by Jann Rowland
“About three miles. To go to Longbourn, we must take the road back to Meryton, and from thence we go to the west.”
“Shall we visit them today?”
This time both cousins laughed, though Georgiana folded her arms and huffed., Mrs. Younge took up the conversation.
“Perhaps it would be best to continue on to Netherfield first and meet our hosts, Georgiana. Longbourn is not going anywhere—you shall visit tomorrow unless I miss my guess.”
With a thankful nod, Darcy addressed his sister: “I believe it would be best to go tomorrow. For this evening, let us give our attention to Bingley and his family as our hosts.”
The oblique inference of the Bingley sisters was not at all welcome if Georgiana’s suppressed grimace was any indication. She made no comment, however, choosing to look out the window at the passing trees. Darcy thought she might be pleasantly surprised by the sisters—or at least one of them.
The two sisters were standing on the steps waiting for their arrival as the carriage pulled to a stop, though there was no sign of the gentlemen. When the step was in place, Darcy alighted from the carriage, followed by Fitzwilliam, and then turned to assist the ladies out. As they were descending, a horse and rider raced up to the steps, and Bingley vaulted from the saddle, joining them with cries of laughter and welcome.
“You made excellent time, Darcy. I had thought I would return in plenty of time to welcome you.”
“At present,” said Darcy, “London is not to my liking.”
“When is London ever to your liking?” asked Fitzwilliam.
“I must agree with William,” said Georgiana, shooting her cousin a mock glare. “London holds no attraction for me, not with so many interesting goings-on in Hertfordshire.”
Bingley welcomed Georgiana with a bow to her curtsey, and Darcy noted a wistful expression with which Miss Bingley regarded them. Long had he known of her design to match Georgiana to her brother, and while he could not quite interpret her current mood, it seemed she now understood the death of that scheme. It was just as well—Darcy had considered Bingley a good match for Georgiana, but as she was some years from even coming out, no attachment could be formed until then. Now that Bingley admired Miss Bennet so assiduously, there was little chance of Miss Bingley’s designs coming to pass.
Within moments, the two ladies had gathered Georgiana between them and were showing her into the house, Mrs. Younge following behind. As was their wont, they were eager to see her and complimentary of everything from her dress to her hair, but in Mrs. Hurst, Darcy sensed a new and more genuine attitude. Even Miss Bingley, who was not as voluble as her sister, seemed to display pleasant interest, rather than the avarice Darcy had so often detected in the past.
The guests were taken to their rooms where they refreshed themselves, and soon the company gathered together in the sitting-room. Seeing Georgiana ensconced with the sisters, Mrs. Younge in close attendance, Darcy turned his attention to the gentlemen.
“If you please,” said he, “I have not informed Georgiana yet of our suspicions with respect to Wickham.”
“Is that wise?” asked Hurst with a frown. “You cannot coddle her forever, Darcy.”
“As it happens, I quite agree with you,” replied Darcy. “It is my intention to inform her of the matter this evening, but I did not wish to distress her while we were traveling.”
“That is likely for the best,” said Bingley. He eyed the cousins, saying: “Can I assume you found nothing when you arrived at your house last night?”
“Everything was silent, nothing was out of place, except for Georgiana’s companion wandering the halls in the dead of night.”
Fitzwilliam’s steady look at Mrs. Younge confused Bingley. “Why would she do that?”
“She informed us she has done it since Ramsgate,” said Darcy. “I understand her concern. It is a relief she takes such care for my sister’s wellbeing.”
“Just because you found nothing,” said Hurst, “it does not mean our conjectures are incorrect. Wickham will almost certainly follow you here, and with his growing desperation, will be ever more dangerous.”
Darcy nodded. “Your staff must be alert for anything out of the ordinary. Also, Thompson has accompanied us, and he will bear the responsibility for Georgiana’s safety. If you can integrate him into your staff, it would make his task much easier.”
