“Oh, there you are,” Elizabeth said to Georgiana. “I was looking for you just a few minutes ago.”
“I was with Miss Bingley,” she said, putting her nose in the air just a little more than usual.
Elizabeth noticed the gesture and thought she would need to speak with her husband about Miss Bingley’s influence over Georgiana. “Well, my sister and I are going on a stroll through the garden and I just wanted to see if you wished to join us?”
Miss Bingley turned her face away, the look of disdain clear on her features as she huffed slightly, “I cannot even believe she is allowed to be in my brother’s house—it is a disgrace, I tell you!”
Elizabeth immediately became defensive. “A disgrace? Just what is so disgraceful about my sister?”
Darcy and Bingley walked in the front door at that moment, shocked at seeing Miss Bingley and Mrs Darcy in what seemed to be a standoff, both standing straight and staring at each other with great determination in their eyes.
“What is it? You make such an accusation, yet you cannot tell me?” Elizabeth alleged.
Miss Bingley straightened her shoulders, standing a little taller, “Of course I know of what I speak. She does not deserve to be here. She does not even deserve to be in my good friend Miss Darcy’s life at all. What kind of influence can she possibly provide for such a young and impressionable girl as this?” she drew her arm around Georgiana’s shoulders. “Why, if my own sister had such a reputation I would have nothing to do with her.”
“Caroline!” Bingley was shocked at what she pronounced.
Elizabeth felt her husband come up to stand beside her, but she was not about to let this go. “What do you mean? Just what sort of reputation are you implying my sister has?”
“Why, that of a murderer, of course. It is all over the neighborhood how she set the fire that killed her own family and several others who tried to help them.”
“Caroline, THAT is ENOUGH! Go upstairs, NOW!” Bingley was furious as he turned to his friend, “I am so sorry, Darcy. I do not know what has gotten into her.”
Mary stood frozen. Tears began to well up in her eyes. The next thing she knew her sister was right in front of her, trying to get her attention. She looked up to see what she would say.
“Oh, Mary—you know we do not blame you for that fire.”
Mary noticed that, somehow, Elizabeth did not look shocked at this news. Did she know of these rumors? No—surely if she had, she would have said something; but the look on her face suggests otherwise. Mary had to know; she had to ask. She closed her eyes and swallowed hard, the lump in her throat growing larger with each second that passed. Finally she opened her eyes again and signed, “Did you know of this? Did you know this rumor and not tell me?”
“I just... that is... we thought it would be best if...”
Mary immediately signed, “I am not a child, Elizabeth! I do not need to be coddled.” Before her sister could come up with a reply Mary turned away. “I need to be alone,” she signed as she quickly left the house, running as she made her way through the garden and into the wood beyond.
Elizabeth started to follow after her, but Mary had run off so fast she did not see in which direction she went. She stood there in the middle of the doorway with a look of such distress on her face, and Darcy felt so helpless. “She cannot be left alone. What if... what if something happens to her?”
At that moment they heard a voice neither one expected, “Good day to you all.” Fitz sauntered over to the group standing by the front door, and was just about to ask what they were looking at when Elizabeth broke out in tears, burying her face in her husband’s chest despite the presence of others around them. “What did I say?”
“It is not you,” Darcy replied. “Mary ran off.”
He immediately became alarmed, “Which direction?”
“She ran through the garden, but we do not know where she went from there,” Darcy replied, his hands holding his wife to him.
“I will go after her,” Fitz said stoically. He walked over to Elizabeth and put his hand on her shoulder, “I will find her—I promise.” He then looked up to Darcy, “Give me some time. If I need help I will signal you.”
Darcy nodded.
Elizabeth drew her face up, her eyes pleading with Fitz, “Please tell her I am sorry. I am so very sorry,” she burst into tears again.
“I am sure she knows already.” With a nod of his head he ran off in the direction his cousin indicated.
He had been searching for nearly an hour when he stopped, frustration overwhelming him as he yelled her name knowing she could not hear him anyway. He heard the sound of a river not too far away. Hoping a drink of the cool water would help calm his nerves, he turned that direction. As he came out of the wood and looked towards the rushing sound of water he stopped immediately. There she was, perched on a rock, looking at the river below. Fitz did not want to frighten her, so he slowly walked up behind her. She did not turn around, so he took a step to stand beside her.
Mary saw movement beside her and looked over, surprised to see the colonel standing there. She tried to smile, but knew he was not fooled. “Why are you here?”
“I would ask the same of you,” he replied.
“I just needed some time alone.”
It was in that moment when she looked up at him with those eyes so full of sorrow that his heart broke for her and he realized just how much he wished to make her smile again. How much he wished to always make her smile. He knew it was not meant to be though, so he stepped back and leaned against a nearby tree as he gave her the space she needed.
Mary’s heart pounded in her chest and she could hardly think of why she was even out here. Instead her thoughts turned to the muscular frame and compassionate eyes of the gentleman that stood just a few feet from her. Why had he come to Netherfield? She glanced over at him and felt her heart race even faster. He always looked so charming in his uniform, but what he wore today—a green coat and top hat—made him look even more dashing than usual. She could not help the small smile that came over her lips when he looked at her with those eyes that bore into her soul.
