Chapter 4

July1811

"FIRE! Fire!" Fitzwilliam Darcy was awoken from a deep sleep by his valet shaking him and shouting, "wake up, sir, the house is ablaze. Here are your breeches and boots; we must leave right now!"

He smelled the smoke as he quickly dressed and asked, "what is to be done?"

"The fire is widespread, and I fear Pemberley House is lost. Pray come quickly, while we have a chance to escape."

"Thank God my sister is at Oakmont Hall. Where are the servants?"

"They have left the house, sir, Mrs. Reynolds is making certain no one is left in the servants' quarters."

The two men hurried down the grand staircase, "Kenton, go outside and see what can be done to put the fire out, I will see if Mrs. Reynolds needs help and will join you outside as soon as possible."

"I will go with you, and we can both help."

"No, leave now!" Darcy demanded.

"Yes, sir, pray be safe," the valet declared as he exited through the open front door.

He could hear the sizzling sounds of the flames destroying the structure and the smell of smoke was overwhelming as the blaze greedily consumed the house. Despite the intense heat, he turned right toward the servants' quarters to help Mrs Reynolds. Without warning, a burning joist fell from the ceiling and Darcy was pinned to the floor before he had a chance to move out of the way. He struggled to lift the fiery beam off himself, but the heat and weight were too much for him. He felt searing pain on his face and leg and despite his efforts, he could not save himself. Darcy closed his eyes and accepted the fact he was nearing the end of his life; his last thought was of seeing his beloved parents again.

Elizabeth stood before Mrs Hopkins' small, well-kept home shortly after she arrived in Lambton. The front porch was covered in flowering vines many of which had begun to open. When she knocked on the door, she was greeted by a smiling woman who looked much older than her aunt. "I have been expecting you, Miss Bennet. Please come in and I will call for some tea."

"Thank you ma'am. I appreciate your kind hospitality. A man from the inn will bring my trunk soon."

"Let me see to the refreshments and then we can chat."

Elizabeth looked around the sitting room and admired the chairs and loveseats: all covered in lovely floral patterns. Her first impression was that she would be very comfortable living there.

When her hostess returned, her guest spoke first. "My aunt has spoken very highly of you ever since I can remember. She often shares her fond memories of living in Derbyshire with me and my sister, Jane."

"Madeline Benson and I were the closest of friends, and it broke my heart when her father decided to sell his shop and move to London. Happily, we have kept up a steady correspondence since then. In fact, she and your uncle travelled here when my son was married five years ago."

"I remember her speaking about it. Does your son live nearby?"

"I wish it were so but after my Robert completed his law studies, he and his wife, Margaret, settled near her family in Leicester. They used to visit me more often but now that they have two small children and his practice keeps him busy, they come in May for a fortnight. They left here a few days ago so your arrival was well timed."

"If I am still here in Derbyshire next spring, I would be delighted to meet them."

"Robert has met your relatives on many occasions, and I am certain he would enjoy meeting their niece."

"My aunt said you also have a daughter."

"Yes, my dear Amelia. She married a local man eight years ago but then her husband was offered a wonderful job in Yorkshire. They have two children, but she is now a widow; Malcolm succumbed to a fever some months ago. I have begged her to come live with me, but she said she is not ready to leave the home she shared with him."

"I am terribly sorry to hear about your loss." Elizabeth paused before continuing, "Has my aunt written about why I am here?" Her hostess nodded. "I am relieved it is not necessary for me to repeat the recent misfortunes which have befallen my family. My Aunt Gardiner suggested I look for work here in the village or at a nearby estate called Pemberley Park, which she said employs many people."

"I am terribly sorry my dear, but you will not find any employment at that estate. Such a tragedy; it was destroyed by a terrible fire not two weeks ago. I heard the master of the estate sustained grave injuries attempting to ensure everyone escaped from the house. He now lies near death at the Rose and Crown. Perhaps you can find something here in the village or at one of the other nearby estates."

"I cannot thank you enough for taking me in and since you are aware of my situation, I hope you will be able to help me find a position."

"Yes, my dear, I will try. Madeline told me everything and I daresay your father, bless his soul, should have done more to provide for your family." Elizabeth did not respond but nodded her head with a resigned smile on her face.

The Rose and Crown Inn

Ten days after the fire, Darcy felt himself waking from a deep sleep; he heard doors opening and closing and people speaking quietly. As he slowly gained consciousness, he groaned, and a man rushed to his side and asked, "Mr Darcy, can you hear me? It is Dr Pauling from London. How are you feeling?"

