Master of Netherfield Read online

  Master of Netherfield

  A Variation on Pride and Prejudice

  By: Martin Hunnicutt

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. This novel uses British English spellings.

  Master of Netherfield

  Copyright 2020 by Martin Hunnicutt

  All rights reserved

  Synopsis

  When Fitzwilliam Darcy graduates from University, his father decides to establish his son in a household at a great distance from Pemberley to provide a home for his younger sister away from the family seat. Wishing to keep his mistress close as he recovers from a recent illness, George Darcy gifts his heir with an estate named Netherfield in Hertfordshire. The challenge of building up the distant estate will keep his son away and provide a safe home to his daughter.

  ‘Master William’ takes on the responsibilities for Netherfield and his young sister with the help of his nearest neighbours, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bennet while the five Bennet daughters adopt Georgiana as another sister. Several years later, when George Darcy becomes ill and dies, William becomes ‘Mr. Darcy’. As the new master takes control of the great estate of Pemberley with his sister at his side, Georgiana asks that they return to their ‘home’ and ‘family’ in Hertfordshire. When Darcy realizes he misses their home in Hertfordshire and one Bennet sister in particular, they return.

  Table of Contents

  Part 1: 1807

  Chapter 1 Netherfield’s New Master

  Chapter 2 Mr. Darcy’s Family

  Chapter 3 Mr. Bennet’s Family

  Chapter 4 A Call on the New Master of Netherfield

  Chapter 5 Dinner at Longbourn

  Chapter 6 Sherwood Forest

  Chapter 7 Elizabeth and Her Father

  Chapter 8 A Meeting in Netherfield Wood

  Chapter 9 Elizabeth in Mr. Bennet’s Library

  Chapter 10 Miss Darcy Arrives at Netherfield

  Chapter 11 Lady Catherine Visits Hertfordshire

  Chapter 12 Lady Catherine’s Horses Flounder

  Chapter 13 Dinner at Matlock House

  Chapter 14 Alterations for Christmas

  Chapter 15 Lady Catherine’s Horses

  Part 2: 1811

  Chapter 16 The Summons to Pemberley

  Chapter 17 George Darcy’s Legacy

  Chapter 18 George Wickham’s Resolution

  Chapter 19 Problems with Maids and Mrs. Murray

  Chapter 20 Brother and Sister Plan

  Chapter 21 Preparations for Visitors

  Chapter 22 Christmas in Derbyshire

  Part 3: 1812

  Chapter 23 Letters in March

  Chapter 24 Reunion in a Tea Shop

  Chapter 25 Gracechurch Street for Dinner

  Chapter 26 A Husband for Caroline

  Chapter 27 The Ball at Musgrove’s

  Chapter 28 Leaving London

  Chapter 29 Bingley in Hertfordshire

  Chapter 30 An Intrusion

  Chapter 31 Caroline’s Interview

  Chapter 32 An Accomplished Lady

  Chapter 33 Meryton Assembly

  Chapter 34 Beginnings

  Part 1: 1807

  Chapter 1

  Netherfield’s New Master

  George Darcy sat behind his desk and viewed the business correspondence spread across the shiny wooden surface. There were several piles he had avoided before today but his secretary insisted that they deal with these inquiries today. The weight of business matters across the whole of the Darcy holdings continued to grow more complicated, or he had aged and no longer wished to understand their intricacies. His secretary, Alfred Clemmons, retreated to the desk under a window to begin several letters that needed to be posted today.

  When the door opened, the master of Pemberley looked up as the butler, Mr. Jones, announced, “Master Fitzwilliam Darcy, sir.”

  George smiled as his tall son walked into the study, stopped just before reaching the edge of the desk, and bowed to his father.

  “I am glad to see you William!” George declared as Jones closed the study door. “How was your trip?”

  “Tedious for once,” the young man declared as he took a seat across the desk from his father. “With my studies complete, I looked forward to returning home to you and Georgiana.”

  Smiling broadly, George agreed, “I knew you were not the type to drag around the towns of England for a summer. Someday there will be peace in Europe and you can make your tour of the continent then.”

  “Yes sir,” William agreed.

  Mr. Darcy continued, “I worry you will find it hard to adjust to being ‘Master William’ once more with the tenants and servants instead of being called ‘Darcy’ by your acquaintance and professors at school.”

  The son tilted his head to the side, “I am not certain I understand the problem Father. I have always been ‘Master William’ here at Pemberley.”

  “But someday, you will be ‘Mr. Darcy’ – I shall be gone and you will be lord and master of the house.”

  “But the physicians say you are recovering! I pray that it is many years yet before that day comes! I wish to have my father still with me here at Pemberley.”

  “Yes, but when that day comes, I want you prepared,” George explained.

  “And working at your side – as I have for the last few years between quarters at school – I have begun my training.”

  “Begun and completed in my opinion,” George assured his son. “I want you to experience being in charge – the master of the house – not just the son of the master.”

  “I believe...”

  “Hear my news before you begin an argument,” George commanded and he was gratified to see his son fall silent.

