"Darcy, that is a fascinating story you tell. Tragic but fascinating all the same. I am glad Father has offered to help them." Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam had arrived at Darcy house with his father, though only one of them had been invited. "I may be able to help as well. Besides, do you wish me to dine alone? Margaret is close to her confinement, so she and James left for Matlock, with Mother in tow."
Darcy sighed for he knew his cousin would not be put off, but he might be right, maybe he could help. "Very well, just, well, behave. This is a good family who has been through a horrible experience, they deserve your respect."
With a wounded look on his face, one that had been put to much use throughout the years, Richard protested. "I may be facetious, which is part of my puckish charm, but I would never knowingly disrespect your friends."
"What about Caroline Bingley?" Darcy countered.
"I am sorry but when did Caroline Bingley achieve the elevated status of friend? She must be giddy with joy."
"Point taken, Richard. You have my apologies for having wronged you," Darcy grinned.
"I do not think you are sincere, but I shall accept them anyway," Fitzwilliam said with exaggerated seriousness.
Matlock chuckled as the boys bantered back and forth, as was their habit. "Do you think it wise to include Georgiana in our numbers, tonight?"
"I do. In fact, I think she will be much at ease with the ladies, but I also think it will be good for Miss Elizabeth, or rather Miss Hurst. While we do have important matters to discuss, Georgiana's presence will make it feel more like a family dinner. This will be the first such engagement since Miss Hurst's recovery."
"Very well." Matlock paused as a thought occurred to him. "That shows great consideration. You seem to hold this family in high regard. Is there another reason you wished for my presence?"
"I am capable of consideration." Darcy ignored his cousin's loud snort. "I have known David Hurst for years, of course, though not as well as Bingley. He and his family have asked for my help and in providing that help I have turned to you. It is that simple."
"Of course, it has nothing to do with Miss Elizabeth." Fitzwilliam uttered the name Elizabeth in a dreamy, slightly drawn-out fashion. Darcy would dispute it, but it was a fair imitation of his own phrasing. Noting Darcy's glare, he nimbly shifted the conversation. "I am sorry, Miss Hurst. Poor girl, can you imagine finding your family only to learn it forever attaches you to the likes of Bingley's sisters."
"The connection to the Bingley's may prove advantageous by way of a different attachment. Bingley seems quite taken with Miss Hurst's eldest Bennet sister, Jane. Should they marry, it would serve to reinforce the existing connection between the ladies. And I know you have not often been in her company, but I think you will find Louisa Hurst much improved. As for David Hurst, he seems a new man, it is a remarkable alteration."
At this point there was a knock on the door, a servant informed the men that Georgiana was in the drawing room, awaiting them and their guests. Joining her, Darcy noticed her nerves were on display as she sat stiffly in on a sofa, wringing her handkerchief in her hands. She strained to identify every noise coming from outside the room. He sat next to her, offering comfort by his nearness.
"Georgie, what troubles you so? This is but a small dinner and you have met two of the guests before. I can assure you the Hursts are all very nice."
"Is Mr. Hurst nice? I've only known him to be silent and brooding. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley just seem to ignore him. They are always so snide. Are they all like that?"
"In the past, your description would have been apt. However, as I was just telling Richard, the Mr. and Mrs. Hurst you know are quite changed. The elder Mr. and Mrs. Hurst are very kind. Their daughters are charming. You will like them, particularly Miss Hurst. Mrs. Michaels is a bit more forthright, but I believe she and her husband will be pleased to make your acquaintance." He squeezed her hand gently in support. "All good?"
"All good, brother. I will trust you on this." She squeezed his hand in return. Their conversation had distracted her from listening for the guests, so she was surprised when Ward, the butler, entered and announced the Hurst family.
Introductions made and seats taken, the group made idle chatter as they awaited dinner. Weather, anticipated social engagements, current events were all discussed very politely and superficially. Upon removing to the dining room, they eschewed precedent and seated themselves informally. Matlock and Fitzwilliam sat close to the elder Mr. and Mrs. Hurst in order to hear their story first-hand and in greater detail.
The other ladies in the party grouped together near the end of the table with Darcy at the head. Georgiana quickly took to Elizabeth and Mrs. Michaels and found herself warming to this new Louisa. As her brother had said, they were all very kind. They were also surprisingly open regarding their situation. Her tender heart could not help but feel sympathy for their plight. That they seemed to handle everything with such determination and composure inspired her. What was near elopement with a cad in comparison with the very real devastation wrought upon this family. She said as much, though keeping the details of her personal failure to herself.
"I cannot imagine what you have all been through. Any troubles I may have seem inconsequential to yours. I shall strive to keep the proper perspective when I am tempted to complain."
Elizabeth was quick to gently contradict her. "Miss Darcy, we do not all live the same life and nor should we expect to. You are allowed to mourn or rejoice, feel disappointment or pride, and myriad other things without weighing them against the circumstances of another. Never apologize for what is important to you." As she thought of Lydia, who was close to Georgiana's age, she smiled. "Though, perhaps, a little bit of perspective is not a bad thing."
Darcy watched as Elizabeth spoke with his sister. As her family sat at his table, meeting with his uncle to see if they could act against the scoundrels who took advantage of a family in pain, she was offering nurturing advice to his sister. He was a man who carefully masked his thoughts and feelings from those around him, yet his face practically glowed with admiration for her. Several at the table noticed his expression, including Elizabeth. Though she blushed, she seemed pleased at his attention. Georgiana glanced at her cousin and saw that his raised eyebrows mirrored her own. As the meal came to an end, Lord Matlock suggested the gentlemen remove to Darcy's study and begin their discussion in earnest.
