Over the past few days, she had felt better with the knowledge of not having to hide what she had become. Her hair had continued to whiten and now, great streaks of pure snow stood in place of her once golden locks. Never one for spending hours in the sun, she now almost shunned it entirely. Fortunately, the often rainy weather of England lent itself to more clouds than shine, not greatly restricting her activities. As for appetite, that had been remedied with easier acquisition of the needed blood. Oddly enough, she still occasionally wanted regular food, particularly sweets. Not knowing if this was normal, she simply ate what she favored and tried to cope as best as possible. The renewed energy had motivated her to not only resume her beloved music, but also take up writing her own compositions. Her only regret was not being able to spend time with Charlie. Sadly, but with complete understanding, she had not been permitted to visit with him unsupervised, and never for very long. The first time after her episode in the nursery, the dear boy had cried at the sight of her and clung to Lizzie’s skirts in fear. Eventually, he had forgotten the incident, but it was simply too dangerous. It broke her heart to think of it, but nothing could be done until she learned to truly manage her appetites. As a result, Charlie would remain at Pemberley for the duration of their trip. Such a journey would be too taxing on one so young, nor did Lady Catherine particularly enjoy children. Any son of Lizzie’s was a constant reminder that Pemberley was now irrevocably in the hands of another and her plans to marry her own daughter to Darcy had failed.
Georgiana’s one bright thought was the opportunity to rekindle her friendship with her cousin Anne. Closer in age than her brother, Anne was more of a sister than cousin. They had many happy times when the opportunity to escape the all-seeing eyes and ears of Lady Catherine made true companionship possible. Georgiana had often felt sorry for Anne. While Georgiana’s own life was not without its restrictions, she had much personal freedom and love from not only her brother, but the entire Bennet clan. Anne had no one. Georgiana doubted that Anne’s own mother had ever showed any sort of affection to anyone. Perhaps she could find some way to persuade Lady Catherine to allow Anne to accompany them to Polwys. A companion would help take the edge of fear that crept up each time Georgiana though of the place, and of seeing Gareth again. Unfortunately, it would require her to confide everything to Anne. How would her cousin react? Would she accept Georgiana or be frightened away?
Georgiana had no more time to ponder any potential response as the carriage made its final turn onto the crushed white stone gravel drive leading to Rosings. As they approached the gates, the realization that something was amiss caused the driver to halt the carriage as one of two armed guards came forward to greet them.
“I shall see what the matter is,” Darcy announced as he let himself out of the carriage and joined the driver where he conversed with the two guards. Never before had the gates been patrolled by anyone bearing weapons. Something serious must have happened. Lizzie Darcy’s brow creased with worry as her husband made his way to the men. Placing what she felt was a reassuring hand on her sister-in-law’s arm, the women anxiously awaited an explanation.
Within a few moments Darcy and the driver returned, both wearing grim faces. Once inside again, Darcy relayed the conversation as the carriage was admitted inside the grounds of Rosings and the gate was secured behind.
“There has been an incident at the county prison some miles away. A dangerous convict has escaped and the authorities have not been able to locate him. As a precaution, all persons have been warned to be on their guard should he come to this part of the country. Unfortunately, due to the densely wooded nature of the area, it is feared that he may hide indefinitely.”
“Oh my… are you sure you will be safe here?” Lizzie asked with a glance in Georgiana’s direction.
The younger woman appeared to be indifferent to the danger and only shrugged in response.
“Quite safe, I am sure Aunt Catherine has taken every precaution. Those men she hired are former army and well trained. We have nothing to fear while we are here.”
“Did they say the reason the man was in prison?”
Darcy hesitated to reply for fear he should create unnecessary anxiety, but he did not want his wife and sister to find out from house servants. “Yes, it was murder. Apparently he killed two others over a workplace disagreement. Terrible business.”
Lizzie murmured in agreement as Georgiana only turned her eyes once again to the countryside. She had enough to think about without the added concern of dangerous men roaming about. Besides, as her brother said, they were quite safe. If nothing else, Rosings was a fortress, albeit a beautiful one, but a fortress nonetheless. Anne de Bourgh was its only prisoner.
