Page 51 of Master of Netherfield
Darcy handed over the will with the comment, “Bottom of the second page.”
Wickham read aloud, “...never elevated him to the pulpit and but love him too well to leave him penniless. The bishop has defrocked him so the damage ends. I encourage him to venture into town and to make himself an establishment that suits his nature.”
William spotted the unshed tears in the man’s eyes but said nothing as Wickham returned the pages.
“A thousand pounds will establish you in a business somewhere George,” Darcy replied. “What interests you?”
“What do I know of trade? I was raised a gentleman.”
“You were given an education, and I fear you will waste it.”
Wickham frowned, “Well, what am I to do?”
Darcy’s face remained neutral as he offered a suggestion. “Remove yourself to London and find a tavern that needs a new master.”
“A thousand pounds will not secure a tavern in town!”
“Two hundred pounds will lease a decent building for a year. Another hundred will stock it–pay your suppliers on time to keep ale, gin and rum flowing and you will have customers at your door all day and night to fill your pockets with coins.”
“Buy me a commission!” Wickham exclaimed.
Darcy tilted his head to one side slightly taking the measure of the man before him as he considered the request. His reply did not please Wickham overly much. “If I were so inclined, it would be in my cousin Fitzwilliam’s regiment, and he goes to face the French again soon.”
Wickham frowned. “I shall go to town then. Perhaps I can sell the favours of ladies and run a house of ill-repute.”
Darcy’s face remained impassive. “Your sister and brother-in-law will not receive you thereafter I am afraid.”
“Darcy, could you assist me with a little more than the thousand? I have some debts to repay before I leave Derbyshire.”
“My father paid your debts as part of the settlement with the bishop.”
“So, you know all? I thought the old man would keep it secret.”
“It is hardly something that can be spoken of in good company, Wickham.” Darcy frowned but added, “George, I mean you no ill will. My father forgave you for your sins against him. I hope you can make something of yourself in the world, but it will not be in connection with me or the Darcy estates after today.”
Sighing deeply as though sad and affected by William’s words, George Wickham waited as Darcy summoned his secretary and the solicitor to bring Mr Wickham his cheque for a thousand pounds. Once Wickham had signed the receipt as witnessed by the secretary and the solicitor, Darcy gave him a small purse of five pounds in coin.
“This will see you to London on the coach. Do not steal one of your brother-in-law’s horses; the man would sue you for the thousand pounds and win in any court.”
Wickham opened his mouth to make a remark but then thought better of it and merely nodded before standing and bowing once again.
“Thank you, Mr Darcy,” he said simply before leaving.
After the footman closed the door, William sat in his father’s chair–now his chair–and hoped it was many years yet until he saw George Wickham again.
The secretary returned to the room with a new handful of letters and the butler returned to announce that the Honourable James Cargill waited in the parlour. Would Mr Darcy have time to speak to the Member of Parliament this day?
“Inform Mr Cargill I shall be with him in ten minutes. Ask Mrs Reynolds to provide tea but no other refreshments. I shall not drink with the man today–he cannot hold his liquor. Clemmons, I believe we need him to push for the East India Company to getsome assistance with...”
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Chapter 19.Problems with Maids and Mrs Murray
It was almost four of the clock before Mr Darcy visited his sister. Upon his arrival in her sitting room, a maid arrived from the kitchens with fresh tea, biscuits and cake.
“I shall grow fat with these biscuits and no time to ride,” William told his sister and Mrs Annesley. “Mrs Reynolds keeps a sharp kitchen.”
“Brother, I am ready to return to Netherfield,” Georgiana told her brother. “I was most displeased with the maids this morning and sent one girl below stairs.”
