by Ted Bader
Laying Phillip down on a large pillow on the floor, Thomas straightened his back and sat down. Georgiana walked up to the side of his chair and spoke softly, “Thank you, Thomas, for the way you have helped Phillip. I am sure he and I will never forget it.”
He took her hand in his and squeezed it in a friendly manner.
Mrs. Reynolds said, “Miss Darcy, I will watch Phillip for now. You do not look entirely well. Please go downstairs and tell your brother what has happened. He is anxious to hear how Phillip is doing. He said to interrupt him, if necessary.”
“No, I want to stay with Phillip for the evening,” she replied.
Mrs. Reynolds and Elizabeth implored her to go downstairs and she finally yielded when they said she would be needed later to help watch Phillip during the night.
Elizabeth, Thomas and Georgiana moved downstairs to the drawing room and Georgiana gladly received a cup of tea from a servant. After drinking several sips, she said, “There, I feel better now. I think the shakiness is gone.”
“Good, I think Phillip is going to be fine. The splint looks wonderful,” Elizabeth soothingly replied.
Mr. Darcy and Sir William entered the room and walked over to where Georgiana and Thomas were seated in separate chairs. Thomas explained the events and the condition of Phillip, with Georgiana nodding in agreement with the story.
A servant came announcing the arrival of Elizabeth’s family, the Bennets. All of those present in the drawing room moved to the welcoming hall. Elizabeth led the way in introductions. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, along with her sister Kitty, were introduced to the Staleys.
“Mamma, where is Mary?” Elizabeth asked Mrs. Bennet.
“She has decided to stay this time with her Aunt Phillips.” Lowering her voice to Elizabeth, although Georgiana could hear, she continued, “I think she has become interested in one of your uncle’s law clerks. I thought she would never get interested in a man, so I prevailed on Mr. Bennet for her to stay in Meryton.” Then, with a whisper she added, “Pemberley is even grander than you described in your letters.”
Kitty seemed insensible to the grandeur; as the men moved back to the study, she began asking Elizabeth about Thomas. Her questions about him quickly exhausted her elder sister’s knowledge. Elizabeth began to refer Kitty to Georgiana for answers. When Kitty looked at Georgiana, she abruptly stopped and said politely, “Miss Darcy need not answer me. I am being too inquisitive to be courteous.”
During the dinner hour, Kitty engaged the attention of Mr. Thomas Staley more than Georgiana could. As the Darcys and Bennets bid goodbye to the Staleys for the night, Georgiana sensed a new emotion, unwarranted irritation, towards Miss Bennet and could not understand why. The thought flitted through her mind that she was jealous--but she quickly dismissed it. Due to her education being entirely private at Pemberley and in London, she had few close female companions until the arrival of Elizabeth. As a result, Georgiana never had to compete for the attention of a young man. She had always considered Thomas an amiable friend, even a brother. When Mr. Thomas Staley visited, she did not have to share his attention with any other woman her age. The inquiries of Kitty elevated Thomas in her esteem, but Georgiana understood neither the jealousy or the esteem.
Chapter Four
The next morning, Mr. and Mrs. Bingley were to arrive at Pemberley House. Mr. Charles Bingley, a jolly young man, had a good opinion of everyone. Mrs. Bingley, known as Jane to her family, was the eldest among the five girls born to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth considered Jane her dearest sister.
Upon arrival, Jane and Elizabeth hugged each other while Georgiana greeted Mr. Bingley. As the sisters embraced, Elizabeth said, “I am delighted you are so early; however, mother and Kitty are still getting ready and will be down soon.” Pulling back and looking at her sister, she asked, with a twinkle in her eye, ”Now, then, how does it feel to be an old married woman, Jane?”
“Lizzy, I have been married only two months, and not one second longer than you!”
“Yes, you have; you said ‘I do’ ten seconds before I did at our double wedding.”
“Oh, Lizzy, I can see you have not become overly serious yet!”
