An Unexpected Legacy Read online

  “No, indeed” said Mrs. Gardiner, “we were dry and cozy in our carriage and even in the rain, we enjoyed looking at the magnificent residences in this part of town. It is very beautiful here, and we can certainly see why you would like to have a residence here. Thank you for inviting us.”

  “To tell the truth,” said Lord Monttard, “the house is too big for us, but, I considered the house to be a very good investment, and, as you say, the area is beautiful. We love having the park so near to us. It is a wonderful place to walk and watch people.”

  “I echo my wife’s thoughts,” said Mr. Gardiner, and producing a bottle, he handed it to Lord Monttard. “And in appreciation for the invitation, I thought that you might enjoy this French port I happened to have in my wine vault.”

  “Aha,” exclaimed Lord Monttard, with a huge smile. “I see my plan worked. I was sure you would show up with some sort of French wine for us. That was the real reason I wanted you to visit us.” He then shook Mr. Gardiner’s hand, accepted the bottle of port, and continued, “I am joking, of course, but believe me the gift is greatly appreciated, and I hope you and I can sample this later in the afternoon.”

  Lord and Lady Monttard led their visitors up the central staircase to the family sitting room on the first floor where they preferred to meet with visitors when there were few of them. Elizabeth was extremely impressed with the understated but elegant decor of that part of the house she had seen and particularly the sitting room. It was clear Lord and Lady Monttard did not like to flaunt their wealth.

  Shortly after they arrived in the room, a serving girl brought in a tray with tea, small sandwiches, and small cakes, and the group engaged in small talk while they partook of the refreshments.

  “Lord Monttard and I are great walkers,” said Lady Monttard, as they finished the sandwiches and cakes. “We had hoped we might be able to take a short walk in Hyde Park. It is so beautiful this time of year. But I fear the rain will prevent us from doing that. Would you be interested in a tour of the house? We have managed to collect some beautiful art work over the years which we always like to share with our guests.”

  “Thank you, we were hoping you would ask,” responded Mrs. Gardiner. “We have not had the privilege of being in one of these houses before and would love to see it.” Turning to her husband, she asked him, “Are you interested in seeing the house, Mr. Gardiner, or are you anxious to speak with Lord Monttard?”

  “As much as I would like to see the house, I am sure the description you and Elizabeth can provide will suffice. Lord Monttard, would you mind a private conversation and perhaps a taste of the port while the ladies are gone?”

  “I heartily agree,” responded Lord Monttard. “I am looking forward to the port, to finding out more about your wine vault, and to discussing the relationship that exists between your company and mine. As I told your wife and niece, I no longer take a very active part in the day-to-day operations of the company, but I still approve all major transactions and am always looking for new opportunities. Why do we not retire to my library?”

  When Lord Monttard and Mr. Gardner arrived at the library, the first order of business was to open the port. It was an excellent port, vintage 1793, which Lord Monttard knew would be quite expensive to buy. Guessing that Mr. Gardner’s income was probably not more than 2-3000 pounds a year, he appreciated the sacrifice that Mr. Gardner had made when choosing the port for him.

  “Well, Mr. Gardiner,” asked Lord Monttard, “what would you like to discuss first? I am anxious to ask you about getting on your wine list. And I suspect there are topics we can discuss related to doing more business together. May I assume you brought some materials to support whatever suggestions you wish to make?”

  Mr. Gardiner laughed. Although nothing had been said, it was clear that Lord Monttard had expected Mr. Gardner to come with some proposals about how they might do more business together. And, being sure that Lord Monttard was an astute businessman, he suspected Lord Monttard had done some research in the days since the invitation and might had some suggestions of his own. He decided that first on the order of business should be a discussion of his wine list. “My Lord, I would gladly put you on my wine list, however, I am sure you are aware that my wine reserves have been sadly depleted in the four years that have elapsed since we started hostilities with France again. Although I must admit I am able to get some wines smuggled in occasionally, the supply never comes close to meeting the demand. That being said, if we find a way to expand our relationship, I am sure you will move to the front of my list.” He laughed and continued, “This, of course, is a shameless bribe, but we do what we must.”

