Master Under Good Regulation

by Kara Louise

  In the wee hours of the morning, he at long last climbed into bed, allowing his head to touch the pillow. His voice softened as he said, “I would have given up in despair as a mere lad, Reggie, if not for you.” He turned and directed his attention at me. “When I brought you home that day, you added that spark into my life that I so desperately needed. With you, I could enjoy myself; I could put aside those demands placed upon me by my birth and the melancholy that overtook me at my mother’s death.”

  Even in the dim moonlight, I could see my master’s eyes shone warmly. “And it was the same with Miss Bennet. From very nearly the first moment I saw her, I noticed something about her that made me feel different; made me look forward to each day that I might see her; made my heart beat a little faster when I was in her presence; and made me feel that liveliness again that I find so elusive. I believe you knew that, Reggie. Do not think I am unaware that you have done everything in your power to bring us together. In many ways, I believe you have been wiser than myself.”

  After he had drifted off to sleep, it was I who lay awake for some time, feeling fully my devotion for this man and his words of gratitude to me.

  *~*~*

  The next morning, my master awoke and dressed fastidiously. He had much to say to his valet about what he wanted to wear; changing his mind several times before he was satisfied. His valet patiently accommodated him without uttering a word, even though I could see the surprise and questioning looks upon his face.

  My master determined that when Georgiana and the Bingleys arrived, they would have a quick meal, and then whilst the Bingleys settled in, he and his sister would go directly to Lambton. As he pondered that idea, however, he realized there was one more in the party that he should invite as well. He owed it to him. He would invite Bingley to accompany them.

  We awaited their arrival eagerly, and at the first sound of the carriages, we were both at the door. Georgiana expressed gratitude to be home as my master rushed to embrace her. Miss Bingley seemed pleased at his prompt welcome, perhaps wishing to be greeted as warmly as her travelling companion.

  My master invited the party directly into the breakfast room. As I expected, Miss Bingley admired the elegance of the room and the care in which the meal was laid out. Whilst his sister was distracted by her effusions, my master quietly confided to Bingley that he and Georgiana would pay a call after the meal, informing him of his chance meeting with Miss Elizabeth just the day before. Bingley would not hear of remaining back, though he apologized that he was obliged to see his sisters settled and would follow shortly.

  At my master’s words, a sparkle immediately lit up Bingley’s eyes. Although never without his amiability, one did not need the keen nose of a dog to sense these last months that Bingley had lost some of his ease of manner and replaced it with a sense of wistfulness. I knew for a certainty that his thoughts were with Miss Jane Bennet as he anticipated visiting her sister.

  To my delight, I was fortunate to accompany them, as well. I believe my master felt himself forever indebted to me and therefore he allowed me to accompany them, but with the admonition that I was to remain in the curricle whist they were inside the inn. I was most displeased by this demotion in situation, until he promised me that he would invite Miss Elizabeth to step out and say hello to me at the conclusion of their visit.

  On the way to Lambton, Georgiana listened with wide eyed astonishment as my master delighted her with details about his encounter with Miss Elizabeth. She laughed in unrestrained glee as he recollected to her their mutual astonishment and awkwardness. I suspect she was overjoyed to see such a heartening alteration in my master’s demeanour from the last time they had spoken.

  “Oh, Fitzwilliam! I am so pleased! I do so hope she will find me to her liking!”

  My master smiled, which prompted Georgiana to smile pensively as well. He reached out and took her hand. “I am certain you will be delighted with her. And she with you.”

  Georgiana shook her head. “I truly hope so. I am simply glad for this diversion with you, Fitzwilliam. Upon arriving at Pemberley I felt quite wretched as Miss Bingley insisted on riding with me the entire way and I truly wondered whether she would ever cease talking! I really do not understand her, Brother. Does she truly believe that I am interested in where she dined, which balls she attended, and with whom she danced? How I began to wish that I had the courage to say something that might silence her!”

