Mr. Darcy's Little Sister

by C. Allyn Pierson

  “I will speak to him. I am also concerned about Jane travelling to London in her condition. She is far too close to her time. I will need to talk to her and possibly enlist her doctor’s help. What do you think, Mrs. Annesley?”

  Mrs. Annesley immediately answered, “I would not recommend travelling at this time, my lady.”

  Elizabeth talked to Darcy, and the next morning, when she had a chance to see Jane alone, she put her opinion before her sister—offering to stay with her while Bingley, Darcy, and Georgiana went to London for the wedding. Jane considered very briefly before she agreed to the idea.

  “Yes, I am sure you are right, Lizzy, that I probably should not travel. I just hate to let Caroline down on her wedding day.”

  “I am sure she will understand, Jane,” she said. Then she added tartly, “Consider this: if she really wanted for you to be there, she could have put off the wedding for a couple of months, now could she not? Bingley will be there to give her away and she will be as happy as can be with her society friends around her to give their congratulations.”

  Jane smiled her agreement and went to tell Bingley their plan. Later in the day, while Jane was resting, Bingley sought Elizabeth out in the music-room and sat next to her, saying,

  “Thank you, my dear sister, for staying with Jane while we go to London. I was very worried about her travelling, but I did not like to leave her here without a family member to take care of her, either. You have eased my mind greatly.”

  “I am happy to be of assistance, although I hate to forgo Caroline’s society wedding.” She gave him an impish smile and he laughed.

  “Yes, I hope everything goes as she plans it, or she will be fit to be tied. I have already begged Darcy to allow me to stay at Ashbourne House so that I do not have to live through Caroline’s wedding-day nerves. I am not sure that I am strong enough to survive it.”

  “What are their plans for their honeymoon? Will they stay in London, or travel?” Elizabeth enquired politely.

  “They are planning to drive directly to the count’s estate, which is near Windsor, so it is not terribly far from town.”

  “Has Caroline seen the house yet?”

  “I don’t believe so, but the count has described it to us. It is a small manor house that is about seventy years old. He told me that he wants to use Caroline’s dowry to buy more land to add to his estate and provide steady income.”

  “That sounds very sensible. Well, I hope they will be very happy. Make sure that you convey our best wishes.” Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled and Bingley smiled back at her for a moment. Then his brow furrowed.

  “I will, but please send an express if anything should happen while we are gone. I can be here in three hours on a fast horse.”

  “Do not worry, I will send for you immediately after I send for the doctor.”

  When Elizabeth told Darcy of her plan, he approved it immediately.

  “I think it is an excellent plan, my dear. Is she still nervous about her confinement?”

  “Yes. My dear mamma has been filling her head with lurid tales of death and disaster.”

  “Could I propose a change of plan? Would you, perhaps, like to stay until Jane is over at least part of her confinement? I am sure that she would feel better with you here, and Georgiana and I could stay in London so that she could be with the colonel for a couple of weeks. It would give them a chance to undertake any business relating to their house, as well.”

  “That would probably be a good idea. If nothing else, I can keep Mamma from terrifying Jane. It would be nice to see Papa for a longer period, as well.”

  “We will plan on staying in town for about a fortnight, then, until you write to us that your sister is well enough for us to bring you home.”

  “Thank you, my love. I will miss you. At least I have the consolation at this separation that I will know where you are!” She grinned up at him.

  He responded with a cocked eyebrow and a kiss on her forehead before he joined Bingley for a ride over his temporary demesne. Elizabeth rejoined Jane and Georgiana and told them of the completed plan. Georgiana’s eyes glowed when she realised that she would be able to spend an entire fortnight with her future husband. They spent the afternoon trying to relax and make Jane as much at ease as possible, but she was too uncomfortable to sit still for long.

  The tedium was broken when Doctor Porter called to see Jane late in the day. After he had examined her in her room he came to Elizabeth, who was waiting in the drawing-room, and told her that all was well and that the baby could come at any time.

