Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker

by Bronwen Chisholm

  Miss King’s eyes grew large as saucers as she finally took in the Colonel’s meaning. Her mouth fell open and her cheeks took on a blotchy red appearance. “Nothing.”

  “Are you trying to tell me that rake brought two silly girls to this deserted home and nothing inauspicious occurred?” Mr. Singleton leaned toward her, disbelief written upon his expression.

  “Truly, Uncle. Lydia and Mr. Wickham fought the entire time. I was not even able to sleep; they were so loud.” As if to prove her weariness, Miss King yawned.

  “But she would take the bedroom so George and I could not,” Lydia muttered.

  “That is enough!” Mr. Bennet erupted. He had waited quietly while the story unfolded, but by this time he knew what was required. “Colonel, am I to understand Mr. Wickham will be facing charges?”

  Richard glanced about, but returned his gaze to the man before him. “Yes sir. He has been involved in activities unbecoming an officer. In addition, he has debts which he cannot pay.”

  “If that officer who owes him money …” Lydia began, but Richard interrupted her.

  “There is no such officer. The one who owes the debts of honour is your precious Mr. Wickham.”

  Mr. Bennet turned toward Mr. Singleton. “You have said you will be taking the Kings from Hertfordshire, am I correct sir?”

  “Absolutely!” Mr. Singleton replied as Miss King began to weep again. “Unfortunately it is too late to leave today.”

  “Then all that remains,” Mr. Bennet said as he turned toward his youngest daughter, “is the disposal of Lydia.”

  “Disposal?” she asked, fear creeping into her voice.

  “Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet called without turning his gaze. “Where precisely is the school you mentioned?”

  “Edinburgh, sir.” Fitzwilliam’s voice was cool, but his expression held a hint of sympathy for Miss Lydia.

  “School?” she cried. “I don’t want to go to school!”

  “I no longer care what you want.” Mr. Bennet stepped closer to her. Though he was not near the height of Richard, he was able to maintain an intimidating stance. “You shall be enrolled immediately and will have contact with no one before you leave. You will remain at the school until you have proven you can behave as a gentleman’s daughter. If that does not occur, then when you graduate a position will be found for you. You will not return to my house until you have learned your lesson.”

  For the first time, I saw Miss Lydia cower. Any sign of defiance was gone and for a brief moment, she understood she had pushed her father too far. Unfortunately, it lasted but a minute.

  “Mama will never allow it.” She began softly, but slowly her confidence began to grow. “I shall run away!”

  Mr. Bennet’s countenance grew so red as to worry me. He reached out and took hold of Miss Lydia’s arm and marched her out the door.

  Everyone stood still, uncertain what to do or how to react. A scream broke our trance-like state and we all rushed to the doorway. Outside, near the woodpile, Miss Lydia was bent over Mr. Bennet’s knee. Her skirts were laid over her back and he was applying a switch forcefully to her backside.

  “Ahem,” a voice came from behind and we turned as a group to see what strange revelation would occur next.

  Mr. Jones stood wiping his hands. “Mr.

  Wickham is ready for transport. His arm has been stitched and I doubt there will be any infection unless it is not looked after. The cut was deeper than I originally thought. It appears, given little effort, the Captain could have removed the hand altogether. It must have taken great restraint to only wound the man.”

  Richard nodded and turned toward the bedroom where Mr. Wickham remained with a few other officers guarding him. As the door closed behind him, Mr. Jones turned toward Elizabeth.

  “Were you able to see to Mrs. King?”

  Elizabeth and I turned toward each other. I was certain her look of horror matched my own. “Mrs. King!”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The Darcy carriage rolled toward Netherfield Park with we four ladies inside. Miss Lydia and Miss King sat in opposite corners so there could be no contact between them. The trip had begun with Miss King sniffling and Miss Lydia making snide comments under her breath. We had not gone far before Elizabeth ordered them both to cease. Since that time, a deafening silence had filled the coach.

  When we stopped at last in front of the manor home, the door opened to reveal Mr. Bennet and Mr. Singleton.

