by Adams, Alexa
Darcy laughed, “You know, when I first met the family I was certain that such a frantically matchmaking mother as Mrs. Bennet would frighten away all thinking prospects for her daughters. While it is uncertain if the appellation ‘thinking’ can be applied to Mr. Collins, I must say I either gravely underestimated her, the charms of her daughters, or the powerful force of her husband, as he has proven himself equally determined, in a far more sophisticated fashion, to achieve the same end.”
“How strange you should meet Mr. Collins in Hertfordshire!” Georgiana replied, adopting her brother’s teasing tone. “Aunt Catherine will be most disappointed not to have the privilege of making the introduction.”
“Indeed she will,” he chuckled.
“But it just seems too amazing that your Miss Bennet should so soon be sister to both Charles Bingley and the Rector of Hunsford!”
He nodded in agreement, “I have found the entire experience utterly bewildering, I assure you. Part of my motivation for stopping here, Georgiana, was to have the benefit of your conversation in clearing my mind. My feelings for Miss Elizabeth are unlike any I have previously experienced and I need to be sure of their nature before acting upon them. This is why, when Mr. Collins questioned my intentions towards his cousin, having been told by Aunt Catherine that I am engaged to Anne,” Georgiana gasped, “I thought it best to use the opportunity to put an end, once and for all, to my aunt’s schemes. It also provided a handy excuse to get away for a few days and visit you, me dear, with the added benefit of relieving me of the odious man’s presence.”
“He really dared to question your honor?”
“He most certainly did. And out of the kindness of my heart I am relieving Mr. Collins of the burden of informing Lady Catherine himself that I have no intention of marrying Anne. You should have seen him squirm at the notion.”
“Can he be so terrible, when you are willing to accommodate him so?”
He frowned and rose to stare out the window while responding, “Generally the inhabitants of Longbourn and their associates are not what I have typically considered desirable company, particularly in the case of Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet, whom, though a bit indolent, I have found to be a thorough gentleman, has done much of late to check the behavior of his wife and youngest daughters, who should really still be in the schoolroom. Unfortunately, the family unwisely brought out the younger daughters at an abominably young age, while the elder remained unmarried. ” He sighed before turning to face her, stating bluntly, “Mrs. Bennet has connections to trade which, unfortunately, are displayed in her lack of tact. Her sister is married to a local attorney and her brother resides near his warehouses in Cheapside.”
Georgiana could not but be astonished. Clearly the family was well outside their social sphere and never in her life had Georgiana known her brother to trespass its invisible boundaries. All she could assume was that the lady must be extraordinary.
“The Bennets themselves are genteel, I assure you. Even Mrs. Bennet has remarkably improved since we were first introduced. I know not what Mr. Bennet said to her but she has suddenly become far more subdued in her mannerisms, though she still retains a decided air of over exuberance and obliviousness. The two youngest sisters, Catherine and Lydia, I have very high hopes of being redeemed upon their admission to a finishing school in the new year, a measure I am pleased to have persuaded Mr. Bennet to take. Still, it pains me that only Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are truly refined amongst the brood, but that I can assure you they are. You will like Elizabeth Bennet, Georgiana. I know you will. I have only to wish her familial circumstances were less exceptional.”
Georgiana was silent a few moments, pondering all the questions her brother’s choice raised. How would their relations respond to such a match, so decidedly beneath what was expected? It mattered not, she determined, for she would remain supportively by her brother’s side. If anyone deserved to find happiness it was undoubtedly him. “Fitzwilliam,” she finally piped up, rather timidly, “perhaps you would like me to accompany you to Rosings?”
He was startled. Never had he considered bringing his sister along on such a mission, subjecting her to Lady Catherine’s inevitable displeasure, but it was a congenial notion. Georgiana’s company would serve as a diversion on the journey and perhaps would mitigate Lady Catherine’s ire, as she always delighted in her niece’s presence. He also recognized that such a spontaneous suggestion on the part of his sister was a great indicator of improved spirits, which had now been depressed for several months, ever since the unfortunate trip to Ramsgate. More than anything, he was deeply touched by Georgiana’s gesture of solidarity.
“Perhaps you believe my attendance would further the burden of an impromptu visit on my aunt?” His sister’s voice broke his musings.
“Not at all my dear. Forgive my silence and allow me to implore you: never let Aunt Catherine hear you suggest that her household is not prepared for a surprise visit from the King himself, with his full retinue. On the contrary,” his good natured smile banished her concern, ”I would greatly enjoy your company and appreciate the offer. Only be sure you want to step into the lion’s den with me. I expect our aunt will be most displeased.”
But Georgiana remained undaunted. Happily the siblings planned their departure. As they would only be gone three days, it was decided that Mrs. Annesley need not accompany them.
“I will collect you immediately following breakfast.”
“And you can tell me more about your new acquaintance during the ride,” Georgiana teased.
“I fear I can never tire of that topic.” The Darcys parted in unusually high spirits.
