Dear readers: Please keep in mind that this story has 28 chapters and an epilogue. Once I've finished rewriting it, I'll leave it for two days and remove it from this site.
Chapter 21
The moment Albert said that, he immediately regretted it. He knew an intelligent and independent lady like Miss Elizabeth would indeed despise such a behavior. But the mistake had already been made, and he would not admit defeat in front of the arrogant Darcy. He had already decided that as soon as his affair in that house was over, he would speak with Mr. Gardiner not to ask permission to court Elizabeth but to ask his advice.
Mr. Darcy wanted to kick Reed out of his house. But he was a gentleman and would never do such a thing. But he could not help but feel disappointed to learn that Elizabeth had some kind of understanding with another man. He had wasted so much time that he knew he could not complain. She could not wait forever until he made a decision. "Reed, Miss Elizabeth is a good friend of my sister; for that reason, she and I shall be in contact, and you can do nothing to prevent that."
"Darcy, I have no idea why you insist on maintaining a close relationship with Miss Elizabeth, using your sister as an excuse. But I am glad you have no other intentions since, as you can see, it will not be possible to achieve anything with her." Mr. Reed did not want to say more because he realized that going to that house had been a big mistake.
"Forgive me, Reed, but I do not understand what you are doing here. If Miss Elizabeth does not wish to have any bond of friendship with me, I have no trouble indulging her wishes. I just want her to inform me directly. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a lot of things to do." Mr. Darcy sat, took a piece of paper, and looked at it, ignoring Albert.
"I do not understand why you insist on getting close to her. Even if you want to play dumb, yesterday I saw how you held her hand and spoke to her. Despite our differences, I always considered you a gentleman, and knowing your vision of the world, I know very well that you consider Miss Elizabeth and her entire family below your notice and your ridiculous social standards. That is why I do not understand why you insist on pursuing her." Albert wanted to say many more, but he stopped talking to calm his nerves and not speak more than necessary.
Mr. Darcy could not ignore Albert's words. He could not deny the veracity of his statement. "Reed, I do not have to explain anything to you, and I hope this is the last time I have to tell you."
"Darcy, how good that you are home. I have something very important to discuss with you," Richard said as he entered his cousin's office. Seeing that someone was there, he immediately fell silent and waited for Mr. Darcy to introduce him to the stranger.
"Fitzwilliam, I am happy to see you. I also wanted to speak with you, and Reed was leaving," said Mr. Darcy, looking at Albert.
Colonel Fitzwilliam realized that the man was Albert Reed, whom he had met a few days ago at the Gardiners' house. He greeted him, and Albert answered curtly. Richard did not say anything else because he noticed the tense atmosphere.
"Well, I shall go now. I hope you do not forget what we have discussed today, Darcy," said Albert in a threatening tone.
"Goodbye, Reed," Mr. Darcy replied dryly, pointing to his door's office.
Albert left immediately, and Richard said nothing until the stranger finally left his cousin's office.
"Tell me, Richard. Do you have news of Wickham? I hope we can locate him soon. I do not want that scoundrel on the loose believing he will go unpunished," said Mr. Darcy, visibly concerned.
"I am sorry, Darcy, why were you discourteous to Reed? It seemed that you had a big argument."
"Look, Fitzwilliam, I know you, and I am aware that you will not allow me peace if I do not tell you what happened." Mr. Darcy told Richard they had a little discussion about a topic they disagreed on.
Connecting the dots, Richard realized that Mr. Reed was the man who had given the book and the feather to Miss Elizabeth. He sensed the nature of his cousin's disagreement with that man. However, there were more important matters to discuss, so he did not ask any questions and just shared the information he had.
"My contact told me they have seen Wickham in the East Ward. He seems to be hiding at a friend's house but remains hidden because he has more than one debt, and many are looking for him. But Randall told me something that worried me."
"Well, I am sure we shall find him soon. Smith is also tracking him. I hope you have told your contact not to skimp on expenses. I am willing to pay whatever it takes to catch that bastard. But, please tell me what ails you so much." Mr. Darcy gave his cousin a glass of brandy and waited to hear what he had to say.
The Colonel felt sorry to see his cousin so nervous and distraught. He always had to be in charge of everything and everyone. Since his father's passing, he took over Pemberley and all the family businesses, and even though he was a young man, he had never had time to behave like one. "I hope Georgie can understand more about her responsibilities as part of the Darcy family."
