A Father's Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (20 page)

“Mr.
Darcy, what have your cousin or sister to do with us? You are a reasonable man.
Surely, you know how deep my love is for you and how I long to be your wife.
Our marriage would unite our families and you, then, could call your best
friend brother. There are so many advantages for us to wed. Please, Mr.
Darcy,…” she paused before she could say another word as the noise of the
turning of the library door handle sounded once again. This time, it was not a
hesitant turning, but one of force. Mrs. Hurst charged into the room.

“Ah,
ha!” she exclaimed. “Mr. Darcy, you have compromised my sister and will have to
wed.” The only thing in her vision was Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley, both
standing with their backs to her. She could clearly see her sister’s form,
silhouetted in the firelight. Had Mr. Darcy but turned around, he could have
seen the same.

Suddenly,
from the chairs to the right of Mr. Darcy, came laughter. At this, Caroline
Bingley was moved to action and she quickly recovered her robe and wrapped it
around herself, not even taking time to put her arms in the sleeves. Colonel
Fitzwilliam and Georgiana rose from their chairs and faced the Bingley sisters
at the same time that Darcy turned to confront them.

“Miss
Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, what is the meaning of this?” Darcy asked, though he knew
the answer. He had to admire Miss Bingley for her attempts at an explanation as
her own sister spit and sputtered at seeing Georgiana and the Colonel.

“Oh,
Mr. Darcy, I was unaware you were here. I had been dreaming of reading a book
from this very library and must have walked in my sleep. However did I end up
here?” She blinked her eyes rapidly as if she were just awakening from a deep
sleep.

At
this, the Colonel and Georgiana only laughed louder. Georgiana was overcome by
such a fit of mirth that tears poured from her eyes and she ended up tipping
over onto her cousin, Richard. It was obvious that Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst
completely missed the comic aspect of this spectacle. Realizing that he would
get no help from his relatives, Darcy walked around Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst
to open the library door and yell for a footman. When the man responded, he
asked him to retrieve Mr. Bingley and Mr. Hurst directly and escort them to the
library. Bingley would have to deal with his sister as Mr. Hurst would have to
deal with his wife.

Miss
Bingley, in a huff, turned to leave the room and her sister followed her. Darcy
was not going to let this go without them being held accountable for what they
had attempted. He closed the door and stood in front of it, his expression one
of firm determination. They would not be leaving the room until the men in
their family could deal with them.

It
was not long before a tousled Bingley entered into the fray. At seeing the
occupants of the room he stopped, stunned. “Are you aware that it is midnight
and we should all be in bed?” He caught sight of his sister trying to right her
robe. “Caroline, why are you here only half dressed?”

“Charles,
apparently I was sleepwalking?” She immediately tried to justify her actions
and appearance.

“Hmmm,
and you grabbed your robe on your way out of your room?” he asked, as if
puzzled. In a moment, the sleep cleared from his eyes and he honed in on his
next oldest sister. “Caroline, it is clear that you decided to act on your
desperation to become Darcy’s wife and your attempts failed.” Turning to his
eldest sister, Mrs. Hurst, he next speared her with his gaze. “And, Louisa, it
appears that you are complicit in this detestable plot.” His disgust was
evident in the tone of his voice. “I want you both packed up and gone in the
morning. Further, you will find alternate lodgings, Caroline, when you are in
town. Whether Hursts invite you to theirs is for you three to decide for
yourselves. I am inclined to send you to Aunt Agnes. Her strict adherence to
all things moral and proper may be just what you need.”

Caroline
Bingley spit and sputtered. “But, Charles, she is
mean
. Her finishing
school is one of the strictest in all of England, and I am already ‘finished’.
There is nothing more she can do with me.”

Colonel
Fitzwilliam whispered to Georgiana, “Now, that is a whole bucketful of truth.”

Mr.
Bingley had long known the ridiculousness of his sisters and wondered if he was
at all like them. That thought was concerning to him. It had been his habit to
go through life with few cares. He liked to tease Darcy about his seriousness,
always being concerned with business and having little in the way of fun.
Taking a stand against Lady Catherine had been the action of a mature
gentleman, and Bingley realized that that was exactly what he wanted to become.

“I
am leaving with Darcy at first light tomorrow and will meet with my lawyer as
soon as I can get an appointment to transfer the funds our father left in trust
for you to Hurst.” By then, Bingley’s confidence and his voice had risen in
volume. “Out! Both of you get out!” He stretched out his arm and pointed his
finger to the library door.

