After a brief silence, Mrs. Reynolds said, “According to the servants, Mr. Wickham came upon the ladies as they were walking along Windermere. Mrs. Younge encouraged his visits to the cottage, telling her young charge that no one would understand her grief better than he. Eventually, Miss Darcy believed herself in love with her father’s godson…someone who would protect her and Pemberley. They eloped to Gretna days before the earl was to arrive.”
“Did no one try to stop them?” Darcy sunk into his chair. “Where was Alfred?”
“The viscount received word but arrived too late. He was appalled that hisfriendhad used the family so ill.Andnow, Miss Darcy is saddled to that man, poor child.”
She may be married to him, but all he wants is her money. We will make sure he cannot touch another farthing!
“Mr. Bainbridge?” At his call, the door opened, and the two men returned. “As the heir of George Darcy, I am claiming ownership over all that remains of the Darcy estate. I want Wickham’s legal rights removed from any remaining property or holdings which has not yet been squandered. I am also aware I cannot easily remove my sister from hishousehold. But he will no longer make free with the Darcy name.”
“Very well, sir.”
“Did my father, Mr. Darcy, have any clauses on my sister’s inheritance?”
Mr. Bainbridge answered in the affirmative. “Her holdings from Lady Anne’s family were not to be inherited until she reached her majority. Nevertheless, if she were to become ill or die, that money reverted back to the Fitzwilliams.”
Then Georgiana is safe.
“Unless she is married. Then her husband would inherit.”
“Her husband would inherit?” Darcy’s mind grew unsettled at the prospect but pushed away any concern. George Wickham was many things, but he wasnota murderer.Was he?He rose from the chair. “Very well, gentlemen. I will return on the morrow to sign whatever documents necessary, but I ask you to not make this information public.”
“Yes, Mr. Fitz—Darcy. Mrs. Reynolds, if you would not mind, we have some papers for you to address.”
“Then I shall see you later, Mrs. Reynolds,” Darcy said as he twisted this father’s signet ring on his finger.
He walked down the steps thinking how he must speak with Elizabeth, tell her about this change of fortune.How do I tell her?About to step into the awaiting carriage, he heard:
“Mr. Darcy. Might I have a word with you?”
Clarence stepped out of the shadow, and Darcy gestured to join him in the carriage.
“Am I to presume you have now discovered your ‘true’ identity?”
Darcy glanced at Clarence as the carriage pulled away. “Yes, but there are things which I do not understand.”
“Such as?”
He took a deep breath. “How did Mrs. Reynolds remember my visit to Pemberley as a child when I contrived some details of the story? There are so many questions that are troubling me that make no sense.”
Clarence paused a few moments before answering. “You arebecomingWilliam Fitzroy.”
“What?” The weight of the words hit Darcy with full force. “What do you mean? How can I become William Fitzroy when I am Fitzwilliam Darcy?”
“You have onlyjust becomeWilliam Darcy…there is no Fitz to your name. That belongs to Lady Anne’s family, of which you are no part. Today, at Bainbridge & Sons, you became a Darcy. Before, you were William Fitzroy, son of Herbert and Edith Fitzroy, heir to Pembrook.”
“No! Those are fabrications made up to allow me to act in this world.”
“Those fabrications are your reality, Darcy. Just as Wickham’s mendacities arehisreality. But yourfabricationsare becomingfact.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means,” Clarence said, “that you have a decision to make. You can choose to remain in this world––the world where you are William Fitzroy, who now has a rightful claim to the Darcy name and property and will soon secure the hand of the woman you love. Or”—he scratched his chin and turned to face him—“or, you can return to your previous life, where the only certainty is that youareFitzwilliam Darcy, the true and only heir of Pemberley.”
“There is more certainty than that, Clarence. I have a sister whom I can protect, a heritage to be proud of, and a world I can create.”
“Yes. But do you have the woman who loves you?” Conversation ceased as Darcy sputtered. “If you stay in this world, you will have the heart of Miss Bennet,andyou havejust regained your heritage––Pemberley. And, you did not even have to kill Wickham for it.”
Darcy remained silent as they arrived at the townhouse.
