Page 71 of Roses from Pemberley
Now it was Darcy’s turn to ignore the question. “My reason for seeking them out is none of your business. And if you cannot help me I shall find someone who can.”
He made to depart but was stayed by Mrs. Younge. “What shall you give me for it?”
Darcy thought about it. He really did need the information and needed it quickly. But he also knew that Mrs. Younge was in want of money.
“Five pounds,” he answered deliberately.
“Five pounds! Why, that is a pittance compared to all your wealth. I would likefiftypounds.”
Darcy shrugged nonchalantly. “I can find him myself, you know; and shall soon not even require your assistance. So you had better take the money while you still can.”
“Ten pounds, then,” responded Mrs. Young, now looking uncertain. “It is the least you can do after taking away my livelihood.”
He looked scathingly at her and replied, “And did you really expect me to keep you on, or give you references, after youcolluded with Wickham to seduce my sister? Do you take me for a fool?”
Mrs. Younge stepped back, apparently not prepared to meet with such hostility. “Please, Mr. Darcy, I have fallen on hard times as you can see. I am not asking for too much. Just ten pounds, that is all. And you will be able to find George and that little hussy he’s taken up with.”
Darcy took a deep breath and exhaled. “Very well - ten pounds. But only after you tell me where they are. And, if you lie about it, I shall return and see that your boarding house gets closed down. My uncle is an earl, you know, and has much influence.”
Mrs. Younge nodded. “This is not a lie, sir, for you will surely find them at this location. Honestly, I am tired of George’s antics - despite the fact that he is a handsome devil. And I will be happy never to lay eyes on him again.”
She gave him an address only a few blocks away and a few streets over. Darcy handed her the ten pounds then left the room without a backwards glance. Outside, he gave his coachman the address, and the carriage drove off once more.
“So, was she helpful?” asked Richard.
Darcy nodded. “Wickham and Lydia are together at a boarding house only a few blocks away. We are going there now.”
“Thank God,” said Mr. Gardiner He looked gratefully at Darcy. “I probably would not have found her at all if left to my own devices. Our family is in your debt.”
“Truly Mr. Gardiner, there is no need to thank me, for we shall soon be family.”
For a while Gardiner only looked at him thoughtfully. But eventually he gave Darcy a brief smile, then nodded.
They arrived at a boarding house even smaller than Mrs. Younge’s and began to confer within the carriage.
“Let me deal with Wickham, Darcy,” said Richard. “You know he is more afraid of me.”
“True, but who shall negotiate the money?”
“I shall, of course,” said Mr. Gardiner, “for Lydia is my niece.”
“But she will soon be my sister,” said Darcy, “and Wickham grew up at Pemberley. It seems that I have more of a responsibility than you…with all due respect.”
“Listen Darcy,” said Richard, “Mr. Gardiner has a point, for Miss Lydia is his niece and she will want a family member to be there for her. But you on the other hand are prone to be too generous with the cad.”
“How much have you had to pay him over the years?” inquired Mr. Gardiner.
Darcy did not speak but Richard said, “Darcy has spent thousands of dollars covering his debts over the years.”
“That much!”
“He is a lazy and worthless bastard. What can I say?”
Gardiner turned to Darcy. “Perhaps youhavebeen rather generous with him, Mr. Darcy. However, for tonight, I believe it would be best if he were not to expect such generosity.”
“But Elizabeth is depending on me.”
“I know, Cousin,” intervened Richard, “but she also does not wish for you to spend your money needlessly.”