  My master looked at her with understanding. “I do believe, Georgiana, I hope… that it will only be a matter of time before Miss Bingley’s motive for seeking your undivided attention will no longer exist.”

  That unspoken hope… did I dare think upon that myself? I felt that if I had been wrong in my conviction that Miss Elizabeth was the woman my master needed more than anything… even more than me… I had failed in my sense of duty to him.

  My master held tightly onto his sister’s hand and his face grew sombre. “Georgiana, there is something I must discuss with you and I in no way wish you any pain by mentioning it.”

  Georgiana regarded her brother with curiosity. “What is it?”

  He looked down at her hand as he spoke, “During my stay at Netherfield, there was a regiment of the militia quartered nearby at Meryton.” He lifted his head and peered into Georgiana’s questioning eyes. “George Wickham was in that particular regiment.”

  I saw her try to pull her hand away, but my master held it firmly. She looked down and her cheeks coloured.

  “Georgiana, dear, I mention it only to help you understand that you are not the only young lady to be imposed upon by Wickham.”

  She glanced up cautiously. “There was someone else?”

  “I fear that there has likely been far too many who have fallen for his deceptive charm.” He took a deep breath. “Miss Bennet herself found him to be quite delightful.”

  “Oh!” was all Georgiana could say.

  “His accounting of our relationship to Miss Elizabeth portrayed him as wronged by me with no provocation and I am sorry to say that my own refusal to answer caused her -- indeed, I suspect likely all of Hertfordshire -- to believe him.”

  “Did he… did he say anything about me?” she asked, worry taking hold of her features.

  “No, no,” My master patted her hand reassuringly. “I believe his only motive was to cast aspersions upon my character, lest I be tempted to make the truth known.

  “Did you inform Miss Bennet of his true nature?”

  “Not at first. You know how loath I am to make public something of such a delicate nature and potentially injurious to you, Georgiana. However, when Miss Elizabeth reproached me for my treatment of Wickham during her refusal, I felt I had no choice but to defend myself. I gave her the whole of my dealings with him in a letter. Fear not, I have every confidence of Miss Elizabeth’s discretion.” His comforting smile allayed some of the wide-eyed shock in Georgiana’s eyes, before his countenance once again turned grim. “Unfortunately, I know not whether she read it or whether she believed me.”

  Georgiana tilted her head. “But the fact that she consented to being introduced to me… that is a good indication, is it not?”

  “Yes, Georgiana. Her behaviour at Pemberley, discomfiture notwithstanding, leads me to hope that she no longer thinks ill of me.”

  Georgiana smiled weakly. “As do I, Fitzwilliam.”

  We pulled up in front of the inn and stopped. My master gave me a firm reminder to remain inside the curricle, however little I required it. I am well aware of the expectations of my behaviour when we travelled.

  As Georgiana and my master remained within, I kept my eyes fixed on the door, awaiting their return. Each time the door opened, my tail wagged and I perked my head up, anticipating greeting Miss Elizabeth in my most amiable manner, but I was disappointed several times.

  At length, Bingley arrived in his carriage. With long strides and a beaming smile, he entered the inn. Not for the first time, I railed against the inherent disparity of our stations
. How fervently I wished to be allowed to join them! It was too cruel to leave me outside, simply for the fortune of being born a dog. Was I not a closer friend to my master and Miss Elizabeth than Bingley? Was I not as well mannered -- or even more so -- than some who are born with rank and privilege? I am not ashamed to say it was one of the longest waits I had ever experienced.

  Finally, the door opened and I beheld my master holding it open as Georgiana and Miss Elizabeth stepped out together. It appeared that they were having a most amiable conversation and my master turned his eyes toward me in a most satisfied manner, giving me a triumphant nod of his head.

  Immediately, I jumped down and Miss Elizabeth and I greeted each other enthusiastically. She came forward as the others remained back. I watched as my master engaged the Gardiners in conversation whilst keeping his eyes fixed on the lady who now had captured not only his heart and mine, but Georgiana’s, as well. She stood quietly aside her brother, hands folded demurely in front of her, eyes upon her new acquaintance and bearing a most pleased countenance.