"Pauling," Darcy mumbled, "what are you doing here?"

"You were seriously injured by the fire at Pemberley. Do you remember being trapped beneath a burning beam?" Darcy moaned in response. "Your valet and footmen were outside when they heard the crash and rushed in to lift the beam from you and bring you to safety."

"I have a terrible headache. My face feels like it is on fire and my throat is so raw it hurts to talk. Why are my hands wrapped and my leg bandaged?" He tried to sit up but cried out in agony and fell back onto his pillows. "Why do I have so much pain?"

"Your head hurts because it was hit by the falling beam, but that pain will clear up in time. The embers from the timber have scorched the side of your face and there are some minor burns on your arms and hands. Your leg took most of the weight of the falling timber; the bones are not broken but the burning wood caused significant damage to the thigh muscles; it is splinted and bandaged so it can heal properly. There is a poultice on your face which will help it heal and I hope, prevent the burns from becoming infected. Your throat hurts because you inhaled a great deal of smoke before you were rescued but that, too, will improve in time."

Darcy attempted to shout in a raspy voice, "anything else? I am scarred for life, cannot walk, and can barely speak; you should have let me die!"

Mrs. Reynolds rushed to his side with tears in her eyes, "pray do not say that sir. We are all here to help you and you will get well and walk again. We are all so grateful no one perished in the fire."

"I am tired and wish to sleep," he grumbled. He raised his voice as much as he was able, "leave me alone, all of you."

When he awakened in the morning, he saw his steward speaking quietly to Mrs. Reynolds. "Bethel! How is Pemberley House? Were you able to put out the fire?"

"I am terribly sorry to tell you that most of the manor house was destroyed. The servants and tenants filled bucket after bucket in the lake but to no avail; the fire was too extensive. The flames spread quickly and destroyed the crops and the orchards. The livestock are alive because they ran from the flames. The stables were not touched and none of the horses or carriages were damaged."

"That is all I need to know. You can leave now."

As his patient began to recover, Dr Pauling used less and less laudanum to ease his pain; his arms and hands healed well enough for some of the bandages to be removed. "Do you feel well enough to deal with your pain without drugs?" Darcy nodded, and the doctor smiled. "I am pleased your recovery is progressing faster than I hoped."

Later that day, Mrs Reynolds welcomed Georgiana to her brother's chambers. "Come in. Mr Darcy is recovering well, and Dr Pauling has just returned to examine him."

When she saw her brother burned and bandaged, she began to cry and rushed to his side. "I am so happy to see you. I have been so worried."

"Miss Darcy, I was about to remove the poultice from your brother's face; perhaps you should wait with Mrs Reynolds." She squeezed her brother's hand and walked to the other side of the room.

The doctor carefully removed the dressing from Darcy's face. "I am pleased to see there is no sign of infection. I am returning to London soon, but I have given Mrs Reynolds specific instructions on how to treat your face and leg. Before you awakened, Mr Barton, the local apothecary has been here to see you and will follow up with your care. I can hear your voice is sounding better as well."

"I want to see my face." Dr Pauling and Mrs Reynolds exchanged worried glances but before either of them could object, Darcy shouted, "get me a looking glass now!" Georgiana cowered in the corner hearing the anger in her brother's voice.

Pauling brought the looking glass from the dressing table and stood beside the bed. "I must warn you; there is still a great deal of swelling and redness; both will subside over time."

Darcy did not reply and simply held out his hand. He hesitated for a moment before raising the mirror. He angled it to the right side of his face and touched his unshaven but smooth cheek. When he turned his head and saw the severity of his burns, he threw the looking glass against the wall, and everyone in the room cringed as they watched it shatter.

"Thank you for telling me the truth, Pauling. From what I have just seen, I am more certain than ever you should have let me die."

Embraced by Mrs Reynolds, Georgiana tearfully whispered, "no, no, he cannot mean that."

The physician responded, "in a few months, it will look much better and fortunately you did not lose your eye."

"Yes, that is good news," Darcy replied sarcastically. "I could have been left crippled, disfigured and blind." No one said anything until the patient ordered, "all of you – get out!"

Mrs Reynolds responded, "I will be right outside the door if you need anything."

