The Disappearance of Georgiana Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery (4 page)

Southland chuckled. “I have never heard you sound happier, Sir. More satisfied than I could imagine.”

Edward looked off as if to see something his aide could not. “A dozen years, Southland. That is what I have spent in service to my country. It is all I have known. Now, I will embark on a new life, that of a country gentleman, and Georgiana will wash away the dirt and the blood buried in my soul.”

“If anyone can, Sir, it is Mrs. Fitzwilliam.”

“Should we be sendin' notice to the lady's family in Derbyshire?” the caretaker asked.

“Donnae see where we be havin' another choice.” The housekeeper covered the furniture in the main parlor with dustsheets. “They'll not be happy, but I be tellin' the gel repeatedly that she cudnae be traipsin' about the countryside alone.”

The man lifted the chair and carried it across the room to place it with the others. “Then ye'll see to it today?”

“I will tell the lady's husband that his bride be dead.”

“PARDON ME, MRS. DARCY.” The Pemberley butler had interrupted Elizabeth and Jane's afternoon with the latest fashion plates. “There is a gentleman wishing to speak to Mr. Darcy.”

Elizabeth looked up with a frown. She and Jane had spent the morning considering ways to adapt the too-frilly gown Mrs. Bennet had chosen for Kitty's joining to a more stylish affair. Poor Kitty had pleaded with them to intercede, and they had agreed upon seeing Kitty's rendering of the “odious” garment. “Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley shall not return for, at least, an hour.” She noted the servant's unease. “Should I speak to the gentleman while he waits for Mr. Darcy?”

The butler's face relayed his approval. “I explained to the gentleman that Mr. Darcy was not available. He then asked for you, Ma'am.”

Elizabeth appreciated the protective nature of Darcy's servants. “Does the gentleman have a name, Mr. Nathan?”

“A Mr. Matthew Joseph, Ma'am.”

Elizabeth was out of her seat immediately. “Matthew Joseph? Conduct the gentleman to the main drawing room, Mr. Nathan. I shall be there in a brief moment.”

“Yes, Ma'am.”

“Matthew Joseph? The man whose child you delivered?” Her sister stared eagerly at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth turned to the door. “Come, Jane. I wish to extend your acquaintance to Mr. Joseph.” Elizabeth raced through Pemberley's
halls to enter the drawing room in a rush. “Matthew,” she called as she extended her hands to him and ignored the obligatory curtsy. “Please tell me your visit does not bring ill news.”

The young man smiled easily. “Nothing ill, Mrs. Darcy.” He caught her hands and brought one of them to his lips. “Mary and young William thrive.” He took a leisurely look at her. “You appear well, Mrs. Darcy. Such news will please Mrs. Joseph.”

Elizabeth looked up to see Jane's entrance. “We have much of which to speak, but, first, permit me to make you known to my eldest sister. Jane, may I present my dear friend, Mr. Joseph. Matthew, my sister, Mrs. Bingley.”

“It is my honor, Ma'am.” Joseph bowed in greeting. “Mrs. Darcy has spoken so kindly of you that I must claim a prior acquaintance.”

Jane smiled easily. “My sister has a tendency to exaggerate.”

Elizabeth snorted. Her sister's “serious innocence” always brought a touch of laughter. “Just as I told you, Mr. Joseph. Mrs. Bingley speaks the truth even if she destroys my ego in the same breath.” She motioned him toward a cluster of chairs. “Come join us. I would hear of young William and of Mary.” Elizabeth nodded to the butler. “Mr. Nathan, please see to refreshments, and inform Mr. Darcy of Mr. Joseph's visit upon my husband's return.”

The butler made an efficient exit. When they were settled, Elizabeth asked, “What brings you to Derbyshire, Matthew?”

“Mary and I are removing to Newcastle. My mother's illness tarried longer than expected, and I have given up my living in Stoke to accept a position in Mr. Parnell's firm.”

Elizabeth covered her surprise. “Oh, Matthew, I am grieved to hear it. You took such pride in your calling.”

The man acknowledged her words with a simple nod of his head. “My first calling is to my family. Besides Mary and William, I have two sisters who require my guidance.”

“I suspect that our dear Mary has declared that God holds a different plan for you,” Elizabeth said.

Joseph sighed deeply. “You understand my wife's nature: forever the romantic, completely the optimist. Personally, I cannot imagine how my writing shipping orders will impact people's lives, but Mrs. Joseph continues to say that God provides us with what we need when we need it.”

“I suppose it might be what one shipped, Mr. Joseph,” Jane observed. “I imagine the world could live without Oriental silks or Egyptian artifacts, but shipments of corn or coal changes how we live. Your influence may be stronger than you believe.”

Joseph reluctantly agreed. “Your sister, Mrs. Darcy, should be related to my Mary. They are cut from the same cloth.”

Her reply brought a ready smile to Elizabeth's face. “It is quite likely, Mr. Joseph. In hindsight, I see my immediate affinity for Mrs. Joseph's company as a desire for Mrs. Bingley's closeness.”

Mr. Nathan returned with the refreshments. Joseph accepted the tea before saying, “Pemberley is certainly everything I have heard it to be.” His eyes took in the room's grandeur. “Mr. Darcy has a great legacy to leave his son.”

“My husband works tirelessly to secure Bennet's future,” Elizabeth observed.

Joseph cleared his throat. “I have no doubt of Mr. Darcy's business aplomb. But speaking of the boy, I hope you will permit me the pleasure of young Bennet's acquaintance. If I report to Mary that I was at Pemberley and did not see Mr. Darcy's son, my wife will take me to task.”

