Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker

by Bronwen Chisholm

  I sat quietly. This was not entirely true, but I did not want to insult my friends by calling their guest deceitful. Fortunately, there was no need for me to respond.

  “I suppose it is for the best.” Lydia smiled as she batted her eyes at him. “If you had been a simple clergyman, you would not be here with us now.”

  “You are correct, Miss Lydia.” Wickham’s laugh appeared to be one of relief.

  “How should you have liked making sermons?” Elizabeth suddenly asked, catching the gentleman’s eye and determinedly holding it.

  Wickham swallowed as he composed himself. “Exceedingly well. I should have considered it as part of my duty, as you must, Mr. Collins. I am certain the exertion would soon have been nothing.”

  Before her cousin could respond, Elizabeth quickly continued. “I did hear that there was a time when sermon-making was not so palatable to you as it seems to be at present; that you actually declared your resolution of never taking orders, and that the business had been compromised accordingly.”

  Murmurs rushed about the table as Mr. Wickham’s colour deepened. “Did you? Well, it was not wholly without foundation …”

  “Lizzy, what are you about? Leave Mr. Wickham be; it is unseemly to question him in this manner.” Mrs. Bennet used her serviette to fan herself, worry marring her features as though she believed Mr. Wickham might take offense and storm out of the house.

  Smiling, Elizabeth looked across the table at the gentleman in question. “Come, Mr. Wickham, do not let us quarrel about the past. In future, I hope we shall be always of one mind.” Her brow rose in challenge, tainting the sweet innocence of her expression.

  “Of course, Miss Elizabeth.” Mr. Wickham bowed his head in her direction, before turning his attention back to her youngest sister.

  I bit down on my lower lip in an attempt to suppress my laughter as I met my friend’s gaze. Elizabeth winked before turning her attention back to her dinner.

  “Well, that was an interesting exchange,” Mr. Bennet said only loud enough for the Elizabeth and I to hear.

  “Exceedingly so,” I whispered as a soft giggle escaped me. The rest of the table remained distracted enough not to notice our private conversation.

  “I suspect all will be explained, in detail, later?” Mr. Bennet looked to his daughter who nodded solemnly. “Very well.” He motioned the servant forward to refill his glass and sank into silence.

  I could not help but watch Elizabeth closely, wondering if her father would take her to task regarding the challenges she had presented to Mr. Wickham. She appeared unconcerned, so I decided all would be well and returned to enjoying my meal.

  As the last course was served, Mrs. Hill entered the room carrying a missive, which she presented to me. “This just arrived, Miss.”

  “Thank you,” I responded as I accepted the letter. Flipping it over, I noted my brother’s seal and smiled before breaking it open. As I read the short note, my eyes widened. “Oh, dear.”

  “What is it?” Elizabeth asked as she leaned forward in concern.

  “My brother says the bridge leading to Netherfield was damaged by the storm and he fears it will not hold the weight of the carriage. He insists we not return this evening.”

  Mr. Bennet held out his hand. “May I?”

  I passed the letter to him as Mrs. Bennet began to gush. “Well, of course, you shall stay here and Mrs. Annesley too. I do hope the damage will be repaired before the ball. It would be dreadful if it should be cancelled due to an unsound bridge.”

  Mr. Bennet turned toward the housekeeper. “Who delivered the message, Hill? Was it Samuel? Did he report any other damage?”

  “Yes sir, it was Samuel. He said the rest of the roads are good, but the brook is a bit higher than normal. A few trees were blown down, but nothing that would interfere with travel.” She glanced toward the officers, her lips set in a firm frown.

  “Thank you, Hill.” Mr. Bennet’s eyes appeared to convey a message as the housekeeper nodded her head and quickly left the room. The corner of Mr. Bennet’s mouth twitched as though he fought a grin. “Well gentlemen, it appears conditions have improved to the point you are no longer forced to remain trapped amongst my silly daughters. Let us finish our meal so that you might be back on your way to your regimen. I am certain your Colonel will have work for you.”

