Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker

by Bronwen Chisholm

  “No, thanks to Fitzwilliam it was not.”

  “And now he is doing what he can to assist Miss King.” Elizabeth squeezed my hand again. “Your brother is a good man and he will not rest until they are found.”

  Jane stood and crossed toward the door. “I believe we could do with that tea Mr. Bingley promised.” Opening the door a few inches, she spoke softly to someone outside before closing it and returning to her seat.

  We sat quietly, each in solitary contemplation of what had occurred, until a thought caused me to moan softly.

  “What of Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst? Are they not suspicious of why you remained behind and why Fitzwilliam left?”

  A slow smile pulled at Elizabeth’s lips. “As we all left the ballroom together, Mr. Bingley told her you invited me to spend the night and we retired early, weary of the dancing.”

  My jaw fell open in dismay. “And she believed him?”

  An unusually devilish gleam entered Jane’s eye as she responded. “I believe she was more concerned regarding the sleeping arrangements, than the reason for Lizzy spending the night. She left the ballroom immediately, but returned a short time later to announce that Mr. Darcy’s valet said he was not to be disturbed and Mrs. Annesley confirmed that the ladies had all they needed.”

  Understanding my brother to be behind the ruse, I was able to relax some. He would do whatever was necessary to protect all our reputations; even the Kings’ whom he did not know before this evening.

  “But what of you, Jane?”

  “Mother insisted I remain with Lizzy, of course. Mr. Bingley agreed immediately, and Miss Bingley was unable to deny the request. Papa has taken the others home, but he will return shortly with clothing for Lizzy and me. Your brother decided it was best to send news here to Netherfield and for Mr. Bingley to coordinate all efforts.”

  “Mr. Bingley?” I understood that it was Mr. Bingley’s home, but I had not considered him up to such a challenge. After all, Fitzwilliam was here to assist him in managing an estate.

  As if reading my mind, Elizabeth sat forward. “Your cousin is expected to either come to Netherfield or send someone to assist in the endeavour.”

  “My cousin is not available at present. Therefore, I suspect he will send someone, though Richard would never willingly relinquish the opportunity to face Mr. Wickham if it could be helped. They have never been friendly.”

  A male voice from the doorway broke into our quiet conversation. “I believe that is an understatement.”

  I flew from my seat at the sound of his voice. “Richard! However did you arrive so quickly? I did not realize you had returned to London.”

  Sweeping me up in his arms, he twirled me in a circle before setting my feet upon the floor and embracing me. “Well, Poppet, I am simply pleased it is not you I have come to rescue.”

  I broke from his embrace, but linked my arm through his as I drew him closer to the ladies. Mr. Bingley, who had entered with my cousin, followed behind us and took up position beside Jane.

  “Richard, I must introduce you to my friends. Jane, Elizabeth, may I present my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, second son of the Earl of Matlock. Richard, this is Miss Jane Bennet and her sister, Miss Elizabeth, of Longbourn.”

  The appropriate curtseys and bows were interrupted by a most unladylike snort and moan. As a group we turned toward Mrs. King. Though she had not awakened, it was clear she would soon.

  In a soft voice, Richard turned toward his host. “Perhaps we might go to your study, Bingley … Oh,” Richard glanced about, “this is your study, is it not? The library then?”

  “Of course,” Bingley replied. He glanced toward the ladies. “If there is anything you require …”

  Jane’s smile was reassuring as she interrupted him. “We have requested tea, but if you would ask Mrs. Annesley to join us, I believe she could be of assistance.”

  “At once.” He bowed over her hand and their eyes lingered a moment longer before he turned and led Richard from the room.

  As they reached the door, my cousin turned back, flashed an impish smile in my direction, and left the room, closing the door behind him.

  “Oh, poor Mr. Bingley,” I whispered.

  “Mr. Bingley?” Jane asked anxiously.

  “Forgive me. I did not mean to speak aloud.” I looked to my friends hoping to say no more, but their curious gazes drew me out. “Richard can be … well, he is very observant. Sometimes he sees things others do not want him to see, and he takes great pleasure in making them aware that he saw them.”

