His Uncle's Favorite (29 page)

He dared not consider the nature of her caring for him nor ask himself whether she would ever offer him the opportunity to propose again. Those were questions whose answer was yet to be found. Nevertheless, he was certain that her poor opinion of him had improved. She no longer hated him, nor was she indifferent to his feelings and concerns. Whether that happened because of the letter, because of her father’s partiality for him, or because of her attachment to his sister, he could not be certain nor even speculate. He was content that, at least, he was given another chance to prove he was worthy of her good opinion. He knew it was more than he hoped in the last weeks and more than he deserved.

Until the last moment, he unwisely considered returning to Netherfield with Bingley, and if only his wishes were considered, he would have done it. However, there were two persons more important than himself whose well-being was his main concern: Georgiana and Elizabeth. He knew his sister would be happy at Netherfield, if only to be close to Elizabeth, but Wickham’s proximity required supplementary measures in order to protect Georgiana. As for Elizabeth—he knew he was too insistent in forcing the acquaintance with Mr. Bennet and frequently imposing himself in the Gardiners’ house during the past three days. Moreover, by helping Mr. Bennet with business advice, he was aware that he had obliged Elizabeth to behave politely towards him, even had she wanted to distance herself. Making an appearance at Netherfield—when surely Bingley spent most of his time at Longbourn—would put him in Elizabeth’s path again, and she would have little choice but to accept his presence whether she liked him or not. It was fortunate that her feelings for him seemed to be changing; there was no reason to force her trust. Therefore, he decided it was impossible to join Bingley at Netherfield for the time being.

However, when he saw Wickham’s impertinent face and discovered his mischievous scheme to impose himself in Bingley’s carriage, his previous resolution dissipated; for a moment, he was decided to go to Netherfield with them. Happily, he needed little time to realise how ridiculous such a gesture would be—and even happier, Elizabeth guessed his struggle and put an end to it with a few wise words and a smile.

Yet, he had no rest as he lay on his bed; countless thoughts spun in his head as he wondered what Wickham’s plans might be.

The next day, after a silent breakfast and a brief chat about their plans for the day, Georgiana inquired how long it would take for a letter to arrive from Longbourn.

“I am sure the letter will arrive as soon as possible. I think it would be helpful if you visit Selina while you wait for news.”

“Perhaps I will. And I plan to stop at Mrs. Gardiner’s for a tea. She invited me.”

“Excellent. I am sure you will have an agreeable time, dearest.”

Darcy returned to his library while Georgiana prepared for the day. Half an hour later, Colonel Fitzwilliam made a welcome appearance.

“Darcy, I came to take you to the club. Father and Thomas are already there.”

“I am not certain I can interrupt what I am working on—”

“Nonsense. Get your coat; there is not the slightest chance I will leave without you.”

“You seem in an excellent disposition, Cousin.”

“No more than usual. How are you, Darcy? And Georgiana?”

“She is visiting Selina—and Mrs. Gardiner, I think. So, I understand you were assigned to fetch me. Are you being punished for something?”

“So amusing—I am glad to see you so well humoured.” The colonel looked at Darcy briefly. “You did not sleep well. Any thoughts keeping you awake?”

“Quite a lot.”

“Will you share them?”

“Not likely.”

The colonel laughed as Darcy took his coat, and they left the house together. Only when they were inside the carriage did Darcy speak.

“Yesterday I went to say goodbye to the Bennets. I had some business in the morning, so I arrived only a few minutes before they left.”

The colonel smiled to himself, tempted to ask his cousin why he did not leave with them. However, Darcy’s countenance was too serious for mockery.

“And? Did anything happen? You seem worried.”

“Wickham was there. Apparently, he just happened upon Bingley that morning, and he was also on his way to Meryton. So Bingley asked him to join them.”

“Wickham? Did you not say he was in Meryton? How long was he here?”

“Wickham was in town for almost a month. He resided at Mrs. Younge’s as usual.”

“How do you know that? Do you have people watching him?”

“Once he had the impudence to cross paths with me in Meryton. I wanted no more surprises from him, so I took appropriate measures.”

“I see… But what the hell is the scoundrel doing around the Bennets? And what is wrong with Bingley? He should know better than to befriend Wickham!”

“Bingley knows too little about Wickham to avoid him; you cannot blame him. And you know how insistent Wickham can be when he has something to gain.”

“Do you believe Wickham just wished to benefit from a ride at no charge? He is well capable of that. So it has nothing to do with the Bennets?”

“You cannot believe me so naïve; surely it was no coincidence. Unfortunately, I can only speculate what his interest might be.” Darcy remained silent as the colonel waited.

“Well? What speculations? What do you suspect?”

The answer did not come easily, and the colonel needed to repeat his impatient question.

“Wickham has a… From the beginning, he showed an interest in Miss Elizabeth.”

“Oh come, you cannot be serious! I am quite charmed by Miss Elizabeth, but we must honestly admit that her situation does not recommend her as one of Wickham’s usual targets. She must have a small dowry, if any.”

“You are not wrong in that; I am not certain about Wickham’s interest, but surely he does not intend to trap her into marriage.”

“I am not in the slightest worried about other kinds of interests he might have. Miss Elizabeth Bennet would eat him alive if he dared exercise his charms with her! Even an idiot like him must see she is not a woman to trifle with.”

Darcy hesitated a moment. “Miss Elizabeth is a very young and…genuine lady. It would not be impossible for her to be deceived and… Nevertheless, that is not the issue here. I have not the smallest doubt that she never would do anything improper. Besides…” He hesitated again then cast a quick glance at his cousin. “I had an opportunity to speak with her about a number of things and…I told her of my past dealings with Wickham.”

The colonel stared in shock. “You mean—about Georgiana and Ramsgate? Why would you do such a thing? Do you think that was wise?”

