Chapter 9 Commendations #2
"Well, that one looks familiar," George Darcy said from his spot at the shady side of the terrace. "I think I recognize a strategy Thomas Bennet has used against me in our games by post."
"Perhaps he has, but I learned it while losing a game against his neighbor, Sir William Lucas, a few weeks ago. He trounced me well."
Will burst into laughter. "You let a country bumpkin beat you at your favorite game?" he taunted, and Richard recognized George Wickham's tones in his cousin's voice.
"He is no country bumpkin, Will," Richard replied, trying to avoid allowing a defensive or insulting note to enter his own voice as he added, "And since I used his strategy to win against you, you allowed Sir William to beat you as well."
George Darcy chuckled. "He has you there, son.
Although I am not certain I care much for your attitude, Will.
After all, Thomas Bennet is a country gentleman just like me, even if he did not inherit quite as much land or wealth from his parents as I did from mine.
His neighbor is likely to be of similar status, and he is either a knight or a baronet, which gives him a little additional consequence.
You have never met the man. Why would you assume he is beneath you?
" The amusement in his voice died before the end of his second sentence, although he was also clearly more concerned than upset.
Will appeared surprised at the rebuke, mild though it was. "I...well...that is what Aunt Catherine says about the Bennet family and their neighbors. She says the village of Meryton is a savage place."
With a hint of amusement in his voice again, George Darcy replied, "And yet, she insisted on being godmother to Bennet's second daughter, just as your Uncle Lewis was godfather to the eldest daughter and your Uncle Peter is godfather to the third girl and continues to maintain a connection to Bennet.
That should be enough recommendation for the family and their friends.
Catherine's opinion aside, you have no cause to sneer at them. "
Will looked down at the chessboard with no ready reply. Across from him, Richard stayed very quiet and still, feeling the awkwardness of the situation, although he was glad his uncle had spoken up. After a few seconds, Darcy broke the silence.
"So, Richard, tell me about Sir William. Is he a country savage?" he asked.
"Not at all, sir," Richard replied, turning slightly in his seat to look at his uncle.
"Although I can see why Aunt Catherine might think he is, if she has noticed him at all.
He is a knight whose family made its money in trade before he performed a service for the king that earned him his title.
Sir William is a very genial man whose loud good cheer and jovial manner often lead people to underestimate his intelligence.
Nonetheless, he is intelligent, and the negative opinions of others do not bother him in the least. Mr. Bennet values his friendship and appreciates his company. "
"I can understand that," George Darcy said, nodding his agreement.
"When one is chronically ill or simply of a quiet nature it is good to have friends who are more cheerful and gregarious.
That is one reason I have encouraged Will's friendship with George Wickham.
His more open and genial nature balances Will's reserved and studious one. "
Richard looked at his uncle doubtfully, not certain how much leeway he might have to speak his mind. Will opened the door for him as he said, "Richard does not approve of George or my friendship with him."
Darcy looked curiously at his nephew. "Is that true, Richard?
" he asked. "Why not? Even Catherine approves of young George now, although she was scathing in her criticism when I first became the boy's godfather.
It does not sound like you to look down on him because he is the steward's son, so I would guess you have some other issue with him. "
Richard took the opening. "I have no argument with his background.
I have seen for myself that his father is an honorable man who has served you well over the years.
My concern is with George's behavior. I do not think he has been a good friend to Will or that he properly appreciates the advantages you have given him, sir. "
"What do you mean? He keeps Will company and helps him feel more comfortable with the other boys. His grades could be a little better, but he has promised me he will apply himself more in this coming year."
"Will does not agree with me, but I have seen a different side of George than either of you.
I do not say this to cause trouble, but to explain my reservations.
I have observed George actively working to discourage other boys from befriending Will.
Some of the boys have said that George has told them Will is too proud and aloof to interact with them, although George has asked the other boys to be civil in company so he will not get in trouble.
As a result, the boys flock around George, but they barely acknowledge Will.
There is also the matter of the company George likes to keep.
He runs with a crowd of extravagant troublemakers.
I am not surprised his grades have suffered.
I am surprised at the amount of money he throws around.
You give him an allowance, I know, but he always seems to have more than he ought to have. "
"Do you think he is stealing money?" Darcy asked.
"I have no idea where he gets it. I just know he spends very freely, yet he never seems to be in want of funds."
"Fitzwilliam? What do you know of this?"
Will looked uncomfortable, but he answered honestly. "I have noticed the same thing, but I never thought much of it."
"And what about your cousin's comments about the other boys?"
"George always does seem to have a flock of boys around him who pay very little attention to me," Will admitted. "No one is unkind to me, but they do not speak to me unless George is with me as well."
"Things may not be as I thought they were. I shall do some investigating. Thank you for sharing your suspicions, Richard. George and I may need to discuss more than just his grades."
"I hope you will, sir. You have given him so many advantages. I would hate to see him betray the trust you and Will have put in him." Richard turned back to his cousin. "Shall we play another game?"
Darcy answered before his son could. "He has already had a chance against you today. It is my turn. Perhaps you will have the chance to learn another strategy by losing against it."
"Perhaps I shall," Richard said cheerfully as he picked up the table with the chessboard to bring it to his uncle's side.