A muscle tightened in Fitz’s jaw. “And?”
“And he speaks freely of future plans regarding the London house. And Pemberely.” The servant swallowed again. “The butler and Mrs. Yates feared matters might worsen if no one informed the new master.”
The new master.
The words landed heavily.
For the first time in his life, there was no George Darcy standing between Fitz and Pemberley.
No authority above him.
No father to overrule him.
I am now Mr. Darcy.
The realization felt less triumphant than terrifying.
Fitz—Darcy—turned away abruptly and crossed toward the wardrobe. “I shall leave immediately. You will accompany me.”
The servant looked visibly relieved. “Yes, sir.”
By the time Charles Bingley arrived half an hour later, Darcy’s rooms had dissolved into controlled chaos. Open trunks covered the floor while books, papers, and clothing disappeared rapidly into traveling cases with none of Fitz’s usual precision.
Bingley stopped short in the doorway.
“Darcy? What in heaven’s name—”
Darcy looked up from the desk where he was shoving correspondence into a leather portfolio. “My father is dead.”
The words sounded unnaturally flat even to his own ears.
Bingley’s face changed instantly. “Good heavens. I am so sorry, man.”
“He died two weeks ago.” Darcy continued packing without pausing. “Wickham prevented notice from reaching me.”
“What?”
Fitz gave a short humorless laugh. “Apparently my father encouraged the household to obey Wickham as though he were his son.”
Bingley stared in disbelief. “That is madness.”
“Yes.”
For several moments only the sound of rain and hurried packing filled the room, then Bingley said firmly, “I am coming with you.”
Darcy looked up immediately. “No.”
“Yes.”
“There is no reason whatsoever for you to involve yourself in this.”
“There is every reason.” Bingley crossed fully into the room. “Darcy, your father has just died, Wickham is behaving abominably, and you have no carriage.”
“I can take the post chaise.”
“In the middle of term-end travel?” Bingley snorted. “You will arrive in London sometime next winter.”
“I will not take advantage of your generosity.”