Her smile made his grow even more prominent, and he signed, “Do you want to talk now?”
She could not help the chuckle that came out as she nodded. She could not deny him anything. When that thought flitted through her head she immediately felt the truth of it in her heart—yes, anything. He could ask anything of her and she would do it for him. Her cheeks became pink at such a thought and she looked down at her own trembling hands held in her lap. She felt his presence beside her again and she moved over, happy that he chose to sit beside her on the rock.
The two sat like that for a long time, neither one saying anything, but both just absorbing their newfound feelings for the other. Finally Fitz reached over and tapped her arm, making her turn towards him. “Please tell me why you ran off?”
Mary closed her eyes and, for only the second time in their acquaintance, she opened her mouth and spoke to him, her voice cracking as she said, “Miss Bingley said the neighbors believe I set the fire that killed my family... that I am a...” she looked down to her hands as tears filled her eyes, the final word coming out only as a cracked whisper, “—murderer.”
He did not know what to say to such a preposterous notion, but it was the next sentence out of her mouth that made his heart truly breaks for her.
“Elizabeth knew. She knew and she did not tell me.” She felt the tears cascading down her cheeks and within seconds she was shaking as the sobs escaped her. The next thing she knew the colonel’s arms wrapped around her and pulled her into his chest. The world around them disappeared and all she could think of was the comfort she felt in his embrace as she cried as she had not done in years, the tears pouring from her eyes and soaking into his waistcoat.
Fitz could not stop the tears that fell from his own eyes as well, though they were silently brushed away with a quick flick of his hand. He wanted to take the pain away,
to tell her he did not see her as others saw her. More than anything, he wished to always be the one she turned to in her time of need, but he knew he could not offer for her. His own situation, was not enough for even his own comfort, much less that of a family. As his arms held her to his chest his heart broke for the love he knew he held, yet could not speak of to anyone, including her.
When Mary finally calmed, Fitz pulled back and offered her his handkerchief. She chuckled slightly as her cheeks became scarlet from the embarrassment she now felt for such brazen actions. It took everything in him not to kiss her right then and there. Knowing they needed to leave, he stood and held out his hand to help her up. When their fingers met, his heartbeat raced even more, but he ignored the feelings welling up within him and drew her hand to his lips for a simple kiss. “Miss Mary, you are the strongest person I know. You have faced such tremendous obstacles in your life, and you have overcome them all. You do not need others to tell you who you are. You know what Miss Bingley said is not true, and those who truly know you are also aware it is not true. Do not let this neighborhood define you.”
She nodded, quietly taking in all he said. When his hand took her elbow, she accepted his arm and walked silently back to the house next to him. They parted in the hallway and she thanked him, and then retired for the night saying she had a lot to think about and would not be down for the evening meal.
Fitz went in search of his cousin to let him know of Miss Mary’s safe return. He found Darcy in the library. When they were both seated, a drink in hand and a cigar in each of their mouths, Fitz asked, “What happened?”
“She did not tell you?”
“She said very little when I found her,” he replied.
“Bingley and I were not there for the whole conversation. We came home from fishing and entered to find my wife and Miss Bingley standing nearly toe to toe and battling it out with words. Miss Bingley said the neighbors believe Mary to be the one who started the fire, then Mary ran off.”
He knew that was not all of it. “She said Elizabeth knew and did not tell her.”
Darcy reached over to stamp out the cigar, knowing he could not enjoy it at this time. “Yes, we knew of the rumors.”
“And you purposely kept this knowledge from her?”
“Yes we did,” Darcy answered softly.
Fitz cursed under his breath and stood to pace the room, the cigar that had been in his mouth now lay in the pile of ashes along with his cousin’s. “WHY? Why would you treat her like a child? She deserves to know what is going on around her!”
Darcy could see his agitation and knew it would be best if he stayed seated, though he too wished to pace. “I can only say we thought it for the best.”
“You thought it for the best? Really? Well it did not work out so, now did it?”
He tapped his foot in agitation, “No, it did not. We were wrong.”
Fitz knew something had to be done. “Who started these rumors? What has been done to keep them from spreading?”
Darcy sighed heavily, rubbing his eyes as he answered his cousin, “Elizabeth found out just a few days ago when she spoke to her friend, Mrs Collins. It appears to have been the belief from the beginning that Mary started the fire, but my wife informed her friend of what really happened that night. Mrs Collins promised to try her best to tell others, but she could not promise it would be accepted after all these years. It seems her talking about it has brought the rumors back into circulation. My sister and Miss Bingley heard some ladies talking of it the other day when they visited the shops in Meryton.”
“Wait a minute,” he stopped pacing and looked pointedly at his cousin. “Georgiana was allowed to go into town with only Miss Bingley as a companion?”
Darcy could take it no longer and he stood to pace the floor as well, “Yes, I gave her my permission when she asked. I did not think something like this would come of it.”
