Page 71 of Master of Himself

“You are welcome at Netherfield whenever you are in the area,” Darcy said, knowing Charles would have extended this invitation.

Richard stated his earnest resolve to visit soon, and then boarded his carriage.

After seeing him off, Darcy pulled Charles aside. “Where to, my friend?”

Charles paused a moment to consider this. “We could go to Hurst House, if I played least in sight. Otherwise, my sisters would ask too many questions.”

“Quite right.” Since Darcy also lived on Grosvenor, Caroline would wonder why he hadn’t gone home instead. “Perhaps we should go to my place. You have frequently stayed with us, and besides, my sister will have retired for the night.”

In full agreement, Charles boarded and sat in the backwards facing seat. Darcy instructed Lockhart to take them to Darcy House.

Once aboard, Darcy tapped on the roof to signal the driver. Finally underway, he extended his hand. “Thank you for a job well done, Charles. I couldn’t have achieved such success without you.”

Charles shook his hand, and in the next instant, Darcy was in the backwards facing seat. Beneath his glove, he felt the Darcy ring on his right hand.

Although he couldn’t see clearly in the dim light of the street lamps, he knew. No bolt of lightning, no booming thunder, no torrential rain, and no howling wind had occurred. A simple handshake, borne of friendship and understanding, had switched them back to their true selves.

Perhaps it was not so simple as that. Much had happened that day, but after weeks of uncertainty and angst, he was overwhelmed with an air of serenity. Or maybe it was simply relief. He no longer needed to assume another man’s persona, nor his fashions.

Fitzwilliam Darcy had finally returned, a newer, wiser, more enlightened man.

Charles hooted in triumph. “Do we have Lydia Bennet to thank for this reversal?” he said, clapping Darcy’s shoulders.

“And perhaps Wickham, as well,” Darcy said with a laugh. “After all, our restoration wouldn’t have been possible if they hadn’t run off together.”

“Well then, I’ll call on Miss Huntington first thing in the morning and sing Lydia’s praises so there can be no doubt of her acceptance.”

“I suspect the tuition will be incentive enough, but I’ll ensure Wickham has proper transport on his northbound trip, and comfortable lodgings in New Castle. He may be a worthless blackguard, but it’s the least I can do.”

Maybe he owed it to his father to see George comfortably established, maybe he owed it to his childhood friend to rescue him from his own folly, or maybe he had taken pity on a man who was helpless to help himself. Whatever the reason, Darcy was glad that his ordeal was finally over and that he could now resume his life as Fitzwilliam Darcy, the man he was always meant to be.

Chapter 22

After dropping his friend at Darcy House, Charles continued to Hurst House and was admitted by a footman who took his hat and greatcoat. Knowing he had another long day ahead of him tomorrow, he headed for the stairs, eager for his bed.

Henry Hurst intercepted him in the hall. “Is that you, Charles?” he said, peering at him in disbelief.

Grinning, Charles nodded. “It’s me, Henry. I’m back.”

“Are you, by Jove? I knew you would figure it out.” Hurst embraced him and clapped his shoulders. “How did it happen? Thunder? Lightning? Come into my study and tell me everything.”

“No, nothing so spectacular, but I must get some sleep. Come upstairs, and I’ll give you the short version.”

“Is Henderson not with you?” Henry inquired as they ascended the stairs.

“I left him at Netherfield. Darcy will send his coachman to retrieve him and Hobbs in the morning.” Once behind closed doors, he untied his cravat, unbuttoned his shirt, and collapsed into a chair. “Of course, everything I tell you must be held in the strictest confidence.”

Once Henry had agreed, he continued, “Lydia Bennet got herself into a bit of a scrape, but Darcy and I worked it all out with Mr Bennet. She’ll be attending Miss Huntington’s, if the lady will agree to take her.”

Henry narrowed his eyes. “It that how you switched back?”

Though overcome with exhaustion, Charles threw back his head and laughed heartily. “It was a handshake, Henry. A simple handshake.”

Henry groaned in annoyance. “That’s the dullest thing I’ve ever heard. I thought the gods would’ve demanded something far more fantastical.”

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but you were right about one thing; we hadn’t tried it before.” Thinking of his pending obligations, he rose and stripped off his coat. “I’ve got much to do tomorrow. I plan to meet with Miss Huntington in the morning, and I’ve put off my pressing business matters far too long, so I must get some sleep.”

“Ring for Winters if you need his assistance.”