Master Under Good Regulation

by Kara Louise

  *~*~*

  Each day thereafter, I felt a little less pain and a trifle more energy, but instinctively I knew not all was completely right with me. Not wanting to unduly burden my master with all that was already weighing upon his shoulders, I made a valiant effort, however, to assure him of my well being and we finally returned to Pemberley. Whilst I was eager to be home, the jarring from the carriage ride unsettled me and prevented me from getting the rest I so desired.

  We were heartily welcomed by Georgiana; concern etched across her features as she rushed out to greet her brother and inquire after my health. Apparently he had written a letter informing her of my encounter with an errant kick. I was quite certain he did not tell her who was responsible for it.

  Georgiana informed us that the Bingley party remained at Pemberley. She was too kind to say so overtly, but we soon discovered that Miss Bingley rarely gave the young girl time to herself, smothering her with her attentions. The sheer frustration of such relentless flattery was noticeably apparent in Georgiana’s face.

  We walked slowly toward the house, my master very considerate of my still pained ribs. Gratefully, I was able to slowly ascend the steps without assistance and we came indoors.

  “Mr. Darcy!” Miss Bingley’s animated welcome reverberated unpleasantly in my ears. “We were about to despair whether you would actually return before we took our leave!”

  “Good day, Miss Bingley.” He walked toward his friend. “Hello, Bingley. Please pardon my long absence. I encountered some difficulties in the matter that required my attention in town. It took longer than I had anticipated.”

  “Oh, Mr. Darcy!” Miss Bingley prevented her brother from even the most remote opportunity to greet his friend. “Your sister has been the most charming hostess! She was so gracious and helpful. Such a sweet girl!” Miss Bingley looked expectantly at her brother, then to Georgiana, and finally turned back to my master. “She shall make a certain gentleman a fine wife someday!”

  Georgiana appeared quite dismayed by Miss Bingley’s effusions and less-than-subtle intimations.

  Bingley stepped forward; seemingly anxious to change the topic of conversation. “Darcy, I am afraid we can only remain on at Pemberley a few more days. Then we must be off to the north. Pray, will you be here in a month’s time when I return, or should I expect to find you in town?”

  My master eyed him thoughtfully. “Do you have any plans at that time, Bingley?”

  “Besides returning to town to attend to some business, absolutely none! What do you have in mind?”

  “Certainly, do stop at Pemberley upon your return and stay a few days.” My master turned his eyes to Miss Bingley for but a brief moment and then looked directly at Bingley. “Then I would suggest you make plans to return to Netherfield.”

  “Netherfield?” both Bingley and his sister uttered at the same time.

  “Yes. Your lease is almost up and I do believe you need to make some decisions regarding it. Perhaps revisiting it will help you make the proper decision.”

  “Netherfield?” Bingley asked again pensively.

  Miss Bingley, however, had quite a stern and quizzical look on her face and directed explicitly toward my master. “Certainly, Mr. Darcy, you cannot believe that to be a wise decision!”

  My master shook his head. “On the contrary, Miss Bingley, I believe a return to Netherfield is long overdue!”

  Bingley looked at my master expectantly. “Will you accompany me, Darcy? Certainly, you ought!”

  My master seemed oblivious to every eye that was upon him. His brow furrowed and he answered adamantly, “No, Bingley. I do not believe I will have that pleasure on this occasion.”

  Georgiana was as disappointed by his answer as Miss Bingley had been stunned from his mention of Netherfield.

  For myself, upon hearing his answer, I felt a searing pain of disappointment, almost as real as the physical pain I had been experiencing. I watched as my master turned away and walked toward the table that had been set up with tea and coffee. He poured himself some of the hot liquid and stared into the cup. He had spoken little to me of Miss Elizabeth since informing me of her sister’s situation. I wondered whether he had thrown out his violent feelings of love for Miss Elizabeth now that Wickham was to be a member of her family. Was he questioning the suitability of her familial relations again and to an even greater degree all because of Wickham?

