8. Chapter 7: The last shall be first

Ch 7: The last shall be first

Darcy smiled as he reached the door of the drawing room. Exactly as I wanted! Releasing Mrs. Cooperton's arm, he graciously seated her on the most comfortable sofa near the center of the room. He strode toward the handsome pianoforte at the far side of the chamber, opposite the fireplace. He paused a moment for his guests to settle in.

"Reverend Bradley, my good father long desired to see you placed as our vicar. He purchased this," Darcy lifted a violin which had been strategically left on the pianoforte by Mrs. Reynolds, "in anticipation of the day. I am grieved that he was not able to share this celebration with us. Yet, I know he would delight to see his wish come to pass. So please, receive this as his and my gift to you." Reverently he handed the instrument to Bradley as his friends softly applauded their approval.

Tears misted the cleric's eyes as he humbly received the gift. "He remembered," Bradley whispered a little hoarsely. "Many years ago, I had such an instrument, but had to sell it when my family came on hard times. Your father was quite cross with me for not coming to him for help instead. He promised that he would find a way to restore it back to me, one that I could not refuse."

"Well now," Edwards broke in, diffusing the momentary heaviness, "you must honor us with a song or three. The ladies will have their turn to perform; but you must begin the evening for us."

"Here, here!" Cooperton agreed enthusiastically, settling himself into a comfortable chair.

Darcy nodded and reached for a portfolio of music before his vicar could find reason to object.

"Very well then," Bradley conceded. "But it has been a long time since these old fingers have graced such strings. You may very well regret your polite demands." He laughed as he rifled through the sheet music. "Here are some that look familiar."

"Shall I turn pages for you?" the young gentleman offered.

"I would welcome it. That way you may take the music from me before I torment you all to madness with my inferior display." Bradley chuckled as he tuned the instrument.

Softly at first, then with growing confidence, he began to play. The gentle melody, though neither complex nor sophisticated, evoked a quiet peace and joy in the elegantly appointed room. All within agreed it was a mood most befitting the occasion.

Darcy could see the tears in the man's eyes as he finished the piece. You chose well father. This was indeed a perfect gift.

"Thank you, young master. I am touched by your thoughtfulness." He laid a heavy, warm hand on the younger man's broad shoulder, squeezing affectionately. Your father would be proud tonight.

"Play us another!" Edwards cried.

"All right, but you must come and sing with me," Bradley countered.

Edwards considered protesting but, encouraged by the Coopertons' nods, rose to join his friend. "I'll take the bass line, but we need a tenor as well," he noted, glancing over the music Bradley had put before him.

Together they looked toward Lackley and Bingley, knowing full well Cooperton could not sing at all. Bingley rose gamely. "I have sung a bit, perhaps I know the piece."

Caroline watched, mortified as her brother joined the musicians. It is irregular enough that the men are exhibiting. Please, Charles, have some sense of decorum.

As the men studied the music a moment, Mrs. Cooperton stood and took a turn about the room to stretch her legs. She stopped near the windows and sat down beside Caroline on the long sofa. "You are uncomfortable," she pronounced in a soft tone that brooked no argument. You think you are so sophisticated young woman, but your motivations and desires are so clearly written across your face.

Caroline sent her an aggrieved expression, opening her mouth to speak.

Mrs. Cooperton cut her off, "This is not a fashionable London drawing room, you know." She gestured around the room with her hand. "We are quite far away from them, here in the wilds of the North. Three days ride makes us quite a world apart, would you not say?"

That ring! I have never seen a ruby like that before. They must be wealthier than I thought. Perhaps she does have something to say.

The men nodded as Bradley struck up his opening chord. Soon, Edwards and Bingley joined in, offering a surprisingly good rendition of the chosen ballad.

"No, this is surely not London," Caroline muttered critically, watching her brother through critical eyes.

"Nor will it ever be. We are a simple gathering of friends, joined here to celebrate the good fortune among us," Mrs. Cooperton said wistfully. "The good Lord knows we have shared enough tears together." Her tone became serious as she lowered her voice to continue just above a whisper. "Miss Bingley, I can see you have your eye on Mr. Darcy."

Caroline gasped at the boldness of her companion and drew back in offense. This woman is insufferable! How dare she make such personal speculations? She has no right to converse with me so! She drew a deep breath to begin her protest.

"Enough." The older woman smiled, shaking her head gently. "You are a single woman of good fortune. He is a single, handsome man of good fortune and a magnificent estate. What woman in your place would not consider pursing him?" A knowing eyebrow lifted on her round face.

Somewhat mollified, Caroline retreated a bit. Still she presumes too much.

