by Brenda Webb
William went silent, trying to fit the news that Elizabeth was in this house, and had had to flee Wilkens, into the chaos regarding Georgiana that already spun in his head. Audrey took that as a signal to begin divulging the information she dreaded discussing.
“Fitzwilliam, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but I must alert you to a serious problem regarding my niece. I think it best you know before you see her.”
William’s face paled. It soon became evident that he was not going to say anything while he awaited her revelation.
“Shortly after the debacle at Ramsgate, I spoke to Georgiana about how it all came about, and she confessed that she had had a part in it.”
“Had a part?” William murmured so low it went almost unheard.
“Yes. She confessed that she had met George Wickham at the gallery, and through a series of lies, he gained her confidence. She then agreed to his request not to tell me that he was in her company.”
William sank down in a nearby chair, not sure if his legs would suffice to keep him upright while he took it all in. He looked bewildered as his aunt continued with the explanation Georgiana had offered.
“Wickham used some truths and half-truths, as well as memories of your father and mother to draw her into his web of deceit. Unfortunately, she remembered him from when he used to live at Pemberley, so all he had to do was pretend to recall times that involved those she loved, especially her parents. He regaled her with happy tales he supposedly remembered from when she was a child. From those she shared with me, he must have fabricated them, since they all involved her being alone with him while you were at Eton. We both know that your father did not let him keep company with Georgiana alone. But eager to learn more of her childhood, she let down her guard.”
William said nothing, but, if possible, his mien grew even more sombre.
“She is very sorry for what happened to Marshall and Miss Bennet because of her disobedience, but above all, she is anxious how you will respond. She now realises that what she has done will hurt you most dearly. I have reassured her that your love for her will never wane.”
A pained expression covered William’s downturned face, and Lady Ashcroft shot a worried look towards Lord Landingham, who shook his head as though he did not know what to do either. In the end, he decided he should say something.
“Remember, Fitzwilliam, that although Georgiana looks almost grown, she is still a young girl. And because she has been sheltered, she is too trusting and sees only the good in everyone until confronted with the truth of the matter.”
Still William sat silent, only now his hands covered his face as he rubbed both eyes tiredly. Landingham glanced to Audrey before continuing.
“We—all of us—should have warned her of the likes of George Wickham or men like him. Though we have tried to protect her from the world, she will be more and more a part of it now that she is becoming a young lady.”
William’s aunt added, “I think she has learned a hard lesson, and we can only pray that that lesson will keep Georgiana from this type error in the future.”
Finally William looked up. “I failed her.”
Both jumped to defend him, with William’s aunt being the first to reply. “No! You have not! If anything, it is I who failed her. I was her companion for the last two years, and I never cautioned her about this kind of circumstance. My concern was for strangers, not men she had known since childhood.”
“Neither of you failed her, anymore than I,” Landingham joined in. “I was charged with watching over her. As her godfather, I should have been the one to talk with her about such men as Wickham.”
William stood now, his legs a little shaky from riding all day and from what he had learned. “But, I have failed her in the most important issue. If she thinks I cannot or will not forgive her—”
“That is immaturity speaking, nephew. Deep down Georgiana knows that you will forgive her.
“I fear that we shall just argue the point forever.” As always, he began to run his hands through his hair absently. “I shall have a bath and try to think of what to say to her. I think she and I should talk before dinner, or neither of us will be able to eat.”
His aunt put her arms around him. “I love you so much, Fitzwilliam, and I fear I failed you and Georgiana in regards to Wickham.” She then leaned back to look into his eyes. “Marshall fears he has failed, and you say that you have failed. The truth is that none of us thought of the possibility of this happening at Ramsgate during her painting lessons. We thought she was being supervised. But know this—Georgiana is no child now, and she knew what she was doing was wrong. None of us are guiltless, but we are also not God. We will continue to make mistakes, and we must learn from them and move on. Drowning in regret will help no one.”
