The disavowal of Mr. Erskine’s arrangement.
These, amongst other lesser charges, were laid slanderously at our feet…
Every considerate man will naturally deplore this calamity…
The senselessness of this war must soon reach its end.
“We are at war with America,” he murmured as he sank into his chair, the room around him a haze as he sought to sort it out in his mind.War?
He would seek out news from America so he might learn both sides of the conflict. He needed to know, as a man of both worlds; his being demanded it.
Still, such conflict would be harsh for all involved.
Even he and his sisters would not come away unscathed.
Examining the worried faces of his sisters, he forced a smile, reassuring them such a war would not last long. Yet, his assurances sounded flawed. His revelation, unsound. And in his heart he knew the truth.
A prideful part of him considered the effects to himself and his sisters with greater concern than he ought. However, with his sisters and he already the source of suspicion and ridicule in much of the Ton, it could not be denied that this declaration of war would only increase that censure. That they may no longer find welcome in those few homes of high gentry they were allowed.
What would it mean for his sisters?he wondered, heart aching as he gazed upon their innocent faces.For their futures?
And, for him? The estate? Their tenants and staff?
Everything felt less certain than the day of his parents' deaths. For then he had hope for the future. Now… did he have hope at all?
∞∞∞
The morning their cousin would arrive came quickly enough, Darcy scurrying to both prepare Mr. Anderson for the coming days and to see to it that Mrs. Reynolds had readied Fitz’s favourite room, foods, and drinks. Both activities, however, were proven unnecessary as the two members of staff and those under them had been, in all things, one move ahead of him.
All will be well,he assured himself as he stood outside with his sisters, Fitz riding up the drive ahead of his belongings as per usual.It would be a quiet, restful time. Never mind that the invitations he had sent to the gentry of the area had been politely or impolitely rejected. Never mind that the future seemed grim… for his sisters did not know of the rejections or the depth of his worries.
But Fitz would.
As comforting and unsettling as it was, it would be welcome to have someone to whom he could talk openly. IF he allowed himself to.
“Darcy!” Fitz cried as he neared, his horse showing off with energetic high stepping. “Georgie… Cathy! A fine sight after days of travel!”
“Fitz,” Georgie smiled, rushing into his arms the moment he dismounted, “I have missed you, we all have, come, Timothy shall see to your horse, and you will want to eat, and talk, and oh, we have so many things planned!”
Laughing as he gave her a hug, Fitz then proceeded to greet them each in turn, the foursome heading indoors as the stablehand prepared to pamper the gelding who had carried the beloved cousin to Pemberley’s door.
A warm pot of tea, sweet treats, and the comfort of the family drawing room were soon had. Fitz setting his journey before them in all the detail the sisters requested, until, at last, conversation drifted to personal news not yet shared.
“I nearly wore my uniform, for I thought it would be a pleasing means to relay my news,” Fitz said with a smirk, the arm of his chair receiving far more than its share of his person.
“News?” Cathy asked, tone raised in her excitement.
“I could guess what it is,” Darcy said before chuckling at his cousin’s narrowed eyes and quick frown.
“You,” Fitz hurried to his youngest cousin, “may now speak of me to others as Colonel Fitzwilliam. Yes, colonel. The deed was done not two weeks back, but I wished to tell you all in person.”
“That is wonderful,” Darcy said softly.After all the disappointments in that regard, it was welcome news. At last, their cousin’s decision to maintain relations with them had not hindered his promotion.
Two weeks? If news of war had been announced first, would he have still achieved the rank of colonel?
“Hurrah!” Georgie shouted playfully, the joyous exclamations of her sister mingled in. “What fine news, and on this special day. William told us we are to have a treat tonight, and I am certain it is to be one of your favorites.”
“It will be rather like a party, the four of us together with all that fine food,” Cathy smiled before taking an impressive bite of her tart.
