The steward he had inherited along with the estate had been well into his seventh decade and had informed the new master he intended to retire by the end of 1804. With more than sufficient forewarning, Richard looked for men who had prior experience with estates that had a horse breeding programme.
He had employed Mr. Victor Mercer who had managed a large breeding programme for more than ten years at an estate in Wales. Both he and his wife were from Northamptonshire so he had been on the lookout for a position in the shire of their birth.
Cloverdell was barely ten miles from the town where their parents and family lived.
The one thing which saddened Richard greatly were the changes in William since Aunt Anne’s passing more than four years past. His cousin had withdrawn into himself and hardly ever left Pemberly and his father.
The only time William went anywhere other than one of the satellite estates was when the family celebrated Christmastide at Snowhaven. The last time Christmastide had been celebrated there was in 1803, so it would be there again this year, but Richard knew not if William would attend.
Poor Giana would have felt completely abandoned had it not been for her friendship with Anne and the Bennet sisters. She spent very little time in the depressing home which was Pemberley; she spent most of the year between his own parents’ home and Uncle Lewis’s homes.
Richard had come close to blows with William when he had wanted to introduce him to his friend Bingley. His cousin had refused, claiming he had no interest in meeting the son of a tradesman.
It was hard not to remember that conversation without feeling anger at William all over again.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Pemberley July 1805
Two months after graduation and with William refusing an invitation to Cloverdell, Richard had mounted his stallion, Invictus, and made the day and a half ride to Pemberley.
On arriving he had made his way to his normal chambers,washed, and changed before going to pay his respects to Uncle Robert. His uncle and cousin had been in the master’s study pouring over a ledger when Richard had knocked and entered.
It had been the best part of a year since he had seen Uncle Robert and Richard had to fight to school his features. His uncle was a shell of his former self. His clothing hung off his body and his skin was pallid, almost grey. It seemed his uncle had not been in the sun or on horseback for a long time.
“Richard, I did not know to expect you,” Darcy stated, “William did you forget to tell me my nephew was coming to visit?”
“William did not mention anything because I spontaneously decided to arrive and had not told him of my intentions,” Richard informed his uncle. “It has been some time since I have seen both of you and as there are no imminent foalings at Cloverdell, I was able to take some days away.”
“We have completed what we needed to review. William, go spend some time with your cousin,” Darcy instructed.
The two made their way to the billiards room. William rang for some refreshments and then the cousins began their game.
“I am to hold a harvest ball in October, can I count on you to attend?” Richard invited.
“Richard, you are fully aware I do not dance, not since Mother passed away,” William refused.
“Do you really think Aunt Anne would be happy that Uncle Robert and you have stopped living and locked yourselves away at Pemberley the way you have?” Richard prodded.
“Do not overstep,” William growled. “Besides, I will not know anyone who will attend and you know how I hate being among those with whom I am not acquainted.”
“And of course, it is impossible to be introduced and meet new people at such an event.” Richard took the warning in William’s scowl and raised his hands in supplication. “Peace William. You will know several of those attending. My parents, Andrew, Uncle Lewis, Anne, and what is the name of the otheryoung lady you are familiar with…oh yes, Georgiana Darcy. You will be able to meet the Bennets and my friend Bingley and his sisters as well.”
“Bingley, the son of a tradesman you met after I graduated from Cambridge?” William noted.
“Yes, but when he completes his studies, he intends to carry out his late parents’ charge and purchase an estate.”
“Even then, he would have the stink of trade attached to him—a member of thenouveau riche. I will not associate with one so far below me!”
“When did you become such an arrogant, proud, horse’s arse?” Richard barked as he threw his cue stick slamming down onto the billiards table sending the balls every which way. “I remember when you used to count character above all else! Please tell me you are not ascribing to our criminal aunt’s theories about maintaining the distinction of rank!”
“I must uphold the honour of the Darcy name,” William claimed haughtily.
“You do know I am the son of an earl, do you not.” Richard had a burning desire to plant a facer into his cousin's arrogant mien. He took a step back before he did.
William did not miss the way Richard had balled up his fists and was fully aware his cousin was much stronger and more proficient with his fists than he was. Richard had been a champion pugilist at university.
He knew he was out of line, but for some reason, William could not bring himself to own his errors.
