Georgiana felt herself feeling unsettled. “You will talk to Lady Belmont about me?” she said, somewhat unsure.
“Why of course, dear,” Lady Fitzwilliam assured her. “That is how these things are done.”
Georgiana looked over at Elizabeth briefly, then back to her aunt, “Lady Abigail, I am not sure that I…”
Lady Fitzwilliam interrupted her, “I know you are probably feeling very unsettled at the moment. It can all be so overwhelming,” she told her. “Do not be uneasy, my dear girl. I have everything under control.”
Elizabeth could see the look of panic beginning to take hold in Georgiana’s eyes, “Lady Abigail, I believe what Georgiana was attempting to say is we had thought that this ball would be more of a way to introduce her into society. She was not necessarily looking for a husband just yet.”
Lady Fitzwilliam shook her head, “Oh no!” she told them. “You cannot afford to let a moment pass by. I promise you, if you do not secure one of the eligible young men from the best families early in the season, you will be left with those who are less desirable. No, you must strike while the iron is hot! Besides, as a beautiful young lady of superior social standing, you do not want to remain on the marriage mart for long,” she warned her. “You must trust me. I know best how things will go. I will ask Richard and William to ensure only the best young men are sent over to both you and Miss Bennet. You may dance with whom you like, but be careful not to show particular favor to anyone even if you have high regard for them. Above all, you must not ever appear desperate. Now, after the ball, you will have many callers that will come to leave their cards. Elizabeth, you must make yourself available to go through those potential candidates that have left cards to call on your sister and my niece. Darcy will help you go through them, I am sure. Of course, you will want to determine which are the most suitable bachelors and do away with the less acceptable ones, I am sure.”
Georgiana furrowed her brow just a little, “The less acceptable ones?” she said, trying to remember all that her aunt was saying.
“Yes, my dear,” Lady Fitzwilliam told her. She looked at her niece and smiled, “There will be a number of young men in attendance, but not all of them will be truly acceptable as a suitable partner for you. For example, we will invite some from the militia, as that is customary and expected; but not all will be of your rank and so should not be considered.”
“Why would you invite someone to the ball if they are not suitable?” Kitty interrupted and asked.
Lady Fitzwilliam smiled, “It is not that they are bad gentlemen, we will be very careful in choosing only those who are worthy of attending such an affair,” she began to say. “However, even among those who are invited, not all of them will be suitable for either you or Georgiana. Remember, we are looking for those who have rank, connection, and wealth, as well as a handsome face.”
Kitty furrowed her brow, “I see,” was all she said.
Georgiana felt her stomach lurch just a little. “Surely, Lady Abigail, you will not expect me to make a decision to marry one of these young men so soon after spending only one evening with them?”
Lady Fitzwilliam laughed, “Of course not, my dear. As I said, they will call the next morning and leave their cards. Elizabeth and your brother will go through them carefully to choose the very best ones to receive after that. You will spend time with several young men, and from there, choose the one that is best suited for you.”
Georgiana narrowed her eyes, “It all sounds so…so very dreadful,” she blurted out as tears formed in her eyes.
Lady Fitzwilliam furrowed her brow, “Georgie, I promise you I will do my very best to ensure that you are not exposed to anyone who is beneath you. When Richard asked me to help with this, I knew at once I could be of service…”
Georgiana’s eyes opened wider, “Richard asked you…?” she said, somewhat taken aback. “He asked you to help find a suitable match for me?”
“Why yes, dear; both he and William want the very best for you,” Lady Fitzwilliam told her. “Of course, Elizabeth will be of immense help as well.”
Georgiana could not explain why, but learning that Richard was actually seeking to help marry her off to another man hurt deeply. She felt her stomach convulse as she bit her bottom lip and did her best to hold back the tears. “I am sorry Aunt, I suddenly do not feel very well,” she said as she hurried out of the room.
Elizabeth stood up, “I will go and check on her,” she said as she went to follow after her. Before Elizabeth reached the door, Caroline called out to her.
“Elizabeth, if I might have a word with you for just a moment,” she said as she got up and walked over to the door, leaving the other ladies to discuss what it was that could have upset Georgiana so.
Elizabeth was anxious to see to Georgiana but did not want to be rude. “Caroline, could we speak later? I really must see to…” she began to say when she was interrupted.
“I understand your desire to speak with Miss Darcy. However, I believe I know what is upsetting her,” she told her as she guided her out into the hallway. “I believe Miss Darcy has feelings for Colonel Fitzwilliam and that is why she reacted the way she did just now.”
Elizabeth furrowed her brow, “Why would you think that she has feelings for Colonel Fitzwilliam?” she asked her. “Has Georgiana said as much to you?”
Caroline shook her head, “No, she has not,” she admitted.
“Then why do you believe she has feelings for her cousin?” Elizabeth asked.
