Part 2: Relatives, Chapter 17


Elizabeth enjoyed playing chess with Mr Darcy, as it gave her the opportunity to show him how condescending he had been that first game. "Spot her a queen" indeed. And the outcome didn't even matter that much, although he had the edge if she couldn't pressure him to make moves quickly, even if she lost they were still close run things, Elizabeth never received a drubbing they way she had beaten him that first game.

Elizabeth particularly enjoyed teaching Georgiana, as she had trapped her brother into a fate accompli with her wager. Georgiana was keen to learn, and showed many of the considered traits of her older brother, and would give him a reasonable game before long. Elizabeth always admired the way Georgiana was focussed, almost driven to excel, at whatever skill she chose, her exemplary music performances the most obvious of this. Elizabeth struggled to remember all those hours spent in her father's study, learning the complexities of chess, to be able to impart these to her student, but it was so long ago, she was certain she'd forgotten most of it. In the end she had to rely on the advice from the retired ex-naval officers that she played with in Ramsgate. They even had a few books on it, which they had studied on those long hours on watch sailing around the world.

While all this was happening, Elizabeth received Jane's next letter, after nearly three weeks. She opened it, hoping that the delay meant a decent two page letter, even crossed, if she was lucky. But what she found was a letter just as the last one; de rigour questions asking about the health of Elizabeth, Amy Jane and the Colonel and then a very basic report on the Gardener cousins and the change in weather. Elizabeth checked front of the letter, as sometimes Jane was sloppy about writing the address, causing unnecessary delays. No, the address was clear, and there, it was dated only a few days ago.

Combine the delay in writing not in the post itself, the abbreviated contents with the lack of any mention of Mr Bingley, Elizabeth feared that Mr Bingley was no longer courting Jane. It appeared unlikely that he had gone from London on a planned absence. Elizabeth dreaded that he had found out about her scandal, and that her own past actions had ruined Jane's future hopes. Elizabeth wanted to ask Jane directly what went wrong, but felt torn, would that be pouring salt on an exposed wound? So, at the first opportunity, Elizabeth did the only thing she thought correct, she wrote an upbeat letter full of all the little things that had happened, dwelling on the chess game and how awful and condescending Mr Darcy was. She finished with a few questions that, hopefully if Jane answered them, would explain more of what happened. After finishing Jane's letter she wrote to Charlotte, asking if she had also noticed if something was happening with Jane. Since there was nothing she could do but wait, Elizabeth pushed her worry for Jane to the back of her mind and prepared for the next thing she had to do.


It was about seven weeks from when Richard was shot that, while sorting through the morning post, Darcy discovered there was a letter from the Earl to his son. Putting the rest of the mail to one side, Darcy thought it best to deliver it straight away. He walked upstairs and handed Richard his letter. Richard was enjoying the freedom of having the use of both hands, the splint having come off his wrist three day ago.

"Thank you Darcy. You don't know how nice it is to open your own mail."

"True, but I do know how nice it is to not have to transcribe your letters – you can change your mind as often as you like now."

"Don't be like that Darcy, I was not at my best. Anyway, what's my father have to say for himself." Richard proceeded to read out different bits of the letter.

"...hope you are recovering... Full of pathos, my father."

"Oh ... Vicky's had a son and Mother is still up there in Scotland..."

"...She sends her love..."

"..but won't be down..."

"...Sophie's managed to upset the Dowager Countess again..."

"...sent packing to Matlock... Good, the further from Ramsgate she is the better I'll feel." Richard looked at Darcy with a wry smile, "She's certainly knows how to win friends, doesn't she?"

Darcy felt it best just to make a non-committal noise.

Richard carried on reading silently then gave a sharp barking laugh. "Darcy, you'll never guess who's just got hitched." Darcy, as was his nature, said nothing, they usually told you faster if you don't play 20 guesses.

"Go on Darcy... Just three guesses." Darcy waited out Richard.

"You're no fun. I'm tempted to just not tell you, but it is just too delicious to hold to myself. But Darcy, please... just one guess." Darcy sat silently.

"No. Fine! Sumerville!" Darcy had steeled himself to show no reaction, but this was so surprising that even he was shocked.

"I knew that'd get a reaction from you. Yes, Sumerville."