  Lord Monttard also laughed and said, “And a very good bribe it is. So to what proposal is this bribe related?”

  For the next half an hour the men discussed past relationships between the Gardiner and Dumont firms and how both of their businesses might be enhanced by a closer relationship between the two firms. Although Lord Monttard had done some research into how often Dumont shipping lines had carried Gardiner goods, it was not until Mr. Gardner showed him the transactions summary for the last five years that he understood how much business they had done together. Both men had some suggestions on how they might do more business together and agreed to meet the following week at Mr. Gardiner’s office to discuss some of these ideas.

  While the men were having their discussion, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner greatly enjoyed the house tour provided by Lady Monttard. It truly was an impressive house, very tastefully decorated, and filled with artworks and artifacts from around the world. Dumont Shipping Line had been in existence for several generations of Dumonts, and their ships had literally been to ports all over the world. Captains of Dumont vessels knew of their owners’ fascination with native artworks and were always on the lookout for artifacts they thought Lord and Lady Monttard would like. The house was filled with the artifacts the Dumont family had collected over the years, so to Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner, the house was literally a museum of art from around the world. Elizabeth thought it would take her months to truly investigate all of the artifacts in the house.

  When they had completed the tour, Lady Monttard knocked on the library door and invited the men back into the salon for another cup of tea. After the tea was served, Lady Monttard asked Elizabeth, “Miss Bennet, I know your aunt said you only stayed with them one or two months out of the year. Where do you spend the rest of the year?”

  “Our estate, Longbourn, is in Hertfordshire near a town called Meryton. I live there with my father and mother and four sisters. And please, may I ask that you call me Miss Elizabeth. I have an older sister who is Miss Bennet and I always feel better if acquaintances call me Miss Elizabeth.”

  “It will be our pleasure, Miss Elizabeth. But my goodness! Four sisters and no brothers. A household with six women. That must be a real trial for your father,” laughed Lord Monttard. “But Meryton sounds familiar to me. Is there an estate near there called Netherfield Park?”

  “Why, yes! It is the estate that adjoins ours. May I ask how you know of it?”

  “We have friends that once owned Netherfield Park. You probably remember Adm. and Mrs. Blythe. I believe they lived there until 1804.”

  “We certainly do know them. They were close friends and we often visited with them. They had a son, Paul, who was, I believe, a commander in the Navy and who would visit them occasionally. I remember having a schoolgirl crush on him. I believe my father still corresponds with Adm. Blythe, but as I recall, Mrs. Blythe died a couple of years ago.”

  “I am sorry to hear that she died. We lost contact with them several years ago and wondered what had happened to them. Did they live at Netherfield Park when you were born?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, I was born at Netherfield Park. There had been a fire at Longbourn when my mother was in her seventh month with me and our house was unlivable for a few months. Adm. Blythe and his wife were good enough to take us in for a couple of months, and during that time I w
as born there.”

  “And may I ask when that was?”

  “My date of birth was March 4th, 1787.” Elizabeth gave a little laugh,” I always like to think that my birthday is the command by which I live.”

  Lord Monttard stared at Lady Monttard for a moment, with what Elizabeth thought was a strange expression, and then Lady Monttard said, “That is a very Interesting date. Certainly from what we have seen of you, you seem to be doing just that. But I am surprised that a young woman of your beauty and talents is not married, or at least engaged, by now.”

  Elizabeth blushed a little in response to Lady Monttard’s last remark, and admitted, “Oh, I have had some opportunities, but, quite frankly, I am afraid I am not considered very marriageable material to most of the young men I meet.”

  “That is hard to imagine. You are certainly attractive and witty, a good conversationalist. And I am sure you have many talents.”

