And Who Can Be In Doubt Of What Followed

by Alexa Adams

  “My thoughts precisely,” concurred Charlotte.

  “I am not so forgiving, or as practical, as you, and I have my own reasons for resenting Lady Catherine’s officiousness,” admitted Elizabeth, “but rather than be angry, I will thank the lady for sending you to Hertfordshire. You must come to Longbourn as soon as possible.”

  “I will be there in the morning. For now, perhaps you had better rescue Mr. Darcy from Mr. Collins?”

  “Indeed. Until tomorrow, my dear Charlotte.”

  “Goodbye, Eliza. Goodbye, Jane. You cannot know how happy I am for you both.”

  **********

  Upon returning to Longbourn, Mr. Darcy sought Mr. Bennet in his library, “May I have a moment of your time, Mr. Bennet?”

  “Certainly, Mr. Darcy. Sit down.”

  “I am pleased to be having this discussion with a man familiar with the whims of young ladies. Sir, I cannot apologize enough for my sister intruding upon your hospitality in such a manner. Never before has she behaved with such disregard to civility.”

  Mr. Bennet’s eyes twinkled, “Does this mean that it was not my Lizzy who came up with the felicitous notion of hosting your sister? I suspected as much.”

  “I cannot imagine what possessed Georgiana.”

  “It is best not to worry yourself with trying to find reason behind a young lady’s behavior. Just accept it as unfathomable. We are happy to have her here at Longbourn, and that is all that matters.”

  “Thank you, sir. I very much appreciate your hospitality and understanding.”

  “Say no more of it, Mr. Darcy. It is the least I can do.”

  The men shook hands and joined the ladies in the sitting room. Later that evening, when the visitors had departed, Elizabeth approached her father, “Shooting, long talks in the library: it seems you are taking pains to get to know Mr. Darcy, Papa, and I thank you for it.”

  “Yes, your Mr. Darcy rises in my esteem by the hour.”

  “I am pleased to think you find him an equitable companion.”

  "Oh, be assured I admire all my three sons-in-law highly," said he. "Wickham, perhaps, is my favorite, but I think I shall like your husband quite as well as Jane's."

  **********

  “Wickham! Oh Wickham! Wake up!”

  The screech of his wife’s voice broke upon his pounding skull, which felt as though it were being crushed by a vise. He groaned and pulled a pillow over his aching head, struggling in vein to block out Lydia’s far from dulcet tones.

  “George!” she cried, grabbing the pillow away. “You must rise at once, for I have just received the most astounding news. You shall never believe what has happened!”

  He blinked, the light sending a sharp stab into his temple. Moaning slightly, he sat half up and glared at his excited wife, “Do you have any idea what time I retired?”

  “Well after myself, I know, but whose fault is that if not your own? I have the most amazing news from Longbourn!”

  Having been married long enough to know that Lydia’s whims were not to be thwarted without a good deal of exertion, he resigned himself to consciousness. “At least bring me some refreshment before you spew your gossip. I’m terribly parched.”

  For once obedient, Lydia quickly poured a glass from the jug on the mantle and brought it to her husband, spilling a few drops as she plopped herself down on the edge of the bed. Wickham added a few splashes from the flask on the nightstand before drinking deeply. “Now,” he said once the draft was drained, settling himself back against the bedding, “I will listen to your news from Longbourn. You haven’t heard from your mother since Jane’s engagement.”

  “Indeed, I have not. I am very surprised. I would have thought Mama would immediately inform me of events, or Lizzy herself, but instead it has been weeks since I have heard from anyone in Hertfordshire. I am only to find out now because Kitty, who really must have all the time in the world, wrote me a single, hasty page.” She flourished the offending letter, pouting pettishly all the while.

  “Please, Lydia, just tell me what she said.”

  Her smile returned, “You shan’t believe it, not in one hundred years. I never dreamed there was any attachment between them, and Kitty is quite vehement about the fact that this is a marriage of affection. What a shame we may not attend!”