  Elizabeth glanced at her sister. “I believe Georgiana is trying to say her cousin noticed Mr. Bingley’s attentions toward you and will tease him mercilessly.”

  “Oh.” Jane’s eyes grew large, but humour overtook her features. “I suppose you should hope that Mr. Darcy does not return while his cousin remains.”

  Glancing in my direction and back to her sister, Elizabeth whispered, “I do not take your meaning, Jane.”

  “Do you not? Simply, if the Colonel is as observant as Georgiana says, I believe Mr. Bingley will not be the only one who suffers his wit.”

  A soft knock at the door stopped Elizabeth’s retort. Jane opened the door and helped Mrs. Annesley bring in the tea tray.

  I was disappointed the conversation had ended and surprised to find the tray from the previous evening had been cleared. I had obviously slept through quite a bit of activity.

  Mrs. Annesley crossed to my side and laid a cool hand upon my cheek. “Are you unwell, Miss Darcy? This has not been too much for you?”

  “I am fine.” I smiled at my companion’s motherly manners. “Though I fear Mrs. King will need our attentions shortly. She appears to be waking.”

  Indeed, the widow had begun to stir and was looking about. “Where …?”

  “You are at Netherfield, Mrs. King. Do you remember me?” Mrs. Annesley motioned for me to move aside and she took the place beside the confused woman.

  “Mrs. Antsly?”

  “Annesley, yes. You have had a difficult night. Would you like to go upstairs and refresh yourself?”

  Mrs. King was clearly confused and began to nod, but instead her eyes grew wide and filled with tears. “My Mary?”

  Mrs. Annesley wrapped her arms about the woman. “We are waiting word of her. Mr. Darcy will send an express the moment he finds her.”

  The woman began to sob and Mrs. Annesley began rocking very slowly as she spoke softly. “Now, now, Mrs. King. You will make yourself ill and of no use to your daughter. An express has been sent for your brother. You do not want him to worry for you also.”

  “My brother? He is coming?”

  Everyone was so focused on the widow we had not heard the door open until Mr. Bingley stepped forward.

  “Indeed, Mrs. King. I have just received his response. He anticipates arriving late tomorrow morning or perhaps this evening if he is able to obtain good horses along the way.”

  “Oh, he will be so displeased.” Mrs. King began to whimper.

  “He speaks only of concern for you and your daughter, ma’am.” Mr. Bingley bowed to her and turned back toward the rest of us. In a lower voice, he asked “Miss Bennet, would you be able to assist the Colonel? He has questions regarding the area which I am unable to answer.”

  “I would love to be of assistance, sir, but I believe Lizzy knows the countryside better than I.”

  “Of course,” Mr. Bingley blushed. “How foolish of me. Miss Elizabeth, will you join us in the library?”

  Elizabeth nodded, but slipped her arm through Jane’s. “Of course, but Jane may be able to help also.” She laid a hand on my arm. “Are you able to remain here and assist Mrs. King?”

  We all looked toward the older ladies to find Mrs. Annesley assisting Mrs. King to her feet. Looking up at us, my companion gave a reassuring smile.

  “I believe Mrs. King will feel better after refreshing herself and taking a bit of nourishment. We are going upstairs and will have food sent
to my room. We are of a similar size; I have a dress she can wear. Miss Darcy, I would ask that you remain with the Bennets.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I dipped my head to the older ladies as they left the room.

  “Well, Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth said brightly, “shall we invite the Colonel back to the study to take tea with us while we answer his questions?”

  “An excellent idea.”

  Mr. Bingley left the room at once and returned quickly with Richard. While they were gone, we straightened the room and were pouring out the tea when the gentlemen entered. Once everyone had possession of a cup and a plate of goodies, my cousin began to speak.

  “Captain Jacobs has been keeping me abreast of Wickham’s actions for some time, so I was not surprised that he would choose the night of a ball to make his escape. I was on my way to Meryton when I met the good Captain on the road.”

  “Travelling so late at night?” I asked suspiciously.

