Fate and Consequences

by Linda Wells

  Lord Matlock and James were bent over a table, examining a map of the estate. “What is wrong? You look as if you have received some bad news.” He glanced at the letter in his hand.

  Richard grimaced and handed him the letter. “Aunt Catherine has reared her head again.” He sat down and watched as his father and brother leaned over it.

  James spoke first. “I hate to say this of our aunt, but is she deranged? Who gave her the authority to bargain Georgiana’s future away?” He looked at Richard. “Surely you do not approve?”

  He stared. “Surely you jest! No, as wonderful as it will be someday to find Georgiana married and restored to society, this is not the method that should be followed.” He sighed. “Darcy will be furious.”

  “Darcy furious? I am furious! She has stepped far over the line this time.” Lord Matlock began pacing. “The Season is over, all the families are back in the country, and the talk was dying. This will only dredge it all up again!”

  “Darcy’s consent would still be necessary; does she really think he would bend to her will?” James asked as he watched his father’s rapid stride.

  “She certainly would not receive mine.” Richard muttered darkly.

  Lord Matlock stopped. “There is nothing for it. I must go to Rosings. A letter will not do.”

  “What authority do you have over her?” James asked.

  “I know the terms of Sir Lewis de Bourgh’s will.” Richard and James glanced at each other.

  “And?” Richard prodded.

  “Upon Anne’s thirtieth birthday, if she is not married, Rosings is hers. She will have the right to send Catherine to the dowager’s home. That is less than two years from now. Perhaps I can speak to Anne about her plans; she is becoming quite old to marry, and with Rosings in her possession, she will likely never marry, she will be free to make her own choices.”

  James nodded then was struck by a thought. “Would Aunt Catherine be displaced if Anne were to marry?”

  Lord Matlock laughed without humour. “Not if she married Darcy. He would wish to remain at Pemberley, and Catherine would be able to continue at Rosings for her lifetime. Any other man would have sent her packing; that, along with our sister’s wishes to show up our father with the joined estates are her incentives.” He glanced at his sons. “I will go speak to your mother. She will be incensed and will likely wish to come along and strangle Catherine personally.”

  “Well, I must return to London soon, so I will travel with you. Further, as Georgiana’s guardian, I should be there in any case.” Lord Matlock nodded and strode from the room to find his wife.

  The brothers watched him go. “Will you tell Darcy?” James asked.

  Richard sat back and closed his eyes. “He is in Hertfordshire now, wooing Miss Elizabeth.” James laughed shortly. Richard’s eyes opened. “You do not support him?”

  James picked up a pen and started fiddling with it. “Darcy and I were raised to follow certain standards when marrying. As first sons and heirs, we are to marry women of the highest circles, bringing their dowries and connections to the estates. He is mocking his position by taking on this fortune hunter in his ridiculous quest for love.”

  “Do you really think she is a fortune hunter? Mother seems to be softening towards the match, and she is no fool.”

  “She is a woman.”

  Richard cocked his head and raised a brow. “Obviously, James.”

  He waved his hand dismissively. “All women are overly romantic.”

  “So you are calling Darcy romantic?” He laughed. “You do not know him well. Darcy would have no idea how to express love let alone feel it. He had no ability to comfort Georgiana after we found her. I hardly did better, but at least I have the memory of an affectionate mother. He has nothing.”

  James listened, thinking of the warmth his mother taught him without even realizing it. “So why this girl? Why not someone from his circle? Surely there must be some lady of society who could fulfil whatever his need is.”

  Richard shook his head. “Miss Elizabeth found the key to awaken his numb heart. I will meet her sometime next month or sooner if this mess with Aunt Catherine requires my seeing him. I will reserve my judgment until then.”

  “All right, go, look her over, and render your opinion. Please do not be swept away by a pretty smile. Too much is at stake for him and Georgiana.”

  “One crisis at a time.” They looked up as the door opened. Lord Matlock appeared; his face was bright red. “Richard, I suggest you have your things packed quickly or your mother is liable to leave without us.”