  “In our position of great wealth and influence, it is hard for the son to come into his own while the father still lives. In many cases, the father must restrain the son’s youthful excesses with limits on allowances and strict lectures,” George explained. “I am the most fortunate of men to have a different problem – a son who is anxious to set about improving the estate – not just spending the income. I think you would do well with some distance from Pemberley.”

  “What is your direction, sir?” William asked carefully hiding his disappointment. He had hoped to build a stronger bond with his father and his sister here at the family estate.

  Nodding his head, George drew a deed from among the papers on his desk.

  “After careful consideration, I have purchased and deeded an estate to you. You will be master and solely responsible for the success or failure of this venture. It is a modest estate with an income presently of only three thousand per annum. With your diligence and effort, you may be able to increase that sum.”

  William’s face grew pensive with many questions unasked but first he asked simply, “Where is the estate, sir?”

  “It is in Hertfordshire, near a town called Meryton,” Mr. Darcy explained. “The estate is named Netherfield Park and it is only three hours from town. There is a steward already in place managing almost twenty tenant farms though it seems that two farms need new tenant families. The owner was looking to lease but my solicitors made him an offer that was attractive. The easy distance from London will make it possible for you to oversee much of our other business interests without drawing the attention of the ton.”

  William nodded his head in understanding but said nothing.

  “The solicitors will be here this afternoon to sign the papers and thereafter, you will be master of Netherfield. I shall give you three thousand pounds for livestock, seed and supplies to pay labourers and attract the tenants you need. The fields will all be planted by now and you shall have the entire summer to get y
our hands into the dirt.”

  “I shall learn first-hand how to manage new tenants,” William said. “We never lose tenants here at Pemberley.”

  George nodded. “Now tell me of my godson. How has George performed this quarter at University?”

  Now William’s face turned into the frozen mask his father hated to see. “George’s professors should write to you sir. I do not care to report on...”

  “His indiscretions and peccadilloes?” asked George. He shook his head and teased, “How did I father such a Quaker?”

  “I am not without fire sir,” William explained quickly to his father’s satisfaction. “As a gentleman, I do not leave harm or ruined lives in my wake. What you refer to as Wickham’s peccadilloes, others call dissipation and ruin.”

  George waved off his son’s objections. “He is a young man with an education. I shall speak to him and once he takes orders, he shall be invested as rector for Kympton.”

  William spoke more harshly than his original intention when he replied, “Sir, I must speak plainly – George Wickham should never be granted such a living. He is not suited to serve the church; he will prey on the defenceless women in his parish and bring trouble among our tenants there.”

  “What would you suggest?” his father asked seriously

  “Purchase a commission for him or set him up as the owner of a tavern in town,” William told his father.

  “And waste his education? I do not think so...”

  **++**

  Chapter 2

  Mr. Darcy’s Family

  In the afternoon William ventured to the nursery to take tea with his sister who was almost ten years to his two and twenty. With her grown brother present, the child pretended to be hostess and Nanny Brice allowed her charge to pour the tea and serve her brother biscuits but the woman cut and served the cake herself before leaving the siblings in the bright afternoon parlour.

  “William, shall we drive into Lambton tomorrow?” asked his sister.

  “Lambton?” he asked. “Have you seen a doll in Barnes Mercantile that must join your choir?”

  His sister grinned, her eyes growing wide as she described the doll that had caught her eye. “She is a lovely dark-haired lady in green muslin with a smart bonnet and satin dancing slippers. She would be quite at home with my other dollies, brother.”

  “I have heard good things from Nanny Brice regarding your lessons and music.” He pretended to be in deep thought for a moment as his sister waited.

  “If you play or read for me tonight, then we shall make a trip to Lambton tomorrow at noon to see if the lady can be persuaded to join your family of dolls.”

  Clapping her hands with glee, Georgiana’s smile reminded William of his mother at the few happy moments in their lives in the great house.

  **++**

  Leaving Georgiana and returning to his chambers, William found his valet unpacking his trunks.

  “Shall we venture to the tailor in Lambton sir?” Harris asked.

  Darcy stood at the window for a long minute, staring at the lawn clipped by sheep and the distant wood lots before answering.

  “We shall not be in Derbyshire many days, Harris. My father has gifted me with an estate in Hertfordshire where I shall make my home for the next few years.”

  He turned to the servant and asked, “Before I make any further plans, would you be so good as to take the measure of the servant’s gossip below stairs for me?”

  “Certainly sir,” the valet replied. “Once we are resident at the new estate, I shall inquire about a local tailor. In Hertfordshire, we shall be close to London…”

  “Yes, we shall be close to town and we shall procure clothing from the appropriate tailors and shops in town.”

  “Excellent, sir! You will cut a fine figure among the ton!”

  “I shall spend my time on the estate Harris, not attending balls or dinners in town,” William replied. “Except when my father requires my presence at the house in London, I shall work the estate.”

  “Very good sir,” Harris replied continuing with his unpacking though he would not have the trunks moved to the attics.

