“Of that you are correct—neither can be trusted.” Bingley drank down the last of the drink quickly.
Fitz walked over to the sideboard and removed the glass from Bingley’s hand before he could pour another, then turned towards the door. “Let’s get some food in your stomach before you regret how quickly you consumed that liquor.”
Bingley nodded his thanks and the two removed to the dining room to break their fast.
Later that morning, Georgiana was looking everywhere for Becky, the maid, when Fitz found her.
“What are you doing, Georgie?”
“Oh, nothing of import... just... exploring,” she stumbled through the words.
Fitz put his arm out to her with a smile, “Well, let me persuade you to go upstairs and change—we are to go riding!”
She tried to gracefully decline, “Oh, no, you should go without me.”
“Nonsense! I know how much you enjoy the exercise.” He then led her upstairs and promised to be back soon to escort her downstairs. Knowing Wickham’s plan to meet with Georgiana in the back of the gardens, the gentlemen plotted a course that would keep them far from that area.
The afternoon was enjoyable for the group of six—just what they each needed. Mrs Nichols prided herself on the basket she had the cook prepare; cold meats and cheeses, boiled eggs, fruits and nuts, and everyone’s favorite dessert—gingerbread. Cider from the recently harvested apples was the perfect complement to the foods provided.
When everyone had eaten their fill, they lounged on blankets laid over piles of crunchy, autumn leaves beneath the wide branches of a nearly bare tree and listened as Elizabeth and Darcy took turns reading a book of poems aloud, Elizabeth signing for her sister’s benefit. Then the racing games began. Elizabeth was to be the judge, and she eagerly waved her handkerchief high over her head as the horses and their riders bounded across the fields. Mary was a quick study and with all the tips she had received from the colonel, as well as the hours she rode around Pemberley, she and Georgiana proved to be equally proficient in their equestrian skills. They each won one round against the other. When it came time for the gentlemen to race, it was no contest—Fitz was the fastest in each round. Darcy’s own excellent skills had never matched the fervor of his cousin.
By the time the party arrived back at Netherfield they were all ready to retire early. After such a cold welcome last week, they would not try to disrupt the church services again this week. Though it was not what Mary truly wanted, she knew it was necessary to concede to reading her prayer book in her room until they returned to Town and she could once again join the congregants of their parish church.
Caroline Bingley was incensed at her brother for sending her back to Town, and at his guests for treating her as they had. Thanks to whatever Charles told their sister Louisa, even she had been ignoring much of what Caroline said since returning to London.
Caroline lounged on the fainting couch in her room, her feet covered with a light blanket and her fingers twirling a lock of her hair as she thought of what she could do to get back into their good graces. Nothing came to mind. Absolutely nothing.
The maid brought her tea and, as Caroline was pouring, she heard a knock at the door. “Enter,” she called out, not surprised to see Louisa come into the room.
“Are you feeling well?” Louisa asked. “You have not been your usual self since we came back to Town.”
Caroline sat up straighter and put a false smile onto her lips so as not to give anything away, “I am feeling fair, Louisa.”
“May I join you then?”
“Yes, of course,” she said as she began to pour her sister a cup of tea, adding milk just the way she liked it and giving it to her with practiced ease.
Louisa talked, but Caroline was not much in the mood for listening, so her mind wandered back to her previous thoughts. For years she held out hope that Mr Darcy would marry her, making her the mistress of one of England’s finest estates, but that did not happen. Instead he chose to marry an orphan with no worthy connections. He and his cousin were taken with the Bennet sisters, that much was clear to see. Then there was Miss Darcy. The young girl was a schemer and Caroline knew all too well how much the girl manipulated those around her to get exactly what she wanted. Caroline knew she had been used by them all, and she could take the censure from her brother no longer. She was older than him, and yet he treated her as if she was not even of age yet.
As her mind continued to wander, she looked for ways she might bring pain to the lot of them. Still nothing came to mind.
“...She said she could not believe the distress her family was under because of that rake! Can you just imagine, Caroline? It is good for us that our brother is not like so many others,” Louisa said. “Caroline? Are you even listening to me?”
“What? What was that? Oh, yes, of course I was listening. Such a rake... yes, yes.” She seemed distracted still, but Louisa went on to talk more while Caroline went back to thinking of how she could get back at the Bennet sisters for taking what was already claimed as hers.
Suddenly a thought came to her—the Countess Danver! She would never allow the marriage to continue if she knew what Caroline now knew of Mary Bennet. Mr Darcy would be forced by duty to his family to send his wife away, and then she could easily slip into her place to be paraded around on his arm once again. After all, he was her brother’s best friend and they had been intimate acquaintances for many years.
Louisa drank the last of her tea as she continued talking, “... I told her we would call upon our return to Town, and today is her day to be in, so we can leave as soon as you are dressed.”
“Pay a call? No, no, I have plans already, Louisa. I must pay a call of my own this afternoon, so I cannot join you.”
Louisa stood, “If your plans cannot be changed, then I will give Miss Spencer your regrets in not being able to join me.”
“I am sorry, but they are very firm—I cannot change them today,” Caroline replied, standing as well.