Mrs.
Louisa Hurst bowed her head and left the room, her husband, who had just
entered, following close behind. Caroline Bingley, who until this time had
easily controlled the decisions of her little brother, lingered, her nose
raised in disdain. “You cannot do this, Charles. Father left my care in your
hands.”

“Caroline,
do not put me to the test. How dare you embarrass me in front of my friends,
whom I greatly esteem. You will leave this room right now and leave Netherfield
Park in the morning. Orders shall be given to the staff. If you choose not to
go at the appointed time, I will have them throw you out. Am I clear?”

Caroline
Bingley had never seen her brother like this. With a huff, she quit the room.
Darcy and the Colonel had never seen Bingley like this either. Colonel
Fitzwilliam walked across the room and clapped Bingley across the shoulders. “I
am proud of you, Bingley. I believe you have become a man this past week and I
am proud to call you my friend.”

Bingley’s
natural buoyancy returned and he smiled to those remaining in the library. “I
am rather proud of myself as well.”

Georgiana,
stunned by the events of this evening, gave a brief ‘good night’ to the men and
left to go upstairs to her room. She had much to think on before morning. Georgiana,
too, had been proud of Mr. Bingley. It was good to see him taking such a stand.
This bode well for his future happiness. She had been embarrassed at Miss
Bingley’s conduct and attitude and she was relieved that Miss Caroline Bingley
would
not
be Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mistress of Pemberley.

Back
in the library, the men filled their glasses to the rim with Bingley’s best
brandy. Colonel Fitzwilliam held his glass up high. “To the close escape of an
unwanted betrothal. Here! Here!” All three men drank.

Darcy
sat back down in one of the chairs. The happy mood of a few minutes past was pressed
down by the longing he felt for the one woman that he would be pleased to be
his betrothed. He wondered if Elizabeth had made it to London. He wondered if
she had already booked passage on an outbound ship. He wondered if he would
ever see her again.

Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire

Light
was barely visible in the eastern sky when the men readied for their ride to
London. Lord Matlock had risen early to see the men off. Earlier, Colonel Fitzwilliam
had gone into his father’s room and told him and his mother of the events in
the library the night before. Inside the house, Georgiana and Lady Matlock were
also awake, overseeing the rest of the packing for the journey. They would
follow as soon as all was made ready.

The
horses were brought from the stables and Darcy was anxious to be heading south.
London was but twenty miles distant and he hoped and prayed that Elizabeth had
made the journey well. Bingley was giving last minute instructions to his staff
about the closing up of the estate and directions for his sister, if she chose
to disobey.

Georgiana,
dressed in her traveling clothes, stepped outside the door and walked down the
steps to greet the day and her family. “William,” she caught his attention just
as he was prepared to mount. “You will find her, will you not?” Darcy could
hear the fear and worry in her voice.

He
smiled in reassurance. “Yes, sister, I will find her. In London, in America, in
the Orient, I will find her.” Darcy meant every word. He would not stop until
he could make her his own. He looked down at Georgiana. “Stand tall, Miss
Darcy.” Her smile was instantaneous and it warmed his heart.

“Travel
safely, William.” Georgiana said to her brother. To her cousin she added,
“Please, Richard, make sure he does not overtax himself or his arm. We need him
to remain well.”

“All
will be well, Poppet.”  He looked down on his cousin and smiled. Suddenly, his
bearing changed and the smile left his face. His military rank showed in his
visage. “Mount up!”

All
four men responded. They were an impressive sight. The Fitzwilliam brothers and
Darcy had grown up around horses and spent much of their youth riding and
competing against one another, forever racing to see who was the fastest.
Bingley, who had been raised in a northern city, had little opportunity for
equine exposure until he met Darcy at Cambridge. Darcy had taken it upon
himself to educate Bingley on the finer points of good horseflesh and
equestrian skills, as befitting a gentleman. His efforts had been rewarded by
Bingley sitting a horse well.

“Gentlemen,”
Lord Matlock had come outside to see them off. He looked directly at his
nephew. “Darcy, you will find her, son.”

Before
Darcy could respond, his cousin Henry spoke up. “Do not worry Father, we well
know our mission. Travel safely and take care of our ladies.” With one last
farewell to Lord Matlock and Georgiana, they were off.