  On our return to Pemberley, Georgiana expressed her delight in Miss Elizabeth.

  “Oh, Fitzwilliam! Miss Bennet is more delightful than I ever could have imagined! I do so look forward to their joining us for dinner!”

  I perceived the serene calm and sense of contentment that infused my master’s posture at Georgiana’s words. It was as though everything was suddenly as it should be.

  “I am very pleased,” was all he said.

  A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He took in a deep breath and let it out with great satisfaction. And from the moment we departed Lambton and set off for Pemberley until we walked in the door, his smile did not depart.

  When we returned, Miss Bingley rather presumptuously assumed that his smile was directed at her. How great was my satisfaction when my master informed her that he and Georgiana had extended invitations to Miss Bennet and her aunt and uncle to join them for dinner the day after tomorrow!

  *~*~*

  The following day, Mr. Gardiner joined the gentlemen at Pemberley for a day of fishing. My master took care to attend to him solicitously by pointing out the best places to fish, offering him his best bait and tackle, and giving him tips to ensure a successful day of sport. Hurst seemed intent on walking a ways down the stream to fish by himself, but both my master and Bingley chose to remain in close proximity to Miss Elizabeth’s uncle. I was quite proud of the effort my master put forth to engage Mr. Gardiner in friendly conversation, as if to atone for his reticence at Netherfield. Although all manner of subjects were introduced as the morning flew, I noted with no little pleasure that Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth were mentioned with great frequency by my master, Bingley, or Mr. Gardiner himself.

  I was sitting along the bank of the river, taking pleasure in the camaraderie that the men enjoyed when I detected Elizabeth’s scent. I let out a few excited barks as I kept my eyes in the direction of the house. My master looked to me curiously and I knew the moment understanding came to him clearly. His eyes lit up in comprehension and he turned to Mr. Gardiner.

  “It appears we have more visitors. Reggie has discerned a scent, and unless I am very much mistaken, it is someone he knows.”

  Mr. Gardiner, never taking his eyes off his fishing line, mentioned in an off-handed manner that his wife and Miss Elizabeth intended to pay a call to Georgiana that morning and perhaps it was they. He watched my master closely from the corner of his eye at this intelligence. A look of satisfaction crossed his features when my master looked several times back towards the house and eventually commented, “Perhaps I should see to Georgiana and how well she is receiving them. Georgiana is quite timid and shy and has had very limited experience at being hostess for even a small party. I fear this may be daunting to her. I think it would be best to see if she requires my assistance. Pray, excuse me, I shall return shortly.”

  Mr. Gardiner made no attempt to hide his amusement as my master turned to leave with long, hurried steps. I followed close behind, ecstatic that he finally recognized my bark alerting him to Miss Elizabeth’s presence.

  We came into the house and my master inquired after the ladies.

  “They are in the salon, Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Reynolds replied.

  “Thank you,” he replied. He quickly turned toward the salon, but was halted from his progress when Mrs. Reynolds called out to him.

  “Pardon me, Mr. Darcy, but might you not wish to first attend to your appearance before you greet the ladies?”

  My master looked down at his clothes and chided himself for his impetuosity with a brisk shake of his head. “Yes, thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. I shall do that.”

  We hurried off in a different direction, but not before I noticed Mrs. Reynolds’ bemused smile.

  With the help of his man, my master quickly changed into more appropriate clothes and took a cloth to his face and hands to cleanse himself.

  We finally made our way to the salon and my master paused in the doorway, perusing the room. The ladies were gathered around the table and at first he was not noticed. A plethora of meats, cheeses, and fruits had been set out for them.

  Miss Elizabeth peered up from her plate with a start when she noticed my master at the door.

  We walked over to the table and soon every eye was upon my master. Georgiana looked with grateful appreciation at him; Miss Bingley eyed him with a possessive stare and an unpleasant suspicion; Mrs. Hurst merely appeared curious; Mrs. Gardiner was markedly flattered; and Miss Elizabeth seemed to be subjected to both a little pleasure and pain at his arrival.

