My heart clenched, and I stood perfectly still, unwilling to move less I draw attention to myself.
“Well Mr. Wickham, it appears you are the hero of the day,” Mr. Bennet’s voice was heard from the doorway. “What a grand gesture of you young men to escort my silly daughters home when you had no way of knowing how long you may be stranded here due to the storm.”
“I assure you, sir, we thought only of their well-being,” Mr. Denny said as he bowed to his host.
“Of course,” Mr. Bennet drawled as he glanced about the room. Our eyes met for a moment before he looked toward Miss Elizabeth. A concerned expression crossed his features before he turned abruptly and left the room.
A second later, I felt Miss Elizabeth’s hand upon my arm, but did not respond. I could not seem to draw my eyes from the dashing young officer in front of me. Mr. Wickham had not even acknowledged my presence. My breath caught in my chest, and I was suddenly uncertain of how I should feel.
This man had the ability of revealing my greatest indiscretion, completely ruining me; but the last time I saw him was when he left to make arrangements for our elopement. I understood that Mrs. Younge most likely had notified him of Fitzwilliam’s arrival and he had left Ramsgate, but I still desired an explanation. Fitzwilliam was insistent Mr. Wickham had felt nothing for me beyond my dowry, yet I needed to hear the words from him myself.
The room appeared to quiet as Mr. Wickham finally lifted his eyes from Lydia and glanced my way. Recognition was instantly followed by a look of fear just before his normal carefree expression returned.
“Miss Darcy.” He bowed. “It is a pleasure to see you again.” He glanced about the room as I curtseyed and asked, “Is your brother not here?”
“No, Fitzwilliam remained at Netherfield today,” I replied softly.
He nodded, then turned and continued speaking to the younger Bennet sisters. He dismissed me.
Unknowingly, I gripped Miss Elizabeth’s hand and found myself immediately being led away into another room. As the door of the drawing room closed behind us, I realized Miss Bennet and Mrs. Annesley had followed.
“Oh, Miss Darcy, I regret you had to encounter that man here at Longbourn.” Miss Elizabeth drew me into an embrace, and I laid my head upon her shoulder.
“Miss Darcy, are you unwell?” Mrs. Annesley asked as she brushed a curl from my brow.
Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to stand taller and release Miss Elizabeth. “It was a shock to see him again.”
Miss Bennet tugged upon the bell pull as Miss Elizabeth motioned for the others to sit. When Mrs. Hill entered the room, Miss Bennet requested a fresh pot of tea. “Perhaps Mama’s passion flower or lemon balm?”
I smiled weakly at the housekeeper as a slight frown crossed the woman’s lips. Mrs. Hill nodded and left to attend her duties. As the door closed behind her, the room lit from outside and a roll of thunder followed immediately.
“Oh, it does not appear you shall be able to return to Netherfield any time soon.” Miss Elizabeth looked anxiously toward the window.
“All will be well,” I said as I laid a hand upon hers. As the others expressed their concern, it filled me with a comforting warmth. “I do not wish to be a bother to you. As I said, it was a shock to see Mr. Wickham again.” I swallowed the emotions that had begun to well up within me. “But it appears my brother was correct; he felt little for me, else how could he greet me so coldly?”
“Forgive me, Miss Darcy, I am unaware of the details, but Lizzy did say you told her Mr. Wickham was not to be trusted. Perhaps he was uncertain of how you might react,” Miss Bennet offered just before her brow furrowed. “Though he did appear concerned regarding Mr. Darcy’s presence.”
Suddenly I found myself laughing. “He was, was he not?” I brought a hand to my lips. “I suppose he thought Fitzwilliam might call him out.”
“Papa certainly was not pleased with the prospect of housing the soldiers until the storm breaks,” Miss Elizabeth giggled beside me.
Mrs. Annesley patted my hand and our eyes met. “It appears you are not as affected by Mr. Wickham as we feared.”
The realization descended upon me and I felt my smile grow. “You are correct. I wonder now if I ever truly loved him.”
“Love?” Miss Elizabeth scoffed. “You were but fifteen, no older than Lydia is now. Certainly she fancies herself in love …”
“Daily,” Miss Bennet interjected as she rolled her eyes and we laughed.
