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Darcy knew he wasn't meant to be standing there, overhearing their private discourse. It wasn't gentlemanly or within the correct proprietary rules to do so. With all these in consideration, he should have taken his leave.
But the mention of a familiar name that came into the conversation made him pause. The tone in which it was said and what followed became etched in his mind and conscience for many years to come.
He presently was at another wretched gathering in town. One that was always touted as the place to be during the season. An exclusive invitation only private event which was spoken about and anticipated by many. Attended by those who were claimed to be the best families of what England had to offer.
Though the food was exquisite and the attendees high born, there was a hollowness, a vanity of great superficial veneer that didn't sit right with him. He'd tried to ignore it, and go through the motions as he had been taught and learnt to do as an heir and family member related to nobility.
You would think his attendance was at his uncle's behest to build stronger connections and perhaps find an agreeable alternative to his cousin Anne for a bride. But no. He had taken it upon himself to come along to prove that their society was where he belonged. Where he would be amongst distinguished persons who value intelligent conversation and lack small-mindedness.
So far he had been proven wrong. Yes, he knew honourable intelligent people existed within the Ton. He met a few while studying at Cambridge, and many of those were second or third sons studying for a profession. Though...there were many others who were much more like Wickham, but with wealth or at least a title to allow the Ton to excuse away their wild behaviour.
To get to the point of why he was here in London and at this miserable event. It had been a whole three months since that ball at Netherfield, and he had been trying (and failing) to convince himself that he had done the right thing by his friend. That he had saved him from himself, and potentially imprudent impulsive behaviour. That he was better off. (At this point Darcy wasn't sure if it was Bingley or himself who he was thinking of....or a blonde lady or a brunette of the same family name.) Nevertheless. It was done. He was here.
The invitation had come unexpectedly for this event (not that he wasn't acceptable, but more that he wasn't known for showing interest in such an occasion). He wasn't titled, which most were here, and it didn't contain his circle of friends.
In his determination to prove to himself that London society was where he needed to be at this time, he took the opportunity without thinking much of it....now after what he'd just heard, he wished he'd gone straight to Pemberley with Georgiana instead...
...to the present moment...he had made his way from the card room to the library to find a moment of reprieve, when he overheard two women in the adjacent room, next to the library. The adjoining door was ajar, not at all closed, and their voices were clearly heard. He paused. Disappointed in not finding a comfortable place to hide, and considering where else he could go, when he heard his name mentioned as clear as day.
"Sarah, you could always settle for Darcy you know. He might be a little beneath your usual standards, but he has wealth enough and a home in town at least."
A little dramatic sigh..."Maddy, don't jest. You know me well enough that I wouldn't want someone as dour as he. The dull conversations that would be had over the breakfast table would bore me to tears. Not to mention his mousey sister who barely speaks a word. Janet met her while calling at Matlock house last week, and she looked positively fearful that no-one dared to speak to her in case she had a fit".
"Well...she is almost of an age to be married off. Then her husband can have the job to deal with her instead. I'm sure her aunt and uncle would keep her of needed and sponsor her for the season. Your concern about Darcy being dull....you don't have to like him really. You could learn his interests while courting, then drop the pretense once married. Surely he wouldn't expect his wife to entertain him beyond usual duties."
"Mmm. He does tend to live in the country rather than in town. The amount of work and time he would need to run his estate would take up most of his days I suppose. That would leave me free to do as I please. I wonder if he could be convinced to live in town more often, or allow me to do so after providing him with a child or two. I can't imagine living so far away from London and the connections I have here."
"Speaking of connections. That friend of his. The tradesman. I don't understand why he keeps him around. He clearly doesn't belong in the first circles, and his harpy sisters are ridiculous. I sometimes think they are invited to gatherings to simply be a form of entertainment. He's such a puppy, and goes where he's lead, and that sister has had designs on Darcy for years. You would need to cut them once married if you wanted any peace and respectability in good society."
"Yes...Bingley. He's at least nice enough though. Seems sweet on most women with blond hair and a pretty face. Not exactly a rake or a cad, but not at all reliable, apart from being easily manipulated. You know, I heard Cassandra saying he'd be a great one to involve in a tryst. Not for marriage, mind you, unless someone's desperate for his money."
"Why was Darcy invited here tonight anyway? He's never been seen here before. He's not exactly nobility."
"Something to do with Henry wanting to have a show of respectability rather than his usual reputation of debauchery. But to be honest. I think it has more to do with that bad investment he made last summer, and wanting to get back into Lord Matlock's good graces. Matlock was none too pleased with losing out due to Henry's advice."
....at this point Darcy had heard far too much. He stepped quietly away from where he had been situated in amongst the bookshelves and made his escape.
~ P&P ~
On his ride back in his carriage to Darcy House, he was feeling numb. Not much thinking was being had, apart from what he had heard running in a loop inside his head. The horror of what was said, and who had said it. The type of women he'd previously held up as paragons of great female accomplishment. Of great wealth, connections and family history, were nothing but cold, calculating and highly improper.
Once he was again in his home, locked away in his own library, he had time to think....Yes, he knew fidelity and love matches were not common for all Ton marriages. That marriage vows were constantly broken. But he'd also seen his parents happily married, and his father's continued grief upon his mother's death. He never remarried due to the love he had for his wife, and Darcy grew up to value married felicity tremendously.
It was one reason of many as to why he would never marry cousin Anne. Her lack of good health, lack of accomplishments in running a household or any discernable skill (which wasn't her fault really with the mother she has)....ah yes. Her mother. Another very large reason for refusing to enter that arrangement.