She cupped his face until he met her eyes. “Do you believe me?” He nodded absently, as though not convinced. “Go. Take your bath and relax. Afterward, you shall talk to her. And I shall be there, too, if you so desire.”
“Thank you.” He turned to go, his footsteps much heavier than when he had entered. His aunt’s parting words stopped his retreat.
“And am I right in thinking that you will want to talk with Miss Bennet before dinner as well?” William looked over his shoulder as she added, “Alone?”
As he turned a wan smile barely lifted the corners of his mouth. The longing in his eyes was heart-rending. “Yes. I would like that very much.”
“I shall make arrangements then. Send Mr. Dutton to me once you have dressed and all shall be arranged.”
“Mr. Dutton?”
“You might remember him. He was Joseph’s valet years ago, and he recently returned here to live out the remainder of his days. He is a dear, dear man, and he offered to be of service to you and Marshall while you are in residence.”
“I shall welcome his assistance.” William came back to plant a kiss on his aunt’s forehead. “I forgot to say that I love you, and I appreciate all you have done for Georgiana and for me.” Then with a nod and small smile to Landingham, he quitted the room.
Audrey walked to the door, following William with her gaze as he ascended the grand staircase. Landingham moved to stand behind her, running his arms around her waist and pulling her close. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I hope the boy takes what we said to heart.”
“I pray he does. He has too many burdens on his shoulders as it is.”
A chuckle ensued from deep within her beau as he rested his chin on top of her head. “Why do I have the impression that you believe Miss Bennet can lift some of those burdens, if she so chooses?”
She turned in his arms, then leaned back to look up into his eyes. “When has a woman not been able to lift a man’s spirits—at least a man who is deeply in love with that woman?”
“When indeed.” Landingham replied, gently pulling her away from the door, before closing it soundly behind them.
~~~*~~~
Chapter 32
London
The Gardiner’s Residence
The Study
Mrs. Bennet and Jane had barely gotten settled on the sofa in Mr. Gardiner’s study when Madeline hurried into the room, turning quickly to shut the door and lock it.
“I thought Sarah would never stop talking and finish her lessons. And, as usual, Becky wanted water after I had turned to go. It is a good thing that Nicholas still takes a nap, or I would be even more exhausted.”
Then taking a deep breath, she rushed to sit in her husband’s oversized chair—the leather one behind his desk. Facing her company, she studied the worried expressions of both her sister and her niece.
“I am so glad that you have arrived as I have learned something that you should know, Fanny, and I feel that it is best that we talk in here.” Her eyes darted to the door, almost as though she feared that if she opened it, she might find someone with their ear pressed to the keyhole. “I would not want Mrs. Doane, or any of the help, to hear what we have to say. I appreciate all that she d
oes, mind you, but I have suspected for some time that she likes to eavesdrop,” she whispered, referring to the older, rather stout maid who acted as their housekeeper.
Jane’s eyes darted to her mother. Mrs. Bennet slid to the edge of the sofa, a look of eager anticipation spreading across her face, an expression not unlike a child awaiting a piece of candy. A small artificial bird that was perched atop her bonnet bobbed up and down with her actions, and Jane reflected that she might have thought it funny had not the situation been so grave.
She and Lizzy had long since learned that there was nothing her mother liked more than spreading gossip, so she dreaded whatever her aunt had to reveal. At least in Meryton, almost everyone knew that her mother spread unproven rumours and even embellished upon them. So the decent folk there did not pay much attention to her reports, while the other gossips took Fanny Bennet’s pronouncements with a grain of salt. In London, however, her mother might possibly do irreparable damage.
“Stop fidgeting, Madeline!” Fanny Bennet declared impatiently, interrupting Jane’s thoughts and startling her sister. “Just tell us what you have heard. We certainly cannot be found in Edward’s study when he gets home, and it is almost the hour of his arrival.”
