Chapter 6 The Tutor

Pemberley, 1792

The summer following that joyous Christmas when young Fitzwilliam learned he was to be an older brother, the Duchess unfortunately lost the baby. She became deeply depressed because she was desperate to give her son a brother or sister and, consequently, was more protective than ever of him, determined to keep him safe with her in Pemberley.

The Duke was just as disappointed as his wife and decided that his son would not go to Eton right away and perhaps not until he is eleven or twelve years old - or he might go directly to Cambridge. So the Duke decided that the best thing to do would be to hire a tutor who would reside at Pemberley and prepare Fitzwilliam for either Eton or for when his young son would be ready to attend Cambridge.

The Duke thought that young Wickham could attend his son's lessons. It would be a great thing for George's future to receive a good education and perhaps he would learn more than he did from the vicar of Kympton. Obviously, young Wickham loved competition and competing with a boy younger than himself should stimulate and encourage him to learn everything necessary, for the boy had his pride and likely did not wish to be seen by all and sundry as incapable

He decided to share his idea with his wife and said, ''I think it would be good for George to join Fitzwilliam's lessons. This would encourage him to learn more than he does with the village vicar and it would also be better for Fitz not to have to study alone.''

"Perhaps you are right," Lady Anne replied with visible reluctance, "However, I think you should ask Mr. Wickham to warn his son, for George behaves as if he were your son and not your godchild. And he gives others the impression that he has the same rights as Fitz. I think it is very easy for him to forget that he is the son of your steward, that you are only his godfather and that he will have to work hard to secure his future.''

''We both understand the situation very well, Anne; I'll talk to Mr. Wickham. But George's manners are very pleasant and he has a lot of charm. I am sure that, with a good education, he will be able to secure his own future. It is my hope that one day he will become a pastor and we could guide him to achieve this goal.''

Lady Anne answered, ''He is far too charming for his own good and this could be dangerous for him if we are not careful. I am afraid his mother is willing to put bad ideas in his head. She could well ruin his life this way. Perhaps it might be easier if you didn't show such a preference for the young Wickham over our son. William is still too young to recognize this, but one day he will realize it and he may be deeply hurt. Is that what you want, George? To hurt our son by making him believe that a stranger deserves your affection more than he does? Moreover, by doing so, you make the young Wickham believe that he is more important to you than your own son. Beware! Beware! Such an attitude seems to me, to say the least, dangerous!''

The Duke looked at his wife with a surprised look. ''You truly mean that!''

She nodded. ''I am certain. Is not what happened at Christmas proof of that? Why did he feel offended because he was not invited to our family meal? Obviously, he thought that such a thing was perfectly normal. Our son suffered a lot because of that. It is therefore better if you are less familiar with George and make it clear to him what you expect from him. In addition, I do not think you should tell him that you want him to become a pastor. That would be like forcing his hand. Wait until he has grown up and ask him to make a choice. You will be able to help him depending on this choice. He will not be able to claim more than you can give him. I fear that he will end up feeling jealous and resentful of Fitz and our son will likely suffer as a result.''

''I will take certain measures to avoid such a scenario," promised the Duke. ''If George does not work sufficiently with Fitz's tutor, I will send him to a school where he will be forced to do so because he will only go to Cambridge on this condition.''

''Very well. We shall see at that time,'' agreed Lady Anne.

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The new tutor, Henry Sheston, arrived in Pemberley in August of the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two, while Lady Anne was still recovering from her last miscarriage. He was not yet twenty-four years old and had received a scholarship to Cambridge and been a tutor at King College. He was a charming, polite and kind young man with gentlemanly manners. He was intelligent, with an excellent ability to understand and a mind that made him capable of both learning and teaching well.

Fitzwilliam was absolutely delighted to meet Mr. Sheston and have him as a tutor. Miss Dalton had taught him everything she knew about mathematics, geography and science. It was decided that she would remain, however, as Mr. Sheston's assistant because George had not yet reached Fitzwilliam's academic level.

George had little interest in mastering the most basic subjects. It was rare for him to give his full attention to the lesson. When Fitz tried to discuss certain topics with him, he showed no interest in them. Fitz had told him about the French Revolution, but George did not care at all about what was happening in other countries.

"I am not interested in any of this," he said, "I do not like books, history or geography and my mother does not make me do anything that I do not wish to do."

Fitz replied, "That is not a good thing. How can you secure your future if you know nothing? You should not listen to your mother. She will ruin your life."

