Chapter 25 - Circumstances beyond Control
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master of Pemberley did two things very well. He analysed all that went on before him and he planned. From this, he made suitable decisions based on the information gathered and extensively evaluated. The fact his estate ran to profit every year and his income from trade continued to grow only proved his astute nature. However, any form of emotion or a limitation of time and Mr. Darcy came very much unglued.
In the first instance; Cambridge University. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy kept the horrendous behaviour of his childhood companion, George Wickham, from his father out of shame. Appalled at Wickham's emerging character, it took most of their three years in the hollowed walls of that institution to exact his reprisal. Mr. George Darcy had not been pleased when he discovered Wickham's removal before graduating for conduct unbecoming of a gentleman. A quick tongue and engaging personality smoothed over the issue. Wickham managed to extract a promise of the Kempton living when it fell vacant from his Godfather, much to Darcy's disgust. Darcy had not needed to fight the decision. Soon after graduating from University, his father passed and Wickham demanded compensation in lieu of the post. All association between them should now be forfeit.
In the second instance: Ramsgate. An incident which caused Darcy to react with anger. His actions had not been well conceived. Wickham walked away with little punishment for his ill deeds bar the lack of his sister's thirty thousand pounds. Now, Darcy felt repugnance for not stopping the morally corrupt individual several years earlier and Wickham for his use of a fifteen-year-old girl. Georgiana had been severely spoken to for her lack of decorum and endangering her reputation. She felt her brother's displeasure and learnt her lesson. However, Darcy had not acquitted himself well due to pride in the family name. At least, not until he'd met Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The young lady took the information and rid society of that danger without opening his family shame to the world. He felt suitably humbled.
"Elizabeth," Darcy whispered, his voice filled with frustration and longing. Closing his eyes he could see her, entering the room, asking why he ignored her. "I can explain," he told the figment of his imagination. "It is not my fault. Truly. I have wanted to come to you but circumstance!"
It started last Thursday, almost five days ago. He'd proposed, she'd accepted, albeit reluctantly. They were engaged but he could not go to her father or shout if from the rooftops for all to hear. As much as her request for silence chafed, Darcy began to understand they knew little of each other.
Then came is cousin's ridiculous idea. Darcy could not think on it without abhorrence.
"You do not know Miss Bennet," Darcy rounded on the Colonel after he's said his piece. "Absence, in this case, will not make the heart grow fonder. Elizabeth's," here he took in a breath after using her Christian name for the first time in company, "frankness is well known among her friends and relations. My betrothed wishes me to call upon her and Elizabeth will expect my visit. Anything less will be a degradation of her trust."
"Come now," Richard shook his head with disappointment. Darcy would have none of it and continued to glare. "At least think upon it. I know you, cousin. Watch her this evening, examine her attitude. You will see I am correct."
"I will speak of this no more, Richard, I warn you," Darcy threatened. "I may not have the experience with women you have, but allow me to know my betrothed. Now, what is it you are doing here," he went to the drawings on the table, more out of distraction than any interest.
"An idea for Rosings," Richard decided to drop the discussion, for now. However, with the party from Hunsford to arrive any moment, he would detain Darcy as long as possible. It did not take long to become lost in discussion.
Anger made Darcy's countenance formidable as they walked into the drawing room half an hour late. Richard, the cause of their tardiness, teased his wife and Anne responded with grace. This will be an interesting match, Darcy tried not to smile at the thought. At this moment he did not wish Richard well.
Both Anne and Richard were stubborn in their own ways. The simmering anger in the back of Darcy's mind erupted when he spied Elizabeth's confused expression. Darcy could not look at her without feeling distressed. It seemed she felt the cut which swelled the hope in his heart. Yet, he could not go to her and offer comfort with the promise of secrecy between them. It only proved how incorrect Richard had been in his assumptions. Darcy chose the seat by his sister and as close as possible to Miss Bennet. He tried to catch her eyes, only his infernal cousin continued to hold her attention causing Darcy to retreat in frustration.
The next day they were to travel to London. Always preferring to ride, Darcy chose this method of transport giving the ladies room and comfort within the carriage. Georgiana sent the coach to Hunsford as she could not leave Anne without yet another tearful good bye. The two women had become very close since Lady Catherine's removal. By the time Darcy readied his horse, they were in the coach and about to depart. He cursed at his bad luck. Still he had not a moment to speak with Elizabeth.
At Bromley he hired a private room for the ladies and used the time to pen several letters that would need to be delivered the moment he arrived in town. The most important note would go to his attorney. It requested a list of his assets and worth as he could not instruct a settlement upon Elizabeth without it. Darcy wished to have every detail in place by the time he could officially announce their bethrothal.