Now here he was feeling stuck. Not sure how to move forward. Those he saw as his equals, saw him as a tolerable bore with wealth or worse as the one bringing along the entertainment of witnessing the Bingleys up to their usual antics. Bingley...should he tell him of this knowledge? It would surely break his spirit to know what is thought of him (not all would think that way, but there'd be enough at least in the 1st circles).
Maybe just suggesting that he visit his family in Scarborough for a time might help. He hadn't been himself since being back in town. Miss Bingley attempted to drag her brother to a few events, and while he seemed cheerful enough, there wasn't his usual spark, and no dancing from him so far....Yes. That was a worry.
A mention might be in order. Just to prevent potential scandal from developing from eager widows who wish to carry out Lady Cassandra's suggestion. He could never see his friend agreeing to such an arrangement. He'd more likely end up proposing out of misguided honour or compassion while the woman involved wanting none of it (hopefully not wanting entrapment).
Well...sigh. A visit to their club will have to do. Or not. Due to who else would be there to overhear. Maybe at Darcy House. But then Caroline. A ride through Hyde Park in the unfashionable hours. If Bingley wakes up early enough for it...a Letter? Caroline again. Although deception and disguise are abhorrent...an invitation to the club, in a Darcy carriage from the Hursts...that instead takes them to Darcy House will have to do. Though servants may talk. They shouldn't. If only Bingley had his own home...oh. Netherfield. Nevermind.
That was a simpler neighbourhood. People said what they thought. To your face. Except Wickham....Wickham...He would still be there. Amongst a trusting neighbourhood with more young women than men (not accounting for the militia)...The women. Elizabeth. She seemed to have trusted Wickham much too easily.
What lies was she told? Would she become his next victim? She is smart and beautiful. Though father was an intelligent man, and he was fooled by the reprobate. I should have let Richard deal with him last summer, or maybe many years before.
Well. A letter to the solicitor will need to be done. Collecting his debts that were purchased over the years should do it. Debtors prison will be harsh, but all the women used by him have faced ruination. Richard will enjoy this task.
Much better he enter Hertfordshire as an unknown rather than himself. Having sold his commission due to family pressure and an inheritance of an estate given by a distant aunt, Fitzwilliam has been chomping at the bit for some action lately. A missive will need to be sent.
Then to Pemberley (with Georgiana).
~ P&P ~
Dear Darcy,
The mission that you had tasked me with has met a satisfactory conclusion. Wickham predictably had spread some slander about yourself within the community while posing as the victim. Once evidence was shown to Colonel Forster, he eventually came around.
Your name was of no help, as apparently you had offended a large portion of the community, not to mention a young woman at a local assembly. Tolerable? Really? Do you have eyes and a brain in your head? While too quick witted for myself, she's definitely far away more engaging than half the debutantes I've met in town (and the men also).
And her sister....is she the one Bingley threw aside? She is so kind, gentle, far too trusting and forgiving of those who could harm her. Reminds me of Georgiana in many ways. Because really, apart from the youngest sister (Wickham was eyeing her off you know).
I don't see a problem. Aunt Cathy is far worse than Mrs Bennet and she has no excuse for poor behaviour due to her birth. The tradesman uncles I have now met, the one from London was especially genteel and level-headed. He and his wife returned Miss Bennet home after her visit to town.
Back to Wickham. He has now been locked away in Newgate, with the potential to be transported in a month to the colonies. Father is pulling some strings to see that it is done.
I'm thinking of revisiting Hertfordshire soon as Wickham is shipped off. Not a bad place to explore possibilities old chap. As a new estate holder, I'm discovering the freedom of choice when it comes to domestic decisions...and felicity.
Wish me well. I'm not one to stand on another's toes, but if he won't fight for the privilege, I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Though her attachment to the loss of that gentleman does still seem strong according to her closest sister. I'll endeavour to prove constancy and see how it goes.
Oh. The sister (Miss Elizabeth) will be travelling north later in the year with her London relatives. Her aunt is from Lambton, so they may find their way near your home county. They want to tour the lakes, but that may not come to pass. Introduce her to Georgie if you get the chance. She'd be great at drawing her out. Though you're not in Miss Elizabeth's favour at the moment. I'll see what I can do before then.
Farewell for now,
The hon. Richard Fitzwilliam esq.
~ P&P ~
After much anxiety, guilt and endless pacing on behalf of thinking over his many failings, Fitzwilliam Darcy left Pemberley with his sister and made his way back to the certain inconsequential town, and endeavoured to withstand conversations/monologues on St James Palace, dancing assemblies, hunting...with the support of his closest relatives (not aunt Cathy). He found an affinity with his (hopefully) future father-in-law, as he also dislikes London & frivolous talk. It also didn't hurt that a particular daughter also sort refuge in the same said library at times.
There was no successful proposal from him at this time (as he may or may not have again said something stupid...accidentally while trying to be honest)...but in the following months while he was back again at Pemberley licking his self inflicted wounds, his sister had been writing to his lady love who he wished could be prevailed upon to marry him.
The lady's upcoming tour of the north with her aunt and uncle was still in place, and she may or may not have been in anticipation of visiting a certain estate while travelling with them on the chance she might meet her....friends. Or that is what she told herself.
(As there is no threat of an elopement in this tale, and Darcy has had plenty humbling experiences. You can surely predict what will happen next.
As to the elder Miss Bennet and her choice of husband. I'll leave it to you to decide which you would prefer she chose.)
~ Fini ~