by Wendi Sotis
Georgiana only began to cry harder. Jane and Elizabeth shared a look of confusion and concern. Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders slightly. The Bennets remained quiet until Georgiana calmed.
“Do you wish to tell us what happened with Mr. Wickham?” Elizabeth coaxed.
Georgiana nodded and went on to describe the scene. When she came to the condition placed upon her dowry, she clarified, “It is something Fitzwilliam has discussed with me in the past. If he approves the match, it need not be mentioned to my suitor, for my brother has the power to disregard it. Since George said Fitzwilliam would not approve, I felt I should tell him of it.”
“And you are how old now?”
“I will turn sixteen late this summer.”
Elizabeth had realized that Georgiana was young, but she had estimated she was a bit older than she was in reality. She nodded. “Your father was a wise man, ensuring your best interests in the only way he could after his passing. How did Mr. Wickham respond upon hearing of the condition?”
“He became angry.” Georgiana went on to describe the remainder of their conversation. Both Elizabeth and Jane were appropriately shocked at what the man had said to their friend.
“When you were here yesterday, I was so confused by what was revealed. Although he went home at night to sleep, George practically grew up in my household and had been looked upon with such affection by my parents.” She looked down at the cloth she twisted between her fingers in her lap. “I had loved him for so many years, ever since I was a little girl. Though I had known him before, I was so young then that he barely acknowledged my existence. When we met again, not only did he notice me, but also, after a while, he told me that he returned my affections! You were right, Miss Elizabeth—I did not wish to believe what Mrs. Gardiner said.
“Since Mr. Wickham left yesterday afternoon, I have spent my time alone, thinking. I know the people of whom Mrs. Gardiner spoke—the people of Lambton and tenants of Pemberley. I had heard my father and brother speak of them, had gone along with our mother when visiting the sick and injured, and had heard many stories of the good my parents and brother had done for them. Most of all, I know my brother. That I allowed Mr. Wickham to convince me that all these people lied, only to believe his story instead—it is shameful and inexcusable! Worse yet, I doubted my brother’s integrity! I do not deserve your friendship and am unworthy of calling myself a Darcy.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Miss Darcy, please do not be so hard on yourself. You are not the first young lady to be deceived by a handsome face—Aunt Gardiner even told you of another intelligent young lady who fell victim to Mr. Wickham’s charming manner. What matters most is that, in the end, you have realized what is right. It is Mr. Wickham who has acted in a disgraceful manner, not you.”
“Yes, you came to see the truth before any harm came of the matter,” Jane added.
“But, if I had not mentioned the condition upon my dowry, instead of sitting here with you at this very moment this afternoon, I might have been riding in a carriage heading for Gretna Green!”
“Once the initial romantic notion had worn off and you had been busy with a more logical employment, such as packing, you would have realized your mistake, I believe,” Jane answered.
Georgiana sighed. “Do you think so?”
“Yes, I do,” Elizabeth voiced her initial reaction, though after thinking about it another few moments, she remembered the drawings, and was unsure whether the young lady would have acted as Jane had stated. She mentally shrugged. It matters not. From what Miss Darcy has said, Mr. Wickham will have left Ramsgate by now. What happened in the drawings has been prevented.
“I thank you for having so much faith in me, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Please, call me Elizabeth—or Lizzy, if you prefer.”
“And you may call me Jane.”
Georgiana’s dreary countenance improved a bit. “Will you both call me Georgiana, or Georgie, as my family does at times?”
Both ladies agreed.
A note was sent to Mrs. Gardiner requesting permission for Elizabeth and Jane to stay for dinner, after which the Darcy coach would take them home. At times, Georgiana did slip into a wistful melancholy, but usually the Bennets were able to distract her. They spent the remainder of the visit in pleasant discussion of other matters. Mrs. Younge joined them but did not participate in the conversation.
Poor Mrs. Younge has been disappointed by Mr. Wickham, as well, Elizabeth thought.
