“Yes, Miss Elizabeth.” Her gaze traveled to Fitzwilliam. “How simply delightful,” she muttered.
***********
Fitzwilliam sat on the little sofa in my room, watching me brush my hair. “Georgie, you know perfectly well of what I speak. I cannot condone such behaviour.”
Sighing, I turned and looked at him. “I apologize Brother, but I could not remain silent. You and Mr. Bingley were going to appease her, and Miss Bingley would have gotten her way. She would have been the injured party, and she would have used it to her fullest advantage.”
Laying down the brush, I divided my long blonde hair into three sections and deftly plaited them as I crossed the room to join him. “I fear gentlemen are so distracted by their businesses and war and such, that they are unaware of the tactics ladies employ to obtain their objectives.”
Chuckling, Fitzwilliam patted the seat beside him. “I am more than aware of the arts ladies sometimes condescend to employ for captivation. I voiced my opinion regarding them to Miss Bingley not long ago.”
“Truly?” I asked as I sank into the seat he had indicated. Tying a ribbon about the bottom of my braid, I looked at him expectantly, though he showed no sign of continuing. “Well? Will you not end my suspense and tell me more?”
Smiling, Fitzwilliam cradled his chin in his hand as he appeared to recollect the scene. “You might remember I mentioned a debate carried out between Miss Bingley, Miss Elizabeth and myself regarding the requirements to be considered a truly accomplished lady. It was during one of the evenings while the Bennet sisters were staying at Netherfield.” His eyes took on a faraway look and his smile grew. “Miss Elizabeth held the upper hand over Miss Bingley at all times; though that lady was only barely aware of it. She may have had a suspicion, but was without understanding of how easily Miss Elizabeth worked her into contradicting almost every comment she made.”
His silly look of admiration forced me to grin. “And? Was that when you discussed the arts some ladies employ?”
Shaking off the dreamlike state that had overcome him, he turned to me. “After Miss Elizabeth left the room to see to her sister, Miss Bingley declared her to be one of those young ladies who seek to recommend themselves to gentlemen by undervaluing other ladies. She declared it a ‘paltry device’ and a ‘mean art’. I stated quite clearly that there is meanness in all the arts ladies employ. I believe I also stated anything which bears affinity to cunning I found despicable.” He chuckled. “She said little after that.”
“I can well imagine,” I raised my hand to my lips to suppress my laughter. “I doubt she was able to find anything to say which would not be found despicable by you.”
Fitzwilliam watched me a moment before his smile fell away. “Be that as it may, I cannot allow you to speak to her as you did this evening. She is our hostess, Georgie, and you must show her the respect due her station.”
Crossing my arms, I huffed out a breath. “I have already apologized, Brother. I will try not to do it again, but she is so … she says one thing when it is clear she means something entirely different. I abhor disguise.”
“As do I.” He sighed and drew me into an embrace. “I am uncertain if Miss Bingley was aware of your subterfuge. You spoke to her similarly … to the manner in which Miss Elizabeth speaks.” He looked at me in amazement as his lips twitched. “Am I to assume this new Georgie has been prejudiced by her acquaintance of less than a day?”
I laughingly pushed away from him. “How silly! Of course not. I like Miss Elizabeth, and wish to know more of her, but I am not the sort to change my behaviour after such a brief acquaintance. No, Fitzwilliam, I believe my ability to speak to Miss Bingley must have come from you. After Ramsgate, you encouraged me to speak my mind and ask questions. You gave me the strength to stand against things I see as wrong. Surely, any change in my behaviour must be laid at your feet, dear Brother.” I smiled teasingly as I stood. “I wish to retire now. I must rise early tomorrow so I may complete my studies before tea.”
Fitzwilliam stared at me, not moving from his seat. Shaking my head, I took his arm, tugging lightly. “Come now, Fitzwilliam, it is time for you to go.”
He laughed, but allowed me to pull him from his seat and push him from the room. “Good night, Dearest,” he said as I closed the door behind him.
