A.N. Thank you for the wonderful comments. Here is Mrs. Bennet's scheming. Happy reading and stay safe! Cheers Enid
Chapter Three
As the Bennets arrived at their grandmother's townhouse in London, Elizabeth was thankful that Fitzwilliam had chosen to accompany and stay with them, instead of staying with Mr. Kingsway. While she was usually the bravest of the Bennet girls, Elizabeth could not help but fear all the changes that were taking place without her beloved father. She clutched Mary's hand as they walked through the entrance of the grey townhouse.
Their grandmother was exactly like their mother, beautiful but self-centred. Elizabeth had met her but two or three times. Mrs. Gibson had been widowed and married several times with the hope for increasing her situation in life. With her fourth husband, she finally struck gold. He was a quiet man with eight thousands a year, a townhouse in the fashionable part of London and some business interest in America. He loved that she set a good table and gave her free rein of his home. He was conveniently away for business in the north at the moment.
"Never fear," Elizabeth said to Mary, smiling, though the words were for truly for herself.
Elizabeth looked back at Fitzwilliam, who gave her a smile. She recalled his promise not to leave her and felt much less alone. She also remembered the way that Fitzwilliam caught her arm on the night of their fathers' death, staring into her eyes with an intensity that made her heart squeeze. She was entirely unsure of what such a look meant, but the feeling stayed with her every time she saw Fitzwilliam afterward.
Mary squeezed Elizabeth's hand more tightly, bringing her back to the present. "It smells funny here," she said.
"I bet it is Grandmother," Elizabeth said, making her laugh.
"It is lovely to see you, Mama," Mrs. Bennet said coolly to the formidable Grandmother Gibson.
"You all look quite travel-worn. Come, the butler will show you to your rooms," Mrs. Gibson replied.
Elizabeth looked back again at Fitzwilliam, who kept his head down low. The Bennets and Fitzwilliam were shown to their rooms, where they could rest until their supper.
Mrs. Gibson spoke first. "Master Fitzwilliam, you are the heir of George Darcy? I was not under the impression that he had much money."
"My father was very private, madam." Fitzwilliam sighed, blaming himself of letting Mrs. Bennet know of his real situation in life.
"What do you intend to do with your inheritance?" she asked.
Fitzwilliam looked surprised. "I- I am not sure, madam. I suppose I might work the land, as my father did."
"Work the land? How ghastly! That isn't proper for someone of your station! Someone with several estates." Mrs. Gibson said, quite offended at the prospect.
"My father loved the land. It wasn't above his station to work it. He always said, 'The land is why we can afford luxuries, we ought to give back to it,'" Fitzwilliam recounted.
"I say, those are quite romantic notions to put in a young gentleman's head. If you are so displeased with your fortunes, perhaps you should share it to those who could appreciate a gentile life," Mrs. Gibson retorted, sending Mrs. Bennet a sideways glance.
Elizabeth piped up, "I think it is admirable to want to take a different path."
Fitzwilliam caught her smile while Mrs. Gibson watched the pair, mouth pursed.
"When are we to ride in Hyde Park?" asked Jane, ever purposeful of her aim in showing off her beauty.
"That is boring!" exclaimed Lydia. "I would rather see the Changing of the Guard at St. James Court. So many handsome soldiers!"
"Yes, me too!" giggled Kitty.
"I do not know, girls," said Mrs. Bennet, "I think we best wait to be settled. I have plans I need to arrange. Fitzwilliam, may you remind me of the name of your father's solicitor?"
"Mr. Kingsway, madam."
"Yes, Mr. Kingsway. You intend to meet with him this week to hear the reading of your father's will, correct?" Mrs. Bennet asked, making Fitzwilliam feel uneasy.
"Indeed. Why do you ask about Mr. Kingsway?" questioned Fitzwilliam.
"I ought to accompany you on this visit. I'm sure the late Mr. Darcy would want the family in charge of his son's care to have some allowances."
"I did not realise that you were in charge of my care," said Fitzwilliam, growing uncomfortable.
"Fitzwilliam, you have not yet reached the majority. You accompany and stay with us, though your home lies in Pemberley. One must assume you are under my charge, even though I cannot be your guardian in name," Mrs. Bennet replied.
"I—"
"That will be all for now, Fitzwilliam. I shall attend your visit to Mr. Kingsway," said Mrs. Bennet, speaking again to her mother so that Fitzwilliam would not have the opportunity to dispute.
Fitzwilliam stared at Elizabeth, appalled.
Later that evening, Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth met in the garden of the townhouse, all other members of the household had gone to bed.
"Are you well?" Fitzwilliam asked her.
Concern was written all over Elizabeth's face. "Oh Fitzwilliam, I am well. Yet, my mother's insistence on accompanying you to your solicitor's office troubles me—I do not know what tricks she may have up her sleeve."