After the meal, Georgiana invited the Bennets to perform. It seemed as if Mrs. Younge was not enjoying it at all.
Chapter 6
Although the Darcy coaches were well sprung and fitted with the most comfortable interiors available, Darcy ached down to his very bones, as he always did when travelling by coach. When he was on the road with another, he tried his best to ignore his discomfort, but when journeying alone, he enjoyed the freedom to be out of humour as much as he liked.
Relieved to see the signs of the town of Ramsgate springing up along the sides of the road, he thought back over the past fortnight. He had met a Mr. Blenkinsop, who spoke of his steam locomotive, over drinks at his club. The two had met several times since, discussing an investment in this new mode of transportation, which, he said, might someday be used to transport passengers more quickly than by coach. After Mr. Blenkinsop had explained every aspect of the investment in detail, Darcy had put the man off, saying he wished to think about his proposal, but now, after spending two miserable days confined to his coach, his decision had been hurried along. I will write Mr. Blenkinsop immediately upon returning to London and send a cheque—as long as he promises my investment will help them to speed their design!
Since the meetings with Mr. Blenkinsop had delayed his trip to Pemberley, which in turn would postpone his visit to his sister afterward, he had decided to surprise Georgiana by altering his plans and journeying to Ramsgate before heading to his estate in the North.
The coach pulled up to the curb before the house he had rented for his sister, and his mind returned once again to the last time he had entered the town of Ramsgate. The feeling that had been stirred deep within him when Miss Elizabeth Bennet had walked into his arms had been driven from his mind only when he was fully engaged with business. Whenever he was unoccupied, he relived the way her fine eyes had sparkled when she looked up at him and the vision of her smiling face. He repeatedly told himself that the chances were higher she should still be in Ramsgate now rather than a month from now had no bearing on his decision to visit his sister earlier than was originally arranged.
Entering the house, Barnes helped him with his coat. “There is no need to announce me, Barnes. Is my sister in the dining room?”
“Yes, sir, but Miss Darcy has guests—the Misses Bennet.”
A thrill of delight ran down his spine, and his exhaustion was swept away at the thought of meeting with Miss Elizabeth again so soon. Recalling the condition of his attire—covered with dust from the road—he realized he should not go barging headlong into the dining room. “I had best take a tray in my rooms whilst a bath is drawn, then. Will you please inform the housekeeper that I wish to meet my sister’s guests before they leave?”
“I believe you have time, sir. The carriage has been ordered for two hours hence.”
He nodded, proud that his sister was developing the skills needed to become a fine hostess. “Not a word of my arrival should be passed to Miss Darcy—I wish to surprise her,” Darcy said before turning towards the stairs.
“Sir, since the ladies came for tea and were then invited to remain to dine, Miss Darcy did not change for dinner.”
“Thank you, Barnes.”
~%~
Revitalized from his meal and bath, Darcy stepped from his room. Even from this distance, he could hear the pianoforte and nodded. The master he had employed for Georgiana would be happy to know that she had continued playing even whilst on holiday.
When he reached the second floor landing,
he could hear singing as well, stopping him in his tracks. It was not Georgiana’s voice, and he realized that though quite pleasant, the style of playing was not as high a calibre as his sister’s. This lady did not have the formal training that his sister had enjoyed, but the emotion filling the song spoke directly to his soul. Approaching the music room, he waved off the footman and slowly opened the door himself.
How he had known it was Miss Elizabeth’s voice was a mystery, but he was not surprised when he saw her at the pianoforte. The door was opposite and slightly behind the instrument, and he could see her in profile. He stood watching his sister’s guest in amazement. I might not be able to admire her as my heart demands, but I can enjoy her performance whilst it lasts.
~
It was obvious to Jane that Darcy had not noticed her there, but Jane certainly did notice that he had entered the room. The way he looked at Elizabeth made her smile. The gypsies are correct again, predicting that the drawings would lead to Lizzy’s happiness. He is already in love with her!