Georgiana was afraid to approach her brother and stayed near the door. "Goodbye Fitzwilliam. I will come back soon." Her brother did not respond and she wept as she stepped from the room and into the warm embrace of Mrs Annesley, her companion.

Several days later, the doctor smiled after he examined his patient and reported, "you are recovering well and I have removed the splints; the bandages will ensure your leg continues to heal. I am happy to say you are well enough to go home."

"Home?" He yelled. "What home? Pemberley House is in ruins! I have no place to go!"

Mrs Reynolds stepped closer. "Since the fire, I have been preparing Pembrook Cottage for your return. You will be very comfortable there and close enough to supervise the rebuilding of the manor house. There will be a small staff and Kenton will see to your needs. Of course, I will be there as well. Dr Pauling is returning to London tomorrow but we will continue your care."

Darcy made no reply but told himself he would never have the strength nor desire to rebuild his home.

That afternoon, he was carefully transported to the cottage and was helped up the stairs by two footmen. When they reached the landing, searing leg pain prevented him from walking the few steps to his chambers and his servants carried him to his bed. From the moment he was installed in his room, he refused to see anyone and even Mrs. Reynolds found him challenging to live with. He would not allow the household servants to see him and if someone dared enter his chambers, a book or some other nearby object was thrown toward the door.

Shortly after her brother was moved to the cottage, Georgiana returned to see him; despite her master's explicit instructions, Mrs Reynolds ignored his demand to turn her away. Before being shown upstairs, two footmen helped Darcy enter the sitting room adjoining his chambers so his sister would not witness his inability to walk on his own. He was intentionally unfeeling about her own sadness that their home was gone. "I want to be here with you to help with your care," she said with tears in her eyes. "I know there is a bed chamber for me, and I wish to stay here and be close by whenever you need something."

"That will not be necessary. I am being well cared for and would never condemn you to a life with a crippled brother."

"That is not how I see it. I would be caring for the person I love more than anyone else in the world."

"No, Georgiana," Darcy insisted, "go back to Oakmont Hall and stay with the Matlocks until they leave for town. Enjoy your life, you never know when everything will be taken from you."

"Brother, you have your life, and your leg and face will heal. Our home may be gone but surely everything can be rebuilt."

"I do not see that happening." After exchanging a few more words, she understood her brother would not change his mind; she decided to take his advice and stay with Lord and Lady Matlock until they decamped to London.

July 1811

Wickham had watched the conflagration he ignited from a safe distance and had no doubt that Darcy, Georgiana and all their servants were dead. I carefully planned the fire so no one could escape from the inferno I started. Unaware his childhood friend was desperately fighting for his life; George Wickham arrived in London and wasted no time spending the money he stole from Darcy's safe. His first undertaking was to secure lodgings in a fashionable area of London and hire a valet. He then visited the tailor who made all of Darcy's clothes and was fitted for a completely new wardrobe in the latest styles. He was determined to live the elegant life he always felt was due him.

Now dressed as a wealthy gentleman, he sought to reap the rewards of his ill-gotten gains and set out to sell the Darcy gems. He visited various jewellers in the less fashionable parts of the city and sold a few items at a time. He knew he was not being offered a fair price but was in no position to argue. Feeling particularly avaricious one morning he arrived at one of Mayfair's finest jewellers. After being shown some of the larger pieces Wickham stole, the shop owner recognized the beautiful diamond and ruby necklace and hair combs he had created for Lady Anne Darcy. He knew the jewels must have been stolen and lied to Wickham, "I can see these pieces are rather extraordinary, but I regret I cannot help you sir. I am but an assistant and my job is limited to cleaning jewellery and making deliveries. Mr Carter will be back in a few days; if you leave these items with me, he can appraise them next week. I will be happy to give you a receipt. Will that be satisfactory, sir?"

Believing he would get more in Mayfair than at the other stores he visited, his hunger for money led him to reluctantly agree. "Yes, I will call back next week."

As soon as Wickham left his store, Mr Carter wrote to Mr Darcy explaining what happened in his shop and described the man attempting to peddle the stolen goods. He would not proceed with any sale unless he heard from Darcy that he wished to sell. When he sent the message, he had no idea that Pemberley House no longer existed, and it would take some time for his note to reach its intended recipient.

