* * *
Elizabeth turned towards her sisters after her parents left and, for the first time, noticed Mr. Bingley in attendance. The bizarre moment caused her to cover her face as she continued to laugh without restraint. She lowered herself to the sofa, holding her sides, tears coming to her eyes. Jane sat next to her, chuckling, while Kitty and Mary turned to each other in their own astonishment and giggles.
“Who were those people, Lizzy?” Jane asked in good humor.
“I know them not!” The girls gave way to their hilarity.
Mr. Bingley sat uncomfortably on the sofa amongst the young women trying to fathom what had just occurred. A smile came to his face when he rested his eyes upon Jane. She was so beautiful when she laughed. He was sure she loved him, and his impetuosity was rankled that he must wait at least one more month to ask for her hand. One more month, he thought. He imagined kissing Jane soundly, not unlike the way her parents had done minutes before. He was pulled from his sanguine thoughts when the parlor door opened and Jane’s Aunt Phillips entered.
“Oh, girls, where is your mother! I must speak to her.”
Kitty snickered while the older girls tried to regain some composure. It was Elizabeth who managed to squeak, “I am sorry, Aunt; she is unavailable at the moment.” And the room was in an uproar once more.
“Unavailable! Nonsense, I must speak to her this instant. I have heard the most troubling news! Kitty, go and fetch your mother right away.”
Sobering, Kitty stood obediently, but Jane shook her head. “I am sorry, Aunt, but my mother is otherwise occupied speaking with our father at the moment. Can we not be of service to you?”
The lady sighed dramatically and slumped herself on the settee next to Jane. “Oh, Jane dear, how you have grown. It will be a pleasure to see you happily married one of these days.” Jane colored in embarrassment when her aunt looked poignantly towards Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth was amazed at her vulgarity and realized how quickly she had become accustomed to her mother’s new deportment in the past two months. It seemed an age since her mother displayed such brash manners. She felt for her sister, though, and for Mr. Bingley, who was obviously ill at ease.
Diverting her aunt’s attention, Elizabeth inquired, “You said you had news, Aunt?”
With great exaggeration she announced, “I have just had word from our dear sweet, Mrs. Forster, the kind colonel’s wife. She writes from Brighton that our Mr. Wickham, a great favorite to us all, who was on leave you know since after your sister’s fall — God bless her soul — has not returned to the regiment!”
Elizabeth, annoyed by her aunt’s rambling speech, summarized. “So Mr. Wickham did not return to the regiment. I cannot see what this means to us, Aunt.”
“Oh lud, child! He did not leave the regiment as in give up his commission. He has abandoned it!”
“Well I suppose that is a bit more shocking, but I suppose he wished to remain with his family. His sister, I have heard, was to be married,” Elizabeth offered.
“Mr. Wickham does not have a sister,” Bingley heard himself say before he could stop the words.
Everyone turned to him with surprise. Elizabeth found her voice first. “How do you know that, Mr. Bingley?” She was sure she knew his source even before he confirmed it.
“Mr. Darcy told me; as you know, they grew up together.” Bingley looked nervously around the room at the ladies.
“Oh heavens, I shall go distracted, for it only confirms my other news,” their aunt screeched. “I have just heard from Mrs. Long that there are rumors all over Meryton that Wickham has left debts with every tradesmen and merchant in the town! And that is not all, my dears; he has debts of honor too! A gambler of the worst kind in the bosom of our homes!”
There was silence in the room before Elizabeth hissed, “Then he left to avoid his debts. And abandoned my sister . . . ” Reaching these conclusions, a tempest brewed within Elizabeth. “And failed to pay his respects by coming to the funeral or to address this family!”
Jane placed a calming hand on her sister’s leg. “Lizzy, who can say why he left. Perhaps he had some pressing business of which we are unaware. I cannot think he would have left our family, especially after such a tragic accident, if he did not have a good reason. I am sure if he could explain, we all would see this in a different light.”