  “It is well, then, that she is not going to her sister-in-law’s wedding in London the day after tomorrow.”

  “Oh no, my lady, that would not do at all; she must certainly stay at home!”

  “She will, and I am planning to stay until she has her lying-in and has recovered.”

  “That will be of very great assistance to your sister, I am sure, my lady.”

  “Thank you, Doctor.”

  The Bennets came to dinner that evening, and Jane felt well enough after a long afternoon rest to join them at the table. Mrs. Bennet’s eyes glittered brightly all evening as she carried on about her pleasure at becoming a grandmother.

  “I am so excited! By the end of the year I will have three grandchildren! I hope that everything goes well, Jane, my love. Mrs. Long’s eldest niece just had her lying-in, but, poor thing, the baby died a few hours later.” She conveyed this news with ghoulish satisfaction, oblivious to Jane’s ghastly pallor. “The mother developed a fever and they almost despaired of her life, too.”

  Knowing that Georgiana was now becoming acquainted with all of her mother’s weaknesses, Elizabeth felt herself blush several times, and for Jane’s sake was desperate to stop her mother’s flow of talk. Darcy finally saw her worried looks and engaged Georgiana and Kitty in talking about London, including Bingley and Jane in the conversation. Elizabeth was able to turn to her father, plunging into the first topic that came to her mind.

  “Papa, have you heard from Mr. Collins lately?”

  “No, my dear, I have heard nothing from him. What are your plans for the time you are here?”

  She glanced down the table to make sure that they were not overheard. “I am hoping to keep Mamma from scaring Jane to death with her talk,” she said quietly, “and to keep Jane quiet and as rested as may be until her lying-in.”

  “That is an admirable plan, if you can carry it out, my love,” was his wry response. “I will attempt to divert your mother when she becomes too indiscreet.”

  “Thank you, Papa.”

  ***

  The next afternoon Bingley, Darcy, and Georgiana left for London after Bingley had spent the morning hovering over his wife in poorly concealed concern.

  When their mother came to call in the early afternoon, Elizabeth determinedly kept the conversation to the latest news from London and what fashions they had seen during the Season. Jane seconded her efforts gamely, and they were able to keep their mother on trivial topics for the entire visit.

  Elizabeth received a letter the following day from Darcy telling of their safe arrival, but it was not until two days later that she received an account of the wedding from Georgiana.

  Dearest Elizabeth,—

  Well, my dear sister, the wedding is over and the newlyweds are now at the comte’s estate near Windsor. The day was sunny and rather warm for the season, but not unpleasantly so, and we arrived at the church early as Mr. Bingley was, of course, to give away the bride. Miss Bingley was dressed in a beautiful gown of cream silk, with yards and yards of Belgian lace. Her bonnet was of cream, with ribbons of silver, and her bouquet was of cream hothouse roses surrounded by small fern leaves. The church was about a quarter full of society people, and Miss Bingley was very gratified by the number who attended in spite of the unfashionable date.

  Everyt
hing went off very smoothly, and Mr. Bingley was smiling and gracious, as always, when he handed his sister off to her husband-to-be. The Hursts had a wedding breakfast for the newlyweds, and they stayed for about an hour before retiring to change into their travel clothes. They went to his estate immediately after, and we visited for a short time with the other wedding guests and were back at Ashbourne House in time for dinner. Colonel Fitzwilliam joined us for the wedding and reception (looking very handsome in his regimentals I might add), but his duty required him to return to the palace afterwards, so we did not have much time to talk.

  I would tell you who was at the wedding, but I am afraid that I did not notice once my dear fiancé arrived. He will join us for dinner here today. He told me that he received information from someone at the palace that Jonathan Walker was sentenced to hang, but the judge then commuted (if that is the correct word) his sentence to life imprisonment at the penal colony in New South Wales. Apparently the judge felt that Walker should not lose his life when his superior in the smuggling scheme was able to save his own life by giving up his comrades. I am glad his life was spared. As much as I resent and abhor his behaviour towards me, I would not wish for his parents to live with the knowledge that their only son had been hanged.