***********
I chewed lightly on the inside of my cheek. When I was younger, I would bite my nails when I was nervous, but that had ended in reprimands and my nails being covered with soap to discourage the habit. In a short time, I had switched to this less noticeable vice.
Miss Bingley sat upon a sofa near the windows, speaking quietly with Miss Bennet and Mrs. Hurst while all but ignoring Miss Elizabeth. Though Miss Elizabeth was not affected by our hostess’ ill behaviour, I began to fear how things would change once the gentlemen joined us.
“Miss Darcy.” Miss Elizabeth spoke softly and laid a hand upon my arm. “Are you unwell? You appear distracted.”
Forcing a smile, I shook my head. “I am well; I fear my mind had simply wandered.”
“Oh?” Miss Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled. “Is my conversation so lacking?”
I opened my eyes wide in horror. “No, I did not mean to imply …”
“”Forgive me, Miss Darcy.” Miss Elizabeth patted my arm. “I was simply making sport.” She glanced across the room to her older sister. “I am quite accustomed to Jane garnering most of the attention; as is only right. She is the sweetest of us all.”
Frowning, I followed her gaze and lowered my voice. “I was wondering if you will be able to have a moment to speak to my brother once he returns to the room. I fear our hostess will abandon us all when he appears.”
A light, ringing laugh caused me to turn back to Miss Elizabeth. “Forgive me, Miss Darcy.” She leaned closer. “You must understand I am also familiar with Miss Bingley’s behaviour toward your brother. There were times I nearly felt pity for him while Jane and I stayed at Netherfield.”
“Nearly?”
She blushed. “Well, you must remember, I was most displeased with him at the time. Seeing his discomfort while Miss Bingley praised him endlessly was truly quite amusing.”
“And has your opinion of him changed?” I asked hopefully.
Taking a deep breath, Miss Elizabeth smiled kindly. “I believe you are correct regarding initial impressions. I fear I have relied upon them much too heavily in the past and have learned an indispensable lesson.”
“But what of your opinion of Fitzwilliam?” I leaned forward anxiously.
“Miss Darcy,” Miss Elizabeth began cautiously. “I fear my experience with your brother thus far has been tainted by my initial opinion of him. I would prefer not to make a second opinion in haste and do him further disservice.”
I considered her words carefully before nodding. “You are correct, of course. He truly has not shown himself to the best advantage, and your decision would have little to support it.” I thought hard upon the matter, searching for a solution. “I suppose it remains that you must spend time getting to know each other better.”
Miss Elizabeth laughed once more. “Why ever would your brother wish to spend time knowing me better? I am certain he is quite besieged by ladies of the ton, he could little desire the attentions of yet another of such low standings as me.”
“Oh, you are wrong, Miss Elizabeth! I tell you my brother does desire to know you better, and that you know him as he truly is.”
Miss Elizabeth looked uneasily toward the other ladies, but they appeared to be deep in discussion. Lowering her voice once more, she leaned toward me. “Miss Darcy, I understand your desire to see your brother settled, but I fear you are hoping for something that cannot be. I am certain Mr. Darcy and I would not suit at all. Our demeanours and connections are so far removed. I fear we would be incessantly at war with one another.”
“Do you not see? That is the very thing which draws you together.” I smiled beseechingly.
Shaking her head, Miss
Elizabeth scoffed, “I fear
Mrs. Annesley has allowed you to read one too many novels.” She glanced about. “Where is the kind lady? I must speak with her regarding your wild imagination.”
“She is resting in her room. She felt I would be well in your company, without her. I shall return to her once you and Miss Bennet have left.”
With one brow arched and the corner of her lip turned up in amusement, Miss Elizabeth glanced once more toward our hostess. “Whereas others have a tendency to be trying upon one’s disposition?”
I released the breath I had been holding. “Yes. I fear Mrs. Annesley would prefer to return to London.”
“But she appeared much at ease at Longbourn. I was surprised by the amity between her and Mama. It was as though they had known each other for years. I believe your companion had a calming effect upon Mama which was exceedingly welcomed.” Her eyes twinkled as I noticed they did just before she made a teasing statement. “Once you are wed, my father may decide to take on Mrs. Annesley as a companion to Mama.”