As it was, Lady Catherine herself was indisposed and unable to greet her guests. Late the previous evening, after having eaten some fruit that had gone over, she had taken to her chamber with the most indelicate stomach pains. Anne de Bourgh stood at the entrance of the grand house ready to welcome the Darcy’s.
“I hope your travels were uneventful? As you have already found, we are taking extra precautions here at Rosings.” Anne said as she ushered the party into the main hall. Raising an eye at Georgiana’s altered appearance, Anne did not make mention, but hugged her cousin.
“My mother has taken ill and sends her regrets.” Anne offered in response to Lady Catherine’s absence. “The doctor claims it is a temporary inconvenience. Perhaps she will be well enough to come down to dinner. I am sure you will want some time to refresh yourselves before then,” she explained as the Darcy’s were led to the guest chambers. Leaving Lizzie and Darcy to their room, Anne followed Georgiana inside hers.
“Oh Georgie! It has been far too long. I was angry when Mama refused to attend the Autumn Festival, and then to have to tolerate her gloating when she got word of the unfortunate death of the milk maid. It was quite unbearable, but now that you are here I shall be happy again.”
Georgiana sank onto the rose velvet coverings of the four poster bed. She was indeed tired from her travel, but happy to hear the chatter of Anne. It was far too long between visits, and far too long since she had something to laugh about.
“We did miss you… I hope Aunt Catherine was not too terrible.”
“It got better once she went to Bath. I managed to be allowed to remain here. Sometimes being thought of as sickly as its advantages. For once, I had complete run of the house and grounds. Plus, she took her dogs this time. I actually had two blessed weeks free of sneezing. That is, until that awful man escaped from prison. Mama came home as quickly as she could and sent those terriers sniffing in every corner as if the prisoner was hiding somewhere in the house. Most peculiar behavior, even for her. It was as if she thought he was coming to get her. I have just now gotten rid of the dog hair from my chamber, and Ever since it has been as if we are under siege. She is suspicious of everything and everyone that comes to Rosings. It is only due to her illness that she did not have your carriage searched. Perhaps cousin Fitzwilliam can talk some sense into her.”
Anne stopped her speech suddenly when she noticed that Georgiana’s eyes had glazed slightly, an odd, almost effervescent blue glow seemed to emulate from them. What had taken hold of her cousin? While she had appeared rather pale, Anne did not immediately notice that Georgiana had changed much from when she had last seen her. Now, in the soft light of the chamber, Anne inspected her cousin as she swayed slightly were she sat. Something was seriously wrong with Georgiana, and here she was, blathering about herself.
“Oh my! Are you unwell? What can I do?” she offered.
“Oh I am alright, perhaps a bit tired… and hungry,” Georgiana admitted with a weak smile.
“Where are my manners? I am the most inconsiderate hostess!” Anne exclaimed as she rung the bedside bell.
Within minutes a maid arrived and the request for refreshment was given.
“Some rare meat… if that is not too much to ask. My doctor says I have a touch of anemia.” Admitted Geor
giana shyly. It was far too soon upon her arrival to reveal all that had befallen her since their last visit.
“Of course, whatever you wish!”
Anne helped Georgiana to change from her traveling clothes and put her to bed. By the time she was propped up on the pillows a maid bearing a tray of finely roasted beef in its drippings before Georgiana.
By now, Georgiana was at the limits of control as the demand to satiate her blood lust was unbearable. Practically trembling each time Anne came near enough for Georgiana to see a pulsing vein, she now ate ravenously and without care to ladylike appearances. Anne, fortunately, paid no mind to her cousin’s lack of table manners and busied herself in arranging the contents of Georgiana’s trunk. Foregoing a lady’s maid, the cousins always chose to assist each other when visiting. Mostly to have the opportunity to inspect the other’s wardrobe. Close in size, they had always borrowed various items until one of the coveted objects could be reproduced. Now, with the gnawing hunger abating, Georgiana’s spirits improved and she was able to tease her cousin about which eligible bachelors she had met recently. To this subject, Anne made her own inquiries.
