A Father's Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (21 page)

“Sirs,
please be seated.” Mr. Gardiner sat close to his wife, taking her hand. “Tell
us what you know about Lizzy.”

Darcy
had been surprised at meeting the Gardiners. He had known that they were in
trade, so his expectations were quite low. Seated before him was a fashionable
couple that would easily fit in with any of society’s entertainments. Judging
by the reading material displayed throughout the room, they were well-read and
educated as well. “Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, it was my sister, Georgiana, that wrote
to Miss Elizabeth begging her to come to Netherfield Park to tend her sister, Miss
Jane Bennet. Because of that care, it was some days before your nieces were
able to return to Longbourn. Apparently, the confrontation between Miss
Elizabeth and her father did not go well and Miss Elizabeth decided that there
was no basis for staying there.”

“And,
how did you become involved, Mr. Darcy?” Mr. Gardiner had not been surprised at
the reception Lizzy had gotten at her old home. He knew from the rare news they
received from Longbourn that his brother-in-law continued with his grudge.

“My
sister, Mr. Bingley, and I were riding to Meryton only a short time after your
nieces left Mr. Bingley’s estate. We found Miss Elizabeth with her valise
walking into town to purchase return travel to London. She had stopped to speak
with Miss Charlotte Lucas and, at that time, an unidentified man. That man
turned out to be my older half-brother, George Wickham.

At
hearing the name, Mrs. Gardiner, showed immediate signs of increased distress. “Mrs.
Gardiner,” Darcy asked, “are you well?”

“Mr.
Darcy, that name is very familiar to me. My greatest friend in Lambton, Mrs.
Avery, had a daughter who was beautiful in appearance and very, very innocent.
George Wickham forced himself upon her when she was but three and ten years of
age. The young girl became with child and died along with the babe during
delivery. She was not the only young girl that I know he ruined.” Pausing, Mrs.
Gardiner looked Mr. Darcy in the eye. “I apologize, Mr. Darcy, for speaking out
so and if my directness offends, as he is your brother. He is an evil, evil
man.”

“Mrs.
Gardiner, please do not be concerned. Your words are truth.” Mr. Darcy stopped
to gather his thoughts. “My young sister, Georgiana, had been threatened by
Wickham early this summer. I would do anything to protect her from such
wickedness as we knew our brother was capable of. When I saw him speaking to
Miss Elizabeth and Miss Lucas, my heart almost stopped. I determined then and
there to remove Miss Elizabeth and my sister, Georgiana, to London immediately.
We escorted Miss Elizabeth to the local Inn, returned to Netherfield Park,
where Bingley had ridden ahead and requested our carriage be made ready, and
returned to Meryton to collect your niece. We had not gone but a short distance
from Meryton when we were accosted by a highwayman demanding that we ‘stand and
deliver’. It was Wickham.”

Darcy
was deeply disturbed at having to share this horrid information with
Elizabeth’s beloved aunt and uncle. Any threat, even one that was past, would
be distressful to them.

“My
cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, had heard from his commanding officer that Wickham
was in the area of Meryton and knew that he wanted to harm my sister. He came
upon us at that moment and fired on George as George fired on me. Miss
Elizabeth pulled my arm at the sound of the gunfire so that the bullet went
through my left arm rather than into my heart. Wickham was killed.”

Mr.
and Mrs. Gardiner both gasped; Mrs. Gardiner’s hand going to her chest.

“Yes,
your niece saved my life.”

“In
more ways than one.” The Colonel interjected.

“You
are right, Richard.” Darcy continued. “We returned to Netherfield Park
whereupon Miss Elizabeth cleaned and sutured my wound and then cared for me
when fever set in.” Again, he paused, running his fingers through his hair.
“Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, your brother-in-law heard that his daughter had
returned to Netherfield Park and that she was tending me through my malady. Mr.
Bennet came to the estate and made serious accusations against Elizabeth,
claiming that she had ruined any opportunity for Miss Jane Bennet to marry by
being alone in my bed chamber.” Darcy was so upset at having to repeat this
false charge that he was unaware that he had referred to Elizabeth by her given
name. “This, of course, was unfounded. There was always someone present when
she cared for my wound.”

