Chapter 21
The conversation with Georgiana, although it consisted of things already familiar to him, had further fuelled his outrage at the story.
The apprehension in his sister’s eyes made him reflect on those young servant girls that had suffered Lord Barrington’s abuse.
And now the earl was dead, Darcy’s fury turned towards those who had been close to him and likely even witnessed some of his depraved actions.
Lambert, St. Claire and many others could also be expected to behave in the same manner towards those under their authority.
As the carriage took him to the club, Darcy decided that he would discuss the matter with his uncle, Judge Darcy. Although he was certain that nothing could be done in such a situation—a man was the master of his own household and had complete power over it, as well as over his wife.
As a gentleman raised and educated with respect for social status and position, Darcy was given good principles and taught to apply them fairly and honourably. He followed the rules of society but rarely questioned or challenged them.
The suffering endured by Elizabeth and the young maids had revealed the ugly and hidden face of some of his peers.
As a man in a privileged position, he could fight against injustice.
But a woman, as bright and brave as she might be, or even a man with little means or connections, would meet little success in escaping from abuse and ill-treatment.
Darcy arrived at the club just after noon.
His uncle had invited him, and he suspected Lord Matlock was also curious about Elizabeth.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was out of town, but his eldest cousin, David Fitzwilliam, the viscount, would be there too.
Why Lord Matlock had preferred to meet at the club instead of one of their houses, Darcy failed to understand.
The butler bent in a most formal bow of welcome.
“His lordship is at his usual table, he is expecting you, sir!”
“Thank you.” Darcy stepped into the crowded room. All the tables were occupied by gentlemen with whom he was already acquainted.
He stopped when he noticed his uncle—usually a reserved man—standing up, addressing three young men at the opposite table.
“Did I hear you correctly, Blackmore? Did you just mock my nephew and offend an honourable lady who has been a victim of deception and cruelty?”
“Let us keep our composure, your lordship. I spoke in jest. Although, you must admit the situation is rather peculiar. As far as I know, Darcy is not connected to the Barringtons. His involvement is puzzling. Yet again, a widow who inherits all her husband’s properties is rarely seen!”
“Who told you that? St. Claire and Lambert, no doubt!” the earl shouted again.
“Does it matter? The rumours are public knowledge already. As I said, there is no need to be uncivil!”
“Did you call my father uncivil?!” David Fitzwilliam thundered. “Perhaps we should settle the matter privately, between gentlemen, if you are one!”
“A moment, please! I have utter respect for his lordship! I cannot see why you would be so upset, as I only voiced what everybody is whispering. When a man dies in perfect health and youth, and his widow is hosted by a strange man, surely people are wondering!”
Lord Matlock’s voice, calmer but loud and strong, answered.
“Darcy has been long acquainted with the lady’s family!
His friend Bingley is Lady Barrington’s brother!
When the lady and her relatives found shelter in Darcy’s house, she was so hurt by Barrington that the doctor feared for her life!
She arrived with a maid who was in an even worse state!
The doctor said he never imagined such cruel behaviour from a peer—your friend, Lord Barrington, God have mercy on his unworthy soul!
Your comment is just further proof of the cruelty and rudeness of many peers!
Those who engage in malicious gossip are no better than him! ”
“Lord Matlock! Such offences are outrageous!” Blackmore cried.
“Are they? And what about your own offences? Your suspicion regarding Lady Barrington’s inheritance is preposterous.
Did you have the decency to enquire further before besmirching her name?
The situation is the result of Lord Barrington’s monstrous scheme to murder his wife and inherit everything himself. But it seemed God had other plans.”
“Surely you are joking! I never heard such claims!”
“Of course you have not and yet you hurry to spread accusations. You forget that the entire fortune is held in trust and not a pound can be used without legal approval. Aaah, but you may address your queries to Darcy directly. Here he is!”
Darcy had stepped forward and was now standing by his uncle’s side. He struggled to keep his composure, while the viscount said, “These gentlemen were mocking Lady Barrington’s situation and your involvement in the matter.”
Blackmore frowned and turned pale.