  “Elizabeth,” Mr. Bennet said in a firm voice. “I have asked our carriage to be readied. Go inside and collect your mother. We shall return directly to Longbourn.”

  With wide eyes, Elizabeth nodded and left the carriage. She glanced back once toward me and shrugged her shoulders in answer to my questioning look.

  Mr. Singleton reached into the carriage and took Miss King’s hand to assist her. Once outside, they turned and walked up the stairs to the front door.

  Uncertain what was expected, I sat and waited to see what Mr. Bennet would do next. Lydia began to move forward, but he motioned her to remain in place. Instead, he held out his hand for me.

  “Miss Darcy,” he said softly as he assisted me from the coach. “I believe your brother and cousin are anxious to speak with you.” He nodded toward the gentlemen standing a few feet away wearing matching frowns.

  I bit down upon the inside of my cheek as I slowly approached them, unable to meet their eyes. I realized I had been wrong to leave Netherfield, and there was no justification for my actions. As I took the last step before stopping in front of them, I straightened my back and raised my head.

  “Fitzwilliam,” I met his eye before turning to look at my cousin. “Richard, I owe you both a most sincere apology. I disobeyed your orders and for no better reason than it was what I wanted at the time. You are justified in your disapprobation, and I accept whatever punishment you believe is appropriate.”

  My gaze fell back to my hands as I finished, being unable to observe the displeasure I saw in their countenances any longer. The silence stretched out between us until I feared it was part of my penance. Finally, I heard my brother sigh.

  “Let us go inside to discuss this further,” Fitzwilliam said as he took my hand and laid it upon his arm.

  I looked up into his eyes, pleased to see his love for me had not diminished. I glanced to Richard who shook his head, but his stern expression appeared to have softened. Before anything could be said, he turned and walked up the stairs with my brother and me just behind him.

  Inside, we could hear women’s voices coming from the drawing room, but we turned in the opposite direction and entered the study a minute later. The fire was burning brightly and Fitzwilliam led me to the couch nearest the hearth. I took my seat, but he began to pace the room.

  Richard dropped wearily into the chair across from me and rubbed his hands over his face. “What were you thinking, Poppet?” he asked in a shaky voice. He let his hands fall to the arms of the chair. “I do not think I have ever been so frightened as I was when I saw you with blood splattered across you. If Jacobs had not reassured me you were uninjured, Wickham would be dead right now and I would be the one on my way to gaol.”

  “I never meant to upset you. I was not thinking, I simply wished to know what was happening. I felt … I know I was foolish for allowing Mrs. Younge and Mr. Wickham to lead me astray last summer, but I thought it was colouring your decisions regarding me. I felt as though you were treating me like a child.” My voice died away, realizing I had only given them more reason to consider me as such.

  Fitzwilliam spoke, his voice soft and sorrowful, “Did we treat any of the other ladies in a different manner? Were you singled out in our actions?”

  Unable to meet his gaze, I stared at a leaf pattern in the rug at my feet. “No. I felt the censure, but there was no evidence of it.”

  Silence filled the room once more, broken only by my brother’s muffled footsteps. I allowed my eyes to trace the lines of the intricate design all the
while wondering what my punishment would be. Unexpectedly, the first real sound I heard was the heavy breathing of my cousin. I raised my eyes to find him sleeping soundly, his hands still covering his face.

  Fitzwilliam walked forward and took the seat beside me. Reaching out, he took my hand in his and raised it to his lips. After kissing it, he held it there a moment longer before lowering it to his leg and laying his other hand on top of it. He stared at our joined hands as he spoke in barely a whisper.

  “Seeing you, in that woods and in that manner, nearly ended us today, Georgie. Richard and I would give our lives for you. The thought of you injured in any manner is devastating to us.”

  A tear slipped from the corner of my eye and made a slow trek down my cheek, but I would not move and disturb my brother further. “Can you ever forgive me?” I asked in a raspy voice.

  “You were forgiven immediately, Georgie. What you should ask is whether we will have faith in you to make the right decision in the future?”