“Oh, I am certain Mrs. Annesley would be exceedingly pleased to accept the position. She did quite enjoy spending time with Mrs. Bennet. She said your mother reminded her of her sister who died several years ago in childbirth. They had been very close, and Mrs. Annesley has missed her sorely.”
“Dear Miss Darcy, I was in jest.” I watched as Miss Elizabeth took a moment, possibly considering the proposition before shaking it away. “It is but a supposition, and it shall be several years before you will be wed. Why you are not yet out.”
My cheeks burned. “No. I believe Fitzwilliam will delay my debut for several years. I am not ready to be courted.”
“You are wise to realize this. I sometimes wonder if I am ready to be courted; and I know my younger sisters most certainly are not. But poor Mama fears Papa will pass while we are yet unwed, and Mr. Collins will send us from Longbourn.”
Uncertain of the connection, I tilted my head and looked to her for explanation.
Miss Elizabeth glanced about once more and then spoke quietly. “It is well known in the neighbourhood that our home is entailed upon the male line. Mr. Collins is my father’s heir. If we are unwed, our future existence will be dependent upon his generosity.” She shuddered.
“You fear he will not see to your well-being?” I asked.
“I fear Mama has decided the most efficient manner to secure his loyalty would be for him to wed one of us.”
“Oh.” I considered the younger Bennet sisters. “Well at least Miss Mary is more accepting of his attentions. Perhaps she would welcome them.”
Miss Elizabeth suddenly laughed aloud drawing a censuring glance from Miss Bingley. Nodding demurely at our hostess, Miss Elizabeth returned to our quiet conversation. “I fear Mama has chosen me as the object of my cousin’s affections.”
“You?” I cried out before I could think better of it.
“Miss Darcy, are you unwell?” Miss Bingley asked, eying Miss Elizabeth suspiciously.
“Yes, Miss Bingley, forgive me,” I distractedly
responded as I grasped Miss Elizabeth’s hand. Glancing out the window just over our hostess’ shoulder, I caught sight of my brother’s black coat in the gardens below. “Though I believe I would like a breath of fresh air. Miss Elizabeth, would you like to walk in the garden with me?”
She looked at me oddly, but quickly agreed saying she would enjoy the exercise. The others declined, stating the temperatures were not to their liking. Taking hold of Miss Elizabeth’s arm, I hurried her from the room before they could change their minds. I only hoped Fitzwilliam would remain outside until we reached him.
Chapter Six
“Mr. Collins?” I asked again in disbelief as Miss Elizabeth and I walked side by side.
Laughing, she nodded. “Mr. Collins. He is my father’s heir, and marriage to him would secure a place at Longbourn for my mother and any unwed sisters.”
“But surely you could wed someone else who would be willing to support your family should your father pass.” I scanned the garden as I bit my cheek and wondered where Fitzwilliam had gone.
Miss Elizabeth laughed once more, but this time it held a touch of bitterness. “My dowry is not substantial as yours or Miss Bingley’s. I am rarely in town, and when I am, it is in Cheapside. You must see my connections do not recommend me to gentlemen who are able to take a wife without consideration of financial or social gain.” She shook her head. “No, Mama has deemed the best I can anticipate is marriage to my cousin as I do not possess Jane’s beauty nor Lydia’s liveliness.”
“I do not agree!” I stamped my foot upon the dirt path sending up a small cloud of dust. “You are beautiful, and you are intelligent. A gentleman would be wise to consider marriage to you. Certainly you would be a far superior mistress than Miss Bingley. You care for those around you; you do not speak ill of them.”
Miss Elizabeth laid a reassuring hand upon my arm. “I thank you for noticing my strengths, but you have ignored my weaknesses. I am outspoken and impertinent. Most gentlemen do not appreciate a woman who possesses a mind of her own.” Her eyes twinkled. “Besides, I have little to fear. Papa will not force my hand. He would never allow me to marry a gentleman I could not respect.”
“You are certain?” I asked hopefully.