“Of course,” was Bingley’s reply. He paused for a moment, and then said: “Do you think Georgiana will remain his target? I mean, he has accosted Miss Elizabeth, and he had Miss Bennet’s inheritance firmly in his sights . . . .”
“I should think any of the ladies would be of equal use for Wickham’s purposes,” said Fitzwilliam. “Darcy would move heaven and earth to protect Georgiana and Miss Elizabeth, and any one of her sisters could provide an avenue of attack.”
Bingley grimaced. “Should he target Miss Bennet, he might affect all three of us, given my interest, her connection to Darcy through Miss Elizabeth, and Hurst’s connection to me.”
“That is true,” said Fitzwilliam. “But it would not be as satisfying for Wickham, as Georgiana or Miss Elizabeth would provide him a means to sate his desire for vengeance.”
“It matters little either way,” said Hurst. “Though he might prefer Miss Elizabeth or Miss Darcy, I am certain he will take whomever crosses his path.”
“I agree,” said Darcy. “When the contingent of footmen I requested from Pemberley arrives, I shall dispatch them to Longbourn. The more protectors the Bennets have at their disposal, the better.”
The gentleman agreed and turned their attention to the ladies. It seemed that old habits die hard, for Miss Bingley, as had been her wont in the past, was doing her best to flatter Georgiana as she ever had.
“We are so pleased to have you here, my dear Miss Darcy. Have you had much opportunity to practice while you were in London? Your playing is exquisite—we have been eager to hear you play again.”
“Thank you, Miss Bingley,” said Georgiana, giving no hint of embarrassment or discomfort. “As you know, the pianoforte is my favorite way to pass the time, and I play often.”
“One might almost say constantly,” interjected Mrs. Younge, directing a fond smile at her charge. “There are times when it is difficult to interest her in anything else.”
“Which must be why you play so well,” said Miss Bingley. The woman paused and eyed Georgiana, saying: “It is good you show such interest in it, and a reason you have become so accomplished. But remember, my dear, that true accomplishment is obtained when you are skilled in many disciplines. Do not allow your other studies to lapse, for whatever knowledge you amass will assist when you come out.”
“Yes, Miss Bingley,” said Georgiana.
“Now, shall we retire there? Louisa and I would love to play together with you.”
Georgiana agreed, and the ladies clustered around the pianoforte, the sounds of their efforts soon filling the room. Darcy watched Miss Bingley with Georgiana, noting how she was still profuse in her praise, but he thought there was a more genuine quality inherent in it than he had seen in the past. Soon he noticed Bingley watching his sister, and when Darcy raised an eyebrow at his friend, Bingley shrugged.
“There seems to be a softer side of Caroline of late. I cannot determine from whence it sprang, but though she was eager to welcome your sister again, there seemed to be something different from what I have seen in the past.”
Though careful to avoid offending his friend, Darcy could only say: “It seems like she has faced the reality of the situation.”
“Perhaps,” replied Bingley. He grinned darkly and said: “Or perhaps she has developed some other stratagem.”
“That is as likely as anything else,” said Hurst.
“Come now, that is a rather ungentlemanly way to talk of a lady,” said Fitzwilliam. “I have never thought your sister deficient, Bingley. She is determined and rather eager to see things the way she wishes
to see them.”
Bingley smiled and shook his head, declining to continue the conversation. For the rest of the afternoon and evening, they stayed in company together, and gradually Darcy’s concerns for Miss Bingley’s behavior faded. The woman was attentive to Georgiana and eager to praise her, but she crossed no lines as she had so often done in the past.
Later that evening as the company was nearing the time to retire, Mrs. Younge indicated her desire to speak to him. At first, he was a little concerned, for her manner was grave, but then when she spoke, he could not contain his surprise.
“I wanted to inform you, Mr. Darcy, that I must leave your service.”
“You do?” asked Darcy. “I had hoped you would stay on, for my sister has blossomed under your guidance.”