“Also,
during that time, my family, the Fitzwilliams, came to Netherfield Park. They
bore witness to Mr. Bennet’s rage against Miss Elizabeth. Just yesterday, Mr.
Bennet returned to Bingley’s estate with a letter addressed to Elizabeth from
Mr. Samuel P. Haggerston. Are you familiar with the gentleman?”

“Yes,
I am.” Mr. Gardiner replied. “He is my attorney. I requested from him
clarification as to the guardianship of Elizabeth but two weeks ago when we
received the demand from my brother-in-law that Elizabeth return to Longbourn
and marry his cousin, Mr. Collins. I have yet to get clarification on that
matter.” Mr. Gardiner was puzzled. “I cannot imagine why he would have written
to Elizabeth directly when the instructions were to inform me and I would write
the findings to her.”

“Mr.
Gardiner, we are aware of the letter that Mr. Bennet gave to your niece when
she was first cast out of her home. However, it was not this issue that was
contained in the letter your brother-in-law brought to Netherfield Park.
Rather, it was a dividend notice from the Honorable East India Company. Mr.
Bennet was enraged that your niece might have funds that he claims belong to
him, as the right of a father. We believe that Mr. Bennet intends to come to
London today; in fact, he may be on his way already, for the purpose of
claiming those funds. I tried to explain that it was undoubtedly a clerical
error and that two letters to two different individuals may have been confused.
Mr. Bennet was not able to be reasoned with due to his extreme agitation.”

“Was
Elizabeth present during this discussion?” Anxiety filled Mr. Gardiner.

“She
was.”

“And,
what was her reaction?” Mr. Gardiner nervously awaited the reply.

“She
was confused, but adamant that she had no interest in the East India Company.
Also, she was hurt that her father, who was accompanied by your other
brother-in-law, Mr. Philips, claimed that his original letter to you was a
friendly request for you to care for his daughter while she was a part of your
household.”

Mr.
Gardiner shook his head in frustration. He stood and walked to the fireplace,
putting his arm on the mantel with his head hung. “My foolish, foolish
brother-in-law.” The room was silent as he processed the information received.
Finally, he turned back to the men and, walking to his wife, he stood at her
side.

“Gentlemen,”
Mr. Gardiner took a deep breath, expelled it, and began to speak. “What I am
about to tell you is completely unknown to my niece. She does, indeed, own
shares in the Honorable East India Company.” After being witness to Elizabeth’s
fervent denial, this came as a shock to the men.

“While
we were in India, Lizzy saved the life of a young boy, almost her age. The
father of the boy was a Lord, who at that time was politically involved in the
governing of India. He also was a major shareholder in several import/export
businesses. This boy was his heir and only child. The father privately arranged
the transfer of shares. They were put in my name as Lizzy was not only
underage, she was female. The shares and the dividends from the shares are
currently held at the Bank of England in an account, also in my name.”

“Now,
Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Gardiner continued. “You have yet to explain to Mrs. Gardiner
and I where my niece is and why you are here inquiring after her. Please
continue.”

“Mr.
Gardiner. Mrs. Gardiner. During the second confrontation with Mr. Bennet, when
he demanded the shares and dividends, the attorney, Mr. Philips, explained his
understanding of the law regarding guardianship, explaining that the rights of
the father would prevail in a court of law, unless,” Darcy paused here, “unless,
of course, Miss Elizabeth was married. Then the rights of ownership of any
assets in her possession would fall to the authority of her husband.”

“Mr.
and Mrs. Gardiner please believe me when I tell you that I am in love with your
niece. I had already told the father of my cousins, Lord Matlock, that I longed
to make her my wife. However, without forethought, I blurted out that I would
marry her.”

The
shock on the Gardiner’s faces was palpable.

“I
easily comprehended Miss Elizabeth’s emotions. She was angry and hurt with her
father’s assault, fearful of what her future might bring, confused about the
dividend letter, and, undoubtedly, horrified at my declaration, especially as
it came directly after finding out that she might be in possession of wealth.
She left the room. I had thought she merely returned to her bed chambers to
remove herself from the confrontation and would return later when events had
calmed, so that I might explain to her how engaged my feelings were and propose
in a manner that she deserved.” Darcy fought against the embarrassment that
revealing his private feelings in front of others was having on him. “She did
not return. It was revealed later by her maid and notes that she left for my
sister and Mr. Bingley, that she had slipped out of the house and had traveled
to Meryton to arrange transport away from Hertfordshire.”

