Chapter Fifteen
His sister and Mrs Williamson were indulging in laughter. Georgiana was at the pianoforte and her companion was on the harp. Darcy decided not to ask the source of their hilarity but was pleased his sister was enjoying herself. A short time ago, anxiety seemed to be continually in her eyes. What pleased him most was that her good humour remained with his arrival.
"Brother, I thought you were in Bath."
"Sir Hugo needed to confer with me."
"So, you decided to spend some time with me before rushing back to your investigation. I am honoured."
"You make it sound so formal. I love spending time with you."
"And I enjoy your company of late."
"That is precisely my reason for visiting today. Mrs Williamson, may I have a moment alone with my sister?"
"Certainly Mr Darcy." She smiled encouragingly toward her companion and quickly left the room.
"Georgiana, I owe you an apology. The book we read by a Lady and conversations with Miss Mary Bennet have forced me to re-evaluate the way I spoke to you in Ramsgate. Though I was correct to be furious with George, I had no right to treat you as though you were a naughty child."
"But I almost eloped and that surely would have ruined my life."
"That is true, but it was not correct to say you were silly to agree to Mr Wickham's proposal. He is a very charming man. While he was complimenting you and helping you imagine a bright future, I was lost in my own troubles. You too were missing your parents, and unlike me had not been allowed to have their guidance as long. Appealing looks and enchanting words are very persuasive. I too have felt their pull."
"Have you considered marrying someone? Is it Miss Mary Bennet?"
"No, it was her sister. It was just before Papa died. It is not an excuse for my behaviour, but Ramsgate happened at a time I was grieving for both our father and Miss Elizabeth. It is the reason I am helping Sir Hugo find her murderer."
"Oh brother, I am proud of you for caring. Signor Giovanni speaks highly of the Bennet twins."
"During our investigation, I have become friends with Miss Mary." He shook his head in mirth as he remembered their first encounter. "I insulted her and it was Miss Elizabeth's rebuke of my arrogant words which first drew me to her." His mouth tilted downward as he continued. "Mary has forgiven me, but wants—no needs-justice. The highwaymen left her badly injured and her beloved sister dead. Her own guilt and grief are a barrier between us. Before I left London, I knew her twin was troubled but did not feel I could help."
Georgiana moved toward him and enveloped him in a hug worthy of Sir Hugo. "I am gratified I am not the only one who has doubts or makes mistakes."
His discussion with their uncle about Lady Anne caused uncharacteristic tears to well. Georgiana had been denied having that strong and loving being there to help her navigate becoming a woman. He enthusiastically returned her embrace and kissed the top her head. "I would appreciate if you would join me and Miss Mary at Rosings in a fortnight. My vision is a gay time with much music, phaeton driving, and teaching Mary to play chess. Please bring Mrs Williamson with you. Her harp will enhance our musical evenings. Lady Catherine is less abrasive now that Anne and Richard are married. She has requested Mary attempt a portrait of Colonel and Mrs Fitzwilliam."
"Are you developing feelings for Miss Mary?"
"Yes, but it is complicated. I need her to tell me the complete truth. She knows something that might allow Captain Marlowe and I to solve the crime, but she refuses to reveal it. I could never marry someone who is not completely honest."
"Have you made certain she knows she can trust you? I have only recently decided it is safe to confide in you."
Darcy was startled by her words and without thinking almost said something dismissive. Mary's face as she answered his questions flashed before his eyes. In hindsight, he could see the wariness. Sweet dear Georgiana had uncovered the root of his dilemma.
For the second time that day, Darcy was about to be embraced. The judge crossed the room, arms outstretched. Instinctually he stiffened, the revealed knowledge of Sir Hugo's life was still ever present on his mind. His uncle's slowing steps and wary expression filled him with sadness. With the strongest resolution he could muster, he forced his arms wide to hug first.
He knew he had chosen wisely when his eyes met Sir Hugo's just before they embraced. "Fitzwilliam, I hope your talk with Georgiana went well."
'Yes, she helped me with a thorny problem. I am ready to proceed with my mission."
"Excellent! May I tempt you with more of that cognac you had last evening? It too is part of this investigation."
"Please, yes. It is a superior libation and I am in need of something to mellow my soul. How is it involved?"
"A fellow judge gave it to me as a gift. He was quite open when telling me it had been smuggled into the country from our enemy France. Cornwall is where such things are usually unloaded. Kit has gone there to learn what he is able about the operation from an agent. The local law believes men of some power and property are complicit. As you know, I believe Sir Humphrey and Sir Walter are involved."
Darcy feared he had lost his uncle's confidence. "So, what am I to do?"
"You are necessary to uncover what Lord Templeton knows about Miss Elizabeth's uncertainty. You have known him since Eton I believe."
"What should I ask him?"
"My suggestion would be to ask a few slightly provocative questions and allow him to talk… and talk some more. Rumour has it he is very proud of his family and his role in the House of Lords. He knows the Viscount Thornbridge quite well… not to mention George Wickham."
Darcy's note to arrange a meeting with Lord Templeton was answered within an hour of its delivery.
The appointment had been set for the following evening at nine. His destination was within a short distance of his house, so he decided to walk. A footman in elaborate livery showed him to the study. His lordship entered the room and his guest attempted a mental sketch worthy of the twins. Physically, he was very different from either the Fitzgeralds or the Darcys. He was barely average height and his colouring was what was to be expected for someone with ginger hair… a bit like Bingley, but no one would ever say Lord Templeton was feckless.
