by Louise, Kara
"I did nothing out of the ordinary."
"Oh, but according to my brother, you did! How do you think Mr. Darcy will ever be able to repay you for your presence of mind and actions? Such a good nurse to him; have you ever considered going into that line of work, my dear?"
Elizabeth kept her composure, being fully aware that this woman would soon be Jane's sister-in-law and did not want to do anything to rile her. But oh, how she wanted to speak her mind!
Suddenly Miss Bingley caught sight of the envelope in Elizabeth's hand, and turned her head to read the name on it. "A letter to Georgiana! You are sending a letter to Georgiana?" The look on her face betrayed a sense of jealousy and annoyance.
With a forced interest she asked, "How did you find Georgiana? She is a sweet girl, is she not? I am rather disappointed that she and… well, never mind. I so enjoy her company and I am convinced that if I had been there… oh how upset I was at Charles for not informing me sooner about the accident… I am sure I would have been most supportive to her. She is like a younger sister to me."
Elizabeth only nodded and replied, "I am sure."
"But Miss Bennet, there is one thing I do not understand. How is it that you and your sister travelled to Pemberley? I find the situation very indelicate indeed that you both were there."
Elizabeth did not know what to say. She could not tell her all that led to their journey to Pemberley, especially that it was her mother's reckless decision that allowed them to go and Georgiana's misunderstanding that began the whole thing.
"I… uh… it is a rather long story."
"Oh, yes, well, I am sure someday you must tell me all about it. My brother has certainly not obliged me with the answers to my questions. I have my own ideas about it, but… well, I shall be on my way. You would not wish to ride, would you?"
Elizabeth could see through the insincerity in her offer and refused, preferring to walk anyway. "No, but I thank you."
The carriage departed, and Elizabeth shook her fists and kicked her foot through the dirt. How dare she! she thought. To infer that Darcy should only feel indebted to me! She tried to tell herself that it was only Caroline Bingley, and not to pay any attention to what she said. But would that indeed be all he felt? What if Bingley had said something to her to that effect? Unfortunately her words rang true about her family. Suddenly her heart was troubled again.
She found herself walking aimlessly, paying no heed to her surroundings. She passed trees and flowers and interesting outcroppings of rocks without noticing them. Her eyes grew moist as she contemplated the words that Caroline spoke. She looked down at the letter in her hand, finding it more difficult to read the words through her tears. If it had not been her greatest desire to send it off on the next post, she would have turned right around and gone home.
Oh Jane, how will you bear that woman’s ill manners? I do not envy you one bit! Caroline's remarks stung. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a tattered handkerchief, to gently wipe her eyes. She looked at it, suddenly thinking of her lost one. Since Georgiana had not mentioned it, she assumed it had not been found, and probably would not be now. As she dabbed her eyes, she breathed in the scent of the gardenia toilet water that she always sprinkled on it. It had a comforting effect on her. She took her handkerchief and, along with the letter to Georgiana, stuffed them into her pocket.
As she came into town, she saw the carriage in which Caroline had been riding and Elizabeth went around another way to avoid it. The last thing she wanted was another encounter with her. She quickly posted the letter and then set out to return home.
As she walked back to Longbourn, she again pondered the words of Caroline. As her thoughts approached that tall, dark man who had time and again been thrown into her life, she dared not allow herself to think that he would continue to think favourably of her. When they were together last, it had been disastrous! The first time, she refused his offer of proposal with very scathing words. Then, he rightly accused her of manipulating Jane and Charles, as well as deceiving his sister and causing her great distress.
No, it did not look good, and she resolved to put him out of her mind. If she could.
*~*~*
As Fitzwilliam entered the study to join Darcy, he knew that the teasing must cease, and he must put on his business air. His cousin always trusted his business sense, preferring to have a differing point of view on some particular business question or transaction. Fitzwilliam always obliged him; however very rarely did Darcy take his counsel if it differed from his.
"So what is this that you want to talk with me about, Darcy?"
Darcy took a deep breath, holding it a few seconds before releasing it. "I know that right now you are in the mood to tease me, but what I am about to say, I am very serious about."
"Go on."
"I was in Cambridge these past few days, talking with an old friend of mine who now works in the offices at the university. I also spent some time in the library doing some research." He glanced up at Fitzwilliam. "I was doing some research… on communicating with the deaf."
Fitzwilliam’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened. Then, out of incredulous humour, said, "My name is Richard Fitzwilliam, Sir. I do not believe I have made your acquaintance. You are…?" He held out his hand as if to shake it.
Darcy continued, ignoring his taunt. "I am in earnest, Fitz. This all began when I found out that the four-year-old daughter of my head stable hand is deaf. They cannot communicate with her. She cannot communicate with them. But I found out there is a school in France where they teach communication to the deaf by using signs with the hands."
He pulled out a packet of papers, and took one out, giving it to Fitzwilliam. On it were drawings of hands in different positions, and words, or letters of the alphabet that signified what they mean. "This friend of mine in Cambridge had inherited some land years ago on the south end of Derbyshire. He has never done anything with it. He has always been after me to buy it, as he has no interest in it." He pulled out a business transaction. "I would like to buy that land, and then donate it to start a similar school here. Upon checking, I have discovered that there are several deaf people in and around Derbyshire that would benefit from such a school. In the neighbouring counties I am sure there are even more."
