Master Under Good Regulation

by Kara Louise

  Georgiana shook her head. “No, my brother is very particular about whom he will employ.”

  “I can only imagine,” he laughed. “Only the best for you, but nothing less than you deserve, sweet Georgiana,” he said, cocking his head to one side. Leaning in a little too close for my comfort, he asked her, “Exactly what type of woman is he looking for?”

  “Obviously he expects to find someone with a great deal of experience, who is very accomplished, and…” Georgiana paused, shyness overtaking her.

  “Yes?” Wickham asked softly.

  “Well, she is to be my companion. He wants someone in whom I … well you know how shy I am around people. He wants to make sure it is someone in whom I may trust and feel at ease around.”

  He reached out and gently touched her shoulder. I let out a growl and Georgiana looked at me and again that finger reached down and shook so as to quiet me and put me in my place.

  “Georgiana, I am sure your brother will find someone who will suit you exceedingly well. And whomever she is, she will be most fortunate to be your companion.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Wickham.”

  “George,” he again reminded her whilst I made known my presence and displeasure with another growl.

  “Thank you, George,” Georgiana answered, looking down again in a blush and with what I would describe as a sense of confusion.

  I watched as Wickham reached out for Georgiana’s hand and brought it quickly to his lips. His eyes watched hers as he did this and when I let out an irritated bark, he narrowed his eyes and me, bowed to Georgiana, and went merrily on his way. Looking back up at Georgiana, I could see the look of trust and admiration in her eyes as she watched him leave and heard the slightest sigh escape her lips.

  It appeared as though my fears had not been unfounded. When my master was at Cambridge that year whilst Wickham remained back, an abiding regard for that scoundrel had been deeply instilled in Georgiana that the years had not diminished.

  The following week we returned to London to continue the interviews and a woman was found for Georgiana’s establishment. Her name was Mrs. Younge and my master was impressed with the several recommendations to her credit, her gentlewoman-like nature, and her kind, encouraging nature. She and Georgiana seemed to get along nicely. Both my master and Georgiana were quite disarmed by her and she was hired.

  *~*~*

  With Mrs. Younge presiding over her establishment, Georgiana spent the greater portion of her time in London. As spring was upon us, my master began preparing for another trip to Rosings. We were preparing to leave Pemberley when a letter from Mrs. Younge was received asking permission to take her charge with her to Ramsgate. The letter said she had family there and she felt it would be beneficial and refreshing for Georgiana to branch out and take this trip to this seaside town.

  My master was torn about what he should do. Though he was disinclined to acquiesce to this request, he knew he had the tendency to be overly protective of his sister, even when he knew she was in good hands. As his cousin was expected shortly, he decided to seek counsel from him before making a decision.

  When Fitzwilliam arrived, the two men got into a lively discussion that verged on being an argument. My master held back giving his consent allowing her to go whilst his cousin was adamant that this would be a profitable experience for her. In the end, they both agreed that Georgiana could well afford to make this visit in the company of this fine woman. As they would be departing for Kent, as well, they would arrange to pay her a visit there after their three-week stay at Rosings. They requested that Mrs. Younge send directions of where they would be staying and a reply was promptly dispatched to their satisfaction. The two men then set off for another visit to Rosings, believing Georgiana to be in good hands. My master confided to me, however, that even though he and his cousin gave their blessing to Mrs. Younge’s proposal, he was anxious for their visit to Ramsgate, as he had never entrusted his sister so far from him before.

  *~*~*

  When we arrived at Rosings this year, I noted how my master exuded the confidence that his few years as Master of Pemberley had shaped. Since that first visit twelve years ago, when he was a young boy of fifteen, he had become a distinguished man. I, on the other hand, was feeling my age. It was more of a struggle to take the long walks that I so cherished, although I refused to give them up. I would not allow the aches and pains that had begun to plague me to keep me from my enjoyable diversions.

  My master and his cousin had grown considerably closer in the years they had been appointed Georgiana’s guardians. Although quite different in behaviour and demeanour, they each complimented and held a great amount of respect for the other.

  Likewise, it did not escape my attention that Anne had grown into a young woman; yet no one else seemed to notice it. It appeared to me that she lived in a sort of fantasy world, one in which she was no longer weak and confined. She sat quietly among our party, speaking hardly a word and doing even less. I wondered if her frailty was perpetuated by a truly weak body or her mother’s tenacious shielding of her from any sort of activity, and restricting her access to the outside world. In her eyes I could often detect a look that went beyond her confined circumstances to some castle in the sky where she reigned, was beautiful and admired, and was free!

  When we arrived this year, her dog was no longer with her and as neither of her cousins seemed curious as to his whereabouts and did not inquire of his absence, I never came to discover what happened to him. But I would not have been surprised if Lady Cat got rid of the dog, thinking he was a carrier of every germ and disease known to man. It was fortunate that Lady Cat had so much regard for my master, for in always wishing to accommodate him, she continued to allow me in the house.