“But she knows not what it truly means,” Miss Elizabeth finished. “I am four years older than you, Miss Darcy, and I am certain I would not know love if it tapped me on the shoulder and introduced itself.”
A could feel a blush slowly cover my cheeks. “You have been so kind to me. Please, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, will you not call me Georgiana? You are party to my deepest secrets; should we not be on more familiar terms?”
The sisters exchanged a glance before Miss Elizabeth responded. “Only if you will call us Jane and Elizabeth.”
“Agreed,” I replied, nodding.
“Well, this is quite a different sight,” Mrs. Hill said as she entered the room with the tea things and set the tray on the nearest table. “Mrs. Bennet has requested the officers, Miss Darcy, and Mrs. Annesley remain for dinner as the rain shows no sign of ceasing.”
“That is very kind of our hostess, but I fear Mr. Darcy will be quite concerned for us.” Mrs. Annesley glanced at her timepiece and shook her head.
I was filled with guilt as I realized that had we been mindful of the time, we might have reached Netherfield before the rains had begun. “Is there any way to notify him of our change in plans?”
“Once the lightning ceases, I’ll send a messenger to Netherfield,” Mrs. Hill assured me before leaving the room.
“I suppose it is the best we can do.” Unconsciously, I bit the inside of my cheek as my thoughts turned to Fitzwilliam.
Elizabeth patted my hand and leaned closer. “I can well imagine your brother may be one to worry; but he must know you would not venture out in such weather. Perhaps he will wisely deduce you remained here.”
“Perhaps.” I glanced toward the window as another flash of lightning lit the room. This time the thunder followed a moment later. “It appears the storm may be moving away.”
“Then it will be that much sooner we can send word to him.” Mrs. Annesley said reassuringly.
“And that much sooner that Papa will push the officers from his home.” Elizabeth winked as she laughed again. “In the meanwhile, we have tea and lovely company. I can think of no better way to pass the time.”
I found myself watching Elizabeth closely as the tea was poured and passed around. Finally, when we were all comfortably situated, I gave vent to my thoughts. “Do you honestly believe you will not know love when it comes to you?”
The corner of her lips turned up in a mischievous smile as Elizabeth set her cup in its saucer. “I doubt any will notice me while Jane is near; and with ladies such as Miss Bingley and her substantial dowry in the vicinity, I expect it shall be some time before a gentleman would deign to look my way. Hopefully by then I shall be wise enough to recognize it.”
“Lizzy, you always say such things, but you cannot believe them.” Jane shook her head before glancing toward me. “Please excuse my sister, Miss … forgive me, Georgiana. Lizzy speaks as though she will never fall in love, but she is a great romantic at heart.”
Seeing an opportunity to further my brother’s cause, I smiled at the eldest Bennet sister. “I am quite accustomed to it. Fitzwilliam tells me constantly it shall fall to me to produce an heir for Pemberley as he doubts he shall ever find a lady to whom he could entrust his heart.”
Jane appeared confused for a moment, and glanced toward her sister. “Mr. Darcy? A romantic?”
“Oh yes! Though it amazes me how he can remain so with all the ladies throwing themselves before him. My aunt is the worse, telling everyone he is engaged to my cousin, but it is not tr
ue. Fitzwilliam says he will only marry for love.” Leaving the word hanging in the air, I sipped my tea and waited.
“I must say he hides it well,” Elizabeth responded a bit coldly. “I am certain no one in Meryton would believe it could be so.”
“Oh, but it is,” I replied decisively. “He has told me many times that he would never marry for convenience. He says the Bible tells us woman was made as a helpmate to man so he would not be alone. The ladies of the ton look only at the position my brother can offer them. They do not think about how they could assist him.” A thought crossed my mind, causing me to frown and I considered my words once more. “Could it be they do not understand what it means to be married?”
Mrs. Annesley looked favourably upon me. “As Miss Elizabeth has said, they know not what it truly means.”
Nodding her head, Elizabeth looked to her sister. “They must all think as our friend Charlotte. She believes happiness in marriage is a matter of chance, and has decided it would be best to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life. She seeks only a comfortable situation and would be content even with someone like my cousin.”