  Richard and James laughed. “Ah, leave it to Mother. She will set Aunt Catherine straight in no time.”

  “THAT IS A FINE weapon, Mr. Darcy.” Sir William looked at the gun Darcy held with admiration.

  He nodded. “Thank you, it was a recent purchase, but I have not as yet had the opportunity to try it.” Darcy made a special effort to be a little more approachable. Elizabeth’s gentle chastisement during one of their walks was still running through his mind. He smiled inwardly. How could this slip of a girl so quickly become a part of his consciousness? Several other men in the shooting party stepped over to inspect the new purchase. Darcy handed it to Mr. Goulding and watched as he held the gun to his shoulder and aimed at a passing bird. The group was gathered at Lucas Lodge, the men of that house, the occupants of Netherfield, and six other neighbours had met in the still foggy morning air to seek out the pheasant that were beaten out of the grass by servants. When Darcy enquired after Mr. Bennet, he was told that he rarely joined them. Darcy retrieved his gun and set out on the walk, separating himself slightly from the group. He enjoyed the activity, but was simply not comfortable with so many he did not know. He listened to the idle conversation of guns, dogs and horses. Bingley was urged to host a fox hunt when the season opened in November and he looked at Darcy with alarm, never having done such a thing.

  Darcy gave him a slight smile. “I can tell you what must be done, but I am sure that your steward is well aware. I am only sorry that my best hunter is at Pemberley. I should have had my own horses brought down.”

  “I am sorry that my poor equestrian choices will limit your enjoyment, Darcy.” Bingley jabbed.

  Darcy laughed. “As I recall, they are not your horses. Perhaps you can have them included as part of the purchase if you decide to take Netherfield.”

  “That is an excellent idea!”

  He smiled and wandered further away. The beaters cried out with success and a flock of birds suddenly rose up in a great squawk. The men hurried to fire their guns. Darcy made his shot, watching his bird fall, and was preparing to take another when suddenly his hat flew from his head and landed some five feet away on the ground. He spun around to see John Lucas standing alone behind him, gun in hand, and an unreadable expression on his face. “What the devil are you doing?” Darcy cried. “I could have been killed!” He strode up to the man, his eyes blazing. The other men saw the incident and Bingley bent, picking up the hat, and stuck his finger in one of the holes. The location was just where the top of Darcy’s head would reside. They gathered around the two men.

  John finally reacted. “I am sorry, Mr. Darcy, I was aiming and the hound bumped against me just as I pulled the trigger, and threw me off balance. It was an accident.” He looked over at Bingley holding the hat and saw the hole. He then glanced up at Darcy’s head and blanched. A trickle of blood was running down his temple. “Mr. Darcy, you have been wounded.”

  Darcy’s eyes widened and his hand went to his hair as the rest of the party murmured. He drew his fingers away and looked at the smear of blood. Hurst stepped forward with a clean handkerchief and pressed it to his scalp. “Lean down, man, you are far too tall for me to see the damage.” Darcy bent and Hurst moved his hair about. “Just grazed, but a bit further south and we would not be enjoying this discussion.” Bingley drew out his own handkerchief and wiped the blood from Darcy’s face. He stood and accepted their ministrations, and tried to
control his feeling that this was no accident.

  John could practically read the thought as it crossed his face. “Mr. Darcy, I swear, I was not attempting to harm you. I realize that we have …”

  Darcy held up his hand. “I believe that I have lost my interest in hunting for today. If you will excuse me gentlemen, I will return to Longbourn and join my sister as she visits with the Bennets.”

  Sir William bustled up. “Please sir, it is but a scratch, and an accident to boot. Do not let this spoil your sport.”

  Darcy looked at him, then John. “Thank you, but I believe a walk will do me good.” He took his hat from Bingley and placed it back on his head. All eyes travelled to the hole. He picked up his gun from where he threw it down, and nodding, began the long walk.

  “Darcy wait, I will come with you.” Bingley caught up to him.

  “No, it is important for you to establish relationships with the neighbourhood. I will be fine. I would prefer Elizabeth’s company in any case.”

