Chapter 6

Darcy and Wickham stared at the Larkwood butler in disbelief. "You mean to tell me, your master is in residence here?" Wickham asked incredulously.

"Certainly." The butler sniffed in disdain. "He is not at home at the present, but if you would leave your card, I will ensure that Larkwood's owner receives it."

Darcy raised an eyebrow and said, "May I enquire as to your master's name?"

The butler pushed his chest out slightly and said, "Mr. Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire."

Wickham burst out laughing, and the butler glared down his nose. Darcy smiled thinly and retrieved his card from inside a coat pocket. "I am afraid you may have been misinformed."

The butler looked at the name on the card, then paled. "I had not realized a relative of Mr. Darcy's was to visit. Please, allow me to show you to him in his study."

"I thought you said he was not at home," Wickham said sarcastically.

The butler showed the two men into the house. Darcy strode confidently ahead with Wickham, leaving the butler panting to keep up. Thrusting the door open, Darcy walked into the study. A thin man wearing spectacles look up, startled. When he saw Darcy, he went pale. "Mr.- Mr. Darcy," he stammered.

"Mr. Lowry," Darcy said coldly. "I have come to see why I had not received a report from you over the last year," he continued. "I was concerned for your safety, but here you are."

Darcy turned to the butler and said, "Send a footman to fetch the magistrate immediately."

The butler blinked in confusion. "I don't understand."

"Oh for heaven's sake, man!" exclaimed Wickham. "Mr. Lowry here is the steward. He has been passing himself off as Mr. Darcy, the true owner of the estate."

The butler gaped in astonishment at Mr. Lowry, who stared miserably down at the desk. The truth was obvious, and the butler practically ran from the room to find a footman.

The magistrate quickly arrived, and Mr. Lowry was taken away. Wickham began reading over the estate books, which were in surprisingly good order. While Wickham looked at the finances, Darcy summoned the butler and housekeeper to begin to untangle the monstrous web of deceit that had been woven in Larkwood.

Night fell upon the estate, and Darcy looked at his watch. "I need to return to the Bingley residence," he informed Wickham. "I do not feel comfortable leaving Georgiana overnight with strangers."

"She has her governess with her," Wickham pointed out.

"I still feel uneasy about it. I cannot explain why, but I simply need to return," Darcy said. "If you prefer to remain here, I understand."

Wickham looked sharply at Darcy, then nodded. "I will come with you, then."

After leaving strict instructions with the butler to not allow anyone entrance to the house, Darcy and Wickham saddled their horses and made their way to the Bingley residence. The journey only took a quarter of an hour, as they rode at full gallop.

The two men arrived at the Bingley residence not long after the household had retired to bed for the night. A surprised footman answered their knock and admitted them into the house. They quietly made their way up the staircase towards their rooms, but they stopped at the sound of a woman sobbing.

A door opened to their right, and Darcy pulled Wickham back into the shadow of the hallway. Bingley Sr. exited Miss Caroline's room, her sobs following as he closed the door with a grin. He adjusted his bedclothing, looked around, and sauntered off to his rooms.

"The bastard!" Wickham said with clenched teeth. "You were right to return, Darcy. Georgiana is not safe here."

"None of the young ladies are safe here," Darcy said grimly. "We'll speak in the morning about what to do to help. Unfortunately, there are very few legal recourses."

"In the meantime, you should have Georgiana's governess stay the night in her room," Wickham said.

"Oh, I will."

The two men went to their respective chambers, but their sleep was haunted by the echoes of Miss Bingley's cries.

The next morning, on the way downstairs to breakfast, Darcy instructed his sister's maid to begin packing her things. "We will be staying at Larkwood. Please inform Miss Darcy we will leave as soon as she awakens and is dressed."

He continued on to the breakfast room, where he found Wickham and Bingley. He glanced around the room to assure himself of Bingley Sr.'s absence – as well as that of any servants – then made eye contact with his friend and gestured towards their host's son.

Wickham nodded and said, "Bingley, we were delighted to find Larkwood in excellent condition. Darcy and I plan on removing there with his sister sometime today. We would like to invite you and your sisters to join us."

Bingley's face, which had fallen at hearing of their departure, brightened immediately. "I say, that is very kind of you! I accept on behalf of myself, but I will need to speak to my father about my sisters' attendance."

Darcy and Wickham exchanged looks. After a few moments, Wickham said, "Bingley, you know I am your friend, right?"

"Of course!" Bingley immediately replied.

"I would never lie to you," continued Wickham.

"I never thought you would." A confused frown crossed Bingley's face.