When they rejoined the ladies, they shared the results of their conversation. "I was acquainted with the Fielding brothers when they ran Bow Street. I knew Townsend as well. They prided themselves on the incorruptibility of their men. However, they knew it was unrealistic to believe they could protect against every man's vices. The inefficiency and lack of oversight within the system undoubtedly enabled your Runner to exploit your situation. I will set up a meeting with the Home Office and Bow Street. Once they determine the charges, I will see that this Rush is removed from his position. You may also be able to seek restitution. Richard has volunteered to go into Epsom to deal with his accomplice, Hall. He will contact the local magistrate and take things from there. We have Mr. Hurst's permission for us to act as your agents. You have my promise, I will see them both prosecuted."
"And punished." Mrs. Hurst added adamantly. "I want them punished. Restitution will not restore the years we lost. Neither will their punishment, but it will make me feel better that they should experience even a fraction of the pain they caused. That may mark me as uncharitable or unchristian, but I do not care."
Colonel Fitzwilliam knelt before where Mrs. Hurst sat, taking her hand. "You may be assured. My father and I, as well as Darcy, will do everything in our power to see they do not escape retribution. Please believe me." Belying his jocularity, Fitzwilliam had seen more than his share of suffering and anguish. He often felt helpless to counteract the despair he encountered. He had been touched by all Mr. and Mrs. Hurst had told them, if he could do something to assist, he would.
"Thank you, Colonel. You are very generous; you do not even know us. We will be forever in your debt," Mrs. Hurst replied tearfully.
Trying to lighten the mood, he reverted back to his usual good humor as he took a seat beside her, "A beautiful woman in my debt, it is too much. As repayment I shall insist upon a dance whenever the occasion arises. Your husband will not mind a little innocent flirting, will he?"
"He will, but a dance might be acceptable." Mr. Hurst answered for her. He did not truly mind but he appreciated Colonel Fitzwilliam's attempt to reclaim the evening's earlier ease, so he was happy to play along.
"You may count on it, Colonel Fitzwilliam," Mrs. Hurst said as she patted his hand. "Though I do not imagine we will have the opportunity anytime soon. We must think of removing to Raber Hill. My parents are quite anxious to meet Elizabeth, and Tessa and Henry will wish to return to their children."
"Then I shall simply satisfy myself in attending you in Warwickshire. And, of course, my report on my efforts in Epsom must be made in person," he winked at her. "However, I may have to forego the pleasure should my superiors have other ideas. Perhaps, I shall send Darcy in my stead but you must promise you will not dance with him before me."
"If there is an opportunity for dancing in Warwickshire while Darcy is present, I think Lizzy would be a pleasant alternative for Darcy," David suggested.
"Subtle." Tessa whispered, with an exasperated shake of her head.
"I would be happy to dance with Miss Hurst, whenever we might have the chance to do so," Darcy said quickly, smiling at Elizabeth. He realized his attention had not gone unnoticed so tried to redirect the conversation. "But whether that shall be in London or elsewhere, remains to be seen. When do you anticipate returning to your estate?"
"Soon, but nothing as been decided as of yet. We will visit Longbourn for a sevennight before we continue on to Raber Hill," Mr. Hurst replied.
"Will you be staying at Netherfield Park while in Hertfordshire? I must return to fulfill my promise to assist Bingley with estate business. I am happy to offer my carriage for that part of the trip if our journeys happen to coincide." Darcy was certain his would coincide with that of the Hursts as he would make it so. The thought of not seeing Elizabeth for months made him unhappy. Derbyshire was closer to Warwickshire than Hertfordshire, but he would not be able to contrive any meetings, besides that which Fitzwilliam had favored him, without declaring himself.
Mrs. Hurst sighed and looked worriedly at Louisa. "The children will stay at Netherfield while Mr. Hurst and I will stay with Elizabeth at Longbourn. It will all be well. I look forward to seeing where Zibby was raised."
The ensuing conversation revolved around the differences between Hertfordshire and Warwickshire. Despite the earlier unpleasantness related to the handling of the rogues who had victimized the Hursts, it had been a companionable evening, enjoyed by all. When the Hurst family took their leave, those remaining returned to the sitting room.
Having helped himself to a drink, Fitzwilliam raised his glass to Darcy. "You are welcome, cousin."
"It was well done, Richard." It was Lord Matlock who responded to Fitzwilliam, not Darcy. "Much less obvious than David's efforts, rather clumsy, that. Darcy, when you asked for my assistance you said nothing of your admiration for the young lady involved. Did you think I would object? And before you say you have no idea of what we are speaking, I will ask you to credit us with some intelligence. Your feelings are quite evident."
Knowing there was no point in prevaricating, Darcy acknowledged his interest. "I did not think they were so very obvious."
"In Richard or your friend Bingley, they would escape without comment. However, considering your well-known indifference and avoidance to most ladies, your feelings are all the more noticeable. Our acquaintance is brief, but I liked Miss Hurst and her family very much. I know you do not require my blessing, but please know you have it all the same. You should pursue your Miss Hurst if you wish. Your family will support you. Well, not Catherine, but the rest of us will."
"Do you think I could? I do not question my feelings but rather the timing. Would it be considered improper to approach her at this time? She is experiencing so much change and disruption right now. I do not wish to take advantage of her situation."
"Lengthy courtships and engagements are not uncommon; you are not suggesting the banns be read on Sunday. You can be patient and take your time. You need not make your intentions known before you are both ready." Fitzwilliam thought this advice equally important for Darcy as well as Elizabeth.
"You all are hopeless." The men in the room turned to Georgiana, perplexed at her outburst. "It is all very sensible but not the least bit practical, nor is it very romantic. Do you not think Miss Hurst will attract the interest of other gentlemen? You may not have the luxury of time. At the very least you need to see if she would welcome your attentions. That will determine the course you follow. I think I need to go to Netherfield Park with you."