“Unfortunately nothing, which may be a good thing. I can only hope my son is not bedevilling anyone else.” Wickham needed to change the subject to a more pleasant one. “How does Master William in London? I thought he did not enjoy the season.”
“He is at Darcy House with his mother and sister. That Bingley fellow, affable chap, had invited William to reside at his brother-in-law’s house, but William refused. He refuses to be under the same roof as his friend’s unmarried sister.”
The master did not need to say more. Charles Bingley had been invited to Pemberley summer last. He had, apologetically mind you, arrived with his two sisters and the older one’s husband in tow, even though he had been the only one invited.
The younger sister, Miss Caroline Bingley, had obviously set her cap for the Darcy heir, regardless of his opinion of the matter. She had been in residence three days before she had stoked the ire of one of the most gentle ladies in the world, Lady Anne Darcy. Evidently, the harpy decided to act as thede factomistress when she thought she was unobserved.
Not only had she been seen by the mistress, but she had been caught being rude to Pemberley’s housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, who was more family than servant.
The very next day the Bingleys were on their way out of Pemberley with a flea put in Mr. Bingley’s ear. He was told in no uncertain terms if he ever arrived at any Darcy property with more than those specifically named as invitees, he would be turned away and no further invitation would be forthcoming.
“Excuse me if I am speaking out of turn, but has that woman with her flaming red hair not received the message Master William would not be interested in her if she were the last woman in England?”
“You would think, but it seems Miss Bingley has the same ability my sister-in-law Catherine has. To see and hear only that which suits her desires.”
Wickham knew all about the termagant named Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Out of respect to his employer, he listened when his master spoke of her and her foibles, but never made his opinions of the woman known.
“If it is agreeable to you, I think I will turn in for the night.”
“Go Wickham, I will see you in the morning before I depart to join my family in London,” Darcy stated.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Bennet was seated in his study in the early morning the day after the assembly, as was his wont.
That time of the day was the most peaceful as his wife and two youngest daughters only woke a little before the family broke their fasts at half after ten. The only other one awake would be Lizzy who would be out rambling over the estate’s paths, more than likely sitting on a rock on the summit of Oakham Mount waiting to welcome the sunrise.
Thus, he was greatly surprised when Hill knocked on his study door and presented him with a note. Bennet dismissed his man and broke the ostentatious seal.
11 April 1806
Red Lion Inn, Meryton
Mr. Bennet:
I am Lord Archibald Winston Chamberlain, the Duke of Hertfordshire and (until I have an heir) the Marquess of Hertford Heights.
One of your daughters has caught my eye. Hence, I require that you present yourself to me at the above inn at midday on the morrow, the 12th day of April. You do not want to suffer my wrath and be ruined if you are late or ignore my summons.
For His Grace, the Duke of Hertfordshire, Marquess of Hertford Heights
Could it be Fanny was correct in her assertion Jane was to be a duchess? It seemed so, regardless of how unlikely Bennet ever thought it would be.
Under normal circumstances, he would have ignored the note, but this was the type of man you neither ignored nor refused. Bennet was rather sure the explicit threats were not idle ones. The only question was whether he could agree to engage his eldest daughter to a man of an age greater than his own.
He would say nothing to Fanny and go to the meeting. If Jane left, at least he would have Lizzy at home with him.
Chapter 4
At the time and day demanded by the Duke in his note, Bennet presented himself at the Red Lion Inn. He was met by a man who called himself Wickham who would show him to the parlour where the meeting would take place.
Bennet was led into the largest sitting room on the second floor. The man he saw was balding, corpulent and, he could easily see, was considerably older than himself. His first instinct was to turn tail and run as fast as his legs could carry him. However, he quickly discounted that option as he looked around and saw that besides the man who had shown him up, there were rather large guards in the hallway outside the room and one more behind him in the sitting room.
“Your Grace, I present to you Mr. Thomas Bennet of Longbourn. Mr. Bennet, Lord Archibald Chamberlain, His Grace the Duke of Hertfordshire, Marquess of Hertford Heights,” Wickham intoned.
Bennet gave a deep bow while the Duke who had remained seated barely inclined his head towards him.
“You have been summoned hither as I am about to bestow an honour on your family which you could not have expected in your wildest imaginings,” Hertfordshire drawled.
