Orester House - London, 1798
Staring at the fireplace and holding a cigar in one hand and a glass of brandy in the other, the 5th Duke of Leedwick recalled the events that had occurred years before. Events that had forever cemented the future of his granddaughters.
"Five years!" He thought, "Five long years since those irremediable agreements!"
Agreements that he had made and sealed with his own signature. Irrevocable agreements that he wanted to keep secret until it was time to reveal them.
"Six years have passed since the birth of my beloved granddaughters - six long years full of satisfaction, longing, resentment, guilt, sadness... Yes, that is right - I, the 5th Duke of Leedwick, lived all those years filled to the brim with these feelings."
A certain thought that had become a constant mantra that the Duke would mutter to himself, even though he knew it not to be true. "It is all due to Thomas Bennet!"
For years the Duke lived with thoughts and memories tormented.
"A secret marriage, the birth of two granddaughters that I have not seen again since their birth, a son-in-law who has condemned my daughter to ruin, the death of my daughter and secret agreements… This would drive even the most rational of minds to Bedlam", he thought to himself.
The mind of Francis Orester was a tumult of thoughts; a storm of emotions flashed in his eyes, behind the facade of indifference that was present on the face of the Duke. These thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
With a firm voice the Duke said, "Come in!"
Heavy and decided steps were heard to have entered the room. The footsteps stopped behind the chair the Duke was seated in. However, Francis did not shift his gaze from the fire. He knew those steps - they belonged to his heir, George William Frederick Orester, the future 6th Duke of Leedwick.
"Father."
"George. What brings you here, my son?"
"I came to see how you are."
"I had asked not to be disturbed."
"Forgive me, father, but you know very well that all among this family are worried about you."
"Why, son, am I dying?" The Duke asked, sarcasm heavy in his voice.
George did not answer. Rather, he looked at his father with concern. He knew his father was a proud and stern man who did not like to show his weaknesses, but he had a tender heart.
"Although this onerous task falls on me today, Father, I have to remind you what the doctor said. You must rest. You have been brooding enough about the past for today, I believe. Am I right, father?"
"You are very annoying, George!"
George replied with a sardonic grin, "I am aware, Father! It seems to be a family trait."
"What do you mean?"
"You as well, when you want to, can be very annoying."
The Duke, looking directly at his son, responded acidly, "do be careful, George. You seem to be becoming more and more cheeky with every passing moment."
"Like I said, Father, it is a trait that is in my blood."
The Duke gave him a scowl, but after a few moments loud, rich laughter echoed through the room.
"Annoying and cheeky! This is the opinion you have of me, my son?"
"One of many, Father!"
"And I would say, George, that your sarcastic sense of humor has also been inherited from me?"
With a rueful smile, George replied, "it is likely, Father."
The Duke looked closely at his son. The man standing in front of him was a definite copy of himself as a young man. Although he had a certain lightheartedness that Francis had always lacked. He sighed. Geroge might have more heart in making decisions. He was a worthy heir, and would make an excellent Duke; perhaps even better than himself. George would protect his family and his granddaughters in an exemplary way.
George Orester returned the watchful eye of his father. But he had different thoughts. Unlike what his father believed, George was much more like him than Francis Orester thought.
Unfortunately, the lightheartedness that his father saw in him was just a front. The strict education to which he had been subjected as heir to a Dukedom made him rigorous and inflexible, just like his father was. He would do anything to protect his family. His future responsibilities would have required it of him, and he was heavily aware of it. In fact, George Orester was very uncompromising when required, and had a mischievous sense of humor, just like his father, which he used to soothe tension in certain situations or even to hurt someone if the situation demanded it. However, honor was the basis on which he would always act.
The exchange of glances between the two was interrupted by a knock at the door.
George, who was more prompt than his father, raised his voice slightly. "Come in!"
The door slowly opened and the butler entered the room, and with a deep bow, said, "Your Grace, Lord Farmarthen. Mr. Darcy and Lord Matlock are here to see you."
