Author's Note: I want to give a big thank you to those who have reviewed and are following my story. This is my first attempt at writing fan fiction and your comments are wonderful encouragement!
Chapter 2
Darcy's best friend, Charles Bingley, had requested his assistance in reviewing the lease contract for the property Bingley had decided upon. Charles relied upon Darcy due to his superior knowledge in estate management. Theirs was a unique friendship; a mix of brother-like camaraderie but there was a distinct hint of hero-worship that developed back in their school days. As the elder classman, Darcy looked after Charles just as Darcy's cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam looked after him. Charles' jovial personality tempered Darcy's introverted ways.
Darcy always enjoyed spending the day with his light-hearted friend and looked forward to the distraction today since he had still been concerned with Georgiana's low spirits. She was spending the day with their aunt, Lady Matlock, so she would be well entertained.
"Ah Darcy, thank you so much for coming to my aid today. I'm afraid I have yet to develop your level of understanding in regards to estate contracts. Many thanks old chap" The relief and gratitude were apparent on Charles' face.
"Charles, think of it no more. I am only too pleased to assist."
"Now, we must join my sisters in the drawing room before they send the Bow Street runners after us! Caroline specifically requested that you join us for dinner and I hope that you will not disappoint us."
"Of course, Charles. Thank you for the invitation."
Although Bingley's sisters were everything that was amiable and pleasing during social functions, Darcy was cautious around them. Louisa was the eldest of the three siblings and was recently married to a man of great fashion yet small fortune. Mr. Hurst was respectable enough though his interests solely included fine dining, hunting and Louisa…in that order. The few conversations that Darcy had had with Louisa Hurst proved to him that she was somewhat vapid but harmless.
Caroline Bingley, as the middle sibling, showed little resemblance to her brother other than sharing the color of their hair. For several years, he had realized that she was hoping for a great match for both herself as well as Charles in order to further their family's social status. She was a beautiful woman and had a definite strength about her. This was most likely due to the difficulties she had to endure during her days at school. The Bingley family's fortune was made through trade and her classmates must have constantly reminded Caroline of this fact. Daughters of the Ton would have been cruel, even though Caroline's dowry of 30,000 pounds would have been double that of the average wealthy gentleman's daughter. However, even though Darcy could admire this strength in Caroline, he found that he was not attracted to her. There was a certain harshness that hovered just below the surface that put him off. Regardless, he was always cordial and friendly to both of Bingley's sisters but did nothing to give Caroline the impression that her ambitions would be fulfilled through him.
"Mr. Darcy! You have joined us at last!" Caroline stood from her position at the pianoforte to greet her brother and his friend.
"Yes, Caroline, I told you that Darcy and I would join you as soon as we concluded our business. I am happy to report that I have signed the contract and give you leave to begin preparations for our removal to Hertfordshire," Charles exclaimed.
"Mr. Darcy, I was hoping that you would be able to persuade my brother to a finer estate farther north. We do so admire Pemberley and I'm sure that there would be an estate in Derbyshire much more suited to our tastes."
Before Caroline could continue with her effusions on the greatness of Pemberly, Charles cut in.
"Alas Caroline, Netherfield Hall is in Hertfordshire so to Hertfordshire we must go. I refuse to be anything less than joyful over this move. I am sure, my sister, that once you are able to play hostess to the surrounding families and order the estate to your liking, you will be as pleased as I am."
"Yes, yes, Charles, I'm sure that we will be perfectly content and never lack for employment. Once the mothers in the area hear of your arrival, there is sure to be a line of accomplished young women waiting to call upon me. I can hardly contain my enthusiasm."
Caroline glanced in Darcy's direction smirking as if he would appreciate her humor. In truth, he felt that her comments were in poor taste even if he agreed with her. She would do well to support her brother's decisions and be proud that they would soon be joining the ranks of landed gentry.
Dinner was soon served and Charles' excitement did seem to extend to his sisters. Caroline especially seemed pleased and was more talkative than usual with Darcy. He was very happy for Charles and hoped that this new responsibility might help him establish himself among the Ton but also reinforce to his sisters that he was head of the family. After dinner, they adjourned to the drawing room and further discussion was had regarding their removal to Netherfield.
"I hope that you are able to join us Darcy. It will be a pleasure for me to finally repay your hospitality after all of our stays at Pemberly. Georgiana is, of course, also welcome."
"I believe I may take you up on your offer Charles; however, Georgiana must remain in London to continue her studies. Thank you."
Caroline and Louisa entertained them by taking turns displaying their skills on the pianoforte. Darcy had the distinct feeling that Caroline was trying to gain his attention privately. He knew this to be true when she refilled his coffee while Louisa continued to play.
"Mr. Darcy, I must speak to you of a private matter of great importance." Caroline whispered as she poured the coffee.
"Miss Bingley, there could be no matter that may not be discussed within the hearing of your brother. I would be happy to assist if I may. Perhaps we could suggest to Charles that we step out briefly to converse?"
"No, Mr. Darcy, I'm afraid that this is a matter that Charles cannot be privy to nor any other member of my family. "
"I am sorry to disappoint Miss Bingley but I believe that you had best allow your brother to hold your confidences, not I."
"Mr. Darcy, this urgent matter is regarding some very damaging information that I've obtained involving your sister Georgiana."
Darcy paled as he stared back at Caroline. The look upon her face was feigned innocence yet there seemed to be a certain level of satisfaction there as well. What could she mean by this? Had his worse fears come true? Did Wickham truly hold no value to his life and bandy about the story of his failed elopement?
"I see that you understand the need for privacy now. Could you perhaps join me for a ride in Hyde Park tomorrow? I'm sure that Louisa would join us for propriety's sake but she will allow us to converse in private"
It took several moments before Darcy could respond. He was barely able to mutter, "Yes, I will call for you in the morning" before quickly making his apologies to the room and returning home. That night, his heart was heavy and panic set in. What a dreadful night he would have in suspense. His sister's reputation could possibly be destroyed but he would not know for certain until Miss Bingley divulged what she knew and who had told her. Thankfully, it was a friend who had obtained this information for it would be dreadful indeed if this tale fell into the wrong hands.