Madeline Gardiner glanced at the old clock on the mantel. “Oh my! You are absolutely correct.” Reaching into her pocket she pulled out a letter. “You both know my cousin, Penelope Holmes. Well, when I returned to London after attending my sister, I found this letter awaiting me.” She waved it about. “It advised me to come as soon as possible, so I set out that very day to see what could be the matter.”
Mrs. Bennet’s expression changed, her smile disappearing. She now looked more perplexed than excited as she asked, “Your cousin was supposed to be supervising Lizzy while you were with your sister, was she not?”
“Yes. That is why she sent for me. You know that she allowed Lizzy to accompany her cousins, the Wilkens, to Ramsgate for their aunt’s birthday celebration. They were only to be gone a little over a week, and Penelope felt it would be a good opportunity for Lizzy to impress Lord Wilkens and their aunt, Lady Violet Hawthorne of Hawthorne Hall.” As an aside, she addressed Jane. “You may not know this, but I told Fanny that Lady Hawthorne is one of the wealthiest women in England, and her fortune will pass to John Wilkens upon her death. And Penelope and I both believed that he was on the verge of offering for Lizzy.”
Jane watched her mother’s expression change to dread before she blurted out, “Lizzy has ruined everything! That is what this is about, is it not?”
“Will you please listen, Fanny? I have not finished explaining.”
The nodding of her pale face gave Madeline Gardiner leave to continue. “Well, Penelope informed me that Alfreda’s letters had hinted that Lizzy and Lord Wilkens did not agree on a good many subjects.”
Mrs. Bennet jumped to her feet. “I knew it! That ungrateful girl could never keep her ideas to herself.” She turned to lecture Jane. “Have I not told you and Lizzy that men do not want a woman who has decided opinions? You took my advice, and you secured Mr. Bingley! Oh why could she not do the same? No, Lizzy is just like her father, so opinionated.”
Jane said nothing, knowing that her mother did not expect an answer. Instead, a knot began to form in her stomach as her mother stood to pace the room, murmuring about her second daughter’s shortcomings.
Suddenly Aunt Gardiner was on her feet, trying to halt the pacing. “Sit down and hear the solution that Penelope and I have devised.”
Dreading to learn what her aunt and Lady Holmes had decided for Lizzy, nevertheless, Jane stood and began soothing her mother. “Mama, you are going to have a fit of nerves if you do not compose yourself. Sit down and let us hear what Aunt Gardiner has to say.”
Fanny Bennet slumped into her chair, fanning herself with a folder that had been lying on the edge of Mr. Gardiner’s desk. Her eyes were closed as Madeline continued.
“There is more bad news, and I must tell all before Edward arrives. So listen and do not say a word.”
At the mention of more bad news, Fanny stopped fanning herself and leaned forward while Jane held her breath.
“Penelope tells me that there is gossip about Town, not too widespread yet, mind you, that links Lizzy with a very wealthy man.”
Mrs. Bennet perked up, sitting up straighter as a small smile began. “Wealthy?” Her lips twitched now as they always did when she was eager. “How wealthy?”
“Very wealthy,” Madeline Gardiner declared. Mrs. Bennet smiled slyly at Jane, only to have the expression dissolve entirely when Mrs. Gardiner added, “But he is married.”
Instantly Mrs. Bennet rounded on her sister. “I sent my child to London under your supervision, and this is how I am repaid! You have allowed this… this disgrace right under your nose?”
Jane tried to be the voice of reason, knowing that Mr. Darcy was likely the man in question. “Mother, surely you do not believe my sister capable of this type of conduct?”
“It does not matter if I believe it, Jane. What matters is if the whole of London believes it!” her mother exclaimed, beginning to mop her brow with a handkerchief she pulled from her bosom. “My nerves, my poor, poor nerves!” She clutched her chest. “We are ruined! All of you are ruined! What will Mr. Bingley do? Will he still be willing to marry you?”
“Mother, do not worry about Mr. Bingley. He is steadfast in his love for me and he will not waver from it.”
