Chapter 2: Fitzwilliam Darcy
Darcy sat at his at the desk in deep thought.
I have failed her. What would father say if he was alive?
He had arrived at the Darcy house in a foul mood. The events at Ramsgate had shaken his trust in life itself.
He could not believe that his young sister had fallen in love with a rogue.
He had sent her back to Pemberley before coming to London.
The Darcy house gave him no relief from his tormenting thoughts. He had a few calls to make before heading to Hertfordshire with his friend Mr Bingley.
His closest relative in London was his uncle, the Earl of Matlock. He shared a good relationship with his aunt and uncle, unlike his aunt Lady Katherine who lived in Kent.
At the Matlock house, his aunt noticed his poor spirits.
"Fitzwilliam, is there anything troubling you? You seem to be out of sorts?"
Darcy's cousin Richard knew what was troubling him. Both Darcy and Richard shared the custody of Georgiana.
"Darcy needs a few days to get used to town. He always misses Pemberley when he comes here." Richard said. Once they were alone, Richard asked Darcy how Georgiana was fairing.
"Honestly, I do not know. She tells me that she is all right. But I don't believe her."
"She is hurt. We need to give her time."
"I cannot believe that she was deceived so easily. What did I do wrong, Richard?"
"Do not blame everything on yourself. I share equal responsibility in whatever happened."
" I feel I lack the ability to understand what she needs. After Ramsgate, I doubt whether I should have taken the responsibility of Emma as well."
"For God's sake Darcy, Emma adores you. There cannot be a safer home than Pemberley for her."
Darcy could not forgive himself or Wickham for what happened.
Father never saw the real Wickham. I wish I had exposed him long ago.
"How is Mr Bingley?" Richard asked, changing the subject.
"He is excited about leasing the property at Hertfordshire. He needs my assistance. I should be there for a few weeks and be back here. I plan to leave to Pemberley as soon as I can."
That evening he paid a visit to his friend's house. Mr Bingley was excited about the prospect of leasing the property in Hertfordshire.
"It is a delightful place. Though not grand as Pemberley, I like it. I need your valuable assistance in estate matters."
"I should be happy to assist you. But I need to be back in town in a couple of weeks."
"It will be delightful to have your company, Mr Darcy. I still do not think it is a good idea to spend time in the country. The country is boring. I cannot imagine how tedious it would be to spend time with those there."
"It is good to know your opinion, Miss Bingley. It throws light on how you regard people from the countryside."
Miss Bingley was alarmed that she has offended him and went on to apologise to him.
"I am sorry. I did not mean to offend Pemberley. You have such a beautiful estate. I find it charming and delightful. I am extremely fond of Derbyshire."
Darcy knew her intentions. He knew she agreed with him on everything just to please him.
I can never fall for her flattery or charms.
He was tired of seeing women like Miss Bingley throwing themselves at him to become mistress of Pemberley.
He was against marrying for the sake of producing an heir. He wanted to fall in love and marry a woman who loved him equally. He found no intelligence, humor, and goodwill in any of the women he met during balls and dinners. They were all pretty things flirting with him to gain his affection. His social engagements were limited when he was in Derbyshire, and he felt at ease when he was in Pemberley.
He went back to the Darcy house, hoping that one day he would find a woman who would understand him and love him for his character rather than his wealth.
As he prepared for his visit to Hertfordshire, he looked at the empty room adjacent to his chambers and sighed.
Where are you Mrs Darcy?
Note: You will know who Emma is when Elizabeth reaches Pemberley. :)