Chapter Thirty-Eight – Meetings At Darcy House

January 3, 1805

Dear Will,

This time I am able and very happy to accept your invitation. I look forward to spending a few weeks with you at Darcy House. You cannot imagine how excited Mary and Kitty are to be included in the visit as well. Kitty is practically floating around the house with anticipation at the idea of staying with Georgiana. Mary is less overtly demonstrative, but she wears a nearly constant smile and there is a spring her step that is not normal for her at Longbourn.

Papa gave his consent, of course, but he did complain that he has seen so little of his daughters in the last two years that he would hardly know us if he met us on the street. Uncle Edward took a little umbrage at the remark, which he and I both knew was only half-teasing, no matter how Papa tried to pass it off as a joke. My uncle reminded Papa of the neglect and lack of economy or good judgment that has shown itself from the very beginning of his marriage to Mama and resulted in the need for us to go elsewhere to be safe and be educated like gentlewomen. He did not say it harshly, but the message was a harsh one in all its truth. I love Papa, but I also clearly see where he has been negligent, leaving the cure for his mistakes to others. It is one of the biggest differences between you and my father. He has never fully accepted the responsibility for anything - his estate, his finances, his wife or his children. You not only accept the responsibilities that have fallen to your lot, you strive to fulfill them diligently and with honor. I have no fears for myself or any children with which we might be blessed, for I know you will provide for us with the best of care.

I recognize your care for me in your offer to send Dr. Taylor to examine my father. It will not be necessary, however. Apparently Dr. Taylor has been coming here regularly at my uncle' s request for several months now and seems to be the reason Papa has not become very much worse. Uncle Edward and Papa send their thanks for your offer along with mine.

I read your description of the encounter at your club with disgust for a man who would offer you such insults. I think your response to Lord Brixworth's accusations was appropriate. He had no right to accost or accuse you as he did. By his own actions, he deserved whatever humiliation he felt after you knocked him out. Are you concerned he will retaliate? If he truly is a bully at heart I would expect anything he does to be sneaky and without obvious risk or ties to himself unless acting openly is of no danger to him (although he was wrong when he decided to insult you). You say he has helped George Wickham in the past. I would expect him to do so again. In fact, George Wickham appears to have far more courage and the willingness to act, even if he chooses to act in the service of evil, than Lord Brixworth. It leads me to wonder if the situation was not just one of Lord Brixworth helping him, but rather of George Wickham doing Lord Brixworth's dirty work in return for assistance and a place to hide. The possible connection might be worth a bit of investigation.

Uncle Edward will bring us to town on the eighth with the assistance of Charles and his carriage. They plan for Charles to take us directly to Darcy House while Uncle Edward takes his family to Gracechurch street, so expect us early that afternoon. We will, of course, have our compliment of guards. Caroline will spend that night at Longbourn with Jane so she will not be left alone at Netherfield with Richard, although I suspect she would not mind his sole company. They seem to be getting along better than ever. In fact, they have asked Jane and Charles to delay their wedding plans by a month and marry in a double ceremony just after Caroline's eighteenth birthday. Charles protested at first, but Jane and Caroline talked him around to the idea and your aunt approved it two days ago. I expect she has already written to Mrs. Evans to alter their plans a bit to accommodate a double wedding.

I will tell you more when I see you next week.

Yours,

Lizzy

Will read the letter through for the second time as he leaned back in his chair and enjoyed his afternoon cup of tea. Even though he was sitting by himself, he blushed slightly once again at the compliment to his trustworthiness and responsibility. Knowing Lizzy understood and respected him for that trait gave him a warm, pleasant feeling inside. He also found her speculation regarding Lord Brixworth and George interesting. He would have to ask Richard if his investigators could take a look and see if there might be any substance to it.

Although Lizzy had not said anything about it, Will wondered if part of her joy at having Mary and Kitty join her at Darcy house was connected to the upcoming breakup of the previous trio of almost-sisters. Helping her feel better about the inevitable separation had been his intent at making the invitation include her younger sisters. Jane would stay on at Longbourn. Caroline would be at Netherfield, or in town with Lady Matlock, and Lizzy would not be with them. The trio had spent more than the last year almost constantly together. He knew Lizzy liked her time to walk and be on her own, but she would also miss the other two.