So he set out to teach George everything he had learned about what was happening outside England. Fitz didn't realize that George was barely paying attention to what he was saying. At the same time, Miss Dalton and Mr. Sheston also discovered that George was inattentive and worked as little as possible. He preferred to use his smiles and charming manners to delight Miss Dalton and get an easy job and only during school hours in the morning. He had never had to work at home and spent his evenings gossiping with his mother and sisters.

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During the summer, Fitzwilliam tried to convince his father to allow him to participate in the hunt but the Duke considered him far too young. Handling a firearm was very dangerous and a rifle was heavy. The Duke discussed it with his wife, who was against it, and with his steward, Mr. Wickham.

"I see no harm in it," he said. "However, I do believe you are correct. Master Darcy is far too young for this kind of activity. It is better to wait until he is at least ten years old. I would like George to be more interested in this kind of thing but all he thinks about is having fun and charming the Lambton merchants."

"And I would like Fitzwilliam to have George's abilities in that field," replied the Duke, "He feels comfortable enough with our friends in the city, but I am afraid he is not so comfortable with strangers. George does not seem to have this problem."

"He will learn, Your Grace. Your son is still very young. Give him some time. Perhaps it due to his being an only child. That does not make it easy for him but I am sure things will get better as they grow up. You are planning on sending him to Eton in three years, are you not?"

"I do not know yet," the Duke answered, "I have not decided but will consider in more depth when the time comes."

"I think it would be a good thing for him, because it would allow him to meet both children his own age and older than himself and to gain more confidence in the company of others."

"Yes, you may be right, Wickham, but it is not an easy thing to decide. I shall think on it and see when the time comes. It will depend on the results of his efforts with Mr. Sheston."

When the Duke found his son near the stables, he said to him, "I am sorry to disappoint you, Fitz, but I believe you too young to touch a gun, for guns are very dangerous thing. We can discuss this topic again when you are ten years old."

Fitz responded, "I did not expect a positive answer, Father. Did Mother disapprove of the idea?"

"Yes, she did and I find that I agree with her. Mr. Wickham thinks it might be better to wait a little longer. Come, Fitz, let us ride together."

They galloped through the fields and Fitzwilliam soon forgot his disappointment. He had not really thought he would be allowed to go hunting this year and by the time his ride with his father was over, he had forgotten his disappointment. He would wait another two years. He was very eager to go hunting but knew how to be patient.

While the hunters were busy, George showed his comrade how to kill an unarmed bird. They went to Lambton and on the meadow, they picked chestnuts from the tree near the fountain. They then took their harvest to the forge, which made holes in the fruit. George showed Fitzwilliam how to make a chain of two or three of them on a piece of string, twirl it over his head and throw it at a bird flying over their heads. This raw weapon rarely achieved its objective and, if by chance it touched it, it only mutilated the poor animal.

Fitzwilliam thought it was a very poor way to hunt, but he loved chestnuts and enjoyed throwing the weapon into a tree or a haystack. One day, he even unintentionally scared a farm girl on the other side of the haystacks.

The two boys continued to ride horses to Lambton almost every day and were often joined in their chestnut hunt by some of the boys living in the village. George gave the impression that he knew them all. He talked a lot with them and did not hesitate to make jokes. Fitzwilliam was too shy to join them and he felt they were laughing at him. He thought it would be better to avoid them. He suspected that they were boys who would cause trouble. Fortunately, the chestnut picking ended and Fitzwilliam soon had no reason to go to Lambton, except when he accompanied his father to the bookstore.

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Pemberley, 1794

Mr. Sheston reported regularly to the Duke regarding the progress of his students. On this lovely March day, he was preparing to perform this duty, even if he was not in a hurry to do so. He felt both grieved and concerned because, once again, he had only bad news to announce about one of his students.

"We have tried everything, Your Grace. But there is nothing for it," Mr. Sheston acknowledged, "He does not apply himself at all to his studies. I fear that George would much prefer to waste his time satisfying his personal desires. His academic level is currently insufficient to go to Eton - and this is not even speaking of Cambridge."

"What do you propose to do, Mr. Sheston?" inquired the Duke.

"I have spoken to him several times about the need to focus on his lessons, but this does not seem to have any effect on him. I am unsure as to what I could do; he does not wish to know anything."

