A warm hand upon my back drew me once more from my memories. I turned and gave John a loving smile as he led me to the receiving line. Though we enjoyed dancing, both of us would rather sit quietly in a drawing room or parlour with close friends and family than being the toast of the ton. However, John’s eldest brother had been experiencing health issues, and the possibility that my soon to be husband might one day be earl loomed before us. With this in mind, John had treated society as the enemy he must conquer; with a single minded determination to gain favour with those who would be beneficial to any platforms he might decide to support.
Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam took their places at the head of the receiving line, followed by John and I, and Richard stepped up behind me. I turned to smile at him, and noticed there was more gray scattered in his dusty blonde hair and the creases about his eyes and mouth were deeper than they had once been. A thought occurred to me as the door opened to reveal our first guests.
Society poured through the doors of Darcy House and I watched each member closely; focusing mainly upon the eligible ladies and my cousin’s reaction to each. When I noticed a sudden unusual awkwardness about him, as though he were a young lad thrust into his first social gathering, I turned to see who may have inspired it.
Fitzwilliam had just finished bowing to Elizabeth’s best friend, Charlotte Lucas, who was in London with her father. Charlotte had been invited to Darcy House and Pemberley on several occasions and I now called her friend as well. I greeted the lady from Hertfordshire with enthusiasm before turning to see my cousin bow.
“Miss Lucas, it is good to see you again.” Richard said softly. “I hope you have an opening for me on your dance card. I would be pleased if you would accept my hand for the dinner set so I might share your company during the meal.”
“Of course, General.” Charlotte blushed as she curtseyed then moved away and into the growing crowd.
A nudge at my side reminded me there were other guests. I continued to smile and curtsey as expected, while my mind ran over what was needed to bring my reluctant-to-wed cousin and my spinster-friend together. When I heard my fiancé’s exasperated sigh, I turned to see what caused him distress. I found his gaze upon me.
“Will it be listening at doors or strong-headed thoughtless actions?”
I sniffed as I smoothed my skirt. “I know not of what you speak, sir.”
John leaned closer until his breath caused the loose curls to dance about my neck and a shiver ran through me. “I had thought you relinquished your matchmaking ways after that farce with Miss Catherine during the winter.”
A blush passed over my countenance as I straightened my glove. “We agreed not to mention that again.”
In November, Fitzwilliam had hosted a gentleman who graduated a year after him from Cambridge. The gentleman was passing through Derbyshire on his way to the lakes and had an eye for art. He was very encouraging toward Catherine, and I had determined they would do well together. I was certain Kitty’s extreme dislike of the man must be due to some misunderstanding, as with Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth. I was the only one who held the belief, and the gentleman continued on his way as planned without any hint that he would miss the occupants of Pemberley or my matchmaking schemes.
A few more guests stopped before us to offer their well-wishes, but there was a slight lull a moment later when one of the society matrons took the time to entreat Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam to participate in an upcoming event. As guests backed up behind her, John turned fully toward me.
“I implore you, my darling, to allow love to grow where it may and not put your hand in it.” His gaze fell upon Richard who was paying us no mind. “Your cousin will take action, should he see fit.”
I turned to find the source of Richard’s distraction. He appeared to be searching the crowds longingly. My eyes scoured the room in search of Charlotte, hoping Richard was doing the same.
“Georgie,” John whispered once more, a hint of pleading or displeasure in his voice, I was not sure which.
“However can I call myself a matchmaker if I do not seize the moment?” I asked, my eyes dancing merrily as I turned back to him.
“Are you saying your brother and Elizabeth would not have married had you not interfered?”
I turned to look at the loving couple just as Fitzwilliam placed a hand upon his wife’s back and Elizabeth leaned against him ever so slightly. The look they exchanged spoke of the depth of their love.
“I do not doubt my brother would have eventually offered for Elizabeth, but I am certain he would have botched it up terribly leading to many miserable months of the two of them searching their feelings; followed by an awkward period where they both wished to speak of their affections, but feared the other did not reciprocate them.” I looked at the couple once more before smiling at my fiancé. “I believe I protected them from months of angst and misery by travelling to Hertfordshire when I did.” My smile grew and I placed a loving hand upon his arm. “Besides, we may not have met otherwise, and I would have continued to wonder if anyone would ever see me for who I was and love me despite it.”
John lowered his head until our foreheads nearly met. “How could I do otherwise, Georgiana Darcy, matchmaker?”
The End
About the Author
Bronwen Chisholm grew up in Central Pennsylvania, the youngest of four sisters. Though she was not introduced to Jane Austen’s work until later in life, she grew up reading the Bronte sisters, Gone With the Wind, and other classics as well as watching vintage Hollywood movies. Her love of books and literature could have led her to a career as a librarian. Instead, life and love carried her to Virginia where she took a position as a state employee and began raising her family.
As her children grew and became involved in their own interests, Bronwen returned to her love of the written word. No longer content to simply read it, she began writing. Though the first attempts ended up on a shelf, she would not be discouraged. Finally confident enough to take the step to publish, Bronwen was thrilled with the acceptance of her first offering, The Ball At Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative Novella.
Her love of writing has led her to several writing groups, including The Virginia Writer’s Club, Lake Authors, and James River Writers. She is currently serving as the Vice President of The Riverside Writers.
Bronwen will be working on her women’s fiction next, but hopes to return to Regency romance in the near future. For more information, visit her website at www.bronwenchisholm.wordpress.com.
Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker Page 27