Page 2 of Master of Netherfield
“I am not without fire sir,” William explained quickly to his father’s satisfaction. “As a gentleman, I do not leave harm or ruined lives in my wake. What you refer to as Wickham’s peccadilloes, others call dissipation and ruin.”
George waved off his son’s objections. “He is a young man with an education. I shall speak to him and once he takes orders, he shall be invested as rector for Kympton.”
William spoke more harshly than his original intention when he replied, “Sir, I must speak plainly–George Wickham should never be granted such a living. He is not suited to serve the church; he will prey on the defenceless women in his parish and bring trouble among our tenants there.”
“What would you suggest?” his father asked seriously
“Purchase a commission for him or set him up as the owner of a tavern in town,” William told his father.
“And waste his education? I do not think so...”
**++**
Chapter 2.Mr Darcy’s Family
In the afternoon William ventured to the nursery to take tea with his sister who was almost ten years to his two and twenty. With her grown brother present, the child pretended to be hostess and Nanny Brice allowed her charge to pour the tea and serve her brother biscuits, but the woman cut and served the cake herself before leaving the siblings in the bright afternoon sunshine in the room.
“William, shall we drive into Lambton tomorrow?” asked his sister.
“Lambton?” he asked. “Have you seen a doll in Barnes Mercantile that must join your choir?”
His sister grinned, her eyes growing wide as she described the doll that had caught her eye. “She is a lovely dark-haired lady in green muslin with a smart bonnet and satin dancing slippers. She would be quite at home with my other dollies, brother.”
“I have heard good things from Nanny Brice regarding your lessons and music.” He pretended to be in deep thought for a moment as his sister waited.
“If you play or read for me tonight, then we shall make a trip to Lambton tomorrow at noon to see if the lady can be persuaded to join your family of dolls.”
Clapping her hands with glee, Georgiana’s smile reminded William of his mother at the few happy moments in their lives in the great house.
**++**
Leaving Georgiana and returning to his chambers, William found his valet unpacking his trunks.
“Shall we venture to the tailor in Lambton sir?” Harris asked.
Darcy stood at the window for a long minute, staring at the lawn clipped by sheep and the distant wood lots before answering.
“We shall not be in Derbyshire many days, Harris. My father has gifted me with an estate in Hertfordshire where I shall make my home for the next few years.”
He turned to the servant and asked, “Before I make any further plans, would you be so good as to take the measure of the servant’s gossip below stairs for me?”
“Certainly sir,” the valet replied. “Once we are resident at the new estate, I shall inquire about a local tailor. In Hertfordshire, we shall be close to London…”
“Yes, we shall be close to town, and we shall procure clothing from the appropriate tailors and shops in town.”
“Excellent, sir! You will cut a fine figure among the ton!”
“I shall spend my time on the estate Harris, not attending balls or dinners in town,” William replied. “Except when my father requires my presence at the house in London, I shall work the estate.”
“Very good sir,” Harris replied continuing with his unpacking though he would not have the trunks moved to the attics.
**++**
The next morning as William left his father’s study to take Georgiana into Lambton for their shopping expedition, he encountered George Wickham entering the front door of Pemberley. The son bowed politely to his father’s guest, but his face was stiff and cold.
“Fitzwilliam, it is pleasant to see you once more,” the visitor called, knowing the only persons who called the man ‘Fitzwilliam’ were his snobbish noble relatives.
Nodding his head, William returned the greeting, “Wickham, I hope your travels have been uneventful.”