  He knew that it was not Lydia’s intention to build suspense by speaking in such a vague manner, but that she really was just flutter brained. If he were ever to bring an end to this inconvenient conversation, he must coax her into coherence. “Who is getting married now, my dear?”

  “Why, Lizzy of course. Did I not just say so? What is astounding is the name of the bridegroom.”

  Wickham felt a sinking sensation in his gut. It couldn’t be. Ignoring the pain in his head, he bolted upright and looked Lydia square in the eye, “It isn’t Mr. Darcy, is it?”

  Lydia was all amazement. “But how did you guess? I was quite convinced they hated each other. Kitty says that they met often in Kent, when Lizzy was visiting Mrs. Collins, and again at Pemberley itself when she toured Derbyshire with my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. To think of Lizzy as mistress of such a grand estate! She will become quite insufferable, I am sure. But do think of it – my sister, Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley! La! That does sound grand, does it not? How ever did you know?”

  Lydia did not wait for a response, continuing on in the same manner while Wickham, now fully awake, paced the room, lost in his own thoughts. How could he have been so stupid as to believe the tale Darcy fed him about why he became involved in the Bennets’ affairs! Always he had known that his former playmate was attracted to Elizabeth Bennet – Darcy could not hide such unusual admiration from him – but never had he imagined he would marry so very far beneath him. Not that he blamed him, for Elizabeth was one of the most attractive women he knew, and there were many in his acquaintance. Certainly she would make a far more agreeable wife than the one to whom he was saddled, thanks to Darcy. There was nothing to be done about it now but try and turn to good account the family connection. It was unfortunate he had laid his old story about the living at Kympton on Elizabeth, as she must now become acquainted with whatever of his ingratitude and falsehood had before been unknown. He knew she was not a lady to be fooled twice. His best avenue was her sisterly affection. He returned his attention to Lydia’s continuing diatribe.

  “Though why Lizzy would not wish to inform me herself, especially of such a triumphant marriage, I cannot understand. Surely, she must wish to gloat. I certainly would.”

  “Perhaps you should write to her,” Wickham interjected. “Your sister must be very busy right now, but if you express the correct sentiment, it might prove beneficial in the future.”

  “I have no intention of writing to Lizzy, not when she cannot be bothered to do so for me!”

  “Do you hope to visit Pemberley?”

  “Oh, yes indeed! I shall enjoy it very much.”

  “Well then, Mrs. Wickham, if you think Mr. Darcy is just going to invite us to be a part of his family party without an enormous effort on your part to maintain Elizabeth’s favor, you are sure to be disappointed.”

  “I do not understand you! Why would Mr. Darcy exclude us, when he was so very obliging as to secure you a commission only a few months ago?”

  “Mr. Darcy might be willing to put me in the way of advancement, especially if he thought it would keep both us far from his person, but I assure you he will not welcome us to Pemberley. We will have to mend a great deal of fences before receiving such an invitation.”

  “Well! Do not expect me to grovel to Lizzy. Surely it is her duty to make sure we are well positioned. She cares very much for appearances, and it will not look good if she denies her sister admittance to her home.”

  “Just write to her, my dear. No need to grovel. Express your congratulations sincerely, and she will reciprocate your goodwill. After that, who knows? Perhaps, eventually, she can even persuade Mr. Darcy to find me a position at court. That would suit us far b
etter than Newcastle, would it not, my dear?”

  “Oh George! Do you really think so? I never dreamed of such a thing! How handsome you would look in Dragoon raiment!” She threw her arms around his neck in an affectionate and choking hug.

  Laughing, he pulled her arms from around his neck. “Go on and write then, Lydia. No time like the present.”

  Inspired, Lydia hurried to gather her long neglected writing materials.

  “And send up a tray, won’t you? I’m famished!”

