“Well, we are here and all is well. Your mother and I will pass when it is our time, Fitzwilliam, but you will continue to thrive and live for your own life. You will be husband and father someday and will have the same discussions with your own children.” Mr. Darcy smiled. “I am excited for your future. You have much to look forward to and many good times to come.”
Mr. Darcy took a seat and pulled out a letter and handed it to William to read it. “I received a letter from your Uncle Henry, son. He writes that Uncle Lewis is ill. He has been having more difficulty breathing and his chest hurts him most of the day. The doctors have bled him and given him many draughts but Henry feels his time is near its end.”
William sat next to his father, “Is there anything else to be done? He is still young yet.”
Mr. Darcy chuckled, “He might be seven and sixty but he drank and indulged more than he should have for many years. He accepts that he will pass soon and Henry urges me to send word on next steps should Lewis not last the year. When we were at Rosings Park last, Lewis, Henry, and I discussed the plans for Rosings and what we will be doing with Catherine and Anne. Rosings will be given to Richard as the designated heir but Henry will have the viscount see to the management details until Richard returns home, and Anne will live out the rest of her life with the Fitzwilliams. Catherine will be sent to the dower house but we do not believe she will be cooperative. Lewis has made several contingencies depending on his wife’s reactions, but she will be limited and have no power over the estate. Mrs. Jenkinson informed Henry that Anne remains weak but is pleased with the additional education she is allowed now. She has a phaeton that she enjoys riding with her companion and has been happier without her mother’s directives.”
“I am glad you and both of my uncles have arranged it all. What is to become of Rosings? I am grateful that you and uncle will oversee it since Richard is not here to take on the estate, and I have another year of university as well as three and a half years of my grand tour before I can assist. I would like to be of use but I will not be in England and Richard will have returned in two years and should be a competent master if he wishes to retire then. If Uncle Lewis passes within this year, will Uncle Henry reside in Kent?” William asked. “He is often in London for parliament and spends the summers in Matlock. Can he handle another estate? Robert is at Matlock to care for Summerfield Park and with two young children, he would not be able to travel back and forth often.”
Mr. Darcy chuckled, “Henry does not wish to reside anywhere near his sister. He adores your mother but cannot stand the sight of Catherine. No, he will take Anne to Matlock and I will assist until Richard’s return with the choice of residing at Rosings or leasing it out. What do you suggest, Fitzwilliam? Would you rather spend the winters at Rosings or Netherfield?”
William raised his brow, “Netherfield, of course. Rosings brings awful memories and the place is gaudy. Lizzy’s ghost stories are not unwarranted, as I could swear I heard strange noises myself and if we were to live there, mama would have to redecorate the entire place.” Both men laughed. “I like Netherfield because it is peaceful and I feel comfortable there. I could not imagine not seeing Lizzy as often as I do now, even after I complete my studies.”
“Good; we are in agreement then.” Mr. Darcy responded. “I pray to God that Lewis will remain strong and stay with us for many more years but we will make plans accordingly to lease out Rosings as time draws near. I would like to visit him this autumn before we take residency at Netherfield. Perhaps we will treat Lizzy to another trip to London.” He winked.
William laughed loudly, “I doubt she wishes to go back to Rosings after the last time, father. She liked the gardens there but she was still terrified of Lady Catherine and the monstrous statues in the drawing room. How terrible Lady Catherine’s tastes are, I cannot begin to comprehend.”
“She likes everything that appears opulent. She cares not what it is as long as it looks expensive and can boast of it to others.” Mr. Darcy huffed. “Can you imagine her demanding her husband to spend £20,000 on the glazing of the mansion alone? Of course, Lewis thought it ridiculous. She spends Lewis’ money as if it grows on trees and only cares for her neighbours’ admirations. And she recently asked for a new chimneypiece at £800. She knows her power is nearly at an end but Uncle Henry and I will ensure she is managed later.”
Mr. Darcy and William made several more plans for the rest of the year and William soon returned to find the girls in the music room. He smiled tenderly at the sight of his beloved sister and dearest friend giggling and playing a duet terribly at the pianoforte.
Chapter 5
September 1805
William laughed as the young girl bounced on her seat. “I knew you would like it but I did not think this much, Lizzy! You will have to put it down some time, you know.”
“I know but I want to relish the moment for as