Wickham hesitated, glancing once more at Darcy, then said, "Last night, when we returned from Larkwood, we came across your father exiting your younger sister's chambers. She was crying."

A sudden gasp caused all three men to jump. They spun around to face the door, where a white and shaking Miss Caroline stood. When she saw their attention on her, she let out a low wail and ran from the room.

"Caroline!" shouted Bingley. He ran after her, pausing only to say, "I will return once I know what the devil is going on."

The door closed behind the young man, leaving Darcy and Wickham staring after the siblings in horrified silence. "Well, that did not go well," Wickham finally said.

"No, indeed," Darcy responded tightly. "I think it would be best for us to eat quickly while Bingley comforts his sister, then speak with him ourselves to assure him of our discretion and assistance."

The two men filled their plates from the sideboard and ate rapidly. Upon finishing, they made their way up the stairs. They heard the sound of shouting voices long before they reached the top.

"How could you do this to her?" Bingley's voice was filled with anguish and disgust.

Unwilling to interrupt the confrontation, Darcy and Wickham waited unnoticed at the entrance to the family wing.

"Come now, Charles," came the smooth voice of Bingley Sr. "You know you cannot believe what your sister says. She had always been high-strung."

"You were seen leaving her rooms in the middle of the night," Bingley thundered. "I always knew Caroline and Louisa were desperate to stay at school over the holidays, but I never imagined it was because of your depravity!"

"What I do with my daughters is none of your business," snarled Bingley Sr., the smooth façade giving way to the monster beneath. "I am the head of this family, and I will do as I see fit. When I am dead, then you may deal with them how you wish."

"I am certain that can be arranged," Bingley said icily.

Darcy's eyebrows shot up, and he exchanged alarmed looks with Wickham. The two of them moved into the corridor. Bingley and his father were standing inches apart, faces read with fury. Miss Caroline stood at the door to her chambers, white-faced and trembling in her sister's arms.

Both Bingley men turned to see Darcy and Wickham. "Ah, gentlemen." Bingley Sr.'s face and voice instantly became smooth and calm. "I apologize that you are witnessing a misunderstanding –"

"Don't bother, Father," Bingley spat out. "They saw you last night."

Bingley's Sr.'s face went white, then red. "It doesn't matter," he snarled. "There's nothing anyone can do to stop me."

Bingley Sr. shoved his way past his two guests. As he reached the staircase, he turned around and opened his mouth to speak. What he would say, however, would never be heard. His sudden spin startled a passing maid, causing her to drop a pail of hot water that was being brought up for a bath. The steaming liquid splashed over her master, who lost his balance and stumbled backwards.

Unfortunately for Bingley Sr., stepping backwards meant stepping onto thin air. The man's body began tumbling down, rolling backwards over himself until he reached the bottom step, where he lay unmoving.

The maid let out a piercing shriek and began to sob. Darcy, Wickham, and Bingley dashed down the stairs, treading carefully around the water before picking up speed again. The butler and a footman had already reached their master.

"Call for a doctor!" Bingley shouted, and a footman raced out the door. Darcy and Wickham knelt by Bingley Sr., but it was clear there was nothing that could be done for the man. His neck lay at an unnatural angle, and there was no pulse at his neck.

"I'm so sorry," Wickham told Bingley, who stared at his father in shock.

Bingley looked down at his father, then up at his sisters, who were standing at the top of the staircase. "Is he… is he dead?" Miss Caroline asked fearfully.

"He is," Darcy responded after a moment's silence.

Miss Caroline burst into tears and collapsed to the floor. Miss Bingley, too, sank to her knees. Darcy saw his sister come to the staircase near the women, and Darcy hurried up the stairs to her. As he passed the weeping sisters, he heard one of them repeating in a whisper, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you."

Darcy sent Georgiana to her rooms, then turned to the terrified maid, who was still in hysterics. "I done killed 'im!" she wailed loudly in response to Darcy's questioning if she was alright.

These words startled Bingley from his shock. He looked down at his father, lips tightening in a disgusted grimace. He then came up the stairs and said, "You did not kill my father. It was an accident of his own making. You are not at fault, and I will make that clear to the magistrate."

As if summoned by Bingley's words, a knock sounded at the door, and the butler admitted both the doctor and the magistrate, who had met together for breakfast at the local inn. Statements were taken from all the witnesses, and the magistrate declared that it was an unfortunate accident.

After they left, Darcy gave the maid a guinea and told her she could rest for the day. This received an approving nod from the housekeeper, who bustled the young girl down to the kitchens. Bingley sent a missive to his father's solicitor, then asked a footman to fetch his sisters.