~
The song ended, and suddenly all movement in the room slowed. Elizabeth heard a pair of hands clapping from the direction of the doorway and turned to see Mr. Darcy standing just inside the room.
“Fitzwilliam, you are here!” Georgiana rushed across the room to greet him.
Elizabeth watched their reunion. My, he is handsome when he smiles.
Jane joined Elizabeth near the piano, and time returned to normalcy.
Elizabeth said softly, “It seems that when he arrived, Mr. Darcy would have interrupted their leaving Ramsgate, Jane. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham’s fight would have taken place at almost the same moment he came into the music room.”
“You had that feeling again? I am glad you did not turn pale this time.”
“You are correct; it did not disturb me as it has done in the past.” She smiled. “One can become accustomed to anything, I suppose!”
The Darcy siblings approached. “You remember Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, Brother?”
“Yes, of course.”
After greetings were exchanged, Mrs. Younge stepped forward. “Good evening, Mr. Darcy. I am glad to see you have arrived in good health.”
“Mrs. Younge.”
“Will you please excuse me for the evening, sir? I am not feeling well and wish to retire.”
He bowed slightly.
“Thank you. Good evening, ladies.” Mrs. Younge curtsied and left the room.
Darcy turned to Elizabeth. “I hope you do not mind that I did not make my arrival known sooner. I did not wish to interrupt such an enjoyable performance.”
“Any performance would sound better with such a fine instrument,” she answered.
Georgiana said, “It is a shame that you did not arrive sooner, Fitzwilliam. You missed most of Lizzy’s performance.”
He seemed to start slightly at his sister’s calling her by that familiar name.
“I am afraid that your skills far exceed my own,” Elizabeth stated. “Anyone can hear that you have put in many hours of practice, whilst I hardly take the trouble to do the same.”
“That only proves that you have more true talent than I.”
Elizabeth’s countenance reddened markedly. “Thank you, Georgiana; you are very kind.”
Jane spoke up, “Mr. Darcy, did you have a pleasant journey from Pemberley?”
“Actually, I have not been to Pemberley since I saw you last. I was delayed in London with business and decided to surprise Georgiana by visiting for a few days before travelling on.”
“I am happy that you did, Brother!” Georgiana smiled up at him.
What a remarkable difference from what was seen in that drawing! Elizabeth thought. He looks tired from his trip; I am glad we are to leave shortly.
Jane said, “Mr. Darcy, will you be accepting invitations whilst in town? Miss Darcy has been invited to dine at my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner’s house tomorrow evening. They would be honoured if you chose to attend.”
Darcy hesitated to answer.
Elizabeth spoke next, “I believe you are acquainted with my aunt and uncle, sir, although it was quite a while ago. Mrs. Gardiner is the daughter Mr. Pyke, who was the haberdasher at Lambton before he retired several years ago. My uncle required your services as magistrate whilst he was handling some business affairs for his father-in-law.”
Darcy blinked several times. “Yes, I do remember Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. I will have my sister send a note to Mrs. Gardiner in the morning with my answer.”
“Of course.”
Barnes arrived at the door announcing the carriage.
“Would you permit me to escort the two of you home?”
“That is very kind of you, sir, but you have travelled so far today...” Jane replied.
“It is no trouble.”
“May I accompany you, Brother?” Georgiana asked.
“After your illness last winter, I do not think it is a good idea for you to be in the cooler night air two evenings in a row, Georgiana.”
As Jane spoke to Darcy, Elizabeth pulled Georgiana aside. “Georgie, I wish I did not have to bring up this subject again this evening, but I do think you should tell your brother about Mr. Wickham.”
Georgiana paled before nodding.