“Nor shall I ever,” said Elizabeth with a smile. “Jane, I know you have met Georgiana. She is becoming my dearest feminine friend besides yourself.”
Georgiana curtsied.
“Georgiana, this is a very high compliment to you. Lizzy chooses her friends quite carefully.”
“And I mine. Lizzy has also become my dearest friend.”
“I hear you are very accomplished at playing the harp and pianoforte,” said Jane.
“I will admit to playing them,” replied Georgiana.
“Please, let us hear you this evening. It has been much too long since I have heard a harp played,” Jane said earnestly.
Elizabeth turned to Mr. Bingley and said, “Mr. Darcy and my father have been walking the gardens since early this morning. You should find them in the hothouse by now.”
Mr. Bingley walked away towards the garden as Elizabeth led the ladies to the entrance parlor. Jane said, “I bring a letter from our Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. I have not opened it but it is my understanding they will not be able to come to Pemberley for Christmas.”
Elizabeth sat down and read the letter. She handed it to Jane who, after perusing it, forwarded it to Georgiana who read:
My Dear Elizabeth,
I am greatly disappointed to write that your uncle
and I will be unable to come to you this Christmas.
Your uncle has pressing legal business which could
not wait until after the holidays. He hopes to com-
plete much of it by spring and break away to
see Derbyshire in April.
At that time, I shall want to ride the perimeter
of the Pemberley grounds in our phaeton with
little ponies as we have talked about so often.
Give our love to Mr. Darcy. We are most proud
of your marriage to him. We are humbly glad to
have been of service in helping to unite you.
Sincerely,
Your Aunt Gardiner
“Lizzy, what does your aunt mean by helping to unite you and my brother?” Georgiana inquired in a soft voice.
Elizabeth and Jane glanced at each other and laughed. “Only Jane and Mr. Darcy know the entire story, but I can see that you should be told so we have no secrets,” replied Elizabeth.
With a sigh, Elizabeth told the story of her visit to Rosing Park in the spring and how she turned down Mr. Darcy’s first proposal.
Georgiana gasped, “You turned my brother down once?”
“Yes, I am ashamed to admit my own stupid reasons of pride and prejudice; though, I still think properly, that a woman should marry only with affection. At the time, I had no affection and thus I did not wish to marry,” replied Elizabeth.
“I agree, Lizzy. It is so important for a woman to marry with affection. Too many of our sex marry only for duty, particularly when they can improve their lot,” said Jane.
“My brother was probably quite upset at your refusal,” said Georgiana.
“You will have to ask him about his reaction. Only, I prefer you not dwell on my past foolishness.” Continuing the story, Elizabeth related how Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner took her on a tour of Derbyshire. Elizabeth was curious about Pemberley and thought she was touring it when none of the Darcys were home; however, a chance meeting occurred when Mr. Darcy returned unexpectedly, and the rest was common knowledge to Georgiana.
“Despite our difficulties in getting together, Mr. Darcy is the kindest, most affectionate husband any woman could have,” said Elizabeth. As she looked at Jane she continued, “Though, I suppose, Jane would disagree with me and say Mr. Bingley was the best.
”
Jane smiled, but Elizabeth cried to Georgiana, “However, Mr. Bingley and Jane only smile, while your brother and I laugh!” After their laughter subsided, Elizabeth continued, “Jane, let Georgiana and I show you some of Pemberley.” Turning to Georgiana, she asked, “Will you help with a tour of the house for Jane and the rest of my family?”
“Certainly. First, I must go check on my dog, Phillip.”
Elizabeth rejoined, “I would also like to see how he is doing.” Looking at Jane she explained, “Phillip broke his leg yesterday. Shall we check in on him and then find Mother and Kitty?”
Entering the bedroom, the women could see that Phillip was now awake. His eyes were bright. He barked softly when he saw Georgiana. He tried to come to her, but with his left rear leg dragging in a splint, he managed to elicit pathetic looks from the women. Statements of pity and love poured forth from them, particularly when Georgiana picked him up in her arms.
