by Kelly Miller
Her gaze fixed upon the handsome blond man. He was a singular gentleman—happy and carefree one moment and serious the next. His earnest air and startling, clear blue eyes encouraged Anne to confide in him. “I am sorry to say I have been unhappy and resentful for the past several years. At one time, I held a strong animosity towards Darcy and Elizabeth.” Anne cast her eyes down and sighed. “You must understand that my earliest memories are of my mother assuring me I would one day marry Darcy. When he became engaged, I became distraught. It was a huge blow to learn that the future I had been told to expect for myself was not to be. I felt my life had no direction or purpose. I became bitter regarding the feeble, dull, desolate existence I have had for most of my life. After several months spent feeling resentful towards Darcy for forsaking me and towards Elizabeth for stealing him away, my anger began to turn towards my mother. I blamed her for raising me to believe in a lie.”
Anne’s gaze strayed towards her mother, who stared in her direction with her mouth drawn down in a frown. “For a long time I took my anger out on my mother, and I was unpleasant to be around. A few months ago, my mother left for London, and I used the opportunity to defy all of my doctor’s recommendations and throw away the medication he prescribed. To my surprise, my health improved drastically. I now feel better than I can ever remember feeling before.”
She inclined her head towards Darcy and Elizabeth, who were engaged in conversation with Mr. Bennet. “It is obvious that my cousin has been made happy by his marriage. I wish him and Elizabeth all the best. I know now that he and I would not have made a good match. I always thought Darcy was attractive, but if I had to choose a cousin to marry, I should have done better to choose Richard or his older brother, Henry, before Darcy.”
It was odd; the thought had never so much as crossed her mind before; yet, as the statement left her lips, its veracity was beyond dispute. A marriage between herself and Darcy would have been a disaster. Even with her revived health, she did not have the vitality, comeliness, or wit that drew her cousin to Elizabeth; neither did Darcy have the ideal personality to suit herself. Notwithstanding the congenial conversations she once used to share with her cousin, in the years following the death of his father, he had become dour, laconic, and distant. By the time Miss Elizabeth Bennet made her first appearance at Rosings, Darcy’s presence had become puzzling and intimidating; in fact, he had become someone she no longer liked.
Mr. Graham’s resplendent smile drew her focus. “I am glad to hear you do not harbour resentment towards the Darcys. Darcy and Elizabeth are well suited to each other; it is easy to see once you have spent time in their company. Yet from what I have seen, most marriages are not so happy. This society seems to urge all women to marry if they can, but I am convinced many women are happier and more fulfilled by staying single, provided they have the financial means to do so.”
“I believe I agree with you, Mr. Graham.” Movement at the corner of her eye caught her attention. Mr. Bennet had stood and appeared to be preparing to take Bennet for a walk. A ramble after the delightful meal she had consumed held great appeal. To Mr. Graham, she said, “Please excuse me.”
Rising, she took measured breaths as she walked towards Mr. Bennet. He was almost a stranger; they had been introduced a mere hour or so earlier, but his bearing suggested a kind nature. Her fumbling request to join him and Bennet on their walk was agreed to with alacrity. The curious glance she received from the child that evolved into a smile assured that her presence was not an intrusion. They took a path towards a field of late-blooming purple heather with the collie accompanying them rather like a self-appointed escort.
***
Elizabeth’s body twisted in her seat and her eyes followed the progression of her father, Bennet, and Anne until they disappeared on the path as it bent to the right. She turned to face Fitzwilliam. “Is this not an encouraging sign? Your cousin Anne would not exhibit such an interest in Bennet if she shared any of her mother’s animosity towards me, would she?”
His smile was hesitant. “I should imagine not. Anne has always been more reasonable than her mother. If she has cause to resent anyone, it is I and not you. When I get a moment alone with her, I shall apologize.” From the corner of her eye, Georgiana’s approach came into view. Her sister’s smile was genuine, but her carriage was stiff.
“Elizabeth, will you take a walk with me on the trail that follows the stream? I desire the exercise.”
She took hold of her husband’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Our sister has made me an offer I cannot resist. I shall leave our guests in your capable hands.”
Fitzwilliam lifted her hand and kissed it. “Do not be concerned; like a valiant warrior, I shall protect our other guests from my aunt’s oppressive presence.”
She laughed. “Better you than me.”
Georgiana’s arm was wrapped around hers as they ambled in the direction of the stream. Elizabeth waited until they were away from the others before she spoke. “How have you been? I have received your letters, but I want to know all of which you did not write. How have you adjusted to your role as a wife and the mistress of an estate?”
Her sister lifted her gaze in a sharp movement. It seemed she had been lost in thought. “I shall tell you all, but first I must ask after you. I have been thinking on what you told me earlier. It must be a terrible burden to host my aunt when she is so hostile towards you. How can you endure it?”
She gazed at her sister with an affectionate smile. “Dear Georgiana, it is sweet of you to ask, but I am managing her in my own way.” It was not unexpected that such a reply spurred her sister’s curiosity.
“What do you mean?”
“Your aunt is still determined to blame me and dislike me. If fact, she admitted her purpose in coming here was to put forth a plan with the object of causing me pain. Your brother would have forced her to leave, but I stopped him.”
