Page 82 of Master of Himself

***

Dear Miss Bennet,

I beg your pardon for my extended absence from the neighbourhood. My business matters have taken longer than I expected to resolve, and I must remain in town until everything is settled.

I hope to do myself the honour of calling on you and throwing myself on your tender mercies for my delayed return.

Your humble servant,

CB

***

Charles grumbled as he entered his chamber at Hurst House on Saturday evening, annoyed by his continued confinement in London. He had hoped to finally settle the last remaining issue regarding his father’s estate, but word from Lancashire still hadn’t been received, so he had to wait for that notice. Hopefully, the matter would be put to rest on Monday so he could return to Netherfield.

One important lesson he’d learned during this past episode with George Wickham was that a man of honour must never shirk his responsibilities. His excellent father had tended to every aspect of his business, and as his heir, Charles must do the same. Darcy, too, always saw to his business affairs, never putting them off as long as possible, as Charles had done. Even the colonel had skilfully managed the business with Wickham, down to the most minute detail.

After ringing for his valet, he slumped into a chair and allowed his thoughts to wander to a more pleasant topic, Jane Bennet. She would have read his letter by now and would understand that he would be with her if he were able. Despite their delayed reunion, he hoped she was enjoying the evening.

Henderson entered the chamber and greeted him. “Will you be going out this evening?”

“Not tonight,” he said, stripping off his coat, followed by the waistcoat and cravat. “I expect to conclude my business matters on Monday and then go to Netherfield for an extended stay.”

Henderson paused while collecting the discarded items. “Will we return for the holidays?”

“Yes, I must spend Christmas with my family, and you shall have Boxing Day to do as you please, but afterwards, I intend to make Netherfield my home,” he said, then realised he hadn’t yet shared these plans with Henderson. “Would that suit you?”

“Indeed, I met many friendly people there.”

Charles hadn’t forgotten what he owed his faithful valet and pressed a gold guinea into his hand. “I must apologise for putting you to so much trouble over the last sennight.”

Henderson’s brows shot up, but he quickly recovered and pocketed the coin. “No, indeed, it was no trouble at all.”

“You’re too kind, Mr Henderson, but I’ll not deny that I created more work for you,” Charles said, then donned a fresh linen shirt.

“Perhaps, but might I inquire…why, sir?”

Naturally, Charles could never reveal the real reason for their rainy night activities, but didn’t hesitate to explain their intent. “The truth of the matter is that we were trying to right a wrong, Darcy and I. Of course, we went about it in all the wrong ways, but in the end, we finally set everything to rights.”

Henderson nodded thoughtfully at this lofty explanation, then resumed his carefree smile. “Well, then, what’s your preference tonight? The green double-breasted coat, or perhaps the pale grey?”

“The grey, I think.”

“An excellent choice.”

Despite his recent revelations, Charles still preferred his own wardrobe to Darcy’s.

***

While awaiting the ladies of Longbourn to join them in the drawing room, Darcy apprised his host of the course of events leading to Wickham’s removal from London.

“I will, of course, repay the costs you have expended on my behalf, “Mr Bennet said with quiet gravity.

Darcy took instant exception to this offer. “No indeed, you owe me nothing. This entire episode wouldn’t have occurred if I’d taken you into my confidence. I alone knew what Wickham was capable of and must take full responsibility for my neglect. What’s more, I have yet to atone for my failures. How could I have any claim to Miss Elizabeth’s hand, while you and your family still suffer from the harm caused by my oldest friend?”

Mr Bennet grimly shook his hand. “Let’s not dwell on our failures, Mr Darcy, though I suspect my list is far more extensive. Instead, we shall look to the future.”

Mrs Bennet entered the drawing room, appearing pale and drawn, followed by her three daughters. Darcy rose to exchange greetings with them.