“Now, Phillip, it is important that you rest and eat well.” Phillip’s eyes looked as if he wanted adventure rather than convalescence. He eagerly accepted the patting of the women before being placed back in his basket. He was reassured that Georgiana would return after the tour with Elizabeth’s family.
The ladies enjoyed viewing the house and had a brief time of rest and preparation before gathering in the parlor for the 5 o’clock dinner hour. When they were all present downstairs, a servant announced, “The Earl of Westbrook and his family have arrived.”
The Darcys, Bingleys and Bennets went outside to greet the visitors. The Earl, a fat man of medium height, stepped out first. His wife, Countess of Westbrook, who had a proud and serious face, was close behind. His older son, with the courtesy title of Viscount of Derby, and who was known as Lord Westbrook, stepped down. The younger brother was introduced as the Honorable Henry Westbrook.
Lord Westbrook (the son) approached Georgiana and said with a sigh, “How is my Miss Darcy?”
“Good. Thank you, and yourself?”
“For myself, the journey here was quite tiring. Coach rides in December should be avoided. One never has enough energy for them.”
“Step aside, Alfred, so I also can greet Georgiana,” said Henry Westbrook. Moving in front of his brother, “It has been too long since I have seen you.”
At that moment, two other carriages arrived. One, carried Mr. Bingley’s sister, Miss Caroline Bingley, and the other, the Staleys. Miss Bingley stepped out of the carriage in her usual fine dress. The younger Lord Westbrook spied her and quickly went over to introduce himself. Then he escorted her back to the group.
Caroline Bingley was the proud woman who had set her cap for Mr. Darcy and disdained Elizabeth’s chances for engaging him. However, when she lost, Miss Bingley was quick to make amends with Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy in order to continue her social contacts at Pemberley.
Mr. Darcy introduced Elizabeth to all of the Westbrooks. The Staleys and Westbrooks knew each other. The Bennets and Bingleys were introduced all around. The families then entered the large, welcoming doors of Pemberley.
As the group settled in the parlor, Elizabeth whispered in Georgiana’s ear, “Come with me to the dining room.” When they were alone, Elizabeth said, “I have never had the responsibility of seating guests at a large dinner party before. I shall need your help.”
Georgiana said, “I am sure you will do fine.”
Elizabeth replied, “But, I am not entirely certain of everyone’s social rank. Further, I am not sure who will converse well with each other. I could consult Burke’s at this point to get things straight, but you have had your friends over before and know their social status.”
“Indeed, what is familiar to me might be confusing to you. Clearly, my brother should escort in the Countess. You will need to escort the Earl. Lord Westbrook and Mr. Henry Westbrook should be seated next. I will then sit next to Mr. Thomas Staley, although we can interrupt the usual sequence for relations sake and Kitty may be advanced to sit beside one of the Westbrook sons. Then, I shall not have to be flanked by three men, although I do not mind sitting next to Thomas. Then, you should seat Mr. and Mrs. Bingley, Sir William Staley and, finally, you can place your parents, the Bennets.”
Elizabeth replied, “I can not help but notice you omitted Miss Bingley. How far away from Mr. Darcy can we seat her?” she asked mischievously.
“What did you have in mind?”
“I should prefer seating her in the library, if that were possible.”
Georgiana laughed and Elizabeth was smiling as Mr. Darcy entered the room. His face inquired the reason for the gaiety and Elizabeth explained, “Georgiana and I were discussing the seating arrangement for tonight. Since Miss Bingley is an old flame of yours, we were wondering about the propriety of exiling her to the library during the meal.”
Darcy replied, “My dear Lizzy, I can assure you that the heat was all on Miss Bingley’s side, not mine; I believe she desired Pemberley more than its master.”
Mrs. Darcy approached her husband and kissed him on the cheek. “I know Caroline Bingley has made amends to me, but I am still uncomfortable with her being near you, my love. I expect my discomfort will disappear eventually.”