With a sharp intake of breath, Georgiana said, “Why would you do that? If Fitzwilliam would go so far as to make our aunt leave Pemberley, there must have been a good reason. In truth, I could not tolerate Lady Catherine at Willow Manor for more than a day or two. I should think you would have been keen to be rid of her.”
She emitted a dry laugh. “Oh, I was tempted, believe me. Nevertheless, I believe if we forced her to leave Pemberley, we would create a breach that would never be repaired. Before we take such an action, I want to ensure the relationship cannot be mended. As difficult as that woman can be, she is your mother’s sister. I believe Lady Catherine is an unhappy woman who feels guilty for having pushed this concept of marrying Darcy upon her daughter and perseveres in blaming me for everything wrong in her daughter’s life. I hope during this stay she will come to see things another way. So far, I have not seen any change in your aunt’s outlook towards me, but I am encouraged by the astounding improvement evident in your cousin Anne. Your aunt claimed her daughter had been left in misery by my marriage to Fitzwilliam, and yet she has been cordial to me. It seems Anne’s perspective has changed for the better.” She tugged Georgiana onward and they resumed walking.
At length, Georgiana said, “I commend you for wishing to make this effort with my aunt. I do not know if you will be successful, but I shall do all I can to support you while I am here.”
She released a deep breath. That she would have her sister’s support against Lady Catherine had never been in doubt, but her assurance was welcome all the same. “I thank you. By the by, the improvement in your cousin Anne is remarkable, is it not? She is not as thin and pale as she used to be, and did you notice she went walking with my father and Bennet?”
“Yes, now that you mention it, I have never seen Anne looking as well as she does now. To my knowledge, Anne never used to walk out of doors. I believe her doctor frowned on her exposing herself to the elements.”
“Based on the tone of her skin, I should say your cousin has
been spending a good deal of time outdoors, and I must assume it has been restorative for her. I hope to take the opportunity of Anne’s stay to get to know her better.”
“I should like that as well. Because of our age difference and my own penchant for avoiding Lady Catherine’s presence, I have had few occasions to see Anne.”
“Now, my dear sister, I should like to hear how you are faring.”
Georgiana presented a weak smile. “You should know I am grateful I had your own example as a wife and mistress for over two years before I married Richard. When I had moments of doubt over how to handle a situation, I asked myself what you would do. Without realizing it, you have assisted me a number of times.”
“I thank you for saying so, but you must know I was grateful for your presence. I was not raised in your world, and having your love and support was a blessing.”
Her sister shrugged. “I did not do so much. It pleased me to help you in any way I could. My dear brother found the ideal sister for me. As to being mistress of Willow Manor, I have adjusted well to my new role. I am not as comfortable as you at being a hostess, but thanks to my excellent servants, I have managed occasional parties and dinners with minimal distress.” Georgiana gazed at the ground ahead of her as she spoke. “I do have a problem. It has naught to do with the estate but with Richard. I fear”—her voice broke, and she pressed on in a whisper—“I fear he regrets marrying me.”
Elizabeth exhaled in a gasp. It could not be! She must be mistaken. “No. I am certain that is not the case. What makes you suspect such a thing?”
Georgiana blinked as tears filled her eyes. “This is humiliating. You are the only one I would consider speaking to of this. But you must promise not to tell anyone else.”
Her posture tensed. She averted her gaze from her sister. “I—I am sorry, but I am not comfortable promising to keep a secret from my husband.” Georgiana pulled on her arm, once again stopping her forward movement.
Tears descended down her sister’s face. “Please, I have no one else to discuss this with, and I cannot bear the thought of anyone else knowing, not even Fitzwilliam—especially not him.”
Elizabeth pressed a handkerchief into her sister’s hand. Although she never kept secrets from her husband, this was a special situation; their sister needed her. “Very well, I promise.” She guided Georgiana to a nearby log, and they sat together with Georgiana’s hand lodged in hers.
Her sister wiped her eyes and shuddered through several deep breaths. A quaver marred her voice. “For the first four months of our marriage, everything was wonderful. We stayed a month in Brighton in a delightful little house owned by a friend of Richard’s. For the next three months, we were at Willow Manor. We settled in, met the neighbours and tenants, and rode all over the estate and surrounding areas. All was well until one day in the middle of August. Richard and Henry had gone to a neighbouring town to view horses for sale. Afterward, he stopped and had supper at Bellwood Hall with his family before returning home. When Richard arrived that evening, he said he had not been sleeping well and wished to sleep alone in his bedchamber. I was concerned, of course, but thought it would be a temporary measure.” Georgiana’s voice fell to an undertone. “Since then, he has slept alone and never once visited me in my bedchamber.”
Elizabeth squeezed her hand. “Have you talked to him of this?”
“A week after this separation began, I asked Richard why he no longer came to my room. He just…he turned away from me and said he was sorry but he could not.”
With a forced exhale of breath, Elizabeth struggled to keep her tone low. “That was all? He would not tell you more?”
