by J Dawn King
“I shall not arrange for you to meet her, but I will deliver a note to her. She may read it and respond in private. Once, Mr. Wickham. Only once will I do so.”
He nodded his head in acceptance. “Promise you will meet me here tomorrow evening at this time, and I’ll have all I need to say written down.” He reached for her hands, stepping closer. Instinctively, Elizabeth stepped back. “Know that I love Georgiana with all my heart and soul. I will do anything for her. Anything within my power and ability. Just one word from her saying she does not return my feelings, and I will be gone from your lives forever. However, if she says she will be my bride, I will wait ‘til the day she is ready to start my life with her.”
“I do this because my sister has the right to know how you feel. But once she decides, her decision is final. If she doesn’t feel the same, you will not be welcomed at Pemberley in the future unless you are here at my husband’s invitation.”
The man sauntered off, and Elizabeth left the peaches behind to return to the house.
Darcy greeted the morning with resolution. He would have patted himself on the back had his shoulder not been so tender. His talk with Elizabeth the day before had given him a goal, and he would start that very day by not shying away from his sister or from his wife. He would help Georgiana to see that her place was in his home. He knew he had much to prove to both her and Elizabeth. He’d give his life for either of them, if necessary, but even more so, he’d be willing to do whatever he needed to do to live with them in harmony.
His resolve lasted until just after breakfast.
The men had left and Maggie had cleared the empty dishes, leaving Elizabeth and himself alone at the table. Georgiana was not yet out of bed, a matter he planned to change by the following day. Elizabeth had cooked smoked ham and eggs for breakfast and followed it with hot biscuits covered with sliced peaches and cream. Peace had settled into his bones, and he felt contentment for the first time in years. His path was clear and he was on his way. Then she shared with him the details of her evening stroll.
“What?!” He was instantly livid. Scalding hot coffee spewed from his lips and his fists pounded the table. “You did what?”
“Before you completely lose your temper, recall that I did not invite the man to Pemberley nor did I welcome him once I realized he was here.” She stood to get a cloth to wipe up the spilled liquid.
He opened his mouth to stop her, and she put her hand up. “Allow me to complete this task. I need to cool down and so do you.” She scrubbed at the spots with vigor. “I gave no consideration to keeping this to myself, Will Darcy. Had you been awake when I returned, I would have told you then.”
“I could have…”
“What? How? For another two and a half months you are stuck in the house so you would have done exactly what?” She plopped into the seat alongside him. “Not telling you about Wickham’s presence in the orchard would have shown a lack of trust on my part. I knew you would be upset, and you have not failed to react in the manner I’d expected.” She paused. “I told him to bring a note to me tonight so your sister would know he still loved her.”
“Loved her?” Darcy was incredulous. “He has no clue how to love anyone other than himself. George Wickham has enough charm to fill the ocean, Elizabeth. He uses it for his advantage only. Love Georgiana?” He scoffed. “He wouldn’t begin to know the meaning of the word?”
“How do you know? He sounded sincere.”
“Of course he would. It’s the only way he knows how to act, but believe me, it is an act.” He leaned towards her. “Wickham doesn’t know the first thing about the close bonds between family. His sole interest is whatever benefits him the most. I love Georgiana. I love her with my whole heart and soul. He would never understand those types of feelings.”
Her tone was cautious. “He used almost those exact same words, Will. When he spoke of your sister, it was with tenderness and concern. Are you certain you are not overreacting?”
He dropped his face in his hands. “Why are you defending him?” he yelled through his fingers. “Why?”
“Because the only thing I know about him is that he was raised at Pemberley and spoiled by your father. I know he is now unwelcome here and, from what he shared yesterday evening, he wants to marry your sister. That is what I know about George Wickham.” She gulped in air. “What I know about you, is that you have been equally as critical of me as you are of Mr. Wickham and, until yesterday, you acted like I was not welcome at Pemberley as well.
In the melee, Georgiana’s appearance surprised him. She stood inches inside the dining room doorway with her hands clasped tightly together in front of her. Her neck was bowed.
“I do not want to marry George Wickham.”
Darcy cursed under his breath in frustration. Elizabeth easily discerned he was upset at being overheard discussing a man he despised, as well as being disappointed in his physical limitations which kept him from going to his sister.
Elizabeth stood and went to her, taking her elbow and drawing her closer to Darcy’s side of the table. Georgiana followed like a lamb.
“Thank you, Georgiana, for expressing yourself clearly. When I meet him, I will be sure to tell him your exact words. We will be done with him. He promised never to bother us again.”
Darcy growled. “You will not be going alone, Elizabeth. Reynolds will accompany you. Your directions are to invite him to the porch where I will be seated so I can watch out for you. I’ll have my rifle handy in case he attempts to bring you harm.”
“I’m sure that won’t be necessary, but I will do as you say.” It horrified her that he would speak about shooting a man in the same tone he would have invited his foreman or his cousin to shoot rats in the barn.”
She sought a means to draw Georgiana out. “Are you hungry, Sister?”
Georgiana looked between them both and shook her head in the negative.
“You need to eat.” Darcy tried his best to keep it from being a command. “Sit, and Elizabeth will serve you.”