  “But there are hurdles that must be overcome that discourage most men. I fear that a marriage of convenience is not for me. If I marry, there must be mutual respect and love, for which my aunt and uncle have given me an excellent example, and I want my husband to challenge me and be willing to be challenged by me. Unfortunately, most of the eligible men I have met seem to be put off by my...” She paused for a moment, as if looking for the right word, and finally added, “breadth of knowledge and intelligence.”

  “Oh my,” exclaimed Lady Monttard. “I can understand why you would have a problem in this society that we live in today. And how do your parents feel about your desires?”

  “I believe it is safe to say my father accepts it, my mother is extremely disappointed with me, and my aunt and uncle, who are my second father and mother, are very concerned about my future.” Looking at her aunt and uncle, she smiled and asked them, “Is that not true?”

  “Indeed it is,” replied Mr. Gardiner, and turning to look at Lord and Lady Monttard, he said, “I believe the whole family knows Elizabeth is our favorite niece and that we consider her as almost our own daughter. We definitely worry about her, but we have confidence that she will find a way that suits her best.”

  “My Lady,” interjected Mrs. Gardiner. “As I recall, when you were at our shop, you said that you had a daughter who was a nun in Italy. Has she been a nun for a long?”

  “Our daughter took her vows in 1788. She was always very devout and was never interested in being married. A life of service to our Lord appealed to her greatly. We were opposed to it at first, but eventually came to realize that it was the best path for her. We believe she is very happy in her chosen life.”

  “And may I ask do you have any other children?”

  “Unfortunately we have no other living children. We had a son who was seven years younger than his sister and who was set to become the sixth generation of Dumonts to run the Dumont Shipping Line.” She then took her husband’s hand in hers, as if needing his support, and then continued, “Unfortunately, several years ago he was lost at sea on one of our own ships, so it looks like my husband may be the last generation of Dumonts to run the Dumont Shipping Line.”

  After expressing their sorrow over this news, the Gardiners and Elizabeth did not know what to say that would not make the situation even more awkward. About that time the mantel clock tolled the hour of 5 o’clock and Mr. Gardiner said, “I am afraid your clock has reminded us it is time for our departure. I think I speak for all of us when I say we have greatly enjoyed our visit and hope we will have the privilege of having you visit our home sometime in the near future.”

  “We look forward to it,” said Lady Monttard. “But now I have an unusual request for you. I would ask your permission, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, and your willingness, Miss Bennet, to have you visit with me for a whole day on either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. My husband is going to be at the Admiralty both those days discussing ways our shipping line can help in the current military activities against France, and I would love to take the opportunity to get to know you better, Miss Elizabeth. Talking with you today has made me realize how much I miss the occasional interaction with young women, and you are one of the most interesting young women I have ever met. Besides that, since I know you are fluent in French, it will give me an opportunity to speak French all day with someone besides my husband. What I propose is that I pick you up in our carriage sometime around 10 o’clock in the morning, take you shopping and out to lunch, and then return here where we could take a turn in the park if the weather is agreeable and just generally discuss the society we live in. What do you think?”

  Turning to her aunt and uncle, Elizabeth said, “Do you mind? I would love to do it, and I think Tuesday would be the best day. I know you wanted me to work in your office a few days next week, Uncle Edward, but I am sure I can do everything you want me to do on Wednesday and Thursday. May I have your permission?”

  “Of course,” answered Mrs. Gardiner. “I am sure it would be a wonderful opportunity for you, and I know you would enjoy it.” Turning to Lady Monttard she continued, “Then it is settled. We will see you around 10 o’clock on Tuesday Lady Monttard, and I hope you will stop in for a while for some tea.”

  With Lady Monttard’s agreement, everyone said their goodbyes, and the Gardiners and Elizabeth departed for Gracechurch Street.

  On the way home the Gardiners and Elizabeth discussed their visit with Lord and Lady Monttard, and Elizabeth expressed to the Gardiners the sentiment that for some reason she felt a very close connection to the Lord and Lady Monttard and was looking forward to spending time with Lady Monttard and learning more about her, her husband, and her family.