Georgiana shook her head. “It is obvious, is it not? No other logical explanation can apply; Richard realized he no longer loves me. He regrets marrying me.”
“Oh, my dear, that cannot be true. I do not believe it for one moment. Richard loves you. Of that, I am certain. He was quick to stand up for you today when Lady Catherine’s questions grew ever more intrusive and unwelcome. Is that not proof of how much he cares for your happiness and comfort?”
Her sister appeared to have regained a measure of equanimity, but the pain she felt was reflected in her constricted aspect. “I believe Richard cares for me. He is as thoughtful and protective of me as ever. Mayhap he loves me as a cousin but not as a wife.” Georgiana paused to wipe new tears. “I learned from Lady Matlock that, during the same evening in August at Bellwood Hall, Richard’s childhood friend Alicia Powell was present. She and her mother had been staying with the family for a visit.”
She leaned closer. “And that is significant because…?”
Georgiana’s lower lip trembled. “Do you not see? That was the evening he changed. I suspect it was on that visit when Richard came to understand that Miss Powell is the woman he truly loves.”
Elizabeth rubbed her sister’s hand between hers. “While I do not believe that is the explanation, I cannot begin to guess what is on Richard’s mind. If I had a problem like this with Fitzwilliam, I would demand he tell me what is wrong. It has been seven weeks since you brought this subject up to your husband, and he put you off and apologized. This situation has gone on long enough, and it is high time Richard explains the change in his behaviour.”
With a deep breath, Georgiana raised herself upright into a strong posture. “You are correct. I deserve to know the reason for the change in him. I shall talk to him tonight. But what shall I do if he continues to refuse to tell me what is wrong?”
What indeed? She gazed into the distance as she tapped her foot. This was a terrible position to be in. The last thing she needed was to get involved in her sister’s marriage. Would the advice she was about to give cause more harm than good? If so, she risked incurring both her husband’s anger and Richard’s as well. Several moments later, she swung her head to face Georgiana. “If that happens, you shall inform him that, until he decides to confide in you, you shall remain at Pemberley with us.”
Bringing her hand to her chest, Georgiana gasped. “But that sounds so…drastic.”
She put her arm around Georgiana’s shoulder and pulled her close. “I do not expect you will stay here forever, as much as your brother and I should love it if you did, but it will let Richard know you are serious. A little time without you will make him appreciate you again.”
Georgiana’s arms glided around her, and she rested her head against her shoulder. Her voice still held a slight tremor. “Thank you. I am more confident now that I have a plan of action. Either Richard and I shall discuss the matter tonight, or I shall have an extended visit with my beloved brother, sister, and nephew.”
Elizabeth patted her back and spoke in a soft, soothing tone. “You and Richard will get through this and be happy again. I am certain of it.”
By the time they returned to the picnic, Georgiana’s countenance betrayed no signs of her recent distress.
Rory’s robust barks heralded the return of her father, Bennet, and Anne from their walk.
Bennet ran up to her. “Mama, Mama, for you!” Bennet clutched a handful of yellow worts in his hand; he took care to separate one from the bunch and hand it to her.
Holding it aloft, she exclaimed, “What a beautiful flower, Bennet! I thank you. I see you have others. Did you pick a flower for each of the ladies?”
With a vehement series of nods, Bennet said, “Cousin Anne said I should.”
She smiled at Anne, who now stood beside her son. “What a charming idea!”
Bennet proceeded to approach the ladies of the party, presenting a flower to each of them.
In a tentative cadence, Anne said, “I have enjoyed this opportunity to become acquainted with your son and father. I found both of them delightful. I look forward to getting to know you better during my stay as well.”
She pored over Anne’s facial features; she had every appea
rance of sincerity. Could Lady Catherine have been so wrong about her daughter, or had Anne gone through a profound change in her perspective as well as her health? With a warm smile, she said, “It pleases me to hear that. I am biased, but Bennet and my father are two of my favourite people, and I hope that, by the time you leave here, you shall consider me a friend.”
Lines appeared between her cousin’s eyebrows. “It occurs to me that I must apologize for my own sudden and unexpected appearance as well as that of my mother. I fear she has been a distressing guest for you. It is high time my mother accepted and embraced your marriage to Darcy. It is obvious to everyone but her how happy he is with you.”
Elizabeth placed her hand on Anne’s arm. “Please rest assured that I am delighted you are here, and I am gratified to know you do not share your mother’s sentiments for me.”
Anne’s smile bloomed at her reply. “You are more generous than I deserve.”
As a group, the party played a few rounds of twenty questions, followed by a memory game before the cooling weather made it prudent to head back to the house.
***
As she rode in the carriage surrounded by the amiable conversation between Mr. Bennet and Miss Anne de Bourgh, Lady Rebecca remained silent. Her thoughts revolved around her recent determination. This picnic had been yet another revealing vision into the loving marriage of the Darcys. The couple’s interaction with their son and the loving companionship of their extended family affirmed how well matched they were. When the adorable little Darcy boy, now asleep in the arms of his nurse, had shyly extended to her his offering of the flower, perspiration had pooled under her arms. In that moment, her decision had been made. Money be damned—she refused to act as a villain towards this beautiful family.