Darcy continued to consider all he would need to do and the business that waited. He wanted to get it out of the way as soon as may be so he could concentrate on taking Elizabeth's likeness during their engagement period. If he allowed Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley to accompany Miss Bennet and Miss Lucas, he would have an uninterrupted hour to attend the most important issues and they would know the directions to Mr. Gardiner's home in Cheapside. Besides, he requested Georgiana invite the Gardiner's and their nieces for tea the following day. Darcy looked forward to welcoming Elizabeth to his home. He could not wait to see her reaction to Leighwood House.
"Brother," Georgiana called as she entered with Mrs. Annesley after depositing Miss Bennet to her uncle's home in Cheapside.
"You are home," Darcy sounded relieved as he felt. More like a father, he rejoiced when his sister returned safely.
"Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth will come for tea tomorrow, accompanied by their aunt," Georgiana allowed an eyebrow to rise. "Am I to wish you joy?" When her brother turned to the window in thought, Miss Darcy continued to question in a light tone. "Miss Elizabeth became very distressed when you chose to ride, although she endeavoured to hide her feelings. I believe her to be displeased when you did not join us at Bromley. Indeed, I cannot account for it either."
"Oh," Darcy wanted to tell Georgiana but his scruples forced him to remain quite.
"I intend to call on the Gardiners next week. Will you come with me," she asked. When Darcy nodded, she excused herself to refresh before dinner. Miss Georgiana Darcy determined she would get to the bottom of this mystery as soon as may be.
Saturday dawned bright and fresh. Darcy dressed carefully in his best green coat. He expected his attorney latter this morning and should be finished with business in time for the Gardiner party's arrival. Distracting himself after breaking his fast, Darcy removed to his study. The stack of correspondence that needed attention seemed endless. Only the most essential had been seen to yesterday.
"Bingley," Darcy grasped when his butler showed in the blond man. "I had not expected to see you today."
"That is obvious," Bingley looked distressed. "You butler is difficult to bypass when you are not at home, even to me. He would not even accept my card. Only Miss Darcy coming down the stairs allowed my entry."
"Tell me what has happened," Darcy remembered a piece of information he'd heard in the days before removing to Rosings.
"Hurst is ruined," Bingley eyed the decanter. Taking the hint, Darcy offered a seat by the fire and removed the tray to the table between them. "He has lost his fortune at cards. All that remains is a small estate in Cumbria which will generate two or three thousand a year at most. They are living off my indulgence and the interest from Louisa's twenty thousand pounds."
"The townhouse?" Darcy enquired.
"Mine, as of yesterday," Charles sighed heavily. "I have come from my attorney this very moment. That is what I need to discuss with you. What am I to do with a house I do not want?"
"Place Miss Bingley in it," Darcy offered suddenly, "if she is not engaged."
"Luck would be a fine thing," Bingley answered dispiritedly.
"Charles," Darcy didn't often call his friend by his Christian name. He used it to soften the blow he would deal. Darcy had though on this topic since his put down months ago. Still he approached the subject with empathy. "You must make the cut with your sister. Her aim in the marriage state is far too high, even with her twenty thousand pound dowry. The stench of trade is still upon her. No gentleman, especially one with a title will take her, unless they are in the market for a second wife and already have an heir."
"I know it," Bingley managed, swallowing hard. "I can release her funds and allow her the income from the five percent's, but it will not cover her costs let alone such a grand house as Grosvenor Square."
"What if you allow her live in Hurst's, I beg your pardon, your town house until she marries? That would fulfil the promise made to your late father and not be too hard on your pocket book," Darcy suggested. "Of course you would have to keep the servants but all other expense would be the responsibility of your sister. When she is settled, I think you will be able to find an eligible purchase offer. It will give Hurst's misfortunes time to dissipate."
"You do not want her at Pemberley," Charles grinned, but the humour did not last long, "this summer. Not that I can blame you. My sister has not been modest in seeking out your attention."
"I had to cut her last December," Darcy sighed, watching his friend pour a second drink. Frowning, he placed the stopper in the decanter as a warning. "My thoughts absolutely forbid any interaction between us. I will acknowledge her socially but I do not wish to see your sister if at all possible."
"Tell me what occurred," Bingley asked beseechingly. He listened carefully, his countenance shrinking by the moment as Darcy's words cut him to the bone. "There is more you do not know," Charles found himself close to tears as he related the events of the last month to his friend. "Caroline has cut Miss Bennet most savagely." The look in Darcy's eyes stated he knew of it. "Am I the only one who did not realise the woman cared for me and deeply? That is why Caroline removed me on some trumped up reason to London in November. I know you consider me fickle in love, Darcy, indeed you have saved me from a most imprudent marriage several times, but with Miss Bennet, it is, or at least was, different. I am trying to get over her but my mind continues to imagine every opportunity which would bring us back into company with each other. How she must despise me as inconsistent and untrustworthy. I know I used her ill and I did not mean too. If only I could have my time over, I would do it very differently."
