Bingley's Deception Read online

  “Will your family support your cousin? She was an innocent victim in her mother’s plans as you were.” Lizzy was glad that Catherine was gone, but would her daughter be just like her?

  “My uncle will take the lead on helping Anne. As her origins were just announced in front of society, her fate may already be sealed. We will speak of this over dinner tonight; my cousins and uncle may have a plan after looking over the will this morning.” William did not want to discuss this topic, so he decided to distract his bride by kissing her.

  An hour later, the newlyweds returned to the mistress chambers. “Please identify any changes that you desire. While I do not believe we will use these rooms often, they are yours. I want this to be your room to use when you wish. If you identify the changes now, the staff can work on them while we are gone to Pemberley.” William wanted his bride to love their home, so he encouraged her to make it into a place she would want to be.

  Chapter Seventeen: Dealing with Anne

  “Welcome back to Matlock House, Mrs. Darcy.” Richard was having fun taking Lizzy’s hand and guiding her to the other side of the sitting room while William was glaring at him. “We have not seen you in a week. Have you decided that you married the wrong Fitzwilliam yet?”

  Lizzy began laughing as William glared at his cousin. “I am very pleased with my choice of Fitzwilliam. I have absolutely no complaints.” William blushed deeply as did Lizzy. “I believe I understand why Uncle Henry wanted you watched while we were at the palace.”

  “Your aunt has explained what happened this morning. We will need to have a family discussion before any libations are served. We all need to have clear heads for this topic.” Uncle Henry was serious in the fact that they needed to have clear minds to discuss the situation in Kent. “Our greatest family secret was exposed today with members of society present. This means that it will be spoken about in sitting rooms throughout London by tomorrow morning.”

  Taking her husband’s hand, Aunt Adeline gave her support. “By tomorrow morning society will know that Anne is not a de Bourgh. Catherine was a whore who slept with her sister’s husband while he was grieving the potential loss of his adoring wife. Husband, what did Lewis’ will state? We need to have all the facts that we can before any decisions are made.”

  “The will was written before Lewis knew about the possibility of Anne. He died around the time that Catherine realized that she was with child. In generalities, he spoke of his child inheriting Rosings Park. It did not matter whether the child was male or female. If he did not have an heir, then his brother was his heir.” Uncle Henry was worried about his next comment.

  “As Anne’s paternity is being called into question, Lewis’ brother could make a legal claim against her ownership of Rosings. We need to determine which of Lewis’ relatives are still alive. They will have a legal right to remove both Catherine and Anne from Kent.” Jonathon knew that his father was worried about caring for these ladies. “With the public declaration, Catherine’s ruin will affect Anne. They both could be sent to a sanitorium.”

  “I requested a Bow Street Runner to come when mother returned telling us of the declarations in your sitting room. They are sending an investigator tomorrow morning. We need to determine what we want them to investigate and be very specific with our information.” Richard realized that they also needed to see if there were any provisions in Darcy’s will for his illegitimate daughter. This would upset both William and Georgiana.

  Knowing that he was Anne’s brother, William needed to declare his intentions. “As Anne is my half-sister, she will be declared a bastard. If I accept her into Pemberley, that will affect Georgiana’s opportunity of making a good marriage. I have never had any relationship with Anne other than yearly visits to secure their finances at your request. Catherine’s delusions and ambitions have caused all these issues. I refuse to have any contact with Catherine ever again. As for Anne, if she does lose Rosings, I can send her to my estate in Scotland for the rest of her life. She cannot live at Pemberley or even visit. My father’s last wishes were particular in this instance. He realized what Catherine did. He was so embarrassed and angry that he wrote of Anne’s parentage in an addendum to his will. If her parentage becomes known to society, then she is to be banned from Pemberley permanently. My father refused to acknowledge her as his child for any reason. To keep my inheritance, I am required to follow his wishes.”