Elizabeth’s teeth were clenched, and she could not agree with such blind optimism. “No, Jane, I have to agree with Aunt Phillips this time. He is a degenerate and heartless spendthrift at best. Even if he had business elsewhere that could not be delayed, why could he not have written? No, I shall go on believing as I have concluded.”
Why had I not realized his abandonment before? she wondered, and then she knew her answer. Ever since she had come to respect Mr. Darcy, she had avoided allowing herself to think of Mr. Wickham since it only made her thoughts uneasy regarding the true nature of their history together. Either Darcy was not the man she had begun to believe he was or she was seriously mistaken in her assessment of Wickham. Neither option was appealing to her, so she had soundly refused to think on it.
She was pulled from her unhappy thoughts by her aunt’s continuing gossip. “Forget Mr. Wickham; he is nothing to us now, although I must say that I never liked the man. I do have another piece of news I have just learned, so put that man out of your heads and prepare yourself for something very shocking indeed.” She lowered her voice to emphasize the lurid nature of what she was about to relate. “A girl from the Meryton Inn — a serving girl they say — is missing!”
“Missing?” Jane’s voice raised in concern.
“Missing!” her aunt repeated dramatically. “She told her friends that she was off to Gretna Green to marry a gentleman but has not been heard from since.”
Elizabeth nearly laughed at her aunt’s theatrics, effectively pulling herself out of ill humor. “Well that is not so shocking, Aunt. She is likely still with her husband, and they have not returned. What makes you think that she is missing?”
“Well they say that she left a note to her sister, who also works at the inn. She said she would write in a week’s time after they arrived in Scotland. That was almost two months ago, and nobody has heard from her.”
Elizabeth admitted that would certainly be troubling to the girl’s sister but dismissed the rest of the story without further thought. She was grateful for the arrival of the post with a letter from Georgiana that allowed her to excuse herself to read her mail for the remainder of her aunt’s visit. Jane also excused herself to see Mr. Bingley out, as he seemed to welcome any excuse to escape the confines of the parlor as well.
* * *
After saying goodbye to Mr. Bingley, Jane found her sister in their room with her letter, her face emitting a nervous excitement as she read through the missive.
“What does Miss Darcy have to say that has you biting your lip, Lizzy?” Jane laughed at her sister’s flushed countenance.
Elizabeth folded the letter and tried to affect an air of indifference. “Miss Darcy has written that she and her brother would like to invite the Gardiners and me to stay at Pemberley for the few days we are to be in Lambton.”
Jane sat back and raised an eyebrow. “That is very kind of them. I did not know they knew the Gardiners that well.”
“Mr. Darcy met them at Lydia’s funeral I believe,” she said dismissively.
Jane pursed her lips in thought for a minute. “Do you think you will accept their invitation?”
Elizabeth allowed a small smile to escape. “It is not up to me, you know. I am merely a guest of our aunt and uncle.”
“That is true. Would you like to stay there if our aunt and uncle agree to the plan?”
Elizabeth blushed before she could school her reaction. She peeked through her lashes at her sister and dissembled. “I admit that I would like to see Pemberley. Mr. Darcy spoke of it often while we were in Kent, and Miss Darcy praises it quite thoroughly in her letter.” Elizabeth raised the folded sheet of paper.<
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“And is it simply the grounds and home you wish to see, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth smiled shyly at her sister. “I suppose I would like to see Miss Darcy again.”
Jane laughed out then and hugged her sister. “I am so happy for you Lizzy! I am glad to see you have found your equal. You and Mr. Darcy will be very happy together; I am sure of it.”
“Jane! I have said nothing of Mr. Darcy!”
Shaking her head, she teased, “Do not think for a moment, Sister, that I have not noticed your changed opinion of that man since you returned from Kent. You jump to read any letters from his sister, and you keep that book he gave you with you all the time.”
“It is my keepsake of Lydia,” Elizabeth defended.
“Yes I know that, Lizzy, and I am grateful for mine too. I have gained much solace writing my thoughts about our sister. But I do not carry my book around, nor does anyone else.”