“Speaking of Mr. Collins, I did not see him today.” I suddenly felt uncivil as I realized he had not even crossed my mind until that moment.
“He has determined to spend the day with Papa.
I heard him mention learning more about Longbourn.” Elizabeth glanced toward the door. “Perhaps that is why Papa was so abrupt with the officers.”
“And has your cousin persisted in his attentions?” I asked innocently.
“Miss Darcy,” Mrs. Annesley spoke quietly in reprimand.
“No, it is quite alright, Mrs. Annesley. I have spoken to Georgiana before regarding my cousin’s misplaced attentions.” Elizabeth turned back to me. “He has attempted to do so, but with strategy worthy of the battlefield, my sisters and I have diverted him. My only regret is providing him with the opportunity to secure my first two dances at Mr. Bingley’s ball.”
I could not hide my disappointment upon hearing this. “How disappointing to begin the ball with one you dislike.”
“Yes, well it is done. At least it will be over with early and I shall be able to enjoy the rest of the evening, whereas my sisters must wait in suspense to see which dance he chooses for each of them.” Elizabeth’s smile took on a wicked twist as she eyed Jane.
Her sister simply shook her head once more and refused to rise to the bait. “Will you attend the ball, Georgiana?”
“Brother has said I might watch the dancing and remain until dinner is served. I am not yet out, therefore, I cannot dance. But I look forward to seeing everyone in their finery. What colour are your gowns?”
A glimmer of excitement entered Jane’s eyes as she responded. “Lydia has helped me remake my white silk by adding blue adornments. She is exceedingly talented, and I am pleased thus far. She does have a tendency to over embellish and I must watch her closely so that she does not lower the bodice more than is proper.” Jane looked toward her sister. “Elizabeth has a gown our aunt gave her for her birthday last summer that is exquisite.”
“Oh, tell me of it!” I begged as I set aside my teacup.
“I shall do more than that. I fear I have sat too long today and desire to move about. Come, we shall go to my room and I shall show it to you.”
Anxiously I jumped to my feet just behind Elizabeth as she led the way. Jane and Mrs. Annesley followed at a more sedate pace. By the time the others joined us, Elizabeth was drawing the gown from her wardrobe.
“Oh, it is lovely!” I exclaimed. “The colour suits you wonderfully!” The dress was a green, the shade of young ferns, and put one in mind of the woods where Elizabeth loved to walk.
“Yes, my Aunt Gardiner insisted when she saw the fabric that I must have a ball gown. I attempted to convince her a simple sash would do, but I was pleased when she did not heed my request.” Holding the gown before her, Elizabeth swayed as though she were dancing and a far off look entered her eye.
“As I said,” Jane whispered behind me, “she is a romantic.”
I felt my smile grow as I realized Fitzwilliam had a waistcoat that would complement Elizabeth’s gown beautifully. “It is perfect!”
Chapter Eight
Elizabeth and I followed Jane and Mrs. Annesley into the dining room. The thunder was now a distant rumble, when it was heard at all, and a runner had been dispatched to Netherfield to make the inhabitants aware that everyone was safe and secure at Longbourn. No mention of the officers had been made.
Mr. Bennet took his seat at the head of the table, frowning as he placed his serviette in his lap. Mrs. Bennet had hardly stopped gushing over the officers since their arrival. Mrs. Annesley glanced my way before looking toward the Mistress of Longbourn. A quick smile reassured my companion, and Mrs. Annesley took the seat closest to the lady of the house, making every effort to mollify her effusions.
With the addition of the officers, the normal family seats had altered so the youngest sisters might sit closest to the gentleman each preferred. Jane and Elizabeth clearly made every attempt to sit by me, but it was not to be.
“Lizzy,” Miss Mary called as we approached. She motioned for her sister to join her and their cousin on the far side of the table.
Elizabeth exchanged an annoyed glance with her eldest sister as she joined the others. It appeared Miss Mary was attempting to keep their cousin as far from their father as possible, but was having little success. With Elizabeth’s assistance, he was finally seated toward the middle of the table with Miss Mary closer to Mr. Bennet.
