Chapter Twenty-three
When Gigi received the note from Richard, she consulted with Mr. Bennet and Jane first. “Could we invite him here? It is going to be a very long and complicated story. I think everyone who was involved should be there for Richard to question. He will not be satisfied with a partial story.”
“Of course. I will send a note right away. Jane, you should tell cook to expect another person for dinner.”
Within half an hour Richard and Theo were welcomed into the big parlor with the best sea view.
It was a warm day, and all the doors and windows were open allowing a pleasant breeze in.
None of the Bennets nor Elizabeth Darcy’s party had met Theo, so introductions were made all around.
Gigi gave Richard and Theo familial hugs and asked, “Theo, what are you doing here? I thought you were at Rosemont.”
“I heard that Wickham was here, and I came to see he stayed out of trouble. It looks like you and your friends had things well in hand though.”
The next hour was spent with Richard interrogating everyone for all the details.
While he was doing that, Theo was trying not to stare at Miss Bennet.
What a beauty! She had a serene look most of the time, but fire would flash in her eyes at certain points in the story, and she could look quite severe when the youngest, with the sullen look, became too animated in her part of the telling.
“So, Bennet, it looks like everything is wrapped up. There is little risk of Georgiana’s reputation being called into question. Have you written Darcy?”
“I have not. He never would have arrived in time. I informed you, although we had things well in hand. Maybe you can write him?”
“I think it best if I ride to Pemberley and tell him in person. Wickham, well all of us, played as boys. It was only Theo who kept in touch with him. Darcy will be quite upset at what he attempted. Best tell him in person. Also, I am wondering about the timing of those fires. Was it part of Wickhams plot to draw Darcy away? Does he have compatriots in Derbyshire? Yes, I will leave tomorrow and go straight there.”
“I will go with you, brother. I think it is time Darcy heard my side of things.”
“Gigi, you had best send them with a letter to your brother letting him know you are well. I know my brother would expect as much. Make it a long one. Let him know the twins were heroes!” Beth advised.
An invitation for the brothers to stay the rest of the day and share meals with them was given by Miss Bennet. Ratcliff was sent for and introductions were made all round. At one point he made a complaint about riding all the way to Derbyshire after the wild ride of the night before.
“Are you also on horseback Viscount Rosemont?” Elizabeth Darcy asked innocently.
“You may just call me Rosemont, or Theo if you wish. We are family by marriage. And to answer your question, yes, I rode my horse to Ramsgate.”
“Would you like to borrow your carriage to go to Pemberley? As long as you return it before we need to leave here of course.” Somehow Beth kept a straight face.
“My carriage?”
Richard broke out into a huge guffaw, and the rest of the room chortled, giggled, or tittered.
Eventually Richard gasped out, “I forgot you were already gone before we found out who bought your rig! Hahaha! Your greys and carriage are out in the stables just a hundred yards away, Theo! Cousin Elizabeth bought them! Hahaha!”
Theo looked flabbergasted. “YOU bought my carriage and horses? Well…humf…at least they stayed in the family.”
“We had intended to sell them back to you, at what it cost us, before we sail home. But we thank you for the convenience. It is a very fine conveyance! As I said, you may borrow it, so you do not have to ride all the way to Derbyshire. William planned to come and retrieve us by the end of summer, so you can send it back with him. The horses are probably getting restless since we walk most everywhere.”
“You are my new favorite cousin!”
“Hey! I thought I was your favorite!” Gigi gasped out.
The room broke out in laughter again. Theo felt warm and welcomed for the first time in years.
His life of dissipation was over. He swore it to himself.
He had so much to make up for. He would finally make his mother happy and find a wife.
Make his father happy and have an heir. He had already started making his tenants happy by being there as a landlord and listening to them.
He was very low on funds, but the repairs to the cottages and fences were being made, finally.
He looked over at the beautiful, willowy blonde again.
He wondered, was she everything she seemed?
She had spark, he had seen it over the course of the afternoon.
She handled the house full of people with grace.
First, he would ride to Pemberley with Richard and offer his services as far as the fires went, then he would explain things to his parents.
They deserved to hear the truth…or most of it.
Should he tell them about the blackmail?
Would he? He needed to speak with Darcy, privately.
He could not risk telling Richard. He was too likely to tell their father.
They were leaving day after tomorrow. He would decide after talking to Darcy.
Georgiana excused herself to go write a long epistle to her brother, while everyone else lolled on the terrace enjoying the breeze and clear skies.
It was a beautiful summer day which would be over too soon.
The entire holiday would be over too soon.
Theo knew he had some difficult days before him.
With God’s Grace, his rocky past would turn into a prosperous, and sober, future.