"Have no doubt, Richard, that this experience has changed my sister greatly," said Mr. Darcy.
"I believe Georgie needs a female role model who can guide her. You know, my mother or Lady Catherine have never been interested in her. You should get married, Darcy," Richard said with a laugh. For sure, someone like Elizabeth Bennet should know better how to talk to a young lady like his cousin.
Mr. Darcy stood and looked out the window at the street. "Indeed, if only it were that easy."
"Well, it is not that difficult either. You have everything you need to offer a woman if you fall in love," Richard added, challenging his cousin.
"You know very well that things are not that easy. It is not just falling in love as if I were a schoolboy. There are many other things to consider, or at least I thought that for a long time."
Richard stared at Mr. Darcy, shaking his head. They had had that conversation before, and he knew his cousin's opinion well. "Are you finally understanding that everything our parents taught us is wrong? Darcy, I have lived in the real world for many years, and I can tell you that I value nothing more than honesty and a good heart. The rest matters little and even less when choosing your life partner."
Mr. Darcy looked at his cousin for a second, and for the first time, he could see that Richard had nothing, and despite that, he was much happier than him. "I know, Fitzwilliam. These last few days, I have had a chance to realize how wrong I have been. But you still have not told me what you are worried about, Richard."
"You are correct. I should speak honestly and openly with you." Colonel Fitzwilliam explained to his cousin how his contact had had the opportunity to interact with Wickham, and that was why it was necessary to speak with Georgiana to know what to expect.
P&P
After leaving Darcy House, Albert went to his business partner's office. He needed to speak to someone about his doubts and clarify his feelings about the lovely Elizabeth Bennet.
"Reed, I did not know you were coming today. I thought you would spend the day chatting with Mr. Garland and Martins. Is there a problem with the transaction?" asked Mr. Gardiner, between concerned and surprised.
"No, there is no problem with them, Mr. Gardiner. I shall meet Garland and Martins later at the club," Albert clarified immediately to keep his friend from worrying. "I am here on a personal matter."
Mr. Gardiner was a bit surprised, but seeing Albert a little nervous, he invited him to sit and said cordially. "Tell me how I can help you."
Albert sat, and after reflecting, he finally said. "Mr. Gardiner, ever since I met your niece, Miss Elizabeth, I have deeply admired her. I would like to know your opinion of me courting her ..."
Although Mr. Gardiner was not surprised that his partner admired his niece, he found it curious that Elizabeth had not mentioned an understanding between them. "Reed, did you talk to Lizzy about this?"
"No, because I wanted to know your thoughts before talking to her. I do not know; I would not want to ruin my friendship with Miss Elizabeth if she still does not feel what I feel for her." Albert was confused and did not know how to explain his sentiments.
Mr. Gardiner thought he knew what was wrong with Albert. He knew his friend was unsure of Elizabeth's feelings and wanted his advice. "Reed, I cannot speak for my niece, but you should talk to her before deciding. Lizzy is quite independent and does not like it when people make decisions for her. But if you allow me, I would like to speak to you sincerely."
"Of course, Mr. Gardiner," Albert replied immediately.
"I believe your problem is that you are unsure of Lizzy's feelings and have good reasons to be. You have known each other for a short time. If you are interested in her, give her time. If you rush her, you can achieve the opposite result. In addition, you must consider if my niece is the appropriate woman for you and the one who would be willing to accompany and support you in the life you want to build."
"How so?" asked Albert curiously.
"Elizabeth is a pretty girl with a charming personality, and I am not surprised you are attracted to her. But there are other important aspects to consider when looking for a woman to share your life, do you not think?"
"I suppose," Albert replied, even more confused than before. But he could not help but remember when Elizabeth talked about life in the country, nature, and animals with such passion. In contrast, he was motivated by life in the city, full of opportunities and dynamism. Undoubtedly, his business partner had given him an important piece of advice.
"Thank you for your time, Mr. Gardiner. I shall think about everything you told me." Then, Albert began speaking to his partner about business-related matters.
Later, Mr. Gardiner shared his conversation with Albert with his wife, and she, too, became very concerned. "Edward, I think Lizzy sees Mr. Reed as a friend and nothing more. He is a good man, and it would be wonderful if she could see him with different eyes, but you and I know very well that some things are not meant to be."
"I agree, my dear. So, I advised him to give her time and not rush their relationship. But just like you, I think he would be an excellent husband if Lizzy gave him the opportunity," said Mr. Gardiner.
