“I was flabbergasted at the news and I glared at Wickham over my sister’s head. I sent her in search of Mrs. Young, to give me the privacy I needed to confront Wickham. As soon as the sound of her footsteps faded away, I wheeled on George and came to tower over him where he sat. I enjoyed the next part of this experience, for I knew something of which George was not cognizant. Though I never felt equal to telling my father of Wickham’s bad behavior, I convince him that I had observed enough such behavior at school to give me pause. I suggested that he add a clause to his will that required the approval of her guardians before Georgiana married and that her dowry would be forfeit if she wed without their consent. The look on Wickham’s face when he heard this almost made up for the pain he had caused over the years. After hearing my explanation, he pushed me backward and rose from his seat. ‘It appears you win this time, Fitzwilliam, but one day I will get my revenge,’ Wickham drawled.
“‘I would not count on it, for if you come near my family or me ever again, or if you say one word of this and cause harm to Georgiana’s reputation, I will call your debts due and have you sent to Newgate for the remainder of your miserable life. I have cleaned up after you for years. The debts you owe are now more than three thousand pounds.’
“Wickham had blanched briefly before a mean look came over his face. ‘Without her dowry, who would want such a dull, mealy-mouthed little girl for a wife? Come, Harriet, the game is up. Now we do not need to wait for this baby to be asleep before we can enjoy ourselves.’
“Unknown to me, Georgiana had returned and was standing in the doorway. You can imagine how she felt to hear the man she loved dismiss her with such unkind words. She sank to the floor in tears as Wickham walked past her and out of the house.”
“Poor Georgiana,” Elizabeth cried. “I take it your concern is in large part due to the fact that she has not recovered her spirits since that time?”
“Indeed, that is part of my poor mood. The other is my guilt at failing to protect my dear sister.”
“Your guilt does neither you nor Georgiana any good. If she is aware that you feel guilty, it will only add to the burden of guilt she carries. You could not have anticipated his behaving in such a fashion, and you were correct in not exposing your innocent sister to such degenerate behavior.”
“But what can I do to help her move past this? I do not like feeling so helpless. It frustrates me and causes me to behave poorly, as I did at the assembly the other evening.”
“I can understand your frustration, but you must keep it hidden from your sister if you do not wish to add to her current cares. Is there a female in your family to whom Georgiana can talk?”
“Yes, there is a new companion, Mrs. Annesley. Georgiana is also close to my aunt, Lady Fitzwilliam.”
Head cocked to the side, Elizabeth considered this information. “Are there any younger women or friends with whom she could talk? Georgiana may feel that these ladies are too old to understand her feelings.”
“There is, unfortunately, no one else. There is one female cousin who is just slightly younger than me. Though Anne would undoubtedly keep her secret, her mother, Lady Catherine, would not be so considerate of Georgiana. She would rail at her for her mistakes, leaving Georgie more damaged than she already is. Lady Catherine is also insistent that I marry her daughter. Though neither Anne nor I wish it, my aunt would post the marriage announcement should I show any attention to my cousin.”
Elizabeth turned to look out at the horizon as she thought. She noticed that the sun was just beginning to rise. The area where the horizon met the sky was alight with colors. The edge of the sun appeared, a golden halo around it. As the colors climbed higher, the clouds seemed to turn orange, then pink. The sky above them, though still dark, showed the shape of the clouds against it as the background began to lighten. Brighter rays fanned out behind the clouds, lightening the darkness further. Elizabeth called her companion’s attention to the sight as she continued to think of a solution. They sat in silence, taking in the magnificence of the scene before them.
Finally, Elizabeth spoke. “Do you believe your Aunt Fitzwilliam would be able to convince Lady Catherine to allow Anne to visit her? Perhaps she and Georgiana might meet in her home, thereby not encouraging your aunt in her delusions of a marriage.”
Now it was Darcy’s turn to sit in silent contemplation. “That might be possible, but Anne’s health–though not as bad as her mother believes–is somewhat delicate. It might not be in her best interest to travel at this time of year. Also, I do not think Georgiana can wait until spring before unburdening herself.”