"Young Wickham's manners are excellent, but I can detect a certain frivolity in his behaviour, unlike my son's serious nature," the Duke reflected aloud, "Maybe I should speak with Mr. Wickham about our concerns regarding his son?"

"Your Grace, I have spoken to Mr. Wickham several times, but I am afraid it is futile. He has little time to devote to his son who, unfortunately, is under the influence of his mother, who apparently causes him to see himself as above his true rank. She does not seem to think he should be working and is convinced that her son will become a rich man. How he will achieve this, she does not say but I suspect that she assumes you will do that for George. Miss Dalton and I both think it would be better to send him to a good school, where he will be subjected to discipline and far from his mother's influence. Perhaps then he will be forced to start working seriously. This may work if you summon him here to reprimand him and make him understand that his future depends on his work and that he will be solely responsible for his own work."

"I understand," answered the Duke, "You are certainly right and he does not deserve further leniency. What do you have to say about Fitz? How is he progressing? His mother and I do not want him to go to school right now, although I know he will have to do so in a year or two."

"Ah, I would like all students to be like Fitzwilliam," said Mr. Sheston happily, "He really likes to learn. He is very curious and wants to know as much as possible. In fact, the only problem I have discovered is that he is often too serious. He does not like to waste time and gets angry when George disrupts their lessons."

"It would not be a problem for you if Fitz were to be your only student?" asked the Duke.

"Your Grace, it is possible that he may feel a little lonely for recreational activities such as horseback riding or fishing, but I think he will be relieved to take his lessons alone, without being continually interrupted."

"In that case, I thank you for your suggestion to send George to school. If you can recommend suitable schools for me, I will speak with Mr. Wickham to see what can be done. I do not imagine that he will be able to leave before St. Michael's Day, though. You will have to fight him for some time to come. Thank you for this recommendation, Mr. Sheston. I will do what is necessary."

After the tutor left, the duke sat at his desk looking out the window. "I probably made a serious mistake in showing such interest in Georges Wickham," he thought. "His charming manner and pleasant smiles obviously blinded me to his true character. He is lazy and vain. Perhaps my interest has led George to believe things that do not exist. Anne is likely correct about him. He seems to consider himself Fitzwilliam's equal. I must put right this error. Hopefully, the schooling will make him lose his bad habits. When he is old enough, I will recommend that he think about a career but I should not influence his choice. Even if I would like him to choose the church, it must his decision and not mine. He will choose on his own."

First, however, he had to explain to George's father, and then speak to George himself. It was high time young Wickham understood his true place.

The discussion with Mr. Wickham was not easy. The steward was aware that his wife's excessive indulgence and ideas of greatness could cause great harm to his son and therefore, he absolutely agreed that George should go to school. He hoped his son would benefit from it.

The Duke, too, entertained hopes that George would benefit from this offer to send him to an appropriate school and this was what he explained clearly to the young boy, who came to the Duke's office following his summons.

"You must understand, George, that you will be able to depend on your father or others for the rest of your life. You will have to work hard to ensure your future. Only you can do it; no one will do it for you. That is why you are being sent to a school where you will have to work. Make no mistake, the teachers will not let you do whatever you desire. If you do nothing, you will be severely punished. Do you want to embarrass your father and my house? Do you wish me to regret all the kindnesses I have offered you and remove them?"

"No, Your Grace," said George, lowering his head with a shameful look.

In his inferior place, he was furious with Mr. Sheston who, he was certain, had reported him. Why could he not do what he wanted? It was awful and unfair. He knew he had no choice but to obey because he could not afford to lose his sponsor's affection. But he would find a way to get what he thought was rightfully his.

"There is something else you must know," said the duke, staring at his godchild with a severe look, "You are my steward's son. I made you my godchild because of the respect I have for your father. Do not begin to form erroneous ideas, George. You are assuredly not my son. I can offer you some advantages, but that is as much as I will do. If you do not choose to benefit from my assistance, you will have to suffer the consequences alone because I will no longer help you. One day, my son Fitzwilliam will inherit this estate you live on. If you think that means he will spend his time having fun, you are entirely wrong. For this field to remain successful, a lot of work needs to be done. Money does not grow on trees, George. I hope you did not have that stupid idea. That would be tantamount to being disappointed. I hope you have understood. This fall, you will go to school. If you work hard to catch up due to your laziness and preference for fun, you will be rewarded. Otherwise, it is your entire future that you are putting at risk. I had considered sending you to Cambridge, but you have not shown yourself capable of going there. Do not embarrass me, George. I would not wish to discover that you are not worth my help. In that case, I might decide to use my time and money for someone more deserving. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

"Very well. I hope that I will not be required to call you to order. Avoid believing in your mother's ideas, for they are absurd. If you want to make a fortune, it will not depend on anyone else but yourself – do not forget that. You can leave now, George. Do not blame me for talking to you like that because it is for your own good and I do not want to see you ruin your future."