"I know, my dear. But I am afraid Lizzy will never see Mr. Reed as anything more than a friend," Mrs. Gardiner added.
"Did Lizzy say something to you about Reed?" asked Mr. Gardiner.
"No, dear, we have never discussed the subject. It is just a hunch of mine." Mrs. Gardiner also sensed that her niece was becoming increasingly attached to another gentleman. However, since they were only assumptions, she preferred not to share that information with her husband. Furthermore, she wholeheartedly hoped she was wrong because she knew a union between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy would never be possible.
P&P
Mr. Darcy sent for Georgiana, and after discussing Elizabeth's visit the day before, Richard and Mr. Darcy decided to broach the matter.
"Georgie, how did Wickham contact you?" Richard asked.
Georgiana became very nervous and began to cry. Mr. Darcy immediately sat beside her to reassure her. "William, I do not want to speak about this anymore. May I please return to my bedroom?"
"Alright, Georgie, but we need to discuss this later ..."
"No, it is not right, Georgie. I am sorry, Darcy, but as one of your guardians, young lady, I am forced to ask you not to make excuses to evade your responsibilities. And do not look at me like that, Georgie, because you know very well how much I love you, and I am very sorry for everything that happened to you. But you knew doing things behind your brother's back was incorrect, yet you still decided to do it. So, believe me, it is vitally important that you answer my questions, and I shall not let you run from your problems any longer."
Georgiana looked to her brother for help, but Mr. Darcy knew that Richard was correct, and even though it was difficult for him to see his little sister so anguished, he supported his cousin. Georgiana cried for several minutes, but neither her brother nor her cousin relented. They just stood there looking at her and letting her understand that she should answer Richard's question. Finally, Georgiana answered it in a barely audible voice. "That man wrote me a letter pretending to be a friend from school."
Richard looked at Mr. Darcy with concern and asked the following question. "Did you reply to that letter? Were you both in permanent correspondence?"
"Yes," Georgiana replied.
"How many letters and what did you say in them? Did you write them under your name?" asked Mr. Darcy desperately.
"I wrote him three letters," Georgiana said, blushing. Then, after a moment of silence, she told her brother and cousin the contents of the letters and that she signed them with her name.
Once she told them everything, Richard and Mr. Darcy thanked her for her honesty and told her again how important it was to trust their better judgment. Finally, she retired to her bedroom, overwhelmed by the memories of her stupidity but relieved to know that the two people she loved the most could forgive her despite all her terrible decisions.
"What are we going to do, Fitzwilliam? If Wickham tries to hurt Georgiana with those letters, I shall have no choice but to give him whatever he asks for," said Mr. Darcy, distressed.
"We have to get those letters back somehow. If we do not, that scoundrel will blackmail you for the rest of your life, Darcy. But, do not worry, now that we know Wickham's plan, we can get ahead of him," Richard said as he paced the office.
"How?" asked Mr. Darcy impatiently.
"Wickham has always thought himself cleverer than he truly is. Talk to your investigator and tell him to look for Wickham but not find him. That way, he will think he is avoiding you, giving him confidence. He has no idea that Randall is watching him under my orders. When he finds out where Wickham lives, and without him knowing, we shall get the letters back."
"I hope everything goes as you are saying," said Mr. Darcy in disbelief.
"Thank you for your trust, cousin. But you will see that I shall not fail Georgie." Richard continued to give Mr. Darcy details of his plan and decided to leave Anne's problem for another day. His cousin had had enough for one day. At that moment, he was unsure how to explain to Mr. Darcy that their aunt was planning his wedding with her daughter while Anne was planning to elope with her betrothed.
Finally, after almost two hours of conversation, the Colonel told his cousin that he should go, but he invited him to a social gathering before doing so. "Darcy, my mother invited me, or rather, she forced me to accompany her to Lady Grace's house. But her interest is not in me but in you. She also told me to invite you. I have done you many favors, Darcy, so you are in my debt. If you do not go, I shall not have a day of peace for the next week, and you know very well that I need all my senses to confront Wickham."
Mr. Darcy was tired of being pestered by his Aunt, but he knew that if he did not accept Richard's invitation, Lady Matlock would come to his house to bother him, and he wanted to keep her as far away from Georgiana as possible. "Alright, Fitzwilliam. Lady Grace is pleasant; I can enjoy an evening at her house."
