The Heir and Spare (Jane Austen Adaptations)

17. Arthur Darcy

Chapter 17

Arthur Darcy

A rthur Darcy’s carriage was nearly home in Derbyshire when he was met with a rider, carrying a note from his brother. He read the news of Wickham’s debts and things in town with great interest. And then he was even more pleased to see his brother exerting himself in every possible way to bring justice to the man who had caused so much pain, had hurt so many. Fitz was on a crusade of sorts and would not stop until the man was deported. Which was fine with Arthur. Their father, even as deceived as he’d been by Wickham, at this point in their evidence against him would have gladly had him shipped abroad. Arthur pitied the Australians. No one deserved such a man. He could be quite charming. That was the problem, rewarding good behavior with marked attention, physical rewards, compliments, and time. All of which was withdrawn as soon as one did not meet expectations or no longer proved to be of use. A person could get quite addicted to Wickham and his charm, working harder and harder for the praise, the love, the attention. But no longer. Not in England, at any rate. Arthur was proud of Fitz. Perhaps the man was at last growing up and taking responsibility for his actions, his life, and with any luck, his estate.

Then he approached the end of the letter where Fitz wrote, “I don’t think I will be making my way to Rosings at any rate. I’ll send my regrets to our aunt. I feel an urgency to return to Pemberley. Suddenly, brother, I feel as though I should meet at least some of the expectations you all have of me. And from there, I can do more to ensure Wickham’s swift departure.”

Arthur could only be pleased with this news. But it created a large inconvenience for himself. Because as was typical of his brother, he did not consider that if Fitz didn’t go to Rosings, Arthur would have to. There were papers that needed to be signed And meetings with their aunt’s steward. There was a chance he and Fitz could stand to inherit the whole of it, but that depended completely upon a distant cousin producing an heir. And Darcy did not want to think about other people’s lives in such a way. He was content with what he had been given to manage. If Rosings fell to him and his brother, he would naturally work to maintain it as well, but it would increase his responsibilities tenfold.

Whatever happened in the future, he and his brother were some of the few remaining male relatives in Lady Catherine’s life, and although she didn’t seem to need any protection, he felt bound to answer her summons and provide assistance where he or his brother could. So since Fitz was returning home to Pemberley, Arthur would need to make his way to Rosings.

Suddenly he was tired. The promise of his soft bed and excellent chef were calling to him. He would hurry home for a moment, refresh his belongings, and then be off to Rosings in the next few days. But oh, how he longed to linger in his home.

He rapped on the ceiling and the carriage began to move again. Just for a few days he would rest. Just a few.