“Oh, yes. We have spoken of it in the past.” We continued our slow pace about the garden. “Papa does not always appear to be the most attentive father, but he desires only the best for us. He has simply wearied of attempting to control Mama.” She glanced toward me as a blush covered her cheeks. “You must understand, she was not always so … I suppose anxious is the best word to use.”
“What changed?” I asked unguardedly, before remembering my manners. “Forgive me, I do not mean to pry.”
Miss Elizabeth smiled as she patted my arm once more. “No, I began the topic, therefore I shall tell you.” She took a deep breath and looked about. “Few people know I had a twin; a brother. My mother was so pleased she had given birth to an heir but, as is often the case with twins, we were both exceedingly small when we were born. I was the eldest and a bit larger. My brother was far too weak and did not survive.” She swallowed hard. “You may have heard Mama call me selfish. It is something she has said all my life as she believes my brother would have lived had I not been so greedy. Had he survived, and I been the weaker twin, Mama’s future would be secure.”
“But it is not as though you chose …” I sputtered over the words. “You were an infant!”
“Yes, but so she believes. I shall always be a disappointment and a constant reminder that I stole her son.”
We walked on in silence for a few minutes, each lost in our own thoughts. So distracted were we, we did not hear the sound of footsteps approaching from behind.
“Good afternoon, Miss Bennet.”
Startled, we turned to find Fitzwilliam bowing formally. Miss Elizabeth curtseyed in return as she greeted him, and I slipped a hand onto my brother’s arm.
Fitzwilliam looked us over, his brow creased in concern. “It appears I have found you most disturbed. Has something occurred?”
Shaking my head, I forced a smile. “Miss Elizabeth and I were simply becoming better acquainted.”
Clearly unsatisfied, he turned to the lady, perhaps hoping for a better explanation.
“Forgive me, sir. I was explaining the cause behind some of my family’s oddities to your sister. I did not intend to depress her spirits.” She smiled brightly and took my hand. “You shall find, Miss Darcy, that I was not formed for ill-humour.” She raised her face to the weak November sun and closed her eyes as she inhaled deeply. “I believe autumn is my favourite time of year. There is a certain crispness in the air which hints of the chill to come, so we must enjoy this time before we are driven indoors.”
I could not resist the urge to smile and turned to find my brother staring longingly at Miss Elizabeth. Uncertain that he remembered my presence, I watched as he involuntarily lean
ed toward my friend. I could not help but wonder what he might have done, but Miss Elizabeth opened her eyes at that moment and laughed, effectively breaking the spell she held over him.
“I fear our hostess shall be expecting our return.” She began to turn back toward the house, but Fitzwilliam laid a hand upon her arm.
“Miss Bennet, I believe I promised you an explanation yesterday.”
A cloud passed over her countenance as Miss Elizabeth met Fitzwilliam’s gaze. I was unable to read her expression as it was no longer open and accepting.
“Of course, Mr. Darcy.” She glanced about to ascertain if we were alone. “Shall we speak now?”
Fitzwilliam nodded as he laid a hand upon mine, which still lay upon his arm, and absentmindedly caressed my fingers. “As I am certain you are aware, Mr. Wickham is the son of my father’s steward. Our fathers had been friends in school, and my father was George Wickham’s godfather. My father supported George at school and afterward at Cambridge as the senior Mr. Wickham was incapable. You see, Mrs. Wickham was an extravagant woman, always spending beyond their means. A defect she passed on to her son.”
He cleared his throat and motioned toward a wider path. The three of us began walking and he continued. “While at Cambridge, I became aware of George’s … vices. I said nothing to my father, who was exceedingly fond of the Wickhams. My father tended toward melancholy after our mother passed, and George was one of the few people who could renew his spirits.
“When my father died about five years ago, he recommended it to me to promote George in the best manner that his profession might allow. He desired that, should George take orders, a valuable family living might be his as soon as it became vacant.”
Miss Elizabeth nodded, as though acknowledging this had been said by Mr. Wickham himself.
“There was also a legacy of one thousand pounds which was paid to him,” he said definitively.
Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker Page 5