“We were not mocking Lady Barrington...it was just an innocent joke, we meant no harm...But we were indeed puzzled by your involvement, as we knew of neither party being related to you.”
Darcy chose his words carefully, then spoke clearly and loud enough to be heard by the entire room.
“As Lord Matlock explained to you, my connection is only through my old acquaintance with Lady Barrington’s family and my friendship with Bingley.
If Lady Barrington was my close relative, Lord Barrington would have been dead long ago and I would have sought revenge against everyone who sustained and concealed his cruel actions. ”
A heavy silence fell in the room, then Lord Matlock spoke again.
“Lady Matlock said we all should feel guilty and responsible that one of us—a member of our club, part of London's ton—was an evil, deceptive and vicious man. She said we encouraged his bad habits, by accepting him, inviting him to our parties, allowing him to dine with our families, gambling with him, accepting debts from him. We all knew the rumours and some of us even witnessed his behaviour. She said we all allowed a young, innocent, respectable daughter of a country gentleman and poor, helpless young maids to suffer from our recklessness. Not to mention that some of us are mocking this situation!”
“Lord Matlock, I have not...This is not what...Surely you could not expect us to...” Blackmore mumbled.
“Young man—we have nothing further to speak of! Now please excuse us, we will find another place to enjoy our drinks.”
The two Fitzwilliams stepped towards the door, while the club owner desperately apologised. Darcy turned to Blackmore’s table one more time.
“If you happen to meet St. Claire and Lambert, tell them I am most willing to settle the matter privately whenever they wish to.”
“Darcy, I...”
He expected no reply and followed his relatives to the carriage.
“We may have a drink at my house,” he said.
“But I know your house is already crowded,” Lord Matlock replied.
“Not anymore, Uncle. Lady Barrington removed to Lady Sedgewick’s house yesterday morning and her family have returned to their respective homes.”
“Oh, I was not aware. Very well then, your house would be perfect. Our house is quite busy—my wife’s uncle and aunt are visiting. They will join us at our country estate.”
“I see. Uncle, I'm sorry you were caught in the middle of an unpleasant quarrel. It seems the rumours are indeed common knowledge already.”
“Darcy, it is I who must apologise for making such a spectacle, but perhaps it was all for the best. This argument will also become common knowledge by tomorrow, I assure you. Men are just as inclined to gossip as women and what the gentlemen will not propagate, the servants surely will. At least everybody will get a glimpse of the truth and hopefully have the decency to reflect carefully before jesting at others’ expense. ”
“I doubt decency can be obtained so easily, Uncle. But, as you said, at least some of them will ponder over your reprimanding speech.”
“And that spoiled brat Blackmore—he is not far from becoming a rascal himself. All convenience and no responsibilities.”
“I am worried about Lady Barrington,” Darcy admitted. “The fortune she inherited is more of a burden than a benefit. She is exposed to gossip, mockery and mistrust, while she struggles to take on her new duties.”
“It is strange that you speak of duties and struggles and burdens. Forgive me for being presumptuous, but she has inherited an impressive fortune. Despite the ordeal she had to suffer, she will become one of the most important ladies in London. She will surely be introduced at St. James’s.
Lady Matlock said the charities once run by Lady Sedgewick were known by the King himself. ”
“Lady Barrington—the former Miss Bennet—measures the situation in a different way. I have spoken quite a lot with her, her sister and her uncle and aunt, who are very close to her. Compared with their previous situation in life, her present social status might appear to be beyond any expectation. And of course she accepted the marriage only for the benefit of her family. But for her, the pin money, the jewels, or being introduced at St. James’s matters little.
Her main concern is her duty towards those who depend on her and the promise she made to Lady Sedgewick. ”
“I do not know Lady Barrington, but Robert speaks very highly of her. He seems to have admired her since they met. And my wife approved of her very much.”
“I am glad to hear that.”
“Who knows—perhaps once the proper mourning period is over, things might change. She does deserve a husband to cherish her and to make her happy. And Robert has long hoped to fall in love with a woman suitable for the second son of an earl.”