A Father's Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (6 page)

Mr.
Collins started to reply when Elizabeth turned back to her father. Her anger
simmered over and five long years of neglect and abuse bubbled forth. “How dare
you!” Elizabeth strode to his desk and leaned across with her finger pointed,
her chin lifted and her eyes on fire. “How dare you attempt to arrange my life
when you threw it away all those years ago. No contact. Not one word in five
years and now you think that I would possibly do your bidding without
question?” She backed away from his desk. “Sir, you no longer have authority
over my life. You gave away that right with your letter. You do not know me any
longer and I realized quite clearly all those years ago that I do not know
you.” Turning, she walked to the door, opening it, and pausing to look back
from the threshold, and said, “I shall see to Jane’s comfort and then I shall
not darken your doorstep any longer. I am
not
wanted here.”

Elizabeth
slammed the door on the way out. The release of her pent up emotions was
freeing. She heard her father yell, “We shall see about that!” Climbing the
stairs to Jane’s room, she wondered at Jane’s comments about Mr. Collins. How
she could feel that he would be a good match for her was a mystery. Good
heavens!

She
tapped on Jane’s door and met with silence. She tried the knob and found it
locked from the inside. Elizabeth sighed, dropping her head. Bringing her hand
up to rub the tension from the back of her neck, she pondered her next move. It
was apparent that Jane must have heard at least part of the argument and
decided to distance herself from Elizabeth. She had thought that her older
sister had gone immediately upstairs after entering Longbourn.

Moving
down the hall, she went to her old room. Standing before the door she took in
several deep breaths before turning the knob. It turned easily. Stepping
inside, Elizabeth was shocked to her bones. Standing in the middle of the floor
were her valise and apothecary case. Gone was her old bed, the pictures on the
wall, her bureau and the many treasures she had collected from her youth. Gone
was any evidence that it had ever been her room. With the exception of her
valise and case, it was completely and totally empty – as if she had never
existed. Taking her valise in one hand and her apothecary case in the other,
she gently closed the door, walked down the stairs and out the front door.

Meryton, Hertfordshire

The
mile long walk into Meryton allowed Elizabeth’s temper to cool. It was a bit
chilly and dampness filled the air. Why Mrs. Bennet insisted on Jane riding
horseback to Netherfield Park, for Elizabeth was certain it had been at Mrs.
Bennet’s manipulation, was not a mystery to one who had long been concerned
with marrying her daughters to anyone deemed acceptable by that woman. It was
apparent that she had set her sights on Mr. Bingley as Jane’s intended. It
would truly be a good match. Notwithstanding, Mr. Collins was another matter
entirely. His only recommendation was that he was heir to Longbourn. Elizabeth
vowed to herself to look forward from that moment on and not dwell on what
might have been. All hopes of reestablishing a relationship with her immediate
family were gone.  However, it was not in her nature to be angry for long.

A
pleasant greeting took her out of her dull mood. Looking up, she spotted her
good friend Charlotte Lucas and her maid walking toward her. Charlotte, at
seven and twenty years, was the eldest child of Sir William Lucas and Lady
Lucas of Lucas Lodge. Though considered plain in appearance by Mrs. Bennet, she
was a delightfully pleasant woman who was loyal in her friendship and gifted at
putting others at ease. Greeting her friend with a wide smile and outstretched
hands, they embraced, holding tightly to each other.

“Charlotte
Lucas,” Elizabeth hugged her again. “I could not have come upon another person
in the world that I wanted to see more than you today. How are you and your
family?”

Charlotte
well knew the challenges that Elizabeth would face coming back to Longbourn.
Elizabeth’s parents seemed blind to the disrepair to their home and family name
that now existed in the neighborhood because of neglect and unconcern. They also
seemed unaware of the desperation they displayed at securing their home for the
future. Charlotte’s brother, Robert, always held Elizabeth in affection, having
been constant playmates as children. Yet, he balked at coming to see her when
he considered that Mrs. Bennet might take extreme measures to secure a son.

“We
are well, Lizzy.” Charlotte noted her friend’s luggage and realized that the
meeting had gone as she expected. “May I walk with you into Meryton? I am going
to see the seamstress for a fitting of a new gown.”

“I
would be well pleased in your doing so, Charlotte.” She sighed heavily. “You
have a quick, intelligent mind so must have already concluded that I am in need
of transport back to Uncle Gardiner’s house in London. I shall
not
be
marrying my father’s cousin, Mr. Collins.” Turning to chuckle with Charlotte,
“Now, there is a single man in want of a wife. I do not know what his
circumstances are, however, should you still have your unromantic inclinations
toward finding a husband and having your own home, please feel free, dear
Charlotte. I have no claim on him and he certainly has no claim on me.”

