Heeding her advice, he tried to respect the tender feelings of his sister, waiting until the next day to ask about Wickham’s attorney. Unfortunately, Georgiana had no clue with whom her husband did business. Frustrated, Darcy took care of other necessary tasks until he could ride to London to begin a search. He wrote to Bingley, informing him of his youngest sister’s situation. He next sent a note to Richard.
Rubbing his hands over his face, he easily guessed how his cousin would respond. He would want to draw his sword and kill Wickham all over again. Darcy could not blame him at all.
For the next four days,a heavy mist settled over Hertfordshire, soaking anyone who dared to venture outside. The temperature was chilly, though not cold enough for frost.
On the fifth day after the murder, Bingley returned to Netherfield Park.
“My friend, I did not know when I left the estate in your hands that you would face upheaval from every angle. Good heavens! If dealing with my sister was not hard enough, to have your sister’s husband murdered is beyond the pale.” Bingley shook his head. “How is Mrs. Wickham?”
Darcy wondered about that very thing. “For the most part, she remains in her rooms, allowing only Elizabeth to enter. She cannot accept that I do not blame her for Wickham’s sins.”
Bingley sipped his tea. “With Mrs. Darcy having four sisters, surely she would know best how to provide comfort. By the bye, I stopped by Longbourn to see Miss Bennet prior to coming here. Mr. Bennet still insists on his wife and daughters allowing you privacy. Therefore, I fear you shall have to inform him when you are ready for company.”
Darcy’s breath quickened. The last thing that would be helpful would be a house full of women seeking information to share with their neighbors.
“Mr. Bennet’s heir attempted to smear your name before I even reached Longbourn’s drawing room. I would not allow him to say one word against you. But know that he intends to scurry to Meryton to further his campaign to ruin you. According to him, he is acting under the direction of your aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.” Bingley set his cup aside. “I cannot think that he has any idea what the consequences of being known as the instigator of malicious slander would be. His ignorance will not protecthim. As I was leaving, Miss Charlotte Lucas arrived. With no preamble, she clearly stated that she is no longer engaged to be married to Mr. Collins. This was the first I was aware of the news. When I asked Miss Bennet, she said that the proposal was made soon after you wed. Darcy, the look on the face of Miss Lucas was abhorrence when his name was mentioned. Poor woman.”
Darcy thought for a moment. “She is a sensible woman. As a close friend of my wife, I am aware of Miss Lucas’ struggles. I believe that her greatest fear is that of being a burden to her family. Mr. Collins’ proposal must have seemed like a godsend. That she refuses to marry him speaks well of her character, though poorly of his. I shall speak to Elizabeth about the possibility of bringing Miss Lucas with us to London. We will stay at Matlock House until I can gain enough information to protect Georgiana’s assets. My uncle has plenty of room.”
Bingley chuckled. “We both know how attentive you have been to help me achieve my goals. According to Mr. Bennet, you have shown an interest in Mr. Anders, stating that you will pay for his transport if the judge allows it. Plus, you have Petey under your care, along with your wife and sister. If you continue along this line, you will make yourself responsible for the eldest of Lucas’s daughters. You will be the Pied Piper of Hertfordshire if you are not careful.”
“I do not mind.” Darcy was attached to each individual. He was also proud of the choices Bingley made so far. “Speaking of dependents, what will you do with your sister?”
Bingley gulped his tea before replying. “Sincetomorrow is the Sabbath, I shall not depart for London until early Monday. I already have an appointment established with my attorney to turn Caroline’s dowry over to her. Hurst notified me he wanted her out of his house. I cannot blame him. Nor do I want her with me.” He studied his feet before his eyes settled back on Darcy. “I asked Mr. Bennet’s permission to court Miss Bennet officially. He accepted my request. When I spoke with Miss Bennet, I was fortunate that she readily agreed. I will not have Caroline living close to us. I know my father wanted the life of a gentleman for me so that I would separate myself from trade and live a life of leisure. But I do not want that for my future. I have no desire for endlessly dull days of riding my horse about the countryside, surveying my kingdom, or attending endless parties where the people only care about what I have, not who I am.”
Darcy was surprised. “Does Jane know your intentions?”
“She does.” Bingley grinned. “She has no qualms about being the wife of a mill owner. She says that she feels like Ruth from the Bible: ‘Where you go, I will go,’ or something like that. Even Miss Lydia considered my returning to Manchester as being a good idea, since the opportunity to design fabric to her liking would be available to her. She has a mind for colors and patterns, according to her. Miss Kitty said that Lydia wanted only to stand out and be admired.
Darcy tipped his head in agreement. “If you take Jane’s sisters with you, you will never have a moment’s peace.”
Bingley’s grin stretched from ear to ear. “Can youimagine sisters who are not antagonistic, ambitious, or vain? Why, it would be refreshing.”
“Only you.” Darcy appreciated his friend. Bingley was a wonder. “For now, as soon as you recover from your long journey, I intend to ride into Meryton to confront Mr. Collins. You are welcome to accompany me.”
Bingley leapt to his feet. “Of course I will.”
Darcy confidently steppedinto the inn. He barely kept his mouth from gaping open. In his imagination, he never thought someone who claimed to represent God could be as vile as Mr. William Collins, heir to Longbourn.
“Mr. Collins? Reports have reached me that you have been bandying my name about, sharing untrue reports against my character. What have you to say for yourself?”
“There he is.” The three men Collins shared a table with at the inn looked at Darcy. “Satan himself, entering a place of refuge as bold as brass. Why, I believe if we look close enough, Lucifer’s tail will drag the ground behind him.” Standing, the vicar clutched his lapels. “As my exalted patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, claims, Mr. Darcy should have long ago turned the control of Pemberley to her since he easily lost it to his greatest enemy, who I am certain he wanted dead. For how else could he regain control of Pemberley unless Mr. Wickham was out of the way? Why, I am wondering if he somehow coerced the butcher into claiming guilt when the actual murderer is standing right in front of us.”
“Mr. Collins!” Bingley gasped.
Darcy held up his hand to keep his friend from attempting to defend his honor.
Darcy said carefully, “If you are a reasonable man, you will recognize the wisdom of ceasing and desisting immediately.”
Puffing out his chest, Mr. Collins snorted. “You would like that, would you not? Your aunt, your flesh and blood, has already condemned you. Thus, who are you to tell me to do anything? We know who and what you are.” His eyes swept the three seated at the table, including them in his defamation.
Darcy took one step closer. Lowering his voice until the men needed to lean forward, he said, “If you listen to this man’s slander and say nothing to defend me, you will share in his sins. Your names?”
As one, all three stood, grabbed their hats and coats, and hurried from the inn, leaving the innkeeper and Collins. When the innkeeper tossed down his towel and started through a doorway leading to the back, Darcy stopped him.
“Stay.” Keeping his eyes focused on Collins, he added, “I may need you to serve as a witness.”
The innkeeper returned to his position behind the bar, glancing between both men.