Darcy and Wickham went to excuse themselves, but Bingley said, "No, I would appreciate if you would stay. I could use some support. I am at a complete loss, and you already know the truth of the matter."

"I am exceedingly sorry that our presence has caused this," Darcy said remorsefully as he and Wickham followed Bingley into a small parlor.

"No, do not apologize," Bingley said. "I can only feel gratitude that you did not say silent. My poor, poor sisters. I had no idea, none at all."

"That is because we hid it," Miss Bingley responded.

The gentlemen turned in surprise, unaware that the Bingley girls had entered the room.

"Why would you not tell me?" Bingley asked, his voice breaking slightly.

"What could you have done?" Miss Caroline let out a harsh laugh. "Until we are married, we are under our father's control. Although now that he is gone, I do not think I ever want to marry."

"That is why I accepted Mr. Hurst's offer," Miss Bingley said softly. "I was going to take Caroline with me on the wedding trip, then insist she remain with me afterwards. Hurst's family has enough connections that Father could not have denied it without harming the business."

"Do you still wish to marry him?" Bingley asked softly.

Miss Bingley hesitated, then said, "Yes. To call of the engagement would forever ruin my reputation. He is kind, although he does drink to excess. I suppose we will have to delay the wedding, though, until the mourning period has passed."

"No!" cried out Miss Caroline. All eyes turned towards her. "I cannot bear to stay here - in this house, in those rooms, in that bed – one moment longer."

She buried her face in her hands.

"If I may," Darcy said with hesitation, "you could all be my guests at Larkwood. The estate seems to be in very good repair. It would allow you to leave this house and the memories, while also allowing Bingley to be nearby to arrange things."

"I say, Darcy," replied Bingley with surprise, "that is very kind of you. What do you say, girls?"

The Bingley sisters looked at one another, then Miss Bingley said, "Thank you for your offer, Mr. Darcy. May we discuss things in private with our brother?"

"Of course!" Darcy instantly replied.

He and Wickham removed themselves in the room. While Wickham went to direct loading the carriage with their luggage, Darcy sought out his sister. Being full young, she did not understand all of what had occurred that day. Darcy simply told her that there had been an accident. She was very sorry for the Bingley family, as she knew what it was to be an orphan.

"I think it very good of you, Brother, to invite them to stay with us. They must be quite distraught."

Darcy gently explained that Mr. Bingley Sr. was not as kind to his daughters as their own father had been, so his death was in some ways a relief. This knowledge caused Georgiana even more sorrow for the two young ladies, and she instantly resolved to be as good a friend as she could be.

A knock at the door brought their conversation to a close. Darcy left Georgiana to finish her preparations and joined Bingley in the hall.

"My sisters and I would like to join you at Larkwood today," Bingley said. "We will remain until it is time for me to return to school. Hurst will request a common license, and they will be married before I leave. Caroline will go with them."

"That sounds like an excellent idea," Darcy said. "Rest assured, you and your sisters will find peace and healing with us. I know I am a stranger to you, but you can trust in my discretion."

Bingley nodded. "I cannot begin to thank you enough."

"There is no need. The loss of a father is difficult enough, but with these circumstances, the matter is that much more painful. I am glad to do what I can."

One year later

"Are you certain you wish to do this, Bingley?" Darcy asked his friend as they exited their carriage at an inn.

The two men, accompanied by Wickham, were on their way to Staffordshire. Bingley had recently finished his second from Cambridge, and his two friends offered to stop by the school on their way to Larkwood for a quick visit. Darcy and Wickham were desirous to see that all was in order with the new estate manager, and Bingley wanted nothing more than to sever all ties to the county.

"Yes," Bingley said firmly. The men entered the inn and requested a private room for supper.

"I'm sorry, gentlemen," the innkeeper said regretfully, "but it has already been taken by a young man who arrived here about ten minutes before you. If you'd like, I can see if he would be willing to share it."

Darcy nodded in acquiesce, and the innkeeper sent a servant down the hall. While they waited, Bingley continued, "I want nothing more to do with Father's company. There wasn't enough time to sell it last summer before going to school. Now that all of the arrangements have been made to bring the business up to snuff, I want to remove any trace of that man's influence in my life."

Bingley, horrified by what had been happening to his sisters, had vowed to do all he could to improve their lives. He increased their dowries, although Miss Caroline – who was now Miss Bingley after her elder sister's marriage to Mr. Hurst – still fiercely declared she had no desire to marry. The increased dowry provided enough income so she could establish her own household, should she ever choose to do so.