It
was said in jest; yet in spite of that, Charlotte longed to be established in
her own home. As Elizabeth said, it truly mattered not how or who it was that
brought those circumstances about. Charlotte had never been a romantic; instead
was pragmatic with her circumstances. She certainly could do worse than Mr.
Collins.

Charlotte
stopped and turned to her good friend. “If you truly do not mind, dear friend,
I shall call on Longbourn, after I visit the dressmaker, to offer comfort to a
disappointed suitor.”

“Not
at all, Charlotte, I wish you joy and a long, happy life.” Elizabeth recognized
that Charlotte feared being a burden to her family more than she feared an
unequal marriage. She longed to spend more time with her friend, but needed to
reach the coaching Inn so she could catch the post coach to town. It was,
weather permitting, a four hour trip and, if delayed too long, she would arrive
after dark had set in when the potential for danger and injury were greater.
They hugged tightly and promised to continue their correspondence. Upon
releasing one another from the firm embrace, Charlotte turned to go to the
dressmaker while Elizabeth set her sights to walk the remaining short distance
to Meryton.

“Pardon
me, Miss Lucas; are you and your family well today?” So distracted in their
parting they had failed to notice the arrival of one of the officers in the
militia. Elizabeth and Charlotte turned to face a tall, handsome Lieutenant.

“My
family is well, Lt. Wickham.” Charlotte turned to address her recent
acquaintance. “Lt. Wickham, may I present to you a close friend of mine, Miss
Elizabeth Bennet. Lizzy, this is Lt. George Wickham, originally from
Derbyshire, and now of the militia stationed here in Meryton.”

Elizabeth
was stunned. This had to be Georgiana’s older brother. He resembled Mr. Darcy
only in his stature and hair color. Lt. Wickham’s hair was straight where Mr.
Darcy’s was wavy and Lt. Wickham’s eyes were blue. Crystal clear eyes which
were piercingly cold, as if seeking to expose any weakness or vulnerability in
a potential victim. They had none of the warmth that Elizabeth had noticed in
Mr. Darcy’s dark eyes.

Though
wary, Elizabeth determined to appear that she had no prior knowledge of the
man. She knew he was not a gentleman but curtsied as if he were. Before she
could fashion a reply to his terse greeting, the sound of rapid hoof beats
reached the three of them. All three turned at the sound.

Mr.
Darcy was in the lead, charging toward them. He yelled back for Mr. Bingley to
restrain Georgiana from approaching. From the distance, Georgiana must have
recognized the officer for she stopped her horse without questioning her
brother’s directive. Anger and disgust radiated from Mr. Darcy as he reached
them. He politely, but stiffly, greeted the ladies then turned his full
attention to his half-brother.

“Wickham,”
he barked at the Lieutenant, “why are you here?” No greeting preceded the
question, though it would have surprised Elizabeth had there been offered any
courtesy to the older brother by his younger sibling. While Elizabeth expected
animosity, Charlotte Lucas did not. During social occasions, Mr. Darcy had not
recommended himself well to the neighborhood, but there had never been
unfriendliness or rude behavior. It was as if he was awkward when surrounded by
people he was not acquainted with. This display of emotions seemed out of
character for Mr. Darcy. His eyes blazed with anger and intolerance. Uncomfortably
aware that she was intruding on a private moment, Charlotte dismissed herself
to visit the seamstress, already making plans for her new dress to be worn to
Longbourn. None of the three left behind were even aware that she had gone.

Wickham
stared at his younger brother with intense hatred in his eyes. He looked past
Darcy to Georgiana and his expression never changed. Without responding to his
brother’s inquiry, Lt. Wickham spun around and walked away. It had happened so
quickly that Elizabeth had not had an opportunity to excuse herself. She looked
to Mr. Darcy, who had dismounted.

“Miss
Elizabeth, I do apologize for my abrupt manner. My sister made me aware this
morning that she had discussed with you our particular family situation. I
regret that you were so forcefully confronted with the animosity that continues
to exist.” He seemed to notice that Elizabeth was carrying the very luggage
that she had left Netherfield Park with in her hands. “Miss Elizabeth, may I be
of assistance?”

With
Lt. Wickham’s departure, Mr. Bingley and Georgiana rode closer. Elizabeth set
her case and valise on the ground.