“It was necessary. Do not worry; I trust Miss Elizabeth’s secrecy completely.”

“You trust her more than your own relatives?”

“I do not… I would not say that. The situation was a special one. I struggled over the decision for some time, and I believe I was not wrong. Please let it be. And about Wickham: let us hope his only interest was to pinch a free ride to Meryton.”

“But how the hell did he know that Bingley planned to return to Hertfordshire?”

Darcy’s countenance became even sterner, and his uneasiness increased.

“Robert, there is no one I trust more than you, and I see no other way to tell you that… I am sorry to upset you but…I am afraid the earl might have informed Wickham.”

“My father? Surely, you are joking! My father is not even aware Wickham was in town.”

“Uncle is well aware of Wickham’s presence in town. He even met Wickham a few times.” They looked at each other, both embarrassed by the subject.

“I am truly sorry, Darcy. I do not know what to say. You know my father means well but… his attachment to Wickham seems… I am stunned. I am certain he kept silent in order not to bother us; you know he never would favour Wickham over you. His affection for you…

“I do not doubt the earl’s affection for me or my family, and I will not hold against him his inclination towards Wickham. After all, my own father favoured him more than he deserved. I would just wish that uncle saw more in Wickham’s behaviour…”

“Darcy, I do not mean to sound rude, but perhaps you should trust my father as much as you trusted Miss Elizabeth. You should tell him everything about Ramsgate.”

“I shall consider the entire situation carefully. Let us speak no more about it for now.”

They finally arrived at the club where Lord Matlock and Lord Brightmore were expecting them. The rest of the day passed in pleasant conversation until two gentlemen of middle age approached their table.

“Lord Sinclair, it is good to see you!” said the earl. “How long have you been in town? We were told you were with a hunting party.”

“The pleasure is mine, Lord Matlock. Darcy, Colonel, Brightmore… Yes, I was in the country, and I would have preferred to stay there, but my wife insisted we return. She complained of feeling lonely and bored, so I had little choice. I wish she would find something to amuse her. I am not in the mood to attend balls and parties. Women are quite tiresome sometimes, but that is the price one must pay for having a young wife.” He laughed loudly.

“True… Will you stay longer? I hope you will join me for a glass of brandy one day.”

“I would be delighted. By the way, I did not forget about your invitation to hunt at your estate. As soon as spring arrives, I shall remind you.”

“No hunting party would be complete without you, Sinclair.”

Lord Sinclair departed with a last greeting, and Lord Matlock laughed to his companions.

“Well, boys, you heard the man: he must find a way to keep Lady Sinclair amused.”

“Do not count on me; I care only for my wife’s entertainment.” Lord Brightmore laughed. “Other young women should be the responsibility of unmarried men.”

“I might attempt to help, but I do not trust I will accomplish much,” the colonel replied. “On the other hand, no one can doubt Darcy’s success, had he ever bothered to try.”

Their amusement was a contrast to Darcy’s severe countenance.

“Robert, your comment is quite rude and I would be grateful if that is the last time you bring up such an improper subject. You know that kind of joke appals me—now more than ever.”

“Nephew, do not be upset; you know we are only joking. But you are right, as usual. Even Mrs. Gardiner scolded us; we should have listened to her.”

“What do you mean, Uncle? When did Mrs. Gardiner scold you?” Darcy inquired.

“Oh, during the ball.” Lord Brightmore laughed. “We made some improper comments about you and Lady Sinclair. Mrs. Gardiner censured us most deservedly.”

“You discussed this matter in the presence of Mrs. Gardiner? Were…were either of the Miss Bennets there?” Lord Matlock thought he had never seen his nephew so pale.

“Miss Elizabeth was,” Lord Brightmore replied. “But she has an excellent sense of humour. I am certain she was not upset—slightly embarrassed, perhaps, but not upset.”

“You cannot presume to know how Miss Elizabeth felt,” Darcy said harshly. “And you surely cannot presume to know how I feel—or any others you make sport of.”

“Darcy, there is no reason to be angry with us. We were only—”

“Uncle, perhaps it would be better if you considered your words and your actions before they hurt people instead of trying to justify your misbehaviour afterwards. Forgive me; I have no disposition to continue this conversation. I shall see you all soon. Good evening.”

He withdrew hastily, leaving his companions in complete bewilderment. Outside, facing the wind and snow, he breathed deeply, trying to gather his thoughts. He needed to walk, and his carriage followed along. It was dark and cold, but he felt only his own turmoil.

The ball—yes, that happened before his disastrous proposal. She had heard his relatives teasing about him and a certain lady—a married one—the one with whom he was dancing. He could now remember clearly her stern expression as he danced with Eve Sinclair. And the next day he proposed to Elizabeth, and she believed he intended to… No wonder she rejected him in such a way!

The next morning during breakfast, a footman arrived with two letters. Georgiana eagerly opened hers, declared it was from Elizabeth then ran to her room.

Darcy glanced at his sister’s letter, envying her the opportunity of receiving news from Elizabeth. Then he returned his attention to his own envelope, which he hoped was from Mr. Bennet, and his heart skipped a beat; the writing on his letter was similar to that on Georgiana’s. Surely, it was not possible that—He took his letter to the library and closed door behind him. With tentative fingers, he opened it, and his eager eyes travelled along the paper. He read it repeatedly, each time discovering different meanings in the words, which he did not dare trust.

The last part of the letter seemed to have been written from her rather than Mr. Bennet; it was not necessary for the news she intended to share, but she wrote it nevertheless. And she thanked him—with perfectly proper words—but there was a warmth that came through the cold paper, and he did not miss it.

He held the letter to his chest, closed his eyes and leaned against the armchair. Alone in his library, in the darkness lit only by the fire, Darcy smiled.