Darcy's eyes moved to his cousin Richard who was staring at their cousin Anne who was sitting next to Darcy and seemed to be unaware of Richard's interest. Darcy wasn't fooled and wondered when these two favorites of his would recognize what lay between them. Richard had been bragging for years that he was a confirmed bachelor unless he could find himself a rich widow who could him support him in a style befitting the son of an earl. It appeared to Darcy that his cousin had become so fixated on finding a rich widow, he had ignored the possibility of finding a rich maiden who had been in love with him since she was about the age of twelve. Even as a young boy Darcy had seen the admiration in Anne's eyes for her cousin Richard. Of course he hadn't recognized what that admiration had signified. He had assumed that she admired him for his strength and humor. It wasn't until she had been rescued from her mother and Darcy's concern for her made him aware of how her eyes followed Richard whenever he was near. And now it appeared that Richard was fast becoming enamored with Anne though Darcy doubted he understood what was happening to him. Richard at times could be positively dense.
Darcy continued his musings now thinking of Thomas. Darcy had known his manservant for more than three and twenty years and was sure he knew all his moods. Darcy had seen him through the death of his mother followed a year later by his youngest sister who had died giving birth to her fourth child. He had seen him ill and frustrated when he had to take to his bed for a week. Once Darcy had threatened to tie him to his bed if he didn't follow the doctor's orders. He had seen Thomas in love almost as many times as he had seen Bingley in love. He had seen Thomas happy just to be alive. But never had he seen his valet so introspective; it wasn't in his nature which was puzzling. Whatever was bothering him had to be serious. What was especially perplexing was that in all the long years he had known Thomas, never once had he turned down a chance for a night on the town. He had seemed almost horrified at the suggestion that he need not attend Darcy at Lucas Lodge that night. What was at Lucas Lodge that could draw him there? A thought crossed his mind but was dismissed immediately. That was impossible!
When they reached Meryton the coach paused for a few moments as the footmen lit their torches than ran ahead to guide the travelers to the end of their journey. Darcy had the almost irresistible urge to stop the coach and confront Thomas immediately. Darcy hated surprises especially the unpleasant kind, but then again, he was probably worrying for nothing, at least he hoped he was.
Finally his thoughts turned to the elusive Mr. Bennet whom he had not yet met. When he had first arrived at Netherfield Darcy had kept to himself for almost a week before attending the assembly which Mr. Bennet had not attended. Then a few days later he had gone to Town on business. Apparently the Bennets had relatives who lived in London. Darcy sincerely hoped that Mr. Bennet had more sense than Mrs. Bennet had. It was one thing to be amused by one parent, another if they were both of mean understanding, little information and uncertain temper. However, Darcy had great hopes that Mr. Bennet would be a sensible man as Elizabeth had said that her father might not deign to appear at Lucas Lodge that night as he found a glass of port and a good book a preferable form of entertainment.
Darcy was nervous about his first meeting with Elizabeth's father wanting to create a good impression but servility was not in his nature and he wasn't sure what his demeanor should be. The probability was that Bingley would be the first suitor to meet Mr. Bennet and would no doubt make an excellent first impression with his sunny countenance and boyish optimism. Darcy on the other hand was a different kettle of fish. With strangers he came off as serious and forbidding. Richard had once compared the two friends as a pussy cat and an arctic wolf. Darcy hoped that he would not come off as a cold, slavering animal. He didn't want his suit to end before it began.
When their party entered the drawing room at Lucas Lodge, Darcy immediately swept the room for a glimpse of Elizabeth but was disappointed. Bingley had better luck as he spotted Jane standing near her mother and headed straight for her. Darcy moved to the window where he could get a clearer view of the entire room. He saw most of the Bennett family spread throughout the room but where was Elizabeth?
He scanned the room for a sign of Wickham but he didn't seem to be there. Hopefully Richard's mockery of him that afternoon had given him second thoughts about spreading his charm around the town.