Chapter 17
Rain pummelled the Darcey traveling coach as it departed London for Rosings, rendering the ride slow and dreary, but Mr. Darcy kept his sister well entertained by honoring her request to share every detail of his interactions with the extraordinary woman he had met in Hertfordshire. Unfortunately, in order for the account to be complete, it necessitated the inclusion of George Wickham, for he might never have declared his regard for Elizabeth Bennet had that man not made such an unwelcome appearance. He hesitated to mention him but recognized that if Georgiana faced the possibility of finding herself in the same neighborhood as Wickham, say for a wedding perhaps, she best be forewarned. Georgiana took the news quietly, after several thoughtful moments eventually musing, “Perhaps then he has finally done some good in the world, if he helped you recognize your feelings.”
Darcy was proud and touched by her charitable response, but deemed it best to steer the conversation back towards more pleasant topics, “Does that mean I have your approval of the lady I have described?”
Eagerly forsaking the unwelcome thought of Wickham, Georgiana reviewed the details she had gathered on Elizabeth Bennet. Though they had never met, she felt instantly enamored with this woman who had such an astonishing effect on her brother, rendering him very nearly giddy. It had been many years since he had been so jovial – how could she not approve? Furthermore, she had always dreaded the idea of Darcy marrying one of the many Miss Bingley’s who inhabited their world and a Miss Bingley seemed to be precisely what Miss Bennet was not.
“Oh most assuredly Fitzwilliam.” She leaned forward and asked quietly, with an air of secrecy, “Did she really walk three miles in mud to attend her sick sister?”
“She most certainly did and, it must be acknowledged, looked positively delightful upon arrival,” he smiled at the remembrance. “That does not mean that you should take to any similar notion should I ever fall ill. Sisterly devotion does not justify her behavior – she should not have proceeded thusly though, I cannot deny, I am awfully glad she did.”
“Well I think she sounds like a delightful lady, muddy petticoats and all. Of course, anyone upon whom you could bestow your love must be worthy.”
“I feared you might disapprove of her social status.”
“You happiness is paramount with me, Brother.”
“Miss Bingley ju
st recently regaled me with the many horrors to be borne by an unmarried lady whose brother marries into the Bennet family.” He frowned and said quietly, “They certainly can be an unnerving clan.”
“But you do intend to ask for her hand?” Georgiana ventured.
“I certainly believe I will, though I have no intention of yet broaching the subject with Aunt Catherine. When I depict her for you, her family and circumstances seem insignificant obstacles: the mere backdrop to a comic theatric. It is in their company that I wonder what foolishness this is I am entertaining. But then Miss Elizabeth walks into the room and I have eyes and ears for no one else. What is a man to do?”
“If you have so many doubts Fitzwilliam, than what madness is this that we pursue – rushing off to Rosings to put an end, once and for all, to Aunt Catherine’s matrimonial ambitions? And on behalf of her rector, a man your profess to be adverse to, but whom you indulge for no reason whatsoever other than his relationship to a lady of unsuitable background?“
Darcy gave what for him was a sheepish smile, “I do not believe I ever used the word unsuitable.”
“Then why do you hesitate? Never have I observed a lady to have near this effect on you. I have longed for a sister such as you describe. If she is really as wonderful as you say, certainly she will not wait forever for you to make up your mind. She has a duty, after all, especially when one considers her familial circumstances, to marry well. She must find it rather insulting that you look so far down upon her relations; do you really believe she will remain available once another man has expressed his interest?” Georgiana had never spoken to her brother so forcibly and was surprised he did not seem to mind, let alone call an immediate end to the conversation, as she had feared.
“Miss Elizabeth seeks not a mercenary marriage,” he replied with a slightest tinge of petulant indignation. “She wants what I do, a loving relationship. Were she able to find one in Hertfordshire, I have no doubt she would already be married. And indeed, she feels much the same about her relations as I do. The poor woman has been suffering their company all her life and I assure you, she is often mortified by it.”
The vehemence of his defense only served to convince Georgiana that he had better hurry up and marry the lady. She breathed deeply before proceeding, “Then why not rescue her from her predicament?”
Darcy sighed, “Would marriage rescue her? When you stretch an arm towards a drowning man, the odds are you shall soon both be floundering in the water.”
“But we live in Derbyshire, they in Hertfordshire!” Georgiana was beginning to feel exasperated. “Surely you would rarely see her family.”
“There is truth in that,” he mused reflectively. “When did you become such a wise young lady?”
“I have had the benefit of my brother’s excellent example to guide me.” They shared a loving smile and the conversation ceased, both siblings consumed with their own thoughts for the remainder of the journey.
--
Lady Catherine certainly was surprised by the appearance of her nephew and niece but received them, as expected, with the utmost graciousness. She was quite pleased to see the Darcys – as isolated as she and Anne were in their small, familial circle, she thought on her sister’s children almost as if they were her own. These were the bonds of intimacy that she looked forward to solidifying with a marriage between the families. In fact, Lady Catherine chose to regard such a casual form of arrival as none other than a sign of her fondest dream’s impending fulfillment.