  “Well, it was your actions which drew me here, my dear. I had been reading the Captain’s missives the moment they arrived, but saved your letter for a time when I could savour it. Last evening I sat down in your brother’s study with a fine glass of port and broke the seal. Imagine my shock to learn you were in the very vicinity of that scoundrel? I spilled the port! A terrible waste.”

  I laughed and shook my head at my cousin’s antics.

  “I set out at once to be certain you were safe and Wickham was not up to his old tricks. Jacobs and I met up at a posting inn while changing horses. We sent word back to London requesting reinforcements, and he rode on to catch up with Darcy.”

  “But why did you come here?” I asked, surprised once more that he had not gone after Mr. Wickham himself.

  Sitting his cup and saucer upon the table, Richard leaned forward. “I know not if it is simple experience or a visceral reaction, but I fear Wickham is not yet gone from the area. Since arriving here and learning of Miss Lydia’s involvement, my skin is nearly crawling with certainty that they are not bound for Scotland.”

  “Then where could they be?” Elizabeth’s cup rattled against her saucer and she quickly set it down.

  “That is why I wanted to speak to you. I understand you are familiar with the surrounding countryside.”

  Elizabeth nodded, but Jane responded. “Lizzy probably knows every inch of the country surrounding Longbourn and Meryton, but for what are you looking?”

  “A place they could hide. Perhaps an abandoned farm house?”

  I shook my head. “I do not understand. Why would they not simply go to Scotland? Mr. Wickham has what he wants, an heiress to wed. Why not do so and be done with it?”

  Richard looked at each of us before turning his full attention on me. “I doubt Miss King’s dowry is sufficient to meet Wickham’s needs. I fear his eye is set on a larger prize.”

  Dropping my gaze to my lap, I whispered, “Me?”

  “Georgie, you know that winning your dowry would both meet his financial needs and quench his thirst for revenge upon your brother. I believe it best if you remain within Netherfield. I do not want you to be alone at any time.”

  I stared into his eyes, choosing to focus on the strength of his love for me and not the worry, which threatened to overwhelm me. “Very well,” I agreed with a shaky nod.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Once again I stood at my window, watching the Bingley carriage roll down the drive. I was still uncertain as to how it had occurred so quickly, but the Bingleys and Hursts were on their way back to London.

  After declaring I was not to be left unattended, Richard had begun a discussion with Elizabeth regarding the surrounding countryside. Before much could be discussed, there was a knock on the door. All eyes turned to Mr. Bingley who answered it, slipping outside and remaining gone for some time.

  “I fear Caroline’s suspicions are growing,” he announced upon his return. “I was to leave for London this morning to address business concerns. She wonders that I have not yet gone and that Darcy has not risen.”

  “Who says he has not risen?” Richard replied. “Tell her he rode out this morning to meet up with several officers. This way it will not appear odd should he return with Jacobs.”

  “And my journey?”

  Richard glanced about. “I suppose it would be best that you go.” A thoughtful expression overtook his features. “Would your sisters not prefer to accompany you?”

  “I am certain they would prefer to be in London, but what of our houseguests? It would be inconceivable to leave them here alone.” Bingley held out his hands toward the ladies.

  “Your sisters do not know of Mrs. King’s presence, correct?”

  Mr. Bingley shook his head. “Not that I am aware.”

  “Well then, should the Bennet sisters return to their home, only Georgiana and her brother would remain.” He turned toward me. “I cannot convince you to return with the Bingleys, can I?”

  I held my head a bit higher as I responded that I would remain in Hertfordshire.

  “Very well, then you are waiting for your brother. He will decide if you will travel to London or wait for Bingley to return. Your companion is with you.” Richard returned his attention to the maps strewn before him.

  “But is it proper,” Mr. Bingley asked, “to leave guests unaccompanied?”

  With a sigh, Richard settled back in his seat. “Have you not visited Pemberley when Darcy was called away? I am certain he insisted you remain until his return. How is this different? Georgiana was not of an age to act as hostess. It was left to Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper, to see to your needs. Is your housekeeper insufficient?”

  “Of course not! Mrs. Nicholls is exceedingly competent.”

