feel much different but seeing me again after a few months' separation he noticed immediately.'

  Elizabeth checked Fitzwilliam's expression to see if he was very put out hearing her tell such intimate news to someone he couldn't possibly like, and before even telling him herself. Her beloved knew she suspected it, of course, but there had been no time to let him know her father's opinion. Frankly, he did not even seem surprised, maybe papa had told him just now. It was not their usual way to handle profound news, but Elizabeth had seen no other option to keep Prince George occupied, and she hoped her beloved realised this was the only way to keep the less honourable happenings in both their families from gaining Prince George's interest. The man would be gone

  tomorrow, maybe they could manage to keep a secret or two from him in those few hours left in his company.

  'Mrs Darcy, that is just wonderful! And it does explain why you would be a little quiet and your father over the moon! He looks like a man who will adore his grandchildren, and he so obviously loves you and respects your husband. Children are such a gift, and yours will be privileged to grow up in a steadfast home with loving parents. You look very happy, too, Mr Darcy, although I suppose you must be worried as well to have your beloved in a vulnerable state. But I assure you, my dear man, with your support your little lady will be just fine. Imagine what your children will be like, tall, beautiful and smart. Congratulations, both of you!'

  They both thanked him politely, and until they reached the back of the house he told them a few stories of his own daughter, the Princess Charlotte, who was almost four years old and living with her mother. And also of an older boy he had come to know well, possibly a child of one of his mistresses, but he was a master in leaving them in the dark as to who the child was, and whether it was actually his own son. The stories were very entertaining, though, and really did put some heart in Elizabeth, if children could be such fun to be with maybe it wasn't so bad to have one. Mrs Gardiner's children were quite nice, and Elizabeth didn't plan to have as many as four anyway, two would do very well.

  When the saloon came into view Elizabeth pointed out its windows and turned around to show Prince George the view.

  'This is where I'd prefer to have it built, the conservatory. It would look so pretty between the house and this view, and the saloon is such a delightful room in summer, a space to sit outside when it rains would be just perfect.'

  The prince admired the view, then asked, 'But if your saloon is perfect for summer I suppose this is the northern side of the house?'

  Elizabeth nodded and Fitzwilliam affirmed, 'It is, yes. The front of the house faces south and this is the coolest side in summer.'

  'That is fine if you only want to feel like you are outside when it rains in summer, but I see two huge disadvantages to a conservatory here.'

  They looked at him to continue, which of course he did.

  'First of all, it will get hardly any sunlight at all in fall, winter and spring because the house takes all the light, which means it will be too dark and too cold most of the year for orange trees to thrive. Which means it can never become the place where you can grow the fruit you like. And also, no-one

  can see it except those most intimate to you. A conservatory like you are planning to build should be in full view of everyone passing the house, to show off its magnificence and strike envy in the hearts of your neighbours and rivals.'

  Well, the first point was certainly very valid, Elizabeth hadn't thought of that.

  She really did want some of those oranges, not just another space that needed a lot of heating in winter, the house was large enough as it was.

  'What would be the best place to build it then?'

  'I suppose the front is out of the question, it would be a bit extraordinary to have a conservatory there, though a southern exposure is best for the trees.

  But the west would do very well, if there are no large trees or high walls or buildings taking away the light in winter. Let's go have a look at it. Do you mind building relatively close to the stables? Some ladies object to the smell, but I suppose you're not like most ladies, Mrs Darcy.'

  Elizabeth smiled at this remark for it was clearly meant as a compliment, whereas Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley, now Mrs Grenfell, would have confirmed the prince's observation but with a totally opposite meaning.

  'I guess I wouldn't, I imagine it would be much more pleasant to sit there coming winter if there is something going on outside to watch. I might get lonely otherwise, being stuck in the house.'

  Again, a sudden feeling of sadness came over her in a flash, and she felt close to tears.

  'Mrs Darcy!' exclaimed Prince George, and at the same time two strong arms took her in a loving embrace, Fitzwilliam's voice soft but firm so close to her ear.

  'I promised you I would not leave you by yourself, my beloved, and I will not. And what do you mean by stuck in the house? We will ramble, won't we? And didn't you promise your aunt to drive her around the park in a phaeton? You will have little time to sit in your conservatory, though I promise I will have it finished before you have to st
op riding Barley.'

  He was so sweet, but again, Elizabeth didn't know what had come over her, it wasn't like her at all to feel neglected. Especially since she wasn't, not at all, her beloved was always at her beck and call, and they had so many good friends. And now her father was here as well! She felt almost ashamed of her weakness a few moments ago, but she did notice its effects since they were rather profound. Of course Fitzwilliam was concerned, he knew what she was most afraid of, but Prince George also transformed totally. Suddenly he

  showed his age and experience and became very gentle and caring, and honest. Too honest, frankly, for his position. At least his touch on her arm was much more fatherly than seductive.

  'Dear Mrs Darcy, please don't panic! It's not all that bad, really. Of course my advisor will kill me if he finds out I've told you this, but like your admirable husband I'm just a man and I cannot see a woman in tears without wanting to comfort her. You know I've been with quite a few women, and you can guess some of them also found themselves in this particular position. Now Mrs Fitzherbert, you know her as a very strong, stable woman, but she was very afraid of the whole thing. She feared getting fat and ungainly, she feared losing the baby to some accident or fever and she even feared losing her own life giving birth. Of course none of that happened, she bore a healthy boy and loved him dearly from the first, and she was back to her usual self in weeks.

  The only intensely sad thing about her having the child was that she couldn't raise him herself. He was fostered out from an early age, and though he is doing well with his new family Maria would so have loved to keep him with her.'

  That was just too sad! Mrs Fitzherbert had had the prince's son and had been forced to give him up? Well, of course, it would have cost Prince George the throne if it got out, it still could. There was nothing she could say, such a sad thing to happen to a nice lady, but she didn't need to speak for Prince George was not finished by far.

  'Please, Mrs Darcy, you have such a privileged position, your husband loves you and only you, there are no reporters trying to gain entrance to your house by posing as staff, you have parents and siblings still living and eager to visit.