PP AU Non-Canon General Regency

Note: I get the feeling Lady Catherine, technically, lives permanently in the dowery house but she is up at the main house just as much as she is anywhere else. HOWEVER, it is not because she is a but-in-ski but because she and Anne enjoy each other's company. She is polite enough to 'bow' out when Anne has company if that is what her daughter wishes.

Note: Yes, Caroline Bingley really did a number on Jane , Anne is doing her best to remedy that (YEAH! For Anne!)

Previously

No matter what occurred or how serious the situation, if push came to shove and she had to choose between Jane and society, she would stand by Miss Bennet.

One lone shadow down the dowry house, had Anne's thoughts been heard, would have smiled, even if she would have acted appalled out in the open.

Alexander's Talk with Fitzwilliam

Ch. 10

Fitzwilliam strode down the steps of Pemberley, the late spring sun casting a warm glow over the estate. The air was fragrant with the scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birds singing filled the air as if being led by a skilled choir director. He found himself soaking in these moments, the peaceful start to a busy day, as it gave him a break from Elizabeth's mood swings that had become pronounced the further along with child she had become. Thankfully, he had been prepared for such mood swings simply by other men's stories of their own wives; hence, the now early morning walks. Fitzwilliam's walk was brisk, and he paused occasionally to exchange greetings with the gardeners already hard at work. Fitzwilliam's tenants loved the fact Mr. Darcy had taken time to learn their names and understood their roles in maintaining the beauty of Pemberley. His presence among them was not just that of an overseer, but a true steward of the land and they all knew it. Reaching the lake, he stood for a moment, gazing at the tranquil waters, a place of calm reflection before the day's tasks unfolded.

"Mr. Darcy, Sir, you are wanted at the stables." A young man came running up and told him before running off to his other duties.

Fitzwilliam turned his attention to the stables. He derived a deep satisfaction from spending time with his horses, and today was no different. The stable master greeted him with a nod, and together they discussed the horses' well-being and training routines. Fitzwilliam meticulously checked the stalls, ensuring they were clean and well-stocked with fresh hay. He then took his favorite mare for a ride, the rhythmic thud of her hooves a comforting melody that resonated with the heartbeat of the estate.

"So, why was I told to come here? Why was the hand wearing such a serious face? Everything looks in order."

"I do not..." The man did not get a chance to finish as another fellow came hurrying up. "Blackie is down with colic; the vet is with him now."

The stable master's eyes widened in genuine surprise. "I did not know about this. I have been here overseeing the new feed delivery. This must have happened just moments ago."

Darcy nodded, understanding the honest mistake. "Let us go and see what we can do for Blackie."

The stable master, now fully aware of the situation, quickly led Darcy to the section of the stables where the vet was attending to Blackie. The area where the prized horse was down was buzzing with activity as the stable master rapidly joined in with the others and the veterinarian to attend to Blackie. They worked swiftly, administering herbal infusions to ease the horse's pain and walking him around the stable yard to help pass the gas.

It took some time but, after a while, signs of improvement began to show. The creature's breathing steadied, and his movements became less strained. The stable master exchanged a relieved glance with the veterinarian, who nodded—his own relief showing. Their combined efforts had put Blackie on the path to recovery; the prized horse would soon be back to his healthy self.

"I think I am not needed here. You both have this well taken care of."

"Sir." The same young boy who had come to tell Fitzwilliam he was needed at the stable came up to him yet again. "Your cousin, Lord Alexander de Bourgh, is here to see you. He is up at the house."

"I am on my way."

Fitzwilliam had received word the Earl was coming, but not exactly why and that confused him. It was not as if they were directly related. A cousin to Anne did not mean it was his own cousin. And yet the man's note had mentioned it hinted at it involving Sir Lewis. His thoughts caused him to ignore any scenery of his own estate until he rounded the corner of his home and saw the Earl sitting on a bench which might as well have had a rosebush as its back.

"Hello Lord de Bourgh, how may I be of service to you?" Fitzwilliam spoke politely as he put out his hand.