"You seem very dissatisfied by our familiarity and simple ways here. If you made an alliance with Darcy, you must understand this would be your lot."

Caroline's brows knit, perplexed. Surely she does not know what she is talking about. Is she not aware of his house in town? "But he has a townhouse. We have had tea with him there. He must spend much of the year there."

The girl does not believe me. Why would I set out to deceive her? I have no unmarried daughters and I myself am married. "Clearly you do not realize, your brother has not told you?"

"Told me what?" Charles!

"Young Mr. Darcy, like his good father before him, hates London. He goes as little as possible. He is not fond of the society there. I know many fashionable men spend most of the year in town, leaving their estates to their stewards. But Mr. Darcy is a far better master than that. His dislike of town is a benefit to all those in his sphere of influence here." Mrs. Cooperton raised her eyes momentarily to cast a motherly look toward the young gentleman.

"No! Charles has told me no such thing." Caroline was clearly taken aback. "He seems easy enough in company here, if anything too easy." She rolled her eyes slightly. "My brother has told me that when he attended London events with Mr. Darcy, he was everything that was proper…"

"That he spoke to few and only those of his own circle and maintained the most proper decorum and distinction of rank at all times?" Mrs. Cooperton nodded knowingly. "I suppose he also told you that Mr. Darcy has a great appreciation for fine things and is keenly aware of what is fashionable."

"Precisely." Caroline quickly agreed, glancing back at Darcy who was now smiling broadly at the musicians. "That is the very reason why my brother thought it good for us to meet. He thought us very much alike in that way."

This is precisely the kind of woman he does not need! The mistress of Cooperton's estate smiled a bit condescendingly. "Of course. I see now."

"See what? I do not understand." Her voice grew sharp as her ire rose. What does this impertinent woman believe she understands? I have never been so insulted…

"Your brother is seeking to purchase an estate. So you must be trying to leave your roots behind."

"Of course," Caroline blushed fiercely, anger clear in her eyes.

"I mean no offense, Miss Bingley. It makes perfect sense why you would want to be so attentive to all things proper. It is necessary to gain acceptance in the Ton." Shaking her head, Mrs. Cooperton continued. "But I am afraid your brother has quite misunderstood his friend."

Horrified, Caroline glanced back at the two men in question.

"Has Mr. Bingley not noted a difference in Mr. Darcy now that you are here with him in his home?"

Thinking hard for a moment, Caroline answered, "Yes, yes he has. He has been quite amazed at how amiable and easy Mr. Darcy seems here. Quite a changed man, Charles said, not at all the deeply proper and fashion conscious man that he knew in town."

"Quite," Mrs. Cooperton agreed. "Miss Bingley, I tell you this only to save you the grief of misplaced affections. The Darcy you see here is the real man. In truth he is very shy in unfamiliar company. He lacks the natural ease that others like your brother have. It is hard for him to speak to strangers and worse still to be in crowds. His consciousness of fashion and good taste is merely his way of avoiding giving offense and creating more uncomfortable situations. He has always been so and I suspect will always be. His good father was the same way. I suppose it is the mark of Darcy men."

Caroline's fine brows creased as she listened to the unwelcome words.

"The rules of propriety and decorum, well they are a means for him to cope in those situations that are uneasy for him. They are not a true reflection of the man." She could see Caroline's thoughts whirling behind her scowling eyes.

"Well an easy temper is not a bad thing in a man is it? My brother is an easy man…"

"An easy man to get your way with," the older woman finished with a knowing flourish.

"How dare you!" The offended heiress began to rise from her seat. I have had enough of this insufferable woman!

"Do not get your feathers ruffled Miss Bingley," Mrs. Cooperton took her hand with a gracious laugh. "I have been in society much longer than you. I dare say I know the way of things. A woman often wants things her own way. A woman of some means has rather more leisure in finding a man who will accommodate that, no?" Shushing the forthcoming protests, she continued, "That is another thing you need to know. I fear you have your eyes set on London drawing rooms, balls and dinner parties. Mr. Darcy's heart is at Pemberley. He will expect much of the mistress of this estate."

With some relief, Caroline sat back down on the elegant, sea green upholstery. She will see I am well able. "Certainly! He needs an accomplished woman at his side."

"What exactly are your accomplishments, Miss Bingley?"

Her narrow chest puffed with pride. "I can draw and paint and I write with an elegant hand. I sing and play pianoforte having studied under several masters. My bother has told me that I am the best dance partner he has ever had. My French and Italian are quite good, although at needlework …"

Mrs. Cooperton lifted her hand to halt the recitation. "I see, I see. You certainly have had quite an education." She has no idea! "I wonder though, Miss Bingley, do you know what is expected of the mistress of an estate such as this?"

