The evening was steadily progressing, all the lamps were lit in the street and the dinner bell was but a quarter-hour away when he heard the knock at the door. Marking his page and placing his book down, he stood as Hawes entered the room.
"Mrs Scrivenshaw, sir. I have shown her to the front parlour."
"Thank you," Darcy replied, following him from the room.
As the music room was on the way to the front parlour, he entered and informed Georgiana of the arrival. She hurriedly stood, smoothing her dress and joined him.
A tall, slender form dressed in black topped by a pert hat trimmed in black lace, stood just inside the parlour, waiting. As Mrs Scrivenshaw removed her hat, her face became visible. Her hair was dark brown with slight silver streaks running out from the temples. Her face carried clear markings of her Darcy ancestry though refined and softened in a feminine way.
"Mrs Scrivenshaw," Darcy said with a bow. "I welcome you to our home. Might I present my sister Georgiana?"
"Beatrice," the lady replied curtseying. "Aunt if you must. I dare say it might be too familiar a term on such acquaintance as we have, but I do not wish to have that name mentioned again."
Georgiana stepped forward to curtsey. "Aunt Beatrice, I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
"My," she replied, taking Georgiana in with a sweeping assessing look. "I fear my niece, I did not know your mother well, nevertheless, I can see you do take after her. I met her a few times while she and your father were courting. A few dinners, hunting parties, and the like. I shall tell you all I know of her, though I fear it is precious little."
"Thank you, Aunt. But please, you must be weary from your journey, won't you join us? The dinner bell shall be rung shortly, I have ensured you have a place laid."
"Dinner would be most welcome, if it is not too much trouble to your staff might we go through now? I am fatigued and would very much like to get things set straight."
"Of course," Darcy replied, he nodded toward the footman standing at the door who returned the nod and headed out to inform the kitchens.
Darcy led his Aunt and sister to the dining room where three places were laid.
"My companion Mrs Annersley has taken a tray in her room this eve. Our journey was a little difficult and she desired the rest. She shall introduce herself tomorrow if you please." Georgiana explained as they sat down.
The footman attending the table poured the wine and then retreated. Beatrice took a sip. "Well then, I suppose you should like to know everything," she addressed Darcy.
"Perhaps you might like to discuss this matter with me directly?" Darcy began.
"No, I have nothing to hide and you both should hear the full of it from me before the gossips get a hold of the tale."
Darcy nodded uneasily but made no protest. "Then might I ask we defer till after dinner? I wish to offer you whatever aid I may, to that could I enquire of your accommodation arrangements?"
"I have taken rooms at a boarding house. They are not fashionable but clean."
"Allow me to settle with your landlord and have your belongings retrieved. You are welcome to make Darcy House your home until matters are more settled and indefinitely if it suits you. If you inform me of the particulars of the boarding house, I shall send someone to retrieve your belongings this evening. I have had Mrs Frodsham open rooms for you."
"That is very generous of you, very well I shall accept."
Darcy gestured a footman forward. "Please inform Hawes he is to send a runner with funds to this address and retrieve my aunt's belongings." He sent an expectant look over at her. Dutifully she recited the address and described her trunk.
As the footman left the room the dinner service began. The topic of conversation was changed to the last time each was in London and passed peacefully.
Only as the dishes were cleared did the mood take a turn towards sombre. Darcy led his sister and Aunt to his study where the fire was lit. He gestured for them to take the chairs in front of the fire where he would sit and read.
"Well, I suppose we should get to it," Beatrice began. "As you know, my husband recently passed. I cannot say that our marriage was a close one. Neither of us had ever made professions of love, and I suppose in time this was borne out. Our union was acceptable and celebrated by society. That we knew little of each other at the time was possibly for the best for me. I had no notion of men or the world they inhabit," she shook her head. "By the time our second child was born, our marriage was one of coldness. I had done my duty as he saw it, in providing him two sons. He had no more use for me. It was not so bad you understand, the estate was large enough that we could not see each other at all. Once the children were free of the nursery, he took them in hand. From then, they learnt to treat me with the same thinly veiled contempt. He oversaw all their education until they left for school, and once they returned, I fear that their natures were well set." Beatrice paused to sip at her tea, gathering herself before continuing. "In gambling and sport, they had their father's approval. He held regular hunts and shoots on the estate, where I was trotted out to host the various wives and sisters and other single ladies. Of genuine friends, I had few, and fewer still were allowed to visit."
She paused again, sadness briefly flashing over her features. "Our youngest son was a member of one of those foolish clubs young men join. He died in a carriage race between himself and his friends some five years ago. He had just turned twenty. It is a terrible thing for any mother to admit, but I cannot confess to any sorrow at his passing. The child I had born had been a sweet boy, curious and clever. His father ruined him, and by the time of his death, he was a dissolute wastrel—all charm and flattery. Promised a small estate in Cornwall upon his father's passing he was to be saved the indignity of finding his way in the world. It was a matter of pride for my husband to be able to provide for both of his sons in this way. That estate, by the by, was not his to give. It is part of my jointure, currently rented, and it is this property that I hope to save from the creditors."