The Duke was surprised by the sudden visit, considering the fact that he had not seen the two men for years, since they had made the agreements. In contrast, George did not seem taken aback by the arrival of the visitors. In fact, he was expecting them given that it had been he who had warned Lord Matlock of his father's illness.
After he regained his composure, the Duke said with authoritarian tone: "Ask them to join us here!"
The butler nodded and exited the room with a bow.
George looked skeptically at his father. He was worried that the Duke was too exhausted for such a meeting. "Father, do you want me to speak with our guests? You ought to rest!"
Francis Orester looked askance at his son. "Do not even think about it, I believe I know why they are here and it is my responsibility to meet with them."
"Father, as your son and heir I can meet with them myself, I know of the issues that bind you to them as you had shared them with me years ago. I can handle this very well, given your condition you must go rest!"
"George, you know that soon it will be your responsibility, but for now I still am the Duke and I will not shirk at my duties, especially if they relate to my family."
"I know, Father, you are very proud, but you have taught me to protect my family and you are one of them. I will not let you get tired, thus jeopardizing your health. I am capable of taking care of this matter, as you said, soon this will be one of my duties, and I promise that I will protect the twins as now I want to protect you!"
Francis was touched by his son's interest in his person, but he wanted to take care of his granddaughters until the time permitted him to do so no longer. It was the last thing he could do for them, before reaching the afterlife.
"Thank you George, but I want to personally complete this "deal", before my death. I want to make this gift to my granddaughters. They are still my responsibility, although they will soon be yours."
"I see, Father. I can not convince you in any way to retire. In that case, I will stay with you during the interview with our guests."
"I would not expect anything less, George, you are my heir and the future guardian of Elizabeth and Jane."
"I know, Father, and I will not let you down. I promise you on this."
"I am proud of you, my son."
"Thank you, Father."
A knock at the door warned the two gentlemen of the return of the butler to announce their guests.
The Duke, for the second time, said, "Come in!"
The butler came in announcing the two visitors, "Mr. Darcy and Lord Matlock, Your Grace."
The two visitors entered immediately after the butler and bowed to the Duke and his son.
George Orester returned their greetings with another bow while the Duke, still seated, nodded with his head to his guests in salute. Unfortunately, being tired, he did not have the energy to greet them as his son did.
"Welcome to Orester House, gentlemen. I am pleased to see you again after all these years. May I introduce you to my eldest son and heir, George Orester, Marquess of Farmarthen?"
The Marquess bowed again to the visitors when he was officially introduced to them by his father.
The newcomers reciprocated the bow to the son of the Duke. Mr. Darcy, while bowing, studied the man who would become the new guardian of the fiancee of his son. Lord Matlock bowed as well, though, from his expression, he seemed already familiar with the name of person that had just been introduced. This was immediately noticed by Darcy.
Although Darcy was annoyed by what he had seen in the expression of Lord Matlock, he returned the pleasantries to the Duke and his son.
"We apologize, Your Grace, for coming without notice. We have heard of your state of health, and we came to see how you are."
Darcy and Francis Orester exchanged a look, and, after a moment of silence, Duke's laughter was heard echoing in the room.
Both characters remembered well that both were people who did not like beating around the bush. They were people who liked to be blunt and direct in a polite manner.
"You have not changed, Darcy, we both know the real reason why you are here!"
With a grin, Mr. Darcy replied, "I had no doubts, Your Grace, but the fact remains that we are truly saddened for your health. As you well know, even though we are not bound by a deep acquaintance, there has always been respect between us."
Francis Orester, despite his teasing words, knew that Darcy was sincere in his regret and for that he was grateful. Mr Darcy and Lord Matlock had always been men of honor. But he also knew that the stakes were much higher among them and this was not a simple social call.
"I thank you for your concern. Now, if you want, we can discuss the main reason for which you are here!"
"You are direct as always, Your Grace."
"As are you, Darcy!"
"Your son George, I assume that he is aware of all the facts?"
"You assume correctly. As I said, he is my heir and therefore future guardian of my granddaughters."