“I suppose the Pemberley festival was filled with handsome men. Was there anyone in particular to your liking?” Anne queried with more than a hint of teasing.
“Oh no… well maybe one or two…” replied Georgiana with a yawn.
“One or two? I must hear everything, but later. I don’t want you falling asleep in your soup! If mother decides to come down she will cause a fuss” replied Anne and after receiving promises to provide every detail, left Georgiana to rest.
~Seventeen~
Lady Catherine de Bourgh was indeed improved enough to preside over the first dinner of the Darcy’s visit. Having not invited any others, Lady Catherine had planned to launch her attentions, and criticisms on Elizabeth Darcy. That is, until she saw Georgiana. Peering intently across the long dining table, the elder woman adjusted her gold handled spectacles in order to focus properly. Gasping slightly in shock, she pressed her thin lips together in displeasure. How could Darcy have allowed such a thing? This is what happened when one was not properly chaperoned. No doubt it was a result of some laxity on behalf of Elizabeth. If he had married Anne, none of this would have happened. Lady Catherine would have been involved intimately in the Pemberley household to have prevented what she knew to be a disaster in the making. The tell-tale white streaked hair, the unusual eerie cast to the eyes… she had seen this before, and it had not ended well. Sighing deeply, she put down her spectacles and took an unusually long draught of her wine. She supposed it could wait until after dinner, but the conversation must be had. If needed, Darcy must do what was necessary, however painful it may be. Until then, she’d keep a careful eye on Georgiana. It would not do to act prematurely, but the signs were unmistakable. Her niece was beset by the Darcy affliction. Fortunately, she had never been stricken, and having married old Lewis de Bourgh, had ensured that any of her offspring would remain untainted. Thus distracted, Lady Catherine found herself unable to speak the well-rehearsed barbs she had saved for Elizabeth and made only the most polite of commentary.
*****
Fitzwilliam Darcy was indeed surprised by his Aunt’s cordial reception of Elizabeth. Perhaps the long resentment of his marriage had been forgotten. Or had something else taken the old lady’s attention? He had noticed how Lady Catherine had inspected Georgiana across the table. Never a woman to let something go unnoticed, he was sure that her observations would not go unvoiced. Steeling himself for the inquest, he forced down his dinner and was happy when they adjourned to the drawing room. At least he would not worry about indigestion when his aunt decided to broach whatever had caused her to frown in Georgiana’s direction. While his sister did not appear to be drastically altered, those close to her would be able to discern the changes that she had undergone. He hastily prepared a believable response based on Dr. Allan’s recent assessment of Georgiana’s physical health. Hopefully, it would pacify Lady Catherine enough to not inquire further. His sister was in a fragile state, and he feared what reaction an interrogation by their aunt would cause. Downing the rest of his wine, he followed behind the others as they took seats around the room.
Georgiana, having been asked to play the fine pianoforte, eagerly took to the velvet bench. Beckoning to Anne, her cousin agreed to turn the pages in order to be occupied and avoid the conversation between the Darcys and her mother. Having suffered through many an evening dominated by her mother’s controlling ways, she took what escape was offered. This placed Elizabeth on one side, and her husband on the other of Lady Catherine’s large upholstered chair. Settling in to what they knew to be some hours of paying court, the Darcy’s were surprised when Lady Catherine got immediately to her point once the music commenced.
“Nephew! I demand you explain what exactly has befallen my niece!”
“Whatever do you mean? I believe Georgiana is looking lovely tonight. She and Anne are quite the pair together, don’t you agree?”
“I most certainly do not! Do not patronize me with such prattle! You know exactly to what I refer. Just look at her! Those white streaks… those eyes! It is just like Evangeline….”
