“The best of men? You used to say the same about me.”
She barely blushed.
Darcy refused to listen to her ignorant view of her husband. “Are you aware of what he has done?”
She looked away from him. “I…I know that I am now the mistress of Pemberley.”
“And you do not care how that came about? What he has done to me? Your own flesh and blood?”
“Fitzwilliam, I…well, I guess it does not matter as the deed is done.”
Everything in the room except the girl standing before him was familiar. She was nonsensical. Naïve. A traitor. Lashing out at her was futile. She was already doomed.
Turning away from her, mustering every ounce of dignity he possessed, he removed himself from Darcy House to his uncle’s coach.If it was the last thing he accomplished, he vowed to get everything, including his sister, back.
Silence reignedas they crossed the square. Darcy considered one available course after another. None satisfied his heated demand for retribution. What he knew, without a doubt, was that he needed to be in Derbyshire as soon as possible.
“Uncle, my resources are diminished. Might I borrow a carriage? I must go to Pemberley. Likely, Wickham has already sent an express to Mrs. Reynolds saying that he is the new owner and that I am unwelcome. I must gather my possessions and see Pemberley’s tenants one last time.”
With distress lining his face, his uncle leaned close. “Nephew, pray accept a gift?—”
“I thank you for the offer, Uncle, but I must do this onmy own. During my journey, I will plan my actions carefully.”
Hugh Fitzwilliam hesitated before replying. “Very well. Store whatever you like at Matlock House. Use this coach for as long as you desire. The seal of the Matlock earldom carries enough weight that anyone who buys into Wickham’s lies will think twice before denying you anything. If they do, then they will answer directly to me. Your aunt and I will do what we can here to squash the rumors Wickham has started about your so-called salacious behavior. We have social currency where he has none.” His uncle extended his hand, patting Darcy’s shoulder. “Until I see you in Derbyshire at Alderwood, where you are welcome to reside, I will get Richard back on British soil. If there is anyone who can put the fear of God into Wickham, it is my son.”
For the first time since the ordeal began, Darcy had reason for relief. His uncle was a powerful man with important connections. It would be good to have his cousin home. Colonel Fitzwilliam was fiercely protective and intensely loyal. He excelled at strategy and intimidation. And he hated Wickham.
Before his uncle’sfootmen finished carrying the many trunks containing Darcy’s clothing, personal effects, boxes of books, and pieces of art into Matlock House, his valet, an impeccably groomed, slim man of middling years, approached the carriage.
“Pardon me, sir,” said Parker. “Mr. Wickham called a meeting as soon as you left Darcy House. He dismissedany household members unwilling to serve him. I severed my employment once I heard the news. I could never support that man. You should know that most will remain but not out of disloyalty to you, sir.”
Ire surged through him at the callousness of Wickham. What would Georgiana think of Wickham casually replacing her most familiar servants? Darcy could not know.
“Thank you, Parker. As far as those who stayed are concerned, they owe me no fealty. You need a character, then? Your skill and discretion make you highly sought after by many gentlemen of theton. It is the very least I can offer you after years of service to me and my father.”
“Not at all, sir.” Parker straightened his already stiff spine. “Your generosity in providing not only my wants but my needs over the years meant I saved my wages. Therefore, wherever you go, whatever you do, you will need my assistance.”
Humility replaced the reassurance Darcy felt at knowing someone other than his uncle would support him. “Since I do not yet know where my future will take me, I cannot afford?—”
“Mr. Darcy, sir, please.” Parker bowed his head. “I offer my services willingly, completely confident that you possess the intellect and desire to be master once again. Whether it is at Pemberley or somewhere else, I cannot see myself standing anywhere other than to support you.”
“I am humbled.” Glancing away to regain control, Darcy said, “I am for Pemberley. I will travel quickly. You should know that my budget will not allow for the luxuries we are accustomed to on the road.”
“I thought as much, sir. I hope you will not considerme to be presumptuous, but I packed your traveling case and your trunks with that in mind. Cook included a generous basket of food.” He hesitated before continuing. “Sir, Mr. and Mrs. Price will continue to serve as butler and housekeeper for the Wickhams at Darcy House. Not that they transferred their allegiance to him with no care for you, Mr. Darcy. Rather, they remain to forward any letters you receive as well as provide a report of how Miss Darcy—I beg your pardon—Mrs. Wickham fares.”
This intelligence strengthened Darcy’s spine. Having allies in place would be valuable. “Bless them and you, Parker.” It felt good to have his trusted man with him.
Their journey northtested the limits of Darcy and his valet. They traveled at speed, but the miles ticked by begrudgingly. It never seemed fast enough. Yet, within two days, he tapped on the roof for the driver to stop at the crest of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and Darcy could survey his beloved Pemberley.Lord, how I love this land!
The noble house and the sweeping grandeur of the estate were incomparable. Nowhere on earth equaled the feeling of completeness pulsing through him at seeing his family’s heritage.Pemberley!Had his heart cleaved in two, he would have felt no less pain at the loss of his house, his home. He would not allow the devastation from the theft to weaken him. Vanquishing the wisp of fear that he might never regain his birthright, he climbed into the carriage, preparing himself for his arrival at Pemberley.
Entering the main house as something other than the owner felt like a knife to his gut. Despite his upheaval, everything looked the same as before. The marble floors gleamed, the murals on the ceiling grand as ever, and the cut flowers in the niches welcomed him as always.
Sorrow tempered his resolution. Of all this, he was once the proud master.How could this have happened?A question he asked himself a million times during his journey from London to his home.
“Master Darcy, welcome to Pemberley.”
The long-time housekeeper’s greeting him as she had since he was a lad was bittersweet.
