by J Dawn King
“Miss Bingley, my wife is a gentle woman who is willing to give consideration to you for presuming on the Darcy name. Be grateful that she is far kinder to you than you would be to her.” Darcy now looked directly at Caroline and made sure she got the import of his words.
“You are married?” Miss Bingley could not keep herself from asking.
“I am.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
It was a happy group that entered the theater that night. The Gardiners had included Mr. Bingley in the invitation. Bingley had made his first call on Jane Bennet earlier that day and had been informed of their new relationship with Mr. Darcy. Bingley had seen neither Caroline nor Louisa Hurst upon their return from the dressmakers. He had assumed by their taking trays in their rooms that they were worn out from their excursion. His assumption was wrong.
Miss Jane Bennet was ethereally beautiful in her soft blue gown and Bingley was exceedingly proud to have her on his arm. He was grateful that ladies’ hairstyles had not reached the heights of days past or Jane would have exceeded him by a few inches. As it was, he considered they were perfectly matched. Her small smile lit his own.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner watched the couple and could not help but see a fledgling relationship being born. A felicitous union. Mr. Gardiner searched the crowd inside the theatre for Darcy and soon found him towering over the others in attendance. Elizabeth looked lovely as she stood with her hand tightly tucked inside her husband’s arm. Miss Darcy was between Lizzy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Attached to the colonel’s arm was a stately, elegant woman of about the same age as the Gardiners. Mr. Gardiner was curious that this might, indeed, be Lady Matlock. It was. It appeared to Mrs. Gardiner that Lizzy was comfortable in Lady Matlock’s company. This boded well for having more support from Darcy’s family.
Darcy and Richard were grateful for Bingley’s presence. They both smiled with relief when Georgiana moved forward to attach herself to Bingley’s other arm. He was a long-time, trusted friend of the family and the men rejoiced that their ward felt comfortable enough on her first adult outing to seek the company of such a companion.
Elizabeth had a much different interpretation of her new sister’s actions and decided to keep a close watch as the evening unfolded. When the bell rang for the performance to begin, Richard escorted his mother to Darcy’s box. There were two rows of six seats each, plenty of room for the group. Darcy normally would have had both Elizabeth and Georgiana on his arms, but Georgiana clung to Bingley. They were followed by the Gardiners.
The ladies were offered the front row, providing the best views of the performance. They filed in with Mrs. Gardiner in the lead. Jane Bennet would sit by her aunt. Lady Matlock had the place of prominence in the center. On her left side was Georgiana and Elizabeth was at the end. The gentlemen chose to seat themselves behind their preference; Gardiner, Bingley, Richard, and then, Darcy. The arrangement was acceptable to everyone except Georgiana.
“Brother,” the young girl turned her head back and whispered just before the performance began. “Might I exchange my seat for that of Miss Bennet? I would love to hear more about my mother from Mrs. Gardiner.”
To him, it seemed an innocent request, so Darcy acquiesced. He failed to notice the looks of disappointment on Bingley and Jane’s faces as they were separated. Elizabeth noticed. She also noticed the way Georgiana smiled flirtatiously at Bingley. Elizabeth’s ire started a slow simmer. She sought to concentrate on the performance or something pleasant, so it did not rage into a full rolling boil.
She thought back on the unexpected appearance of Lady Matlock at Darcy House. Her husband had hoped to have support from more than just Richard for his marriage. His Aunt Helen had been kind to himself and Georgiana in the past and he would have regretted that break more than any in the family. Thus, his heart rejoiced to see Lady Matlock with Richard, dressed for an evening out.
Helen Fitzwilliam, Lady Matlock, had warmly welcomed Elizabeth. She pledged her support and felt no regrets at going against her husband. Her shock at learning from her son what her husband and his sister had been about was devastating.
In a brief private conversation with Richard, Darcy found out that his aunt Helen had kept part of her dowry for her second son’s future. This was the best of news. Richard would be able to sell his commission. His life would be out of danger from Napoleon and his army. Darcy almost felt like crying at the news.
While the performance proceeded, Elizabeth pondered the marriage state. How horrid it must have been for Lady Matlock to find out the man she had lived with for so long was not the man she thought him to be. How could that be possible? Do couples routinely live such disparate lives that they do not, in fact, know one another? Elizabeth knew that arranged marriages of convenience were common in the first circles of society and was grateful that she was not part of them. Oh, but I am!
At her sudden intake of breath, Darcy leaned forward to determine if all was well with her. It was then that Elizabeth realized her husband had moved over one seat to be immediately behind her. He was not watching the play. Darcy was watching her.
The warmth that spread through her was like sunshine on a mid-summer day — the intense rays that thawed a person from the inside out. Elizabeth’s father rarely gave attention to his wife and their relationship suffered for it. Elizabeth could only imagine how different her life would have been if her parents both were vested in the success of their marriage. After almost three days of marriage, Elizabeth rejoiced in the attentions of her husband. Would it last? Would they eventually allow the cares of life to draw them apart? Could they overcome the independent feelings of Georgiana or would it drive a wedge between them?