  Our visit this year, however, came to an abrupt conclusion earlier than expected, as both Lady Cat and her daughter found themselves suffering such ill effects of a cold that even my master’s aunt, who possessively clung to every prospect of spending time with her nephews and prided herself on her hospitality, could not endure the presence of anyone. It was deemed best that we all leave.

  So it was with great anticipation that my master, his cousin, and I set off for Ramsgate to have a joyful reunion with Georgiana. We hoped that our early, unexpected arrival would be a pleasant surprise for her.

  Chapter 9

  The day was warm and sunny and the air fresh from a recent rain shower. A few clouds were painted across the sky as we set out for Ramsgate. I situated myself on the seat next to my master and his cousin settled himself across from me. Both men stretched their legs out away from them, angled in such a way that they gave each other a good amount of space without crowding the other. It was a trifle too chilly for the window to be left open, so I had to be content watching the scenery go by without the benefit of the wind washing across my face, which I have always enjoyed.

  My master pulled out a book he had brought along, although he did not read it. Rather, he let it rest in his lap as he watched Rosings Park pass by the windows of our carriage upon our departure. We passed the lane that separated Rosings from the parsonage and soon passed the road that led down to it.

  He turned to his cousin. “Did you discern that the clergyman seemed to be feeling the affects of his age quite a bit more since our last visit? I would not be surprised if Aunt Catherine will soon need to interview for a new one.”

  “She will love that!” replied Fitzwilliam. “Remember how long it took her to instruct this one as to the proper way to deliver a sermon? I did not think she would ever be satisfied with his manner.”

  “Hmm,” my master murmured as he nodded his head with a knowing smile. “I always wondered how he abided by all her demands.”

  “I believe she is still in the process of instructing him!”

  At length we were on the main road and my master turned back to his cousin as he brushed his hand repeatedly from the top of my head down the length of my back. “Do you think Georgiana will be pleasantly surprised
to see us?”

  “I see no reason why she would not. Our plans are not to dampen any enjoyment she might be having there.”

  “I cannot help but think that our aunt falling ill was somewhat providential.”

  “In what way, Darcy?”

  “We get to see Georgiana early and…” my master paused and cast a sly glance at his cousin.

  “And?” Fitzwilliam looked at him curiously.

  “And… we were able to remove ourselves from her company before she even once brought up the subject of my marrying Anne!”

  Both men laughed and we all settled in for the journey.

  We had left immediately after breakfast and I understood that we would arrive in Ramsgate in the afternoon. I could see the hopeful anticipation in my master’s eyes that he would be seeing his sister shortly. I believe my eyes also reflected that same anticipation.

  Before long, I had fallen asleep, lulled by the rocking and swaying of the carriage. Apparently Fitzwilliam had, as well. When my master called out that we were in sight of the North Sea, we both fumbled about, trying to get our bearings and comprehend what he was saying.

  I looked out the window and saw the most beautiful body of water anyone had ever seen. It extended out as far as the eye could see and the sunlight danced upon the ripples that spilt toward the shore. I had never before beheld such a large expanse of water and wondered if my master would allow me to retrieve sticks from it as he did in the lake at Pemberley.

  With tail wagging in agreement, I could not think of anything more appealing to me right now than taking a long stroll along the sand that lined the water’s edge. I would even consider a moderate run along the shore, kicking up the water and splashing my master.

  As the carriage conveyed us through this seaside town, I watched as people bustled about, enjoying the warmth of the sun. Many a couple, linked arm and arm, seemed to be out for a stroll, enjoying the breeze caressing their faces and the sun showering them with its warmth. Children gaily danced alongside and I spotted an occasional dog that seemed to be enjoying an outing with its master.

  We passed a large type of platform that extended out into the water where several people were walking and to which boats were affixed.

  “Ah!” cried Fitzwilliam. “We are at the harbour already!”

  My master looked out and opened the window slightly. “The inn at which they are staying should be just down this…” He stopped, and by the way his eyes narrowed, it appeared to me as though he was trying to make something out.

  “What is it, Darcy?”

  He shook his head. “I thought I saw Georgiana.” He let out a tentative laugh. “It looked very much like her from this distance, but it could not be, as the young lady was walking on the arm of a man. I must confess it gave me a start for a moment.”

  His cousin laughed slightly but I think we could both see a bit of uncertainty written across his face, as if he was not convinced that his eyes had deceived him.

  The carriage soon arrived at the inn where Mrs. Younge and Georgiana were to be staying and it stopped. The door was promptly opened for us. My master turned to his cousin, “You wait here with Reggie and I will go see to things. I will see if they have accommodations for us and also inquire as to whether Georgiana and Mrs. Younge are in their rooms.”

  He slipped out easily, taking a moment to stretch, and then walked into the inn. I kept an eye out the window, watching for him to return and for anything else that seemed to be of interest in this new place. Needless to say, I was anxious to be free from the confines of the carriage!

  He had not been gone very long when, with very determined long strides and a stricken face, he returned to the carriage. He barked up orders to the driver to take us to the harbour and hopped back in; the door closing quickly behind him.

  “What is it, Darcy? Is something wrong?”