Not quite knowing what to say, Darcy felt compelled to tell his friend about a discussion with Miss Elizabeth. How to raise the subject without hurting Bingley further and letting on about his secret engagement caused a moment of worry. Honour and his friendship demanded the truth.
"I have a confession," Darcy frowned, his brow furrowing in concentration. "You will not like what I am about to say. Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are aware of you inconsistency."
"Bloody Caroline," Bingley erupted from his chair.
"NO, Charles," Darcy stood before the enraged man. "I am to blame." The entire story came out, including how close he had grown to Miss Elizabeth. Darcy stopped at openly admitting to a betrothal.
"I am ashamed," all the fight left Bingley, but he glared at his friend, "and very angry with you. Yet, I see that this is all my own doing. How can I win her back? What am I to do?"
"They will be joining us at Pemberley," Darcy offered. "Until then we have six weeks and I know where they are staying. For my part, I will help you with your sister's independence. Mr. Gillam, my attorney will soon be here. He can handle all of the arrangements without Miss Bingley knowing until it is a fate accompli."
They sat for another seven minutes before the attorney arrived. After dealing with Mr. Charles Bingley's situation, they moved on to financial arrangements held in common. Four years Mr. Darcy junior, Bingley met his friend through a shared acquaintance whilst they both attended Cambridge. The gentlemen would never have continued the friendship without the discovery of the coincidental loss of their fathers' only months before. Darcy, struggling to become master of Pemberley at three and twenty, while Bingley drowned under the pressure of several businesses, they found enough common ground to cement their friendship. Many did not understand the respect and felicity between the men of such different characters and social positions.
"I am sorry, Bingley," Darcy indicated he had other business to attend with Gillam. "I will call upon you in a few days."
Pulling the bell for tea, Darcy began going over some of the more urgent matters. That finished, Darcy wondered how to suggest he needed a marriage settlement drawn up. Before he could broach the subject, the butler entered with a card.
"Please see the gentleman in," Darcy frowned, handing the card to his attorney.
"Mr. Gardiner," Mr. Gillam bowed. "May I introduce Mr. Darcy?" Receiving a nod from the gentleman, the attorney announced. "I represent Mr. Darcy in matters of business where he wishes to remain a silent partner, Mr. Gardiner. It is one of the reasons for my presence today."
"Your niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet mentioned the English Lace project," Darcy offered, "while in Kent. I believe she stated your wife and niece wore it to the theatre."
"And what an impression it made," Gardiner grinned, happy to finally meet his benefactor. "Stage two of the development is well underway."
"So I believe," Mr. Darcy offered for the men to sit. "We have much to discuss, if you are comfortable and have the time." When Mr. Gardiner agreed the men bent their heads together.
"I am glad the housing and schools have been established. Your idea for promoting promising young people and giving them education is ingenious," Darcy remarked, more than happy with the situation. "I am also pleased with the safety improvements in the factories that see to our employees' health and wellbeing."
"It is our responsibility, Mr. Darcy," Edward Gardiner commented with a little rancour in his tone. "One in a position of power and influence should use every method at our disposal to help those less fortunate."
"I agree completely although I know it is not always practiced by the unscrupulous," Darcy frowned. This sounded too much like Elizabeth's comment on his pride for his liking. "That is why I have backed your audacious plan. Purchasing land on the outskirts of London, building an entire town with the factory at the centre, schools and shops nearby and enough housing for the workers is the way of the future. I lose many families from my estate to the cities every year. Only loyalty keeps the tenant farmers on Pemberley land. Large estates must diversify if we are to survive the next fifty or one hundred years and leave something to our children. Industry, machinery, methods of manufacture are increasing at an alarming rate. Only last week I read of the steam engine. I believe it will revolutionise business and transport."
"I see you are a forward thinking man and take consideration of many ideas," Edward Gardiner scrutinised the young man before him. "Once we have discussed our current arrangements, perhaps I could interest you in another which I have lately been appraised. Mr. Thompson from Thompson and Nephews will be dinning with my family tomorrow evening. I will know more of his plans then. Perhaps we can meet next week and discuss the particulars."
"Then let us continue," Darcy found a frown marring his features, "and leave other matters for the future."
