Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Fitzwilliam Darcy scrutinised his uncle from across the desk in his study. Alarming shadows circled Lord Matlock’s eyes, and his shoulders were taut under the cut of his coat.
“How fares Callan?” Darcy enquired.
“Very ill,” his uncle replied gravely. “He can hardly eat from the pain—each day he grows weaker.” The earl shook his head. “I still cannot understand how he came to be unseated from his horse—my dear son was the finest rider of his generation.”
Now was not the time to remind Lord Matlock of his beloved firstborn child’s predilection for drinking and reckless misadventures, so Darcy said carefully, “I am grieved to learn of the severity of his injuries. What news of Fitzwilliam?”
Lord Matlock’s expression hardened. “Still in London. It suits him to be far from Derbyshire. You would think that his army career might have inured him to injuries.”
“Despite their differences, Fitzwilliam cannot bear to witness his older brother’s suffering. That is why he keeps his distance.”
Lord Matlock snorted. “You were at Callan’s bedside within days of his accident. My instruction to Fitzwilliam is that he must return to Derbyshire or face my displeasure.”
Having no wish to argue with his already careworn uncle, Darcy changed the topic. “Have you spoken with Lord Bellingford regarding his daughter?”
“She is not to marry Callan, he has graciously decreed. Even in the unlikely event of Callan’s recovery, my poor son is too damaged to produce an heir, and the illustrious gentleman wishes for his progeny to inherit the Matlock title.
Fortunately, Fitzwilliam is deemed to be an acceptable alternative. ”
Bitterness laced his uncle’s voice, and Darcy proceeded cautiously, “And what has been my cousin’s response to this suggestion?”
The earl’s tone was harsh. “Fitzwilliam becomes infatuated by a different woman every five minutes. The notion that he is required to form an alliance based on anything other than a fleeting fancy has proved to be something of an alien concept.”
“So he resists Bellingford’s proposal?”
The chair groaned under Lord Matlock’s weight.
“He will do his duty to his family. Her father may be overbearing, but she is the wealthiest heiress in Derbyshire and by all accounts a refined gentlewoman. It is about time he settled down—he could do no better than the daughter of the fifth richest man in England. Marriage to Lady Violet is more advantageous than he could ever expect. I cannot understand his objections.”
“I shall convince him to see reason.”
“Remind him that the wife of the future Earl of Matlock requires more than a pretty face and pleasing figure. My poor boy will not live to old age. I wish it were otherwise, but we must accept this unbearable truth. Fitzwilliam is not yet the heir, but one day he will inherit everything. He must marry well.”
“It is imperative that we preserve the name and earldom. I shall press upon him the need for prudence when it comes to taking a bride.”
“Thank you,” said Lord Matlock with a grunt. He paused, then looked at Darcy from under his heavy brows. “I have another favour to ask of you, though I am not sure you will agree to it.”
“There is precious little I could refuse my uncle,” replied Darcy with some trepidation. “But before I commit myself, I must remind you that Georgiana’s constitution is still delicate, and her health remains my priority.”
“I have had a letter from Lady Henrietta Acaster. Do you recall her? A wealthy widow and a very good friend of your mother’s.
We met on a few occasions during our youth.
Hers is a lively sort of character, and I must admit it was a surprise to receive news of her after so many years.
Her letter begged a favour—there is some property in Derbyshire that belonged to her late father, and she desires to stay at Haddon Court while she decides what to do with it.
Naturally, I wanted to be of service, but Callan’s health prevents me from hosting her as I would like.
Given its proximity, I suggested Pemberley as an alternative. ”
“My mother adored Lady Acaster.” Darcy drew his brows together in recollection of an elegant woman with a quick wit. “I am afraid I neglected the acquaintance after my father died. It would be an honour to be of assistance.”
“Capital news! I shall write my reply today.”
“Will she travel alone?”
Lord Matlock waved his hand carelessly. “There was some mention of a niece—a Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She is a companion to Lady Acaster, quite the favourite from the tone of her letter. However, I know nothing about her.”