Darcy pulled her closer and returned her kiss. “You have no need for concern about the matter. You are the only one to command my attention.” He sighed, “Duty calls and I must return to our guests; but you, my loveliest Elizabeth, will remain in my thoughts.” He reluctantly released her, winked at his blushing sister, and left the room.
Elizabeth resumed the conversation with Georgiana, “Thank you for helping me with the seating order. I believe we will seat Caroline Bingley next to Lord Westbrook. I spent this morning going over the other details for the seven course meal. I assume the service will be á la francaise.”
Georgiana replied, “Yes, that is our practice here. My brother is quite adept at carving the venison that you are planning for this evening.”
The meal went as smoothly as could be expected. Georgiana observed that Mr. Henry Westbrook and Kitty Bennet were talking pleasantly. She even heard them laugh together several times. Georgiana had a discussion with Thomas of several books she had been reading lately. When the meal was done, Mr. Bennet said, “Where are the glasses for wine?”
Mr. Darcy rose and said, “Mr. Bennet has asked a reasonable question about the cups for wine. Some of you around the table know that seven years ago tonight my own dear father was finally able to give up his habit of alcohol. For too long, it had ensnared him and caused a decline in his health. He lived for two more years before dying of cirrhosis of the liver. Tonight, not for any moral reasons, but in memory of my father, I thought we should have only coffee and tea.”
Finishing this, Mr. Darcy looked at Sir William Staley who stood, “Thank you, Fitzwilliam. Your father was a good man with a bad habit. As you know, I, too, was caught up in this struggle. Your father and I worked through the difficulty together. I appreciate your decision this evening to avoid it. To our new visitors here tonight, we hasten to add that if you drink alcohol, you will not offend those of us who choose not to imbibe it. We only beg your indulgence in our forbearance of it this evening.”
Mr. Darcy added, “Mr. Bennet, we are happy to bring you some wine, if you desire.”
Mr. Bennet stood and replied, “In memory of your great father, I am quite happy to join you in honoring him in this way. It is good for a man to practice forbearance.” He paused for a moment and then said, tongue-in-cheek,
Anything that might prolong my life
has the approbation of my wife;
who, as most of you know, holds her breath
over losing our estate upon my death.
Everyone laughed. With the after dinner speeches done, the ladies stood and proceeded to the parlor for coffee.
When they reached the parlor, Mrs. Be
nnet said directly to Kitty, “Now Kitty, Mr. Henry Westbrook is quite a man, being the second son of an earl. He also seems interested in you; he is the one you want to set your hat for, not this other fellow, Mr. Staley--he is only the second son of a baronet!”
Though the latter statement was not made to the entire group, Georgiana heard it and disliked her friend being described in such a disparaging manner. After all, a baronet was a respectable title for a gentleman! A baronet was not as high in status as an earl, but it mattered little since second sons were unlikely to inherit the family title anyway.
After thirty minutes discussing the politics of Derbyshire, the gentlemen rejoined the women in the parlor.
The conversation was initially started as to who was going to go to London for the “season.” “We are escaping the countryside to return to London in less than a month,” the Countess stated. “Miss Darcy, are you returning soon?”
Georgiana said, “No, since my brother and Elizabeth are staying at Pemberley, I shall remain with them. I should prefer to never return to London, since I do not enjoy either the air or the society there.”
Caroline Bingley remonstrated, “Now, Georgiana, surely you do not desire to avoid London for the season. St. James’ court and the society there make life meaningful. Further, how will you progress in your musical talent?”
“I am far enough along to where only continued practice is needed for improvement.”
Georgiana looked at Elizabeth for help, who added, “My sister is a shy girl with little desire for any society beyond that of a rural country life. As to her musical talents, she far exceeds my own and has become the official musician of Pemberley Hall. Georgiana, would you favor us with a song on your harp?”
She moved to play it and, during the first number, she was particularly pleased to note the approbation of her playing shown on Thomas’ face. The group clapped at the end of her second number. How different was her musical personality from her public persona! Once playing, she could do so without fear or shyness; but when speaking, other than to her family or friends, she would revert to silent shyness.