He became aware of the surreptitious looks he was receiving from some of the guests and he grew uneasy unable to discern whether the looks were the result of Wickham's venom or Mrs. Bennet's matchmaking. He felt conspicuous standing by himself and began to look for a friendly face but Bingley had eyes only for his angel and Richard was deep in conversation with an older officer whom he assumed was probably Colonel Forster. He looked towards Thomas who was stationed near a doorway supposedly keeping an eye on Darcy and Richard in case he was needed. Even that faithful servant seemed to have abandoned him. Thomas was staring across the room at a wide archway where Darcy was finally gratified to see Elizabeth Bennet. She was in serious conversation with Anne and Charlotte Lucas.
He stared at Elizabeth willing her to notice him but it was obvious that the subject of her converse with Charlotte and Anne took all her attention. They were all three upset, that much was clear but he couldn't imagine what could be causing such consternation for the three women. Then, Charlotte Lucas looked up and across the room and gasped. When Darcy saw what had caused her distress he started in shock.
An officer was standing next to Thomas speaking quietly but his eyes were fixed on Charlotte. Thomas was also staring at Charlotte. George Wickham was smiling at Miss Lucas but even at the distance separating Darcy from this scene he recognized the insolence in his smile. He watched as Wickham strolled away and casually joined some friends.
Darcy being the clever man he was recognized instantly that some serious mischief was afoot. Charlotte Lucas was the daughter of a knight. Of the various times he had spoken with her she struck him as a lady of the first order and more important, she was Elizabeth's best friend. Thomas was a manservant. "Good grief!" he thought.
Darcy had better luck in gaining Richard's attention and signaled his cousin to join him. After several moments he reached Darcy's side. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Richard," Darcy said, "I may be mistaken but I think that Wickham is up to his old tricks and this time it appears to involve my valet, Thomas. And possibly Charlotte Lucas."
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Richard replied.
"What the devil do you mean?
Richard shrugged. "Cousin, I'm a soldier. It's a habit to check your surroundings and the people around you. I've seen certain looks pass between them. And, she never once looked at Guy or Josh the way I've seen her look at Thomas."
Darcy was in shock. "But I can't believe she would allow herself to be compromised by a servant."
"Hold on! Don't jump to conclusions. I didn't say she had been compromised. I simply said I'd seen certain looks pass between them."
Darcy couldn't believe it. "Where was I when all this was going on?"
Richard rolled his eyes. "Where have you been since you first laid eyes on Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"
"I wouldn't be so smug, Richard. I'm not the only blind man in the room."
"What does that mean?"
Darcy was saved an answer by the approach of his host Sir William Lucas and another gentleman. The bluff but pleasant Sir William introduced his companion, "allow me the pleasure Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, to introduce you to Mr. Bennet of Longbourn.
Startled, Darcy acknowledged the introduction with a polite nod and finally had a look at Elizabeth's father.
Mr. Bennett appraised the two men with a cordial but distant smile, "I understand, Mr. Darcy, that you are from Derbyshire."
Darcy nodded, "yes sir."
"I had the pleasure of seeing the grounds of Pemberley almost thirty years ago," Mr. Bennet said. "Quite impressive. I understood at the time that the estate was a good ten miles around."
Darcy agreed that ten miles was about right. He was uncomfortable and wondered what the purpose of this converse was.
Richard spoke up and rescued Darcy by changing the subject. "This is our first time in Hertfordshire, Mr. Bennet, and we're quite impressed. Darcy's friend Mr. Bingley, has just leased Netherfield and as it's his first estate, Darcy came down to help him out if needed."
"Mr. Bingley is lucky," Mr. Bennet replied, "to have such a good friend."
"The feeling is mutual, Mr. Bennet," Darcy replied.
"It's very good to know," Mr. Bennett said with a wry smile, "that you aren't here slumming in this backwater village."
