I have made mention to send Mary or Kitty along, but your father is adamant that Mary is no longer out in society and none of your sisters will be out until they are seventeen! You must write to him and tell him how ridiculous this scheme is. They will not attract suitors confined to Meryton as they are. They must visit you if they are to ever marry well. What good is a duke for a brother if he does not throw them into the paths of other rich men?
Now, you have yet to indicate you are with child. Need I remind you, the duke requires an heir, Lizzy—and a spare if you can manage his attentions for long enough. Since you should now be familiar with exactly how unpleasant marital duties are, I have no need to dissemble. You must allow him to come to your bed as often as is required. Endure what you must to do your duty. Once you are with child, you may feign a headache if he does not leave you alone. I shall be most displeased if you are not expecting by Michaelmas!
Your mother,
Francine Bennet
Elizabeth groaned softly while she folded the letter. Being a disappointment to Francine Bennet was nothing new. As a child, she tore her stockings or scraped her elbows as she played outside. Her father would laugh, kiss her injuries, and send her to repair her appearance before the matriarch of the family laid eyes upon her dishevelled state. Inevitably, her torn stockings or a slight rip to her gown would be brought to her mother’s attention and her attempts to right herself in time would be for naught.
Yet, the dishevelled little girl who desired her mother’s approval no longer existed. Instead, she sought the approval of her father, her husband, Lady Matlock, and for some strange reason, the Darcys.
Mr. Darcy to some degree, but Fitzwilliam especially, garnered her thoughts. His opinion had become paramount while she planned their visit for Easter. What room would he prefer? Did he hold a preference for certain foods?
But why? Why should she care so much for one guest over another? The answer eluded her time and again, so she ascribed it to the desire to grow their fledgling friendship. After all, she had no other friends who would visit. She would be just as solicitous of Lady Vranes should she stay at Worthstone.
The clock in the hall chimed the hour, announcing the time to all within hearing. The windows to her side faced the front of the house, revealing the melancholy weather. Worthstone possessed a beautiful park, natural and in possession of a myriad of flower gardens she adored meandering through. Today, however, dingy, grey clouds blocked the sun and had all day, though no rain had fallen as of yet. The weather was simply too dreary to lift one’s spirits, even the daffodils bordering the rose garden appeared dull.
The Darcys would arrive at any moment, so she could not walk out regardless of the weather. That is, if they had departed as planned from Pemberley that morning.
Mrs. Hamilton, Worthstone’s housekeeper, entered through the open door and dropped a curtsey. “Your Grace, the guest rooms are prepared and the fires lit in preparation for the Darcys’ arrival. I have water ready to be warmed in the event any wish for a warm bath, and Cook says supper will be served precisely at seven o’clock.”
“I worry I have missed some small detail,” she said, tapping the letter to the oak surface.
The older servant smiled and shook her head. “You have nothing to be concerned over, ma’am. I have checked and double-checked all your preparations. Naught is amiss. I daresay you covered every contingency.”
Mrs. Hamilton studied Elizabeth for a moment. “I shall bring some tea to help calm your nerves, perhaps with a bit of brandy . . .”
A horse neighed from the front of the house. A glance to the windows confirmed that a handsome coach had arrived before the front portico.
She stood and shifted from behind the small writing desk. “Pray send tea to the blue drawing room but without the brandy. I would prefer to keep my wits about me.”
The housekeeper gave a curt nod but smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”
Elizabeth carried her mother’s letter to the fireplace where a low flame still burned in the grate. She tossed it inside, ensuring it lit before she stepped to the corridor. Footsteps echoed from the grand hall.
“The Darcys have arrived,” said her husband as he entered.
“Yes, I heard the carriage and was about to join you.” After placing a hand on his proffered arm, he led her to the front door where their guests entered, shedding their hats and coats into the arms of waiting servants.
Her eyes first set upon the son. He appeared well and in good spirits much like his father and the young girl on the elder Darcy’s arm. In appearance, she favoured both father and son—dark hair, blue eyes, and tall in stature. She wore a warm smile while she gazed upon Elizabeth though she remained close to her father.