Darcy stared at his aunt. Apparently the old lady was not to be fooled, but what was she talking about? He had never heard of anyone named Evangeline. Pausing for a moment, he watched the purple rage drain from his aunt’s face before replying gently. Defiance and denial was not what was needed now. If Lady Catherine knew anything that would be of assistance to Georgiana, he needed to find out.
“Aunt… Who is Evangeline? What does this person have to do with Georgiana?”
Lady Catherine had stopped abruptly in her abrasion of her nephew and clamped her jaws shut. She had not planned on mentioning Evangeline, but now it was too late. Perhaps it was for the best… it would convince him to do what was necessary. Rising, she banged her cane sharply on the polished wood floor so hard that it left a mark. Startled by the noise, Georgiana stopped playing and the girls turned to Lady Catherine’s demand for attention.
“I believe we should all take an early night. Reverend and Mrs. Collins shall be arriving early tomorrow to spend the day with us and some rest is in order.”
Not daring to contradict the order, the younger ladies said their good nights and made their way upstairs. Lizzie and Darcy made to follow, when Lady Catherine interrupted as soon as they were out of earshot.
“Not you two…. We have serious matters to discuss.” She announced and demanded they go to her private parlor. Once inside, she shut the door and turned a key in the lock, before reaching into a small desk and withdrawing a faded portrait. Offering the small oval to her nephew, she sat heavily on a nearby chair.
“That is Evangeline… my ward… and your father’s younger sister.”
Darcy handed the object to Lizzie, who also studied the image. It was almost as if Georgiana stared back at her, the resemblance was so startling.
“I had no idea that father had any siblings. Why was I never told of her? Why is she your ward and not mine?” Darcy demanded with a touch of anger.
Catherine de Bourgh only replied with a stern set of her jaw as she looked away from where her nephew stood, making demands of her. If it were not for an affection she felt towards the children of her long deceased sister, this conversation would not be happening.
Lizzie placed a gentle restraining arm on her husband. It would not do for him to upset the old lady and not discover what they could to help Georgiana. Lizzie knew from experience that Lady Catherine only did what she pleased. It must be very concerning for her to confide in them now. Darcy took a nearby chair and put his head in his hands. He hated any sort of disorder in his life and this certainly was not what he deemed to be acceptable.
“My apologies Aunt… truly… it has been a rather trying few weeks. This has been very difficult to accept. Please... tell us about Evangeline.”
Appropriately mollified, Lady Catherine r
eturned her gaze and even gestured for Elizabeth to also be seated. This display of what almost could be deemed friendship, only further increased Lizzie’s worry, but she did as bid.
“As you have already probably discovered, the Darcy’s have a most curious affliction.”
Darcy nodded, but did not interrupt.
“When Evangeline was born, she immediately showed that the condition had passed on to her. It was met with some dismay, but your grandparents managed to not only hide her peculiar eating habits, but also teach her to control the cravings. Unfortunately, they had not bargained on any sort of complications.”
“What sort of complications?” Darcy ventured to ask.
A chill had crept up Lizzie’s spine as she thought of the incident with Charlie. How could things possibly get worse? To this, Lady Catherine only waved a hand and continued.
“All was well until Evangeline reached a marriageable age. Due to her unusual beauty and family position, there were a significant number of young men who showed interest. Only one in particular managed to capture her heart. His name was Christopher Alderby. A boy from a good family, but a bit of a scoundrel. I suppose that was what had made him so appealing. Evangeline had always been a girl with a bit of a temper, prone to outbursts and tantrums. Some said it would be an excellent match as they had similar personalities. Fire for fire they put it. Unfortunately, it was disastrous.”
“Did they marry?” Lizzie asked quietly.
Lady Catherine rolled her eyes at her as if the question was ridiculous in nature.
“It never came to that…. Oh they spent many hours in each other’s company. Dances, parties and such. Everyone expected an announcement at any moment, but it never happened. Christopher Alderby never lived to marry anyone.”
Lizzie swallowed hard and remained silent.
“I have heard of that family. Well respected and of considerable means, but I have never been acquainted with any of them personally,” Darcy admitted.
The Transformation of Georgiana Darcy Page 11