Elizabeth lifted her left hand and rested it on her left shoulder. She was unsurprised when Darcy covered it with his own. Elizabeth imagined she could feel the heat through their gloves and could not stop herself from tilting her head to rest it on the back of his hand. Darcy’s gentle squeeze let her know he appreciated the caress. The day had so many highs and lows that it reassured them both that they had each other to rely on. Elizabeth smiled at the thought and, for the first time, gave attention to the performance on the stage.
***
“Georgiana!” Elizabeth’s temper churned up to a froth and quickly boiled over. Her voice remained calm, but firm. “Just four days past you thought yourself in love with Mr. Wickham to the point that you voluntarily climbed into a carriage with him, completely disregarding your upbringing and the damage to your reputation. Now, it is ‘Bingley this’ and ‘Bingley that’. What are you about, sister?”
“You just want him for your sister, Elizabeth.” Georgiana shouted back at Elizabeth. “I have known him far longer and he is mine! You hate me and I hate you!”
Darcy watched, stunned, as his sister ran from the drawing room in tears. What had just happened? The progress they had made over the past few days was gone. He was hoping for peace and apparently there would be none.
“Elizabeth, was there a reason that you attacked my sister in such a manner?” His tone was not curious, it was accusatory.
Darcy and Elizabeth were unaware that Georgiana had not run to her rooms. Instead, she wiped her faux tears from her cheeks and stood outside the drawing room door, listening. Georgiana had overheard Elizabeth speaking with the housekeeper after they had returned from the modiste earlier that afternoon about Georgiana’s training in household duties commencing on the morrow. Georgiana was livid that she, a Darcy, was going to be made to do such menial tasks. When Elizabeth, with her brother’s support, first mentioned the consequences, Georgiana’s guilt caused her easy acceptance. Now that time had passed, her anger at the unfairness of the situation would not allow her to keep silent anymore.
Georgiana now understood completely that she had not loved George Wickham and she was grateful she was unattached to him. Nevertheless, the fact that her brother took her to the theatre, dressed in her finest, accompanied by the Countess, proved to her that he considered her
an adult. Why should she not attempt to attract a man such as Bingley? The ridiculousness of Elizabeth’s attitude was appalling and for the first time, Georgiana regretted her brother’s attachment to such a country miss.
“Pardon me, Mr. Darcy, but did you approve of your sister’s conduct at the theater?” Elizabeth could not hide the sarcasm. Experience with Kitty and Lydia carelessly flirting with boys since cutting their milk teeth enlightened Elizabeth to what her new sister was doing. The more she came to know Miss Georgiana Darcy, the more she realized how similar to Lydia she was. She was just better clothed.
“There was absolutely nothing untoward in her conduct. It was her first night out with those outside her immediate family and she merely enjoyed the event.” Darcy’s eyes never moved from his wife’s. His look was unrelenting and for the first time, Elizabeth worried about the kind of man she was married to.
“You are saying that you approve of her brazen flirting with Mr. Bingley? That her conduct in no way made you uncomfortable?” Elizabeth was incredulous. This man held himself to such a high standard that she was stunned he did not hold his sister to the same. Georgiana’s lack of decorum was unattractive and could give the wrong impression. It could ruin her reputation just as easily as the ton finding out about the attempted elopement.
“I am proud of my sister, Elizabeth, and I was under the impression that you were as well.” His words were clipped as his own anger boiled below the surface. “We will speak of this no more. I am her guardian. You are not. Am I understood?”
“Yes, Sir.” Elizabeth curtseyed to the man in front of her without bowing her head. “If I may be excused from your company, Mr. Darcy?” There was no warmth to her tone. Elizabeth bit her tongue to keep from saying any more. Without waiting for Darcy to reply, she turned and left the room. She was unpleasantly surprised to find her sister-in-law standing outside the doorway, a look of pleasure on her face. Elizabeth paused for a step, shook her head in disappointment, and proceeded to her bed chamber. She would not welcome her husband this night.
Darcy remained behind, turning to the table with the drinks and poured a glass full of brandy. While his back was turned, Georgiana used the opportunity to slip upstairs. Darcy was unaware.
Seating himself in front of the empty fireplace, he sipped from his drink and thought back to the events of the evening. He had been delighted to have Aunt Helen join them and offer public support to his wife. His wife! Darcy sighed deeply, the air rushing from his chest. He sat back in the chair and ran his right hand through his hair, pulling at the ends.
Was he wrong? Of course, he was not. Elizabeth barely knew Georgiana. He was disappointed at the unfairness his wife showed his sister. There had been no allowance for Georgiana’s innocence, her inexperience, and her friendly manner. Darcy sighed again. So much had happened that he failed to comprehend the developments under his own roof. He would be firm with Elizabeth, asserting his authority as head of the Darcy household, until she understood her place in his home.
Finishing his drink, he sat his glass down on the side table and stood to go upstairs. It did not surprise him that the door between the master’s and mistress’s chambers was firmly closed. For the first time since his marriage, he would stay in his own room – alone.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
When Elizabeth arrived at the breakfast room, the only one already there was her husband. After greeting him she served herself, something he had cared for their first mornings together, and sat at the other end of the table. The spot next to him where she normally sat was covered with the pages of the newspaper Darcy was reading. She was clearly unwelcome. Elizabeth refused to allow it to bother her.