Mr Darcy directed his gaze once again to George Orester for a short time before returning to look at his father. This time also the Duke glanced at his son and noticed the furtive glances that George and Lord Matlock were exchanging. Lord Matlock noticed the looks and knew he had to give an explanation.
"Your Grace, it was your son who sent me a message to let me know of your health."
"Finally you speak, Matlock. The role of observer does not quite suit you."
"I should take it as a compliment, Your Grace?"
"Just an observation. I remember very well your chattering when you want to make things public."
"I am honored."
"You are a man of many faces, Matlock!"
"Ever since you, Your Grace!"
Francis Orester looked Lord Matlock for a long moment and then burst into laughter.
"Even your ironic impertinence not changed!"
With a grin, Henry Fitzwilliam replied, "Thank you for the compliments, Your Grace!"
Assuming a stern expression, Francis Orester turned to look at his son again. "So you had alerted Matlock of my health without saying anything?"
With equally austere expression, George rejoined the conversation. "Yes, Father, I had."
For a short time the two Orester exchanged fiery glances without wavering, immersed in a struggle of wills.
"Someone had to do it, Father, as you said there is a lot at stake. I know your pride and I know that you are still struggling with the past! But as the future guardian of the twins I was aware that this meeting was necessary to make decisions!"
Sooner than he wanted, the Duke, with a sad smile on his face, was forced to admit the truth and his defeat.
"My health is just devouring me, is it not so? You are, indeed, right, George! Thank you! You will be an excellent heir. You are more like me than I thought."
The Marquis was amazed by this rapid acceptance and surrender. His father had always been a proud man, ready to do anything not to yield. He was really changing and weakening because of disease. But his thoughts did not last long - a cough forced him to bring back his attention to the guests.
With a cold and measured voice, staring at the visitors, George said, "Well, gentlemen. We can now discuss the main reason for this visit."
Darcy and Matlock, despite being very pragmatic men, were surprised by how George Orester was able to change his character depending on the situation in a few moments. A man able to remain cold and impassive, ready to face a difficult discussion despite the obvious concern for his father with a mental clarity that rivaled many. They both thought he would be a great heir of his father, able to adapt and cope with any challenge, although, at present he had a father who was getting weaker before his very eyes.
"You are right, Lord Farmarthen. We are here mainly to talk about the twins." replied Darcy.
The Duke, who had recovered from his temporary discomfort, decided that he had to be to lead the conversation. He was not yet ready to give up his position completely to his son. "Nothing has changed. The agreements are still those made years ago - my granddaughters will marry your heirs, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Stephen Fitzwilliam. Each of them will receive a dowry of 40,000 pounds and a estate that will be worth 7,000 pounds a year. Through their marriages, alliances will be sanctioned between our families. My family will officially recognize my granddaughters as part of the Orester family during the announcement of their engagement and their debut in society. Your heirs will have full control of their dowry according to the laws of England. I trust in your wisdom that you will educate your sons to make wise use of those dowries for the good of their future families. The only thing that will change will be the guardian of the twins. I have already made sure to add the signature of my son George to the agreements."
"You do not leave anything to chance, Your Grace, as always."
"This disease has weakened me, but I am still very prudent in dealing and protecting the interests of my family, Matlock."
"I had no doubts, Your Grace."
"Although I must admit that my son has done well to warn you. Unfortunately I also must acknowledge that some of the details begin to escape me."
The strange silence of Darcy during his brief exchange of words with Henry Fitzwilliam had not escaped the Duke's notice. "Darcy, why are you so quiet? We do not know each other very well, but if I remember correctly you are one of the most smart and cunning men that I have ever met, and you have always been very involved in issues that affect your family. When we entered into the agreements I remember your doubts and all your questions." The Duke looked closely at him. "Do you still harbor doubts? I see it in your eyes."
"You are very insightful, Your Grace." Darcy hesitantly spoke. "Yes, I still have incertitudes on all this."
"Well spoken, Darcy. What is troubling you?"
"Surely you know of my marriage with Anne Fitzwilliam. Although it was an arranged marriage, we loved each other. The love is what I want for my son and is almost impossible to find it in an arranged marriage. I was lucky. I'm afraid that with these agreements I am foreclosing my son this possibility. It would be better to leave him free to choose the woman he will want and will love."
