Lizzy: A Mr Darcy Mystery by Beth Massey

Author:Beth Massey
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Mystery, Not in Amazon Library, To Transfer, Alternate Universe, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Published: 2021-08-24T22:00:00+00:00

Darcy’s note to arrange a meeting with Lord Templeton was answered within an hour of its delivery. The appointment had been set for the following evening at nine.

It was within a short distance of his house, so he opted to walk. A footman in elaborate livery showed him to the study. He tried to remember whether the man he was to interview had been interested in learning during their Cambridge years. He thought he recalled a discussion about the French Revolution where the newly minted earl had impressed him as more knowledgeable than most. His lordship entered the room and his guest attempted a mental sketch worthy of the twins. Physically, he was very different from either the Fitzwilliams or the Darcys. He was barely average height and his colouring was what was to be expected for someone with ginger hair… a bit like Bingley, but no one would ever say Lord Templeton was feckless.

He was not offered French brandy, but Port and some delicious cheese. He wondered whether either had been smuggled. “Hope you are well, my lord. I have not seen you for more than a year.”

“Our mutual friend, George Wickham, spoke of you shortly before he joined the militia.”

“Did you help him become a lieutenant?”

“Perhaps.”

“I have heard he is accumulating more than a bit of debt, yet again.”

“Yes Darcy, he is a creature of habit. He is best at losing at games of chance and attempting to elope with a naïve miss in possession of some fortune.”

Darcy calmed himself with a bite of cheese and a sip of port before he spoke again. “Have you seen my cousin, Viscount Thornbridge recently?”

“Yes, we were together for a few days at Lord Fairfax’s house party in West Sussex. I believe Clarence left early to meet his father in Bath.”

“Was Lord Fairfax’s estate near Guildford? I am not well acquainted with him.” He fortified himself with another sip of wine. “I saw my cousin, the Viscountess and my aunt and uncle in Bath. We had a pleasant dinner.”

“Alas, I have not been blessed with much living family. Remembrance and portraits of those who went before are all I have to inspire and comfort me.”

“You must be in need of a wife?”

His lordship laughed. “Are you here to offer me you sister?”

Darcy was totally unprepared for his words. His mind struggled to reply appropriately. “Oh no, she is a naïve young thing who must be kept from those who need to marry a fortune. You are hardly such a person. Next year during her Season she will meet someone appropriate. My family will be working hard to ensure her success.”

“So true, so true! I love interacting with as you say ‘naïve young things’ during their Season, but marriage is something very different. It is not about enjoyment but familial duty. I am certain you know what I mean. I am looking for a duke’s daughter like your cousin. She must be pleasing enough to periodically entice, fertile enough to produce an heir and a reserve, and not given to complaining about my having a mistress.

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