  “How is it that her parentage was not known when your father’s will was read after his death?” Jonathon realized that the solicitors were very honest. They had kept this family secret for several years.

  “There was a fine assessed to the solicitors if they ever broke their word and spread the private information to society. They took an oath, and if they broke it, they would forfeit their rights to work as solicitors and pay ten thousand pounds to my family.” William looked at Lizzy and realized that she was uncertain about this conversation. “As I cannot take Anne in, we need to find a different solution. Is there money left from Catherine’s dowry? Could they live quietly in a small country seat on her funds?”

  “That is one more question that we need to ask. Lizzy, would you do us the honor of writing down these questions and information that we need our investigator to find out? I would appreciate your assistance in gaining insight into our issue. You are new to the family, and you may see some of our issues differently, and without extreme emotions. We will need this insight and advice to proceed with clear minds.” Uncle Henry was trying to keep an explosive issue manageable and straightforward.

  “So far we need to know the amount of Lady Catherine’s dowry that remains. We need to determine which of Lewis de Bourgh’s relatives remain alive who could challenge Anne’s right of inheritance. We know that she can be sent to an estate out of the country, but cannot go to Pemberley due to William’s father’s will.” Lizzy knew that these issues were horrible for the family. She observed her husband, recognizing that this topic was hurting him deeply.

  “If there is no dowry remaining, I vote to send Catherine to Bedlam. She is the cause of all these issues. She needs to be punished for these problems that she caused for all of us.” Jonathon was unforgiving towards his aunt. Catherine’s need to control other’s lives had caused this issue. She was a menace that should be destroyed. “With Anne’s health, she may not be able to live in the north. Since she will need to leave the country due to the specifics of her birth being made public knowledge, we may have to look at purchasing a small property in another country that has warm weather so she can survive.”

  “I will add determining Anne’s health to our list. Another item that I have added is other properties that Anne can be sent to in warmer climates than Scotland.” Lizzy looked at her husband who was looking down, sadly. This issue went deeper than they realized. “Can a property be purchased with Catherine’s dowry? Alternatively, can we find a man to marry Anne that would take care of her? He may not be gentry, but then neither is she.”

  Aunt Adeline realized that her nephew was getting very upset over the conversation. “Darling, I believe that it is time for us to stop this conversation for the evening. I feel that several emotions are running through our family tonight. We need to eat some good food and save this discussion for another time when we can all process the situation and speak with clearer minds. Besides we have more questions than answers at this time, tomorrow the investigator can help to begin clarifying our situation. We can then determine how damaging the gossip is in society.”

  “You are correct as always, my beautiful wife. Let us have some dinner, and then we can meet here for dinner next week with more answers. After we have these answers, we can plan for Anne’s future. Princess Victoria has determined Catherine's future. If she leaves the dowager house, she will be transported to Bedlam immediately. If Anne is not the heir, then Catherine will be removed by Lewis’ heir and her future will be determined by solicitors of the heir. I do not believe anyone here wants to see or hear from her again.”
Henry needed to get everyone to the dining room for dinner and change the topic of discussion. “Lizzy, would you allow me to escort you in for dinner? I feel that we need to celebrate your marriage and look forward to a wonderful future.”

  “William, I know that you have been away from Pemberley for several months now, when do you plan on returning? I am sure that Lizzy will be happy to see her new home.” Jonathon took pity on his cousin and introduced a safe topic for dinner discussion.

  “We will head North at the end of the month. I want Lizzy to be introduced to our tenants during the Christmas festival, so we will need to leave in a couple of weeks. Georgie is returning with us. She can then implement the changes to how we deal with our tenants. I believe that Lizzy will be a wonderful asset in helping with our staff and tenants.” William looked down the table at his wife sitting next to his uncle. He missed having her next to him.

  “Brother, I look forward to learning more from Lizzy. She is very creative and kind towards people in general.” Georgie wanted to support her new sister.