~%~
Now she was alone, Georgiana had time to contemplate all the thoughts she had avoided whilst Elizabeth and Jane had been distracting her. She thought about how tired Fitzwilliam must be after spending so many days in the coach, and, in a way, it was unfair to put this upon him as soon as he arrived, but if she waited until tomorrow, it might be too late. Elizabeth was right—if she did not tell her brother, she was certain he would hear that Mr. Wickham had been a frequent visitor from one of the servants. She had to tell him as soon as he returned.
Her body sagged as a deep sense of shame came over her, draped across her shoulders as if it were a heavy blanket. Lizzy and Jane had expressed faith in her discretion, but when she thought back to how Mr. Wickham’s professed love had made her feel, she knew that she would not have done justice to their trust in her.
~%~
Darcy first handed Jane into the carriage, and then Elizabeth. When his hand touched Elizabeth’s, a pleasant tingling sensation travelled up his arm. Whilst he hoped his quick intake of breath had been inaudible, instinct told him otherwise. Elizabeth hesitated and looked deeply into his eyes for a moment before turning again to step into the coach. Once she had taken her seat, he had to force himself to release her hand.
I am barely acquainted with this woman—how does she affect me in such a way as this? I must gain control over these feelings! It could be nothing more than mere physical attraction.
After situating himself in the centre of the bench facing the two young ladies, he turned his head to look out the window, trying desperately not to stare at Elizabeth. His mind saw nothing outside the carriage, whilst his attention was fully centered on the movement he heard from the bench across from his and to his right. He silently repeated the same mantra that he had found necessary the entire time he had been in London, adding a sentence to the end. I am destined to marry a lady from within the first circle of society. She is the daughter of a country squire of whom nobody of consequence has ever heard. I must not pay her too much attention and risk giving her false hopes.
Using his sister’s acquaintance with the two oldest Bennet daughters, he had made several inquiries about their family whilst in Town. Aunt Adelaide did not know the family. If the Countess of Matlock did not know them, nobody did.
But still, when the butler had announced the arrival of the coach destined to take the ladies home, he had found himself yearning to be in her presence a little longer. Before he realized what he said, he had offered to escort the ladies home, and then convinced himself the purpose was to see the house they had rented before deciding whether to accept the offered invitation for tomorrow evening.
As they rode along, from the corner of his eye, he saw the two l
adies share an awkward glance and realized that they were rather uncomfortable with a long silence such as this. Not being able to think of anything else, he said, “I understand your father’s estate is in Hertfordshire.”
“Yes, it is, sir.” Jane spoke almost as self-consciously as he had sounded to himself.
Darcy nodded. “I have not spent much time in Hertfordshire, other than passing through it en route between London and Derbyshire.
“Longbourn is not very far from Essex County,” Elizabeth added. “Have you ever been there?”
“We spent some time at South End when I was a child.”
“We visited South End when we were very young,” Elizabeth replied. “It was the only time we had spent at the sea before arriving here at Ramsgate. I am told we were in the area when the mutiny occurred at Nore.”
Darcy’s eyebrows rose high upon his forehead. “As were we.”
It had been a long time since he had thought of South End, one of the many places his family had visited in an effort to improve his mother’s health. Their last morning at South End, there had been a little girl that he and his governess had found on the sands all alone, crying. The pair had approached her and found that she was upset because she could not find her mother and sisters. His governess had suggested that they keep her occupied, certain that if they remained in one place, it would be easier for her family to find her. At first, Darcy had been annoyed at having to spend time with a small child, but she was a delightful companion, and he had decided to teach her to make sand castles. It had turned out to be a pleasant way to spend a morning.
He remembered distinctly that the young girl’s full head of dark curls had refused to stay confined to her plait, and his governess had used one of her own ribbons to tie it back so she could concentrate on the task at hand. The innocent enthusiasm she had for playing with the sand had caused him to smile more in that short time than he had weeks. Her bright eyes, shining with more intelligence than he had expected to see at such a tender age, had fascinated him.