Darcy made no answer but his face tightened in anger. He glanced around the room searching for Wickham. Instead he saw Elizabeth approaching with a smile which faded as she saw his obvious mood. His look softened immediately as she questioned him with her eyes.
"Good evening, Miss Bennet," he said. "You look lovely tonight. You are well, I trust?"
"Well enough, Mr. Darcy."
"And your friend, Miss Charlotte?"
Her smile faded as she stared steadily into his eyes. "Not well, Mr. Darcy. She's retired for the night."
"Is it serious?"
Elizabeth glanced at her father who looked on with interest. Elizabeth nodded, "yes," she said.
Darcy looked over at Thomas who soberly returned the look.
Anne joined them and addressed Richard, "was that Colonel Forster I saw you speaking with earlier?"
Richard nodded. " I hadn't seen him in nearly two years so we had a very interesting talk catching up with all the news of our mutual acquaintances."
Anne turned to Elizabeth, "I hope," she said, "that our party doesn't appear too rude to our host but I'm afraid we will have to curtail our visit this evening. Our party will be shortened considerably in the morning by the departure of Josh and Guy. And just this evening we learned that Miss Bingley has decided to return to Town. Apparently country air does not agree with her. The Hursts are also leaving, and I do not envy them. It will be insufferable."
Darcy suppressed a smile at Anne's choice of words. "I believe my cousin means the weather in Town will be insufferable, not the trip back."
Elizabeth laughed, "I understand your cousin perfectly," she said. She exchanged a knowing look with Anne.
"On the brighter side," Anne continued, "our darling Georgianna will be joining us in two days time."
Darcy turned to Richard, "perhaps we should leave now. We can send the coach back for Bingley.
Darcy took a last look around the room searching for Wickham.
"Have you known Lieutenant Wickham long?" Mr. Bennet asked.
"All my life," Darcy replied dismissively.
"Then perhaps you'd like to know that your friend slipped from the room several minutes ago with a few of his friends," Mr. Bennet said. "I would imagine they're heading for the local pub in Meryton."
Darcy would eventually learn that though Elizabeth's father was a man of few words, he was an observer of habits and foibles of his fellow man. From across the room, Mr. Bennet had observed everything from the moment Darcy had entered the room. One thing was clear. Mr. Bennet was no fool. He obviously knew something was amiss and it had something to do with George Wickham. However, he seemed more amused than curious as to the details.
On the way back to Netherfield Anne described what had happened from her limited viewpoint. She had spotted Elizabeth and Charlotte in serious conversation. Charlotte was upset and tearful and Elizabeth was trying to calm her and make sense of what was happening to her friend. Anne distinctly heard Charlotte say that she had made up her mind and that nothing would stop her. Just as Anne reached them Charlotte looked up and gasped and positively turned white. Then she turned and ran out of the room with Elizabeth following.
That's about all I know, "Anne finished, "except when Elizabeth returned to the room she said that Charlotte was talking about an elopement but wouldn't say who she was planning to elope with. She's afraid it's George Wickham whomElizabeth seems todislike intensely. But it can't be George...he hasn't been here long enough to form an alliance. Besides, Charlotte hasn't any money to speak of, and George would never marry without an assurance of money.
Once back at Netherfield Darcy and Richard wasted little time before confronting Thomas. "What did Wickham want? "Darcy demanded.
"Money," Thomas replied.
"For what?"
"To keep quiet about my relationship with Miss Lucas."
Darcy sighed, "what have you done, Thomas?
"I've done what I swore I would never do. I asked Miss Charlotte to marry me. She has accepted me."
Darcy dropped into a chair. "Good grief," he said, then lapsed into silence.
"Yes, sir," Thomas responded.
Richard spoke up. "What kind of money are we talking about?"
"He wants five thousand pounds."
"He thinks you have five thousand pounds?"
Darcy stood up. "He knows I have five thousand pounds. He knows I'll do anything to avoid scandal. My valet seducing the daughter of a Knight of the realm would cause a scandal."