  He greeted everyone and came over to Georgiana, putting his arm about her. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear. Though he was too quiet and discreet for the others to hear, with my superior canine hearing, I could discern quite easily, “Dearest, I am most anxious to hear if you have been able to further your acquaintance with Miss Bennet.”

  Very softly, she answered, “I have hardly had the opportunity, for there is another here who overshadows me much of the time.”

  They both turned to Miss Bingley, who made it her mission to pay admirable compliments to Georgiana -- in my master’s presence -- of the young girl’s performance as hostess.

  “You have been an excellent hostess this morning, Miss Darcy. Your brother would be proud of the way you handled the unexpected arrival of two guests.” She smiled thinly in the direction of Miss Elizabeth and her aunt and then turned to my master with a knowing nod. “I did give her some well-heeded advice in suggesting we adjourn here, where it would prove to be more comfortable and would provide more room to visit. Miss Darcy is a dear girl, but one should be able to rely on a lady with experience in keeping a house and entertaining, would you not agree, Mr. Darcy?”

  Georgiana seemed dismayed by Miss Bingley’s words, but my master merely proffered his subdued appreciation for her consideration.

  He turned toward the table and I watched as Miss Elizabeth kept her eyes averted from my master and directed toward the cluster of grapes she held in her hand. With a concentration I was unused to seeing in the employment of eating, she brought each one up to her mouth, slipping it in with the very tip of her finger. I could only account that her diligence was to capture every morsel of juice that may have escaped from it.

  I found my master’s gaze fixed to the grapes as intently as Miss Elizabeth’s were. He followed her hand with his eyes and each time she dipped a finger into her mouth, I considered it odd that my master, almost imperceptibly, licked his lips.

  As a dog, observing behaviour like this among my peers would indicate some exceedingly tempting smell or prospect of a treat had presented itself. I had never seen humans, much less my master, display such a mannerism before and I knew not what to make of it. I confess I have never had much interest in grapes myself, but the intensity of his scrutiny -- and the desire suffused upon his countenance -- made me wonder if I should reconsider.

  Miss Elizabeth looked up and her eyes met my mas
ter, who was still intently observing her. She smiled nervously before glancing at the others, noting that every eye turned to her most curiously. She blushed lightly before returning her gaze to the one looking admirably upon her.

  Shaking his head slightly, my master seemed to realize that the conversation at the table had stopped. He introduced a subject that I suspected was intended to allow his sister the opportunity to converse with Miss Elizabeth. “Georgiana, Miss Bennet recently paid a visit to her friend, who is the wife of our aunt’s clergyman, Mr. Collins. She was introduced to Lady Catherine and was invited to dine at Rosings Park several times.”

  In my consideration, given the events that transpired there between her and my master, Miss Elizabeth admirably retained her composure at the mention of Rosings. When Georgiana turned to apply to her in her halting, shy manner, she seemed to forget her own uneasiness and looked to soothe the young girl’s. “Did you… did you enjoy your visit… with your friend, Miss Bennet?” Georgiana stammered, blushing.

  “Oh, yes, thank you,” Elizabeth smiled at the young girl, I believe in hopes of assuaging her shyness. “I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance not only your aunt, but your cousins, Miss de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

  “I hope you enjoyed their company as well.”

  “Very much so, thank you, Miss Darcy.”

  Georgiana was about to speak again when Miss Bingley apparently reached her limit of not being included in the conversation. “Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the ---shire Militia removed from Meryton? They must be a great loss to your family,” she declared.

  I could not help but think that Wickham was the true reason Miss Bingley mentioned the militia. From the looks upon everyone else’s face, the very mention brought him to mind elsewhere. Miss Bennet seemed at first disconcerted, but quickly composed herself.

  “I thank you for your concern, Miss Bingley, but I believe it is of little importance to my family where they are stationed, as long as they are fulfilling their responsibilities.”