She explained at length that Anne was spending the day abed, listing her many complaints while Georgiana pondered the irony that Lady Catherine could, simultaneously, be so excessively attentive to her daughter’s health and oblivious to the fact that such chronic illness virtually eliminated her marriageability. “I know how anxious you both must be to see Anne,” Lady Catherine said with an intelligent look at Darcy, which he very nearly squirmed under, “but she has been most unfortunately indisposed as of late. I have high hopes, however, that she will join us for dinner. She shall, of course, improve with the spring, as she does every year. Anne is under the strict care of an illustrious physician, and Mrs. Jenkinson is most attentive to her comfort. She shall surely soon be thriving once again. You both look hale yourselves – you seemed a bit peekish when last I saw you, Georgiana. How long do you intend to stay?”
Darcy accepted the cup of tea which his aunt had just poured for him, “I am afraid we remain for only two nights, Aunt Catherine.”
That lady frowned, “And where do you travel from here?”
“I will return Georgiana to London before continuing on to Hertfordshire, from whence I came.”
“Nonsense Darcy! Two evenings is no length of time for a proper visit. Stay out the week and I will be able to introduce you to my new rector who returns tomorrow, having also been visiting in Hertfordshire. I simply must have your opinion of him. Besides, you cannot possibly intend to travel on Sunday!”
There was no point in delaying the inevitable. To disassemble now would be unmanly. He had hoped to delay this conversation until he and his sister had the opportunity to rest from their journey, just in case Lady Catherine was so incensed as to expel them from the house, but saw little choice other than to take advantage of this opening, though he did not relish the thought of having to spend the evening in a crowded and noisy inn.
“I have already had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Mr. Collins, ma’am. You see I have been visiting my friend Charles Bingley, of whom you have heard me speak. He is recently engaged to be married to the eldest daughter of the house Mr. Collins is to inherit.”
Lady Catherine was clearly taken aback by this announcement and not at all pleased, “Very well. I am sorry to lose the opportunity of making the introductions. I have instructed Mr. Collins on the importance of marriage for a man in his position and encouraged him to find an appropriate match amongst his many cousins. It seemed most fitting as the estate is entailed upon him. A wife who already knows the ways of the house will make the transition upon inheritance far smoother. I am chagrined to learn that the eldest is spoken for, as she would be the obvious choice to replace her mother, but I suppose her marriage to Mr. Bingley will raise the family’s consequence and so is not to be lamented. I understand there is a bevy of ladies at Longbourn. Surely the second will do as well as the first, as long as her sister’s good fortune has not made her too proud. If she is a smart girl, she will marry Mr. Collins and put an end to the entail, a sorry thing for women. The De Bourgh family saw no need for such measures, fortunately for Anne.”
Again she looked knowingly at Darcy while he cringed at the thought of Mr. Collins making love to Elizabeth. He would get to the point, “It is actually something said to me by Mr. Collins that brings us here today, Aunt Catherine.”
“And what was that Darcy?” Lady Catherine demanded in her customary manner, refreshing her nephew’s tea most unsuspectingly.
He took a deep breath before proceeding, “Mr. Collins informed me that you have spoken openly with him of your long held belief that I intend to marry Anne. I understand that this is a treasured notion of yours, Aunt, but I must assure you here and now that neither Anne nor I favor the idea. It would be best for all involved if you would relinquish it altogether.”
“Surely you jest!” she exclaimed, though it was evident he did not. Indignantly she rose from her chair and declared with a stiff spine, “A union between yourself and Anne was the fondest wish of both your mothers! Who else so proper, so fit, to follow in my dear departed sister’s footsteps at Pemberley than my very own daughter?”
“But I am not fit, Mother,” broke in a strained but determined voice. Lady Catherine turned in shock to see that Anne de Bourgh, her always obedient daughter, had at some point entered the room and stood shakily holding the knob of the door.
“Anne! Why are you downstairs? You shall return to your rooms at once!”
“I heard of our visitors and wanted to greet them properl
y.” She began to move towards her cousins, in doing so revealing a nervous Mrs. Jenkinson teetering anxiously behind her mistress.
“But you are unwell Anne,” her mother insisted. “You must not exert yourself so. Mrs. Jenkinson, see her back to her room immediately.”
“I am afraid, Mother, that as this conversation intimately involves me, I will not be kept out of it.” Darcy and Georgiana stepped forward to greet her as warmly as possible, considering the tension all were feeling. Anne took a seat as Lady Catherine continued to stare at her daughter with a bizarre mixture of outrage, surprise, and concern.
“As I said before and as you can plainly see,” Anne resumed, “I am not fit to be a wife, let alone mistress of a large estate. Please Mother, on my behalf, do not insist on this.”
“But who else will Darcy marry?” Lady Catherine responded in perplexity. So accustomed was she to the idea of uniting the estates of Rosings and Pemberley that she had never contemplated any alternative. The inhabitants of the room could read her next question in her countenance, though it wasn’t asked aloud: “Who will marry you, Anne?”
