Richard.The ache he had suppressed returned and he wished for the guidance of his dearest friend.How am I to emerge from this world? Especially with no hope from my strongest ally?
His lamentations were quickly dispelled at the jiggling of the handle to his private retreat. He sat up and straightened his coat, opening the book to the second chapter when the door opened, and in walked Wickham.
“Fitzroy. Here you are. I havebeen looking for you.”
“Have you?”
“Yes. Anne informed me you were searching for a book, but I could not find you in the library, or Lady Catherine’s small book room. It was only with one of the servant’s instructions I was able to locate you.”
Darcy hid his open curiosity at the other man’s persistence, and instead drew him out. “And now that you have found me, what are your wishes? Do you hope to discuss my literary choices?”
Wickham smirked at the Cervantes novel and walked across the room to the decanter. He offered Darcy a drink, which was refused, before pouring his own and taking a sip. “I am not much of a reader, other than the scores at White’s.” After a moment, Wickham said, “I was impressed by your estate.”
“My estate?”
“Yes. You sound as if you are very knowledgeable in its running.”
“As all good landowners must,” Darcy said, curious as to where this was leading.
Wickham cleared his throat. “I was contemplating your words about repaying the gratitude which I had given the parsonage, and wonder…are you a man with vision?”
Darcy paused before replying. “If it is in the best interest of my home and family, then yes.”
“It seems to me in these times, we must change our habits to remain successful with our family’s holdings.”
Not necessarily agreeing with him, but curious to the direction he was taking, Darcy nodded but once.
“My good friend Gafton has been presented with a business opportunity in the West Indies. I think it might be something of interest to you.”
“This seems to be a generous offer. Yet, I would again be in your debt. How might that showmygratitude?”
He watched as the lines around Wickham’s mouth twitched before smoothing. “We are in search of a third partner.”
“You are?”
“Yes. Actually the principal associate. You would have the majority stake in the business.”
“And what would I do to earnthathonor?”
Wickham smiled. “Why you would contribute the most to our partnership.”
Money. Always money.Darcy waited before responding. “I am honored by your offer but must contemplate the particulars. What sort of business?”
“I know a gentleman such as yourself would be averse to soiling your hands in the world of trade, so Gafton and I will handle the daily running of our investment.”
“I see.”
“You would be a silent partner, so your position is not besmirched by your association in business.”
“Yet, you are not concerned for your own reputation?”
“Not in the least. I am, after all, the son of a steward.” He took another drink and settled comfortably into silence, allowing Darcy to do the same.
“What would we be trading? Sugar? Tobacco? Rum?”
An almost imperceptible flinch crossed Wickham’s features but, with practiced ennui, he replied, “A more lucrative commodity to be sure. We will trade Africans.”
Day 5