Wickham had even less luck with Darcy's attorney. When he gave his name and explained his business to the clerk, he was immediately shown into Mr Hartford's office. The Darcy's long-time solicitor hid his surprise when a total stranger entered his office bearing the deeds to Pemberley Park and all the other family holdings. "How quickly will I be able to sell my properties? I am anxious to move abroad as soon as possible." Wickham always thought everything Darcy owned should be his but now, thanks to him, the manor house was a burnt-out ruin and all he wanted was the cash value.

"It will take many months to transfer so many assets and properties and to my knowledge, Mr Darcy is not presently in London. We must first seek his approval of the sale contracts before we can transfer ownership; then you can do with the properties as you please. I met with him shortly before he left for Derbyshire and he said nothing about his plans to sell any of his assets."

Wickham believed Darcy and Georgiana to be dead and did not know who would inherit his estate; he dropped all the papers on the solicitor's desk. "You can keep them. The remnants of what was once a great estate are not worth a farthing." Mr Hartford watched him depart unsure why he would say Pemberley Park had no value. Wickham walked out of the office disappointed that he would not make any money from Darcy's numerous holdings. The other properties are not worth much; Pemberley Park was always the prize. It matters not; I will get top dollar for the jewels I stole and have the funds to start a new life anywhere I choose.

As soon as his unexpected visitor left the office, Mr Hartford turned to his clerk, "that man is up to no good. Mr Darcy would never think to sell any of his properties without notifying this office. I will send an express to Pemberley House with a detailed description of my meeting with that man."

July 1811

London

Mr Darcy,

An unknown gentleman entered my offices this morning

claiming to be the 'new' owner of the Darcy estate. He indicated he was very anxious to sell all his properties so he could move abroad as quickly as possible. When I told him it would take months to complete the sale, the man threw the deeds on my desk and departed. You did not mention anything about selling any of your holdings when you were last here and when I informed the stranger I was unable to help his endeavour, he threw the deeds on my desk and left my office. He did say that Pemberley Park was in ruins which I did not understand. I hope you are well when you receive this message.

Your servant,

M Hartford

When he finished his letter, the solicitor gathered up the

documents the unknown man had returned and placed them in a secure courier pouch. He asked his head clerk to travel to Derbyshire to ensure their delivery directly into Mr Darcy's hands.

Wickham debated whether or not to remain in town after he sold the jewels. London is so exciting; always a party or ball to attend and untold opportunities to seduce young heiresses and steal their valuable baubles. Yet, there are also the many merchants to whom I owe a great deal of money from my days as a poor rake. There are also the angry fathers of all the girls I have ruined. Perhaps I should settle down somewhere no one knows of my past misdeeds and I can start over with my rather large nest egg.

Not one week after Elizabeth's arrival in Lambton, Mrs Hopkins returned from her marketing and greeted her guest with a big smile. "Elizabeth I have wonderful news. On my way home, I stopped by to pay a quick call on my neighbour, Mrs Murray. She was incapacitated after a carriage accident several months ago. She has no children and has been a widow for several years. Her regular helper is going away to visit her family and she needs a temporary companion in her stead. The apothecary in town thinks she will improve in time if she adheres to his instructions to strengthen her muscles. Is that not wonderful news? You can work for Mrs Murray for a month or two, establish yourself as a trustworthy, competent aide and easily get another situation when this one ends. That is if you wish to accept the position."

Elizabeth did not know what to say. After leaving the Gardiner's home her plan was to go into service, but the reality of accepting a position gave her pause. She replied hesitantly, "of course, Mrs Hopkins, that sounds like just the thing. Shall I go to see Mrs Murray today?"

"My dear girl, you are a gentleman's daughter and were brought up to be a lady. You never thought you would be forced to go into service but sadly, that is nothe reality of your life. You can think about it tonight; there is no need to see her until tomorrow. Her companion, Betsy Richards, does not plan to leave for Cornwall for several more days. She can introduce you to Mrs Murray and if you are hired, she can show you around the house and instruct you as to Mrs Murray's daily routine. There are two maids and a cook, so your only responsibilities are helping her eat, reading to her and so on. Her home is nearby and I hope you know you are welcome to stay on with me while you work there; I have come to enjoy your company."

"Mrs Hopkins, I would be delighted to stay; I cannot thank you enough for your generous hospitality. I would not have been able to find work so quickly on my own."

"While she lived in Lambton, Madeline Benson was like the younger sister I never had. If she sings your praises then it is easy for me to do the same."