  *~*~*

  Once Bingley and his party departed for the north, my master made plans to return to London. He informed Georgiana that once again business required his immediate attention, but assured her he would return within a few days.

  The evening before he left, he enjoyed the company of his young sister. The stress and anxiety of having endured Miss Bingley’s attentions, while being hostess to a party of four, was clearly seen in her features. Over the evening meal, they talked of everything save for that which was foremost on both -- nay, on all our minds -- Miss Elizabeth.

  We adjourned to the music room where Georgiana eased her and my master’s spirits with some pleasant pieces on the pianoforte. The first touch of her fingers had its desired effect and I noticed both master and sister relaxed considerably. I lay in the corner, enjoying the company of the two people for whom I cared most deeply. Georgiana’s music proved to be the balm to soothe my lingering infirmities and broken heart, as well.

  When she finished her first piece, she began playing another, less difficult piece. She cast a glance at her brother and then back down to her hands. Biting her lip, she turned to him again.

  “Fitzwilliam?”

  His eyes had been closed, and at her summons, he opened them slightly. “Yes, Georgiana?”

  “I am so grateful for your return. I confess I found my duties to our guests to be very demanding. Please do not think me rude to say so, but I began to wonder if I would be able to endure Miss Bingley’s presence very much longer.”

  “Did you find her presence here taxing?”

  Georgiana played a few more notes before answering in a careful tone. “Yes, Brother. I found it exceedingly difficult to be the gracious hostess to her that I knew I ought.”

  My master laughed softly. “She can become quite exasperating.”

  “I know not where she learned her manners,” Georgiana continued, “but she spent most of her idle hours either praising me, praising Pemberley, or abusing Miss Bennet!”

  My master’s eyes widened at this and he let out a deep breath. “I apologize, Georgiana.”

  She stopped playing and then turned to him. “What took you so abruptly to London?”

  My master shook his head in surprise. Obviously, he was not expecting this line of questioning.

  Georgiana continued, “And what is prompting your immediate return?” She turned her whole body on the piano bench so she faced my master. “I know it is none of my business, but you set off that morning to pay Miss Bennet a call in Lambton and then upon your return, you inform us that you are forthwith departing for London with scarcely a reason. I cannot help but think it had something to do with your visit. When you informed Mr. Bingley that you would not accompany him when he returns to Netherfield, I felt certain something dreadful occurred. Was Miss Elizabeth not pleased with your attentions? If she was not, I must shoulder the responsibility, as it was my suggestion for you to go to her.”

  Looking down, my master tightened his fists. When he lifted his eyes to his sister, they were filled with anguish. “No, Georgiana, my sweet. It was not my visit that has caused distress. Oh, that I could conceal the truth from you if only I knew you would never come to learn about it! But I know that cannot be.”

  “What is it?” Her eyes widened with alarm.

  “When I arrived at the inn, Miss Bennet had just received a letter from her sister with some very distressing news about her family.”

  Georgiana waited for her brother to continue.

  My master stood and walked over to his sister, sitting down beside her on the piano bench. He t
ook her hand and squeezed it tightly. I stood up and walked slowly over as well, nuzzling up next to her.

  “Apparently, Miss Bennet’s youngest sister followed the militia to Brighton when they left Meryton. She had been invited by the colonel’s wife.”

  When he did not continue, she leaned her head toward his. “Fitzwilliam?”

  His hand went up to rub his furrowed brow and despite the pain, I lifted my paw up and placed it on Georgiana’s lap. “The letter informed Miss Bennet that her sister had run off with Wickham.”

  Silence now overtook Georgiana as she paled and stared at her brother in disbelief.

  “They have eloped?” she inquired meekly.

  My master looked down at his hand that held and gently stroked Georgiana’s. “In her letter, Miss Lydia indicated they were going to Gretna Greene to be married. I doubted whether Wickham had such plans and the letter informed Miss Bennet that upon Mr. Bennet’s inquiries, there was no evidence they ever left London. I left immediately to see if I could find them and set right the situation.”