"It is strange, I agree. I should have enough money to give her some allowance, for all your sake, but she does not realise that my father's cousin is my guardian," Fitzwilliam replied.
"May I accompany you? I should not like for you to be alone," Elizabeth said with apprehension.
"Of course. Though you needn't worry for me. I should be worried for you—there has been so much that has happened in the past weeks, we have scarcely been able to speak," Fitzwilliam asked, taking her arm.
"I think much of Papa. If only he was here… well, at the very least Mary and I would be much more content," Elizabeth whispered. "I think much of you, too."
"You do?" Fitzwilliam asked. He thought of Elizabeth constantly. Since the night in the stable when he could not stop himself from embracing her. He would have kissed her, had he not recovered himself.
"I do," she said. "That night in the stables—"
"I am sorry if I behaved untoward," Fitzwilliam blurted.
"No, no, think nothing of it," Elizabeth said
"What were you saying?" Fitzwilliam asked.
"It is nothing. It is late, Fitzwilliam. We ought to get abed before anyone realises."
Fitzwilliam's pulse quickened as he watched under the bright moonlight Lizzy lick her full lips, a nervous habit he noticed. "Yes, good night Elizabeth." He pulled her in for an embrace, placing a kiss upon her forehead. He hoped she did not feel his heart racing.
"Good night, Fitzwilliam," Elizabeth whispered as she watched him walk away. Her heart pounded in her chest at his touch and the kiss that she could still feel warm on her forehead.
~P&P~P&P~P&P~
"You must understand, Mama, this is my only choice until the girls are able to wed," Mrs. Bennet said to her mother the day of the appointment with Mr. Kingsway. They took their breakfast in Mrs. Gibson's sitting room as the children supped in the breakfast room.
"I understand, Fanny. One must secure funds by whatever means. Though, shall you not try to marry? You have seen the luxury it has brought me," Mrs. Gibson asked, admiring her luxurious surroundings.
"I do not know. I found marriage detestable. Thomas was not obnoxious and a good father but a terrible husband. He did not spoil me in the way I deserved. Once I had the children, he ignored me," Mrs. Bennet sulked.
"There are perhaps a few wealthier men that I could introduce to you. They will be older gentlemen, however," offered her mother.
"Maybe, yet I have been so unhappy as a wife and now as a widow. It might befit me to live freely for a time."
"Freely with Fitzwilliam Darcy's inheritance?" Mrs. Gibson questioned.
"You said yourself that he should give his money to those who will use it."
"Indeed, I did."
"Therefore, this is the best option currently, save a marriage. The money Thomas left us is scarcely enough for myself, let alone the girls. Not to mention Mr. Collins, who threw us out with hardly a chance to pack," Mrs. Bennet said.
"Surely he did not?" Mrs. Gibson asked.
"He did. He and his new bride could not abide with so many children in the home. I was furious! The Mistress of Longbourn displaced like that," said Mrs. Bennet, snapping her fingers.
"How unfortunate. I am sure that you will succeed in clinching the amount you desire, Fanny," Mrs. Gibson obliged.
"The fortune I deserve, Mama," Mrs. Bennet corrected, her eyes shone with a devilish glint. "After all, if it was not for George Darcy, Thomas would likely be alive."
"I am unsure what you mean, yet I do know you would still be unsatisfied."
"Discontent, perhaps, yet I would still have a home," Mrs. Bennet retorted.
They did not speak for a while, pausing to enjoy their breakfasts.
"Did you see the way young Elizabeth was looking at Master Fitzwilliam?" Mrs. Gibson asked, amused.
"I did, indeed. It seems as though I might have something else to my advantage, among others, although Lizzy hardly deserves the riches. I could work on steering Fitzwilliam to Jane," Mrs. Bennet said.
Mrs. Gibson smirked at her daughter. It was best not to disagree with her, even though she thought the young lad was blind to Jane's beauty.
"I shall need to prepare myself. There is much to be discussed with Mr. Kingsway," Mrs. Bennet said.
"It is best you set off, then," said Mrs. Gibson. She waved her daughter off, hoping she would succeed with her endeavour and take her children out of her townhouse soon. Mrs. Gibson did not need a daily reminder of her fading beauty and age.
~P&P~P&P~P&P~
Elizabeth and Jane accompanied Fitzwilliam and Mrs. Bennet in the Gibson carriage to the office of Mr. Kingsway. Fitzwilliam entered first, meeting the sad eyes of the man who felt the loss of Mr. Darcy deeply, as he was a long-time client.
"Master Fitzwilliam, a pleasure to see you again, though I wish it were not under these circumstances," said Kingsway, nodding to him.