“George!” Her husband extended his hand, which Mr. Darcy accepted heartily with a slap to her husband’s shoulder. “Fitzwilliam, I hope you are well.” The duke shook hands with the younger Darcy before taking both of the girl’s hands. “My, you have grown, Georgiana.”
Miss Darcy hugged her cousin, holding his shoulders as she stepped back. “I am pleased to see you, Uncle Thomas.”
After bowing to Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy beamed with pride, placing a hand to the girl’s elbow and steering her forward. “Elizabeth, I am pleased to introduce you to my daughter Georgiana. Georgiana, this is Her Grace, the Duchess of Leeds.”
Georgiana executed a graceful curtsey. “I am happy to make your acquaintance, Your Grace.”
Elizabeth grinned and reached out to take the girl’s hand. “And I am pleased to make your acquaintance as well, Miss Darcy. Only, I insist that you address me as Lizzy. I have told your brother and father to do so, but I am still called Elizabeth for some strange reason.”
The girl glanced to her father with wide eyes, and he gave a laugh. “You call my cousin Uncle Thomas, so why should her invitation come as such a shock?”
Georgiana shrugged in such a girlish fashion it only endeared her further. “I suppose I did not expect her to be so . . .” A long pause followed, and she clasped her hands together.
“Please continue,” said Elizabeth. “I promise not to be offended.”
“Forgive me, but until we met I thought you might be like Miss Bingley.” Georgiana stepped closer to Elizabeth. “Miss Bingley is the sister of one of Fitzwilliam’s friends. Had she wed Uncle Thomas, she would insist on being addressed as Your Grace or Duchess.”
The elder Darcy began to laugh. “I agree, but in the future, it may be best if you do not express why you are surprised.”
Her husband smiled while he drew Georgiana into a hug and patted her upon the back. “I agree with your assessment of Miss Bingley, so I am offended.” He drew Georgiana back by the arms and spoke with a grin while gazing at her face. “I believe your father and brother are safe as well—even should she force the matter.”
Georgiana giggled and turned to Elizabeth. “Have you made Miss Bingley’s acquaintance?”
“No, I have not; although, I have heard tales of her, and gossip which originated from her tongue.” Elizabeth spoke in a dramatic manner much to the amusement of her company.
Her gaze returned to Fitzwilliam. As was his wont, he watched her steadily. She might have worried that he looked to find fault, but the slight upturn of his lips belied any threat of censure. “Fitzwilliam, I am pleased to be in your family’s company again.”
He bowed over her hand. “And we are happy to be in yours.”
She bit her bottom lip and took care not to tear her hand away at the odd jolt that always seemed to accompany his touch. “Tea should soon arrive in the blue drawing room. Would you care for refreshments, or would you prefer to refresh yourselves after your travel? Mrs. Hamilton has anticipated your arrival by ensuring bath water would be available should you desire it.”
Mr. Darcy gazed down in silent question to his daughter, who shyly peered back at him.
“I should like to have tea with the duchess before I am shown to my rooms.” The young girl turned to Eliz
abeth. “Would that be acceptable to you?”
Georgiana’s manner was hesitant and quiet. At that moment, the youngest Darcy captured Elizabeth’s affection without reserve. She missed her sisters more than anything, and this young girl would be the same in Elizabeth’s affections.
“I would be pleased to join you for tea. I should dearly like us to become better acquainted.” Elizabeth looped her arm through Georgiana’s, leading her in the direction of the small drawing room. “I am accustomed to living with my sisters, and I have missed their companionship. I hope you do not mind if I occupy a great deal of your time while you visit.”
Georgiana nodded vigorously. “My father gave my governess the holiday to spend with her sister. I had wondered how I would occupy myself, so I would be pleased to spend time with you.”
“Then it is settled!” said Elizabeth. “Tonight, over dinner, we shall discuss our plans for the morrow, ensuring we save needlework and books for when it rains.”