“Oh,” said Elizabeth. She once more turned her attention to solving this dilemma. “Do you think that if you were to write to Georgiana about my sisters and myself, she might wish to correspond with me? Perhaps during the course of our correspondence, she would open up to me.”
Darcy considered this for some time. “I would be happy to write to her about you, but I am not sure she would have the courage to write to a stranger. The events at Ramsgate have exacerbated Georgie’s natural shyness.”
“Do you believe it would help her to join you at Netherfield?”
“Were Miss Bingley not in residence, I would say yes. However, Miss Bingley always intimidates Georgiana with her overly solicitous behavior and pretense of a close friendship.”
“Yes, I could see how Miss Bingley’s company would have the reverse effect on your sister. Elizabeth could not help the giggle that escaped her at the thought of Mr. Bingley’s single sister.
“I will write to Georgie today and tell her more of you and your nearest sisters. If I make it sound interesting enough, perhaps she will ask about corresponding or visiting, despite Miss Bingley. I am sure that between lessons with her companion and visits with you, we can keep her away from Miss Bingley much of the time.”
Elizabeth nodded in agreement. “I am sure we can. Perhaps you should wait to send your letter until you have a gift to send along with it.”
“No, I believe I will write to her today of the events of last evening. My dancing at an assembly should be quite surprising enough to Georgiana.” Darcy looked at the height of the sun in the sky and knew they had been alone for quite some time. “I believe it is time to depart, Miss Elizabeth. However, perhaps we could venture into Meryton on Tuesday to select a gift for my sister.”
“I would be delighted to accompany you.”
“Perhaps we should ask your sisters to come as well, as Miss Katherine and Miss Lydia bookend my sister in age. They may also have some good suggestions to make.”
Elizabeth’s musical laughter trilled on the morning air. “I believe you might find their help a little overwhelming, sir.”
“You may be right, but perhaps a little attention from a gentleman of means will help them to calm and grow up a bit.”
“It shall be as you wish. I promise not to say ‘I told you so’ should I be correct,” said Elizabeth with another laugh.
Mr. Darcy again offered his arm as they descended the hill. At the point where the paths merged, Darcy bowed over Elizabeth’s hand. “I thank you, Miss Elizabeth, for the lovely morning and the breakfast. I look forward to seeing you in church tomorrow.” He remained still and watched until Elizabeth disappeared. Just before she passed from view, she turned and waved at him, then continued to her home. Darcy was contemplative as his long strides carried him back to Netherfield.
A Letter for Miss Darcy
Georgiana Darcy sat at the pianoforte in the music room, practicing the most recent piece from her music master. The melody was slow and melancholy, which exactly matched her mood. Mrs. Annesley, her new companion, sat in a chair by the window, attending to some needlework. Her eyes often strayed from the work in her hands to the young lady at the instrument. Though she was aware of Miss Darcy’s recent experiences, she had not been able to break through the young woman’s reserve to discuss the situation and offer suggestions. She did not wish to for
ce the conversation but wondered if it would be necessary in order to assist her charge in better understanding what had occurred, as well as to help her learn from the experience. Perhaps she would consult Mr. Darcy for his opinion.
At a brief knock on the open doorframe, Georgiana paused in her playing. She looked up to observe Pemberley’s housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, standing with a letter in her hand. “Excuse me for interrupting, Miss Georgiana, but you wished to know as soon as a letter arrived from your brother.”
A smile lit Georgiana’s face. She stood and rushed to take the letter from the small, smiling woman. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Reynolds. I did not expect to hear from William quite so soon, but I am very pleased to receive a letter.” Looking at her companion, Georgiana asked, “May I be excused to read my letter? I promise to finish my practicing very soon.” Mrs. Annesley nodded her acquiescence and Mrs. Reynolds stepped aside as the young woman rushed from the room. The two women shared a knowing look before the housekeeper returned to her duties.