“You have my thanks,” said Mrs. Younge. “It has been a pleasure to know your sister, for she is an excellent young lady and will do you proud. But there are matters which have arisen which will make it impossible for me to continue in this role. I am willing to wait until you have found a replacement. However, I will ask you to expedite your search, for I will need to leave within a month or two at most.”
“Of course,” said Darcy. “I shall initiate a search at once. Is it possible you might suggest any candidates?”
Mrs. Younge showed him a slight smile, the most he had ever seen from her. “I know of no one searching for a position now, Mr. Darcy. You have my apologies. As for Miss Darcy, I shall inform her of my decision myself.”
“Thank you,” said Darcy, allowing the woman to depart.
It was a bother to think of replacing his sister’s companion at such a time as this. Then again, it was possible he would not have to. Miss Elizabeth Bennet, as his wife, would fill the role of Georgiana’s confidante admirably.
Chapter XXXII
Elizabeth was excited, for two days after William’s sudden journey to London, the gentleman was to bring his sister to Longbourn to introduce her to the family. Not insensible to the honor of Mr. Darcy’s wish to introduce his dearest sister to Elizabeth, she waited until they could be reasonably expected with a sense of anticipation. That the Darcy carriage was sighted far sooner than Elizabeth might have expected was a source of gratification, though it also filled her with nervous anticipation.
“Remember, Kitty, Lydia,” the sound of her father’s voice reached to where Elizabeth was looking out the window, “the young lady visiting us today is about your age but of an entirely different level of society. I am allowing you to stay as I know you wish to make her acquaintance. Do not behave in a fashion which would provoke me to regret my decision.”
As Elizabeth turned, she watched the two girls give their father solemn assurance they would behave—from Lydia it was as solemn as the girl could manage. Nearby, Mrs. Garret sat, as watchful as always, though she also seemed rather sanguine.
When the guests arrived, Elizabeth first impression was surprise that Miss Bingley had accompanied them. Elizabeth might have thought Miss Bingley would avoid them as had often been her wont, especially since the man interested in Elizabeth was introducing his sister to her. Soon, however, the sight of the girl who must be Miss Darcy came into her sight, and Elizabeth had no more notice to spare for Miss Bingley.
At the tender age of sixteen, Miss Darcy was already a little taller than Elizabeth’s diminutive height. The girl was willowy, her head crowned with blonde curls, tied back in an elegant knot, her dress a soft pastel, though made with fine materials as befitted her station. William’s tales of his sister had led Elizabeth to believe she was excessively shy, but at that moment, other than a little reticence, understandable given she was among those who were unknown to her, Miss Darcy was looking at them all with more curiosity than shyness.
“Mrs. Bennet,” said Mr. Darcy, addressing the Bennet matron as was proper, though it was clear in his manner he wished to approach Elizabeth directly. “Please allow me to introduce my sister to your acquaintance.”
A proper introduction ensued, in which Mr. Darcy named each member of the Bennet family in order. Mrs. Bennet approached Miss Darcy and caught her hands, giving them a light squeeze.
“We are pleased to meet you, Miss Darcy,” said she, “and hope you will feel comfortable among us. But I also know you are not eager to meet me. Please, do not feel bound by society’s strictures. Sit with my daughters, for they are wild to make your acquaintance.”
Though Miss Darcy started a little in surprise at Mrs. Bennet’s informal manner, she thanked her and approached Elizabeth and Jane, guided by her brother. Into the gap she had vacated, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley stepped forward and began to speak to her mother. Elizabeth had no opportunity to hear their conversation, for Miss Darcy was soon before her.
“Miss Elizabeth,” said Miss Darcy, the awaited shyness entering her manner, “I am thrilled to make your acquaintance, for my brother has told me much of you.”
“It seems we are in a similar position, for he has been a positive fount of information concerning you.”
“Then I must assume you have quite an unrealistic expectation of my virtues, Miss Elizabeth,” said Miss Darcy with a mischievous glance at her brother. “William is far kinder to me than I deserve.”
“That is not possible,” said Elizabeth, charmed already. “For it is clear his words were understated.”