Her husband’s amusement could be heard from behind, and she glanced around. “Do you find my plan humorous, sir?”
“Not at all, Elizabeth. I think it a brilliant scheme.”
The maids were arranging their tea when they entered the drawing room, so Elizabeth set to work serving everyone while Georgiana insisted on being of aid. The girl was good natured and sweet, bringing a certain calm to Elizabeth’s soul. Amiable company for a fortnight was just what she required.
Georgiana did not stay for long after she finished her tea, but rather than request a maid to show the girl to her rooms, Elizabeth did the honours herself, only returning to the drawing room after she ensured Georgiana was in the capable hands of her maid.
When she sat in a chair close to the fire, the younger Darcy moved nearby and set his cup on a side table.
“Thank you for being so kind to Georgiana. She is reticent with strangers. I confess we hope your outgoing nature will inspire her to be less restrained.”
She shook her head while she stirred a fresh cup of tea. “Please do not thank me for something I am happy to do. I have truly missed the company of my sisters, which has made me eager to make Miss Darcy’s acquaintance. She is a lovely girl, and I shall be pleased to call her friend.”
“Most women of our sphere do not befriend a young girl unless they find some benefit for themselves. Miss Bingley, for example, sings Georgiana’s praises and strives to spend time with her, but her motives are obvious to my father and myself. My sister has never cared for the lady, and as of late, Miss Bingley has become more tenacious.”
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. “Pray, do not find me impertinent if I inquire as to whom Miss Bingley hopes to impress?”
He shifted in his seat. “I believe she would be ecstatic to marry myself or my father, but I believe I am her preference.”
“Do you have a theory why?”
“Her ultimate desire is Pemberley, so her intent lies with the prey who will satisfy her desire the longest. If my father was forced to marry her, he would see her relegated to the dower house upon his death,” he leaned forward a hair, “if not sooner.”
Did he just make a joke? She grinned and relaxed against the back of her chair. “You will have to pardon my intrusive questions. Your sister piqued my curiosity by her description of the lady.”
“My father has sworn I shall not be entrapped by her. Should she manage some scheme, he would wed her in my place. I believe his plan would be to set her up in a small house in town.”
Elizabeth lifted her eyebrows and laughed. “Since I do not know the lady, I cannot say with certainty, but I would imagine she would be displeased by such a turn of events.”
“Her brother, who is in charge of her affairs, has been told by my father of our stance. He does not find fault with our feelings. Until his death a few months ago, his own father complained often of her spending.”
She stiffened when he mentioned why she had not yet made the acquaintance of Miss Bingley. “Before we departed town, I had heard the family was in mourning, but I had not realised it was for their father. How tragic!” Her family was all too aware of what the loss of a father could bring. At least Miss Bingley had a brother to care for her needs.
“His death was a shock. He appeared the picture of health until he took ill with a sudden fit.”
“I am grieved for their loss,” she said plainly. “I feel as though I have been no better than the gossips in London. I beg you not to think I engage in the tittle-tattle present in most of the London drawing rooms.”
He relaxed while he regarded her with a slight tilt to his head. “My aunt and my cousin would not have accepted you so readily if you did.”
“Fitzwilliam,” called his father. He and Thomas had been in a discussion regarding their investments while she chatted with the son. “I believe I would care to refresh myself before dinner. Shall we go in search of our rooms?”
Her mouth opened to protest, but her husband interrupted before she could speak. “Elizabeth may be as fond of teasing as you, George, but I shall not allow you to make light of her household management. She has been rather anxious over your arrival.”
Her face heated when all three gentlemen turned their gazes upon her. Mr. Darcy’s eyebrows lifted. Why did her husband mention her worry over their arrival? What would they think of her now?
Her husband gave a smile. “As if you have ever been required to search out your rooms.”
“I apologise for any unease I caused,” said Mr. Darcy.
She rose and pulled the nearby bell. “Not at all. I appreciate a witty remark as much as anyone, even at my expense.”
A footman responded promptly, and the Darcys were off to their rooms while Elizabeth was left alone with her husband.