His host did not offer French brandy, but port and some delicious cheese. He wondered whether either had been smuggled. "Hope you are well, my lord. I have not seen you for more than a year."
"Our mutual friend, George Wickham, spoke of you shortly before he joined the militia."
"Did you help him become a lieutenant?"
"Perhaps."
"I have heard he is accumulating more than a bit of debt, yet again."
"Yes Darcy, he is a creature of habit. He is best at losing at games of chance and attempting to elope with a naïve miss in possession of some fortune."
Darcy calmed himself with a bite of cheese and a sip of port. Lord Templeton was taunting him. Wickham must have told him of Georgiana… or perhaps. "Have you seen my cousin, Viscount Thornbridge recently?"
"Yes, we were together for a few days at Lord Fairfax's house party in West Sussex. I believe Clarence left early to meet his father in Bath."
"I am not well acquainted with him." He fortified himself with another sip of wine. "I saw my cousin, the Viscountess and my aunt and uncle in Bath. We had a pleasant family dinner."
"Alas, I have not been blessed with much living family. Remembrance and portraits of those who went before are all I have to inspire and comfort me."
"You must be in need of a wife?"
His lordship laughed. "Are you here to offer me you sister?"
Darcy was totally unprepared for his words. His mind struggled to reply appropriately. "Oh no, she is a naïve young country girl who must be kept from those who need to marry a fortune." Damn! He needed to sound more in control. "I know you are hardly such a person, but society can be treacherous. Next year during her Season she will meet someone appropriate. My entire family will be working hard to ensure her success."
"So true, so true! I love interacting with as you say 'naïve country girls' during their Season, but marriage is something very different. It is not about enjoyment but familial duty. I am certain you know what I mean. I, myself, am looking for a duke's daughter like your cousin. She must be pleasing enough to periodically entice, fertile enough to produce an heir and a reserve, and not given to complaining about my having a mistress. Now that is the sport I most enjoy during the Season… finding a candidate for that position."
Darcy thought it time to become more aggressive. "Is it true you gave Miss Elizabeth Bennet a pair of emerald earrings to persuade her to accept that post?"
Darcy had been successful in being provocative. His lordship looked puzzled, but thankfully did not appear annoyed.
"Perhaps I should have attempted that gambit instead of offering Sir Walter 5000 pounds."
"You made him an offer to make her your mistress?"
"Yes, but I also asked for her twin. That annoyed him, but I wanted both of them—one vivacious and the other more serene—what ever my mood desired. With time, perhaps both together."
This member of the House of Lords was very skilled at baiting an opponent. A deep breath, a shake of his head and a ridiculous smile covered his emotional turmoil. "I almost took a tumble for Miss Elizabeth. Not being an earl's son, but only a lowly grandson, I actually considered marriage. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, my father died in the midst of my foolish attraction."
"Should I offer you condolences or congratulations?"
Darcy decided to ignore that question and ask one of his own. "Did you spend much time with Miss Mary Bennet?"
"I sat next to her at dinner one evening. I believe her sister was down the table between you and Colonel Fitzwilliam… thoroughly enjoying being the source of your entertainment. Her twin and I discussed her sketches. Her ability to capture the humourous aspects of our society were as piercing as Gillray, though perhaps a bit more ladylike. She had one of you dancing with her sister being judged by me and Wickham. I believe that was the night I first conceived my plan."
"Was it because they were twins?"
"Yes, but there was something more. That evening, Miss Mary explained to me she and her sister were unique, and it wasn't just because they were twins. There was a hint of defiance as she proceeded to explain. As best I remember, she said, unlike most young ladies they were rational creatures who would determine their own destiny. As I watched her, my plan began to come together."
Lord Templeton was thoroughly in charge, and Darcy's growing feelings for Miss Mary needed to know. "Tell me more."
"It is hard to describe their appeal. Both were very intelligent, very talented, quite pretty, desirous of a certain independence, and together they represented a most delightful entertainment for a man of my means." It was his turn to take a sip of port before he added, "I would never have murdered her."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because that is why you are here; and what you are trying to determine."
He needed to find out at least one piece of knowledge. "Did you make your proposal to Miss Elizabeth at Vauxhall?"
"Yes, but I did not mean to. I was walking with her and we were laughing about something… thoroughly enjoying ourselves. She looked particularly lovely that evening. Sir Walter approached us and blurted out my offer. That stupid baronet has no finesse. The 'naïve country girl' was horrified and rushed away."
"Did that cause you to give up your plans?"
"No, I knew they were going to Brighton. I thought perhaps a trip to Hertfordshire after they returned home might allow me to resume negotiations. While I waited, I did a bit of investigation and determined the Bennet's financial situation was precarious. However, their sister marrying that Bingley fellow… I think he is a friend of yours… was less advantageous for my offer being accepted. I was trying to figure out how to proceed with the changed circumstances when word of Miss Elizabeth's murder caused me to abandon my guest."
Darcy fought off nausea. "Bingley and the twins' sister, Jane, seem happy. They have a baby."
"What a good man you are. I hope my confession will not cause nightmares."
Darcy was quite certain it would.