  “Did you find them?” a very soft voice asked.

  “Yes. And just as I suspected, he had no intention of marrying her. I am sure he held out the hope of a more advantageous match. I remained in town to try to talk sense into one or both of them. When I was unable to persuade Miss Lydia to return to her family, I had to content myself with convincing them that they must marry. I return to London tomorrow for the wedding.”

  Georgiana looked down to her hands that were now both engulfed by my master’s large hands. Shame and remorse seemed to overwhelm her, as she must have recollected her imprudent actions. Her eyes travelled down to where I sat at her feet and I noticed her wince. Keeping her eyes on me, she asked, “Was it… was he the one who inflicted the kick to Reggie?”

  “Yes,” my master answered softly.

  Tears came to her eyes as she looked remorsefully down at me, “I am so sorry, Reggie!”

  I lifted my paws toward her several times to assure her I did not place any blame on her.

  A look of sudden realization prompted her to lift her head back toward my master and her eyes looked at him with deep concern. “He will now be…”

  “Yes,” my master nodded. “He will be Miss Bennet’s brother.”

  “And that is your reason for not accompanying Mr. Bingley to Netherfield?”

  Standing up, my master briskly rubbed his jaw. “I do not know. When at Rosings, she made her feelings quite adamantly known to me. She may have been civil to me while she was here, however I have no assurances that her feelings have changed. Now with Wickham…”

  “But do you love her?” Georgiana asked abruptly.

  My tail wagged in an affirmative response as my master sought how to answer. He walked towards the window and looked out. It was only a brief moment before he answered.

  “Yes, Georgiana, I do. Very much. But to align myself with her family now that Wickham is a part of it…”

  “Fitzwilliam, is your love for her stronger than your loathing for Mr. Wickham?”

  “Of course, but Georgiana…”

  “Please, Fitzwilliam, forgive me if I assume too much. I beg you not to think you must give up Miss Bennet for my sake. I know that you are trying to shelter me from any pain of seeing Mr. Wickham again. Whilst I still have regrets over my behaviour, I no longer harbour feelings for him.”

  Georgiana walked over to her brother and took his hands in hers. “You have been an excellent guardian to me for the past five years. You have loved me, protected me, and I am sure that Father and Mother would be pleased with the admirable example you have set. But allow me to exhibit that strength of character that I have so often seen in you. You will deeply regret it if you do not go to her and find out her true feelings. If she returns your regard, the two of you can then address the issue of Wickham. But please, do not keep yourself from her because of me!”

  “Georgiana, are you certain that the slightest possibility of aligning our family with his would not cause you unease?”

  “I am quite certain. He has caused you pain too often. Do not let him have this triumph over you!”

  I was a little surprised that I had not comprehended this earlier. It was for Georgiana’s protection that he had resolved not to accompany Bingley to Netherfield, knowing that an alliance with Miss Elizabeth would perchance throw Georgiana into Wickham’s path. I chided myself for this lapse and wondered whether my quick mind was slowing down much like my body.

  I watched as my master took in a deep breath and a smile came to his face. “You are too perceptive for such a young girl, Georgiana. I believe I shall heed your wisdom and join Bingley at Netherfield.”

  *~*~*

  My master departed the next morning for London. Assuming that Wickham posed no obstacles, he planned to stay but three days. For a trip of such a short duration, it was agreed that I would remain at Pemberley. I was most grateful as I did not look forward with any eagerness to another jarring carriage ride. I spent the majority of the time resting, still not feeling completely healed. I enjoyed this special time with Georgiana. She allowed me into her chambers and often lay on the floor next to me, combing my fur with her hands as she read a book.

  When my master returned, the only words he spoke on the matter of Wickham’s marriage to Miss Lydia were, “It is done.”