Caroline suddenly realized she would have to confide in Elizabeth about her own growing attraction to Owen if she told her the truth of how she found out. She hesitated for a moment, then said, “Recently, I was speaking with Mr. Fitzwilliam, and it was he who pointed out to me the regard he believes Miss Darcy has for his brother. Mr. Fitzwilliam confided in me that he had observed Miss Darcy on several occasions when she is with the colonel. He has witnessed her behavior and believes that she holds Colonel Fitzwilliam in high regard. Although, he did say that he suspects Miss Darcy may not even fully realize her own heart yet.”
Elizabeth found this all very shocking and interesting, “So you and Mr. Fitzwilliam were talking together when he shared this confidence with you?” she asked, just to be sure she understood her.
Caroline took in a small breath, “Yes,” she admitted. “Please do be careful whom you share this information with. I do not want Mr. Fitzwilliam to think I am gossiping about the things he conveyed to me. I only thought to tell you what he has observed so that you might determine how Miss Darcy feels and know best how to counsel her going forward.”
Elizabeth furrowed her brow, “Tell me, Caroline, did Mr. Fitzwilliam say if he believes his brother has feelings for Georgiana?”
Caroline nodded her head, “He did,” she told her. “Although, he said he does not believe his brother has come to terms with his growing and changing regard for Miss Darcy yet. “
Elizabeth considered what she said, “If what you say is true, and Mr. Fitzwilliam is right, that would explain why Georgiana became so upset when she learned that Richard asked his mother to help in finding her a match,” she said softly.
“Yes, can you imagine, if the man you had feelings for was seeking to help marry you off to someone else? It must have been a terrible blow to one so young as Miss Darcy,” Caroline said in a moment of compassion that was most unlike her.
Elizabeth shook her head, “If it is as Mr. Fitzwilliam said, and Colonel Fitzwilliam does indeed have feelings for Georgiana, why would he request that his mother help in finding a suitable match for her?” she said, trying to make sense of it all.
Caroline shrugged her shoulders, “I cannot speak to that,” she told her.
“Thank you for telling me these things, Caroline. I believe I should go up and speak with Georgiana,” she told her. “You have my word I will not say anything that would place you in a bad light with Mr. Fitzwilliam.”
Caroline watched her go. She sighed heav
ily and thought about the situation before them. The one thing that was most confusing was why would the colonel speak to his mother about helping Georgiana find an eligible match? It was obvious the colonel was in love with Miss Darcy; Caroline had seen it herself. She took in a deep breath and shook her head; again, she determined that the heart was a very fickle thing and not to be trusted. She sighed deeply and went to join the other ladies.
Elizabeth knocked on Georgiana’s door, “May I come in?” she called out to her. Georgiana sat up on her bed and dried her eyes. She straightened out her dress and called out, “Come in, Elizabeth,” she said as she got up and moved over to the window.
Elizabeth stepped into the room, “Georgie, what is it; what is the matter?” she asked her in a concerned voice.
Georgiana turned to her and sniffled in, “Lizzy, please do not concern yourself with me, I am well,” she said softly.
Elizabeth stepped into the room and closed the door, “Oh Georgie, truly, you do not seem at all well,” she said, her voice filled with sympathy. “Please, tell me what has you so anxious and uneasy?”
Georgiana began fidgeting with the handkerchief in her hand, “I do not know what is wrong with me,” she told her as fresh tears formed in her eyes. “I cannot explain why I am so upset. I only know that I am.”
Elizabeth walked over and took Georgiana’s hand in hers. “Come and sit down,” she said as she guided her over to the sofa near the fireplace. She thought about what Caroline had told her. “Georgie, is it possible you do not really desire to have this ball after all?”
Georgiana shook her head, “Oh no Lizzy, I am not afraid of having the ball,” she told her.
“All right, if you have no real objections to us going forward, then what has upset you so?” Elizabeth asked her again.
Georgiana took in a deep breath and thought about it. “I suppose I just found everything my aunt was saying about choosing the most suitable bachelor so cold and unfeeling. It all seemed so very…” she searched for the right word to use.
“Unromantic,” Elizabeth said softly.
Georgiana nodded her head, “Yes, exactly,” she told her. “Oh Lizzy, I do not want to have someone pointed in my direction. I want the man I marry to seek me out, the way William did you. I want my love story to be just like yours and William’s.”
Elizabeth laughed, “Well, I am not so very sure that is the best way to begin a love story either,” she told her. “You must remember; William and I did have a very difficult beginning.”
Georgiana sniffled in, “Yes, but as you said, that was only because of some misunderstandings. Once your true regard for one another was made known, that is when your real love story began, I think.”
Elizabeth smiled, “Yes, I suppose it was,” she said as she thought about it. “But there is no reason to believe that you will not meet someone at the ball whom you will find very agreeable and fall in love with.”