  The dinner topics remained away from the issues in Kent. The family parted amicably, not knowing the future of the de Bourghs. Lizzy knew that she could not bring up these topics with her husband that evening. He needed time to heal from the wounds that were open and laid bare that day.

  Instead of entering her room to change that evening, William took Lizzy directly to the master chambers. Pushing her inside, he shut the door and pushed his bride against it. “Lizzy, I need you desperately. Can I love you now?” With her permission, William tore her gown from her body and entered her as he held her against the wall. He was frantic in his need for love, still managing to pleasure his bride. When he finished, he carried his spent wife to their bed and held her throughout the night.

  She woke at midnight to her husband’s tears. “Please, William tell me what you need. I know this has been very hard on you.”

  “How can a woman be so evil to her sister? Aunt Catherine’s jealousy resulted in havoc in my parent’s marriage. My parents were a love match when they married. According to the staff, they were content until Catherine interfered. My mother did not believe that my father unwillingly gave himself to her. She died believing that her sister would move into her rooms the next day. They were very bitter at the end.” Lizzy held him as he spoke of all the pain, he experienced due to his aunt’s actions. “As these events happened the day I was born, I never saw my parents happy in their marriage.”

  “She will be punished finally. I will listen to all you have to say. I am here for you forever.” William kissed her with such a need that his actions were frantic and desperate. She allowed him to take what he needed. She wanted to heal him, but would not be able to until all issues were completed in Kent.

  He fell asleep in her arms. Lizzy held her husband, knowing that he needed to feel loved. She cried for the pain he had experienced. Lizzy had grown up with parents that ignored each other, but her husband had parents that argued and hated each other. She had never felt such anger as she currently was experiencing towards Lady Catherine.

  The next morning, the couple remained in bed discussing all that had happened. “William, I love you. I will never turn against you. We cannot change what happened, but we can ensure that we do not repeat our parents’ mistakes. Let us work together to make a better marriage than either of us witnessed during our youths.” The couple reaffirmed their vows to love and honor before leaving their rooms that morning.

  Chapter Eighteen: Heading North

  With winter approaching, the Darcys left for Derbyshire the following week. Lizzy had been in London with her husband for a full month. During her time there, Mrs. Barnes had begun training her as Mistress of Pemberley. She was called to Kensington twice for private visits with her friend. When not completing her needed lessons and duties, she was spending time getting to know her new family. Lizzy was kept too busy to miss Longbourn.

  Georgiana tried to capture the look on Elizabeth’s face when she viewed Pemberley for the first time. This image would be the portrait that she gifted her brother on Elizabeth’s first Christmas with the family. “Georgie, your painting skills have improved greatly. I believe that this is my favorite present you have given me.” William kissed her cheek, then had the painting hung across from his desk in the study so he could look at Lizzy’s face while he worked. Georgie had captured the sparkle in his wife’s eye as well as her awe of viewing their home.

  The Darcys had missed the Harvest Festival due to the wedding and Elizabeth’s entry to society. Georgiana and Elizabeth conspired to make the Christmas celebration particularly special for their tenants. Arriving at the end of November, Elizabeth could not meet all of the tenants before the Christmas celebration. She needed to rely on the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds for the required information to ensure the success of the holiday.

  Mrs. Reynolds met with Elizabeth and Georgie to discuss the celebrations in the past. “When Lady Anne was ill, the tenants would come to the ballroom to pick up their baskets. Food and drink were provided, and games were available for the children.” Thinking of other options, “another option that was used in the past was runners would deliver the baskets to our tenants. If runners were used, then there was not a celebration, just a gift from the family.”

  Georgie wanted to use the practices of past celebrations to build upon for their holiday. “I want to watch the children play with their gifts. Lizzy, could you please consider opening the ballroom for our tenants to come here.” With all in agreement, Mrs. Reynolds and Mr. Smyth, the steward discussed the needs of each family. Lizzy and Georgie took notes and then compared them at the end of the meeting.