"Are you serious, Darcy? I know that you have always been generous… you have always given to charity without blinking an eye, but this… You have taken, dare I say it, an active interest in them!" He recalled Georgiana's telling him of their visits to the poor and marvelled at this attempt both on his part and his sister's to transform him. "What is going on Darce? Georgiana told me of her taking you with her on her visits. Could you miraculously be getting involved personally in people's lives? Particularly those of inferior circumstance?"
"Do you find anything wrong in that, Fitzwilliam?" He seriously wanted his cousin's opinion on the matter.
"No, of course not. It is just a little out of character, out of your character. I am just wondering why. This, by any chance, does not have anything to do with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, does it?"
"Why does Miss Bennet always have to be the reason for something?" he answered defensively. "You know I am always trying to improve myself."
"So you are saying this has nothing to do with her?"
Darcy felt pushed to the limit. Yes! he wanted to scream. It has everything to do with her! She opened my eyes to who I really am! He stuffed his hands into his pocket, and grabbed the handkerchief that remained his constant companion. He fingered it inside his pocket as he said, "Fitzwilliam, my desire to improve myself at this moment is partly because it is Georgiana's wish. You may also attribute it to being so close to death. Things look differently to me now."
His answer was only partly true. Much had to do with Miss Bennet. He hoped his words sounded convincing.
"But if Miss Bennet does notice an improvement in your character, that is an added benefit, is it not?" He gave his cousin a shrewd smile, raising his eyebrows at him in question.
Darcy scrutinized Fitzwilliam to determine whether he was teasing or serious. Darcy decided to be honest and vulnerable in his answer, hoping it would diffuse the teasing. Softly, he said, "I cannot count on that, but yes. I would consider it to be a most desirable benefit. Although I am not holding my breath that she will change her opinion of me."
"Tell me, Darcy." Fitzwilliam was serious now. "I thought we were close, that we shared everything. Why did you not share with me what was going on between the two of you at Rosings? When we left, I noticed you were upset, yet you refused to confide in me what was disturbing you. I thought we were better friends than that."
"I was going to tell you."
"And when exactly was that going to be?"
"Probably not for about twenty years." Darcy looked at him and a smile came across his face. "Now, let us go look over this paperwork and tell me what you think."
*~*~*
The next morning Darcy walked into the dining room to find Fitzwilliam and Georgiana laughing. His first inclination was that they were laughing at his expense and he almost did not continue in, but after a thought, changed his mind and entered. "Good morning, Fitz. Good morning, Georgiana."
Georgiana looked at him with eyes filling with tears as her laughter continued. "Good morning, Brother."
"Good morning, Darce. Come right in. Your sister and I were just reflecting on what life will be like in twenty years here at Pemberley, with all your charitable causes in which you will be involved. Shall we have picnics on the grounds for all of Lambton, bringing in clowns and ponies for the children, and maybe merry-go-rounds and…" He laughed as he winked at Georgiana, "You could start a food kitchen, providing warm meals in the winter for the destitute."
"Enough, Fitz. I do not think Pemberley is going to become some sort of social goodwill club for the general populace. You find it so amusing that I am doing a few acts of charity?"
"I was just telling your sister about your proposal for the school. Even she is overtaken with astonishment by such prodigious actions."
Darcy looked at his sister who returned his gaze with much admiration in her eyes. "This is why you went to Cambridge?"
"Not wholly; I was not certain what I would discover. I went mainly to do some research. With what I did find out, though, I wondered if you and I could pay another visit to the Franks today and give them this preliminary information on communicating with the deaf; see what their thoughts on a school would be."
"Oh, yes! I would love to!"
"Fitzwilliam will you join us?"
"Sorry, no. I need to check in with my regiment. I shall try to return on Monday. But please give me advance warning what to expect from you when I come next; whether it is Monday or at a later time. It has always been so comforting to know what to anticipate when I see you. You have always been so constant, so steadfast, so boring! But the last few times I have been with you -- your behaviour at Rosings, going north with you, and then coming here and seeing you like this -- have me absolutely baffled! It is too much to bear!"
Georgiana giggled and looked to her brother who was shaking his head at his cousin. "You are too severe on me, but I believe you actually like the change you see in me."
"Like it, Ol' Darce. I love it!"
Later that day Georgiana and Darcy set out for the Franks. As they settled in the carriage, Georgiana looked at him and began, "William, there is something I would like to ask you."
"Certainly. What is it?"
"I felt I needed to wait until Richard was no longer with us. If he heard what I asked, I know that he would never cease teasing you."
"Well, I am now both curious and worried!"
"Do you remember when it was that you first noticed Elizabeth's scent? I mean the gardenia scent?"
Darcy narrowed his eyes at her, trying to calculate what thoughts were now occupying her mind. But yes, he remembered, vividly.
"It was the evening I met her. When we were first introduced, I was standing too far away to notice. It was not until she walked past me later in the evening that I first caught a whiff of it. It was just after Bingley and I…" he stopped in mid sentence. "Never mind."