  A pall fell over the group as the officers quietly finished their meal while Kitty and Lydia bemoaned the loss of their company. Afterward, as the gentlemen gathered their outerwear, Lydia stood at the drawing room window looking out.

  “Papa, I believe it is beastly of you to send them out in this weather. It looks as though it might storm again at any moment.”

  “Well Lydia, you will be reassured to know the carriage has been readied to deliver them safely into Meryton. I would not have it on my conscience should some ill come to them.” Mr. Bennet placed a hand upon his youngest daughter’s arm and led her away from the window.

  I sat by Elizabeth watching the scene. It was clear the soldiers did not wish to go out in the poor weather, but hearing the carriage would convey them appeared to brighten their countenances. They thanked Mr. Bennet for his generosity and Mrs. Bennet for the excellent meal. Captain Carter addressed Elizabeth regarding a book they had discussed earlier which she had offered to lend him, and she left the room to gather it.

  Sensing a presence by my side, I looked up to find Mr. Wickham had approached. I swallowed my unease, and met his gaze directly. “Mr. Wickham?”

  “Miss Darcy,” he said softly. His eyes took on a soft, nearly watery appearance. “I fear I owe you an apology from the last time we were in company.”

  “Please, sir.” I glanced about the room to see if any of the others were aware of our conversation. It appeared they were all partaking in their own leave takings and did not notice. Mrs. Annesley had left the room shortly before Elizabeth and I hoped she might return soon. With my companion not in sight, I held my head high and turned my attentions back to the man before me. “I have learned much since then. You must not be distressed for me.”

  He hesitated before finally responding. “No, I suppose not. I simply wished you to know that I meant you no harm, and I am sorry for the manner in which matters ended.”

  “I can well believe you would be,” I replied coolly.

  Mr. Wickham took a step closer to me. “Truly, Georgie, I never …”

  “Only my friends and family call me Georgie, sir. You are neither.” My voice sounded cold, even to me.

  Standing straighter, Mr. Wickham looked at me sadly. “You would be so cool to me? We were nearly …”

  I could feel my colour rise as the disbelief began to fill me. “We were nearly what, sir?” I whispered angrily. “You very nearly stole everything I hold most dear.”

  A look of contrition crossed his countenance and he bowed his head. “Forgive me; I suppose this was a mistake. I will not disturb you again.” Mr. Wickham bowed before turning his attention to the other ladies and saying his farewells.

  Uncertain how to interpret his reaction, I remained in my seat while the others saw the officers off. I was still in a pensive attitude when Mrs. Annesley returned to the room a few minutes later.

  “Miss Darcy, are you unwell?”

  Blinking, I turned toward her as I suddenly realized I was no longer alone. “Do not be concerned. I am simply perplexed.”

  The older lady glanced about as the Bennet ladies entered the room. “May I be of assistance?”

  “Perhaps, but I wish to ruminate upon it first.” I smiled, allowing the unease to slip from me as I turned my attention toward the Bennet ladies. “The officers are safely on their way?”

  Miss Lydia flounced into the closest seat as she released a dramatic sigh. “Yes. We were such a happy party, but Papa ruined it.”

  “We shall see them at the Netherfield ball,” Miss Kitty offered as she took a seat near her sister and took up a half-finished bonnet. “Captain Carter said Mr. Bingley extended
an invitation to all the officers.”

  “Yes, but Mr. Wickham will not go.” Miss Lydia pouted as she picked at a loose thread on the arm of the chair.

  “Not go? Why ever not?” Mrs. Bennet demanded as she took her seat and picked up her needlepoint.

  Throwing a displeased look in my direction, Miss Lydia explained. “I am certain he would not wish to be in the presence of those who think him beneath them.”

  Elizabeth frowned at her sister. “Lydia, I believe you are speculating upon something of which you know little. I am certain Mr. Wickham will attend the ball if he is able and, if he does not, there will be a simple explanation. Our enjoyment shall not be deterred should one officer not attend.”

  She took her seat next to me and slipped her hand over my own. Leaning closer, she whispered, “Pay no attention to Lydia. She is simply displeased as Mr. Wickham did not bestow all his attention upon her this evening.”