"Forgive me Mr. Darcy," Thomas said, "but I have not seduced Miss Lucas. I embraced her when she accepted my suit and that is all I did. Unfortunately, we were so engrossed in speaking with each other that we didn't hear him approach. How he even came to find us was a mystery. It wasn't as if we were standing in the middle of the street. We were near the turn-off to Lucas Lodge. We heard you and Mr. Bingley and Miss Jane and Miss Elizabeth coming and we stepped off the road and hid behind some large bushes. After you passed, I saw a flash of red and thought it was an officer heading for Longbourn. Next thing I know, Wickham walks into view grinning from ear to ear.
Darcy stole a look at Richard who obviously understood that Wickham had followed them from Meryton.
Thomas continued, "I think he thought that I was simply enjoying a tryst with a country miss and it amused him. It wasn't until he arrived at Lucas Lodge that he realized that the country miss was the daughter of his host.
"That stupid, stupid man," Darcy spat. "He's forced my hand! I actually thought I might avoid this. Why does he have to be like this?"
"Just give me the papers, cousin," Richard said. "We can wonder how he came to be such a blackguard when he's safely out of the way. Time is of the essence. Once he starts drinking he's liable to start bragging about what he saw. It could destroy Miss Lucas's reputation. We have to buy time."
"I should go with you, Richard," Darcy said.
"You stay here. I'll go alone. I've already cleared things with Colonel Forster and yesterday after seeing Wickham, I had a brief talk with the sheriff. I think it's best you stay out of this. Only the names of the Lambton tradesmen are listed on the warrant. If things go well, and with a bribe to the sheriff, Wickham won't have time to think about who has done this to him. At least not until he's safely ensconced in debtor's prison."
Darcy nodded and handed the papers to his cousin.
Once Richard was gone, Darcy eyed his valet. "Do you have any idea of what you're about, Thomas? Or better still, does Miss Lucas know what's she's about? You will never be accepted by her family, never be invited into the homes of her friends. She will have brought shame to her family for marrying a servant and they will never forgive her. And she will never forgive herself. And eventually she will never forgive you. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Perfectly. But that applies only in England."
Darcy nodded. "So you understand. Does she?"
"Yes."
"She understands that once she leaves there's a good chance that she'll never see her family again, that she will travel to a foreign country with a man she's known for scarcely a month?" Darcy asked dubiously.
"She's seven and twenty and has been a burden to her family for at least five years. She had no expectations of happiness in this life and no one she could turn to. Her brothers have their own families to look after. The best she could hope for was to be a maiden aunt for her nieces and nephews. She's willing to take a chance on me."
"And what about love? Where does love enter this rosy picture?"
Thomas allowed himself a smile, "neither Miss Charlotte nor I are romantic. We agree that it is better to know as little of the defects of the person with whom you are to spend your life. Sir, I've seen enough of marriages to know there are many kinds of love. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance."
"My head is spinning," Darcy said.
"I'm sorry if I've disappointed you, sir."
"You have surprised me, Thomas," Darcy responded. "You have never disappointed me."
Thomas nodded his thanks. "The fact is, life is changing," he said. "I've been in service for three and twenty years. I've seen you grow from a chubby undisciplined boy to a man I have always been proud to serve. I will look back with great fondness to the years we have spent in each other's company. But I can see that those days are now coming to an end. One day in the near future you will seek the company of someone else to confide in. Sharing a laugh with your manservant simply will not appeal to you. And that is the way it should be."
Sadness washed over Darcy hearing a truth he could not deny. "You won't change your mind?"
"The truth is I've been restless for the last two years and the thought of starting a new life in a new land has been on my mind with growing frequency. Due to your family's generosity and my frugality I have saved enough to make a good start. There are many places in the world where my money will seem like a fortune. I promise you that Miss Lucas will never have reason to regret her decision. I know I won't."
"Then I wish you the best, Thomas, and I'll do everything I can to help you. Afterall, what are friends for?"