New Beginnings Read online

  New Beginnings

  Book One: Wickham’s Revenge

  Lily Bernard

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  Text Copyright 2018

  By Lily Bernard

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions, thereof, in any format whatsoever. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and respectfully. Several phrases in this novel are paraphrased from the writings of Jane Austen.

  Created with Vellum

  For Jane Austen, whose words continue to inspire, inform and enlighten

  To my family, thank you for your love and support

  Chapter 1

  1811

  As he rode up the drive approaching the manor house, the lone horseman paused for a moment to admire the beautiful estate before him. He had not been back to his old home for several years and the house seemed to glisten in the late afternoon light. Although the grounds were covered in snow and most of the trees were bare, he knew he would never see any place more beautiful than Pemberley.

  George Wickham had returned to Derbyshire to speak to his childhood friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy. They had been the best of friends while growing up together at Pemberley. They began to grow apart when they argued about Wickham’s behavior when they were students at Cambridge. Darcy ended their relationship over a year ago when they argued about the living at Kympton. Wickham was confident that his old friend would remember their many years of companionship and lend him the money he needed to start a new life in the Americas.

  Wickham rode to the stables, left his horse with one of the stable hands and carried his travel bag to the kitchen door. As he entered, the smell of food cooking made his mouth water and his stomach growl. It was then that he remembered he had not eaten anything that day. Wickham recognized many of the servants seated around the large kitchen table drinking tea. He was happy to see that Mrs. Covington was still the cook. “Good day to you, Mrs. C. Everything smells delicious as usual.”

  Mrs. Covington looked up from the pot she was stirring. “Well, look who is here. Young George Wickham is back at Pemberley. We have not seen you here for a very long time.”

  “I came back to visit the Darcys and thought I would stop in here and refresh myself before I visit my old friends.”

  “I fear you have wasted your time, young George, the master and Miss Georgiana are away from Pemberley.”

  A sudden chill ran down Wickham’s back. He was certain that Darcy would be at Pemberley at this time of year and Darcy was his last hope of financing his escape from England. Wickham had no one else to turn to and he was completely out of ideas. He tried to sound casual, “where are Darcy and Miss Georgiana off to in the dead of winter?”

  “I fear I know not. Perhaps Mrs. Reynolds can tell you.”

  “Did I just hear my name?” Mrs. Reynolds, Pemberley’s longtime housekeeper, asked as she entered the kitchen. Her eyes quickly scanned the room and she saw George Wickham standing near Mrs. Covington. “Hello, George, what brings you back to Pemberley?”

  “I came to speak to Darcy, but Mrs. C. tells me that he is away from home. I am sure you know where he is.”

  “Yes, I know where Mr. Darcy is, but I cannot tell you.” Mrs. Reynolds sighed, “You may join us for dinner and since it is already getting dark, I will find you a room for the night.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds, I am grateful for your kindness.”

  “Your thanks are not necessary. I will see to a room being prepared for you and Mrs. Covington will give you something to eat when dinner is ready. You should plan to leave Pemberley after breakfast tomorrow. I will send someone to show you where you can sleep tonight.” Mrs. Reynolds emphasized the last word to make it clear to Wickham that his welcome to Pemberley was not to exceed one moment past the next morning’s meal.

  A short time later, a lovely young housemaid with red hair and a sprinkling of freckles across her nose entered the kitchen and caught Wickham’s eye. “Pardon me, sir. I will show you to your room now. If you will please follow me.” The young maid bobbed a curtsey while blushing at the handsome young man standing before her. Wickham picked up his bag and followed the lovely young woman.

  “And who might you be? I cannot recall ever seeing anyone as lovely as you at Pemberley before,” said Wickham as the blushing young maid led him out of the kitchen.

  “My name is Nora Kelly, sir. I have been at Pemberley for almost a year. Mr. Darcy is a very good master and I am lucky to be in service here.”

  Hearing Darcy praised reminded Wickham of his desperate need to meet with the master of Pemberley. “Lead on, Nora. Although I grew up in this house, I do not know where Mrs. Reynolds has decided to put me for tonight.”

  “Right this way, sir.” Nora led Wickham through the extensive servants’ quarters. Wickham knew Mrs. Reynolds would never allow him to sleep above stairs in the guest wing, he would always be the steward’s son.

  “Miss Nora, are you from Lambton?”

  “My people are from Matlock sir, although my father came over from Ireland.”

  “Matlock? Are you familiar with Lord and Lady Matlock and Matlock Manor?”

  “Indeed, I am. My two older sisters are in service at the Manor. His Lordship is very good to all the local residents.”