“Then I will not keep you,” Louisa said as she quit the room, leaving Caroline to dress.
The perfect dress was chosen, her hair was fashioned in the most pleasing array of curls, and soon Caroline was on her way to visit the countess. When she arrived she awaited the maid who accompanied her as the girl knocked on the door. Her card was given, and soon she found herself standing in the hall. She remembered the grandeur of the home from her last visit. She then followed the butler up the stairs to the sitting room where the grand lady sat.
“Miss Bingley to see you, madam,” the butler said as he led the visitor into the room.
The countess looked at her for a long moment before she finally gave a small nod and the butler left the two ladies alone. “Miss Bingley I am not usually in the habit of accepting a call from someone I have only met twice in passing.”
Caroline gave a low curtsey, “I do appreciate your seeing me, as I have news from your family. They are currently visiting my brother, and I just returned from his estate this week. There is something I thought you would be quite interested in knowing.”
She again stared at the visitor for a long minute before standing and directing Miss Bingley to join her on the sofa. “I have but a few minutes, as I am expecting other callers today. What is it you wish to tell me?”
Caroline smiled at being asked to sit in such a grand house. Never before had she been accepted by someone of such rank. She smiled sweetly, and began, “My brother has leased an estate in Hertfordshire, and as I said, I have just this week returned from that country. Miss Darcy is such a lovely young lady and I am happy to say that we were often in company together while I was there.”
“I am glad to hear my niece is doing so well.”
“I am, however, displeased with some things I have heard of Mr Darcy’s new wife and her family, and I knew such distressing news must be conveyed to your family immediately. It is very shocking indeed.” She then went on to recount for the countess the rumors she had heard o
f Mary Bennet and the events which surrounded the death of her family.
The countess was indeed shocked, and she thanked Miss Bingley for bringing such news to her attention.
Caroline soon took her leave and made her way back through the house to leave. She was just descending the stairs when she heard someone address her.
“Miss Bingley? It is good to see you again.”
She did not recognize the gentleman who spoke from the hallway below.
“Viscount Milton,” he said as he bowed. “We danced at the Edgerton’s ball last year. Obviously I did not make such a memorable impression upon you as your beauty did upon me, madam,” he said in the most charming voice.
“Oh, yes, now I remember. It is a pleasure to see you again, my lord.”
“You were calling on my mother?”
She looked up the stairs then back to him, “Yes, I had some news to convey to her.”
He smiled, his captivatingly good looks clearly on display still as he replied, “I hope it is not that you are now engaged.”
Caroline smiled sweetly, “No, not yet.” She looked around them. Seeing no one else, she leaned over the railing of the stairs just a little closer to him as she whispered, “It had to do with your cousin, Miss Darcy, and my desire to see her taken care of properly.”
He took the opportunity to step closer to the lady, her décolletage on perfect display from where he stood in the hall. He held out his hand, “Oh? Would you care to expound upon that statement?”
Caroline was flattered at such treatment, so she took his hand and let him lead her down the rest of the stairs and to a nearby room.
When the door was closed she started to tell him of the rumors, but he quickly stopped her by stepping closer and drawing his finger lightly down her cheek. “I must be truthful with you; I did not ask you in here to listen to such rumors. I leave the parlour gossip to my mother.”
Caroline found herself slowly stepping back a few paces, soon realizing she stood between the viscount and the closed door. Her stomach churned in anticipation, but she did nothing to leave the room. Instead she just stood there, almost in a trance, as the viscount stepped even closer. She felt his fingers on her cheek once again and noticed him lean slightly closer when they both heard a noise in the hallway. They froze as the butler answered the door and led someone up the stairs, leaving the hall silent once again.
Milton’s deep voice finally broke the stillness. “I hope the dance we shared in the past is not the only one with which I am to be graced? Are you to attend any functions while you are in Town?”
“We have been invited to the Beaumont’s ball next week, but have not yet returned our answer.”
He leaned just a little closer, “I will be there as well. Perhaps, if you are free, we could dance the first?”
“The first?” She was mesmerized by the moment. “Yes, of course; it is yours.”
“And the supper dance?”
“You wish to dance with me twice?”
His voice became gruff even though he continued to whisper, “I wish much more than that, but it is all we are allowed in such company.”
She smiled, “I will look forward to partnering you twice then.”
He leaned in even more, slowly hovering over her as his lips drew so close to hers that she could feel his breath. Caroline closed her eyes and let him lightly pull her into his embrace as his lips finally touched hers. When he let go she was so spellbound by the feelings tumbling around inside her that she did not realize he had left the room.
She opened her eyes and lifted her hands to her cheeks, trying to cool their obvious redness. When she was finally composed, she peeked out into the hall and did not see anyone. Quietly making her way back to her carriage, she eagerly returned home and sent her answer to the Beaumont’s invitation on its way, hoping Louisa would not mind her making such plans. When she retired that evening, all she could think of was the fascinating viscount and how much better suited he was for her than she ever thought his cousin Mr Darcy would be.
