“And this young gentleman here?” Elizabeth asked, looking at a portrait of a handsome young man with a handsome figure and a smile that looked charming even in that small drawing.
“Oh, that is George Wickham. He is the son of the late master’s steward, who was brought up by him at his own expense. The old master was his godfather and very fond of him, but sadly George was more talk and smiles than character.”
“Really? I am sorry to hear that. Mr. Darcy must have been very disappointed in his godson.”
“Fortunately, he did not have to suffer such pain, as George behaved in a good and loving way until he passed away. In truth, he behaved well with all of us. He used to call me ‘dear Reynolds’ all the time. It was the young master who had to bear George’s faulty character later on. We know little of their dealings—mostly from what he has revealed. The master does not speak of private matters.”
Elizabeth glanced at the picture again. To be placed among the family was clear proof of old Mr. Darcy’s affection for the young man and the fact that the young master had not removed it was evidence of his consideration for his deceased father.
“There is such an appearance of goodness in his expression,” Elizabeth said.
“Yes, but only the appearance—and it is such a pity! He could have grown up to be a true gentleman. My master would have supported him in any career. The late Mr. Darcy wished to leave him a living, hoping the church would be his profession. But he applied to my master and asked to be compensated for the living so he could pursue a career in the law instead.”
“The law is not a bad choice for a young man,” Elizabeth offered.
“Of course not, if he had taken it. But the rumour is that he wasted the money in a most dishonourable way. I am not certain how he lives now, but I am afraid he has turned out very wild.”
“Such a waste, if it is true. A great pity indeed,” Elizabeth admitted. As they spoke, the door was suddenly pushed open and with happy barking, Hunter entered and immediately stopped at Elizabeth’s feet. She laughed and leant down to pat him, and the dog’s tail wagged happily. She knelt and the dog licked her face, making her laugh again. So preoccupied was she, and Mrs. Reynolds so busy watching her with amusement, that they did not notice Mr. Darcy himself in the doorway, staring at the little scene intently.
Still, the dog was the first to sense his master’s presence and he turned to him. Only then did the two women observe him and Elizabeth struggled to rise to her feet, brushing her hands over her gown, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Mrs. Reynolds, however, addressed him light-heartedly.
“We are cleaning the old master’s room,” she said, and Darcy stepped forward. He glanced at Elizabeth with a small frown between his eyebrows.
“May I ask why a maid or Farrell was not fetched for this task? Cleaning and dusting are not among Miss Elizabeth’s responsibilities and we cannot force her to do more than she agreed to when she accepted this position.”
He addressed Mrs. Reynolds, so she replied.
“The maids are busy this morning and Mr. Farrell is talking to two young boys who have applied for a job. Miss Elizabeth and I already have approved of them but it must be decided which of them is better suited to working in the stables and which in the gardens. And Miss Elizabeth chose to clean the room herself.”
“Indeed, sir,” Elizabeth interjected. “I thank you for your concern, but there is no need for it. Whilst I clearly know what my responsibilities are, I go beyond them with pleasure. Andbeing in Mr. Darcy’s favourite room is more an honour than a duty.”
She spoke from her heart, which was even clearer in her gaze than in her words. Darcy’s eyes met hers and held them for a brief moment.
“As you wish; I trust your judgment and your decision, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“We were talking about George Wickham. Miss Elizabeth asked me about his portrait,” Mrs. Reynolds explained.
Darcy’s countenance darkened instantly.
“Speaking of George Wickham is a waste of time; I would advise Miss Elizabeth to better employ her time with a good book or a more pleasant conversation.”
His voice was cold and severe, and both women seemed uncomfortable. He immediately noticed it and softened his tone as he continued.
“The library will be unoccupied for the next few weeks—I will leave Pemberley tomorrow. I have some business in town and then I will go and fetch Georgiana from Ramsgate,” he again addressed this mostly to the housekeeper.
“Oh, truly? We will be sad to see you leave, sir! But we look forward to your return, together with Miss Georgiana,” the woman said.
Elizabeth was silenced by a sudden distress she could not possibly understand. She felt Darcy’s gaze on her as he continued.
“Mrs. Reynolds, Miss Bennet, would you both be so kind as to dine with me tonight? I have some engagements today and there are still things we should discuss before my departure. I believe this would be a good opportunity if it is agreeable to you also.”
Mrs. Reynolds happily agreed while Elizabeth, still distressed and with her cheeks on fire, angry at herself for her silly reactions, nodded in acceptance.
“Good. I will ask Farrell to join us too. Wentley will travel with me.”