Page 29 of Master of Netherfield
“Good.” George Darcy rose and said, “I have an engagement this afternoon. Do not expect me for supper. I shall see you tomorrow morning.”
Frowning but silent, William turned to three personal letters. The first letter was from his friend, Charles Bingley, who would finish university in another year. Bingley’s father was in trade and Charles had a sharp mind though easy manner and personality made him appear without direction at time. William and Charles had become good friends at school, and they intended to maintain the connection in their majority,
The second letter was a diatribe from Lady Catherine about Hertfordshire, wild natives and a perilous ride in a farm wagon into London in the dark of night.
**++**
I am a defenceless woman in need of your protection nephew. I had to abandon a carriage and four in the wilds of that land you have ventured into. How can you subject Georgiana to such an environment? Your dear mother will rise from her grave and walk the halls of Pemberley until her child is safe again! You must marry Anne and return to Pemberley, send your father’s trollop to the hedgerows where she belongs and give Georgiana the home she deserves!
**++**
Darcy laid the letter to the side to consign it to the flames when the door opened, and the butler entered.
“Excuse me Master William but this letter just arrived by express. It is very large, and I had to pay twice the normal cost.”
Taking the envelope from the silver tray, William saw that it was from Mr Bennet at Longbourn. He noted the thickness of the letter and wondered what tale it contained.
Glancing back at his aunt’s letter for a moment, he hurried to open the letter from his neighbour and learn a different version of the story.
**++**
Chapter 13.Dinner at Matlock House
The command performance of supper with the Earl and Countess of Matlock was a regular invitation whenever the earl learned that his brother-in-law and nephew were in town. As their carriage approached, the younger man grimaced; Matlock House was one of the few places where everyone insisted on calling him ‘Fitzwilliam’ rather than ‘William’.
The earl, James Fitzwilliam, never understood the man his youngest sister had married. Their father insisted it was a good match when he sent his youngest daughter down the aisle with a dowry of thirty thousand pounds; but George Darcy never paid the respect due to his noble relatives beyond the public bows and precedence walking into dinner. Worse, Darcy did not gamble or drink in excess though he did enjoy the company of women not his wife–few men of the ton did not keep a mistress or two during the long years of their marriage.
Matlock House was older than Darcy House and in need of some repairs and renovations. The footmen wore uniforms that were old but well cared for–William noted that his aunt kept a good housekeeper to oversee the maids and their work. William had known the butler all of his life and he always took time to ask after the man’s family. Two sons had found positions in homes of William’s acquaintance with his recommendations.
Following his father into the parlour, William found his uncle, aunt, their two daughters as well as Aunt Catherine and her daughter Anne.
“George!” called the Earl rising from his chair and advancing. “I see you rescued Fitzwilliam from the countryside but why did you not bring Georgiana? How disappointing... I am certain the ladies counted on seeing her this evening.”
William spoke up, “Sir, my sister was tired after her lessons today. I convinced our father to allow her to remain with her governess tonight and rest.”
“You cannot hide the girl forever George!” called Lady Catherine. “You must allow me to take charge of her and provide her with a proper upbringing.”
“Nonsense,” Lady Edith answered. “Georgiana will do much better with me. Have I not raised two daughters who are noted in all of London society?”
“But neither is yet married and the youngest is twenty years!”
“And Anne has never been presented! How can you find her a husband if she has not even been presented at court?”
“Ladies! Please!” the earl thundered. “Our guests have only just arrived.”
George Darcy turned to his son and whispered, “As I told you, position yourself in the room and allow the Fitzwilliam parties to approach you one at a time to make their requests known to you. Promise nothing but to weigh their requests with proper consideration.”
William nodded and walked first to a sidebar to pour a finger of whiskey and then move to speak to Anne, his favourite cousin after Richard Fitzwilliam. George sent a footman to bring him a whiskey and stood his ground beside the fireplace.
“Such bad manners...” William heard the countess whisper to her daughters as he passed by with only a short bow.
“Nephew! Nephew!” called Lady Catherine as he drew close. “I must have your aide in recovery of my horses!”
William frowned at his aunt who in turn frowned and fussed, “Whatever has you in a foul mood this evening?”
“Forgive me aunt, I wish to speak to Anne.”
Lady Catherine instantly smiled and glanced at her rival sister-in-law with a triumphant gleam in her eye. “Certainly, Fitzwilliam. Anne, attend to your cousin’s speech carefully now.”