"Please..." The gentleman stood up and smiled, taking Fitzwilliam's hand with both of his. "Name's Alexander, I am not messing with London, let us forgo titles, shall we?" He then asked if they could please go riding. "Preferably on horseback. It appears..." He chuckled and pointed to one of the coach's broken cog. "My wheels hate me of late. Lately, I think they are the bane of my existence. I half think I am better off simply walking, or sticking to horseback. Seriously considering it."

"Lady Catherine would be up in a great uproar."

"I mean no insult to you, Fitzwilliam; however, I dare say—you do not know your aunt as well as you think you if you say such a thing. Though, the quest I am now on will most likely unsettle her for, by now, she is most certainly have heard of it. I am hoping; however, she will at least hear me out when we meet again."

"What is going on?"

"I will be more than willing to talk; it is why I am here. However, that ride?"

"Yes, of course." Soon they were on horses and away from Pemberley's main home. "Now what did you wish to discuss exactly?"

"I realize you were fairly young when Sir Lewis passed away. However, could you please tell me anything at all you recall about the gentleman's behavior, say... in the last three years that stood out to you as... changed?"

"What do you mean by changed?"

Alexander kept his horse's pace slow but steady, as the Darcys' pet dog raced by. His mind was busy choosing how to word what needed to be said. "Sir Lewis, unlike Mr. Thomas Bennet, was far more serious, though he lightened up around Thomas and Frances; Lady Catherine always helped with her humor matching that of Thomas's."

"My aunt matching Mr. Bennet's? Have you fallen ill lately?"

"Have you been around your aunt by yourself in her own home? I mean prior to Sir Lewis's death?"

"Not really."

"Think about it," Alexander continued. "As to other changes... well, let us face facts, Sir Lewis had no problems handling his affairs with exactness. He managed Rosings Park efficiently. But I need to know if, all of a sudden, certain unusual activities or behaviors began to surface. Were there fewer unexpected visitors? Did he appear to be hiding something, or did anything seem out of the ordinary?"

"How do you know all that? I may not know much about you, but I know you have not been in contact with the family much."

"No, but people talk, and I have been asking questions before I arrived here."

When asked why that was the case, Alexander sighed. "Please, answer my questions and then—if I am able—I promise, I will answer yours."

"Well, as you said, I was young when Uncle Lewis passed away and, clearly, my reaction about my aunt shows it. Nonetheless, what little I do recall is that there had been a rise in a particular visitor -sorry, I cannot recall his name, only that he wore a tall black hat. He stopped coming. And, just after he stopped, when I was visiting, he and Aunt Catherine were arguing about that particular visitor... they did not realize I was still within earshot... Uncle Lewis told her not to worry, the gentleman was no longer needed. That his business with Rosings Park was finished. Why, what did he do that has you so concerned?"

"I am not certain for I have not had time to read the book given to me by Mr. Timmson Senior's son." Alexander was not surprised by Fitzwilliam's eyes going unnaturally wide. "Yes, you heard me correctly. However, rest assured, in this case, the apple fell and has rolled as far away from the tree as possible."

"What does my uncle have to do with Mr. Timmson Senior? Sir Lewis was an honest man."

"I thought the same thing; however, I began to question that of late And I am sorry to say; Mr. Timmson's father was famous for wearing tall black hats." Alexander explained what had planted the seed of doubt. "It is why I now make my rounds, questioning people about the last few years of your uncle's life." The Earl then looked up to the main house as they drew close. "I meant to ask you; I rode by Rosings Park the other day and saw a lady I have not seen before. I wondered if you knew who she was."

"What did she look like?" When given a description, Mr. Darcy chuckled. "That is my wife's sister, Miss Jane Bennet. Anne must have invited her over for she is now mistress of Rosings Park, has been for a year."

"Interesting that my cousin never mentioned that to me."

"Anne opted not to make it official until a couple of weeks ago as she had other things going on. You probably saw Jane shortly after she was invited by Anne in way of celebration."

"That seems perfectly logical. What is she really like? I do not trust Miss Bingley's word."

"She is as gentle as a dove, honest as the day is long and is stronger than people give her credit for." His willingness to ask about Jane thrilled Fitzwilliam.