Page 26 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“I shall not. Based upon your testimony, your mother put you, a child of twelve, in a horrific predicament.”

“Thank you for your forbearance, sir.” Mrs. Pike used a hoarse whisper. After she quit the room, Lord Matlock poured and dispensed drinks: sherry for Lady Catherine and Lady Matlock and brandy for himself and me.

“What a shocking account!” My uncle sat across from me. “Darcy, do not make any rash decisions. This situation demands careful deliberation and caution. If we can take the housekeeper at her word, then your younger brother grew up as a tradesman’s son. If you find him now and tell him his true identity, he may become bitter and hostile.”

“Most people would welcome an unexpected connexion to a wealthy family.”

“He might become furious over what he has lost—the parents he will never know and the advantages he never had. Or he may have unrealistic expectations for how you ought to compensate him—as though you bore any fault for his fate.” My uncle swirled the brandy in his glass. “Against my advice, your father conferred benefits to the son of your former steward. From what I understand, the man is an unrepentant blackguard.”

“Yes, but the circumstances differ—Wickham is not a relation.” I sipped the amber liquor.

Lady Matlock inched forwards to meet my gaze. “For what it is worth, I agree with my husband.”

“They are correct, Darcy.” Lady Catherine raised her glass towards me. “It would be madness to pursue this any further.This man could prove to be uneducated and deceitful. Think of your sister’s welfare.”

“And that of your future wife.” My uncle crossed his arms. “Would you risk exposing them to a pernicious presence?”

“No, I should not.” I scrubbed both hands over my face. Had my parents been robbed of a son? And had I been denied my twin brother, who may have been my closest companion and confidant? Yet what if he turned out to be a dishonest rogue? “If my brother exists, I shall decide how to proceed after I have met him.”

“You could mistake the man’s character.” Lady Catherine used a quiet tone. “Some people are gifted deceivers.”

Yes, people like Wickham and Mrs. Younge. I pressed my knuckles to my mouth. After that near disaster at Ramsgate last summer, I had employed Mr. Notley, a Bow Street Runner, to verify Mrs. Annesley’s honourable character, and he had provided a thorough report. Why not put his skills to use once again? “I shall hire a professional investigator to refute or affirm Mrs. Pike’s story, and then, if applicable, determine whether or not my brother is an honourable man.”

My uncle gulped the remainder of his brandy. “Do you think it wise to trust a stranger with this sensitive information?”

“This investigator has assisted me once before. He is known to be efficient and discreet.”

My uncle grimaced. “Well, I hope you never have cause to regret this decision.”

Monday, 18 May

Gracechurch Street

Elizabeth

In anticipation of Fitzwilliam’s arrival, I spent the morning in the front sitting room with my latest sewing project. I sprang from my seat at the sight of his coach and met him in thevestibule. Although he greeted me with a smile, he drifted into a sombre mood when we settled in the drawing-room with my aunt. I attempted to keep dire suppositions of what may have transpired since we last met at bay.

He related grievous and shocking news: Miss de Bourgh suffered from a fatal illness; the poor woman! Lady Catherine’s egregious conduct with me had been an ill-conceived attempt to obtain contentment for her dying daughter. My aunt and I expressed our condolences. He conveyed Lady Catherine’s apology to me, and I assured him of my acceptance.

Next, Fitzwilliam recounted Mrs. Pike’s disquieting narrative and his decision to employ a Bow Street Runner. By the time he concluded the remarkable tale, unshed tears impelled me to blink. He removed his handkerchief from his coat pocket and handed it to me.

I raised the fine cloth to my eyes and retained it upon my lap. “Have you informed Miss Darcy the two of you may have a brother?”

“No, not yet. I shall wait until I have received Mr. Notley’s report. If my brother exists and appears to be man of good character, then I shall seek him out. In that instance, my intention would be to introduce him as a distant cousin. While I abhor the deception, this course of action would eliminate the need to disclose the midwife’s loathsome crime and expose my family to distasteful gossip.”

Yes, a previously unknown Darcycousinwould be much easier to explain. I shared a look with my aunt. “That sounds like a prudent plan.”

Two maids entered with tea and assorted cakes. When they left, Aunt Gardiner filled a cup and handed it to him. “It is a relief to know there is no question of you losing Pemberley. An estate of that size needs a knowledgeable and responsible master like you.”

“I appreciate that.” Fitzwilliam directed his sight to me. “Georgiana and I should like you to ride with us to Hertfordshire on Monday next.”

“Thank you, I should be pleased to go with you.”

My aunt touched my wrist. “In consideration of your father’s precept, I do not recommend that—we do not want to anger him. You had better travel with your uncle and me as we had planned.”

Drat.“Very well.” I met his gaze. “I apologise, but I must decline.”

“I understand.”

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