Her
uncle wrapped his arm around Georgiana and drew her to him. The air was brisk
and damp, but it did not look like the weather would turn to rain. However,
that could change rapidly. It was England at the end of November. Lord Matlock
just hoped it would hold off until the men could make it to London. “Come on,
Poppet, let us break our fast and load up.” They went inside.

Before
they could make it into the hall, they looked back at the riders. Bingley had
stopped and was looking back at them. He felt it would be the last time he
would see Netherfield Park. Bingley had no regrets that his first foray into
estate ownership was so quickly over. He had decided last night, after the
fiasco with his sister, to give up the lease as soon as he could find someone
willing to purchase it from him. It had not been a failure, for he had learned
much about management of a property. And, he had learned much about himself.
Though but three and twenty years of age, he had realized he had to be more
discerning about his desires and emotions and determined not to allow himself
to become enamored of a pretty face and a calm disposition so quickly. With a
final sigh, he turned his horse and raced to catch the others.

Coaching Inn, County Middlesex, 10 miles from London

Elizabeth
woke to the sounds of activity below stairs. She quickly washed and dressed,
being careful not to wake Mrs. Bellows. Sticking her head outside the door, she
inquired of a maid whether she knew if the carriage had been fixed from the
night before. “I am sorry, Miss. I do not know. But, if you would not mind a
short wait, I shall find out from the innkeeper. Please, wait inside your room
and I will return with tea and some toast to break your fast. It is crowded and
rowdy downstairs. No place for a lady.”

After
thanking the maid, Elizabeth turned back into the room and noticed that Mrs.
Bellows had awakened. Her roommate straightened the bed and crossed into the
small dressing room after greeting Elizabeth. Within moments, the tapping on
the door signaled the arrival of the maid with information and a small meal.

“Miss,
the carriage has yet to be repaired.” This was not the news that Elizabeth had
wanted to hear. “The coachman indicated that it would be later in the morn
before it is ready to leave. He also wanted you two ladies to know that he
appreciated that you voiced no complaint yesterday with all the mishaps and
suggested that by the time the coaches came and went this morning, you may
again have his coach to yourselves.”

“That
is good news amidst the bad, is it not?” Elizabeth thanked the maid and closed
the door behind her. When Mrs. Bellows returned to the bed chamber, they shared
the information and the tea. They then waited in the room until they heard that
the coach was ready for them.

Downstairs,
four gentlemen entered the Inn for refreshment and to rest their horses. They
had been riding less than an hour and had one hour to go before they hit the
outskirts of London. It was decided that they would all proceed to the
Gardiner’s residence close to Cheapside. Colonel Fitzwilliam commandeered a
corner table while his older brother, Henry, ordered ale from the barmaid.
Business was brisk with passengers waiting for the next carriage to depart.
Darcy had searched through all the public rooms for Elizabeth, but she was not
to be found. This was not surprising to him, as her coach had time to reach the
city by nightfall the previous night. In his heart, though, he had hoped for
even the sight of her. Shaking off the melancholy, he joined his cousins at the
table.

Longbourn, Hertfordshire

Mr.
Thomas Bennet was ready to depart for London at first light. From past
experience, he knew that his brother-in-law, Mr. Philips, would be on time, but
Mrs. Bennet and Jane would not. Hill had his master’s luggage loaded onto the
carriage, which stood in front of the house. Mrs. Hill, the butler’s wife and
housekeeper of Longbourn, was still upstairs in the bed chambers trying to
encourage some movement among the women folk. Mrs. Bennet was not to be
hurried. A tray containing tea and a repast of bread, fruit, and cheese had
already been delivered and eaten, however, Mrs. Bennet could not make up her
mind which dresses to pack for the journey. It had been many years since she
had been to London, and she was overflowing with excitement.

For
the third time, Mr. Bennet sent Hill to inquire as to the readiness of his wife
and daughter. Three times he was told that he would just have to wait.

It
had been difficult to return to Longbourn yesterday without Elizabeth. Her
father was determined to win the day. They would have those shares in hand
before the day was out; if they could ever manage to leave Longbourn.

“We
are rich!” Mrs. Bennet could not help but repeat loudly in her shrill voice.
“We are rich, Mrs. Hill. No more begging Mr. Bennet for pin money for lace and
ribbons for Jane. She will be dressed just as elegantly as those snobby women
in town. Just wait until Lady Lucas sees my daughter. No more will she brag
about Charlotte’s silk dresses and new slippers from London. Why, we shall have
gowns sent directly from Paris! Nothing will be too good for my dear Jane. She
will win the hand of Mr. Bingley. Jane could not be so beautiful for nothing!”

