The older man slapped Darcy’s knee and stood. “And you are fortuitous in that the life you have been born into will allow you to have a wonderful future. Much like Darcy, you are a Cambridge graduate, well respected. Your knowledge of your circumstances will increase, and the voids of your memory will begin to take shape.”
“I have had enough of this madness and demand to return to Lady Catherine’s at once.”
“She is not your aunt. And she is not the person you imagine her to be.”
Darcy puzzled on the final sentence.
“Mr. Darcy, I have been sent to help you see what a life would be like without Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.”
“Sent by whom?”
The apothecary shook his head. “You will discover how Fitzwilliam Darcy is necessary for the happiness and joy of all in his world.”
“All except Miss Elizabeth Bennet, you mean.”
“No, sir. That is not what I mean. But I am afraid you will see for yourself shortly,” he said. “I am staying at the Hunsford Inn for a time. You may find me there if you have questions. My advice to you is not to force your past on these people. They do not know you.”
“How can they not?”
“Because you were never born. Recall the Miss Bennets’ response to you? They had only known you for two months, so that was shocking enough. But those you have known all your life…will be even more difficult for you. Remember what I said.”
“Wait!” Darcy exclaimed before the man opened the door. “How would Miss Bennet ever concede to marry that toad of a vicar? She is much too well-bred and lovely to be his wife.”
The odd little man placed his hand on the handle, before looking over his shoulder at Darcy. “You were not born. Therefore, Bingley never leased Netherfield. Jane Bennet was ripe to be picked when Mr. Collins visited Longbourn. She is too good of a girl to allow her family to suffer destitution if she had it in her power to save them.” Clarence shrugged. “This is not the only change you will find, sir. Remember all I said. You are William Fitzroy, and they will not know Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
With that, Clarence swung open the door to Elizabeth and Jane speaking most animatedly in the hallway. Clarencebeckoned them forward. “The patient will be well. I do not expect his headaches to last long. But he might have small bouts of forgetfulness—nothing too severe. He recalls his name and circumstances, but as with many head injuries, we are uncertain exactly how his future will unfold. Forgive his frustrations as he may impart notions which seem confused. But, in all respects, I believe he is as he always was.”
The apothecary grinned at Darcy, who was observing the entire conversation, before turning back to the sisters. “As I have told him, he must not be removed from Hunsford. I believe the peace here will do well in helping him heal.”
“May we move him to another room?” Jane asked.
“Yes, depending on his strength. Do check the wound for infection, and I recommend allowing him to rest—and exercise only if he feels fit. But once again, he must not be removed from Hunsford.”
Jane said, “Very well. We will do all in our power to help our guest.” She tilted her head and looked over Clarence’s shoulder. “Would you care for some refreshment, Mister…? Mister…? I beg your pardon, sir. I have not yet learned your name.”
“It is Fitz—” Darcy stopped when Clarence shook his head. “It is Fitzroy. William Fitzroy, Mrs. Collins.”
“Very well, Mr. Fitzroy. My sister and I would like to take tea with you. If you are up to some company.”
“I would, Mrs. Collins. I thank you for your generous hospitality.”
Clarence bowed, nodding to Darcy, and then departed. Shortly after, a maid announced:
“Mr. and Mrs. Wickham, ma’am.”
Darcy stifled a gasp. He felt a storm cloud move over his countenance, and he noticed a similar reaction from Elizabeth.
“Mr. Wickham,” Jane said, as both ladies curtseyed. “Welcome to our home. We did not expect to see you so soon and are honored again by your presence.”
“Yes, well, we must be neighborly while we reside at Rosings.” His eyes never left Elizabeth, and they openly roamed her form.
“Where is Mrs. Wickham? I believe I heard the maid announce her.”
“She stepped into the garden with Mr. Collins. There was something she desired to show you, Mrs. Collins. Might you oblige her? You know how she can be.”
Jane looked from Wickham to Elizabeth before altering her disquiet to a more pleasant countenance. “With pleasure. Lizzy, shall I get your wrap?”
Wickham interrupted immediately. “Oh, Mrs. Collins. It is much too cold. With Miss Bennet being unable to come for tea yesterday due to her illness, we don’t want her to risk a chill, do we?”