Finally, Colonel Fitzwilliam left, and his cousin was nervous and distraught, thinking about all the problems he had to face in the next few days. At that moment, he felt alone and remembered how much Elizabeth's company helped him forget about everything and be happy, even for a few moments.
P&P
Randall was sitting at a table in the bar that Wickham used to visit. Not everyone had access to that torrid place full of criminals and those persecuted by the law, but he had been part of that world for a long time, so everyone knew him there, and no one distrusted him.
Suddenly, a man sat beside him and greeted him with a triumphant smile. "Good evening, Simon. I hope you are willing to play again this evening. Perhaps fortune will be on your side tonight," Wickham chirped.
"I do not think so, George. You are far too lucky, and this evening, I do not want to lose what little I have. But let me buy you a drink so you do not think I am a sore loser," Randall said in a friendly tone.
"Of course, nothing better than sharing a drink with a friend." George Wickham was pleased because he knew someone was following in his footsteps, and it was probably Darcy. It made him very happy to think of the great surprise he had in store for his nemesis. He could imagine Darcy's face when he told him everything he planned to do with silly Georgiana's letters.
Randall noticed that Wickham was in high spirits, and to gain his confidence, he asked for a bottle for the table and agreed to play cards. When they played, of course, he lost whenever he could. "I told you you are unbeatable, George. I do not know if I want to continue playing with you."
George Wickham had drunk almost four glasses of liquor, and although he was not drunk enough to share his secrets, he did say some things that Randall thought important and would tell his friend Colonel Fitzwilliam. "Come on, Randall, do not be a coward. You can play at least one more."
"Alright, but just one more," Randall observed that the more Wickham got drunk, the more he checked the inside pocket of his jacket and decided to make a comment to see what information he could get.
"Wickham, if I win, you have to pay. But, unfortunately, I have heard from good sources that you do not always pay your debts," Randall said with a laugh.
"Well, friend, I cannot deny I have been through tough times. But I think lady fortune is finally smiling on me," said Wickham, laughing and again touching the inside pocket of his jacket.
"You have the money in that pocket," Randall said, pointing to where Wickham had his hand.
He smiled and replied, "No, I have something better than money, but it is only useful to me. But do not distract me. I realize that you are doing it to win the game."
"You are correct, George. We are not two old gossipers who waste time chattering about inconsequential things. So, we better keep playing." Randall realized that Wickham carried something vital with him, and perhaps what he held was related to the Colonel's problem.
Other men joined the group, and they continued playing cards until late. Randall hardly drank, so he was alert the whole time, watching and listening to Wickham.
P&P
Mr. Darcy was in the middle of a nightmare. He had visited Elizabeth at her uncle's house in Cheapside, and when the butler opened the door for him, he entered a church instead of the parlor. At the altar where Elizabeth and Albert Reed were getting married. He tried to interrupt the wedding and tell her not to do it, to give him a chance to prove how much he loved her, but he could not speak. It seemed that no one saw him, and everyone was ignoring him.
Heartbroken, he listened as the clergyman proclaimed them husband and wife and watched Albert kiss Elizabeth. At that moment, he finally got his voice out and yelled with all his might, "NO!"
He awoke abruptly in the middle of the night, very agitated, and prayed that no one had heard him. He sat on the bed for several minutes, looking into the darkness of his room, thinking about everything that was happening in his life. Before trying to sleep, he said firmly and convinced of what he should do: 'I shall fight for you, my dear Elizabeth. You are my only chance to be happy, and I shall not miss it.'
The following day, Mr. Darcy got up early, and as soon as it was the prudent time for a social call, he went to Cheapside to speak with Elizabeth. Fate was on his side because Mrs. Gardiner and Jane had accompanied Professor Baker to visit one of his good friends. Elizabeth stayed home to care for Betty and allowed her Aunt to leave the house after many days of worrying about her little daughter.
When Mr. Darcy entered the drawing room, Elizabeth stood, greeted him, and invited him to sit. He was very nervous because he did not know how to face the situation, but he steeled himself and asked. "I suppose I must congratulate you, although I must tell you that the news took me by surprise ..."
"What news?" Elizabeth asked, between worried and nervous, when she saw Mr. Darcy's concerned face.
P&P
Many thanks to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.
In the next chapter, Mr. Darcy realizes Albert was not entirely honest.
Saludos,
Yo