Georgiana sniffled in and wiped her eyes as she stood up and walked over to the window to look out at the gardens. She was quiet for a moment as she considered how to respond to her. After a few moments of silence, she turned to her. “Lizzy, you do know what I mean to say?” she asked her. “I want the man I marry to see me as more than just an acceptable match, someone who has the proper rank, or distinction of birth. I want him to look at me the way I have witnessed William look at you, with love and admiration,” she said as she did her best to keep an even voice. “I have seen so many marriages like the one my aunt described. Marriages that are brokered, where there is no true feeling or regard, only a mutual desire to increase wealth or secure name and position in society. Is it wrong for not wanting that? Am I mistaken for not wanting to marry a man who only considers me desirable because I have £30,000 in income to bring to the marriage? William did not consider such things when he chose you; He was led by his heart, and that is what I long for also.”
Elizabeth sighed, “Oh my dear Georgiana, just because your aunt asks her friend to introduce you to her nephew does not mean you must choose him to marry. It merely offers you an opportunity to meet him and then decide if you will like him or not,” she reminded her again. “After all, the entire point of having this ball for you is to afford you the opportunity to meet several young men and from there decide if you should like one enough to wish to spend more time with.”
“I suppose,” Georgiana said, somewhat doubtful.
“Georgie, is that the only reason you became so upset before?” Elizabeth asked. “I only ask because I noticed you seemed most upset that your aunt made mention of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s having asked her to help you in finding someone suitable.”
Just hearing the words again brought fresh tears to Georgiana’s eyes, “I do not know why that should upset me so, only that it does,” she admitted. “Why would he do that?”
“I suppose because he wants what is the very best for you,” Elizabeth said.
Georgiana could not help but feel hurt, “Lizzy, it is all so very confusing,” she began to say. “When we were together at Netherfield, Richard seemed against me coming out into society. He made it very clear he did not approve of me doing so. Since we have come to London, he has been opposed to my spending time with anyone. Even while we were at Lady Knowles’s ball, he kept watching over me, and he had this look of disapproval about him. I am sure he thinks me still a child, and that is probably why he asked his mother to help me find a suitable match. He thinks I am incapable of finding anyone for myself. He does not trust my judgment.”
“Do you really believe that is the reason he behaves as he does?” she asked her.
She shrugged her shoulders, “I cannot think of any other possible reason,” she said, trying to hide her frustration and hurt.
“And the only reason you are so upset is that you believe he considers you a child,” she asked her again.
Georgiana nodded her head, “Yes, I now see it. That must be his reason,” she told her stubbornly.
Elizabeth took in a small breath and smiled, “Oh Georgie, if I told you that William asked me to help you find a suitable match, would that be so upsetting to you?”
Georgiana shook her head, “No, of course not. I would expect William to want to help me,” she told her.
“Why would you expect that William should want to help you?” Elizabeth asked her.
“Because he is my brother and guardian,” she told her. “And as such, it is his duty to help guide me in these matters.”
“And the fact that Colonel Fitzwilliam was seeking to help you find someone to marry was not something you would expect of him, even though he is your guardian as well?” she asked her.
Georgiana thought about it more, “Yes, but it is different with Richard,” she told her. “He is not my brother, nor have I ever truly looked to him as my guardian.”
“How have you thought of him, then? It is clear to me that you hold him in high regard,” Elizabeth asked.
“Of course, I hold him in high regard. He has always been very dear to me,” Georgiana furrowed her brow, “Besides you, Richard is my dearest friend,” she admitted.
Elizabeth sighed heavily, “Georgie, is it possible that you are unsure about having this ball because you do not really wish to find someone?” she asked her. “Is it possible you have already found someone whom you could give your heart to, and did not even know it?”
Georgiana’s heart beat a little faster, “Now you are speaking of Richard…” she said as she considered the matter.
“I think perhaps your feelings for him run much deeper than that of a friend,” she told her. “Perhaps it would do you some good to examine your heart,” she said softly. “It is entirely possible that your love story has already begun, and you have not even realized it.”
Georgiana laughed nervously, “No Lizzy, that is not possible,” she told her. “Richard has never seen me as anything other than a little girl…”
Elizabeth smiled, “I did not ask you to think about how he sees y
ou, Georgie. I suggested that you examine your heart to determine what you feel for him,” she told her as she walked over to the door and left her standing there.
Georgiana turned back around and leaned her head up against the window. She thought about what Elizabeth said, and slowly her eyes opened wider as she realized that her feelings for her cousin did in fact run much deeper than that of a friend. Suddenly it all became so clear to her; Richard’s attention to Kitty bothered her so much because she wanted that attention for herself. That is why it had stung so much knowing he asked his mother to help her find another to marry. For so long she had thought of him as a friend, someone on whom she could depend; but gradually over the last year, her feelings began to change. She now realized how very much she loved him. She walked over and sat down on the edge of her bed as fresh tears filled her eyes. If Richard was seeking to help her find another suitable match to spend her life with, it could only be because he held no feelings for her other than those of friendship.
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