“Lizzy!” said Jane sotto voce. “There is no need to flatter the man’s sister, for I believe you have already captured him!”
Those nearby laughed at Jane’s jest, Elizabeth as hard as anyone else. After she had allowed her mirth free rein, Elizabeth drew herself up and fixed her sister with a mock frown.
“You will teach Miss Darcy to believe I am mercenary, Jane! And what has become of my demure sister who never puts herself forward?”
“Perhaps you have rubbed off on me a little,” said Jane sweetly.
“If there are two now,” interjected Colonel Fitzwilliam, “that is terrible news for us all. One is enough!”
“Enough, Anthony!” admonished Miss Darcy. “Come, Miss Elizabeth, let us sit for a time, for it appears we are surrounded by jesters, intent on making a joke.”
In fact, they all sat together in a large group, for Mr. Bingley had joined them to be near to Jane, and Mary was sitting about the edge of the group. Elizabeth soon discovered that Miss Darcy was a delightful girl, intelligent and though quiet, one who could speak at length if she was comfortable and the topic interested her. Elizabeth made it her mission to ensure both of those conditions were met, and soon they were all calling each other by their first names.
After a time of this, Elizabeth noted her youngest sisters watching with ill-concealed impatience, their restraint because of nothing more than the proximity of their companion. Though she wished to speak more with Georgiana and come to know her better, she knew she would have years to come to know Mr. Darcy’s sister. As such, she suggested they sit together, which earned her grateful smiles from her youngest sisters. Georgiana went willingly, though it was clear she was more hesitant than she had been to meet Elizabeth; within moments, however, the girls’ cheerful openness had drawn her out and they were speaking like old friends.
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth,” said William, “for making my sister feel welcome.”
“It is no trouble at all,” replied Elizabeth. “She is everything you told me she was and more.” Elizabeth paused and directed a searching look at him. “Can I assume you have not told her the truth of her presence and the threat of Mr. Wickham?”
“You would have been correct had you asked me when we arrived yesterday,” said William. “I did not wish to frighten her before or during our journey. But it was not prudent to leave her in ignorance once we arrived, so I informed her last night.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I concur. Though she knows of his true character, it would not do to leave her unaware of his possible appearance, especially should he show himself when she is alone.”
“That
will not happen, I assure you,” replied William. “Thompson will attend her at all times when she is not in the house, and we have warned the servants of the possibility of his appearance.”
Smiling, Elizabeth touched his cheek and said: “Your determination to protect her is admirable. However, it is possible Mr. Wickham will succeed, despite all your precautions.”
“At present, we have had no indication it is she Wickham has targeted,” said William with a pointed look. “The only person he has accosted is you.”
“Which is why I shall take care. What I will not do is fool myself into thinking he cannot wreak havoc, regardless.”
“I know. Though I have not respected Wickham in many years and have considered him among the worst of men the entirety of my adult life, I can acknowledge he can be resourceful when he takes the trouble to be so.”
“Come, Mr. Darcy, let us speak of other matters, for the subject of Mr. Wickham is most disagreeable.”
They began to canvass other matters, Mr. Darcy’s journey from London, their arrival the previous day, along with Elizabeth’s doings since he had gone away. There was little enough to tell, though by this time such confidence existed between them as to render the most mundane of subjects interesting and enjoyable. Then they turned to other matters and debated various topics of literature, music, and current events, and once again Elizabeth found herself enthralled by the gentleman.
When they had been speaking for some time, Elizabeth became aware of a conversation occurring near to where she and William were sitting and noted it had become a larger discussion of the company.
“I had thought to hold a ball during my stay in Hertfordshire,” Mr. Bingley was saying to Jane, though Elizabeth noted that there were many interested ears listening. “You have all welcomed my family with such enthusiasm—it would be a means of giving my thanks to you all.”
“Oh, yes, do hold a ball!” said Lydia, her enthusiasm unsurprising. “I am sure we would all be grateful for such an amusement, for it has been so dull here of late.”