"But how?"

"Bear with me, I'll just finish reading."

Darcy sat waiting, growing impatient as Richard read to the end and then turned his letter over and read the other side. Finally he looked up. "Father doesn't say too much about the how, even after a lot about the who, but here's my interpretation, reading between the lines. One of Sumer's friends must have had to rusticate until quarter day, so they all headed off to this Nabob's estate. The Nabob had lost his wife so his daughter hosted the party. There would have been a wager, has to be. Probably something about who'd be first to seduce the plain bluestocking daughter who's the hostess. Summers 'wins' by getting the daughter out on a balcony one evening, alone or so he thinks. Mr Nabob is a commoner, but he's come up through the ranks of the East India Company, so wants to nab a peerage for his grandson. Daughter appears in on it, and there are a few others on the balcony, including... "

Richard paused for effect.

"The Duke of Rutland and Lord Rodney. So Sumers goose was cooked. Special licence. Quick early autumn wedding... and Sumers is hitched. Father's irate. The next countess is a commoner."

"I don't believe it."

"I wouldn't either Darcy, except that this is from Father." Richard waved the letter around then continued, "Apparently it's up to me to 'uphold the family honour' and 'marry into suitable bloodlines'. How father thinks that will happen, to a spare with a healthy older sibling, is anyone's guess. Still that's not the best bit. I'm certain father's added this information for my benefit. He's cut Sumers off completely. No allowance... none at all."

"That shocked you didn't it, Darcy? Still that's father all over, whore and debauch your way across England, no problem, he'll even cover the worst of your notes. Marry someone 'beneath the dignity of the family honour' and get cut off completely. Still not something you have to worry about. I know, I know, still you'd rather have your father. Hell, so would I. Have your father instead of mine, even if that meant Sumers would be burning through the estate like a pack of rabid rats."

"I'm surprised that he's not sent a begging letter then."

"Actually, this is the best bit. Father only cut him off when he found out Mr Haldane had gifted his daughter an estate in Cornwall. The daughter appears to have a will of iron, and fist of one as well. She's dragged him off there to sort him out. Father thinks the way gifting was done was very clever, Mr Haldane still owns it, but the daughter has complete control over the finances. It's worth almost as much as Pemberley, but Sumers has to go to his wife to get any of it. Sounds like father has a bit of admiration for the both of them but won't admit it. So there you go. Sumers hitched and in the traces well and proper. I suspect maids and tavern girls all over England will be breathing sighs, of sadness or relief, depending on their morals."

"I always thought the right woman would be the making of him."

"And I always thought he was bad to the core. So, Darcy, we'll see who was right, in time. Still, this can only be good for you."

"What do you mean?"

"You obvious think I've not noticed, don't you Darcy?"

"Noticed what?"

"See you do. Your attraction to Elizabeth. You almost sit there drooling when she's around."

"I do not!"

"No of course you don't. But you didn't deny the attraction did you?"

"Damn you Richard. I hoped no one noticed."

"Yes, but I know you better than anyone, well other than maybe Bingley."

"No, he's usually too focussed on his latest 'angel' to notice. Oh... Got a letter from him yesterday. Your reading of his letter was correct. He states his regard for her was not being returned, and then his sisters confirmed it. I'd discount Caroline's observations, but if Louisa concurred... Poor lad. I tried to help out, but it is hard to do anything tacking back and forth between Ramsgate and London as I was doing at the time."

"Good effort at changing the subject, Darcy. Yes, it's good you've helped your friend, I suppose you only have to be grateful you've not had to buy her off like... like, what was her name?"

"Elizabeth. Elizabeth Watt. You did that on purpose."

"Still some fight in the old dog. Speaking of Elizabeth..."

"Fine. Yes, I admit it. I am attracted to Elizabeth. Yes, fine. Very attracted to Elizabeth! But what can I do about it. You know her situation as well if not better than I do."

"Don't you see. Summer's marrying a commoner gives you a perfect chance."

"Chance of what, Richard?"

"Marriage, of course. I'd not see you offering just to keep her."

"Richard! How dare you insult me and her. Take that back!"

"See I told you, I know you'd not make her an immoral offer. And I doubt she'd accept anyway. She's probably had any number of them already. And some must have been fairly well off."