"Indeed, sir," Fitzwilliam said sadly, nodding back. They went into his office for Fitzwilliam to hear the reading of his father's will. When they finished and returned to the parlour, the Bennet women were waiting for them.
"Might I introduce Mrs. Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and Miss Jane Bennet, formerly of Longbourn," Fitzwilliam said, while Mrs. Bennet and her daughters curtsied. Kingsway nodded formally. He then asked the women to join him in his office.
"It is a pleasure, Mr. Kingsway," said Mrs. Bennet, putting on her best smile. "I have heard much about you."
"Likewise, madam," Kingsway said. "I have had contact from your solicitor, Mr. Morris."
"Yes, I would like to inquire about how much is available to me, as Master Fitzwilliam's guardian?" Mrs. Bennet asked confidently.
"Mrs. Bennet, you are not Fitzwilliam guardian," Kingsway said, confused at the statement.
"Not in name, but..."
Fitzwilliam jumped in, trying to be helpful to clear up Mrs. Bennet's misunderstanding, "Father's cousin, Lord Metcalf, is away in India for quite some time, but he is my true guardian, and of my half-sister Georgiana's."
Kingsway's frowned. He would not have volunteered such detail to the woman Mr. Darcy called scheming but he understood that Fitzwilliam was young and had known her for many years. He was sworn to not tell Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth about the marriage contract, part of which included the security of Mrs. Bennet and her other daughters, should the family ever need support.
"Whatever do you mean?" Mrs. Bennet asked coldly, while her mind raced with the latest information and the other plans she had. She had not realised that Fitzwilliam had a half-sister who was well cared for by George Darcy. It seems the Darcy family has more secrets than I realised, that plays right into my hands, she thought.
"You see, there are extenuating circumstances, though due to Mr. Darcy's fondness of your family the estate might provide you some assistance. Not to mention, Master Fitzwilliam has a mother," said Mr. Kingsway, hoping to avoid the subject.
"Fitzwilliam's mother is unwell, is she not? I do not even recall seeing her in all their years at Hertfordshire. Surely a proper mother would have already inquired after her son."
"She has inquired," Fitzwilliam interrupted.
Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet turned to look at Fitzwilliam with twin expressions of surprise. Even Jane looked piqued, though the situation bored her. She would rather go back to the parlour to show off her beautiful form in the sunlight to the clerk working there.
"The post reached me the day before we left Hertfordshire. My Mother asked that I might temporarily allow her to help look after me at Pemberley. I am unsure of what to do," Fitzwilliam said, looking abashed at Mr. Kingsway.
"It must be settled, Master Fitzwilliam," said Mr. Kingsway, looking at Fitzwilliam.
Fitzwilliam looked at Elizabeth, who gave him a slight nod of approval. She could see her mother's scheming and did not want her to use her friend in this manner, even if it meant him going away to Derbyshire. "I suppose—"
"I do not believe you understand, Mr. Kingsway. I am in dire straits," Mrs. Bennet said, interrupting. "With my condition, I cannot afford to live on the paltry sum that Mr. Bennet left for us."
"Perhaps we can let the children into the parlour, then we can discuss matters—"
"This will not do!" cried Mrs. Bennet. "I cannot let George Darcy get away with this!"
Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth, and Mr. Kingsway all turned to look at Mrs. Bennet, who sobbed dramatically.
"What is it, Mama?" asked Jane, concerned.
"Yes, what exactly has George Darcy gotten away with?" asked Mr. Kingsway skeptically, offering her his handkerchief.
Mrs. Bennet paused to wipe away her tears before looking Mr. Kingsway squarely in the eyes.
"I am with child and the babe's father is George Darcy!" Everyone in the room gasped loudly.
~P&P~P&P~P&P~
Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth, and Jane sat in the parlour in shocked silence. Elizabeth kept looking at Fitzwilliam, who would not meet her eyes. Her mother finally agreed that it was best if the children did not listen to this recent development's details. Elizabeth could hear her mother crying vehemently between the low tones of Mr. Kingsway. Elizabeth looked again to Fitzwilliam, who was walking outside.
"Fitzwilliam where are you—?" she asked as he blew through the front entrance without acknowledging her.
"It seems your friend is a bit upset over having to share his money," mocked Jane.
"Jane, hold your tongue. How would you feel if Papa went behind Mama's back and fathered a child?" Elizabeth asked.
"I do not suppose that would be my problem," said Jane.
Elizabeth scoffed at her callous sister. "Besides, I am sure it cannot be true."
"You suppose Mama is lying?" asked Jane, "What reason would she have to do that?"
"I do not know Jane, yet I feel as though something is amiss with everything," Elizabeth said.
Jane did not respond, so Elizabeth continued. "Don't you think that all of the circumstances surrounding Papa and Mr. Darcy's death seem odd? Now Mama scheming after the Darcy fortune, claiming Mr. Darcy as the father of her child when she very clearly despised the man. I cannot understand it all."
