Chapter 24 #2
One important lesson he’d learned during this past episode with George Wickham was that a man of honour must never shirk his responsibilities.
His excellent father had tended to every aspect of his business, and as his heir, Charles must do the same.
Darcy, too, always saw to his business affairs, never putting them off as long as possible, as Charles had done.
Even the colonel had skilfully managed the business with Wickham, down to the most minute detail.
After ringing for his valet, he slumped into a chair and allowed his thoughts to wander to a more pleasant topic, Jane Bennet. She would have read his letter by now and would understand that he would be with her if he were able. Despite their delayed reunion, he hoped she was enjoying the evening.
Henderson entered the chamber and greeted him. “Will you be going out this evening?”
“Not tonight,” he said, stripping off his coat, followed by the waistcoat and cravat. “I expect to conclude my business matters on Monday and then go to Netherfield for an extended stay.”
Henderson paused while collecting the discarded items. “Will we return for the holidays?”
“Yes, I must spend Christmas with my family, and you shall have Boxing Day to do as you please, but afterwards, I intend to make Netherfield my home,” he said, then realised he hadn’t yet shared these plans with Henderson. “Would that suit you?”
“Indeed, I met many friendly people there.”
Charles hadn’t forgotten what he owed his faithful valet and pressed a gold guinea into his hand. “I must apologise for putting you to so much trouble over the last sennight.”
Henderson’s brows shot up, but he quickly recovered and pocketed the coin. “No, indeed, it was no trouble at all.”
“You’re too kind, Mr Henderson, but I’ll not deny that I created more work for you,” Charles said, then donned a fresh linen shirt.
“Perhaps, but might I inquire…why, sir?”
Naturally, Charles could never reveal the real reason for their rainy night activities, but didn’t hesitate to explain their intent.
“The truth of the matter is that we were trying to right a wrong, Darcy and I. Of course, we went about it in all the wrong ways, but in the end, we finally set everything to rights.”
Henderson nodded thoughtfully at this lofty explanation, then resumed his carefree smile. “Well, then, what’s your preference tonight? The green double-breasted coat, or perhaps the pale grey?”
“The grey, I think.”
“An excellent choice.”
Despite his recent revelations, Charles still preferred his own wardrobe to Darcy’s.
***
While awaiting the ladies of Longbourn to join them in the drawing room, Darcy apprised his host of the course of events leading to Wickham’s removal from London.
“I will, of course, repay the costs you have expended on my behalf, “Mr Bennet said with quiet gravity.
Darcy took instant exception to this offer.
“No indeed, you owe me nothing. This entire episode wouldn’t have occurred if I’d taken you into my confidence.
I alone knew what Wickham was capable of and must take full responsibility for my neglect.
What’s more, I have yet to atone for my failures.
How could I have any claim to Miss Elizabeth’s hand, while you and your family still suffer from the harm caused by my oldest friend? ”
Mr Bennet grimly shook his hand. “Let’s not dwell on our failures, Mr Darcy, though I suspect my list is far more extensive. Instead, we shall look to the future.”
Mrs Bennet entered the drawing room, appearing pale and drawn, followed by her three daughters. Darcy rose to exchange greetings with them.
“You are always welcome at Longbourn, Mr Darcy,” his hostess said with subdued civility.
Mr Bennet crossed the room and sat beside her. “My wife and daughters are fully aware of your role in retrieving Lydia. Both you and Mr Bingley.”
Mrs Bennet whimpered and waved her vinaigrette under her nose. “At least now, Lydia will have someone to take charge of her.”
To Darcy’s way of thinking, Lydia’s parents ought to have taken charge of her, but he kept that thought to himself. If Georgiana had been as headstrong as Lydia, he doubted he would have known how to manage her. What’s more, without the ancient sage’s intervention, he would have lost her.
“And Lydia will have no further influence on her equally foolish sister. For her failure to disclose her knowledge of the scheme, Kitty is confined to her chamber for a fortnight,” Mr Bennet said, to which his wife released a beleaguered sigh.
“All of this might have been prevented if she had disclosed Lydia’s plan to run away. ”
Until that moment, Darcy hadn’t noticed Kitty’s absence; however, Elizabeth’s quiet demeanour didn’t escape him. As she kept her steady focus on the carpet, he wondered if she had suffered any ramifications for sending her note to Netherfield.
“I can’t sufficiently thank you for what you have done for our family, Mr Darcy,” Mrs Bennet said in a quiet voice.
Overpowered by regret, he shook his head. “I’m afraid I should have done much more, Mrs Bennet. Had I properly warned you of Wickham’s deceit, Lydia would never have been in any danger.”
“But to subject yourself to the scorn of the community by courting our Lizzy—” She paused to inhale her vinaigrette. “You are far too kind.”
Darcy rejected this notion. “Nothing of the sort, madam. I suspect your neighbours wouldn’t wish to incur my disfavour by snubbing my favourite lady,” he said with a fond smile at Elizabeth. “With your permission, I will accompany your family to Sunday Services.”
Upon this request, Elizabeth stole a brief glance at him. He’d never seen her quite so shy and wondered what had caused her hesitance.
Her mother continued, “I never would have imagined that Lizzy would catch your notice.”
“I hope I sufficiently acquitted myself at the recent assembly.”
She waved her hand, as if to dispel that notion. “Oh, yes, you may be certain of it. Everyone was delighted with you.”
This praise did nothing to reassure Darcy.
Unfortunately, she had observed Charles Bingley’s excellent conduct that night, not his own.
While his business skills might be far superior to that of his friend, Charles never failed to adhere to the dictates set by polite society.
Of course, Darcy had been schooled with those same standards, but had chosen to regard them only when it suited him.
Perhaps the ancient warlock hadn’t been the only man who had taught him a valuable lesson.
The butler entered to announce supper, and Darcy followed the family into the dining room.
“How does Miss Darcy fare?” Elizabeth inquired once they were seated.
“Georgiana is enjoying her studies with her companion. Music and pianoforte are her favourite subjects,” he said, which prompted a discussion of Lydia’s potential subjects of study at Miss Huntington’s seminary.
They passed a quiet supper hour, carefully avoiding any unpleasant topics, especially Wickham, Mr Collins, or the neighbours. Afterwards, Darcy and his host agreed to forego the usual drinks and remove with the ladies to the drawing room.
When Elizabeth gestured to an empty space on the sofa, Darcy sat beside her but couldn’t help noticing her quiet demeanour. “Are you truly well, Miss Elizabeth? I fear you may have suffered consequences for sending your note to Netherfield.”
“Nothing of the sort,” she said in a quiet voice. “I’m merely concerned for my mother’s fragile state of mind. She was very much overpowered by…recent events and still fears for our future safety.”
“I’m confident that her fears will be put to rest, and all will be well.” His presence at Sunday Services would assure the neighbours that he had not forsaken the family.
“I hope you may be right, Mr Darcy.”