"No! Who?"

"How should I know. And even if I did, what are you going to do, make it worse by challenging them? Then everyone would definitely think you've made that type of offer, and worse, she'd accepted."

"I'll still not have it."

"Of course not. Consider it unspoken."

"Apology accepted."

"How magnanimous of you. But back to where we were. Sumers public indiscretion means you can marry her quietly. She's a gentlewoman and knows how to behave. Rusticate for a while in Derbyshire, the family and society will accept it eventually. This weeks on dit is yesterday's history."

"I can't. If it was just me, well, maybe. It would be a huge sacrifice to make, but as you say, her deportment is almost there. I'm sure I could teach her the rest to be accepted, eventually. We can disguise her past somehow. Amy Jane's the real problem, but there must be a solution, even if I still haven't thought of one yet."

'So you have thought about it then."

"Most nights Richard. Most nights."

"You have got it bad."

"Yes I do. And marriage is the only acceptable solution to me."

"See, there you go."

"But Richard, it isn't just me. This would have major effects on Georgiana's prospects."

"True. Can't see any way out of that. Maybe if you talk to her, Darcy."

"I can't. You and I both know she would sacrifice herself for me, for a lesser gain for me and a greater loss for her. I won't allow it."

"You are right about Georgiana, but it may just be a sacrifice that she truly would be willing to make. You'd have to delay her coming out a year or so to let the furore die away. But mother would be bringing her out away, so she would be partly separated from your disgrace."

"I can't allow it. I will just have to wait until Georgiana has married. It is, as you say only a few years. I have waited this long. I can wait longer."

"Your funeral Darcy. Hope you are up to it."

"Don't doubt my will Richard."

"Never taken a wager against it Darcy."

Darcy fell silent. He felt drained. He'd not articulated his thoughts so clearly even to himself. Talking with Richard clarified a few things in his mind, but he still didn't have a solution that would allow them to marry as yet.

"Sorry Richard. I am feeling a little tired. Best be off. Maybe we'd talk about this later, if you have any solution to her background or Amy Jane."

"I'll think on it Darcy. But with the leg..."

"Don't over stress yourself on my behalf. I can, and will, wait. Good night Richard."

"Night, Darcy... Oh... we need to talk about Bingley's letter tomorrow."

"That'll be fine. Good night Richard!"

"Night."


A few days later Darcy was downstairs at his desk in the afternoon, still working his way through a large pile of business letters, as the post had been delayed due to heavy rainfall turning the road into a quagmire, when a little face popped her head around the door.

"Hello mister."

"Hello, little lady."

"I'm not little! I is a big girl now. I'm four!"

"So sorry. Hello big girl."

"What'cha doing?"

"What am I doing? I'm writing letters."

"I writing my letters too! 'Giana is showing me."

"Yes I know. I think you are very clever."

"I know, my mummy says me."

"Tells me."

"She says you are clever too?"

"No, you should say 'my mummy tells me'."

"You're funny. Does your mummy say you are clever."

"She did. I no longer have a mummy to tell me things."

"Everyone has a mummy!"

"Yes, but my mummy has gone."

"Gone where?"

"She's gone up to heaven."

"Will she be coming back?"

"No Amy Jane, she won't."

At that Darcy was surprised by a little girl stepping forward and giving him a big hug. After a moment's hesitation he returned it. Amy Jane looked up at him. "I have the bestest mummy."

"That you do. Do you have a daddy?" Let's see what Elizabeth has told her.

"No, I don't have a daddy." So she hasn't said anything. Suddenly Darcy had a burst of inspiration, here was an opportunity to get what it was he knew now he wanted.

"Would you want a daddy, a mummy and a daddy?"

"Can I have a daddy too?"

"Yes, parents that love you as much as your mummy does now."

"That'd be nice. I've never had a daddy before."

"Well, I shall have to see what..."

At that point they were interrupted by Elizabeth rushing in. "Amy Jane! Where have you run off to. Come here."

"But mummy!"

"No buts, missy. You are not to disturb Mr Darcy."

"Actually Elizabeth, I don't mind." But Elizabeth didn't seem take any notice of him.