"Yours is a very noble thought, Darcy, but is it not too utopian for our times? And I must remind you that it is too late. The marriage settlements have already been made and signed."
"I know that all too well, Your Grace."
"I am not ignorant and quite understanding what you mean, Darcy, but all of us here are men of the world. We know how things are in our society, especially in the Ton!"
"I know that too well. The families use marriage as a means to create advantageous alliances and accumulate wealth and importance."
"I can give you reason that not always love develops between the pair arranged, but that does not mean it can not born a deep affection or friendship between them."
"Your Grace, most of these arranged marriages end with the couple who leads separate lives and meets only to produce an heir. I do not want a union so empty for my son... and for what? only benefits!"
Lord Matlock and George Orester, until then, had observed the exchange between the Duke and Darcy. But now, the sixth sense of the Marquis told him to intervene in the conversation. He had realized that the dialogue would not finish soon if someone would not intervene and the real reason for this meeting was to clarify the agreements, certainly not complicate them or worse... cancel them!
George was aware of the views of the two parties and could not pronounce any as wrong. He was not stupid or narrow-minded, but he could not allow the doubts of the gentleman in front of him to disturb his father or worse, damage the agreements signed.
Before the confrontation between the two resulted in a live discussion with unintended consequences, he decided to take action. "Mr. Darcy, I understand your concerns so I would make a proposal if you agree. Would you like to accompany myself and my father in Hertfordshire to see the twins?"
A deathly silence filled the room. Everyone turned to the Marquis with a stunned look on their faces. But George Orester ignored their reaction and continued, "As you know, my father unfortunately does not have much time to live, and his dearest wish is to see his granddaughters. In two days' time, he and I set off for Hertfordshire."
Darcy stared at the Marquis, stunned by the new turn of events. The Duke did not know what to say of the proposal made by his son, although on reflection, he realized that it could be a good idea. But Lord Matlock was the first to intervene. "Lord Farmarthen, what would be the purpose of your proposal?"
George stared at Matlock with a grin. The interest and concentration with which Henry Fitzwilliam was following the exchange between his brother in law and his father did not escape his notice.
In fact, Lord Matlock had realized the goal of George Orester when he made that proposal, and despite the obvious surprise, he had expected a twist like this. He, too, had sensed the direction the discussion between Darcy and the Duke was headed. A dangerous direction. For this he was tempted to create another kind of tension in the room inciting the Marquis with his question...
George Orester realized the intentions of Henry Fitzwilliam and his provocation came to fruition, "Lord Matlock, the intent of my proposal is to show the twins to you and your brother. So you can get an idea of the future wives of your sons," and, after a pause for effect, he continued," so all your doubts will be allayed."
Lord Matlock gave a satisfied grin. It was just as he had imagined.
Darcy, recovered from the stupor that had stunned him, meticulously studied the proposal offered by the Marquis and instinctively brought his eyes back to the face of the Duke without a word.
The Duke watched his son carefully. He understood the intent of his heir and had perceived fully the concern of George and Lord Matlock and their efforts to change the situation. "Darcy, my son is right. I am in full agreement with him. After all, you have all the rights, at stake are the lives of your sons and of my granddaughters..."
Darcy watched Matlock to understand his intentions, and when the brother in law nodded his assent, he had no more doubts about the answer to be given to that proposal.
"My brother and I accept your offer."
Suddenly a knock at the door interrupted the conversation between the gentlemen. Without waiting for someone to invite the unexpected visitor, the door opened and in walked a beautiful woman in her forties, wearing a delicate blue silk dress finely decorated with lace. Her brown hair with silver highlights was styled in an elegant hairstyle and her beautiful blue eyes shone with pure fury and concern.
Alena Orester (nee Darcy), with a firm step, crossed the room, regardless of the present visitors, and stood directly in front of the astonished gaze of her husband.
The Duke was speechless, stunned by the impetuous entrance of his wife.