He gave his legs a quick tap of his hands. “I believe I shall ready myself for dinner also. Thank you for all of your hard work and preparation for this visit.”
“I am pleased to do it. I only hope the Darcys will find me as amiable as I find them.”
“You should have no fear of that matter. They would not have brought Georgiana or encouraged you to befriend her if they thought you anything less than a true lady.” He gave his cuffs each a tug, a habit he employed when uncomfortable. He often tugged his cuffs while alone with her.
“I shall see you at dinner.” Without a further word, he awkwardly kissed her on the cheek and disappeared through the door. At least with company, he would not dine within his rooms. Since their marriage, his manner remained polite and friendly, but after eating alone in the dining room for several weeks, she had begun to take her meals within her chambers.
Fortunately, Worthstone’s library was well-stocked. Her evenings often consisted of reading until she could no longer hold her eyes open. If she sat for hours in her favourite chair behind the desk in her study, she would begin to resemble her father.
Elizabeth extinguished all of the candles save one and donned her dressing gown for a quick jaunt down the corridor to Georgiana’s room.
Dinner had been a grand success with Elizabeth and Miss Darcy both performing on the pianoforte after the men returned from the dining room and their brandy. While they made their way to their bedchambers, Elizabeth took the opportunity to ask if Georgiana would like to talk once they were readied for bed. Without sisters, the girl had never had such an experience, so she accepted eagerly.
With a candle in her hand, Elizabeth peeked both ways to ensure the corridor was empty before she crept two doors down. Miss Darcy’s maid answered with a brush in her hand and allowed Elizabeth to enter.
Georgiana beamed with pleasure at her entrance. “All that remains is for her to brush and plait my hair.”
“Would you mind if I plaited your hair? My sisters and I used to brush and arrange one another’s hair often.”
“Did you?” asked Georgiana with wide eyes. “I have always wished for a sister.”
The maid handed over the brush, curtseyed, and departed. Elizabeth stepped behind Georgiana and
ran the bristles through her long, dark golden-brown tresses. “Well, I do not believe one can have too many sisters, so as long as you do not object, you may consider me your sister.”
The young girl pivoted on her seat. “Would you truly treat me as one of your sisters?”
She gave a matter-of-fact nod. “Yes, I would. In fact, you remind me a bit of Jane.”
Georgiana faced the mirror while Elizabeth began brushing once more, avoiding the paper rolls for her fringe.
“Is she younger or older?”
“Jane is one year older. She is kind and exceedingly beautiful. My mother is prodigiously proud of her eldest daughter’s good looks.”
“Tell me more of what it is like having a sister?”
“Well, it depends upon the sister. You have heard my description of Jane. She is my confidante, my dearest friend. There is nothing I cannot share with her.”
Georgiana furrowed her brows. “You cannot claim that of your other sisters?”
A laugh escaped Elizabeth’s lips while she shook her head vehemently. “Heavens, no! Mary is very studious, but she limits her studies to religion and morals. Should I venture to confide in her, she would spout moral platitudes and scripture. Lydia is bold as brass and is incapable of keeping a confidence. She would not even feel one morsel of remorse for her lack of discretion.”
“So you have three sisters?”
“I have four.” Elizabeth held up her hand, her fingers further indicating the number. “I described Lydia, who is the youngest, before Kitty because although Kitty is a year older, she rarely thinks for herself. Her every move and whim follow Lydia’s direction. Should Lydia one day decide she will marry no man but one in a red coat, Kitty would swear the same in the following breath.” A giggle erupted from Georgiana’s mouth, prompting a smile from Elizabeth.
“You have not mentioned your parents. What are they like?”
Elizabeth set down the brush when she separated the hair and began to wind the swaths of hair around one another. “My mother is hardly sensible. She complains of her nerves and calls for her salts.” Georgiana gaped with her jaw slightly lax. “My mother’s main objective is to marry her daughters well so she will not be forced to support us when my father dies.” Elizabeth tied off the plait and caught her friend’s eye in the mirror. “Do I shock you?”
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