"Never mind what? What were you and Bingley doing?"
"It is not important." Darcy shifted his weight and looked away. Georgiana recognized this Darcy trait of hiding something.
"What happened, Will?"
He looked back at her and looked down, shaking his head. "Just another one of my blunders."
"What did you do?"
He was silent for a moment and then calmly, penitently confessed, "Bingley was prodding me to dance. I wanted to do nothing of the sort. He had been dancing with Miss Jane Bennet and he suddenly saw Miss Elizabeth sitting out the dance just in front of us. He pointed her out saying she was quite agreeable."
He looked at Georgiana, and paused as he took in a deep breath. As he let it out, he said, "I replied that she was tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me."
Georgiana gasped, bringing her hand to her mouth. "No! William, I cannot believe it! Your behaviour! I simply cannot comprehend it!"
"Well, I am not proud of it, either. She obviously overheard my comment, and after Bingley departed, she strolled past me. That is when I first smelled the gardenia."
"With this knowledge, Brother, I think more lessons may be required to change Miss Bennet's opinion of you. Shall we have a lesson on giving a compliment? Repeat after me, 'You look very pretty tonight Miss Bennet'."
A look of resignation came across Darcy's face. "Now that we have digressed from your original question, why did you ask when I first noticed her scent?"
"Oh, yes. I found out a few days ago that gardenia was the scent our mother used to wear. Were you aware of that?"
He suddenly sat upright in his seat. "Who told you that?"
"Mrs. Reynolds, but it was only after one of the under gardeners told me he thought that the reason you planted the gardenia bushes was because of Mother's fondness for them."
"So it was gardenia!" He looked at Georgiana and continued, "Last week when I was in my study, I had a memory of our mother when I saw the cut gardenias in my study. I remembered she wore a particular scent. After she died I often went into her closet to smell her clothes just to feel close to her. But I could not remember whether or not it was gardenia."
"That is why I asked Mrs. Reynolds. I had to know for sure. I thought that it would be quite interesting if it was. You may have noticed Elizabeth for the first time because you were drawn to her scent."
"But my feelings toward her and my attraction to her certainly are not that for a mother!"
Georgiana laughed. "I would hope not! But think about it. What was it that first caught your attention about her?"
Darcy thought of her walking past him with that insolent smile after she had overheard his insult. As she strolled past him, something about her caught his attention. His eyes had followed her, and when he tried to look away, they unwillingly turned back to her. Yes, he distinctly remembered being drawn to her; her eyes, her impertinence, her smile, and yes, most assuredly, her scent!
Chapter 13
The news that the Darcys brought to the Franks was received with grateful astonishment. They were most appreciative of the information he gave them regarding the method of communicating using hand signs. He handed them the papers he had brought from Cambridge with pictures of the more common signs, and encouraged them to give it a try. He even got down on his knees with a book, and signed the word to their daughter, as he had practiced it on the way.
The Franks thought it quite extraordinary; the extra effort Darcy was taking on their behalf. They knew him to be generous, but could hardly believe that he would take such a personal interest in their deaf daughter that he would have gone to all this trouble. His idea for a school for the deaf also left them overwhelmed. Mrs. Frank broke down as she realized what this would mean for them. Georgiana quickly went to her side and put her arms around her, letting her tea
rs of joy fall uninterrupted.
The ride home was one of great elation. Darcy was thrilled that they appeared to be so receptive and grateful.
Although he fully related to them that the idea for a school in Derbyshire was his idea, he made sure that they were not aware of his total involvement in it. They were not aware that he was purchasing the land or contributing the money to get it started. He did not want to be credited for it.
The land he purchased from his friend, with the intent to use it for the school, would not be listed under his name. As far as anyone was concerned, an unnamed person donated it. Any funds he contributed toward the school would not bear his name either.
Sunday began again with attendance at church, and again Georgiana arranged for them to visit two more families. This day's visitation "lesson" for Darcy proved less traumatic, in that he was not surprised by anything. He felt that he was more able to look past the differences in their society and see them for who they were. He made every attempt at conversation, usually with the man of the house, but being very cordial to everyone else. Georgiana was well pleased with his effort.
The next morning brought the return of Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was only able to stay on a few days as he was just passing through, but looked forward to their time together. After Georgiana's lessons with Miss Annesley, the three of them withdrew to the dining room to have an afternoon meal.
As they were dining, Mrs. Reynolds entered and presented a letter to Georgiana. "From Miss Bennett," she informed her.
From Fitzwilliam's perspective at the table, he readily noticed the similar reaction from both of his cousins. Georgiana and Darcy at once were both upright and alert. The only difference was the Georgiana smiled and Darcy kept an unreadable expression on his face.
Georgiana thanked Mrs. Reynolds and took the letter. She opened it, looked at her brother and Fitzwilliam, and said politely, "Excuse me, please, while I read my letter."
Fitzwilliam looked on at Darcy in amusement as he noticed him nervously rubbing his fingers together. That was the only movement from him. He could see that he was anxious, but was trying very hard not to show it.