Settled in the window seat of her bedchamber, Georgiana paused to study the Darcy crest in the sealed wax. She had come very near to disgracing the family name, which, though untitled, had long been respected throughout the country. She forced back the tears that threatened to fall and carefully broke the seal. Then she unfolded the letter and began to read.
Netherfield Park
Hertfordshire
20 October 1811
Dearest Georgie,
I hope this letter finds you well and your spirits improving. Please be assured of my love for you and please accept that you did not do anything wrong. The fault lies with me for leaving you vulnerable to men such as Mr. Wickham.
However, I do not wish to dwell on the sadness of the recent past. Instead, I want to share with you some of my experiences with Mr. Bingley and his family. The estate that Bingley is leasing is of medium-size and very attractive. The fields around the estate are flat as far as the eye can see. The autumn colors are still riotous and give beauty to the fallow fields. Being so much farther south of Pemberley, there are even flowers still blooming in the gardens around Netherfield, though the gardener informs me that these are the last of the blooms until spring.
On the day of my arrival, I was forced to attend an assembly in the nearby village. As you can imagine, it was the last thing I wished to do, but Miss Bingley offered to remain home to keep me company should I not want to go. Naturally, I chose to attend the dance rather than remain alone with Miss Bingley.
Laughter bubbled up in Georgiana as she read her brother’s words. She laughed so hard at the picture his words painted and was forced to wipe the tears from her eyes before she could continue reading.
Much to my surprise, I found that I enjoyed the experience, though I did get off to a rocky start. I avoided my dances with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley and looked to find a quiet corner in which to pass the evening. Unfortunately, Bingley discovered my location and pressed me to dance, even suggesting a partner. I did not turn to look at the young woman he indicated and consequently did not realize she was within range to overhear my remarks to Bingley, which I am ashamed to admit were most unkind. However, I must admire the young lady for her apt response. Raising her voice just enough to reach my ears, she made the following comment: ‘I find it surprising that some people think themselves above their company. I always thought the sign of a true gentleman was that he treated everyone he met with respect. It is sad that Mr. Bingley’s friend and family do not possess his good manners.’ Mortification flooded through me to realize that she was correct in her expression. I knew I should apologize and I made my way from the hot, crowded room onto the balcony to calm and gather my thoughts.
As I stood on the balcony, I muttered aloud, berating myself for my poor behavior. As it happened, the young lady was passing the open balcony door, and she kindly forgave me my thoughtless words. I asked her to dance and she gave me her next open set. As I waited for the set to arrive, I set myself to dancing with one of her younger sisters and her dear friend.
The young lady’s name is Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I have since seen her on two occasions because Mr. Bingley is enamored of her elder sister. Miss Elizabeth also has three younger sisters. Her father’s estate borders that of Mr. Bingley. Miss Elizabeth is a charming young lady with a sharp wit and brilliant sense of humor. She possesses a zest for life that I cannot but admire. I wish you could meet her, for I am confident you would become good friends.
Well, if this is to go out with the morning post, I must close for now. I pray you are improving every day. Please write soon; your letters help to breach the distance currently between us.
Your loving brother,
William
Georgiana was astonished by much of her brother’s letter. He rarely made mistakes, at least that she could see, and she could not recall ever hearing him admit to one or apologizing. Who was this Miss Elizabeth Bennet to have had such an effect upon her brother? It made her wish to meet the young lady. Georgiana had always hoped for a close female friend or a sister; perhaps she would someday have both.
Before returning to her practice on the pianoforte, Georgiana sat down to respond to her brother’s letter. She asked several questions about Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Waiting for her brother’s reply would take a great deal of patience, thought Georgiana with a frown.
Shopping in Meryton
When Tuesday morning arrived, Darcy and Bingley rode to Longbourn to meet the Bennet sisters. After brief greetings to Mrs. Bennet, the group set out down the drive for the walk into Meryton. Kitty and Lydia led the way, their heads close together in whispered conversation that frequently erupted into loud giggles. A disapproving Mary followed. She could be heard admonishing them for their behavior. Next came Bingley with Miss Bennet on his arm, followed by Darcy with Elizabeth at his side. They chatted in low tones, though the occasional flush appeared on Elizabeth’s face at her younger sisters’ antics.