In one voice, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet each called for their eldest two daughters and Jane attended her mother while Elizabeth stepped to her father’s side. I smiled as each parent indicated the seat they selected for their favourite child, and the eldest were seated. A moment later, the smile slipped from my lips as I realized the only remaining chair was between Mr. Wickham and Mr. Bennet, across from Elizabeth. My friend’s eyes widened as the realization struck her also and she began to rise, clearly about to offer me her own seat.
“Lizzy, whatever are you doing bouncing up like that? Take your seat,” her mother reprimanded.
“Forgive me, Mama. I thought Miss Darcy might be more comfortable beside Mary.” Elizabeth was about to step around the table when her mother’s voice stopped her.
“Nonsense! Mr. Wickham and Miss Darcy are both from Derbyshire. They shall have much to discuss, I am certain. Now please be seated.”
Reluctantly, both Elizabeth and I did as we were told. Once everyone was seated, Mr. Collins began to rise, obviously in preparation of blessing the food; but Mr. Bennet bowed his head and spoke a hasty thanksgiving. Before anyone could protest or respond, Mrs. Hill motioned for the dishes to be served.
Remembering that Elizabeth had told me earlier the family had yet to enjoy a hot meal since her cousin had joined them, I bit my cheek in an attempt to stifle a giggle. It was obvious Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Hill had found a way around him. I looked to my host and found him watching me. I was uncertain, but I thought he might have winked at me, causing my amusement to arise once more.
“I am pleased to see you looking so well, Miss Darcy.”
The deep male voice to my left startled me and I turned toward Mr. Wickham, my mouth opened though I knew not what to say.
“Miss Darcy is a great favourite of ours,” Elizabeth answered for me. “We think of her as one of our own, and do all we can to insure her happiness and well-being.”
Mr. Wickham searched my countenance, a sad smile crossing his features. “As it should be. Miss Darcy is a treasure.”
Dropping my eyes to my lap to hide my discomfort, I whispered my gratitude for his compliment. We sat in silence a moment longer before Lydia drew his attention away. Slowly, I raised my gaze to meet Elizabeth’s as that lady smiled encouragingly.
“Well, Miss Darcy, I am certain this little thunder storm was nothing compared to
those in Derbyshire,” Mr. Bennet said as he cut his roast. “My sister-in-law is from that county and has told me of fierce storms rising the waters so quickly as to trap individuals in their homes.”
“Oh, yes, the water coming off the peaks can be very dangerous,” I replied, relieved for a change of topic.
“But you must not forget the hail,” Mr. Wickham added, turning back to their conversation. “I am certain it is the largest I have seen in my life, no matter where I journey.”
“And have you been many places, Mr. Wickham?” Mr. Bennet asked.
Lydia suddenly took interest in the conversation that was drawing Mr. Wickham’s attention. “Oh do tell, Mr. Wickham. Where have you travelled?”
A roguish smile crossed his lips as he set back in a manner that included the entire table. “Well now, let us see. I was born in Derbyshire, but I went to school at Eton and then on to Cambridge.”
“How fortunate, sir, that you have a gentleman’s education,” Mrs. Bennet gushed.
“My godfather saw to it,” Mr. Wickham responded. It appeared he hesitated as though he intended to say more, but reconsidered. Instead, he returned to the original subject. “Following Cambridge, I spent some time in London.”
“You did not return to Derbyshire? Did you dislike the country?” Kitty asked as she leaned forward to see him.
A pained expression crossed his eyes. “I found it was no longer my home. Both my father and my godfather had passed. There was nothing there for me.”
“Is that when Mr. Darcy refused to give you the inheritance from his father?” Lydia asked, glancing maliciously toward me.
“Lydia!” Elizabeth, Jane and Mary all cried at once.
“What? Why are you looking at me like that? She turned her attention back to Mr. Wickham. “Tell them, Mr. Wickham,” she urged.
“I believe you misunderstood me, Miss Lydia.” Mr. Wickham’s colour was high, but he showed no other sign of distress. “It was for Mr. Darcy to determine if I was suited for the position in the church. He decided against me in favour of someone else.”
Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker Page 7