“My
sister, Georgiana, informed me that Miss Elizabeth had spoken of her desire and
intent to travel to the Americas. Until we went to the Inn in Meryton, where
your niece purchased the ticket, we were unaware which direction she had gone.
The innkeeper informed us that she was on the coach to London with an elderly
woman and her son for protection. It was already dark, so we were unable to
follow her last night, however willing we were to do so. This is a true account
as to why we are now here at your home.”

“As
you are no doubt aware, gentlemen, Elizabeth is not in my home.” Mr. Gardiner
was not as worried as Darcy expected him to be. “My niece is a seasoned
traveler. Yes, it concerns me that she left Meryton in time to arrive in London
and is not here, however it is possible, in fact, highly probable, that she
changed her mind while in the coach and instead traveled to Dover, Portsmouth,
Liverpool, or any other port where travel outside the country could be easily arranged.
In that event, I expect that Mrs. Gardiner and I will receive notice of her
intent at any time via express. My niece is a very resourceful young woman who
is independent-minded and unwilling to submit to a father or,” he looked
directly at Mr. Darcy, “a husband who was not loving, kind, affectionate, or
respectful to her.”

“Good
Sir,” Darcy rejoined. “I shall spare no expense to have investigators sent to
every port city in England in search of your niece. May I, please, have
directions to your office so I can contact you as soon as I receive any
information as to her location?”

“Yes,
Mr. Darcy, you may.” Mr. Gardiner pondered the situation. “In the meantime,
should I hear from my niece, I will send a messenger with the information to
your home.”

The
occupants of the room all stood as Mr. Gardiner rang for a footman to bring
their horses to the front of the house. As the gentlemen filed out of the study
into the entryway, the front door opened to the sound of a high-pitched female
shriek. The Bennets had arrived.

Gracechurch Street – London

At
the addition of Mr. Philips, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, and Miss Jane Bennet to
the Gardiner’s house,  Madeline Gardiner rolled her eyes as she stood behind
her husband; unseen by their newest visitors. Before proper welcomes could be
made, Mr. Bennet spotted the men and his anger was instantaneous.

“Gardiner,
how could you let these men into your home?”

Mrs.
Bennet, in her quest for silks and lace for her eldest daughter, was oblivious
to the tension and anger that filled the small room. “Oh Madeline, we are rich!
Jane will have the best of fabrics and trims and a wonderfully large dowry to
attract an important man, such as Mr. Bingley of Netherfield Park!” Mrs. Bennet
was a silly woman that tended toward the vulgar in her speech, actions, and
thought processes. She was a slight woman that was confronted with four
handsome gentlemen. Suddenly, she recognized that one of the men was Mr.
Bingley himself. Refusing to be held accountable for her speech nor embarrassed
at what she said, she continued. “Oh, Jane, look! It’s Mr. Bingley. What brings
you to London, sir? Surely, you have much to do in Hertfordshire. Why the
running of such a large estate is such a responsibility. You had best secure a
wife soon, Mr. Bingley, to aid you in making a success of Netherfield Park. My
Jane… she would make an excellent wife for a gentleman in your position.”

“Mama,
please do not speak of this!” Jane whispered in an effort to halt her mother’s
inappropriate words. The men and her in-laws were horrified at her blatant
attempts to matchmake.

Bingley’s
face turned bright red as he looked down and away, in embarrassment. He had
wondered how he would feel should he come in contact with Miss Jane Bennet.
Jane Bennet was truly all that was beautiful. The first emotion, after the embarrassment,
was regret.

Mr.
Bennet ignored his wife’s comments and stared at Mr. Darcy. Without looking at
his brother-in-law, he repeated, “How could you let these men into your home?
Do you not know that they mean you harm? They are thieves, here to steal
Elizabeth’s wealth. You should have them removed immediately!”

Darcy
stood back and respectfully waited for Mr. Gardiner to respond, although the
disgust on his face spoke volumes. Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was still wearing
his uniform, put his hand on his sword, having a difficult time keeping still.

“Bennet,
these gentlemen have come here today to assure the safety of your daughter.
They mean no harm.”