  He fell back against the cushions, leaning his head back as far as it would go. One hand slipped away, but the other still held mine tightly. We sat in this manner for some time before his grip loosened and I realized he too had fallen into an exhausted sleep.

  Uncertain what to do, I continued to sit there watching over them; afraid to leave in the event they awoke and feared for me again. A soft rap on the door drew my attention, but I did not want to call out for fear of disturbing my guardians. Thankfully, the door opened slowly a moment later and Captain Jacobs poked his head into the room.

  A wave of relief washed over me and I smiled before placing a finger upon my lips and pointing to the sleeping gentlemen. Soundlessly, the Captain entered the room and crossed to my side before kneeling in front of me.

  “Are you well?” he whispered.

  I nodded, my eyes returning to the leaves at my feet. “Can you forgive me?”

  Captain Jacobs sat back on his heels, as though contemplating my question. “I can imagine, with your curiosity, the waiting was a form of torture.”

  Glancing up, I saw the light of amusement dancing in his eyes as he fought the urge to smile. I attempted a glare, but failed miserably. “Am I nothing more than an amusing child to you?”

  The humour left his countenance and he appeared about to reach out to me, but allowed his hand to fall to his side. “You are a blossoming young woman who will become a grand lady one day. I look forward to knowing her.”

  “But now?”

  He glanced toward Richard and frowned. “It is best if I continue on the path before me.”

  I followed his gaze and then turned to look at my brother. Both appeared to be sleeping deeply so I leaned closer to the Captain. “But you compromised me, sir.” I allowed my smile to slowly creep across my lips.

  “So I did,” he replied as he met my gaze with a matching smile. “Should any ever learn of it; I will perform my duty to you.” He took my free hand, kissed it lightly, and released it as he quickly stood. With a bow, he turned to leave the room.

  “One moment, Jacobs.” Fitzwilliam’s voice caused both of us to jump.

  “Yes, Mr. Darcy?” The Captain stood still before him.

  “I wish to thank and commend you for your quick thinking today. You kept my sister safe.” He fully opened his eyes and levelled a stern gaze upon the young soldier. “Now what is this I hear of a compromise?”

  Captain Jacobs swallowed hard, but held his stiff stance. “I came upon your sister alone in the woods, sir. I escorted her in the direction she indicated Miss Elizabeth had taken to find the apothecary. We were alone until we found them.”

  “And did anything untoward occur?”

  I stared at the Captain, thinking of the moment when we had been so close and how I had wished he would take me in his arms. His eyes met mine and for a moment, I thought he might have shared my thoughts; but as quickly as it happened, the moment passed.

  “No, sir.”

  “Richard, do you believe him?”

  I turned toward my cousin, but everything about his posture showed he remained asleep, until he took a deep breath. Slowly he opened his eyes, looked first at me, and then turned toward his adjunct. “I have never had reason to doubt him … before now.”

  “Nothing happened!” I cried out.

  Richard and Fitzwilliam both turned toward me suspiciously. Richard’s brow rose. “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”

  “It would appear to be true.” My brother nodded as he studied us closely.

  I was about to speak again when Captain Jacobs cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.

  “I am certain it is no secret from either of you that I have certain feelings for Miss Darcy. Until this time, they have been quite innocent as I saw her through Colonel Fitzwilliam’s eyes, as a younger cousin.” He swallowed before continuing. “Upon meeting her, I realized she is not the child of which he speaks, but a young lady. It has been my pleasure coming to know her during this time, and I would be pleased to be often in her presence.” As he finished, he met my gaze and gave me a shy smile.

  The heat which rushed through me, surprised me and I lowered my head to hide my flushed countenance.

  “Georgiana?” My brother’s voice was soft and reassuring. “Have you anything to say regarding the Captain?”

  I raised my head and turned toward my brother. Was he truly asking my opinion? Had I not completely lost his respect by leaving Netherfield against his wishes? Did he really want to know my feelings? I paused, and glanced toward the Captain. He suddenly appeared so young and vulnerable, and I realized he must be younger even than Mr. Bingley as I had once supposed.