For the time being, however, Bingley's plan to sell the family business and purchase an estate was the last step in his journey to purge his father from his life. After the sale, he would continue at Cambridge for his last two years. Upon graduation, he would being a search for an estate to lease.

The servant returned and whispered to the innkeeper, who once again approached the three friends. "The gentleman, a Mr. William Collins, says he would be delighted to have your company for dinner."

Darcy nodded, and the three gentlemen followed the servant down the hall. As they walked, they continued their conversation.

"I think you are making the right decision," Wickham said. "You are getting a fair payment for your father's business, and this will allow you and Miss Bingley to make a fresh start in a new place."

"I just need to find an estate to let for a year," Bingley said glumly. "Most available estates are in disrepair."

This comment was made just as they entered the room, where a tall, heavy-looking man of around twenty-two sat at the table, tucking into a meat pie. He stood as they entered the room, then motioned for them to be seated at the table. As they took their seats, the young man requested the servant to bring more food and drink for his guests.

"Delighted to make your acquaintance," he said cheerfully. "My name is William Collins."

Darcy, Wickham, and Bingley all introduced themselves. "Thank you for allowing us to join you," Darcy said formally as a servant arrived with more food for the increased party.

"Not at all, I assure you! I do hate eating alone, but I could not bring myself to eat out in the inn, either."

"It makes you too easy a mark," Wickham said approvingly.

"I also do not drink alcohol very often, and it was flowing a little too freely out there for my taste," Collins admitted with a frown.

Darcy and Wickham looked at one another in astonishment. "We do not drink, either!" Wickham exclaimed.

"Ah, it is always nice to meet a fellow teetotaler," Collins said with another smile.

The four fell into a casual conversation while they ate. The three friends learned that Collins had recently graduated from Oxford and was taking orders. "I'm the heir to my cousin's estate in Hertfordshire. He raised me after my parents died, but I have always felt called to the church. I am hopeful my cousin will live for many more years, so I will be taking the living near our home."

"Does your cousin not have any children?" Bingley asked curiously.

"Five daughters," Collins said with a smile. "Unfortunately for them, the estate is entailed away from the female line."

"What brings you to Staffordshire, then?" Bingley asked congenially.

A shadow crossed Collins' face. "I was born here," he said after a brief hesitation. "My parents died when I was eight years of age, and I have not returned here since. I thought after graduation I would spend the summer here, then return to Hertfordshire."

"Where will you stay?" Wickham inquired.

"At one of the local inns, I imagine," Collins shrugged.

Wickham looked at Darcy, and Darcy knew what he was thinking. "Would you like to stay with us at Larkwood?" the master of Pemberley invited.

Collins looked at the three men in surprise. "Why, that is quite generous of you indeed! I'm afraid I would not make for a pleasant companion, however. My memories of Staffordshire are not entirely pleasant, and I may be prone to needing solitude for quiet reflection. I would not want to put a damper on your house party."

At these last words, Bingley snorted into his cup. His companions stared at him as he began to laugh, the sound of which was tinged with a hint of mania. After a long minute, Bingley composed himself enough to say, "I apologize. It's simply that my last memories of being here are quite horrible as well, and I have been dreading making this visit. The closer to we get to my late father's residence, the more depressed I feel."

Darcy looked at Bingley in surprise. He had been unaware of his friend's feelings, as the younger man had spent their travels behaving with his customary jovial nature.

Collins nodded slowly, his eyes scrutinizing Bingley. "Very well," he said slowly. "I cannot deny that I would appreciate some company. It would keep me from my morose thoughts. I only ask, in return, that you are honest with me about the nature of your visit."

This request made Wickham sit up straighter and sharply at the newly ordained man of the cloth. "I trust that such communications would be kept private?"

Collins' eyes widened slightly at Wickham's harsh tone. "Naturally," he assured them. "In fact, I will tell you my story first. Afterwards, you may decide how much you wish to tell me."

The four gentlemen spent the next quarter hour in quiet conversation. No one spoke as Collins related the story of his mother's health and his father's abuse. At the end of his narrative, Bingley shared all that was discovered in the final hours of his father's life.

At the end of Bingley's recital, Collins sat back heavily in his chair. "I see why you are struggling to return," he said to Bingley. "And why you were wary of my intentions," he added with a nod to Wickham.

The four sat in silence for several long moments. Finally, Collins said, "I think I will join you, my friends. I think I can help you as much as you can help me during this journey."