  Before I could respond, Lydia began speaking animatedly regarding the upcoming ball. “Oh, I can hardly wait to dance at Netherfield. I am certain I shall not sit out a single dance.” Her lips turned up in what was meant to be a smile, but closer resembled a sneer. “Miss Darcy, how shall you like the dancing?” Again she spoke before I could respond, a look of false concern crossing her countenance. “Oh, but you shall not dance, shall you. Your brother has not allowed you to be out yet. Such a pity.” She shook her head as she made a tsking sound.

  Quite familiar with ill-behaved young ladies from my time in the finest finishing schools of England, and not prepared to allow someone of lower rank belittle me, I raised my head high. “No, I intend to observe the dancing. I am certain I shall be able to learn much regarding the proper,” at this I looked down my nose at the youngest Bennet, “and improper behaviour one sees at such an event.”

  Miss Lydia’s jaw fell open, and she was about to respond, when Miss Kitty drew her attention to the bonnet, asking her sister’s opinion regarding the most attractive placement of the ribbon. Shooting a wilting look in my direction, Miss Lydia stamped her foot and joined her sister.

  Returning my attention to Elizabeth, I was surprised by the look of disbelief in her eyes. Immediately, I felt the sting of rejection and feared I had misbehaved. “Forgive me; have I said something I ought not?” I whispered.

  “No.” Elizabeth shook her head as she patted my hand once more, though in a distracted manner this time. “Lydia deserved a proper set down. I simply had yet to see you behave in such a manner.”

  My cheeks burned as I lowered my gaze to our hands. “I normally do not, but I have been the target of spiteful young ladies in the past. I learned it is best to fight back so they do not believe you weak, else they will grow more bold and hateful.”

  “Yes, I believe you are correct.” Elizabeth looked at her youngest sisters and shook her head. “I believe that is why Kitty follows Lydia’s lead and does not stand up for herself. Lydia can be quite cruel at times.”

  We sat in silence watching the youngest Bennet sisters until Lydia turned our way. Seeing us staring at her, a cruel smile crossed her lips and she raised her head higher.

  Elizabeth sighed, shaking her head, and turned toward me. “I believe Hill has made up your room. Shall I show you the way?”

  “Oh yes, please.” I leaned forward a bit and lowered my voice. “I should not say so, but I am pleased I shall be staying here with you. The evenings at Netherfield are tedious. Miss Bingley is constantly fawning over my brother, and her siblings behave as though they are unaware. It can be quite embarrassing.”

  Giggling, Elizabeth pulled me to my feet. “I remember. Though I found it amusing, I can imagine it is not so to Mr. Darcy.”

  “No.” My smile grew as I shook my head. “I suppose her behaviour could be seen as humourous, so long as you are not the individual she is addressing.”

  We left the drawing room and started for the stairs. “I have been exceedingly entertained by her conversations.” Elizabeth’s cheeks reddened as she lowered her eyes. “I fear during my stay at Netherfield I took pleasure in causing Miss Bingley to change her position on matters.”

  Laying a hand upon my friend’s arm, I turned

  her so we faced one another. “Fitzwilliam mentioned something of that. However did you do so?”

  Lightly setting her teeth against her lower lip, Elizabeth appeared to be considering her reply. Finally, she nodded her head and we began our ascent as she spoke. “One evening Mr. Bingley declared that all young ladies are accomplished. As I consider myself far from such, I would not have agreed with his assertion; but his sister and your brother took him to task.” Taking on an overly innocent appearance, Elizabeth continued, “I felt as though I must come to my host’s aide.”

  “Whatever did you say?” I asked as we reached the bedroom beside Elizabeth’s.

  After opening the door and following her inside, Elizabeth took a seat on the edge of the bed and patted the mattress for me to join her. “When Mr. Darcy declared he knew only half a dozen ladies who were really accomplished and Miss Bingley agreed, I mentioned that they must comprehend a great deal in their idea of an accomplished woman. Well, that was all Miss Bingley needed to hear. She began a list as long as my arm of all that a lady must possess; many I am certain she met, and the rest she believed to be true.” Though she appeared ready to say more, Elizabeth hesitated and a crease appeared between her brows.