“That... that... harridan is the last person Georgiana needs to be around right now,” Fitz dropped heavily back into his chair.
“Yes, I see that now. I was a little distracted and did not see what harm it would do, and for that I am beating myself up—believe me,” Darcy explained.
“Distracted? Distracted? WHAT could be so distracting that your sister’s wellbeing has been all but forgotten?” Fitz now sat, but his posture as a commander was still clear.
Darcy knew he would not be able to ignore such a question, and he knew only the truth would be acceptable. “Elizabeth... she has not been well lately. She... that is... we are to have a child.”
Fitz’s shoulders relaxed and a smile came across his face, a dramatic change from just a second before. “She is with child? Truly?” At his cousin’s nod he immediately stood and grasped his hand as he shook it and congratulated him. “I can now understand what would distract you so much from your sister.”
Both men sat back down again and Darcy replied, “Bingley said he will ask Hurst if they will remove to Town with Miss Bingley on Monday. I hope they are willing to do so as I do not feel it is in the best interest of this rumor that we abandon the area so soon.”
“No, I agree with you there. It would be best if we stay here for a few weeks at least. We must try to make them see the error in that blasted rumor, starting tomorrow at Sunday services.” He shook his head in disgust, “Did she truly accuse Miss Mary of being a murderer?”
He nodded, “Yes she did.”
Fitz cursed again, this time more loudly than he intended. “I am sorry, Darcy.”
“I understand.”
The two sat in silence for a few minutes until finally Fitz stood, “I think it is time I have a talk with Georgiana.”
“We have already tried, but your help is more than welcome. She is in her room. I will take you there now.” Darcy led Fitz up the stairs and to the door. “I will be just two doors down,” he pointed to the correct door. “I need to see if Elizabeth has awakened yet and let her know of your return with Mary.”
He nodded, “I will see you later.”
Fitz did not wait for the knock he gave to be answered, mostly because he knew his cousin well. When she did not wish to speak with someone she was apt to ignore their knocks. He instead opened the door and saw her sitting at the small desk by the window. He stepped in, closing the door and drawing her attention. “I think we need to talk.”
Georgiana shuffled the papers quickly, hiding the letter she was writing to George beneath a blank sheet of paper. She hoped Fitz did not see anything. Trying to draw attention away from the letter, she stood and walked towards the fireplace to sit, lifting her hand to the other chair indicating she wished him to sit.
“Why Georgiana? Why did you do that to her?”
“I did not do anything. It was Miss Bingley who...”
He cut her off immediately, “Are you going to tell me you did not have a hand in that humiliating charade?”
She could not lie to him, so she just looked down at the hands neatly folded in her lap.
“What has happened to you? The last two years you have changed from the sweet child I once knew into someone I do not even recognize any longer. Why? Why are you doing this?” She did not offer any excuse so he continued to speak. “Does it make you feel better to humiliate Miss Mary like that?” When she did not make any attempt to even look up at him, he continued his plea, “Tell me, Georgiana—does it?”
“She deserves it!” Her eyes jolted up. Filled with fury, she continued, “She has taken my only family from me. Because of her I cannot even see my aunt and uncle any longer. She and her sister have pushed their way into my life and have taken over everything. My brother even offered to redecorate her rooms at Pemberley to whatever she chose. He has never done that for me! He will give her anything she wishes! She was not born into a family such as ours, and yet my brother has even given away part of the Darcy legacy to give her a dowry.”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, did he not tell you?” She gave him a look of super
iority as she explained, “He gave her £20,000 and has signed over to her the whole property and earnings of Rose Bluff. It was listed in the marriage contract,” she replied.
He felt the fury rising in his chest, but he could not give in to that now. He would confront Darcy later. For now, he had to deal with Georgiana. “And just how do you know these items were in the marriage contract? Somehow I doubt your brother discussed the details with you since he did not even mention them to me.”
“I... well, you see, I was in his study, and the papers were...”
“You were there without his permission, and you read them. Is that it?”
“Yes... but it is not how it sounds,” she tried to say.
He stood, “It is exactly how it sounds, Georgiana.” He turned and walked to the door. With his hand on the handle he looked back to her, “If I have my way you will be sent to your Aunt Edith. We will see what your brother thinks, but believe me, whatever is decided, you will have no more freedom to hurt Miss Mary again. Of that I can guarantee.”
Fitz immediately left the room, nearly slamming the door in his anger. He could not face Darcy right now, so he went downstairs to see if he could find Bingley. Locating the billiard room when he heard balls clicking together in that unmistakable sound, he entered, grateful to see that Bingley was alone. “I apologize for showing up so unexpectedly.”
“Come in, come in. You know you are always welcome, as I told you at Pemberley. Will you be staying with us for a while?” Bingley handed him a cue stick and began placing the balls back in the correct formation on one end of the table.
“Yes, I have some time off and will be here for a few weeks.” He leaned down, letting the anger he felt be expelled into the balls that scattered over the table. Unfortunately, none went into the pocket, so he stepped back for Bingley to take his turn.
Just to Hear 'I Love You': An Alternate Tale of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' Page 18