Darcy rapped on Matlock House’s door at a few minutes before one o’clock in the afternoon. Mr Smythe, the house’s long serving butler, opened the door, efficiently took his hat, gloves, and coat, and informed him that the family was awaiting him in the family sitting room on the floor above. As he climbed the stairs, he felt like a condemned man being led from the dock at the Old Bailey. How had he become more like Lady Catherine than his own parents? The Fitzwilliams judged on the content of character, not on money and connections. What nonsense he had spouted in that so-called proposal? Of course, they would have accepted Miss Elizabeth even without her wealth and connections! The question was if they would have considered him good enough for her. He knew the hypocrisy that she had highlighted made him unworthy of her, at least for now. He had a lot of work to do, and it would start by taking his lumps like a man.
He took a deep breath and walked into the lion’s den. The faces that he saw were for the most part impassive, though Richard tried to give him a look of encouragement. His uncle handed him a drink and Darcy sat down in an armchair. The chair was comfortable, though he was not.
The Earl spoke first: “Before we address your folly, William, I want to discuss some Rosings Park related issues as a family.”
“What has my aunt done this time?” Fitzwilliam frowned.
“It is what she intends to do, and I have a letter from Anne that Richard delivered to my hand. Here read it and then we will talk.” He handed Darcy the missive from his cousin, Anne de Bourgh.
Rosings Park
Kent
2 April 1811
My dear Uncle Reggie,
It is time for me to claim what is rightfully mine. I have discovered during the last year that the tincture that Lady Catherine’s quack of a doctor has been giving me is meant to keep me weak and infirm rather than to help me. It is this final straw that is the catalyst for why I no longer consider her my mother, but Lady Catherine. Anyone that can do that just to keep control of my money is not a mother, but a criminal.
Ever since my companion overheard her and her lackey talking, I have stopped imbibing his poison and I feel normal again. I have been keeping up the pretence so Lady Catherine does not suspect, and therefore will not try anything more drastic.
As I have told you and William, I love him as a cousin but do not want to marry him. That woman keeps repeating the tired old lie of hers, and the obsession seems to grow in proportion at the same rate that Rosings Park’s funds dwindle.
My papa secretly left me a real copy of his will and I know that the fake that Lady Catherine touts is not worth the paper it is inscribed on. He also made sure to tell me that you have a real copy as well. Please come here as soon as you can, and bring my solicitor, Mr Graham Allenton, with you. He too has a certified copy of the genuine will.
I pray that my torture will soon be at an end.
Your loving niece,
Anne de Bourgh
“When do you leave for Rosings Park, Uncle Reggie?” Darcy demanded, angry at Lady Catherine for this latest transgression.
“On the morrow, William. Today I received an express that Anne sent with her personal courier, Bernard Darling. Anne overheard her mother ranting about needing to force a marriage between the two of you so there is no time to lose,” the Earl stated solemnly.
“Mr Allenton and I will travel with Papa. Richard’s commander General Atherton was not able to give him leave again so soon, so he will stay in London. It is good that he remains; I understand that he has arranged for that wastrel Wickham to be on the continent soon,” Andrew, the Viscount said with glee. Anyone of Darcy’s Fitzwilliam relatives would gladly have run Wickham through for what he tried to do to their Georgie.
“What was that about Wickham?” Darcy’s eyebrows shot up.
“I contacted Colonel Foster, the commander of the regiment of the Derbyshire Militia Wicky is in, to ask for dear old George to be sent to me.” Richard settled in his seat with a smile that spoke no pleasure was in store for George Wickham. “I heard back from the Colonel this morning. He was visited by Mr Bennet, Miss Elizabeth’s father, yesterday who warned him about Wickham.” The colonel appreciated the warning. “Mr Bennet is to be commended for his care of the situation, unlike others who could have warned him, but did not do so. The profligate’s debts between the merchants and debts of honour were more than eight hundred pounds, and he had ruined two shopkeeper’s daughters. Only time will tell if either is with child.
“Wickham was to be publicly flogged. Any money or salary in his possession confiscated was to pay against his debts to the merchants. The balance will be made up from the unit’s funds and what they cannot cover, Mr Bennet has stated that he will. After the flogging, dear old Wicky will be clapped in irons and transported to me. I will put him in the next infantry unit that leaves Southampton for the continent.” Richard wanted nothing more than to protect his family and exact payment for debts no money could settle.
“You know he will try to desert as soon as may be, do you not cousin?” Darcy frowned.
“I have thought of that, William. He will be watched at all times, and if he dares to try, he will be shot forthwith.” Richard watched Darcy for any sign of weakening for which his cousin would need to be taken to task. Wickham was beyond redemption or chances.
“Either way he will be out of England. I am so ashamed that I did not warn the inhabitants of Meryton about the danger that they were in as soon as I knew he was in the area,” Darcy lamented.
“That, William, leads directly to the conversation we now need to have. Richard told us what he remembered of what you two discussed on the way home from Rosings Park, but I would like to hear fromyouwhat took place. My fervent hope is that Richard misheard or got mixed up. Please tell me that you are not such a hypocrite, William.” The Earl’s eyes locked on those of his nephew.
“I wish I could tell you that, Uncle Reggie, but my behaviour has been wanting for a while it would seem,” Darcy blushed in shame.
“Oh, William. I am so sad to hear that. Your mother was one of my dearest friends besides being my sister, and she would have been so very disappointed,” said the Countess shaking her head in disappointment.
“I know, Aunt Elaine.’ Darcy winced, “I am sure that she would be. Let me tell you what happened…”
Over an hour later, after many gasps and exclamations by his aunt and cousin Marie, and disapproving looks from his Uncle and Cousin Andrew, it was with slumped shoulders Darcy finally finished the recitation. This second time he told the tale he realised anew how much of his behaviour needed to change, and not for appearances, but a real, deep, meaningful and permanent change. If he were to have a chance with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, he would have to show her that he had completely addressed all of her reproofs.
