One Love - Two Hearts - Three Stories Read online

  “And your aunt, Lady Matlock, will she stand at your side?” Elizabeth wondered if there would be any support for their marriage other than Colonel Fitzwilliam. “What about the Viscount?”

  “The Viscount will follow Lord Matlock. I suppose my aunt will also.” Darcy’s tone was laced with disgust with a slight hint of sorrow.

  “William,” Elizabeth came up on her elbow, keeping her right hand on his chest. “What do you think Lady Catherine was about? Possibly it is because I do not know her, but it was blatantly obvious that something stopped her from pursuing her planned attack. After her initial barrage, her change in posture, tone, and speech gave me the impression that she had something more than our marriage on her mind. Is this her typical form of conversation when she is trying to gain her way?”

  “No, Elizabeth, it is not.” The impression that had registered with Darcy when it happened was odd, but he had placed it to the back of his mind as his primary goal was to protect his family from his aunt’s malicious words and the idiocy of Mr. Collins. “I am not a violent man, Elizabeth.”

  With little effort, she followed the path of his thinking. It was a short journey from Lady Catherine de Bourgh to the offensive man who shadowed her. Elizabeth bent down and kissed his cheek. “I am well aware of that, my husband.”

  Darcy had allowed only her to tend his bruised fist, which involved a cool cloth and four tender kisses, one for each knuckle that was red and swollen. Nobody had cared for him so tenderly since his mother, Lady Anne. Elizabeth’s ministrations made Darcy feel taller, stronger; able to slay dragons and rescue maidens from ivory towers.

  “Elizabeth,” Darcy rolled on his side to face her. “I do believe that my uncle will present himself at our door as early as possible. I ask that you not be present when he is here.”

  “But, husband,” she started.

  “No, Elizabeth, I will not be moved with this.” It was the firmest he had spoken to her as yet and Elizabeth’s inclination was to balk. “Please, dear wife, I would ask that you stay with Georgiana. Without a companion to guide her, she might interrupt at a time that would be most disadvantageous for her, and for you.”

  Though the plea was for her benefit, Elizabeth’s natural curiosity about his uncle demanded that she try to negotiate her position. However, she would trust her husband in this.

  “Then we should sleep, William. You will have much to do and I will have much to avoid.” She leaned into his kiss and felt tremendous relief that she was not alone.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana were just finishing breakfast when the butler arrived to announce the arrival of Mr. Gardiner. They had been expecting Lord Matlock.

  Darcy directed that Elizabeth’s uncle be brought into the breakfast room. The greetings were brief as Mr. Gardiner had something of importance to share with his new nephew. Out of consideration for his wife, Darcy asked if she wanted to be present. He could see the desires wrestling with his request of the night before.

  Mr. Gardiner knew his niece well and realized that her curiosity was piqued. What he had to tell Darcy was horrifying, not what any lady should hear. At her uncle’s request, Elizabeth declined Darcy’s invitation.

  Once they were seated in the study, Mr. Gardiner came directly to the point.

  “Darcy, are you familiar with the abolitionist movement currently being discussed in the House of Lords?”

  “I am. Slave trade was abolished in 1808, but the demands in goods needed as a result of the war with France has opened up the trade again. I understand that only last year, the year of 1810, migration from Africa across the Atlantic had substantially increased. It is an abhorrent practice.”

  “That it is. Are you aware of your uncle’s position with this movement?”

  Darcy pondered the question, not wanting to answer too fast. “I believe that he staunchly speaks against those who both keep and transport slaves and who gain profits from slavery. He has always done so in my presence. It appears to be the consensus amongst his peers.”

  “In that, you are correct. It is the popular course for promoting public opinion that many of the lords are taking and Lord Matlock is one of the most vocal.” Mr. Edward Gardiner took a deep breath before he continued. It was a comfortable room; a manly room. Nonetheless, the topic to be discussed within those walls was anything but manly. “Are you aware of the source of your uncle’s income?”

  “Yes, Gardiner, I believe I am. His holdings around his estate in the north generate about eight thousand a year. He has interests in shipping and a sugar plantation in the Indies.” As soon as the words were out of Darcy’s mouth, he realized the direction Elizabeth’s uncle was going. “Good heavens! He has slaves?”

  “He does.” Gardiner allowed the news to sink in. “I met with some of my business associates last evening and they confirmed that your uncle had been heavily in debt only a few short years ago. An opportunity was presented to him to earn a large amount of money quickly by transporting captive slaves to the Indies and he took it.”

  “But this does not make sense.” Darcy was confused. “Just after my father died, I started attending Lady Catherine each spring for the purpose of reviewing her accounts. They were in deplorable condition. Large amounts of money had been pulled out of the estate and it was near bankruptcy.” As a side note, he mentioned to Mr. Gardiner, “This, obviously, is confidential information, sir. Lady Catherine explained that her brother was facing some financial difficulty because of his eldest son’s gambling problem and her monies were needed to rescue Matlock’s estate. If that was so, there would have been no need to make such a risky move into a business that would ruin him if it were known. Are you certain of your information?”