  I took a deep breath and spoke, never looking away from him. “Captain Jacobs has been nothing but a gentleman in all our encounters. I believe he is a good man and I would want to know more of him.”

  The party lapsed into silence once more; the Captain and I continued to gaze upon each other, while Richard and Fitzwilliam glanced about at all within the room. Finally, Richard broke the trance which had fallen upon us when he stood and crossed to the officer.

  “Georgiana is not yet out.” He turned and looked at Fitzwilliam who nodded. “But her brother and I would be pleased if you were amongst her suitors when that day came.”

  Captain Jacobs smiled and grasped the hand Richard held out to him. Fitzwilliam stood, pulling me with him and also shook the Captain’s hand.

  “Well, Richard, it appears all has been righted and we have earned our rest.” Fitzwilliam motioned toward the door. “Shall we retire for the night?”

  “I am practically asleep where I stand, Darcy, but my stomach demands sustenance before I can sleep through the night.” Richard ran his hand over his midsection and gave his cousin a lopsided grin.

  I was about to ring the bell and request food be served to the gentlemen in their rooms, when a knock sounded at the door. Richard, Fitzwilliam and I all called enter at once before laughing.

  Jane opened the door and stepped into the room, a look of concern gracing her features. “I beg your pardon; I was unaware you were here until I heard voices just now. Dinner has been announced, will you be joining us?”

  As if in response, Richard’s stomach growled loudly and he took Jane’s arm to escort her from the room. Fitzwilliam and the Captain exchanged a brief glance before the latter bowed and motioned for the prior to follow. Fitzwilliam placed my hand upon his arm and led me from the room with the Captain close behind. When we entered the dining room, we found the Bennets in attendance, including Miss Lydia.

  “It simply does not make sense for us to return to Longbourne at this time,” Mrs. Bennet declared. “Hill will not be expecting us and dinner will not be prepared. It is better that we remain here until after we have eaten.”

  “Madam!” Mr. Bennet’s voice was harsh and his displeasure clearly written on his countenance. “You have carried your point, please desist.”

  I glanced at my brother than back at the
table. Servants were quickly adding place settings to accommodate the additional guests. Jane stood at the head of the table, the place normally held by the mistress of the home. Elizabeth sat to her left and Mrs. Bennet to her right. Beside her was Mr. Bennet with Lydia to his right and Kitty across from him. Seeing the empty place beside Kitty, I pulled Fitzwilliam forward to that side of the table.

  As we all took our seats, Fitzwilliam nodded toward Jane and smiled. “You look well this evening Miss Bennet.”

  Jane blushed prettily. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”

  I looked between the two, realizing there was some secret communication, but not understanding what it was. I glanced toward Kitty, but she appeared not to have seen the interaction.

  Richard took the seat beside Miss Lydia with the Captain on his other side. Miss Lydia smiled flirtatiously at the Colonel until his frown sufficiently discouraged her. For the most part, the table was quiet, but for Mrs. Bennet’s effusions over the soup.

  Finally, Richard interrupted her silliness. “Have you received a report regarding Mrs. King?” he asked Jane.

  Laying her spoon aside, Jane blotted her lips with her serviette as she nodded. “Just before he left, Mr. Jones said Mrs. King was resting peacefully and should be able to travel tomorrow. Mr. Singleton indicated he would join us, but asked us not to wait for him. He is seeing to Miss King who will take a tray in her room.” She glanced in my direction. “Mrs. Annesley indicated she was fatigued after caring for Mrs. King, and also asked for a tray to be delivered.”

  Feeling suddenly guilty for not realizing my companion was missing, I blushed. “Thank you for seeing to her needs, Jane. You are a wonderful hostess.”

  Jane blushed, allowing the momentary displeasure she had felt fall away. “Thank you, Georgiana. Mrs. Annesley asked that you not worry for her this evening. She will break her fast with you in the morning, just before your lessons.”

  Jane’s brow raised in a manner similar to Elizabeth’s and I stifled a giggle as I nodded my understanding. Tomorrow my life would return to the normal routine. I doubted I would ever grumble over my lessons again after experiencing a full day of unease and excitement.