  “Also, I noticed something interesting in her statement about her son. She said that her husband may be the last Dumont to run the Dumont shipping line. If her son is dead and her daughter is a nun, and therefore presumably will not have any children, why would she say “may” rather than “will?” I thought she said they had no other living relatives, but I must be wrong. Maybe it is something I can ask her about next Tuesday.”

  “That is interesting,” said Mr. Gardiner. “I missed that subtle difference. It will be interesting to see if you can find out anything about it.”

  Chapter 3: Darcy’s Dilemma

  Darcy was sitting in his library at Darcy House staring dejectedly at the roaring fire. Even though it was early-May, it was quite cold outside and the warmth of the fire felt good, but he did not feel good. No matter how he tried, he could not get Elizabeth Bennet out of his mind. For the past few weeks he had continually replayed over and over in his mind his disastrous proposal to Elizabeth. He could not think of her as Miss Bennet, or even Miss Elizabeth. She was and always would be Elizabeth to him, and he was having a hard time determining how he was going to live without her. The more he thought about it, the more dejected he became, and for the first time in his life he had no idea what to do.

  He wondered what she was doing now, and if she had read his letter. If she had read it, had it changed her opinion of him? He was still slightly angry she had believed Wickham’s stories about him, but he could understand how, if she had been predisposed to dislike him, Wickham’s smooth delivery and amiable manner could draw her in. He hoped that at least his exposure of Wickham’s character in the letter had convinced her of that man’s unworthiness. But there was little he could do about his castigation of her family’s character and his admission that he had helped convince Bingley to leave Netherfield and stop wooing Elizabeth’s sister, Jane. And he could only think with abhorrence of how he had started his proposal by telling her all the reasons he should not make her an offer. How could he have been so stupid?

  As he was considering all this, there was a knock on his door and without waiting for him to answer, his cousin, Col. Richard Fitzwilliam, entered the room.

  “Richard, what are you doing here? I thought you were preparing to ship out to France again.”

  “And I thought I would be, but the situation changed. My general decided to have mercy on
my battalion, since we have seen so much action in the last couple of years, and has decided to leave us on home duty for a few more months. In fact, I have been temporarily relieved of command and for the next few months I will be working in the War Office, helping with logistical planning. I have a sneaking suspicion my illustrious father pulled some strings and made it happen. I know he and my mother have been very upset with the close calls I have had the last several months before I returned in February. And even I must admit that I am relieved. I was beginning to think my luck would eventually run out.”

  “That is wonderful news, cousin. I have enough things to worry about, and constantly worrying about not only my sister, but also my favorite cousin, was not something I enjoyed.”

  “Speaking of things that you have to worry about, are you finally going to tell me why you were so morose all the way back from Rosings? I am used to your taciturn nature, but that trip back from Kent was painful, you were so silent and introspective. You were not willing to share your feelings with me then, but can you share them with me now?”

  “I am actually glad you are here” admitted Darcy. “ I have discovered that I have a problem with which I really do need help, and since you are like a brother to me, you are the only one with whom I feel comfortable talking about it. So are you ready for a long night?”

  “Well, if it is going to be a long night, I will undoubtedly need some of your excellent port to bolster me. And then you can have at me all you want.”

  Darcy rang for the butler and told him to bring them a bottle of port. After the butler departed the room to get the port, Darcy stood and started pacing. Finally he said, “The one and only time in my life that I proposed to a woman, I was refused. And not just refused, I was told I was the last man on earth she wished to marry. I, Fitzwilliam Darcy, who I am told am one of the most eligible bachelors in England, was refused by a young lady whose position in society is decidedly below mine. And I am devastated. I was so sure she would accept me, and I had already planned what our life would be like, and now I do not know what to do. She is the only woman I have ever met whom I thought I could love and who would be a fit companion for me.”