Caroline paused to think. "Surely she must be his hostess, manage the menus and servants…" Her voice trailed off as she ran out of answers.

"While that is true, it is only a small part of the mistress' duties. I noticed you were distressed when Miss Darcy spoke of tending to tenants in need."

Her listener squirmed uncomfortably in her seat.

"The estate's people turn to its mistress in their distress." She studied the uneasy young woman carefully. "I heard your brother is here to learn from Mr. Darcy how to manage an estate. If you are to be his hostess, it is fitting that you should learn the role of mistress. After your visit with Miss Lackley, I should very much like you to come to visit with me for a few days. I would be pleased to show you the life of the mistress of a large estate."

Caroline swallowed hard, licking her lips nervously. "I am honored by your invitation, but I will have to consult with my brother…" I wonder? Have you a daughter you are intending for Darcy? Is that why you are singling me out so?

"Consider him invited as well. Mr. Cooperton is quite taken by him. Earlier I heard him offer your brother the help of our solicitor in finding eligible properties. We can let the men tackle that undertaking while we attend our own."

"I…I…I thank you. We will be pleased to visit with you next week."

"Excellent! I shall go inform my husband now." Gracefully, Mrs. Cooperton rose so seek her husband, leaving Caroline alone with her uncomfortable thoughts.

Darcy retreated to the fireplace to appreciate the offerings of the musicians and to take a brief break from his company. How could I have walked through these last three years without these friends? He sighed, warmth and contentment washing over him. What a relief it is to be with those who do not take offense at my need to retreat. Sometimes it is so hard to breathe even in this company! London…I am so glad to leave it behind.

"Do you know any glees?" He heard Bingley's enthusiastic voice ask.

He has been a good friend. School would have been so much more difficult without him to shield me from society. He carries the conversation himself and just leaves me to stand and nod. How I hate the mindless small talk. I never know what to say.

"One or two," Edwards answered with a smile that matched Bingley's, "and my friend here has a passable baritone. Anything I know, he does as well." He raised his brows at Bradley who just shook his head in surrender.

Soon the three men had chosen a piece and the room filled with the rich sounds of the male trio. A servant entered quietly to set out a coffee service. Lackley helped himself to it and wandered over to Darcy, steaming cup in hand.

"Excellent meal, Darcy, and the coffee is even better. Thank you for including us in your invitation tonight. We haven't been in Derbyshire nearly so long as the others. You have made us feel so welcome in the neighborhood."

"I am happy you could join us, Lackley. My father and his friends showed me the value of making your neighbors your friends and I mean to carry on that tradition in my generation." He paused a moment, to look over at the singing men. "Your sister has been a dear friend to mine. I am grateful for that. There are so few girls of her age here. I am still quite bewildered by her behavior tonight, though. I had so hoped to hear her on the pianoforte this evening, but after her performance at dinner, I can hardly allow her in company again." Darcy sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"I confess, I do not always understand my own sister so well. There are moments when she seems a perfectly rational creature…"

"And moments when no amount of reason seems sufficient to persuade her?" Darcy finished for him.

"Indeed!" Lackley laughed, glancing back at Bingley. "I wonder if your friend has the same impression of his older sister, or if it is just the lot of those of us with younger ones."

Darcy's dark eyes flicked back to Miss Bingley sitting alone on the sofa, a decidedly thoughtful look on her face. That's a new expression for her. I have hardly ever seen her so contemplative. I wonder what she is plotting now. At least she is not staring at me again! That is some relief. "I do believe I have heard Bingley expressing his own dismay over the same things, Lackley. It seems we are bound by a common malady!"

Laughing, Lackley looked back toward Mrs. Cooperton who stood speaking softly to her husband. "It does leave one to wonder if our hopes are better for our wives someday, or is this just providence providing us a training ground for them?"

"Let us hope not!" Darcy chuckled, but his countenance soon became heavy. "It is indeed a sad thing that none of us have fathers with whom we can ask."

Somberly, the younger man nodded. The trio brought their glee to a close. "I suppose it is time for the ladies to exhibit, is it not. Who do you fancy to begin?"

"Well, I know Mrs. Cooperton will not be prevailed upon until the very end of the evening if at all. She always argues her performing days are past. But sometimes she will give in after the other ladies have had their chance. I suspect it is her modesty in action, though. She is such a superior musician she does not want to discourage the younger ladies from having their moment. That would mean that Bingley's sister should be asked." With a nod, Darcy strode purposefully toward the couch.