Darcy nodded his understanding at her inference that this is where she would require his assistance. The tale of his Aunt's marriage was a sad one, and he was further saddened to learn that he had lost a cousin and had not been informed of it. "Might I ask why we were not told of your son's passing? While we are not a close family, I would have attended the funeral."
Beatrice sighed. "I confess that there was a falling out some years back, trivial, but one of those things that never quite gets put right. I learned of your father's passing from the newspaper. It was not then difficult to discover the date of the funeral and make my arrangements to travel. I knew of both of you, and I suppose I wished to pay my respects. We had gotten along well enough as children."
There was a pause then as memories of the late Mr Darcy arose with the siblings. Their Aunt Beatrice broke the sombre air by continuing with her explanation. "My eldest followed in his father's footsteps. Dashing and charming, he swept his way through the ballrooms and gaming halls of the ton. And like his father, his luck never ran good for long. Between both of them, I believe the debts became substantial. I do not have the full amount; perhaps my solicitor is aware. Certainly, most of the valuables have been slowly removed from the estate and sold. Jewellery bought for me during the early years was taken. Only the Darcy jewels, those that might be sought for recovery by the family, were spared. My jointure was safe as only the interest is accessible to myself as was arranged by your grandfather, all else of value was sold. The servants were reduced until the estate ran on the bare minimum of staff. It is a sad tale and one that is not unfamiliar. To wit, once my husband died, my son could no longer hide from his father's creditors or his own. The estate is forfeit, and I no longer had any place to call home. I collected what belongings I could in one trunk and stole away. My son has taken up residence with a friend of his."
"You shall remain here with us, will you not, Aunt?" The question came from Georgiana who looked on with earnest hope. "Fitzwilliam and I have been spending time with a friend of Fitzwilliam's in Hertfordshire of late, but we would be most pleased if you would reside here."
"That is very kind of you, my dear," Beatrice said, looking over at Darcy.
"Indeed, as I have said, Darcy House is open to you, and if you do not wish to remain in London, then you will be welcome at Pemberley."
"Pemberley?" A wistful longing stole across her face.
"Yes," Darcy replied gently. "I am sure that the estate has changed much since you last resided there, though I hope not in the fundamentals. You mentioned an estate in Cornwall, I will endeavour to lend all the necessary aid to return this to your control, but I cannot say how long this may take. The methods by which property can be withheld are not simple to navigate. If the estate is given over to creditors, this will only exacerbate the situation."
"I have a copy of my settlement," she replied. "I confess I took it many years ago when I feared that he would… Well, that is of no matter. I have a copy. It is clearly stated that the property is mine, and upon my death would revert to the Darcy family."
"Ah," Darcy said. "In which case, if you would let me have that document, I can ask my solicitor to intervene. The property would revert to me, and as such, I can take further action. However, even with this in mind, the process may not resolve quickly. I really must insist you stay with us. It would give more weight to the claim if you were to be under the protection of your family."
"Am I?" she asked in a whisper.
Darcy rose from his chair and dropped to his knees by her seat. Gently he lifted her hands from her lap. "Aunt Beatrice, as your nephew and the sole heir to the Darcy name and fortune, I promise you that I shall wield all my influence and power, such as it may be, in the defence of you. You are not alone, nor are you friendless. You need not trouble yourself with this matter. I shall set things into motion and apprise you of any progress. You may reside here, or Pemberley, or any property which I own. I shall return to you that which was taken, and you shall never have to think back on those things that bring you pain."
She lifted a hand and laid it upon his cheek. "You are very like him, your father. He was as earnest in defence of those he loved."
Darcy took her hand and raised her to her feet. "Come, I shall show you up to your rooms, if there is anything you desire, you need only ask. Do you have a maid with you?"
She laughed wetly. "My dear nephew, I left with a small trunk and twenty pounds to my name."
Darcy clenched his jaw as anger swelled within him at her situation. Calming himself, he nodded. "Very well, then with your leave, I have asked Mrs Frodsham to assign you a maid. If you do not deal well together or wish to take on a more experienced maid, then I shall write to the agency with your requirements."
Darcy led her to the stairs. Georgiana followed her brother and aunt to the rooms readied for her. The staff had been efficient in their work in the passing time since Darcy had given Mrs Frodsham her instructions. New linens had been put on the bed, the fires lit to warm the room through, and vases of flowers placed upon the dresser and side tables. The room was welcoming and cheerful. Darcy left them once he had escorted their aunt in, informing her of the usual dining hours and so missed the tears that rose and fell as she took in the room and the efforts made to welcome her.
"Aunt Beatrice?" Georgiana asked hesitantly.
She sniffled, wiping her fingers briskly under her eyes. "Forgive me. I am a little overwrought. I confess I had not hoped for this."