  “Very well, we will come by Longbourn when we are finished. I will lead your horse over.”

  He nodded and grasped his shoulder. “Thank you.” Both realized how close he had come to death.

  They all watched Darcy leaving and then the eyes turned upon John. “I swear; it was an accident!”

  Bingley stepped up to him and spoke softly. “You do not know how fortunate you are that Darcy let this go so graciously. It takes a far stronger man to walk away from a fight.”

  John gritted his teeth. “I did not aim for him!” Bingley looked him over doubtfully.

  Sir William called out. “Shall we continue, gentlemen?” The party wandered deeper into the fields as the gamesmen picked up the birds. John lagged behind, wondering if he had unconsciously aimed for Darcy. The news of his courtship with Elizabeth came as a hard blow. He looked behind him and just saw Darcy’s tall form as it disappeared from view, and thanked God nothing worse was damaged than his hat.

  “FINALLY I GET to spend time with you!” Elizabeth hooked her arm in Georgiana’s and they made their way through the garden and to begin their walk. “I was afraid that Mary was going to take all of your time. You certainly have become fast friends.” She smiled at her.

  “I do like her very much. She is a little older than I, but we seem to share a love of music.”

  “Indeed you do, I hope that you might convince her that all she plays need not be ponderous, and perhaps hint that playing is far better than singing.” She winked at her.

  “Elizabeth!” Her eyes were wide. “I can not tell her that she sings poorly!”

  Elizabeth sighed. “I wish someone would.” Georgiana giggled. “So, tell me, how are you getting on with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst?”

  “Oh, they are nice.” Elizabeth tilted her head. Georgiana’s expression was hardly enthusiastic. “Well, maybe a little too friendly. They keep telling me how wonderful I am, how accomplished, it all seems a bit much, really. The way they go on, you would think that I outshine every girl in society, when I am but fifteen. Even if I were to believe their flattery, I doubt that I could ever approach their description of me.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “That is very wise, Georgiana. Why do you think they flatter you so?”

  “I do not know. Everyone else in town has been very clear in how ruined I am.” She cast her eyes down and whispered. “I am not fit for anything now.”

  Elizabeth stopped and lifted her chin so that Georgiana had no choice but to look at her. “You are fit for a wonderful life. It may not be what you expected, but did you ever think that it may be even better?” She smiled as she watched her eyes widen, and then patting her arm they set off again. “Did it occur to you that they want something? I know them but little, and even with that brief introduction I see them both as rather manipulative. Do they do anything else that strikes you as odd?”

  Georgiana worried her lip. She was unaccustomed to thinking ill of anyone. “I … well; Miss Bingley has presumed a closeness with William.”

  Elizabeth’s brow rose. “A closeness?”

  Georgiana looked up. “Oh, taking his arm, complimenting him excessively, following him around, getting in his way, drawing attention to herself …”

  Elizabeth laughed. “I have a feeling you could go on forever. I imagine your brother finds the interest annoying.”

  Georgiana smiled. “Yes, but he is too polite to do much more than make a face when he thinks nobody can see.” They laughed. “They seem to push Mr. Bingley towards me.” She said softly.

  Thinking of Jane, Elizabeth asked, “And how do you feel about that? He has begun visiting frequently and it is clearly to call on my sister Jane.”

  “Yes, I know. He is not interested in me, and I like him, but certainly not as more than my brother’s good friend.” She sighed. “Honestly Elizabeth, if it were not for you and your family being here, I would much rather go home.”

  “Well, with any luck, we will all be home soon.” Elizabeth said softly. Georgiana looked at her with confusion. “We?”

  “Oh.” Elizabeth took her hands. “I see that your brother has not told you. He has proposed and I have accepted. My father insists on a public period of courtship, as nobody but we know of our letters. William and I are bearing with it for appearance’s sake, but we do hope to announce our engagement soon and be married in about seven weeks.” She smiled. “So, WE will be sisters.”

  Georgiana stood with her mouth agape. “Really?” She did not know how to react. “May I … may I embrace you Elizabeth?”