  **********

  It did not take long for Lydia’s congratulatory letter to arrive at Longbourn. Elizabeth read it with a great deal of aggravation, instantly determining that Mr. Darcy should know nothing of its contents. Needing to express her chagrin to some sympathetic ear, she turned, as of old, to Jane. Elizabeth found her in her bedroom, where she had been secretly monogramming several gentlemen’s handkerchiefs, a wedding present for Mr. Bingley. “Read this. I must know what you make of it,” Elizabeth demanded, handing Jane the offending missive. Jane put aside her work and read aloud:

  I wish you joy. If you love Mr. Darcy half as well as I do my dear Wickham, you must be very happy. It is a great comfort to have you so rich, and when you have nothing else to do, I hope you will think of us. I am sure Wickham would like a place at court very much, and I do not think we shall have quite money enough to live upon without some help. Any place would do, of about three or four hundred a year; but however, do not speak to Mr. Darcy about it, if you had rather not.

  “Well?” questioned Elizabeth. “What do you think of our sister’s sentiments.”

  “She should not write so,” Jane frowned. “It sounds as if they are exceeding their income and expect assistance from Mr. Darcy.”

  “It does not just sound like it, Jane. Should we even expect anything less? What is to stop Wickham from racking up as many debts as he has in the past? Certainly not Lydia. She will only add to his output. And when they are on the verge of disgrace, who is to come to their rescue? Not my poor Fitzwilliam! I will not allow him to be so abused!” Elizabeth’s outrage inflamed her cheeks.

  “Surely, now that he is a married man, Mr. Wickham must amend his ways. Soon they will be expanding their family, and what better to make a man rise to his responsibilities than progeny?”

  “Oh, my dear Jane. You are too kind. Gladly would I have things transpire as you predict, but I cannot be so sanguine. No, if this is to be a model for Lydia’s future letters, she shall never write one I will allow Mr. Darcy to see. If they find themselves in need, I will do what I can for them myself, but I will not permit them to build their expectations on his good nature.”

  “As Mrs. Darcy, it will be your responsibility to protect his interests, even when encroachment comes from your own family. Our loyalties are about to forever change, Lizzy. I hope, should the Wickhams ever attempt to intrude on Charles, that I will have your resolution.”

  “You had better start cultivating it now then, as nothing is more certain than Mr. Wickham’s taking advantage of others. But no more of this. After responding, I shall burn the letter and ban both of them from my thoughts. How good of Fitzwilliam to find Wickham such a distant post that there is no danger of them attending the wedding!”

  Jane tried to look sternly at her sister but utterly failed, as she herself felt the blessings of Newcastle’s remoteness far too much to frown.

  **********

  It was a bright day, and while the weather remained seasonal, the sun beating down through the windows of the crowded carriage made it hot and uncomfortable. Not being as well-sprung as the Darcy vehicles to which she was accustomed, Georgiana found the rocking coach dizzying. Mr. Hurst, snoring loudly in a corner, added to her discomfort, and the short journey dragged endlessly on.

  “I met Sir Ludlow at Mrs. Stanton’s just a few weeks ago, and ever since we see him regularly. He has called in Grosvenor Square three times and dined with us once. He was at the theater last week and joined our box for the entire second act.”

  “Don’t forget, Caroline, that you also rode with him in the park.”

  “Very true, Louisa, how could I fail to mention it? It was a lovely day, the perfect temperature for such activities, and Sir Ludlow was anxious to try the new team of grays he purchased. His attentions are very flattering, though I cannot possibly take them seriously.”

  Georgiana wanted to close her eyes and block out as much of her surroundings as possible, but Miss Bingley was clearly expecting her to respond. “Do you doubt his intentions?”

  Caroline look horrified, “No. Certainly not.”

  “He has made it quite clear that he intends to propose upon our return to London,” supplied the more diplomatic Mrs. Hurst.

  “Yes, but I do not believe I shall accept such a poor looking man, even if he is a baronet. Why, he is no taller than myself and wears a coat very ill. Besides, his estate is overdrawn.”

  “Which is why we can be certain of his offer,” supplied Louisa, causing her sister to scowl.