  Using their journals, Lizzy helped guide Georgie on items to add to the baskets. “Three of the tenants had children under six months. For these family’s baby supplies should be added to the basket. Two tenants were newly married. Recipes could be copied from the Pemberley kitchen and cloth would be added to encourage the bride to make things that she might need. Seven families were older, with no children. Wool yarn of neutral colors would be added with needles to encourage the creation of blankets or socks. The last four families at the home property needed items for their older children.”

  Lizzy and Georgie began sewing for the children at Pemberley. Shirts and blouses were made for older children. Baby clothes including gowns and blankets were created. Mrs. Reynolds and their maids helped finish the items before the celebration. All of the things were placed in the appropriate baskets to bless the families that worked diligently at Pemberley.

  The tenants arrived on December twenty-third, to retrieve their baskets. Each child was presented with an appropriate toy and an orange. Every basket had ham, flour, sugar, tea, honey, and some coins. William was impressed with how his ladies had personalized each basket for the needs of the tenants. The tenants each left remarking how they were happy meeting the new mistress and how caring she seemed by finding out the needs of each family. Georgie ran the games during the celebration. The children were shy at first but warmed up to the young mistress. The wives and children of the tenants were looking forward to seeing if the new mistress would visit as she promised.

  William made Lizzy’s first Christmas special by taking her on a sleigh ride through the property. Georgie attended church services with the couple, then allowed them to spend time together alone. Their dinner was unique, but a smaller meal. They had a picnic in the conservatory. The ladies were warm, and the plants made their dinner seem special while appearing to be outside.

  The next morning, Lizzy took her husband and sister for a walk out in the snow. “Let us make a snowman.” Lizzy conspired with her sister. As William was lifting the head onto their figure, Elizabeth hit him with the first snowball. This led to a small snowball fight where William ended up picking up his bride and dropping her into a nearby snowdrift. Shivering, the three returned inside for warm baths. William kept the momentum going by sharing his bath with his bride.

  As
the family spent time together, they created a routine to suit all of their needs. After breakfast, William and Lizzy would take a walk when the weather allowed. Georgie would then complete her lessons in the morning while William and Lizzy were busy with estate work. Once the work was complete, the couple would visit with Georgie, next she would play the piano or work on her sketches. William and Lizzy would spend time together in the library, reading books in front of the fire. Their spontaneous expressions of love required the servants and their sister to knock each time the two were in a room together behind a closed door.

  Two days a week, Lizzy would take Georgie on visits to meet the tenants when the weather cooperated. She and Georgie each kept a notebook to document the needs of each family. They would arrive with supplies and any unique items that they had made for each specific family. If repairs were needed, Lizzy would present them to William. If the families had issues, Lizzy encouraged William to discuss ideas on how to solve them with Georgie, Mrs. Reynolds, and Mr. Smyth. This plan helped train Georgie and gave her the confidence of knowing that her opinion mattered. They would decide together how to approach the tenant with their proposed solution. At times, a neighbor child was hired to provide aid. An elderly couple whose children had left were given a cottage for their retirement, and a new tenant family was brought in to work the property.

  As Lizzy encouraged her education, Georgie’s self-confidence grew. By the beginning of the season, William asked Lizzy if she felt Georgie was ready to be presented. She was seventeen after all. “William, this is a decision regarding Georgiana; she needs to be part of the discussion.” The family of three met to discuss this topic.

  “William, I appreciate that you have included me in this discussion. I have learned much from Lizzy, but I am not ready to find a husband at this time. I want another year to continue my preparations.” Georgie was growing in confidence but did not feel ready to face the ton or marry. Elizabeth was happy with this decision, and she had just felt the fluttering of butterflies in her stomach. This was the feeling that Mrs. Reynolds had described as the confirmation of being with a child. She wanted to have her baby at Pemberley without the stress of the ton’s society.