Darcy’s frown deepened. “Miss Bennet stayed here as a playfellow for Georgiana one summer about five years ago. She was a funny slip of a thing. Spirited, if my memory serves me. Georgiana adored her—she was heartbroken when Miss Bennet returned home.”
“Did they continue their acquaintance?”
“Regrettably, I did not think to encourage their correspondence. Georgiana is several years Miss Bennet’s junior, and”—Darcy’s voice caught in his throat—“and then my father died.” His chest constricted with a sharp sense of loss, followed by a simmering anger when he thought of the unnecessary distress his father had been forced to endure towards the end of his illness.
“Circumstances beyond my control meant that it was not the place for a young girl. I do not like to think of that summer, and with everything that happened, I must confess I had forgotten all about her time here. The Bennet family are not of our social sphere, and we never saw Miss Bennet again.”
“In my view, it would do Georgiana good to have some variety in her life. Lady Acaster informs me that Miss Bennet has been living with her in town for many months. She can regale Georgiana with all the frivolities and latest fashions that women like to excite themselves with—it might entice your sister to venture beyond Pemberley’s grounds. ”
Darcy opened his mouth to defend his sister but was halted by a memory.
Two girls, one with golden ringlets, the other with dark, were skipping, hand in hand, through the cornflowers.
Georgiana was giggling, enraptured by some game Miss Bennet had invented.
Those innocent moments, captured years ago, had been so long suppressed that he had almost forgotten that happiness existed.
When was the last time you heard Georgiana laugh so freely?
He rubbed his hand across his chin. “It may benefit Georgiana to have someone closer to her age stay at Pemberley—better still if the person in question is a childhood friend.”
Lord Matlock had the temerity to cast a critical eye over Darcy’s study. “It would give you an excuse to air out the place.”
Darcy bristled. “Pemberley’s cleanliness is of the highest standard.”
“This room is dark and dreary. I have known cabins on a ship with better light.”
“If my home is so disagreeable, then I must wonder why you wish for Lady Acaster and her niece to stay. Perhaps we should reconsider your proposal.”
His uncle paid no heed to Darcy’s irritation. “How like your father you are! He could not bear any criticism of his precious house either.”
Lord Matlock was one of the only people who dared to discuss either of Darcy’s parents in his presence.
Darcy clenched his jaw in an effort to remain civil, to which his uncle simply waggled his finger.
“All this talk of marriage and preserving one’s family name makes me wonder whether Pemberley might benefit from a woman’s touch about the place.
Handsome as you are, Darcy, you face Time’s bending sickle along with the rest of us.
One does not want to walk up the aisle with a wrinkled face and receding hair. ”
“You flatter me.”
Lord Matlock disregarded the comment. “Besides, a wealthy man such as yourself will undoubtedly have an abundance of interest. You can have the pick of the crop.”
Darcy replied icily, “Be assured that when the time comes, I shall choose a bride worthy of the name ‘Mistress of Pemberley’. I have begun to compile a list of suitable candidates. When Georgiana’s health has sufficiently recovered, we shall travel to London, and I intend to request introductions to ascertain whether any of the women meet my approval. ”
His uncle raised a brow. “What qualities does a woman need to possess to qualify for the noble appellation of Mrs Darcy?”
“My requirements are simple. My future wife must be of a respectable family with superior connexions. Her accomplishments should be manifold. I could not marry a woman who did not know at least two languages and an instrument. A quick mind is important, but I would not like a wife whose first thought is to argue. She must understand that marriage to a member of the Darcy family is a great honour and would conduct herself with the decorum and tact that befits such a distinguished role.”
“And what of this paragon’s appearance?”
Darcy’s face heated. “The pick of the crop is unlikely to be plain.”
Creases appeared around Lord Matlock’s eyes, and for the first time since his arrival he laughed. “You have missed a few important attributes, dear boy.”
“How so?”
“Anyone who marries you must have a sense of humour and a limitless amount of patience.”