  My dearest sister, I do not know how I will bear waiting until spring for our wedding. It seemed like a sensible plan two months ago, but now the spring seems an eternity away. I will not complain any further, however! My best love to Jane and I hope that she feels very well.—Love, etc.

  Elizabeth was entertained by Georgiana’s letter, which she thought was probably quite accurate, and read it to Jane.

  ***

  The heat was abominable for the rest of the week, with storm clouds piling up in the west but no rain to give them relief, but Georgiana did not notice. She was too happy spending whatever time she could with the colonel to be bothered by other things. They shopped in the London warehouses and spent their evenings at the few theatre offerings or dinner parties available at that time of year, but most of their evenings were spent at home at Ashbourne House. Mr. Bingley had returned to Hertfordshire immediately after Miss Bingley’s wedding so Mr. Darcy frequently resorted to his club to give him a place of refuge away from the lovers, while Mrs. Annesley had a great deal of correspondence each evening.

  A few days after the wedding, Georgiana received a letter from Elizabeth:

  My dear Georgiana,—

  I am delighted to tell you that my sister Jane was delivered of a beautiful, healthy baby girl today. Both mother and baby seem to be thriving, and I feel a great weight of worry lifted from my shoulders. Mr. Bingley almost went mad with waiting and was as white as a ghost when he was finally allowed in to see his wife and their new daughter. Once he was assured of Jane’s well-being, however, he regained his spirits (although I suspect he fortified himself with a stiff brandy when he left us!). The Bingleys surprised me by telling me that they are naming her after me, so there will be another Lizzy in the family. I anticipate that I will be able to leave Hertfordshire in about a fortnight without concern for my sister. I am hoping the unseasonable weather will cool and we will all be more comfortable. Give the colonel my best, my dearest girl.—Your affectionate sister,

  Elizabeth

  Georgiana was relieved to know that Jane was well, but knowing the time limit of her current happiness depressed her spirits. She voiced her discontent in her diary that night:

  5 September: Only two more weeks before we travel north, leaving my love in town. I thought it sensible to wait to marry until I turned eighteen and we would have time to prepare the house and the wedding at leisure, but the closer our parting comes, the less my plans please me. I talked to Edward tonight about planning the wedding sooner and he admitted that next March seemed very far away. He also commented that he “wasn’t getting any younger,” which amused me. Anyone less elderly than my Edward I cannot imagine! I will write to Elizabeth immediately and ask for her opinion: could the arrangements be moved forwards, or are we being precipitous?

  Fortunately for Georgiana’s temper, Elizabeth wrote to her by return post:

  My dear girl,—

  Talk to your brother and order your wedding gown as soon as may be. The only arrangements that are of importance are yours and the colonel’s.—With all my love, etc.

  ***

  When she had been at Netherfield for nearly a fortnight and Jane was recovered enough that Elizabeth no longer had any fears about her health, she received two letters. The first, from Darcy, said that they would return from London the next day:

  My dearest Wife,—

  I am happy to hear that Jane is feeling so well and that your namesake is healthy. It seems like months since we left Netherfield and I can hardly wait to see you. I know that Georgiana has been corresponding with you, so this will come as no surprise, but she and the colonel have decided to marry as soon as possible. They will both return to Netherfield with me tomorrow, and I am hoping that we can return to Pemberley within the next week. They will be married in the Pemberley chapel, probably a week after we return. I hope that you are feeling well and that your nursing duties with your sister have not tired you, my darling.—With all my love, etc.