Will smiled as he stood. He knew Georgiana would be thrilled to hear that Lizzy, Mary and Kitty would join them the following week. Anne had told him only that morning that she missed Lizzy and hoped to meet Mary, so she should be pleased with the news as well. Lady Catherine and Mrs. Evans had already approved of his invitation, so they should not be displeased to know it was accepted and the visit was imminent. Will folded up the letter and placed it in the locked drawer with his other correspondence from Lizzy. It was time to go tell his news.

0o0o0

To Will's surprise, Richard arrived along with Charles and the Bennet sisters. He did not realize it at first, but as he greeted them at the door Charles leaned in and spoke with him quietly.

"Once you have turned the ladies over to the housekeeper, you and I need to go to your study for a little while. Richard should be waiting for us there by then."

"Richard? When did he arrive?" Will asked, a little more loudly than he intended.

"Hush, he does not want your family to know yet. He will explain." Charles whispered.

Will nodded, although he was still confused. However, Lizzy and her sisters were standing before him and he needed to fulfill his duty as host before he and Charles could retire to the study. After greeting Lizzy with a kiss to the hand as he bowed before her, he retained her hand in his. Will continued to hold her hand as he welcomed the other two sisters warmly and introduced them to the butler and housekeeper in a way that showed they were honored guests. When it came time for him to pass the three into the care of the housekeeper, Lizzy squeezed his hand lightly.

"I am very glad to be here, Will. I will see you after your meeting in the study." She withdrew her hand from his.

"Ah, yes," he said, being suddenly reminded of a message. "Lady Catherine, Anne and Georgiana are in the drawing room. They looking forward to greeting you there when you have refreshed yourselves and wish to join them. Mrs. Carroll will assign a maid to show you the way." He nodded at the housekeeper and gave each of his guests a bow. They made their way up the stairs behind Mrs. Carroll as he and Charles turned to the study.

Richard had gotten there first and was waiting in one of the comfortable new armchairs Will had purchased for the room, drink in hand. Will poured drinks for himself and Charles and they both sat as well.

"Why did you not come in the front door, Richard?" Will asked.

"I did not want Lady Catherine to know I was here. If I stop in to greet her she will insist I stay to talk and before I know it I will be spending the night without ever having accomplished the work I came to do."

"True enough," Will said, understanding now. "But does this mean my whole staff is in collusion with you?"

"Of course,," Richard said, offering Will a salute with his glass before taking another sip while Charles chuckled. "I rode alongside with the guards today, testing out the gait of the new stallion I purchased. He showed excellent endurance, by the way. When we neared Darcy House I went ahead to the stable and came in from there with the assistance of your servants. Once they understood I was here on business for you and could be delayed by my aunt, they were willing to cooperate. The Bennet sisters know my plans as well and will keep quiet."

"And what are your plans?" Will asked, although he had a sudden suspicion Richard's visit was related to George and Brixworth.

"I have been following up on Lizzy's idea that George might have been acting as Brixworth's agent when our bully lordling did not wish to risk being held accountable. She ran the idea by me at the same time she wrote of it to you, so I already had some men on it when I got your letter. I received word yesterday from the men watching his estate that a few local men who crossed him had mysterious accidents during the time we suspect George was hiding there. I also received word from the men following him here in town that Brixworth has been acting a little strangely since your confrontation at the club. I came to see what is going on. I would not mind the chance to punch him myself if the opportunity came up."

Charles and Will laughed. It had never seemed a good idea when they were at Eton, but they had often wanted the chance to punch Brixworth.

"I take it you do not wish to spend the night here, then?" Will asked.

"No, I will stay at Charles's townhouse. If I finish what I am doing I will head back to Netherfield with him tomorrow. If not, I will go back on my own later."

"I wish you both safe travels whether you go together or separately."

Richard gave Will a quick update on the breeding stock he had purchased. "I think you will approve when you see them," he finished. "I can show you when you come back to Netherfield for the weddings."

"I wish my wedding could be in February as we had originally planned," Charles groused.

"It is only a month late," Richard teased him.

"Are you kidding? Jane and I were supposed to have married last June! I am hoping they bring back George alive so I can give him a good beating before he heads to the gallows."

"I will be in line right behind you," Richard said. "I should be going now. I will go out by way of the stables again. Charles, I will probably see you this evening."

"I need to collect my carriage, so I will go out with you. My servants will be warned so they know to let you in," Charles told him as they all stood.

Richard shook hands with both men and he and Charles headed out by the back ways. Will arrived outside the drawing room just as the three Bennet sisters approached, guided by the maid. He offered Lizzy his arm and they entered the drawing room together followed by Mary and Kitty.