“You do not know that, silly girl!”
“Yes, Mother, I do.”
Mrs. Gardiner broke into their conversation. “Never fear! Penelope and I have devised a way to put an end to Lord Wilkens’ poor opinion of Lizzy and the awful rumours of an affair.” She walked around the desk to face her sister.
“Pray tell me straightaway, so that my nerves will quiet and I can breathe.”
“Simple enough,” her sister proclaimed proudly. “When Lizzy arrives in London, you will make her apologise to Lord Wilkens for her poor attitude of late. John is used to those beneath him seeking his approbation, and Penelope tells me that he needs this courtship to end in marriage. He has not been successful in his last three courtships, and another failed one will be looked upon with suspicion.”
“Perhaps he has an irredeemable character, and that is why the other ladies refused him. Surely it would not be wise to force Lizzy to marry him,” Jane interjected. She received looks of total disbelief from her aunt and her mother before they turned back to each other, talking as though they had not heard.
“If Lizzy apologises the moment Lord Wilkens comes back to London, he will most likely forgive her lapses, make her an offer and they shall become engaged. Then all the gossip will disappear like fog on a sunny day. No one will care about the rumours if she and Wilkens marry. Then you shall have a rich son, and your other girls will be put in the way of other rich men.”
Jane watched her mother’s eyes light up. “You are absolutely correct. Lizzy has to marry this Wilkens fellow as expeditiously as possible.” She took Mrs. Gardiner’s hands. “It shall be done. I shall see to it myself.”
Jane’s heart sank as her mother and her aunt congratulated each other on finding the perfect solution to the rumours supposedly circulating in London. Pondering all that she had heard and utterly surprised that her mother had not asked who the married man was after Aunt Gardiner explained her scheme, Jane tried to think of a way to help Lizzy.
Papa! That is the answer! I have to get a letter to him as soon as possible or Lizzy will be forced to wed John Wilkens.
“Jane! Jane!” Jane looked up to see both women eyeing her strangely. “You seem to be in another world.”
Afraid they might guess that she would try to aid her sister, Jane decided to change the subject, and she knew just the artifice. “I was just considering that I should press ahead with plans for my wedding clothes.”
Fanny clapped her hands with glee. “Of course, you should! We shall begin tomorrow visiting the best textile merc
hants in Town, just as planned. There shall be nothing but the best for you, my dear—laces, satins and silks! Then we shall engage the best modiste in London to transform them into your wedding gown and other necessities.”
Mrs. Gardiner motioned to the door. “Let us remove to the parlour and talk more of the wedding, now that we are finished with the problem. If Edward knew that we had used his study, he would want to know why and all the particulars. I think it best he is not privy to all the talk concerning Lizzy.”
They had just gotten settled in the parlour when the man of the house came through the front door and, after greeting everyone, went upstairs. They had each put on a cheery air for Mr. Gardiner, even Jane, who all the while, was composing a letter in her head that she would slip into the morning post with Jenny’s help. Jenny, a young woman of about twenty, had worked for the Gardiner’s as a maid for over a year, and Jane liked her very much. More than that, she trusted her. They often took the Gardiner children to the park together, and they had become fast friends.
I pray Papa will leave his library long enough to come to London. Surely he will for Lizzy. He can always leave my younger sisters in the care of Aunt Phillips.
At that moment, the grey-headed, cheerless Gertrude Doane appeared in the doorway. “When shall I serve dinner, madam?”
“I would say in a half-hour. That will give Mr. Gardiner time to change his clothes while I check on the children to see if they have finished their lessons.”
“Very good, madam.” The taciturn woman did not smile as she turned to return to the kitchen.
~~~*~~~
Milton
Ashcroft Park
Georgiana’s sitting room
By the time William had finished bathing, he felt as though he might possibly survive what still lay ahead. He had washed hurriedly. Perusing his image in the mirror, he noted that he looked more rested than he felt and smiled at the irony.