Page 46 of Master of Netherfield
“Wife? Miss Bennet?”
“Is she not virtuous and unmarried?”
“She is of course but I think of her as a sister, sir. I could not...”
Again Mr Darcy laughed though he did not cough this time, and his son continued, “Miss Bennet has a very small dowry, and I have always been told that I must marry a woman of wealth equal to my own.”
Mr Darcy shook his head, “There are only a few families with wealth equal to your inheritance William. None but the dukes...”
Father and son waited in silence for a moment before Mr Darcy continued, “I married your mother for my pride and for the connection with the Matlocks. She never forgave me for not having a title and I never forgave her for taking a lover after you were born.”
William remained silent as his father continued, “We were never happy together and you were our only good thing. The man who sired your sister–Lord Humphries–he wanted the connection with the Matlocks, but he did not have the money and power that I did. His son married your cousin three years back and was saddled with at least one of Matlock’s mortgages. I hope they lose it all...”
“My sister is as dear to me as anything father.”
Mr Darcy nodded. “And so, you can understand why I care for my other children then? That is why I have made arrangements to start them with advantages in the world?”
William sat back for a moment before he nodded. “I shall honour all of your arrangements Father.”
Mr Darcy grinned. “And feel superior by half I am certain!”
Grimacing at his father’s teasing, William asked, “What is your advice for marriage, sir?”
“Find a good woman and learn her habits and ways. Allow her to know your habits and ways as well. Learn to love her and then marry with my blessing. I am giving you the full measure of the Darcy wealth to keep the grasping families with dowries at bay. You do not have to marry for money or for position. You have everything except for the proper bride.”
“Very well Father, it will be as you say,” William agreed.
**++**
At some point in the early hours of Monday morning, Mr George Darcy slipped this mortal coil. His valet sat by his bedside and did not disturb the household with the news until dawn.
Harris came into Master William’s bedroom to wake his young master and give him the news. He brought a tray with coffee and the aroma brought the man out of his slumber quickly.
“Mr Darcy, sir...”
William looked up from his seated position on the side of the bed at the tone in his valet’s voice.
“Your father has passed sir. His valet reports that he went peacefully in his sleep during the early hours this morning.”
Pausing for a moment, William found a thousand questions rushing through his mind before he could find the answer for a single one. He was grateful that Harris remained silent as he fixed a cup and handed it to the man still sitting on his bed.
“Once I am dressed, make certain that my father’s valet is cared for and has food, tea or even spirits if he wants them. The man took excellent care of Mr Darcy, and I want everyone to know of it.”
Harris nodded his head and began to lay out the few items of clean clothing. “Miss Darcy will arrive today with your trunk’s sir. You will have more clothes tomorrow.”
“Black,” William said. “I shall only wear black for the next month.”
“Sir, I do not have...”
“Not today,” William agreed. “The clean tan pants and dark blue coat will do until the carriage arrives.”
Once William was dressed, Harris escorted him to the green room where his father’s body remained in the bed. Footmen stood at the door and maids whispered in the corridors. Mrs Reynolds arrived in the room when William had been there only a few minutes.
“Have we a coffin?” he asked.
“Yes sir. Mr Darcy ordered it four years ago when he was ill. It is stored in the attics.”
“Have it brought down and placed in the next room.”