Jane gave a nod and then rose. “I shall bring Bennet down, Lizzy. Enjoy Mr. Joseph's company.”

“Thank you, Jane.” Elizabeth motioned a maid to the room before returning her attentions to the man. She said brightly, “I
give you full reign to brag on young William. I wish to know it all.”

Joseph laughed lightly. “You mistake me for Mrs. Joseph,” he teased but immediately began a litany of his son's accomplishments.

“That is delightful,” Elizabeth said. “I feared William would suffer from his early appearance in the world.”

“Mary says he is still a bit behind for children his age, but my son has steadily gained weight and appears quite hardy.”

Cradling the cup in her hands, Elizabeth sipped her tea. “And Mary is truly well?”

“She is. My wife oversees the packing. Her father has arranged the transportation of our property to my parents' home.”

“Mary is in Staffordshire? Why did you not say so before? She must stop at Pemberley on her return to Newcastle. My family arrives tomorrow for my sister Kitty's wedding, and I would be so pleased to have you and Mary join us. Please permit me to send a Pemberley footman to escort her and William to Derbyshire.”

Joseph informed her, “My sister Ruth travels with Mary.”

“That is of no consequence. There is more than enough room at Pemberley to house your sister along with Mary and William,” she assured.

Joseph smiled widely. “It would please Mrs. Joseph to have your company, Mrs. Darcy, and I do have business to conduct in Father Parnell's name with your husband.”

“Who has business with me?” Darcy called as he strode into the room, his hand outstretched to Joseph. His smile said how pleased he was to entertain Matthew Joseph under Pemberley's roof.

Joseph scrambled to his feet to accept Darcy's hand. “Mr. Darcy, I apologize for not sending notice of my visit.”

Darcy slipped his arm about Elizabeth's waist. “As I am certain that your appearance has brightened Mrs. Darcy's day, I hold no objection.” Darcy gestured to the chairs. “Please let us sit.”

“Mr. Joseph has joined Mr. Parnell's firm,” Elizabeth shared. She held Darcy's gaze for but an elongated second, but their closeness allowed them to communicate without words and unmasked.

Darcy nodded his understanding. “Parnell informed me of his desire for you to join him. However, I was unaware of your acceptance.”

“Mary desired that William know his grandfather, and my sisters required my assistance.”

Darcy said nothing. He recognized Joseph's sense of honor. Although the man preferred to follow God's orders, Joseph would abandon his living to meet his family obligations. Darcy respected such devotion.

“I have asked Mr. Joseph to join us for several days, and I would seek your permission to send someone to escort Mary and Mr. Joseph's sister to Pemberley. Mrs. Joseph arranges their removal to Northumberland.”

“Again, I have no objection. Send Jasper. He is familiar with Mrs. Joseph.”

“Thank you, Fitzwilliam,” she said softly.

“I do have business to discuss, Mr. Darcy. Father Parnell has entrusted me with a venture in which he would have your involvement.”

Darcy's eyebrow rose in curiosity. “Really? I had thought my business with Parnell finished with our last shipment out of Hull.”

“It is a new rail opportunity,” Joseph shared.

Darcy noted Jane's entrance as his wife said, “Before you gentlemen sequester yourselves in Mr. Darcy's study, Mrs. Bingley has returned with Bennet. I expect you to rain praise upon the Pemberley heir's head, Mr. Joseph,” she teased. Darcy sat straighter to
accept his bundled son from Jane Bingley. The boy stretched and yawned as Darcy settled the child on his lap. “As one may observe, Mr. Darcy has a calming effect on Bennet's disposition.” Elizabeth smiled broadly at him. “However, my husband must often compete with my father for the privilege of reading to the boy in the evening.”

Joseph sported a wry smile. “If I recall, you told me you find peace in the sound of your husband's voice, Mrs. Darcy.”

“So I do,” she agreed.

Darcy turned the sleepy child so Mr. Joseph might admire the boy's countenance. “What color are his eyes?” Joseph asked as he lightly touched the boy's cheek with his fingertip.

“At the moment, they are still blue, but Mr. Darcy believes they shall be green,” Elizabeth said softly.

Darcy's smile turned up the corners of his mouth. “More hazel than emerald. Not as pronounced a green as Mrs. Darcy's.”

Joseph sat back in the chair. “Your son favors the Darcys in his facial features,” the man observed. Silence filled the room for several moments as each adult admired the child's countenance. “Would you object to my offering a prayer for Bennet's well-being?” Joseph said quietly.

Elizabeth quickly said, “Certainly not.”

“Eternal God,” Joseph began, “to our children giveth thou mercy. Protect them from harm. Nourish their bodies. Allow them to see the strength of your hand. Grant them the truth of your words. Brighten their hearts that they may ever reflect your glory. In Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

“Amen,” Darcy and Elizabeth repeated together.

“Thank you, Mr. Joseph,” Darcy said solemnly.

Elizabeth rose and took the child from Darcy's arms. “I shall leave you gentlemen to your business. If you will give Mr. Darcy
the directions, I shall send Jasper on his way to Staffordshire.” She gave both men a brief curtsy. “I shall see you at supper. I am most anxious for you to become acquainted with my father and with Mr. Bingley.”

“Parnell wishes to finance the Duke of Portland's public venture?” Darcy asked as he surveyed the maps resting on a broad table near a bank of windows. “Where is Portland in these negotiations?” he continued.