“Please do not be concerned, Miss Elizabeth. Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia are young. With the proper guidance, they will mature, just as you and Miss Bennet did and as Miss Mary is doing.”
“I appreciate your sentiments, Mr. Darcy, but my parents have not taken the time to provide that guidance. I worry that it might be too late before they take action. Lydia particularly seems to think of nothing but the soon-to-arrive militia. There are bound to be a few scoundrels among the soldiers. For all of their exuberance, my sisters have no experience with scoundrels and charmers. In our small hamlet, there are not the variety of characters to be encountered who could give them the experience necessary to recognize someone who does not have their best interests at heart.”
“To ease your mind, I shall watch over them for as long as I am in the area.”
“You are very kind to offer, Mr. Darcy, but they are not your responsibility.”
“Nor are they yours, but you expend a great deal of concern for their wellbeing.”
“I wish they would listen to Jane and me. I do not want to change them but would like to impress upon them the importance of good behavior. What would you say to them if they were your younger sisters?”
Darcy thought for several minutes as they continued walking. “If it were Georgiana, I believe I would remind her of my love for her and my desire for her happiness. After that, I might be tempted to tell her of some situations in which such unchecked behavior led the young lady into trouble.”
“Please tell me any such stories of which you are aware so that I can draw on them when the opportunity presents itself.”
“I shall give the matter some thought as we enjoy our outing. Perhaps I will remember something to share on our return journey.”
“I thank you for your offer of assistance, Mr. Darcy.”
By now the group had arrived at the village. Speeding up, Kitty and Lydia began to increase their distance from the rest of the group. They had gone only a few steps when Mr. Darcy’s deep voice caused them
to pause. “Miss Catherine, Miss Lydia, would you please remain with us? I am counting on your excellent taste to help me select some ribbons for my sister. Miss Mary, I hope you will assist me in finding some music for Georgiana.”
“It would be my pleasure, Mr. Darcy, but what if I pick a piece that she already has?”
“Do not worry about that. We have more than one home, so Georgiana will not need to carry her music back and forth with her.” Mary smiled at the attention of the distinguished Mr. Darcy.
Though Kitty and Lydia had not responded to Darcy’s request, they did stop and wait for the others to catch up with them.
“Are you going to get us a ribbon, too, Mr. Darcy, for helping you?” asked the youngest Bennet sister.
“Lydia!” cried Jane and Mary, shock and embarrassment in their voices.
“Lydia! You are being rude,” said a disgusted Elizabeth.
“Well, Miss Lydia, I had, indeed, considered making a gift to you for your assistance, but your sisters are correct. Asking for a gift is just not appropriate.”
Bingley did not say anything but nodded his agreement.
Lydia frowned at their words. Her lips formed a pout, but she did not argue. She folded her arms across her chest and followed the others to the dry goods store to look at the ribbon selection. Kitty led the way to the back corner, where the spools of ribbons were kept.
“Tell me about Miss Darcy,” said Kitty. “What is her favorite color? What color are her hair and eyes?”
“My sister is similar in coloring to Miss Bennet. I am not sure what her favorite color is, but from the amount of blue she wears, I suspect she likes that best.”
Kitty moved to the spools of blue ribbon and began to look through them. Still feeling the sting of Mr. Darcy’s gentle rebuke, Lydia slowly wandered, gazing at the vast assortment of ribbons. Pausing before one in particular, she looked first at the ribbon and then at her sister Jane with an expression of musing. “I think this ribbon would be lovely on Jane. Perhaps Miss Darcy would like this as well.” Lydia spoke hesitantly and more quietly than was her wont, as if fearing that she might bring disapproval upon herself again. Mr. Darcy and her sisters turned to look at the ribbon that slid from the spool into the palm of her hand and through her fingers.
A Turn in Their Dance Page 4