The Duchess did not wait for anyone saying anything and turning to her son, she demanded, "George, why your father is still here instead of in his room to rest?"
The voice of the Duchess was calm and disturbing. Everyone present understood that her apparent calm hid some threats.
The Marquis, astonished as his father, recovered from the astonishment and replied with a smile, "Mother, as you asked me, I had come to warn him to go to rest, but a number of issues are arose and deserved his attention."
The Duchess looked at the two visitors and had a realization. She knew that her husband recently suffered from melancholy because of the past and knew just as well the situation of the twins. Her son had informed her that he had warned Lord Matlock of health of the Duke.
Realizing the nature of the presence of those two visitors, Alena worried even more for her husband. She saw that he was very tired, as if he had a difficult discussion. Her husband had to rest.
The Duchess knew very well the importance of that meeting and the future of the twins. Although she had never seen them, she harbored a certain affection for them thanks to her husband. The affection that the Duke felt for the granddaughters had infected the entire family. Besides, she had loved Melissa. But at that moment her priority was her beloved husband.
Decided to dismiss herself and the Duke as soon as possible from company, she motioned for his son to be presented to the two visitors. George, realizing her intentions, wasted no time. "Gentlemen, this is my mother, Alena Orester, Duchess of Leedwick. Mother, may I present Lord Matlock and Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?"
"It is a pleasure to meet you, gentlemen. I welcome you here to Orester House."
Darcy and Fitzwilliam, who had followed the whole scene, were dismayed by the developments that had taken events.
Darcy, recovered his composure, and made an elegant bow to the lady and said politely, "Your Grace, it is an honor to meet you." After a pause, he continued, "We apologize to be presented here without prior notice and to have tired your husband, but the issues at stake were too important to delay."
"You are very direct, Mr. Darcy. I know the issues that have brought you here today and understand their urgency. But as you see my husband is tired. I hope that in the time that you had available you were able to find a solution. Now I insist that my husband goes to rest."
"Yes, Your Grace, apparently in the time available we have come to a solution."
"I am glad, Mr. Darcy. Now, I hope I do not offend you if I claim my husband and take him into his chambers."
"Not at all, Your Grace. We are delighted to meet you and I hope we will have other opportunities to be able to get better aquainted."
"I have no doubt of that, Mr. Darcy. The destinies of our children will lead us to meet very often in the future."
The Duchess then turned her gaze to Lord Matlock who had remained silent to observe so far.
"Lord Matlock, I am glad to have made your acquaintance."
Lord Matlock stepped forward and bowed, "Forgive me if I remained silent until now. I am honored to have met you, Your Grace."
A cough interrupted the dialoguers and everyone turned toward the Duke. The man was greatly fatigued, even though he stood on the chair as proud and sure of himself as he had always been. Francis Orester would never demonstrate weakness in public.
The concern of the Duchess, seeing her husband in that state, grew as well as her hurry to say goodbye with her husband to take him in his chambers. "However, please, forgive me gentlemen, I would like to bring my husband to rest. I sense he is very tired."
Darcy and Lord Matlock turned to the Duke and saw that he was, in fact, very tired.
Lord Matlock, very gallantly, bowed slightly before the Duchess and said, "There's nothing to forgive, Your Grace. Take your husband to rest."
The Duke could no longer restrain himself. Even though he was extremely exhausted, he could not tolerate the insolence of his wife and now listening her to speak with his guests as if he was not in the room, he was angry. He was sick, but he was still the 5th Duke of Leedwick, proud and uncompromising. Even if his wife did it for his own good, he saw her actions as an affront. "Wife! How dare you break here disrespectfully and interrupt this important meeting?"
"I dare, as would a wife with a problematic husband!"
"Wife!" The Duke warned.
The Duchess incinerated her husband and his pompous pride with a look and opened her mouth to speak but her son was faster.
"Mother is right, Father. Go to rest, you are very tired and must be careful with your health." After a pause he continued, "We have now reached an agreement with Mr. Darcy and Lord Matlock, do not worry! Allow me to finish the discussion with our guests and prepare everything."