  “I am sure he is,” Wickham growled under his breath. He had known Lord and Lady Matlock and their two sons while growing up at Pemberley. As the steward’s son, they always treated him as though he was beneath their notice. When they were all boys, he was occasionally allowed to play with Darcy when his cousins were visiting. When it was time for dinner, they were served in the dining room and he ate with the rest of the staff in the kitchen.

  Nora Kelly led Wickham down the hallway and stopped in front of the open door of an unused room. “It is better than sleeping out in the cold,” Wickham thought to himself.

  “Nora, if I needed to extend my stay at Pemberley or in the nearby area, do you know where I might find lodging? My funds are rather limited, and I do not believe Mrs. Reynolds will allow me to extend my stay at Pemberley.”

  “No sir, she will not. She made it very clear to me that your stay here was for one night only. Let me think about your question and we may speak after dinner.”

  “Thank you, dear Nora.” He bowed and briefly kissed her hand. “There is no need to call me ‘sir’. I am the son of the former steward of Pemberley. I grew up below stairs but for many years I have worked diligently to improve my lot in life.” Wickham’s habit of making himself appear to be a better man than he really was, was very much in evidence. He needed a warm place to stay and he needed to get his hands on some money. He would do or say anything to ensure he could stay safely at Pemberley until he could meet with Darcy or come up with another idea.

  “If there is anything you need, just let me know. I will see you in the kitch
en for dinner in an hour.” Nora dropped another quick curtsey and left the room. Wickham watched her walk out of the room and thought, ‘What is it about that young woman that is so attractive? I do not believe I have never seen a more beautiful woman. She is not wearing an expensive gown nor is she bedecked in jewels but, she is so lovely. There is something about her hair, her pale complexion and the way she carries herself that is extremely attractive. Where could Darcy be? He and his sister are always at Pemberley at this time of year.’ Wickham feared that he might need to formulate a new plan. For now, he decided to do everything he could to try to learn Darcy’s whereabouts and spend more time with the lovely Nora Kelly.

  Dinner in the kitchen was a happy affair. There were people talking, laughing and sharing delicious food. George Wickham could not remember the last time he had enjoyed a meal as relaxing as this one. During the meal he did not hear anyone speak about Darcy’s location or when he was returning to Pemberley. All the people seated around the table seemed very happy and Wickham could not help but envy them their satisfaction with their lot in life.

  After dinner, Nora Kelly walked beside Wickham as everyone was exiting the kitchen. “My cousin, Johnny, works with the Darcy’s horses and he says you can stay in one of the rooms upstairs in the stables. There is a bed and you will be out of the cold. You should move your things over there in the morning while Mrs. Reynolds is busy.”

  “Nora, you are a wonder! I believe you just may be my guardian angel.”

  “Mr. Wickham, ’twas nothing. I just spoke to my cousin.”

  “No more Mr. Wickham, you must call me George. Thank you and I will see you at breakfast. Good night, my angel.”

  “Good night, George.” Nora opened the door to her room as Wickham continued down the hallway.

  ‘I am definitely going to spend more time with that beautiful girl.’ Wickham thought to himself.

  Chapter 2

  The next morning after breakfast, Mrs. Reynolds watched as Wickham packed his bag. “Goodbye, George. Good luck to you.”

  “Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Reynolds. Goodbye.”

  As Wickham exited the house, Mrs. Reynolds went to her office to look over a letter she had just received from Mr. Darcy.

  Wickham headed across the large courtyard which separated the house and the stables. A young stable hand approached him. “Are you George?” he asked.

  “I am George Wickham and I am very grateful for the accommodations.”

  “’Tis only above the stables, sir. I am Nora’s cousin, Johnny Kelly. Happy to meet you.” The men shook hands and Wickham followed Johnny into the large building which housed the Darcy’s horses and carriages.

  Johnny Kelly showed Wickham up the stairs at the back of the stables and he settled into his new home.

  ‘I have certainly slept in worse places,’ Wickham thought to himself.

  Over the following weeks, Wickham stayed close to the stables and Nora or Johnny would bring him food and warn him if Mrs. Reynolds was anywhere that he might be seen. Wickham enjoyed spending time with Nora and he wanted to believe that Darcy would soon be returning to Pemberley. He was more determined than ever to convince Darcy to finance his voyage to the Americas. Whenever they could, Wickham and Nora met privately for a few minutes in the stable yard out of view from the manor house.

  Wickham spoke honestly to Nora as he had never spoken to any other woman before. He told her about his life at Pemberley when he was a boy and the close relationship he had with Darcy and Darcy’s father. Wickham told Nora that the elder Mr. Darcy was so fond of him that he paid for him to go away to school and to Cambridge. Wickham knew that Nora was very loyal to Pemberley and the Darcys, so he did not bother trying to gain Nora’s sympathy by repeating his lies about Darcy denying him the living at Kympton.