George Wickham said nothing, giving the impression of being ashamed when, in reality, he was furious. He bowed politely and left the room.

With fists clenched, he advanced without paying attention to those in front of him and the servants were forced to move away to avoid being hit. The young Wickham was enraged and he did not understand why the Duke had spoken to him like that. It is true - he had never considered that he would have to work one day. The Duke claimed that his mother was talking nonsense to him and that he, George Wickham, had deluded himself. But it was far more pleasant to believe her. Why should he live a miserable life when he deserved better? If he now had to get what he wanted on his own, he'd show them what he was worth. He would work since he had no choice, but when the time came, he would marry a rich woman, which would allow him to live as he pleased. He would no longer have to go to any trouble to earn a living. He would not be like his father, forced to work for someone. No! He would lead his life as he saw fit!

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After the departure of his godchild, the Duke sighed deeply. He was uncertain if the boy truly understood what had been told to him.

He sighed again. He had no choice but to wait and see. Everything depended on George now. While speaking with the boy, the Duke had seen a gleam of rebellion in his eyes, but he sincerely hoped young Wickham would understand that he would only be harming himself if he were to disobey, for no further help would be forthcoming if he did not prove worthy.

The Duke had never liked wasting his time and he intended to clearly demonstrate that. He was beginning to realize that George's manners and smiles could lead to a lot of harm to those around the young man, especially to young girls. He was hoping that it would not come to that but, if so, George would have to suffer the consequences. He did not want this to happen, for it would break Mr. Wickham's heart, but the Duke was afraid he would be unable stop it. Despite that, he would still do everything in his power to prevent young George's fall.

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During the autumn, there was another significant event for Fitzwilliam: he was allowed to participate in a hunting party, although he was unarmed and only permitted to watch. At first, he stayed with the valets who held the guns but in time, he was occasionally allowed to go with the dogs that were to pick up the birds.

"You must wait a year or two, Fitz, before you learn to handle a gun," his father told him, "But I think you can get some benefit from watching how the hunters do it and how the reelers find the birds in flight."

"Will you teach me to shoot next year, Father?" asked Fitz.

"Perhaps, Fitz. You know your mother does not care for guns. She knows that grouse and pheasants must be brought back to provide the food, but I think she would prefer that you do not participate in this sport until you are much older."

With a mischievous smile. Fitz suggested, "Perhaps you could teach me without telling Mother?"

"Fitz! That would be dishonest! Have I not always taught you to tell only the absolute truth? A disguise of any kind is an odious thing!" replied his upset Father.

"Yes, Father, I remember. I am sorry, but it is hard to wait because my mother does not like guns," answered a chastened Fitzwilliam.

"I am aware of the situation, Fitz, but in two years, you will likely be old enough to use a gun, but you cannot do it today. Be patient, son."

Fitz enjoyed spending time with his father and evenings when there were no guests, which allowed him to join his father to play backgammon, chess or simply to talk about the stories of Greek and Roman mythology and the history of those civilizations. That evening, Lady Anne sat quietly with her book, listening joyfully to the two people who were most dear to her.

Fitzwilliam was delighted when Mr. Sheston introduced him to the classics. He had made a good start in learning Greek and Latin and was always ready to demonstrate his new knowledge to his father.

During the holidays, the family of the Earl of Matlock came to Pemberley for a week. Fitz was happy that his cousin Randy was back with him and asked him a lot about Eton. His cousin explained about his new friends and how things were organized in each house. There was a lot to learn and Fitz was very eager to join his cousin, even if the idea of meeting strangers intimidated him. However, he thought it would probably be different because they were children.

Fitz was also pleased to see his godfather, Colonel John Fitzwilliam. He had spent two years with his regiment in Canada and was very surprised to discover how mature his nephew had become during that time. When John congratulated his brother on his son's development, the Duke smiled and replied, "Oh yes, he is enthusiastic and talkative in the family circle, but I fear he is rather shy and uncomfortable with other people."