Elizabeth blushed. “I will confess that I like him and respect him, but as to love and matrimony, I have no further thoughts there.”
“Perhaps seeing his beautiful home will secure your love . . . hmm?”
Elizabeth shook her head with amusement and tossed a pillow at her sister.
“So are you going to write to our aunt and uncle about the Darcys’ invitation?”
“Oh, I suppose I must,” Elizabeth said with a dramatic sigh.
Jane rolled her eyes and hugged her sister again with a little squeal. She knew her sister was very close to being in love with Mr. Darcy, though maybe she did not know it yet herself.
Elizabeth sat down at her desk to compose the letter to her aunt. What would it hurt if she led her aunt and uncle to believe that the invitation included a mention of a day or two of fishing for her uncle or a ride about the park for her aunt? Embellishing the invitation a little, none would be the wiser. She was sure that the Darcys would be most obliging regardless. She was gratified when, a few days later, she received a letter from her aunt accepting with pleasure the invitation to stay at Pemberley.
If the Gardiners suspected Darcy’s interest in their niece to go beyond friendship and her own interest towards him to be the same, Elizabeth was none the wiser. They were sure they would know the truth as soon as they arrived at Pemberley.
Elizabeth eagerly penned an answer in the affirmative to Georgiana for their stay at Pemberley and thanked her for the kind invitation. Part of her hoped that the invitation was not just extended for Georgiana’s pleasure but for her brother’s as well.
* * *
Two weeks later, en route to Pemberley with her brother, Georgiana tried to remind herself that she had extended the invitation to Elizabeth and her family for her brother’s pleasure and not just for her own. She had received their confirmation to stay at Pemberley several days prior and had not yet found the courage to approach him about her scheme.
Although she was sure he would not be angry, she did not know whether he would be displeased with her for not having asked. She was hoping his obvious regard for Elizabeth would help him beyond the initial shock of her secrecy.
Clearing her throat, she decided that was as good a time as ever, even though she disliked the idea of being trapped in a confined carriage with him if he were to prove angry.
“William, may I speak to you about something?”
Darcy lowered the book he had been pretending to read, carefully hiding the fact that Elizabeth’s letter was secreted there.
“Yes, sweetling?”
Georgiana just managed not to cringe in her own anxiety when he spoke to her with such endearment. “I was wondering . . . that is to say that . . . I know that after last summer you may have reason to believe otherwise but . . . ”
Darcy frowned. “What is it Georgiana?”
“I was wondering whether you thought I was mature enough to act as hostess while we are at Pemberley.”
She breathed a sigh of relief when he smiled. “Firstly, you must forget about last summer. Secondly, I think you are perfectly capable of being hostess and have only to let Mrs. Reynolds know you wish to do so. I think it would be good practice for you besides. I am glad you asked, Georgie.”
He was proud of his sister as she was growing in to such an accomplished, lovely young lady. Whatever he might do to give her any pleasure was sure to be done in a moment.
“I am glad you think so because I might have already invited some friends to visit us while we are at Pemberley.” She gave him a tentative smile as she nervously studied his face.
It was true that Darcy was not in the mood to have houseguests even if it was a few of his sister’s friends. However, he could not voice his displeasure at the idea of guests after just complimenting her in earnest.
He gave her a tentative smile. “That is fine, dear. I hope you and your friends will have an enjoyable time. When do they arrive?” I hope I have at least a week to enjoy Pemberley before having guests underfoot.
Georgiana brightened considerably at his words. “In just over a week’s time I believe. They are touring Derbyshire. When I heard their tour would bring them to Lambton, I invited them to stay a few days with us at Pemberley. It will only be for about four days.”
Darcy picked up his book and made to resume his reading as he nodded to her. At least it is only a few days. “And who are these friends of yours, Georgie?” he asked with little interest.
Georgiana smiled to herself as she looked coolly out the carriage window. They were nearly home now, just inside Pemberley Woods.