Lizzy curtsied and greeted Lady Catherine warmly. Will's aunt requested an introduction to the other two and Lizzy introduced her sisters to Anne as well. The formalities complete, she hugged Anne and Georgiana. After the greetings, she took a seat next to Will as Lady Catherine examined Mary and Kitty, who had remained standing.

Will hid a smile at the look of open admiration on Kitty's face as she looked around the richly appointed drawing room at Darcy House. He could tell Mary was impressed as well, but she kept her expression better controlled and did not gape at the decorations. Lizzy caught his eye and winked, rolling her eyes at Kitty's enthusiastic response.

"I was not expecting your townhouse to be grander than Netherfield," Kitty gushed. For a brief second Will wondered what kind of response their mother would have and had to suppress a shudder.

"Netherfield is a fine house," Lady Catherine said stiffly, "and appropriate for my nephew's needs, but this townhouse was decorated by my sister, who demonstrated the finest of taste, Miss Katherine."

Kitty faced front again and dropped a curtsy to the older woman. "If you please, Lady Catherine, they call me Kitty. I hardly know it is me when I am addressed as Katherine."

Lady Catherine sniffed haughtily. "I do not approve of nicknames, child. Katherine is a name of which you may be proud. It has graced queens and ladies of high standing. It is your duty to be a credit to the name."

Despite her nervousness, Kitty dropped another graceful curtsy. "Yes, Lady Catherine," she said, with only a hint of uncertainty in her voice. When Will's aunt nodded her approval, Kitty quickly moved to sit by Georgiana. Will saw his sister whisper something in Kitty's ear as Lady Catherine turned her attention to Mary, probably an assurance they would still use the nickname outside of Lady Catherine's hearing, judging by the look of relief Kitty gave her.

"How old are you, Miss Mary?" Lady Catherine asked.

"I am fifteen years of age, Lady Catherine," Mary said timidly, looking as if she wished to drop through the floor rather than dipping and rising in a curtsy.

"Stand up tall, Miss Mary. Chin up, shoulders back," Will's aunt said loudly, but not unkindly. "You must show the world a confident face and they will believe you are confident. If you practice enough, even you will believe."

Mary followed the instructions to improve her posture, but there was still no confidence shining in her face. Lady Catherine nodded slightly.

"Keep practicing, Miss Mary. Start with your stance and soon you will get the feel for it. It is wise for you to wait until you are at least seventeen for your presentation and introduction to society, as Lady Matlock tells me has been decided. It will give you the time you need to learn that and many other skills."

"I am perfectly happy to wait, Lady Catherine. I was most grateful for the support of Lady Matlock and my aunt when my mother tried to insist I be presented and brought out in society this spring."

"When did that happen, Mary?" Lizzy broke in. Sitting beside her, Will could sense the sudden tension that wrapped around Lizzy.

Mary stayed respectfully positioned before Lady Catherine, but she turned slightly towards Lizzy as she answered, "Lady Matlock came to speak with Aunt Madeline while you were out on a walk with Richard and Caroline. We all thought Mama had gone visiting, but apparently she saw the carriage arrive and returned to speak with our guests. It was only a brief confrontation as Lady Matlock reminded her Jane's presentation and yours were supported by her family to honor your future connections through marriage. She said our mother could not command a similar gift or the timing of it for any of her daughters and Lady Matlock believed I was too young and unprepared to be presented this year and that it would be best if I waited until I reached seventeen or eighteen years of age."

Lady Catherine nodded agreement, but Lizzy was a little flustered by the revelation. "How did Mama react?" she asked.

"She tried to argue, but Lady Matlock silenced her by reminding her she could not trade on a presumed relationship based on a marriage that had not yet happened."

"And that she did not support," Will grumbled, remembering Mrs. Bennet's attempts to divide him from Lizzy.

"You mother has definitely overstepped her boundaries," Lady Catherine stated. "She shows herself as a greedy, grasping sort of woman, with whom I shall avoid keeping company. Our family's sponsorship of Jane and Elizabeth was appropriate and their behavior throughout has justified the faith we have placed in them by our notice. Miss Mary, you and Miss Katherine appear to be polite and well-mannered girls who will also be a credit to our family when you become Fitzwilliam's sisters by marriage. While Elizabeth or Jane can now sponsor you, Miss Mary, your chances of making a worthy match will improve if Lady Matlock or I choose to take on that duty. I may be willing to do so if you show yourself willing to do the necessary work over the next year to prepare."

