Chapter XII
The estate appeared peaceful when Darcy reined in his mount before the stable, and he thought he might escape unscathed.
Darcy had no interest in meeting Miss Bingley again, and he knew it would be a mistake to allow her to learn the truth of his departure.
Bingley had promised to travel to the north the following morning with his family.
The thought of leaving the Bingley party there with his sister was not palatable, but he knew of no way to induce them to leave earlier.
He would need to trust Georgiana’s ability to withstand them.
A stable hand emerged at once to take the reins, but before he could retreat, Darcy addressed him. “Is Peters within?”
“I am here, Mr. Darcy,” said the stable master, stepping out into the light. “I had not expected to see you back so soon.”
“Circumstances have changed,” said Darcy. “I shall require the carriage at once. Four horses. Have everything prepared for a journey to London. The horses will take us to Lambton, then we’ll post the rest of the way.”
“Of course, Mr. Darcy,” said Peters, not bothered by Darcy’s abrupt instructions. “Everything will be ready in thirty minutes.”
Darcy thanked him and turned to the house, taking the steps two at a time in his haste, already calculating what must be done for an immediate departure. Within, he found Gates, the butler, and reiterated his instructions. Then he went in search of Mrs. Reynolds and found her only moments later.
“I hope everything is well, Mr. Darcy,” said Mrs. Reynolds in response to his need to depart at once.
“Everything will be well, Mrs. Reynolds,” said Darcy.
Though he hesitated, Mrs. Reynolds was not merely a servant. Since his mother’s death, she had often been something of a maternal figure to both Darcy and Georgiana. Thus, Darcy was more open with her than he would have been with another servant.
“The business that takes me south involves Wickham.”
Mrs. Reynolds, always quick of thought, made the connection at once. “The young miss recognized your father’s miniature of him.”
“Yes, Miss Bennet’s family is involved,” replied Darcy, the anger overtaking him again. “This time, Wickham will not escape. I have not worked out how just yet, but I mean to call him to account for his deeds.”
“That is for the best, Mr. Darcy,” said Mrs. Reynolds, brimming with grim satisfaction. “Do you mean to take Mr. Thompson with you?”
“Thompson would be most put out if I left to deal with Wickham and did not invite him—even I am not so foolish as to cross him.”
Mrs. Reynolds laughed. “Yes, Mr. Darcy—you have taken his measure to the last detail.”
With a nod, Darcy turned to more practical matters.
“The Bingley party is to stay today, though they will depart tomorrow. I trust Bingley will control his sister, but if she causes any trouble, you have leave to ignore her. Please have Cook prepare a basket so that we may enjoy luncheon on the road.”
“At once, Mr. Darcy,” said Mrs. Reynolds. She hesitated for a moment, then ventured: “If it is not too bold, please allow me to say how much I like Miss Bennet.”
“Trust me, Mrs. Reynolds—your esteem for her is not even a fraction of mine.”
“Then you had best see to your business, Mr. Darcy,” said she, her satisfaction unmistakable. “Do not concern yourself with Pemberley—we shall keep it against your return.”
“I know you will,” said Darcy. “Please send a footman to find Bingley and direct him to my chambers. I must speak to him before I depart.”
“Without delay, Mr. Darcy.”
Leaving her office, Darcy climbed the stairs and stepped into his bedchamber, finding Snell, his man, attending to his duties.
Snell was an odd sort, stuffy, prickly, and devoid of humor, but observant and attentive—Darcy’s father had hired him when he was a lad, and now Darcy could not imagine any other man seeing to his needs.
“Is aught amiss, Mr. Darcy?” asked he, catching sight of Darcy’s grim expression.
“There is,” replied Darcy, removing his coat and handing it to Snell. “An urgent matter of business calls me south to London. I shall leave within half an hour.”
Snell did not ask questions—he began to work with the efficiency of a well-trained servant. “Then you will wish to change into traveling clothes, and I must prepare your effects. Shall I travel with you, Mr. Darcy?”
“No,” replied Darcy. “I will travel with the Gardiners and their niece, and will endure the lack of your services for a few days.”
“Then you mean to return at once?”
Darcy shook his head. “I doubt it. Instead, when the Bingley party departs on the morrow, I suspect Georgiana will wish to journey south and join me, though whether it will be London or Hertfordshire, I am not yet certain.”
Snell’s eyebrow rose at the mention of Hertfordshire, but he did not comment. “Very good, sir. I shall see to your personal effects at once.”