Mrs.
Hill wondered that her mistress had forgotten about the war with France. There
would certainly not be any trade with Paris; even for Miss Jane. She held her
tongue as befit her position and hoped and prayed that Miss Lizzy was well. The
angry outburst from the master when he returned yesterday gave reason to
suspect that all was not well with the second daughter. Mrs. Bennet’s
outpouring of greedy delight with this sudden wealth, which was also heard
repeatedly by the servants, was inappropriate and vulgar.

Mr.
Bennet finally climbed the stairs to his wife’s chamber and informed her that
the carriage would leave in under fifteen minutes. If she wanted to go to
London, she would have to be inside when orders were given to the coachman to
depart. “Oh, Mr. Bennet, you do not know how you vex me! My nerves, my nerves!”

At
her mother’s voice increasing in volume, Jane came out of her room dressed in
her traveling clothes, ready to depart. Mr. Bennet was pleased with his eldest.
Gentle, pleasing, kind, and attentive to her parent’s needs and wants, Jane
deserved a large dowry that would attract a fine gentleman such as Mr. Bingley.
As a father of a daughter that had already reached her majority several years
past, Mr. Thomas Bennet wanted her settled as close to Longbourn as possible,
so Netherfield Park will do. He was completely oblivious to the damage he had
caused with Mr. Bingley, and unaware of how his own daughter’s lackadaisical
countenance had affected the young man as well.

Just
ten minutes later, his wife descended the stairs, waving her handkerchief in
frustration at being so rushed. However, the thought of all that awaited them
in London spurred her forward. She entered the carriage like she was the queen
of all England. “We are rich,” she stated again for any who had not yet heard.
“We are rich!”

Gracechurch Street – London

Mr.
Gardiner had come home for some papers that he had left in his study when the
four men rode up on their tired horses. He had watched them come down the
street but could not imagine that they would be coming to his home. When they
pulled up in front, his footman hurried to take the reins so the men could
dismount.

“May
I help you gentlemen?” Mr. Gardiner asked as he approached. The men had ridden hard;
their clothes were covered with mud.

“Mr.
Gardiner,” Darcy doffed his hat and bowed respectfully. “My name is Fitzwilliam
Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire and Darcy House at Grosvenor Square. These are
my cousins, Henry Fitzwilliam, Viscount Stanley and his brother, Colonel
Richard Fitzwilliam. The other gentleman is Mr. Charles Bingley of Netherfield
Park in Hertfordshire. Please forgive our coming without prior introduction. We
are here requesting information concerning your niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
By chance, did she arrive safely to your home last evening?”

Mr.
Gardiner was stunned; both by the men in front of him and by the question.
Worry quickly overtook him. “No, no. We have not seen my niece.” He gestured
hurriedly to the men. “Please, come inside and let me offer you an opportunity
to refresh yourselves and provide some food and drink before we talk.” Holding
his worry and anxiety over his niece to himself, he quickly asked his butler,
Mr. Harrison, to escort the gentlemen to upstairs rooms and to provide a tray
of cold meats, cheese, and bread for the men in his study. Mr. Harrison rushed
to perform his duties.

The
Gardiner’s study was relatively small, certainly befitting someone of his
stature. All available surfaces were cluttered with stacks and stacks of books;
his hobby. Mrs. Gardiner had heard the commotion in the entryway and sought out
her husband. “Edward, what is the meaning of this?”

“Maddie,
it seems that Lizzy was to have traveled here by coach yesterday. The four
gentlemen that are upstairs at this moment appear to have some news. It is Mr.
Darcy from Pemberley, his family, and a friend.” At the approach of footsteps,
Mr. Gardiner stopped his recitation. Mr. Harrison directed the men inside the
room. “Gentlemen, since you have news of our Lizzy, would you please allow my
wife to attend? She is not so much a niece as a daughter to us.”

After
the men gave their approval, introductions were made to Mrs. Gardiner. Madeline
Gardiner had been raised in a small town not five miles from Pemberley. She had
many friends that she continued to correspond with in Lambton and overall the
reports of the Darcy family were good. Mr. Darcy had, unlike his father before
him, a sterling reputation both as a landowner and as a gentleman. He was
diligent in discharging his responsibilities to his families, his tenants, and
was reputed to take an interest in the needs of his friends. He was a private
man, as his father was before him.