"He is a busy man. Come away Amy Jane." Elizabeth held her hand out to her daughter. Darcy, reluctantly, disentangled the little girl and gave her a gentle push to her mother.

"Go to your mother. You can see me later, just ask your mother first."

"Mummy, can I stay?"

"No. He is not to be disturbed."

"Honestly Elizabeth, I didn't mind. She was not disturbing..." Darcy directed at Elizabeth, but it must not have been heard over Amy Jane's protest of; "But mummy! He's going to find me a daddy."

"I said no. And I mean no! Come away."

"Aw mummy, I want..."

"Amy Jane!"

"Sorry mummy."

"Come away dear, we don't belong here." And with that Elizabeth led the young girl from the room, with a glare at him. Darcy did wonder what that was for. Maybe Elizabeth though he was being too forward with her daughter. The next few days were a little uncomfortable, but it did give him the opportunity to admire her from a distance. And think and plan about his future, that is to say, their future.


After that Elizabeth felt it best to avoid Mr Darcy as much as possible. Making Amy Jane interested in who her father was! The man was despicable. Thankfully Amy Jane was young enough to be able to either give ambivalent answers to, that she accepted, or just distract her. She could not see what his game was. This did mean spending more time with Richard, and less time with Georgiana. Although she'd basically learnt all Elizabeth could remember from when her and Jane helped Mrs Hill with running Longbourn, so there was little left teach her, that they didn't both just read from books.

The only good thing was that Mr Darcy had become more withdrawn, so she did not have to actually converse with the man. It was bad enough that he was always there lurking, glaring, obviously judging and taking notes of things to criticise her later. Probably writing them all down and reporting them to his cousin Lady Sophie, for her to share with his intended, the 'delightful' Miss Trent.

Richard to, seemed to change, must be the result of his recovery. He was more friendly, more engaged, now more interested in Elizabeth, Amy Jane and their life. He asked the obvious questions about her past, but accepted any non-answer at face value and didn't push. So over time she felt comfortable in discussing some of her concerns, although being careful not to be too explicit. For example he knew she had a sister in London (how, Elizabeth couldn't remember) but as long as she referred to Jane as 'her sister' and not by name, there would be no chance him piecing anything more together. It helped to talk with him about Jane, his outside perspective helped.

But with the more friendly Richard there was also a more, more... nosy one? He'd ask questions in an oblique way, like he was trying to find out whether she was happy, how she was finding having to care for him, and about Georgiana and Mr Darcy too. Most of which she was able to answer honestly, but when it came to Mr Darcy she prevaricated. Richard obviously liked the man, almost to the state of adoration, given the number of stories he told about how generous, how thoughtful Mr Darcy had been growing up. But it was very easy to be generous when you are as wealthy as he or his father were, and as for the rest, Elizabeth was certain Richard was seeing through biased eyes.

But as was apparent, the stories were of Mr Darcy much younger. A lot must have happened to the man to turn him into what he is now, while Richard was away at war. Mr Darcy's father's death must have been the catalyst, the sudden assuming the mantle of power had gone to the man's head. Elizabeth just hoped that Richard would not be too disappointed when the scales came off and he realised the man his cousin had become. But he must have recognised some of it, did Richard not warn her about Mr Darcy's following in his brother, Viscount Sumerville's, footsteps? But men don't see that in the same way woman have to. Richard probably secretly admired it.

So Elizabeth learned to filter out this part of any conversation, as any parent learns to do. Well, until a week or so later when Richard mentioned something much closer to home.

"...Bingley's letter."

Mr Bingley. No it can't be. Richard knew a Mr Bingley? Could it be Jane's Mr Bingley? If it was, why would he be writing to Richard? Elizabeth suddenly was all ears. Know that she'd missed the first part, she remarked. "Sorry, momentary inattention, could you say that gain?"

"As I was saying, Darcy had a letter from his friend Bingley. I had to help him read it as Bingley writes atrociously, didn't help that the poor lad must have been in his cups at the time. That was all I did. The actual help was what Darcy did for his friend. He's that sort of man."

"And what was that?"

"Oh, I know I should not have mentioned names. Darcy would not want his and his friend's private affairs to be public knowledge. Promise you'll not spread this about."

"Of course not. I'm no fishwife."