  After spending so much time together, Wickham began to develop feelings for Nora which were quite new to him. Of course, he was his usual charming self and used flattery to get Nora to like him more. He soon began to realize that his flowery words were true. He honestly thought that she was beautiful and kind. ‘What is it I am feeling? Am I falling in love? I have never felt so connected to someone else. When I am not with Nora, I am thinking about her and wanting her near me. I have never felt this way before.’

  On the Sundays when Mrs. Reynolds remained at Pemberley, Wickham walked to the local church with Nora and Johnny. In the evenings, Wickham and Johnny spent time together in their quarters above the stables. As he had for most of his life, Wickham invented stories to tell Johnny Kelly in order to impress the young lad with his fabricated tales of adventure and bravery. Johnny was happy to listen, and Wickham was hoping Johnny would tell Nora what a truly good man he was.

  When Nora had a day off, she and Wickham walked into Lambton. The first time they walked together, Wickham took Nora’s hand and kissed it before wrapping it around his arm. They spoke of their families and their hopes for the future. Over the many weeks Wickham spent at Pemberley, he and Nora got to know each other well and eventually each confessed that they had fallen in love.

  A month after Wickham came to Pemberley, he suggested that Nora sneak up the stairs of the stable late at night, so they could have some private time in his room. Initially, she was reluctant to agree but her attraction to Wickham was strong. It did not take long before Nora began visiting Wickham after everyone in the servants’ quarters was asleep. One night, after they professed their fervent love for each other, Wickham asked Nora to be his wife and she happily accepted. That night, their innocent kissing led to more passionate activities and Nora was smiling as she fell asleep in the arms of her beloved George.

  After many weeks of this nightly routine, Nora left Wickham’s bed to get dressed before the sun rose. She knew she had to return to the manor house before she was missed. Wickham rolled over and watched her get dressed. “Darling Nora, do not leave me.”

  “You know I must return before Mrs. Reynolds awakens and discovers that I have not slept in my own bed again.” Wickham could see the blush on the rosy cheeks of the woman he had truly fallen in love with.

  For weeks, Wickham had been contemplating his next move and he had finally made a decision. He could not wait any longer for Darcy to return. He sat up in bed and said, “Nora, I am leaving Pemberley today.”

  “Leaving! George, are you intending to desert me? We have not yet told anyone about being betrothed.” Nora was crying quietly as she finished dressing. “I fear you will not return for me.”

  “My dearest, I must leave here in order to get a job. If I am to be a married man, I must be able to support my wife and, hopefully, our future children. Do you not agree?” Wickham chose not to think about the many women he had deserted when he grew tired of them or learned they were with child.

  “Yes, I understand. Will you go to Lambton to look for work?”

  “I do not believe there will be any opportunities for me there. I must return to London.” He lied and said, “I have many friends there and I am confident one of them will help me find employment. As soon as I have everything set up for us in London, I will come back to you with a special license and marry you the moment I return. Will that please you, my sweet girl?”

  Nora walked over to where Wickham was sitting on the side of the bed. “Travel safely, George, and come back to me as quickly as you can.” Nora leaned down and placed a quick kiss on Wickham’s lips before she quietly hurried down the stairs.

  Wickham left for London determined to make enough money for his and Nora’s passage to the Americas. He told himself that after they were married, he would tell Nora of his plans to go to America. He was certain that she would agree to starting over in a new place once they were married. He could never confess to his new wife that it was no longer safe for him to remain in England. He had too many unpaid gambling debts, deserted too many jilted lovers and been threatened with death by too many cuckolded husbands to live in England much longer. Although marrying an heiress would have made
his life much easier, Wickham was excited about starting a new life with the only woman he had ever truly loved.

  Chapter 3

  George Wickham had been away from Pemberley for three months and Nora feared that he was never coming back for her. She had no idea where he was and had no means to communicate with him. She tried to tell herself that George was busy making money for their future together and would come back for her soon. As more and more time went by, she began to have serious doubts.

  One morning, after drinking a cup of tea and eating a slice of toast, Nora rushed from the kitchen table and was sick to her stomach. When this behavior and her constant fatigue became a daily occurrence, Nora finally admitted to herself that she was going to have George’s baby. Nora was not the only person at Pemberley who was aware of what was happening.

  In early April, Mrs. Reynolds called Nora into her office. “Nora, my dear child, I can see that you are not well. I have heard that you have been losing your breakfast every morning and I can see that you are very pale. Do you think you might be with child?”

  “Yes, Mrs. Reynolds, I believe I am. The baby’s father and I are to marry very soon.”

  “Who might the father be?” Mrs. Reynolds had a good idea but did not reveal her suspicions to Nora.