“Just an acquaintance of mine, and her aunt and uncle.”
Darcy nodded his head. They were quiet until the carriage rolled to a stop. Darcy exited the carriage and turned to hand his sister down. He breathed in a deep breath of the clean, country air and exhaled with a satisfied smile. It is good to be home.
Brother and sister divested themselves of their traveling coats in the front entry and greeted Mrs. Reynolds, who always welcomed them with the love of a longtime family retainer. Feeling a bit more gracious now that he was on his own home soil, Darcy inquired, “Does this acquaintance of yours have a name, dear?”
Georgiana ignored her brother’s question and turned towards the housekeeper instead. “Mrs. Reynolds, my brother has given me permission to act as hostess while we are here, and so I would like to meet with you tomorrow regarding the dinner menus and plans, if I may.”
Mrs. Reynolds smiled at the young Miss Darcy. “I would be happy to assist you any way you wish. You are growing up so beautifully, my dear.”
Georgiana thanked her and then with a quick glance to her brother added, “Mrs. Reynolds, I would like to inform you that we will be having guests arrive next week.”
Mrs. Reynolds was pleased hearing her young mistress speak so confidently.
“Do you have any particular rooms in mind for your guests?”
Her brother looked at her with such pride; she was secretly entertained to think how his look would change as soon as she revealed her surprise.
Before taking the stairs to her rooms, she mused, “I think the yellow room for my friend, and the double suite with the sage papering for her aunt and uncle will be fine.”
“It shall be done, my dear.”
Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Reynolds stood watching Georgiana ascend the staircase, both filled with nostalgia, recalling how quickly the years had passed. Georgiana could feel their eyes on her back and waited to turn until she was at the top.
She confirmed that she had their attention before saying, “On second thought, Mrs. Reynolds, place Miss Bennet in the blue room instead.” Georgiana smiled as a delighted surprise registered on her brother’s face. “It has such a lovely view of the gardens that I think Miss Elizabeth would greatly admire.”
At her housekeeper’s nod, Georgiana turned and quickly walked to her rooms, satisfied and relieved to have pulled off her scheme. Now it was just a matter of a few machinations once Elizabeth arrived, and she was sure she could get Elizabeth to fall in love with her brot
her.
Chapter 11
Elizabeth is coming to Pemberley! Darcy smiled at the thought. Whereas a week felt like such a short amount of time before he knew the identities of his sister’s guests, now it seemed interminable. Their short stay of only four days troubled him though. He doubted he would welcome her departure once he had her in his home. Of course, he would need to speak to his sister about the whole furtive affair. Although quite pleased with the results, he could not condone her secrecy.
He imagined Elizabeth walking around his home, touching the railings, admiring the furnishings. At least, he hoped she would admire them! Suddenly, he worried that she might not approve of the house. Don’t be absurd man! It is a beautiful home. How could she not? He shook his head to bring order to his jostling emotions and thoughts. One thing was clear: Elizabeth was coming to his home, and he could not be happier.
Contrary to his initial expectation, the first week at Pemberley before their guests were to arrive passed relatively swiftly. Darcy had much to do with his steward, considering the lengthy time he had been away. His discourse with his sister had also been relatively painless, though not entirely without discomfiture on his part and, quite honestly, a little vexing. When did my sister become so clever? He wondered how she had outmaneuvered and twisted his words.
She timidly had appeared in his study when he summoned her. He knew that she knew she was caught. “Georgiana, please have a seat. You know why I have asked you to come to me, so I will come right to the point. You should have asked me whether you could invite Miss Bennet to Pemberley.”
“But would you have thought to invite her yourself?”
Darcy knew he would have been too craven to suggest such a thing had he known of Elizabeth’s northern tour to Derbyshire, but he was not about to concede that to his sister. “I do not think that is pertinent to the topic at hand, Georgiana.”
“Do I need to ask you for permission to invite all of my friends? You said in the carriage that you thought I was ready to be a hostess.”
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