"Good. His friend, Bingley had got entangled with a woman, whose family had been involved with a scandal some years earlier. Darcy said there was nothing wrong with the lady, it was more her family and the family's lack of connections that motivated her actions. Bingley was contemplating marriage, but Darcy managed to show him what a mistake that would have been, given the circumstances. Darcy's been good to him in extracting him from other ladies when his friend has gotten in too deep."

Elizabeth felt sick, all of this added up to Jane's Mr Bingley. "But what did he do to assist his friend?"

"Made him realise that it was a one sided affair, with much regard in one direction, but little or none in the other. Knowing this, it was easy for Darcy to advise Bingley to walk away."

"But what about the lady?"

"Darcy is the best person to arrange to pay her off. Bingley not up to it."

"Pay her off?"

"Yes, the usual thing to do in this situation, if she makes a pain of herself. It was not like an offer was made. She'll have no leg to stand on. Darcy probably got it well in hand already. He's very generous with offering his time or other assistance."

Elizabeth wanted to continue, but realised that she was too incensed to do so and remain polite. It was not like Richard deserved a tongue lashing, but he'd just given her another reason to actively hate Mr Darcy. But, give them the benefit of the doubt, it might, just might not be Jane's Mr Bingley. Excusing herself she collected Amy Jane and went home to reread Jane's letters.

If what she was told was true, her poor Jane. This would explain the lack of mention of Mr Bingley. On Mr Darcy's advice Mr Bingley had jilted Jane! Mr Darcy must have completely missed how much regard his friend had for Jane. "Much regard in one direction, but none in the other." Jane's regard for Charles there could be no doubt, it was obvious reading between the lines of every letter until recently from Jane. So it could only be that Mr Darcy though Charles unaffected. Jane certainly didn't think so. And then, after making that terrible mistake, he just advised Mr Bingley to walk away.

Jane was pining with a broken heart, and so, was Mr Bingley if he was drunk often enough to write letters in that state. The man was completely heartless. Pay her off indeed. As if any amount of money would mend a broken heart. But if the man didn't have one, then he'd not know of the effect of breaking it. Thus his callousness to Jane and even his friend.

The one possible saving grace for Mr Darcy could be that there were two Mr Bingley's. So at the first opportunity Elizabeth decided to confirm it. Best not to judge someone until you have all the facts. So later that day as Elizabeth had exited Richard's room and met Mr Darcy coming up the stairs she asked him, "Do you know a Mr Charles Bingley?"

"Yes, I do, he is a good friend of mine. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, no reason. No reason at all." Well that, though Elizabeth, confirms it. There could not be two Mr Charles Bingley needing extraction from an 'unsuitable marriage'. Yet another thing to chalk up to the unpleasant Mr Darcy.


Elizabeth had discussed the latest letter from Jane with Richard, although she had altered the dates so that the 'inconsiderate suitor' had jilted Jane several months earlier so as to prevent the possibility of Mr Darcy finding out via Richard, and giving something else to crow about. Elizabeth was sure he'd be broadcasting his triumph with Mr Bingley far and wide already. Richard was able to get to the heart of the problem, Elizabeth's concern was magnified because she did not yet really know what had happened, and it was still all guesswork, both of Jane situation and her state of mind. Richard suggested that she write to her aunt, Mrs Gardener, as that would provide an outsider's perspective, and from that, Elizabeth would know if her sister needed her or not.

So, borrowing his travelling writing desk, Elizabeth wrote the letter as suggested immediately, then wrote one to Charlotte as well, just in case Charlotte had plans to visit London.

Mrs Gardener replied almost immediately confirming everything that Elizabeth had worked out already. It was to Elizabeth's relief was that her own scandal did not appear to have been the cause of Mr Bingley's perfidy, it was all due to Mr Darcy's interference! But the picture her aunt painted of Jane's state made it imperative Elizabeth go to her. Mrs Gardener even suggested it, making mention of how wonderful it would be to see her niece again. So Elizabeth talked with Richard about it. Towards the end of the discussion, where he also made a strong case for her to go to her sister, Elizabeth raised the part she had not been able to find a solution to.

"But what can I do? I am needed here."

"Rubbish, we'll all cope without you. Go to London, your sister needs you far more than we do."

