4
1811 October - Three months later - Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
Darcy became acquainted with Charles Bingley when the younger man purchased a fine horse from Pemberley’s stables three years prior. With roots deep in manufacturing and a personality opposite to Darcy’s, their association should have ended when the transaction concluded. Instead, Bingley’s amiable, open nature appealed to Darcy. They became fast friends.
“I am grateful you accepted my invitation, Darcy. Hertfordshire in the autumn is lovely. The air is crisp, and the sun shines brightly. I was not looking forward to the heavy coal smoke and fog of London during the upcoming months.”
“Nor I.”
“I leased Netherfield Park for its convenience to Town. Yet, I find I do not know how to proceed. There is no one else I trust to advise me on estate matters.” Bingley leaned back in his chair, the sunbeams from thestudy window forming a halo around his reddish-blond hair.
“And yet, I no longer have an estate.”
“I doubt you have forgotten everything you know in three months, my friend.” Bingley tapped his fingers on the chair’s arm. “My father desired his children to rise above the so-called stain of trade. Both my sisters strive for the same. For me, it matters not where my fortune came from, and it is possible that I may not take to being a man of leisure. I might even return north to my factories. Until then, I will devote myself to the task at hand, with your help, of course.”
Since July, Darcy worked tirelessly to locate Simon Cole and the notary, Mr. Cinna. He spent hours with his attorney, the best in London when it came to contracts, searching for loopholes that his legal counsel overlooked. He toured estates across England, seeking a place to call home—until he could return to Pemberley. To date, nothing he found suited him and his new circumstances.
Bingley’s invitation was a godsend. Netherfield was close enough to Town he might dart to and from in his quest to discover any leverage against Wickham and determine who of his acquaintances still held him in esteem. Hertfordshire was far enough away that he could easily avoid those who did not.
“You are a loyal friend, Charles. While others may ignore my existence or look to cut me publicly, you offer me respite. I sincerely appreciate your kindness.”
“My pleasure. How are you faring?”
“In the months since Georgiana’s marriage, Wickham has commandeered everything he can with a greed I never expected from any man. He is dishonorable. Heprofessed to have studied law with the money he received at my father’s death. Since his claim, I learned from one of his former companions that he lied. The money ran through his fingers like water.”
Darcy considered how much more to reveal and then revealed all.
“He was as poor as a pauper when he pursued my sister. He pawned a piece of my sister’s jewelry to fund their elopement. As I knew, he is nothing more than a gambler and a cheat. What galls me is how Wickham waited for me to slip, then struck like a viper. How I loathe him! Even more, I loathe myself for not keeping my eyes open.”
Bingley nodded. “Your bitterness is understandable. You had no expectations of ever losing your estate. My home is your home for as long as you need.” Bingley paused. “Have you news from your sister?”
“None.” Frustration mounted. “I do receive regular reports from my former housekeeper, Mrs. Price. She assures me that Georgiana is gradually becoming a proper mistress.”
Bingley mumbled, “If only I did not hear from my sisters. Caroline only contacts me when she overspends her allowance. Louisa writes when my brother-in-law refuses to allow her to redecorate his townhouse again. Just this year she has gone from Egyptian to Greek décor. Why she does not feel comfortable with British landscapes on her walls is a curiosity to me. She has never been to those faraway places. In fact, I doubt she could show you where they are on a map.”
Darcy refused to comment about Bingley’s family, none of whom he easily tolerated.
“Did it go well for you in Derbyshire?” Bingley asked.
The tension that tightened every muscle in his body seemed to melt away under Bingley’s genuine concern. “Trying to explain to Mrs. Reynolds what happened was devastating. For twenty-four years, she has been the housekeeper. Yet, she was so much more than that. After Mother died, she treated me as if I was her own. She practically raised Georgiana.”
Bingley nodded. “Your housekeeper is a gem.”
“That she is,” Darcy readily admitted. “Of course, she knew the sort of man Wickham became. She refused to remain in her position. I assisted her in moving closer to her sister. Before I left for Matlock’s estate, I returned to Pemberley, though I chose not to go to the house. I spoke with each tenant, explaining their new situation. I know Wickham will not treat them fairly. Several of the families declared they would leave Derbyshire for employment in a factory. I cannot blame them. I hired a man to locate my former man of business, Simon Cole. His preliminary report stated that Cole’s destination was Philadelphia.”
“America?”
“Yes. Cole is currently out of my reach, but I will be kept informed of his movements. Wickham may have seized control. However, he has always preferred that others do his disreputable work and take the blame if discovered. Someone else had to push him to act, to manage him, to expect success. Although I have nothing to prove it other than a letter stating his involvement, this scheme would appear to be the creation of Simon Cole.”
“I am genuinely grieved. Of everyone I know, you are the least deserving of such a loss, such duplicity. Yet, youmay discover that there is some good, some insight you might see now that you no longer oversee so many.”
Wryly, Darcy said, “Indeed, Bingley. Never have I met a man who could foresee such optimism from this calamity. I already have one benefit from being as poor as a fourth son. As it so happens, once my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, realized I was no longer the master of Pemberley, she renounced any marriage to her only child, not that I would ever attach myself to my cousin.” In a falsetto, Darcy said, “‘If you cannot control Pemberley, I do not want you near Rosings Park. You are now undeserving of my Anne.’ Where she expected me to mourn the loss, I rejoice not to be harangued by my aunt. How Lady Catherine will treat Georgiana since she married that bounder, I cannot know. Truly, my sister must forge her path from now on.”
“I never met Miss Darcy’s husband, I mean…Mrs. Wickham’s husband. His charm and his nefarious scheming reveal his masterful mind. But is he masterful enough to make Pemberley and his wife prosper, or will his corruption eat away at profits until there is nothing left?”
Darcy looked at him sharply. “If you were not introduced, how do you know that he is a charmer?”
“My sisters were some of the first to call at Darcy House, once they realized you were no longer there to keep them out. Passing themselves off as longtime acquaintances, Mr. Wickham won over both Caroline and Louisa with little effort. They returned to Hurst’s townhouse boasting that his pretty manners and attentions were quite gentleman-like.”