  We tried to resume some semblance of our normal schedule. Our walks were necessarily short and oftentimes, I merely awaited his return as he went out on his own. Sadly, not only was I still experiencing too persistent pain, but my strength had waned far more than I would have expected from my injuries. I feared my convalescence would be a lengthy one.

  As I watched him return from a solitary walk, I was filled with regret that for the first time in my life, I could no longer accompany him. I missed our camaraderie and hearing him verbalize his deepest thoughts to me. Though he would come back from these lone ventures refreshed as one would expect from exertions of this sort, it did not take the acuity of a dog’s senses to perceive something was lacking. I knew he wished for someone to accompany him. He needed someone with whom he could share his joys and sorrows, hopes and fears; someone who would challenge him with lively conversation; someone who would be there for him once I was gone. I knew who it had to be.

  The problem, as I saw it, was that there seemed to always be obstacles in bringing them together. He seemed satisfied that he had done what he could to salvage the Bennet family’s reputation and Miss Lydia’s honour. I do not know exactly the intricacies of currency, but I was quite certain he did so with a sizeable sum -- far greater than Wickham deserved! Even still, I knew that he would have paid ten times the sum to have the right to court Miss Elizabeth.

  To his credit, my master became more content once he had determined he would see Miss Elizabeth again, but he confessed to me in his chambers one evening that he did not wish for her to know of his involvement and what it cost him to bribe Wickham to marry her sister.

  “I only hope that it will be kept from her. I asked everyone to give me their assurances that they would inform no one I was in attendance at the wedding, let alone arranged all the details. I trust the Gardiners to keep silent; I can only hope the new Mr. and Mrs. Wickham do the same. I do not wish to go to Miss Elizabeth if all she feels is beholden to me.”

  We were in the study late one night and my master was expecting Bingley any day. He had been making a vain attempt at reading, but finally put the book down in exasperation. Obviously, his thoughts had been elsewhere.

  “I cannot begin to know what Miss Elizabeth will do or say to me when Bingley and I return to the neighbourhood. She may still harbour resentment towards me, but whether or not she returns my regard, I intend to confess to Bingley my error of judgment regarding her sister. That is the least I can do!”

  He leaned forward, clasping his hands together tightly. “I do not deserve her, Reggie, but I do hope to God that she would give me another chance.”

  It
was but a few days later that Bingley returned to Pemberley and he was quite pleased to find that my master had changed his mind about accompanying him to Netherfield.

  My master insisted upon me travelling, as well, for which I was grateful. Whilst I had improved slightly, I knew the long day’s journey over muddy and rutted roads would only serve to aggravate my condition. For my master’s sake, I would bear up under it, especially as the hopeful outcome would be seeing Miss Elizabeth and my master together.

  He assured me that he would do everything in his power to provide for my comfort and provide an opportunity for me to see Miss Elizabeth again. Perhaps he hoped that I could have some influence to help him win her over. I overheard him speaking to his sister, however, and knew his decision to allow me to accompany was partly due to his concern with my well being. In hushed tones he told her that he would not rest easy if I were not with him, knowing how poorly I had been in recent days.

  We extended our heartfelt farewell to Georgiana, who was to remain at Pemberley through Christmas. A short stop in London to set some affairs in order was all that Bingley and my master required before we all departed, in hopeful anticipation, for Netherfield.

  *~*~*

  My master invited Bingley to ride along in his carriage to give them ample opportunity to talk. I knew what was on my master’s mind and once he had the opportunity to confess his errant interference to his friend, he would be somewhat more at peace with himself.

  As we rode in the carriage, I easily sensed the comportment of the two gentlemen. Bingley had a heightened anticipation about him that prompted him to smile throughout practically our whole ride. My master kept his anticipation at bay. His expectations were more cautious.

  At length, Bingley spoke. “I must admit, Darcy, I cannot help but hope to see Miss Bennet again. I do hope she will be happy to see me.”