“Will your sister be breaking her fast with us, William?” Elizabeth broke into the silence.
“You will leave the care of my sister to me, Elizabeth.” Darcy had looked out from behind his paper when he started speaking and returned to his reading as soon as his statement was finished.
Elizabeth took a deep breath. The one other piece of wisdom from her grandmother that came into play under these circumstances was to pick your battles. Elizabeth had thought through the night about Darcy’s family. The potential harm that could have come from Georgiana’s actions would have devastated Darcy. The future hardships that would come on the family when Lord Matlock was found to be a hypocrite would be exceedingly difficult to overcome. Only complete separation from the Matlocks would ease the consequences. Elizabeth was now unsure whether her husband would remain resolved to have a complete break with his uncle. His vacillation with his sister was unsettling.
“As you wish, husband.” Elizabeth had come to the conclusion early that morning that for better or worse, she was married. Failing to show respect for her husband would not mend their relations. Was he correct in his thinking of his sister? Not at all. However, he would bear an account for the results of his negligence, as would his sister. Rejoicing at seeing them proved wrong would show Elizabeth as possessing a small mind and unfeeling heart. That would not do! Instead, she would wait and see what she could do when the time came to bring peace and make their home a refuge.
Darcy was just feeling the superiority of his decision when his Aunt Helen and Richard were shown in. Elizabeth had yet to start eating.
“William, Elizabeth, we apologize for disturbing your meal.” Helen Fitzwilliam looked at the gap between the newlyweds and realized they must have had their first spat. She had much more important matters to discuss than their marital harmony. “Richard and I will wait for you in your study.” She turned to her son, who was gazing longingly at the cut hams and pastries. “Let us allow them to finish breaking their fast.” Grabbing his arm she pulled him out of the room.
Elizabeth placed her napkin next to her plate. “I can take a tray later, William, if you would like to proceed to your study.” When the footman pulled back her chair, she walked to her husband’s side, but did not put her hand on the arm he had not offered her.
They entered the study to find Lady Matlock and Richard comfortably seated away from Darcy’s desk. There would be no position of authority for him at this meeting. When he and Elizabeth sat across from his aunt, she began.
“Fitzwilliam Darcy, whatever were you thinking allowing my niece to act in such a manner with Mr. Bingley? Are you not aware that her reputation could be fixed as a flirt? It could damage her coming out and could keep her from being presented. You must have been appalled at her conduct last night. What have you done to contain this situation, William?” Lady Matlock was incensed and, though she was talking to William, she included her son in her rebuke. To her, they were boys dressed in men’s clothing. It was not that she lacked respect for either of them – she was extremely proud of both men. But, if anyone in the room had authority, it was her.
The words from the countess came fast and furiously. Elizabeth watched as Darcy looked to Richard. Richard shrugged his shoulders as if he had already heard this barrage and did not understand what his mother was talking about. Darcy never once glanced Elizabeth’s way.
It was not the time to gloat over being so quickly proved to be in the right. It was the time to take action to repair the damage done. It was of interest to Elizabeth to see the reactions of the men. When their aunt, Lady Catherine, had presumed to have authority over them, they balked. With Lady Matlock, they listened. Elizabeth considered the difference and realized that most likely both men knew they were loved by their Aunt Helen. It was a lesson she chose to file in her memory to be pulled out and used at a future time.
“Lady Matlock, in your estimation, what needs done?” Elizabeth got a knowing glance from the countess at her question. Elizabeth did not know if Lady Matlock had been told by Richard of the events at Ramsgate and the reasons for such a quick marriage between her nephew and his new wife.
Lady Matlock appreciated Elizabeth’s candor. “A qualified companion must be found for her right away. She has been left alone to her own thinking for far too long.” The Countess caught
her nephew’s eye. “Have you started her consequences for Ramsgate?”
Lady Matlock knew. Elizabeth was relieved that she would not have to guard her words.
“I have not, Aunt Helen.” Darcy refused to elaborate. While that worked with his peers, it would not work with his aunt.
“I might ask, why not?” Lady Matlock was a petite woman with gray steaks in her blonde hair. Her eyes were steely blue and had little softness to them. She was a force of nature that buffeted Georgiana’s guardians. “Think, Fitzwilliam. When it comes out what Matlock has been doing, it will be a time of great trial to our family. Those of us in this room need to stand together solidly to weather the storm. Georgiana will be caught in the cross-fire, to use a military term. Her conduct and ours, needs to be impeccable. You are reaping the results of what you have both allowed. If you do not want your fifteen year old sister forced into marriage by her own actions, you need to stand firm. Am I understood?”
Richard immediately nodded. Darcy was slower to do so.
Elizabeth did not know Darcy well, but she knew him well enough to perceive his discomfort. She had no doubts of his love for Georgiana. His quickness to agree with the proposed penance gave evidence that he was not always too soft with his sister. It was why she had been so confused and disappointed the night before. It had been an unexpected reaction from her husband.