  The coach turned, placing the sun behind them, and Georgiana could once more look out the window without scalding her eyes. She thought they must be nearly there, and the approach of a quaint town raised her hopes of relief. Never was one of Miss Bingley’s complaints more welcome to Georgiana’s ears than when she said, “Well, here we are again. Meryton is such a worthless little town. I do hope Charles chooses to settle elsewhere.” She thought a few months spent so near to his new relations would serve as strong encouragement towards such a course, but would not say so in front of Georgiana, holding her peace until she and Louisa were alone.

  Soon they were entering the approach to Longbourn, and Georgiana’s longing for release was replaced by anxiety for the forthcoming introductions. She fervently hoped the ladies of the house would like her, as she was terribly lonely for female companionship. The carriage came to a halt and several women filed out of the house to greet the newcomers. Miss Bingley donned her broadest smile for the Bennets, formerly so often snubbed, greeting both Jane and Elizabeth like the old friends they never were. The latter came forward to introduce Georgiana, and she looked with trepidation at the examining faces of what must be Mary and Kitty. However, before the girls could exchange even a few words, a matronly woman embraced her warmly, a strangely familiar gesture, suffused with comfort. “You look tired my dear. Travel is so fatiguing. Come inside and we will see you settled comfortably.”

  Mrs. Bennet might terrify her brother and embarrass Elizabeth, but to Georgiana, so long deprived of maternal care, she was like rain in the desert. Mary and Kitty would wait. Girlish confidences would hold. For now, Miss Darcy was happy to bask in Mrs. Bennet’s fawning and over-attentive care.

  **********

  With Miss Bingley back in residence at Netherfield, she wasted no time enacting her plan to pay off every arrear of civility to the Bennets by issuing an invitation to the entire family for dinner, including the Gardiners, recently arrived from London. The Longbourn party came in two carriages, the first bearing Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, their two youngest daughters, and Miss Darcy, while Elizabeth and Jane rode with their uncle and aunt. Mr. Darcy smiled broadly as Georgiana entered the house, comfortably chatting with Kitty and Mary, Mrs. Bennet doting on her all the while: “There now Miss Darcy, we deliver you again into the comfortable presence of your dear brother.” The siblings greeted affectionately. “That is just what I like to see. Good brothers make for good husbands, as Mr. Gardiner proves. Miss Darcy would have preferred her silk pelisse – such a fine wardrobe! Kitty put the notion in her head that it is more becoming with this bonnet, simply nonsense! Miss Darcy looks very well in the kerseymere, and it is far more suitable on an evening such as this. We would not want her catching a cold, would we Mr. Darcy?”

  Mr. Darcy marveled at such a statement from the woman who had sent her daughter out on horseback in the rain, but as her newfound zeal for his sister showed no signs of endangering Georgiana’s health, he merely smiled his agree
ment.

  Miss Bingley greeted everyone warmly, and if her face grew tauter than usual when Mr. Darcy stepped forward with a warm welcome for Elizabeth, no one deigned to notice. When an attempt to draw off Georgiana for a quiet tour of the house quickly escalated into an excursion for the entire party (Mrs. Gardiner being particularly intent on surveying her niece's new home), Caroline's smile was perfectly gracious, for the world appearing as if nothing would make her happier than to guide a gaggle of noisy Bennets and their Cheapside relations through Netherfield. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth stayed behind, happy to steal a moment to themselves.

  “I shall thank Miss Bingley for so adeptly maneuvering her guests as to procure this time alone for us. Surely that was her intention; do you not agree?”

  “While I can willingly credit Miss Bingley's determination to make amends for former slights, I cannot go so far as to believe she is as pleased as she appeared with her current employment.”

  “But her manner was so hospitable! She even learned to pronounce my name without that distinctive, nasal sneer she used to employ whenever she said, 'Miss Eliza Bennet.' She maintains the uninvited familiarity, but as she shall soon be Jane's sister, I will overlook the offense.”