The following day found Elizabeth in the home of Mrs Clarice Murray. She spoke to Betsy Richards and her potential employer about what would be expected of her during her time there. The interview went well, the wages she was offered seemed fair although she had no idea what Longbourn's servants were paid.

It was decided that she would begin working five days hence and while Mrs Murray was resting, Betsy informed Elizabeth of their daily routine. "She cannot yet manage the stairs and has converted a small parlour on this floor into a bedroom. Her maid helps her dress and when cook brings her breakfast, I cut everything into small pieces, and feed her. She rests after eating and in the early afternoon we do her exercises and then she reads. We have dinner and then she returns to her chambers for the night." Elizabeth was relieved to learn her tasks would not include the need for her to perform any tasks which would make her new life even more degrading than her position as a companion.

Tomorrow I will start my life in service; I never imagined myself as a companion other than for my sisters' children. Papa, you loved your books more than your family and have wronged us and done us all a terrible disservice.

The first morning of her new job, Elizabeth observed Mrs Murray's lack of strength whenever she tried to move. She spoke intelligently and enjoyed her conversation with her new companion. Recalling what Mrs Hopkins said about her friend's condition, Elizabeth asked, "did the apothecary suggest you do anything specific to help you regain your strength?"

"Oh yes, dear, now that I think about it, I believe Mr Barton told me that moving my weak muscles would help my recovery. You see, after the accident I was confined to my bed for many months and when I was allowed to stand, I found myself too weak to walk or even feed myself."

"Are the directions from the apothecary written down anywhere?"

"Betsy keeps the papers in that drawer over there in the desk."

Elizabeth easily found the list and turned to inquire,

"are you practicing these movements every day?"

"No dear, usually once a week. Betsy worries that I might overdo it and worsen my condition."

Looks to me like Betsy Richards is doing as little as possible to help

her employer and everything she can to keep her position for as long as possible. If Mrs Murray regains her strength, Betsy would be out of a job. I will do my best to help my employer as much as I can.

They went over the instructions and decided what they should work on first. "I am grateful I can now walk from my chambers to the drawing room with help but there is so much more I wish to do for myself. I would like to be able to feed myself and get up from a chair without help. I dream that one day I will once again climb the stairs to my chambers."

"Then that is what we shall do. Let us begin with a short period of exercise every morning and then again in the afternoon if you feel up to it." Beginning that first morning, Elizabeth and Mrs Murray went through various movements to strengthen her arms and legs. Over the course of the next few weeks, she gained the ability to walk on her own using a cane and had more strength in her arms and hands. "You are making wonderful progress ma'am and soon you will be back to your old self."

"You are a remarkable young woman, Elizabeth. You will find a good man to marry you when you meet someone wise enough to overlook your birthmark and see all the good inside of you. When Betsy returns, I will miss you reading to me every day and our spirited conversations."

"Thank you, I am grateful for the opportunity to be of help to you."

Six weeks later, Elizabeth and Mrs Murray were discussing a book they were reading when they received an unexpected visitor; Betsy Richards had returned. "It is so good to see you again Mrs Murray. I hope Miss Bennet has done a good job while I have been gone."

"Yes Betsy, more than satisfactory. I will show you some of the progress I have made." Elizabeth helped Mrs Murray stand and handed her a cane. Betsy looked on with an insincere smile on her face. "I can walk with a cane and feed myself if the food is cut."

Betsy was none too happy but hid her feelings and feigned her delight at her charge's progress. I knew it was a mistake to visit my family for so long! I never expected my replacement to accomplish so much more than I did in such a short period of time. I will soon be out of a job and then what will I do.

Elizabeth was about to leave the house when Mrs Murray called her into the drawing room. "Betsy is upstairs unpacking and I wanted to give you this." She handed Elizabeth an envelope with money inside.

"I cannot accept this; you already paid me for my time here."

"Without you I would still be stuck in my chair, having to be fed. You have changed my life for the better; now I know what to expect from Betsy or she will soon be looking for work. Please take this. I wish you the very best of luck, my dear girl."

Elizabeth bent down to kiss her cheek. "Thank you for the opportunity to prove to myself that I am capable of things I never imagined. If you are amenable, I would like to visit you while I am still in Lambton."

"Please do, it will keep Betsy on her toes!"