  “I am, Darcy.” He looked directly at his nephew. “I am so certain about this that I can also share with you that your aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is in partnership with your uncle, doing business as CDB Holdings.”

  “What!” Darcy was stunned. This information, if known, could ruin the whole family. He shook his head as if to clear it. “This explains what they want with me, does it not?”

  “Yes, I believe that it does.” Mr. Gardiner was impressed with the quick thinking of Lizzy’s husband. It would serve the couple well.

  “By desiring me to marry my cousin, Anne, I would be attached to them in the closest of relationships; ties that bind. It would put me in a position where I might be more inclined to keep quiet to protect the name of my wife and any children that came along. Should this become known, Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine would fall back on the Darcy name and reputation— and funds— to buy their way back to their positions in society.” Darcy could not keep the disgust from his voice. “This is far worse than I imagined, and my imagination is fertile.”

  Darcy stood from his chair and paced, finally settling himself in front of his desk and leaning back against it in a seemingly relaxed pose. He was far from relaxed. Darcy was satisfied that formalities had been set aside the day before as he appreciated the man in front of him.

  “Gardiner, I expect my uncle at any time. He will arrive here full of bluster in an effort to bully me to get his way. Aunt Catherine may accompany him and the two will attempt to sway me to rid myself of your niece. They will be unsuccessful.” Darcy hid nothing from this man. “Though we have much to learn about each other, Elizabeth and I are no longer strangers. Last evening, we discussed the events that most likely would occur today and reaffirmed our bond with each other. I vowed to her at our marriage that only death would break us apart and she vowed the same. No unscrupulous actions will separate us; of that you can be certain. My wife and I charted our course and we will not be swayed.”

  Edward Gardiner could not contain the grin on his face. Yes, this was a worthy man for his Lizzy. Before he could respond, the butler entered after first knocking lightly on the study door.

  “Lord Matlock, sir.”

  Both Darcy and Gardiner looked at one another. Darcy’s stand would
be put to the test.

  Lord Matlock brushed past the butler without acknowledging the man who was still in the doorway. His eyes shot to Mr. Gardiner. “Who are you?”

  Darcy was appalled at his uncle’s rudeness. It was not a promising start, but was expected. Before he could make introductions, Mr. Gardiner spoke.

  “I am Mr. Edward Gardiner, Mrs. Darcy’s uncle.” Mr. Gardiner had not been in business long when Lord Matlock’s man of business had come to him seeking a loan to use in paying down the debt which was starting to build against his estate. The years had been much kinder to Mr. Gardiner than to Darcy’s uncle.

  “Trade!” It discharged from him like a curse. Lord Matlock walked up to Darcy, stepping in front of Mr. Gardiner, as if he was not even in the room— so little was his regard for the businessman.

  With Darcy leaning on his desk, he was eye to eye with Lord Matlock. Purposefully, Darcy stood to his full height, towering over his uncle. Darcy was incensed.

  His uncle had years of practice dealing with others who attempted to intimidate him. It was a common enough posture in politics. Still feeling his superiority over the tradesman, he smoothed the front of his red satin embroidered waistcoat and pulled the lapels of his jacket closer together. The attempt to give himself the appearance of poise and nonchalance was stifled by the holes on the front of his vest being pulled tightly and all of the buttons that were hanging by a thread.

  His nephew was not intimidated in the slightest. Neither was Mr. Gardiner.

  “Lord Matlock, you may not be familiar with my name, but I know exactly who you are.” Edward Gardiner had years of experience with titled men who had empty pockets and debt which threatened to bury them. Lord Matlock was not the only peer who sought to borrow funds. Mr. Gardiner, therefore, was not impressed with his lordship.

  “Who are you to imply that you know me?” Arrogance and confidence oozed out of the man’s pores like sap from a tree in early spring. He was on an important mission. Lord Matlock was head of the family and he would not leave Darcy House until his will prevailed.

  “I am the sole proprietor of Gardiner Imports on Gracechurch Street. Perhaps you have heard of me now?” Elizabeth’s uncle did not raise his voice, nor did he in any way look perturbed at the arrogant condescension Lord Matlock showed him. Lord Matlock may not have remembered his earlier attempt at doing business with him, but Mr. Gardiner’s memory did not fail him.

  At this, some of the bluster left Darcy’s uncle. Yes, he was now very aware of who Mr. Gardiner was. His control of shipping, his ownership of a large number of shares in the East India Company, and the trade consortiums he had around the world, brought more wealth to the Gardiner family than Lord Matlock would see in his lifetime. He also was aware that Gardiner’s position put him where he would most likely know Matlock’s business interest. Matlock only hoped he had not thought to share this information with Darcy.

  “Lord Matlock,” Darcy until this moment, had usually referred to him as Uncle Hugh. “Mr. Gardiner has thankfully shared with me the specifics of your interests in shipping from the west coast of Africa to the Indies. I also know of the men and women you enslave on your plantations. Explain yourself!”