George had felt the need to intervene before his parents started to quarrel in front of their guests. He knew his father's pride and the mother's stubborness. After all, he had inherited both. An amused smile appeared on his face.
The Duke looked sideways at his son, but realized his intent. Not resisting anymore, he decided to follow his wife and go to rest. To himself, he had to admit that, in fact, he was very tired. But he could not let pass the reckless behavior of the wife.
"Wife, I will follow your advice. But after we will speak of your behavior. I will not tolerate such reckless behavior of you in front of our guests."
The Duchess gave a sigh of frustration. She was grateful to her son for his intervention and for the decision of the husband. "As you wish, my husband. Now let us leave. Gentlemen, excuse my behavior. The concern for my husband got the better of my emotions." After a pause, she continued, "I hope we will meet again very soon. It was an honor to meet you."
"Your Grace, you do not have to apologize. If my Anne was still alive she probably would have done the same for me" Darcy could understand very well the mood of the Duchess and judging by the look of Lord Matlock for he was the same. "The pleasure and the honor was all ours."
The Duke stood up and bowed weakly to his guests. "Gentlemen, with your permission I take my leave. My son will discuss the arrangements with you to get everything ready."
"Certainly, Your Grace. We thank you for your time and for the clarifications you have given us. We will discuss the details with your heir."
The Duke and Duchess then bowed to their guests and took their leave.
When the door closed, George did not waste time. "Well, then, Gentlemen, my father and I would be leaving in two days for Hertfordshire. Will you be ready by then?"
"Certainly!" Darcy said promptly. For him, the trip was important to understand whether the decision he had taken years ago for his son would lead to happiness or oblivion.
Lord Matlock replied with more confidence. "We will be ready!" He had no doubts about his decision.
George Orester looked at the determined look of the two visitors. "Very good. You should know that we will travel incognito, as you know, the Duke is not on good terms with Thomas Bennet so he will not be aware of our presence in Hertfordshire". The Marquis paused so that the two men assimilated the information. Seeing that they were silent, he continued, "My father and I have rented an estate called Netherfield for three days. The owner assured us that our presence will not be made public. When we get there we must be as unobtrusive as possible and may have to use fake names. Mr. Bennet should not come to know of our presence for any reason."
After hearing this, Darcy ventured to ask a question, "In this way, how will we approach the twins?"
"My father and I have hired an investigator to gather information on the habits of the Bennet family. Tomorrow he is expected to return to London to inform us what he discovered. After that we will know how to approach Elizabeth and Jane."
Lord Matlock and Darcy had no objection, although they harbored some uncertainty about all this. Secrecy not helped things, especially if they had to approach two children without the family knowing.
George understood their concerns, but said nothing. As soon as he would recieve the investigator's report the next day, he could get a more precise idea about the matter.
"Very well, then, gentlemen. Tomorrow I will send you a message with all the details, after hearing the report of the investigator."
The two visitors said nothing, but nodded their heads in assent.
Having said all that needed to be said on the matter for now, the two gentlemen took their leave politely, leaving George Orester to his thoughts.
Soon questions and doubts that existed would find an answer. With this awareness Lord Matlock and Darcy left Orester House.
Here's the second chapter of the story, I hope you enjoy it.
Sorry for the long wait, but unfortunately in this period I do not have much time. However, I tried to make the chapter longer to make up for the wait!
I repeat that I'm not a native English speaker so I apologize in advance if there are errors, I'll try to improve with time.
I also used historical figures, obviously also inventing or distorting elements in their lives directly, if someone is strictly historical I apologize but it is a fiction.
I hope that the Chapter will meet your expectations and if you see something wrong or is confused and unclear, please tell me. Thank You.
I am happy to accept suggestions from all of you.
I also want to thank khaduhr448 who has offered to help me reviewing my chapters and is an incredible collaborator!
Thank you and good reading.
PS: To answer some of your comments: "In the prologue the Duke's wife was in some way related to Mr. Darcy, but in this chapter they are introduced like they've never met." - I can only tell you that this is a mystery that will be revealed in due course... To find out, you must continue to read the story! ;-)