Mrs.
Gardiner decided that the most effective means of diffusing the situation was
to remove Fanny Bennet and her daughter to the upstairs. Even though Mrs.
Bennet insisted that Jane stay downstairs with the gentlemen, once it was
pointed out that she should refresh herself to be in her best appearance, Mrs.
Bennet gave in and the two women followed Mrs. Gardiner to the guest rooms,
which her staff was hurrying to prepare.

“No
harm?” Mr. Bennet sputtered. “What have they done with Elizabeth, I ask. Where
is she now? They would not allow me to speak with her in private while she was
at Netherfield Park, but I shall set this matter straight right now!”

“Mr.
Bennet, I will not stand in the entryway of my host’s home and argue with you.”
Darcy stated clearly. “My purpose now is to find Miss Elizabeth, assure her
safety, and ask her to be my wife. Anything else you accuse me of is a fantasy
of your own making.”

“YOU!!!”
Mr. Bennet shook his finger at Darcy. “You will never marry my daughter. I
would sooner have her dead than be tied to you as a wife!”

Those
words were shocking and affected the men like a blow. Even Viscount Stanley,
who, like his cousin Darcy, rarely showed emotion, was angered to the point
that he wanted to skewer Mr. Bennet with his brother’s sword. Mr. Bingley
grabbed the Viscount’s arm to stop him from acting on his desires.

“Gentlemen,
please desist!” Mr. Gardiner stepped into the fray. “The most important thing
is to find Elizabeth.” He turned to Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, as soon as I receive any
news, I will send you notice.”

Mr.
Darcy, the Fitzwilliams, and Mr. Bingley took their leave from Mr. Gardiner and
asked that they thank Mrs. Gardiner for her hospitality. Bowing to Mr. Gardiner
and ignoring the other two men, they left; Mr. Bingley to his townhouse,
Colonel Fitzwilliam to the barracks, Viscount Stanley to Matlock House, and
Darcy to his attorney to hire investigators, acquire a special license for
marriage, and hopefully have a marriage settlement prepared.

North of London, County Middlesex

Lady
Catherine, her daughter, Anne, and Mrs. Jenkinson, Anne’s companion, had been
on the road to London for several hours. Behind their carriage followed Mr.
Bingley’s carriage containing his two sisters and Mr. Hurst. Lord and Lady
Matlock, with Georgiana, had departed Netherfield Park about two hours prior to
the others, so had already reached their Grosvenor Square residence. Lady
Catherine had wanted to get an early start, but the staff had been too busy
helping the others. Feeling like an afterthought was a new sensation for the
great Lady Catherine and she would never forget the arrogance of Miss Bingley
in directing the servants so.

It
was imperative that she get to her London attorney before Darcy had a chance to
find Miss Elizabeth. Lady Catherine’s maid had whispered the goings on of the
afternoon before, when Miss Elizabeth was found missing, and the Lady was
pleased to have that upstart out of the way. What was the world coming to when
these chits like Miss Bingley and Miss Elizabeth Bennet did not know their
place! It was shocking!

The
carriages slowly entered the outlying areas of the city, which was reflected in
the noises and sounds. Only a short amount of time and Anne would be Mrs.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mistress of Pemberley. At the thought, Lady Catherine rubbed
her hands together and smiled; pleased with the outworking of events.

Mr. Haggerston’s Office, Broad Street, London

“Mr.
Darcy, how may we be of service?” The clerk at the front desk in Mr.
Haggerston’s office knew that Darcy was a valued, long-time client, so showed
the gentleman the respect that he deserved. That respect was not just for the
position in society that Mr. Darcy held, it was for the conduct and intellect
of the man himself.

“I
need to speak with Mr. Haggerston on a matter of great importance.” Darcy
replied.

“Excuse
me, Mr. Darcy, but Mr. Haggerston is meeting with another client at this time.”
The clerk took up a quill pen and a clean sheet of writing paper. “I shall
write him a note to see if he can spare time away from the business he is
currently transacting.” The clerk did so and slipped down the hallway. It did
not seem like he was gone long before he returned and directed Mr. Darcy into a
large meeting room.

Inside
was a round table with seating for a dozen. Darcy was too impatient to take a
seat. Instead he paced around the table, round and round, his agitation evident
in his gait. It was not long before Mr. Haggerston entered the room.

“How
may I help you, Mr. Darcy?” Mr. Haggerston was in his mid-fifties with a shock
of white hair over a ruddy face. He rarely extended pleasantries, getting
straight to business. Darcy had deep respect for this man’s abilities with
legal matters.

