“So, Bennet, it looks like everything is wrapped up. There is little risk of Georgiana’s reputation being called into question. Have you written Darcy?”
“I have not. He never would have arrived in time. I informed you, although we had things well in hand. Maybe you can write him?”
“I think it best if I ride to Pemberley and tell him in person. Wickham, well all of us, played as boys. It was only Theo who kept in touch with him. Darcy will be quite upset at what he attempted. Best tell him in person. Also, I am wondering about the timing of those fires. Was it part of Wickhams plot to draw Darcy away? Does he have compatriots in Derbyshire? Yes, I will leave tomorrow and go straight there.”
“I will go with you, brother. I think it is time Darcy heard my side of things.”
“Gigi, you had best send them with a letter to your brother letting him know you are well. I know my brother would expect as much. Make it a long one. Let him know the twins were heroes!” Beth advised.
An invitation for the brothers to stay the rest of the day and share meals with them was given by Miss Bennet. Ratcliff was sent for and introductions were made all round. At one point he made a complaint about riding all the way to Derbyshire after the wild ride of the night before.
“Are you also on horseback Viscount Rosemont?” Elizabeth Darcy asked innocently.
“You may just call me Rosemont, or Theo if you wish. We are family by marriage. And to answer your question, yes, I rode my horse to Ramsgate.”
“Would you like to borrow your carriage to go to Pemberley? As long as you return it before we need to leave here of course.” Somehow Beth kept a straight face.
“My carriage?”
Richard broke out into a huge guffaw, and the rest of the room chortled, giggled, or tittered. Eventually Richard gasped out, “Iforgot you were already gone before we found out who bought your rig! Hahaha! Your greys and carriage are out in the stables just a hundred yards away, Theo! Cousin Elizabeth bought them! Hahaha!”
Theo looked flabbergasted. “YOU bought my carriage and horses? Well…humf…at least they stayed in the family.”
“We had intended to sell them back to you, at what it cost us, before we sail home. But we thank you for the convenience. It is a very fine conveyance! As I said, you may borrow it, so you do not have to ride all the way to Derbyshire. William planned to come and retrieve us by the end of summer, so you can send it back with him. The horses are probably getting restless since we walk most everywhere.”
“You are my new favorite cousin!”
“Hey! I thought I was your favorite!” Gigi gasped out.
The room broke out in laughter again. Theo felt warm and welcomed for the first time in years. His life of dissipation was over. He swore it to himself. He had so much to make up for. He would finally make his mother happy and find a wife. Make his father happy and have an heir. He had already started making his tenants happy by being there as a landlord and listening to them.He was very low on funds, but the repairs to the cottages and fences were being made, finally. He looked over at the beautiful, willowy blonde again. He wondered, was she everything she seemed? She had spark, he had seen it over the course of the afternoon. She handled the house full of people with grace. First, he would ride to Pemberley with Richard and offer his services as far as the fires went, then he would explain things to his parents. They deserved to hear the truth…or most of it. Should he tell them about the blackmail? Would he? He needed to speak with Darcy, privately. He could not risk telling Richard. He was too likely to tell their father. They were leaving day after tomorrow. He would decide after talking to Darcy.
Georgiana excused herself to go write a long epistle to her brother, while everyone else lolled on the terrace enjoying the breeze and clear skies. It was a beautiful summer day which would be over too soon. The entire holiday would be over too soon. Theo knew he had some difficult days before him. With God’s Grace, his rocky past would turn into a prosperous, and sober, future.
Chapter Twenty-four
“This is a mighty fine carriage your cousin loaned us. Comfortable. Good springs. Smooth ride. And them horses! Fine pieces of flesh!” Ratcliff had been the Colonel’s batman for years and knew the viscount well enough to tease him.
“Careful John, or you’ll be riding up with Smithers.” Richard chortled.
“I thought his name was Jack.” Theo gave a perplexed look at both of them.
“Good lord man! Most coachman go by Jack or John because you high in the instep prigs don’t bother to learn their names! Beth asked his real name and that’s what he prefers to go by.”
“Oh. I…well…I thought his real name was Jack. Never thought to ask. One more thing on my list.” Theo let out a gusty sigh and stared out the window.
Richard looked at his brother like he was a complete stranger. This Theowasa stranger. His brother had been an entitled, arrogant, spoiled brat since he was breeched. He was the eldest of all theboys who played together every summer at Pemberley. That was where Theo and Wickham became thick as thieves. They were always playing pranks on the other boys and managed to charm their way out of getting into trouble with the adults. Often, they conspired to make sure Darcy was blamed. Nothing William said would convince his father, so he learned to take his punishment stoically. Silently.
After Darcy’s father passed on to his reward, Wickham was given his inheritance of three thousand pounds, escorted off the estate, and told never to show his face there again. For his aunt and uncles’ sake, he attempted to get along with Theo, but the viscount lived such a dissolute lifestyle, that they had no contact other than family dinners. They did nothing but recognize each other in public.
Of all hisfriends, only Reggie could be labeled a true friend. All the others were hangers on like Wickham. They wanted to be seen with a future earl. They wanted the free drinks Wickham always talked him into buying. They wanted to win his money when he got too foxed to pay attention to his cards anymore. His brother and cousin Darcy has chosen the straight and narrow path. The honorable path. Not Theo. No. Not him. Now he had to cut his way through the brambles and dig his way out of the humongoushole he had made for himself. What was a little teasing. Nothing at all. He had so many apologies to make. So many.
~~~~~
“Finally! I thought we’d never arrive! Look, there are a great many workmen at the steward’s house. It looks like the back third is being reconstructed.”
“You say there was also two barn fires the same week?”
“I believe he said within a day of each other. Mr. Vetter suspected arson, last I heard.”