  “Why of course!” Elizabeth pulled her in for a great hug and Georgiana burst into tears. “Whatever is wrong?” Elizabeth held her close, rubbing her back and rocking her. “Georgiana?”

  The tears continued, but she managed to speak. “Is this something that sisters do? Do they comfort each other?”

  Elizabeth pulled back. “Has nobody ever held you?”

  “Not since Papa died. Sometimes my aunt does, but I see her so seldom. William tries, but he is so awkward. He does not know how to express his feelings. When he was small, whenever he did, Papa would call him weak, and Mother, well from what I have heard, she rarely interacted with him at all. He just learned never to show anyone anything.” She looked up. “Until he met you.” They walked over to a bench and sat down. Elizabeth held her hands and listened. “He was changing every day, since your letters, but now that he is actually here with you, he is so different. I wish he had met you months ago, then maybe I would not have …” She grew quiet.

  “You can trust me Georgiana. Why do you wish I had met William sooner?”

  “Do you know why I agreed to elope with Mr. Wickham?” Elizabeth shook her head. Georgiana sniffed. “He expressed affection for me. He told me I was beautiful and held me and … I just did not want to lose that. Ever since Papa died, I have missed that so much.”

  Elizabeth closed her eyes and embraced the girl. “I understand now. That is why you did not tell William about Mr. Wickham coming to call. You did not want to lose the affection that he was expressing to you, even if you knew it was wrong.” She nodded. “You do not continue to have feelings for him, do you? You realize that he only wished for your dowry and to hurt your brother?”

  “I have ruined us all because of it.”

  Elizabeth kissed her forehead. “You were following a foolish dream. You were lonely and inexperienced, and I gather that Mr. Wickham is quite adept at what he did to you. You are not the only one.”

  Georgiana looked up. “I am not?”

  “No. Your brother and I have talked about it. He still does not understand why you acted as you did, and you should tell him. You do understand what was so wrong about what you did, why you should never have hidden this from William?”

  “Yes, I knew all along, it almost seemed as if I was living a story from a romantic book. But then we climbed into the carriage, and at first it was all so exciting. It was not long before I realized how stupid I had been and all I could think about
was how to make it all stop, but it was too late then, I thought that there was no hope, and I would never see William again.” She began sobbing. “I was so grateful when I saw him standing in the doorway with Richard, I had been praying all day long for him to find me. I deserve everything that has been said of me, and will bear it for the rest of my life as my punishment, as long as I still have my brother. I just feel so terrible for hurting him. He has suffered so much because of me, and I do not even belong in his home.” That statement caught Elizabeth’s attention.

  “Is there anything else that you wish to talk about while we are alone?” Georgiana thought of telling her about her doubtful paternity, but just could not bring herself to speak on it. She shook her head. Elizabeth could sense that she was holding back but followed her lead and smiled. “Are you sure Georgiana? I promise; I will not judge you.”

  The sympathy in Elizabeth’s voice finally helped her to overcome her fear and she blurted it out. “He never would have suffered this humiliation if I had never been born.” She sobbed anew. It was several minutes before she could speak. “I am not a Darcy. My mother … I do not know who my father is.”

  Elizabeth hugged her tightly, and remembered William telling her this news, and searched to find the comforting words the young girl needed to hear. Georgiana continued. “The whole family knows, has at least suspected it since my birth, you see, my parents … my mother and Mr. Darcy did not get on well, they …”

  Elizabeth shushed her. “I understand.” She began to wonder about William’s tormented childhood. “What has William said to you about this?”

  Georgiana sniffed and looked up. “That I am as much a Darcy as he is.” Elizabeth smiled; proud of the man she would marry.

  “So, why are you worried? He accepts you, and that is the most important news of all, and apparently Mr. Darcy accepted you, too. You are William’s sister, and soon you will be mine.” She took out her lavender embroidered handkerchief and wiped her face. “Do you think of Mr. Darcy as Papa, still? He must have loved you, his loss affected you deeply. If he had been indifferent, you would not have felt the absence of affection that he obviously gave you, and you would not have been so easily influenced by Mr. Wickham’s attentions.”