“Mr.
Haggerston, I come here seeking your advice on a legal matter. Lady Catherine
de Bourgh, my late mother’s sister, recently showed me a letter to her from my
father stating his agreement that my cousin, Anne de Bourgh, daughter of Lady
Catherine, and I marry. It is merely a letter, not a formal legal document,
which my father mailed to her just after I reached one and twenty. My aunt is
on her way to town today to consult with her solicitor in an effort to force my
hand. My question to you is, how binding is a letter of intent from a father
with regards to the marriage prospects of the son?”

“Mr.
Darcy, it just so happens that I, too, have information from your father
concerning this very matter. If you would but excuse me for a moment, I will retrieve
the letter your father asked me to give you should you ever come to my office
for advice or help with arranging matters of wedlock. Please, excuse me.” Mr.
Haggerston rose from the chair he had been seated in and started to leave.

“Mr.
Haggerston, before you go, this is not the only matter which brings me to you.”
This stopped the attorney before he reached the door. “I also request an
application for special license and that a marriage settlement is prepared with
as much speed as possible.”

“Truly,
Mr. Darcy, if it is Miss Anne de Bourgh, then your concerns over your father’s
intentions is not such a matter of urgency. Correct?”

“It
is not my cousin whom I wish to marry.”

“And,
may I inquire as to your intended?” The attorney asked, puzzled at the young
man before him. Never had Mr. Darcy approached him with such uncertainty. While
he kept his eyes on his client, he pondered the type of woman to have caused
these emotions in the usually stoic man.

“Yes,
her name is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, originally from Longbourn in Hertfordshire,
but for the past five years she has resided with her aunt and uncle here in
London.”

“Miss
Elizabeth Bennet?” Mr. Haggerston was shocked and surprised; pleasantly so. Shaking
his head quickly, as if he were clearing cobwebs, he told Darcy that he would
be right back with the letter from his father and forms for marriage. He left
the room and headed to his office. When he entered, his client was reading the
documents he had left for her perusal. “Oh what a tangled web!” he muttered to
himself.

He
returned the documents to Mr. Darcy, leaving him alone to consider the letter
from his father in private, confident that the information contained in the
missive would be difficult for the son to read.

Darcy
wasted no time opening the letter. He sat down and broke the seal. It was not
lengthy.

November 11, 1805

Pemberley

Dear Son,

If you are reading this letter, then two things have happened; I am no
longer among the living and you are finally persuaded to marry Anne, combining
the two estates and making Darcys one of the most powerful families in all of
England. I am proud of you for seeing to your duty, son.

I hope that, as Master of Pemberley, you have continued to look after
your brother, George. The disadvantages of George being my natural child are through
no fault of his. He should not be penalized for the circumstances of his birth.
He is, after all, my firstborn. I expect you to prosper and provide well for
George, even if the terms of my marriage agreement with your mother, would not
allow me to do so. Let this be a lesson, son, to take care in arranging for the
marriage settlement. Do not promise something in your agreement that you regret
in the future.

With Anne as your wife, I am sure that you will provide a proper
example of a contented marriage for Georgiana. Do not be hasty in making an
engagement for her. She is a Darcy, the granddaughter of an Earl and the
descendant of one of the oldest families in England. If she could but bring a
title to the family name, it would provide the only thing lacking in our
provenance.

My greatest wish, son, is that you turn out to be as good a man as your
older brother.

Your Father,

George Darcy

Darcy
longed to throw the letter across the room. Instead, he calmly placed it on the
table, smoothing out the wrinkles where it had been folded for the past six
years. “
Be as good a man as my older brother
.” That was like a slap to
his face. And from his own father! Darcy was angry and wanted to throw
something or hit someone.
Calm yourself, Darcy!
Darcy held his breath
and slowly let it out through his nose, turning his mind to think of something
pleasant. Elizabeth.

His
mother would have loved her. He regretted that they could never know one
another. Like his mother, Elizabeth loved the outdoors, adventure, travel,
reading, and discussing a multitude of topics. Both women were kind and
generous. Elizabeth had been just as gentle as his own mother when she had
nursed him. Georgiana truly cares for Elizabeth. Yes, his mother would have
loved her.