  The second letter was from Georgiana:

  Dearest Elizabeth,—

  We have talked with my brother and our wishes have prevailed (not that there was much opposition in the case!). My gown is not quite finished, but the seamstress will deliver it to Pemberley within a few days of our return for the final fitting. I will describe it to you when we get to Netherfield, which will be in the early afternoon tomorrow, and a week after our return to Pemberley we will have Mr. Woodson marry us in the Pemberley chapel. I did not expect a year ago that I would be married so soon, and I must confess that I feel rather giddy! I will see you very soon.—Love,

  Georgiana

  Chapter 28

  She is your treasure, she must have a husband.

  —William Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew

  Within a week and a half they were back at Pemberley. Both Jane and little Lizzy were doing very well when they left and Georgiana could see that Elizabeth had regained her equanimity. She told Georgiana, “I naturally have fears about my own lying-in, but I refuse to allow myself to be out of spirits for the next two months.”

  This resolution was the more easily kept since the plans for the upcoming wedding gave them all much to talk about during the long drive home. The air when they reached Derbyshire was noticeably cooler and more comfortable than that in Hertfordshire, and Georgiana could already see a few yellow leaves peeping out from amongst the green along the highway.

  After they had climbed with relief from the carriage and greeted Mrs. Reynolds and Smithfield, the housekeeper handed Darcy a letter. It was from Lady Catherine and had arrived while they were still in Hertfordshire; it had been directed to Pemberley and held there, since Mrs. Reynolds knew that they would be home the next day. Darcy read it and handed it silently to Elizabeth, his face a cypher. Georgiana peered over her sister’s shoulder. Lady Catherine mentioned none of the previous unpleasantness, but her tone was as militant as always:

  Lord Winslow,—

  I thank you for your letter and will wait upon you at Pemberley on the second of October. Anne will accompany me, and we expect to stay a fortnight. I am sorry that we cannot make a longer stay, but you may not be aware that your cousin Anne just became engaged to Viscount St. George and we must hurry back to Kent to finish the arrangements for the wedding, which will be quite soon.—I am yours sincerely, etc.

  Elizabeth, startled, looked up at Darcy as he stood over her while she read. “The second of October. That is today!”

  “Indeed it is,” he said and then added acerbically, “We are fortunate that we arrived at Pemberley before she did. It would not have improved our relationship if she visited and we were not at home!”
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  Georgiana’s eyes looked rather wary, but the colonel’s only response was to say, with a sigh, “I had better warn my parents about my brother’s engagement.”

  Lady Catherine and her daughter arrived just before they were about to have a cup of tea, so Elizabeth and Georgiana had the tea things to occupy them when their guests came down from their rooms after changing from their travel clothes. Miss de Bourgh and her companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, arrived first and, as usual, Miss de Bourgh sat on the couch like an inanimate object while Mrs. Jenkinson fluttered around her. Lady Catherine seemed surprised to be the last to arrive in the drawing-room and, as soon as the courtesies had been performed, resentfully carped, “How did you and Anne get down before me, Mrs. Jenkinson? I came down almost immediately.”

  Mrs. Jenkinson seemed to quail before her and stammered that it did not seem as if they had hurried. Georgiana thought a deflecting tactic might help and turned to Anne and said, “I understand that you are engaged to be married, Cousin Anne. I congratulate you.”

  Anne thanked her quietly and resumed her mute posture.

  Georgiana turned to Lady Catherine and added, “It is very fortunate that you have come at this time, Lady Catherine. The colonel and I are to be married next week. I was afraid that our plans would not allow all of our family to be present at the ceremony, so I am very pleased that you are here.”

  Lady Catherine launched into a harangue on the preparations that were necessary for a proper nuptial and pointed out firmly that they must not have their wedding until after Anne and Lord St. George were married as they were the elder cousins and had precedence. Georgiana and the colonel both nodded gravely at each point she made until she finally ran down and sipped the tea Elizabeth had poured her.

  Elizabeth gave a slightly desperate look at Darcy and he took up the thread of the conversation.

  “It is quite some years since you were at Pemberley, Lady Catherine, is it not?”

  “I was last here in the year before your father died. This tea is too weak, Lady Winslow. You should tell your cook to steep it longer.”