Pembrook Cottage

Darcy was depressed and wallowed in his guilt; his estate had been destroyed while it was his responsibility to keep it safe. He drank brandy all day and privately shed copious tears realizing he could do nothing to save his family's ancestral home. So many had lost their livelihoods; those who worked on the estate and the many tradesmen in Lambton who depended on Pemberley Park to survive. He remembered his father telling him to do anything necessary to keep the estate free from deteriorating. I am sorry father; there is no worse deterioration than the manor house being destroyed by fire.

He shouted at Mrs. Reynolds and the maids she hired. The young women quit after working only a day or two; they told Mrs Reynolds they could not endure how abusive Darcy was to them. The housekeeper herself would never think of leaving; she had known him since he was a boy and knew he was suffering from not only his physical injuries but his emotional wounds as well. Although he was in his cups, Darcy allowed Mr Barton to enter his room every other day to apply a honey compound to his facial burns and change the bandages on his leg. Some days he refused to get out of bed, he hardly ate and drank as many bottles as Mrs. Reynolds could carry from the unaffected wine cellar. Despite the written pleas of his sister, uncle, and cousin, he refused to consider the idea of rebuilding. He blamed himself for the destruction of the manor house and all it contained; the furnishings, books, and art that had taken generations to collect. His mother decorated and chose the furniture and decor and it was all very beautiful despite what Lady Beatrice thought. The library, the work of generations was gone and he believed nothing could be salvaged.

August 1811

Several weeks after Darcy arrived at the cottage, Lady Beatrice and her father paid him an unexpected visit. As they were driving up the lane to the estate, Lord Markham commented on how extensive the devastation of the house and grounds had been. "This is so much worse than I anticipated. It will take many years to rebuild Pemberley Park to what it once was."

"I had such grand plans for this estate. What a shame," echoed his daughter.

When they arrived at the cottage, they entered the drawing room and found a brooding, dishevelled man who reeked of alcohol. They both saw how much difficulty Darcy had trying to stand and when Lady Beatrice saw his disfigured face, she covered her mouth and turned away. "Darcy, Lord Matlock told me about the fire and I wanted to see you for myself. I know your betrothal to my daughter has been of long duration but after carefully considering your current circumstances, I will release you from that agreement if you so desire. I assume your contract was destroyed in the fire so I have had another copy made and have brought the papers you must sign to make ending the agreement official."

"Yes, my lord, I agree that would be best. Where do I sign?"

After their signatures were in place, Beatrice opened her reticule and tried not to look at him as she handed him her betrothal ring and absently wished him luck. Darcy looked more closely at his former betrothed and realized she did not look the same as she did when she visited a few months prior. She has gained weight and her gown is so tight over her stomach, it is straining at the seams. I am delighted the betrothal is over; I did not look forward to being compelled to marry someone I cannot tolerate much less be forced to raise someone else's by-blow as my own.

"It is too bad. I could have turned Pemberley Park into something truly grand but there is nothing of value left here," declared Lady Beatrice as the carriage rode away from the estate.

"You are just like your mother's relatives," Lord Markham muttered. Although he did not say it, it was openly acknowledged that Catherine the Great was known to have many lovers.

"What did you say?"

"Beatrice, for years I have begged you to be more discreet and careful. I should never have allowed you to enter society at such a young age. Perhaps I should have remarried and then your stepmother could have helped guide you. It is too late for that; you must find someone else in a hurry. What about the baby's father? Will none of your lovers marry you? You have a substantial dowery. What about Bertram? He is your most frequent visitor."

She responded feigning innocence, "whatever do you mean?"

Lord Markham could not control his anger. "Do not play games with me; it is obvious to everyone you are increasing."

She bowed her head and ashamedly asked, "What shall I do, Papa? I was counting on being married to Darcy before I began to show. Bertram knows it may not be his and has already moved on to someone else."

"You are my only child and I now see the damage my being such an over-indulgent father has wrought. I have no wish to send you away for a year or more. I will have to pay someone to marry you and agree to raise the child as his own. I will never allow you to bear an illegitimate baby and disgrace the Markham name."

"Thank you, father, I understand." Their journey back to London was long and quiet.

Not long after Darcy was released from his betrothal, he read in the London papers that Lady Beatrice had married Lord Palmerston. He knew Palmerston was at least twenty years older than his bride and had lost all his family's money at the gaming tables. He will need more than her dowry to make his estate solvent again. I wonder how much Lord Markham had to pay Palmerston to marry his daughter and claim the child as his own. The fire was a tragedy that resulted in only one good thing; I am no longer tied to a woman I dreaded being married to.