After a pause, he added: “Miss Bingley has been out of sorts since her arrival.”
“That she has,” agreed Darcy. “While she may receive an invitation to Pemberley in the future, I suspect it is unlikely. I know the staff is concerned about the possibility of Miss Bingley as the mistress of the estate, but that will never happen.”
“I never doubted it, Mr. Darcy. Yet I know that many will rejoice to learn of it.”
“Their relief does not exceed mine,” replied Darcy wryly.
When Bingley entered, Darcy had changed into his traveling clothes and was trying to hold to his patience as Snell fussed with his cravat.
Not having Snell’s services in London would be a bother, but Darcy could enlist the assistance of a footman.
The man would not have Snell’s deft touch, but he could endure it for a few days.
“Darcy!” exclaimed Bingley upon seeing him. “What is this news I hear of you ordering your carriage for a long journey?”
“I shall see to the final preparations, Mr. Darcy,” said Snell, withdrawing.
“A matter of the utmost urgency has arisen, Bingley,” replied Darcy. “As it might concern you, I shall relate it in full, though I cannot delay for long.”
“Tell me all.”
Darcy did just that, relating his meeting with Miss Bennet that morning, the letters from her sister, Miss Lydia’s imprudence, and Darcy’s plan to deal with Wickham once and for all. Bingley, to his credit, listened, stared in disbelief, seethed, and gave no hint of softening resolve.
“Tell me, Darcy,” said Bingley when he learned all, “will this affect your intentions toward Miss Elizabeth?”
“Only in that they have hastened the resolution between us.” Darcy felt the elation of her acceptance all over again.
“When I learned about her sister’s folly, I proposed to Miss Elizabeth on the spot.
Though I will own that the situation forced my hand and that I needed an excuse to involve myself, I have wished to have her as a wife for many months. ”
“That is a curious way to hasten a courtship, Darcy,” said Bingley, showing a feral grin. “Congratulations are in order. Perhaps when I arrive in Hertfordshire, I shall follow your example.”
“That is your affair, my friend. It is up to you to handle it in whatever way you see fit.”
Bingley nodded, but his thoughts turned to other matters. For a moment, he appeared to consider something.
“Darcy, I would like to be of some assistance if I may.” Bingley shook his head, forcing away unwelcome recollections. “I forsook Miss Bennet once, but I shall not do it again.”
Though he hesitated for a moment, Darcy knew what form his answer must take. “That is good of you, Bingley, but in this instance, I believe it is for the best that you follow your original plans. I shall have more than enough assistance to deal with Wickham once I arrive in London.”
“You mean to involve Fitzwilliam?”
Darcy offered a grim nod. “Fitzwilliam has long despised George Wickham and will jump at the chance to participate in his downfall. As he has connections within the army—and Wickham is a deserter, after all—we shall have no trouble dealing with Wickham once we locate him.”
Indecision gnawed at his friend—Darcy could see it and understood his dilemma. Bingley wanted to prove himself to Miss Bennet, and throwing his support behind Darcy’s efforts to locate Wickham would, in his mind, help repair his trust with her. Yet, Darcy could not but think it was inadvisable.
“Bingley,” said Darcy, speaking the truth but not minimizing his friend’s wishes, “your first duty must be to your family. Until this is resolved, I think it is best to keep your sister away.”
A bark of laughter was Bingley’s response. “If that was not an accurate portrayal of my sister’s character, I might take offense, Darcy. Caroline might see it as a way to pull you away from Miss Elizabeth, and she might speak of the matter out of spite alone.”
“Then you see the problem,” said Darcy. “If you see your family north, by the time Miss Bingley makes her way south the matter will be resolved, though I do not know how just yet.”
“Very well, I shall follow your excellent advice.” Bingley paused and gave him a grin that Darcy had seen many times from his friend.
“After I leave Caroline in Scarborough, I shall make for Netherfield at once. If you have not returned by then, I can visit the Bennets and lend my support. It will be quieter than yours, but I cannot think it will be unwelcome.”
“Trust me, my friend,” said Darcy, showing a grin, “when Mrs. Bennet sees you riding down the drive, she will accept your gesture in the spirit it was offered.”
Bingley did not hesitate to release his mirth. “Mrs. Bennet’s approbation is one thing, but if Miss Bennet welcomes me, I shall consider myself most fortunate.”
At once, Bingley grew serious again. “As you know, we are to leave tomorrow. Would you prefer we left today?”