Early Monday morning brought news for both Darcy and Fitz. Aunt Edith sent a request to have Georgiana join her until the family returned to Pemberley for the winter. They would need to have Georgiana to her in Town by Wednesday as she was to leave early Thursday morning. After speaking with Fitz, Mary and Elizabeth about their thoughts, it was decided they would return to Town on Wednesday.
Fitz received a letter as well, his being from the soldier Colonel Forster knew who wished to purchase a commission. He proposed they meet any afternoon the colonel had available. A letter was sent in return saying he would be in Town by Wednesday and giving details of when and where they could meet.
Elizabeth wished for one more meeting with Charlotte before they left, so the Darcys’ carriage pulled through Meryton several hours after Fitz had left on horseback. Charlotte was sad to see her friend go, but the two were determined to find a way to write to each other. With no mutual friend it would prove to be a challenge, but they each came up with several ideas they would try over the next few months, hoping one of them worked well enough to keep the knowledge of their letters from Charlotte’s husband and family who did not approve of their continued friendship.
It was decided that Georgiana would not be told of her own trip to the north with Aunt Edith until Darcy delivered her to their aunt’s house after they arrived in London. He would also divulge the two secrets being kept from her at that time—that of his own child expected to come in the spring, and of Fitz’s marriage to Mary.
Georgiana seemed sullen on the trip back to Town, and Darcy had a feeling she knew he was aware of Wickham’s presence nearby, but nothing was ever said, so he could not be certain.
When they arrived at Darcy House, Darcy helped Elizabeth and Mary down, then he climbed back into the carriage, addressing Georgiana firmly, “We are to visit Aunt Edith.”
“Perhaps it would be best if we change from our traveling clothes first,” she offered.
Darcy knocked on the top of the carriage, “There is no need; she expects us to arrive immediately upon our return to Town.”
“Oh,” was all she said before she turned to watch the activity outside the carriage as they made their way through the crowded London streets.
When they arrived and Darcy helped his sister down, Georgiana noticed her trunks were being taken from the carriage by the footmen. “What is going on, Fitzwilliam? Why are they removing my trunks here?”
He did not answer her. He only followed the butler into the house and through the familiar hallways in silence, stopping at his aunt’s sitting room door. Aunt Edith greeted them with a hug and invited them to sit. After tea was served, the housekeeper was dismissed and Darcy closed the door, ready for the storm he knew was to come next.
Georgiana was still confused as to why she was here. “Fitzwilliam? What are you not telling me?”
Darcy took a slow drink of his tea and turned his harsh gaze to his sister, “I believe it is I who should be asking such a question of you. What are you not telling me, Georgiana?”
She stumbled in her answer, “Me? What... what do you... mean?”
“I know Georgiana, so there is no need to put on an act. Because of you, Bingley had to let a maid go without reference. Because of you we have had to leave Meryton earlier than originally planned. Because of your continuing lies I can no longer trust you.”
Aunt Edith spoke up, “I have agreed to take you home with me for the winter. Mrs Annesley will be joining us later today, and we will leave early tomorrow morning.”
Georgiana jumped up, “NO! YOU CANNOT! I will NOT go with you!”
Darcy restrained her flailing arms easily and looked deeply into her eyes, “You have left me no choice, Georgiana. I have given you opportunity after opportunity to change the course of your life, but you continually choose to chase after a rake and a profligate who only wants your money.”
“NO! HE LOVES ME!” She could not help the tears that welled in her e
yes and ran down her cheeks.
Darcy felt her relax so he let go of her arms as his aunt stepped up to embrace her, “No, my dear, he does not love you. He loves money. Anything that will get him what he desires, he will use to his advantage. You deserve better than that in a husband.”
“Aunt Edith is right, Georgie,” Darcy quietly replied, his sister now shaking as tears wracked her body.
Edith turned to her nephew, “I will handle this; you go back to your wife and get settled from your trip.”
“Are you certain? What about the other matters?”
She nodded and quietly said, “I will tell her. Your place is beside your wife.”
Darcy kissed his aunt’s cheek and left, his heart breaking at the sight of his sister in such distress. He did just as his aunt suggested and returned to Darcy House and his wife, drawing strength from her encouragement.
That evening all three of the inhabitants of the supper table were quietly eating their meal when Fitz arrived. He bounded in the room with a grin on his face, “You are now looking at a former Colonel in His Majesty’s Army!”
The mood in the room improved immediately with congratulations given. Mary squealed when Fitz grabbed her up in his arms and swung her around in his excitement. Then, sitting her back on the floor, he told them all of his meeting.
Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other, giving the couple a moment of privacy.
Fitz could not stop smiling. He then kissed her cheek and helped her sit again, taking the seat next to her. Mary could not help but laugh at his child—like exuberance.
Darcy offered a toast to his cousin’s new status as a civilian, and the rest of the evening was spent in much better spirits than their afternoon had been.
The next day Fitz would call on Mr Gardiner to ask his permission to marry his niece, then Darcy and Fitz would both call on Lady Danver to apprise Fitz’s parents of the news. Fitz thought he should do this alone, but Darcy would not hear of it. He insisted on going with his cousin. Even if he would not admit it to his cousin, Fitz did appreciate having Darcy’s support.
Just to Hear 'I Love You': An Alternate Tale of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' Page 23