  “What is it? Do you not remember what happened next?” I asked.

  “No, the opposite actually. Mr. Darcy agreed with all Miss Bingley said, but added that a truly accomplished lady must also improve her mind by extensive reading.”

  I smiled broadly. “Oh yes, Fitzwilliam quite dislikes the society ladies who are unable to hold an intelligent conversation. He much prefers being able to debate a topic; unfortunately they normally bow to his opinions.”

  Rallying herself, Elizabeth returned my smile. “Well I certainly supplied his need during my visit. In response to his comment, I stated that I was no longer surprised by his knowing only six, and doubted he knew one. At which time Miss Bingley did not disappoint my expectations; she and her sister quickly declared they now knew many women that fit the description. I fear I had to leave the room soon afterward in order not to laugh outright.”

  “And how did my brother respond?”

  Elizabeth frowned. “I am uncertain. I fear I was quite distracted by my hostess’s response.” She shrugged her shoulders. “In any case, Mr. Hurst declared they were not paying attention to their cards and I left the room.”

  Her eyes took on a distant look once more, and I decided to sit quietly for a moment. Eventually, when she appeared thoroughly lost in her thoughts, I cleared my throat quietly and asked, “What are you thinking?” I was surprised when Elizabeth’s countenance reddened as though she had been caught at something quite terrible.

  “I do not wish to say.”

  Suddenly ill at ease, I looked about the room and gasped. “Oh, but this is not a guest room. Has my presence forced someone from their bed?”

  Smiling once more, Elizabeth took my hand. “This is Jane’s room; she shall share with me while you are here. We are accustomed to sharing a room, and I thought you may prefer to be near us.”

  “Oh yes!” I embraced my friend, before I quickly stepped back. “Forgive me, but I feel so close to you.” I hesitated and looked nervously about the room once more. “What is it like to have so many sisters?”

  “Noisy!” Elizabeth laughed.

  “I only have Fitzwilliam,” I said as I examined the miscellaneous items laid out on the table beside the bed. “He is a wonderful older brother, but there are so many years between us. I have spent time with my cousin, but she has always been very determined to marry well. She spoke of little else. I cannot imagine growing up with so many women about me.”

  I heard a soft sigh and turned to see a far off look in Elizabeth’s eyes just before she spoke. “I have often dreamed of being part of a smaller
, quieter family. Of course, I would not sacrifice Jane for all the world, but I always enjoyed visiting my aunt and uncle in London. They have children now, but when they first wed, it was so quiet and refined there. I would imagine I was their only child and think of how my life would be different.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she met my gaze. “But then I would return home and realize I had truly missed my sisters and their constant banter.”

  Turning back to the table, I picked up a small seashell and turned it over in my hand. “Will you prefer to live in London or the countryside when you wed?”

  “I had not thought of it,” Elizabeth said in a contemplative tone. “I suppose, if I wed, I shall live wherever my husband chooses.”

  “But, if you were given a choice, where would you prefer?” I asked insistently.

  “Oh, the country by far. I fear when I am in town, I quite despise the restrictions. I cannot walk alone as I do here at home, though I suppose my husband would not allow me to do so wherever I may be.” Placing a stern look upon her face, she turned to meet my eye. “It is quite improper; scandalous even.”

  “I believe your husband would love you so much, he would allow you to do as you please.” I smiled brightly.

  “Oh, dear, if only such a man existed.” A dreamy expression passed over Elizabeth’s countenance before she shook herself. “But I am certain he does not; and should he, I doubt he would even notice me.”

  Placing the seashell back on the table, I stood and walked about the room. “After we left Ramsgate, Fitzwilliam and I spoke of men and marriage. I asked him what he desired in a wife.” Pausing, I glanced over my shoulder to gage Elizabeth’s reaction. She sat still, not meeting my gaze, so I continued. “I suppose I anticipated a list of accomplishments; but he simply said he hoped to find someone he could esteem, who treasured him, and could love Pemberley as he does.”

  “Of course they must be of the upper ranks in society,” Elizabeth said softly.