  “Then how is this not conceivable?”

  Mr. Bingley chewed upon his lower lip before he spoke. “But will Caroline leave Netherfield knowing Darcy remains behind?”

  “How should I know, man? She is your sister. Imply that Darcy and Georgiana will be leaving once he returns.” Richard was obviously becoming annoyed with Mr. Bingley, but all were saved any further discussion when the door to the study opened unannounced and Fitzwilliam entered, followed closely by Captain Jacobs.

  “Darcy!” Richard stood and crossed the room to shake my brother’s hand. “I didn’t expect you back so soon.”

  Fitzwilliam’s eyes narrowed as he eyed our cousin. “Yet you did anticipate my return. I presume you are aware that no one within one hundred miles recognized the descriptions I provided. It is clear they are not gone to Scotland.”

  Frowning, Richard returned to his maps. “I was afraid that would be the case.”

  With disgust, Fitzwilliam brushed the dust from his leg and moved in my direction. After settling a kiss upon my forehead, he looked me over. “Have you not slept, my dear? You are still in your ball gown.”

  A warmth spread across my cheeks as I shook my head. “I did sleep a bit here while we looked after Mrs. King.”

  “And how is the good lady?” His concern was clear in his voice as he took my arm and led me to a seat.

  “Mrs. Annesley has taken her upstairs so she can bathe and change. It has been some time since they left; I believe she may have been convinced to rest again.”

  “And so you should do also.” He looked up at the Bennet sisters. “All of you have had a long night.”

  “I have need of them, Darcy.” Richard glanced up for a moment before motioning toward the papers before him. “Miss Elizabeth, can you tell me anything of this area?”

  “Colonel,” Mr. Bingley spoke up. “Darcy is correct; the ladies have not slept and we still have to discuss what is to be done regarding my sisters.”

  “But I thought that was concluded.” Richard looked about as he drew a deep breath. “Darcy is now returned. Take them back to London and he will give his blessing. Surely he can assume his Master of Pemberley air in order to chase Miss Bingley away.”

  Mr. Bingley appeared doubtful, but left to speak to the others.

  �
��Georgie.” Fitzwilliam squeezed my hand. “I believe it best you retire to your room before the others come down. If they see you dressed so, they will question it.”

  Nodding, I turned toward the door, but stopped when Richard called after me.

  “I thought we agreed you would not be alone.”

  Releasing an exasperated sigh, I eyed my cousin. “And who is to accompany me? My companion is in her rooms with Mrs. King, and you have need of the Bennets.”

  Jane stood and moved in my direction. “No, he has need of my sister. I shall go with you.”

  My expression softened. “Thank you, Jane. You should rest also.”

  We linked arms and moved noiselessly through the halls toward my room, hoping we would not be seen. When the bedroom door finally closed behind us, we both released a sigh of relief.

  Now wearing a fresh morning dress, I sighed as I stood at the window. I glanced over my shoulder at Jane who slept comfortably on my bed with the counterpane gently placed over her. I had attempted to rest, but sleep would not come. The Bingley carriage was no longer in sight and I wondered what I should do now.

  As if in answer, another carriage made its way up the drive and stopped before the front steps. I watched as Mr. Bennet stepped out carrying a portmanteau, most likely carrying clothing for Elizabeth and Jane. Glancing once more at my friend deep in slumber, I crossed to the door and out into the hall.

  “Miss Darcy, may I be of assistance?”

  I jumped at the sound of the man’s voice so nearby and turned slowly, but released a sigh of relief when I saw Captain Jacobs a few feet behind me.

  “Captain Jacobs, you gave me a start. I saw Mr. Bennet arriving and was going to collect Miss Bennet’s things. She is resting.”

  I am certain a blush crept across my cheeks as I spoke. I was not sure why I explained my actions to this man. Oh, I knew it was because my cousin had forbidden me to be unattended, but I was uncertain whether the Captain was aware of that.

  The corner of his lips turned upward in a slightly mocking fashion. “I see. Well I have just finished refreshing myself from the road, so I am in time to escort you below.”