"Why would we not help you? You are our family, our aunt."
Beatrice smiled sadly at her niece. "I fear that it has been many a year since I could believe in the innate goodness of mankind. I have not your youthful optimism."
"We are a small family, my brother and I. Family means so much to Fitzwilliam. The Fitzwilliams are all the family we have left."
"Oh, there are more Darcys," Beatrice replied absently. Noting the surprised look on Georgiana's face, she continued. "Cousins mostly, there is a judge, and I believe Barnabas Darcy, who was ten years my senior was quite a proficient musician. I regret I cannot tell you if he still lives as he has spent a life devoted to the orchestra and did not move in the circles I was permitted. The judge is still alive," she added. "If your brother had not been able to help, I was to call there next. The Right Honourable Marcus Darcy, I should think your brother is aware of him at least. Marcus and I have not spoken for many years. My husband as you can appreciate was not honourable, and I understand that he did something reprehensible of which I did not know at the time nor have I sought it since, but it sparked an angry letter from Marcus cutting me off from him. I was never to darken his door again, and all my letters would be burnt without reading." She smiled sadly at Georgiana's horrified face. "My dear, I am sorry I had not thought to upset you with my idle gossip. I have not had anyone I do not fear to speak my mind to for so long, forgive me I ran away with myself."
Georgiana shook her head. "I entreat you. I shall listen to whatever you have to say. I do not wish for you to feel that you cannot say what you think to me. I am merely shocked and saddened that your family would treat you in such a way."
"Scandal my dear. It is a terrible thing. It would have damaged Marcus to be known to be associating with someone connected to my husband's scandal. He was not punished, and society forgave him of course, but all scandal takes time to die down."
"Fitzwilliam would not have done such a thing."
Beatrice looked surprised. "I rather think your brother would avoid scandal the same as any other."
"He would not have cast you off," Georgiana said stoutly.
Well, perhaps not," Beatrice replied a little indulgently. "I, for one, am glad of his help now."
There was a gentle knock at the door. A maid opened the door and stood to one side.
"I shall be acting as your maid. My name is May, Ma'am. Robert had your trunk delivered and I took the liberty of unpacking it."
"Well, May, I thank you. If you could send the envelope of papers down to your Master, it contains the information he requires."
"Yes, Ma'am."
At breakfast the next day, Darcy accepted the post handed to him. He looked over the envelopes mentally organising his day. He was interrupted by his sister.
"Brother, might I have the carriage today?"
He couldn't help the eyebrow that climbed. "Where would you like to go? I shall be out myself today if there are errands you should wish me to perform for you?"
"I wished to visit the milliners, I am quite out of ribbon for my bonnet. I should also like to purchase some paints. Kitty has been helping me with my painting and we have quite run through hers, so it is only fair that I should provide some. Oh, and of course, I shall enquire if there is any new sheet music. Mary and I had quite a lively discussion the other day, and I thought since it is possible to get new sheet music in town much sooner than the more rural shops, I should browse and see if there was anything I should like. I also wished to call at Hatchards."
Darcy failed to smother his snort of laughter. "You were planning on completing all these tasks in one day?"
"Well, no, I confess I should probably become quite distracted browsing for music so it might take more than one day."
Darcy smiled. "If you could perhaps save your trip to Hatchards, I should like to accompany you if you will have me."
"Of course," she beamed. "Very well, shall I mark that down for a few days hence giving you time to begin your work for Aunt Beatrice?"
"Yes, I believe that should suit. I shall tell Hawes to let you have the carriage, I can take a cab. Do you plan on visiting the modiste while you are here?"
"No, I do not believe I need anything."
"Perhaps," Darcy replied. "You might do me the favour of taking our aunt with you and visiting the modiste." He turned to Beatrice who was quietly eating her meal. "I am afraid that should you wish to accompany us to Pemberley your wardrobe will need some additional items. The winters are far harsher than they are in Dorset."
"Indeed nephew," Beatrice said uncertainly.
Georgiana joined in guilelessly. "Why just two years ago we had nearly four feet of snow! It was quite a sight to behold. Some of the drifts were taller than me!"
"As you see, you will need the items. If you have an account with a modiste in town, tell them to charge me. It shall be taken care of. If you would accompany Georgiana today, I would be grateful. Mrs Annerlsey has indicated she wishes to visit her sister who is due to have her first child. We do not spend very much time in London, so she is very desirous of seeing her sister before we leave for the country once more."
"It shall be as you say," Beatrice replied with a small nod.
"Then shall we take lunch in a tea shop, aunt? There is quite the dearest one not far from the modiste. It does the most delightful small cakes. I would very much like a second opinion at the milliners, I am still quite new to trimming bonnets."
Beatrice smiled more genuinely at Georgiana's obvious enthusiasm. "If you should like. I confess I have not been to town for many years. I am quite out of step with the latest fashions."