Noticing her host's approach Caroline looked up abruptly, a flush creeping across her cheeks, a pleased smile lifting her thin lips.

"Miss Bingley, your brother has often spoken of your skill as a musician. Would you be so good as to play for us?" Darcy asked graciously, offering his hand to help her from her seat.

Finally! I will be able to show him what an accomplished woman can bring to his home! "I would be honored, Mr. Darcy." She accepted his arm as he escorted her to the fine instrument on the other side of the room.

"Do play something lively for us Caroline!" Bingley admonished jovially. Not one of those dreadfully complicated pieces that everyone applauds and no one appreciates.

"In due time, Charles, in due time. I am sure Mr. Darcy has very fine tastes. I first wish to play a piece he is unlikely to have heard so far from London." Caroline kept her face neutral, but her eyes flashed with anger.

Mrs. Cooperton blushed for both the rebuke to Bingley and for Caroline's haughtiness. You will win no friends with that attitude, Miss Bingley. You are still a young woman. Let us hope you can change your ways before your plaster is set. If it is not already too late.

Darcy retreated to the fireplace once again, this time joined by Bradley.

"You have truly honored me this night, young master," the vicar spoke softly.

"I know you do not seek it, sir, but this is a night when the last should indeed be first." Darcy's dark eyes crinkled as he smiled, reminding his companion of the young boy he had once been. They turned their attention to the music once more.

"She plays a very intricate piece," Bradley observed.

"That is the fashion of London set right now," Darcy sighed. "Perhaps she will yet heed her brother's preference. She plays to please her own tastes, not those who listen."

Suddenly Edwards approached them, a concerned look on his face.

"What is it?" Bradley reached out to grab his friend's forearm as he recognized the degree of alarm in the widower's eyes.

"Have either of you seen Wickham since we left the dining room?" Edward's eyes scanned the drawing room.

Darcy felt his face grow pale and cold. "No, I have not. I confess I have not given him any thought since then. He has not taken my leave."

Bradley waved Cooperton over. "Did Wickham take your leave? Have you seen him at all since dinner."

"No." Cooperton's voice became strained.

"He must be found!" Darcy exclaimed, striding rapidly out of the drawing room, followed hastily by the three older men.

Caroline looked up from her instrument to see the men leaving. Though red-faced with shame, she continued to play. What abominable behavior! How dare they stomp out like that! I have never seen such rudeness! Do they not have appreciation for my music? She glanced at her brother, noting his concerned expression. At least he has the decency to be offended on my behalf! It seems his Mr. Darcy is not nearly the man I expected him to be.

The men paused in the hallway to regroup and consider their strategy.

"He knows this house well," Bradley stated. "He will waste no time in going after what he desires. You said he visited you this afternoon, Darcy. What did he want?"

"What he always wants," Darcy snapped. "Money. He always comes to me with an open hand and an equally empty wallet."

"You keep a strongbox in your study?" Cooperton wondered aloud. "Would he be headed there?"

"It is possible. I caught him perusing the papers on my desk while he was there unaccompanied." The young gentleman's thoughts went back to that scene, replaying it in his mind's eye.

"What papers was he looking at?" Edwards pressed uncomfortably, glancing at the staircase.

Darcy's brow knit with worry. "I'm not sure. The only one I could recognize from a distance was Father's old ledger book. I told my footman that Wickham was never again permitted in my study alone. I cannot think that Stevens or Davis would allow…"

"That ledger," Cooperton pressed softly, "what did it contain?"

"Records of the old accounts my father established," the young gentleman replied, puzzled. "There is no way for Wickham to access any of those accounts. What would be…" A painful realization dawned on his face. "It had record of my sister's dowry!"

Cooperton's frown grew deeper. "Your father made it a point to keep that value a secret to protect her from…"

"Wickham?" Darcy's tone was both incredulous and horrified. "Georgiana!" Without further word, he bolted for the stairs, the three older men hard on his heels.

In moments, he was at her bedroom, flinging the door open. The feminine room was lit only by the moonlight, neither candle nor fire burning. The curtains billowed softly in the spring breeze making its way through the open windows.

"Georgiana!" Darcy bellowed. His voice echoed off the walls. He saw no sign of her in the room. He dashed to the door leading to her sitting room. But that room too bore no sign of its occupant.A sound from the window drew his attention. Throwing the curtains open, he saw two figures in the garden below. Whirling, he burst through the knot of men behind him. "In the rose garden!"

Following close behind their host, the three older gentlemen pounded down the stairs. Stevens and Davis having heard the commotion were waiting at the foot of the stairs. Their master said nothing, but they fell into place at his side as he dashed past them to the door.