"I think you try to understand too much, sister," said Jane.
"And I think you ask too few questions," Elizabeth retorted.
"Perhaps you should ask your friend these questions you seek," said Jane, clearly annoyed.
"Come now, you act as if Fitzwilliam is not brother to us all. We have known him since we were small. Why do you treat him so lowly?" asked Elizabeth.
"I forgot how young you are sometimes, Elizabeth. You are beyond your years in some areas, yet you can be so dense in bettering your life," Jane said.
"You are so uncouth, Jane!" Elizabeth said, glad that they have moved away from near where the clerk sat.
"You ought to go fetch Fitzwilliam," said Jane.
Elizabeth waited a short time to steel her nerves to confront an angry Fitzwilliam, thinking about her beloved Papa…
Elizabeth and her father were walking in the gardens at Longbourn, the afternoon sun hot on their faces.
"Papa, do you love Mama?" Little Elizabeth asked.
"Yes, I do," replied Papa.
"Then why do you never dance with Mama?" Elizabeth giggled as her father swept her up and twirled her around.
"Ah, you must understand, it is Mama who does not like to dance with me," Papa said, beaming at Elizabeth, tickling her until she laughed hysterically.
Elizabeth wiped tears, remembering the moment. Perhaps it was true about her parents' marriage but Mr. Darcy would not be so immoral and dishonorable to her Father. They had been good friends for the past few years. She got up to go fetch Fitzwilliam and found him outside, pacing. He looked miserable, no doubt confused and mortified by the last hour.
"Fitzwilliam, I am so sorry. It does not make sense," offered Elizabeth.
"I supposed nothing makes sense anymore," Fitzwilliam replied.
They said nothing for a time. Elizabeth cringed every time she heard her mother break out into hysterics, which were loud enough to hear even outside.
"I wish I could wake up from this nightmare," said Fitzwilliam quietly. Elizabeth took his hand. Fitzwilliam let it rest there for a moment before shrugging it off.
Elizabeth's heart sank a little. She wished she could do something to help him.
"I wish Papa never went to London," sighed Elizabeth.
"Well, they did and because of it my father's fortune is being exploited," Fitzwilliam replied sharply.
"Fitzwilliam, I must apologise. I did not mean to offend," said Elizabeth, tears of frustration welling in her eyes.
"I know," Fitzwilliam said, relaxing slightly. "I just cannot believe my father would do such a thing. To go behind his friend's back in that way. Georgiana was born out of wedlock, but at the very least it was after my parents were separated!"
Fitzwilliam thought of his younger sister, who lived comfortably at an elite ladies' seminary in Kent. Even the thought of her added to his anger, as she was apparently born out of his father's affairs, though Fitzwilliam was uncertain of the entire story.
"It is upsetting, undoubtedly—"
"I don't understand how your mother could betray Mr. Bennet in such a manner either," Fitzwilliam interrupted, growing more furious with each passing moment.
Elizabeth did not reply, not wanting to anger Fitzwilliam further.
"This is nonsense!" Fitzwilliam exclaimed. "My father is an honourable man! Surely this is but a scheme."
"I agree, Fitzwilliam. But I do not have reason to believe that my parents loved each other. Theirs was not a love match," Elizabeth said gently, looking at Fitzwilliam.
"Perhaps my mother was right," Fitzwilliam seethed, "Perhaps my father never really cared about anyone except himself."
"Surely you cannot believe that Fitzwilliam! It was clear your father loved you very much!" Elizabeth exclaimed, hating to see her friend so distressed.
"I am not sure what to believe anymore," Fitzwilliam replied wretchedly.
"It will all work out, Fitzwilliam, I promise."
"Do not promise me anything, Elizabeth. My father promised to be back shortly after his trip to London, yet now he is dead and apparently the father of another child!"
Elizabeth struggled to maintain her composure.
"I have half of a mind to go in there and stop this madness!" Fitzwilliam said, enraged.
"Do not!" said Elizabeth. "Let them finish their business. I am sure Mr. Kingsway has your best interests at heart."
"I am not so sure." Fitzwilliam was pacing again, dark eyes ablaze.
"I believe the truth will come to light. None of this makes sense! The accident, my mother, none of it is right!"
"Stop!" Fitzwilliam yelled. He needed to put an end to this madness.
"Fitzwilliam!" exclaimed Elizabeth, reaching out to grab his arm.
Fitzwilliam shook off her hold, shrugging off the clerk's intervention and stomping his way into the office where Mr. Kingsway and Mrs. Bennet argued. Before he could speak, Mrs. Bennet said quietly, "There is something else, Mr. Kingsway. I have reason to believe that George Darcy is not Fitzwilliam's natural father."