  Lord Matlock was mad, and he was starting to panic. He and Catherine had carefully planned the attack. They had resolved to play upon Darcy’s duty to his family to keep their activities quiet. Darcy’s marriage to Catherine’s daughter would also improve Georgiana’s chances to marry a man with a title. If only Darcy had married Anne, Richard could have had Georgiana and the ties would be knotted until no man could undo them. It was a marvelous plan that was quickly going up in smoke.

  Into the fray, the men heard pounding steps coming down the hall. Darcy was unsurprised when the door was flung open and Richard confidently walked inside. Ignoring the presence of his father, he greeted Darcy and Mr. Gardiner.

  “How are you enjoying married life, Darcy? It appears to be sitting well with you.” Those were fighting words to his father and Richard did not care.

  “Enough!” Darcy would be in control of this meeting. “Be seated!”

  Once all three men were in chairs pulled up to his desk, he walked behind it and sat down. Darcy looked from one to another. Richard had seated himself between Gardiner and his father. Gardiner looked relaxed. Richard’s right knee kept bouncing up and down and his fists clenched and unclenched. Rarely had Darcy seen his cousin so disturbed. He understood. The results of this impromptu meeting would determine Richard’s future. If it came down to taking a stand against his father, Richard would lose the only support he had other than his officer’s pay. Lord Matlock appeared disinterested and unaffected.

  To save face, Lord Matlock spoke first.

  “Darcy, if you continue in this course, do not expect our support for your marriage. None in our family will promote your wife in society. She will have no one to pave her way, nor sponsor her presentation. You had best think twice about what you have done.”

  Lord Matlock’s voice had taken on the same condescending tone that Lady Catherine’s had the day prior. It was so unnatural coming from this man that both Darcy and Richard shuddered before they looked at him to verify it was indeed Lord Matlock seated with them.

  Suddenly, Darcy knew what Lady Catherine and Lord Matlock were about. He understood why they acted and spoke to him like they did. They had no respect for him as a person and as the Master of Pemberley. They both thought that he could be talked down to, treated in this infantile manner and persuaded, by imitation kindness, to do their bidding. Did they even know him? It was time they did!

  “Lord Matlock, five years ago when I received my inheritance, you came to me with the offer to help me manage Pemberley. I was unaware at the time that you and Aunt Catherine were heavily in debt. It must have rankled that I chose to learn my responsibilities on my own, did it not?”

  Lord Matlock’s answer came out as a growl.

  Richard’s eyes moved from one to the other. He was a trained soldier who was studying both sides of the battle. He saw Darcy’s confidence and his father momentarily unnerved. He would side with his cousin.

  “Apparently, it is common information in the business world that you sought help via nefarious means. The slave trade is not only against British law, Uncle, it is morally repugnant. Your choice to pursue this course has put my family name in danger. This will not do!”

  Darcy stood and walked to the front of his desk and took one step forward until his feet almost touched his uncle’s.

  “By now, you should know me well enough to discern that I would do anything to protect the name of my family; to protect my young sister so that nothing interferes with her future.” Of the four men in the room, only Darcy, Richard, and Mr. Gardiner knew that was the reason for the hurried marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth. Lord Matlock would never know. “What you and Lady Catherine have done is so horrifying, so against all that I stand for and believe, that as of this moment, Darcy House will completely remove itself from the Fitzwilliams and the de Bourghs. When we are in public at the same functions, you will not be acknowledged in any way. You will not be welcomed into my homes and I will not say even a greeting to you. As of this minute, you are dead to me. Only when,” Darcy leaned closer to his uncle and stared him directly in the eye. “Only when your disgusting activities come to light and public opinion dies down, might there be an opening for access to my family. Only then! Am I understood?”

  Lord Matlock refused to answer. Instead, he shot up from the chair, almost knocking Darcy backwards, and stomped out of the room.

  The quiet after the study door slammed behind Lord Matlock was almost deafening.

  “Slavery?” Richard whispered to himself. “Good God in heavens! What were they thinking?”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Lord Matlock may have slammed the study door, but the alert footman at Darcy House’s front door would not permit him to do it again. He gave Darcy’s uncle a wide berth and was grateful when the man
was gone. It had been a pleasant change to watch the master care for his wife over the past two days and the downstairs and above stairs staff wanted nothing but the felicity of the young couple to fill the halls with peace and happiness. That meant interruptions by Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine de Bourgh were unwelcome.

  Back in the study, Richard helped himself to Darcy’s good brandy. After pouring and downing one glass, he refilled it before pouring one for Darcy and one for Mr. Gardiner.

  “What are your plans, Richard?” Darcy was worried for his cousin.

  “Darcy, you mentioned yesterday that you were taking Elizabeth to the couturière this morning. I believe it is important to show a solid front to society as soon as we possibly may. How soon will they have the appropriate gowns ready to attend the theatre or a ball? I will arrange with my General for time away from my duties to support you and your wife in any way you feel is best.”

  “While I thank you heartily for that, cousin, you misunderstood what I was asking.” Darcy looked closely at the colonel. From experience, he could discern the anger simmering just below the surface.