"But I don't know how long I need to go for. I can't leave Amy Jane here with that uncertainty. In the past I could take her on the stage as a baby, but she's too big for that, but too small to take safely."

"That would not be a problem, I'll ask Darcy to take the coach."

"Elizabeth said "No" but this was unheard over Richard's yell of "Darcy! DARCY!"

Darcy must not have been too far away, because as Elizabeth was saying, "There is no need, no need at all to trouble Mr Darcy," but being ignored, when Mr Darcy turned up.

"What is it Richard?"

"Elizabeth needs to go to London, but it's not safe for her to travel on the stage."

"So?"

"So? Darcy? So, you'll take her. I don't need either of you that much now my arm is better. Her need is urgent, so you best leave tomorrow."

"Actually Mr Darcy, I don't need you to..." "Elizabeth tried to get a word in edgewise.

"No."

"What do you mean no? Darcy?"

"I mean no, as in, no I can't do it."

"Yes you can, you've not got anything else that has to get done, you've told me that yourself."

"Actually, Richard I can go on the stage."

Richard turned to her. "Of course not! Darcy is just being intransigent." Turning to Darcy, his voice raised, Richard continued, "Darcy you need to take Elizabeth to London. Sooner than later, if tomorrow won't do."

"I can't do it, Richard. You know that." Darcy voice was also raised by now.

"It's not necessary, really..." Elizabeth was standing now, but that seemed to make no difference to the attention she was getting.

Richard tried once again, "I know nothing of the sort. I don't ask for much, do it for me." Richard was ignoring her wishes as well. It was now an argument between the two men, whatever she wanted.

"I would do anything for you, just not this."

"Why not?"

"Just because..."

"Hah, don't you 'just because' me, Darcy. I remember you in short pants!"

Elizabeth had enough of being fought over and stormed off, slamming the door on the way out. "Men!"


After Elizabeth stormed out of the room, Darcy felt complete frustration. He'd handled that badly. He sat back down to have Richard ask him angrily. "What is wrong with you Darcy?"

"What do you mean?"

"I give you the perfect opportunity to spend time with Elizabeth and you... You... rudely turn it down."

"Can't you see, I had to."

"Had to?"

"How on earth do you think I would survive a day and a half alone in a coach with her?" Unspoken Darcy added and not ravish her before we're half a day out of Ramsgate.

"But you wouldn't be alone with her. She'd be taking Amy Jane."

"Really?"

"Of course, she needs to take her daughter to London."

"Why didn't you say so?"

"Sometimes Darcy I despair for you. For all your intelligence you can miss the obvious. Of course her daughter would go with her."

"In that case I'll make the arrangements now."

"Good for you. Just don't blow it."

"I won't. I'm not stupid you know." Again unspoken Darcy added, I can restrain myself, what does Richard think I'd do in front of a child?

"I'm sure she'll appreciate it. That will help."

Darcy wasn't sure why Richard thought he'd need help. But best be off.


Elizabeth was pacing the hall downstairs, fuming. Once again Mr Darcy had shown his true colours. So much for someone that is willing to help. Elizabeth heard someone coming down the stairs, and was annoyed at this interruption. Looking up at the disturbance, it was the last person she wanted to see, and he was headed straight towards her!

"Elizabeth."

"Yes Mr Darcy."

"It is all arranged."

"Arranged?"

"Yes. We leave tomorrow at 9. You and your daughter need to be ready by then."

"What?"

"Tomorrow at nine. Coach to London. Sorry, have to go make the arrangements. 'Til tomorrow." And then he was off.

Elizabeth was so flustered by this she didn't have the time to tell him she'd not go. She was about to yell that at his retreating back, then stopped. Don't cut off your nose to spite your face Elizabeth, she thought. The stage to London was expensive, and usually not a pleasant trip. Certainly his coach would be far more comfortable, even if having to spend a day and a half stuck with him. But, hopefully he'll spend the entire time riding outside. Fine, Mr Darcy. I'll take your coach, if only to save the fare for her and Amy Jane, as this would mean she would have something to spend in London after all.


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Here's hoping I can squeeze another chapter out before 2012.

Do you want me to try?

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Let me know in your reviews.