  Shivers ran through me as I saw his face. I had seen that expression often enough, but I could not quite understand why he would have it on his face here at Ramsgate. He seemed to struggle for composure, for the right words.

  “It was Georgiana!”

  “Darcy, man! Of what are you talking?” his cousin asked. “What was Georgiana?”

  “The young lady I saw at the harbour!”

  “On a gentleman’s arm? Are you quite positive? Tell me, what did they tell you back there?”

  My master closed his eyes. His fists were clenched tightly and his breathing became very erratic.

  “I inquired whether Mrs. Young and Georgiana were presently in their room. I told them that I was Miss Darcy’s brother and was paying a visit.”

  “Yes?”

  He swallowed hard, looking away and then back, directly at his cousin. “I was told that the three of them left some time ago to take a stroll about the town.”

  “The three of them?” asked Fitzwilliam. “What three?”

  “That’s exactly what I asked.”

  My heart began pounding. I cannot fix upon a reason, but I had a feeling I knew who the third person in their party was.

  He looked gravely at his cousin. “I was informed that Mrs. Younge and my sister were accompanied by a Mr. Wickham!”

  “Heavens! Darcy! What does all this mean?”

  “I have no idea, but I assure you I intend to find out!”

  We quickly made it back to the harbour where he thought he had seen them, and before the carriage even came to a halt, my master had opened the door and bolted out. Fitzwilliam followed, attempting to keep up with his cousin’s long and brisk strides. No one even seemed to recall that I was at hand, but I was determined that I would not remain inside the carriage. If there was anything I could do to protect Georgiana from this villain… from this rake… from this scoundrel, I would willingly do it. And, I flatter myself, if there was anything I was ever good at, it was sniffing things out, particularly George Wickham! I knew his vile scent all too well!

  The three of us took off in the direction my master last saw them, which led to the end of the pier. But I was not able to pick up any inkling of his scent. I know my age diminished my abilities somewhat, but I could not let it affect me now! I had to latch onto his scent!

  I turned my head in every direction, and finally I detected a faint whiff. I barked excitedly to get my master’s attention and head directly off away from the pier. The two men started after me. Thank goodness my master and I made such a good hunting team; he recognized my bark as the one meaning I had caught his scent!

  As my legs took me in the direction of the scent, I also picked up Georgiana’s scent. As I continued, the scent grew stronger. I hoped it would not be too late. There was a park located just down across the road from the harbour and I stopped when I came upon it. Using my keen eyesight and sense of smell, I discovered them walking down a path. I remained still, looking intently at our object. The last thing I wanted to do was to attract Wickham’s attention and have him suddenly flee, much like I do when I come upon a flock of ducks or geese. I waited for my master’s word to flush him out.

  The two men caught up with me and my master noted the direction of my gaze.

  “There!” my master called out and pointed in the direction of a walking path. “Good boy!” he called to me as he began to stride as swiftly as propriety would allow towards them. Georgiana was walking with her hand on Wickham’s arm and Wickham’s other hand resting over hers. Mrs. Younge walked ahead of them.

  I could sense my master’s anger as strongly as if it were directed at me. It was an all-consuming anger that was coupled, oddly enough, with a pervasive, intense fear.

  I kept up with him and could have easily passed him. I suspected that my master was fearful of calling too much attention to us; therefore, I let him lead the way. Fitzwilliam lagged a few steps behind the two of us.

  When he was within a reasonable distance, he called out, “Georgiana!”

  The young girl turned, her eyes widened, a look of surprise crossing her face followed by a broad smile. At the
same time, Wickham and Mrs. Younge turned, and I did not miss a mutual look of shock and concern that passed between them.

  “William! Richard!” Georgiana cried. “And look! Reggie is here! What a pleasant surprise!” When her gaze drifted up to Wickham, she could not have looked happier.

  Wickham made a vain attempt to return her smile and upon seeing this, I bared my fangs and growled.

  “Wickham, unhand my sister immediately,” my master demanded. “Georgiana, please come here.”

  The smile left Georgiana’s face as she saw and heard the unbridled anger of her brother. Wickham immediately released Georgiana’s hand and she walked warily over to her brother whilst Wickham, consumed with anger, and Mrs. Younge, overcome with fear, stood silent.

  “Mrs. Younge, may I ask what this is all about? Why is my sister, who is under your care and protection, on the arm of Wickham?”

  She looked nervously to Wickham, who was standing beside her. “We… we just happened upon George… excuse me, Mr. Wickham here at Ramsgate, Sir. I understood him to be an intimate friend of your family.”

  “Did you?” my master asked in a challenging tone.

  He looked to Georgiana. “What are you doing with him, Georgiana?”

  A guarded smile came to her lips. “We are to be married, Brother.”

  “Married!” He looked at Wickham and Mrs. Younge, who both seemed to shrink away at this revelation. His eyes narrowed as it seemed as though everything suddenly seemed very clear to him.

  He turned to Georgiana. “Georgiana, we will discuss this later. Right now, you are to return with your cousin back to our carriage and wait for me there.”

  “But, Brother, we love one another!”