Mary curtsied again and thanked Lady Catherine, who waved a hand to indicate Mary should sit. Anne motioned Mary to take a seat next to her. Although she looked longingly at the chair nearest Elizabeth, Mary moved to the indicated place and sat down.

As Lady Catherine loudly told Lizzy about the events of her stay at Darcy House over past few weeks, Anne quietly spoke with Mary, trying to help her feel comfortable. Will watched gratefully as his cousin gradually soothed the nerves of the shyest Bennet sister.

He was astounded by his aunt's offer to sponsor Mary at court when the time came. Anne's improved health had softened Lady Catherine. His aunt might still be loud and inclined to direct others, but she was happy in a way he could not remember ever seeing her before, even with the relatively recent grief over the deaths of her father and his. Even more surprising to him was the way she had taken Lizzy into her heart and now seemed ready to accept her sisters.

Further conversation revealed that during the upcoming visit Lady Catherine intended Lizzy and Anne to attend a few small events, with Will as escort, of course. Alex would also attend if he was available, but between the final plans for his wedding to Lady Penelope in April and the work he and his father were doing together, it was not likely he would join them often. Lady Catherine did not say so, but Will could tell she was torn between hoping Anne found a worthy suitor and her desire to keep her daughter at home. He hoped Anne's happiness would win in the end.

They had tea and then Georgiana asked if she and Kitty might be excused to practice on the pianoforte. It was the best possible excuse she could offer and Will was certain she knew it. After a few words on the benefits of practice, Lady Catherine allowed them to leave. Will heard them giggling together as they headed up the stairs

0o0o0

The ladies had gone out to order a few new gowns for Anne and Lizzy. Mary accompanied them at Lady Catherine's request. She felt it was good for Mary to have a little exposure to the life her sister would lead after her marriage. Georgiana and Kitty were happily settled in the schoolroom, so after seeing that his aunt's group was well guarded and waving them off, Will headed to his study.

He almost jumped in surprise when he found Richard sitting in the armchair again. Mrs. Carroll entered before Will had turned to close the door, bringing a tea tray that included a plate of Richard's favorite biscuits alongside a plate of Will's favorites. She set down the tray on the table and left without a word, closing the door behind her.

"I thought Charles was planning to leave early this morning," Will said as he reached to shake Richard's hand before taking a seat.

"Eh, you know Charles. Early for him is two in the afternoon," Richard chuckled. "I am heading back to his townhouse right after we have tea. He knows I will be back in time to travel with him." He reached for a few biscuits as Will poured a cup for each of them.

"So, what news do you have?" Will asked, taking a few biscuits for himself.

Richard finished chewing the first biscuit before he answered, "My men were correct about Brixworth behaving strangely. Apparently he stopped in at both the Bank of England and Number 4 Bow Street. I went to both locations and learned he was trying to confirm whether it was you or your father who turned George in for forgery. They tried to keep things very quiet at the bank, but I finally managed to learn Brixworth strong-armed a clerk and was told it was your father who complained about the forged check and put protections in place to prevent future forgeries. They were a little more open at Bow Street and told Brixworth that your father reported the forgery and they gave him information about the variety of other charges laid at George's account, also by your father in a number of cases. I am certain many of them were no surprise to Brixworth, but confirmation that George is a confirmed forger probably shook him."

"I wonder what he really wanted from George?" Will asked as he picked up another biscuit.

"Money, I would say. It turns out Brixworth has not managed his funds very well and his parents are refusing to pick up the slack. They have their own money issues. I believe he was expecting George to inherit Pemberley, or a large part of its value. They probably had an agreement that George would give him financial help. After what he has learned, I doubt Brixworth will continue to count on that help. My men said he has visited a moneylender or two, but he has not looked happy as he left their homes. I am certain he will find one eventually to lend him some cash, but he is not a very good risk so the interest will be extortionate."

"His parents had better hope there is an entail on their estates."

"Hmm," Richard agreed as he chewed.

As they finished their tea, they made plans for Richard's men to see if they could subvert one or more of Brixworth's servants or plant someone who might be able to check his post in hopes of getting a lead on locating George if they were in correspondence. The last update Richard had from his men on the continent had not been very encouraging. When the biscuits had all been eaten, Richard left with a promise to keep Will informed of their progress.