He knew of the Franklin heirs. Brothers John and Henry, both single and recently come into their fortune. What confounded him the most, his Elizabeth would be sitting at the same table and without her betrothed at her side. He had to get this business out of the way so he could join her for tea. One look at the clock and Darcy knew that would not occur. Forcing the jealous rage he knew he should not feel to the back of his mind, Darcy joined the conversation before him.
He accompanied Georgiana to church the next morning, it being Sunday. They kept to the old ways and did not entertain or accept invitations on the Lord's Day. By three in the afternoon, Miss Darcy had become exasperated with her brother and suggested a carriage ride to Hyde Park. Apparently Miss Jane Bennet had extolled the delights of the park and suggested they would be taking a turn in it. This proved enough to move her reluctant brother.
"Would it not be fun," Georgiana teased, remembering her conversation about Miss Elizabeth in the weeks before he removed to Kent, "if we came across the Gardiner carriage."
Darcy only grunted when he remembered Miss Bennet would, even now, be entertaining Mr. John and Henry Franklin. Any hope of running into them would be foolish in the extreme. However, Darcy's mind could be lost to imagination. Unable to wait for appropriate visiting hours the very next day, he hurried Georgiana though her lessons. The carriage readied for their immediate departure, Lady Catherine chose that exact moment to make her call upon them.
"Darcy," she yelled over the protest of the butler, "I must see you. Where are you, nephew?"
Barging past the servant, the woman approached the drawing room. Georgiana cringed. Darcy, understanding the showdown to come, indicated Mrs. Annesley should take his sister through the servant passages to the upper floor. Just as they disappeared, Lady Catherine burst through the main entry. The butler belatedly announced her.
"I demand to know," she sat on the most ornate seat in the parlour, "what part you played in this most ridiculous marriage of my daughter to your cousin?"
"Anne approached me, Lady Catherine," Darcy forced himself to remain calm. In a monotone, he recited the whole to the plan and what part he'd played in it.
"I…do…not…believe…you," she screeched, reminding Darcy of Mrs. Bennet.
The similarity, he realised, did not stop there. Both women only wanted to marry off their daughters above their stations. The moment brought an upturning of his lips as he finally understood, at least in part, what Elizabeth had attempted to say when he proposed. He would never be easy in either Lady Catherine or Mrs. Bennet's company.
"And yet it is so," Darcy's tone turned to ice as his eyes became flint. "I have never given you false hope, Aunt Catherine. I have never been dishonest with you. Indeed, at every turn, I have informed you I will not marry Anne. From what I have seen this last fortnight, your daughter has chosen her husband very well. I would not be surprised if she lives a very long and happy life with Richard. I know of his plans to return Rosings to its former glory. If I may be frank, without your interference and hands constantly in the coffers, the estate will be brought back to profit within this generation."
"Obstinate boy," she fumed, her eyes becoming arctic splinters of hatred. "You will rue the day you spoke to me thus. As to this Bennet chit," if she'd hoped for a chink in his armour, Lady Catherine would not find it. Her attack of the woman only steeled Darcy's defenced and brought out the most severe side of his personality, "I hope you do not fall for her arts and allurements. Pemberley would never endure the shame, nor would your family name. Are we to be congratulated on such a woman joining the family? It is not to be born if Georgiana is to make any kind of eligible match."
"You have said more than enough, Madam," Darcy walked over to his aunt and placed a hand under her elbow. Lifting her to her feet, he stated, "you are no longer welcome in my home if you cannot reconcile your behaviour and daughter's choice of husband. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam is not only my cousin but one of my closest acquaintances. As you maligned his character, you do so mine also."
Spluttering, Darcy showed her the door before the woman could utter another word. Pivoting on his heal, Fitzwilliam mounted the stairs two at a time. He had bridges to mend with his sister. Promise or no, he became determined to tell Georgiana of his engagement to Miss Elizabeth. Perhaps only that news would wipe out the taste of Aunt Catherine vile visit.
"Oh, brother," she cried. "Tomorrow nothing will stop us calling as early as possible. But you must make her relent and ride to Longbourn for her father's permission."
"I have every intention of doing so," Darcy reassured. However, it had been almost five days since they had spoken and then in near anger. Fitzwilliam Darcy held little hope his overtures would be received with any warmth.
How much has changed in that time, Darcy wondered as he sat silently after dinner and watched his sister play. John Franklin is jovial and witty. His manners would be a perfect fit for My Elizabeth. He is eminently eligible but she is engaged to me. I am more than aware she is not in love with me leaving the door open to other men. She has entered this agreement reluctantly and I have stayed away too long through circumstances not of my making.
But, Darcy inner turmoil supplied, she does not know that. Perhaps she expects me to rescind the offer, maybe even wishes it. I will have to watch her for a reaction tomorrow. I believe I will know what to do then.