“Thank
you, Mr. Darcy. I am on my way to the Inn to arrange transportation to London.
It appears that my services and my presence are no longer needed, or wanted, at
Longbourn. I am only sorry that I was not able to distance myself from your
confrontation, sir.” Looking to Georgiana, she inquired if she was well. The
young girl was pale and her horse, sensing her agitation, was stomping his feet
on the ground in need of soothing. Georgiana was an excellent horsewoman, but
dismounted, quickly handing her reins to her brother. She walked into
Elizabeth’s waiting arms. Elizabeth held her tight until she felt Georgiana
regain control.

“William,
what is George doing here?” Georgiana’s voice was just as shaky as her body had
been.

“Georgie,
it appears that he has joined the militia.” Her brother stepped closer with the
two horses trailing behind. “We need to remove ourselves from Meryton.” His
decision was firm.

“Miss
Elizabeth,” Darcy caught her attention, “I am aware that what I am about to
suggest is against all that is proper, however, my sister and I would be
pleased to provide transportation to town. With George Wickham here we can
remain in Hertfordshire only at our peril. Please allow us to escort you to the
Inn. If you will await us there, we shall return to Netherfield Park where we
will be packed and leaving within the hour.” Looking to Mr. Bingley, he requested,
“If you would, please, ride to your estate to inform our servants that we will
be leaving as soon as they are prepared? My sister and I will escort Miss
Elizabeth and then ride to Netherfield Park to ready our departure.”

Elizabeth’s
cases were firmly attached to Mr. Darcy’s saddle.  The walk was quick and
silent. Mr. Darcy felt the need to apologize again to Miss Elizabeth for her
being witness to him acting in an un-gentlemanlike manner.
What must she
think of him?

Mrs.
Nicholls, when made aware of the immediate departure of the Netherfield guests,
hastened to instruct Mr. and Miss Darcy’s servants while arranging for a food
basket and extra blankets for their travels. It wasn’t long before all was in
order and they were ready to depart.

Military Barracks, London – Earlier that morning

“Colonel
Forster, what brings you to London? I had heard you were in the country
training the best of England’s men to protect the land from the French.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam, cousin to the Darcys, shared guardianship with Darcy of
Georgiana. George Darcy recognized early on that Richard Fitzwilliam’s
personality was the perfect foil for his son’s seriousness and this would
benefit his daughter greatly. The Colonel was a jovial sort, the second son of
the Earl of Smithton, who had risen through the ranks of officers by courage
and bravery during several military campaigns on the continent. Only one year
older than his cousin, Darcy, he was worldly in his outlook and habits. He had
known Colonel Forster for several years and they had a camaraderie typical of
men whose life was uncertain from one breath to the next. Both had
distinguished themselves in battle and bore the physical and emotional scars
that created a close bond.

“I
am assigned to a small village in Hertfordshire, Meryton.” Colonel Forster
accepted the glass of brandy pilfered from Darcy’s London house. It was hard to
get good brandy with the blockades keeping smugglers from the English coast.
Darcy had put aside a large supply when tensions were relaxed between France
and England and Colonel Fitzwilliam was known to smuggle his needs from Darcy’s
cellar when his cousin was out of town. Darcy was not yet aware that his
legally obtained goods were involved in his cousin’s breaking and entering.
Until he discovered the crime, Colonel Fitzwilliam savored each bottle with a
wicked chuckle. “By the way, one of my new lieutenants is from the area around
Matlock. He claims he’s the heir to Pemberley. Name’s George Wickham. Is he
known to you?”

Colonel
Fitzwilliam’s reaction was instantaneous and fierce. He knew that both of his
cousins were in the Meryton area of Hertfordshire. That Wickham was in the vicinity
posed a serious threat to Georgiana. “Please be reassured, Colonel Forster,
that you will not have to deal with scum like Wickham any longer. If you would
please excuse me, I need to ride immediately to Meryton to warn my cousins of
his presence. Wickham will run with his tail between his legs when he sees me and
I do not expect him to stop until he’s in America.”

After
a quick word to his commanding officer, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam jumped on
his horse and raced as quickly as possible out of London.

Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire

Miss
Bingley was horrified that the Darcys were leaving and that they were taking
Elizabeth Bennet with them. She had been certain that she would be able to
finally demonstrate to Mr. Darcy that she was his best choice for Mistress of
Pemberley. Without doubt, he had to have observed her skill in managing a
household and staff as well as her efficient care of Miss Bennet while she had
been ill. In addition, she had endeavored to provide Mr. Darcy all his favorite
foods, drinks, and entertainments as well as pay particular attention to his
sister.