  **++**

  The next morning as William left his father’s study to take Georgiana into Lambton for their shopping expedition, he encountered George Wickham entering the front door of Pemberley. The son bowed politely to his father’s guest but his face was stiff and cold.

  “Fitzwilliam, it is pleasant to see you once more,” the visitor called, knowing the only persons who called the man ‘Fitzwilliam’ were his snobbish noble relatives.

  Nodding his head, William returned the greeting, “Wickham, I hope your travels have been uneventful.”

  George smirked, knowing William would abhor the parties he had attended following the end of the term when he travelled to town with other graduates. He spent two weeks at the different clubs on the tab of various sons with rich fathers, but all good things come to an end and because he was short of funds, he came to visit his sister in Lambton for a few days of free food and lodging. During such visits, George always called on Mr. Darcy who would slip him a full purse at the end of his visit.

  “What duties has your father assigned to you, Darcy?” Wickham asked. “Or shall I call you ‘Master William’ again?”

  “I shall manage an estate,” Darcy replied, not wanting to share more information. George pretended interest for a moment but then grinned – Darcy knew him too well to dissemble.

  “And what are your plans?” Darcy asked.

  “I shall follow your father’s wishes and take orders. The village of Kympton will be my parish.”

  “You are not suited for a life as a clergyman, George. You know this! And I am certain Father could help you with any number of livings that would be more satisfying to your nature.”

  “My patron guides my hand ‘Master William’. Make your case to him,” George said dismissing his former friend’s suggestion.

  “I shall hope for the best,” William concluded as he decided to remain informed of all of George Wickham’s future ventures through his father’s secretary.

  **++**

  Continuing through the house, William found his sister waiting in the nursery, dressed in one of her best dresses, with a bonnet and a shawl as though she were going to London, but rather than being excited, Georgiana appeared almost subdued.

  Once they were in the carriage, William pulled her onto his lap and asked, “Georgie, what is the matter? Yesterday you were so pleased at this excursion into Lambton. Has Nanny Brice scolded you this morning for some reason?”

  “No brother,” the child replied. “My maid told me this morning that you will leave Pemberley again in just days.”

  She looked up at her brother and her words rushed out with a few tears, “I miss you so much when you are gone. You just returned home and now you are leaving for a new home far, far away and I shall never see you again.”

  Darcy embraced his sister tightly, dried her tears and assured her, “I shall see you again and very soon too. Father will establish me with an estate of my own in the south, near London. I leave in just a few days to take possession and begin to set it to rights. In a few weeks, I shall send for you and you will come to stay with me whole of the summer and fall.”

  “Yes! Oh yes, William! I should like that very much!”

  “Shall we talk to Father tonight and make all the arrangements?”

  **++**

  Lambton was but a few miles from the great house and the road to the town cut through Darcy farmlands and woods. The entire village was surrounded by Darcy lands and the folk all earned their livings from some connection to the estate; farming, timber, service, portage or livestock. William and Georgiana were known to everyone and they received bows from every man and boy, and curtseys from every woman and girl.

  When their carriage stopped in front of Barnes Mercantile, the footman opened the door and William helped his sister to descend to the cobblestone street and offered her his arm
as though she were grown and escorted her inside the shop.

  Mrs. Barnes, wife of the proprietor of the store, smiled as two of her favourite customers came into her husband’s establishment. The clerk went into the back room to inform Mr. Barnes of their visitor while Mrs. Barnes approached the future master of Pemberley and his sister.

  “Good day Master William,” Mrs. Barnes greeted the gentleman. She curtsey to both and turned to the sister saying, “It is good to see you Miss Darcy. I hope you are well.”

  “I am very well, thank you,” Georgiana replied in a timid voice.

  But Mrs. Barnes knew the child’s shyness and her voice remained gentle as she asked, “How can I be of assistance today?”

  Glancing at her brother for confirmation, Georgiana smiled. “May I see your dolls, Mrs. Barnes?”

  “Why certainly Miss,” the lady replied. “Step this way please.”

  William watched his sister and the woman slip around the tables and counters toward the shelf where toys were displayed. He turned his attention to the shop; it was well supplied with cloth, leather goods, jars, pots, rugs, spices. As a child, he had come to this shop to purchase presents for his mother and father for their birthdays and cherished his memories of those adventures. As he surveyed the shop, he saw Mr. Barnes appear from the back with the clerk in tow. The young man, their son he imaged for he looked like his father in every detail, returned to his desk and the proprietor approached.

  “Master William, we are glad to see you back at Pemberley, sir.”

  “Thank you, Barnes, it is good to be home.”

  “How may we assist you today?”

  William glanced toward his sister and said, “I believe there is a doll that my sister must add to her collection.”

  “Very good sir,” Barnes said. “And I have some very good port from Portugal. Wellington and his men have driven the French out and trade with the faraway kingdom has begun again.”

  “Thank you but not today. I should like a bottle of ink, however. There are a great many letters that I must write and I shall empty my inkwell for certain.”