Georgiana sat complacently, and Elizabeth watched her start picking at the fabric on her skirt, her head still bent. Her hair had been pulled back into a braid and her face had been washed. The blouse and skirt she wore were wrinkled, and Elizabeth sighed at the remembrance of the huge pile of laundry she needed to do before the next day was done.
Maggie had helped her with the task at the end of her first week at Pemberley, and she greatly appreciated the woman’s strong back and arm muscles. It was a thankless job which would be made easier with the hot sunshine. Elizabeth did enjoy burying her face in clean laundry. Having the smell of fresh bed sheets and towels was a worthy reward for their hard work. Bending over a scalding iron heated on the kitchen stove, on the other hand, was not her favorite task.
As she placed a small portion of food on a plate, a thought occurred to her.
“Georgiana, other than not wanting to marry Wickham, I’m wondering what it is you do want in life? I know so little about you.”
“I don’t know.”
“You’ve not thought of it then?”
She shrugged her shoulders. When the girl shook her head without replying, Elizabeth decided to change tactics.
“Then I will tell you what we want instead.” Elizabeth swiped at a few crumbs left on the table. “We want you.” Finally, Georgiana looked up and focused on her face. “We want you to wake up each day happy you are here because you know your presence is desired and that your happiness is fundamental to our own happiness. Above all else, Georgiana Darcy, we want you.”
“You want me?” The unexpected joy in her voice ripped a small tear in Elizabeth’s heart, and she could only imagine what it was doing to her husband’s.
“More than my next breath.” Darcy was floored that his sister assumed he wouldn’t want her. Then he thought of how the past years would have looked from her perspective and knew for a certainty that she’d felt unwanted and possibly, unlovable. He couldn’t blame her at all.
In spite of Elizabeth’s bad judgment in having contact with Wickham, Darcy was eternally grateful she was his wife. His sister was not the little girl he’d remembered from year’s past and, in truth, this sixteen-year-old seated across from his wife scared him. She was like a stranger tucked into the features of his sibling.
He looked to Elizabeth, his eyes pleading for her assistance to smooth their way.
“You want me? You really want me?” Georgiana repeated in hushed tones.
“I do. We do.” He hurried to correct himself. “I’m sorry, Georgie. I assumed you were happier to be in the city with our aunt for female company, or I’d have come and gotten you years ago. I love you dearly.”
“But I love Pemberley. I love you as well. I have all your letters and would read them over and over and over until they are almost falling apart at every fold.”
Darcy hesitated. “Yet, when I saw you last summer, I asked you if you wanted to come home and you didn’t want to return here. Was I wrong to not push harder?”
“I thought you really wouldn’t want me at Pemberley. I thought you wouldn’t want me.”
“Never!” Darcy desperately needed better words or actions to express himself. How could he convince her that he’d been so, so wrong in not bringing her home? Reaching his hand out for hers, he squeezed gently when she put her small hand in his. Blowing out a breath from his nostrils he kept his eyes on hers—unwavering. “Had I known this was how you truly felt, Georgie, I would have picked you up, tossed you into the wagon, and raced those horses back to Pemberley to keep you here under lock and key. Now that I have you here, I don’t…I won’t ever let you go.”
The movement of her lips was the first sign of a smile Elizabeth witnessed from the young girl.
“Since your brother has firmly stated in his boss man’s voice that he’ll never let you go, I have to ask, do you want to marry?”
“I do not know.” Georgiana cleared her throat. “Truly I do not, Elizabeth. In spite of the fact that I had thought I was ready for marriage a year ago, I quickly became aware that I was not at all prepared to manage a home or a husband. I lack confidence in determining whether or not a man is interested in me or my half of Pemberley.”
“Your half?” Elizabeth looked between brother and sister. “Half of Pemberley is yours? That is the best of news.”
“I’m glad you are pleased, but why?” Her husband had a curious look on his face.
“It means Georgiana will always have a home here. Oh, I’m so happy!” Elizabeth squealed in delight. “As you are aware, females—unattached females—are a rare commodity here, and there will be many boys your age who will seek your attention. Should you find one you love and who loves you, a home would be built and we would be neighbors, just like the Bingleys. What a perfect situation.”
“They would want Pemberley.” Georgiana flatly stated.
“No, it would not be solely Pemberley they would want.” Elizabeth reached her hand across the table, her hand covering the joined hands of the siblings. “One day, a fine young man will see your beauty, your sweet nature, and your quiet dignity and he will want you for his wife. He will be appreciative to be able to build on such fine property, but it will be you he will want in his home.”
She wanted to hug the girl, but inherently knew it would not be appreciated. “Oh, Georgiana, I am delighted. Girls are marrying at your age and having the weight of caring for a household and a passel of children. We are grateful you have no definite plans to look for a husband now that we finally have you here.”
Seeing, for the first time in a decade, the light in his sister’s eyes, Darcy’s mind became mired in the past. “You look much like Mother.”
For the first time since her arrival, the girl’s face lit up like a lantern.
“I do?”
“Very much so.” Darcy had missed his mom over the years—someone he could talk to and who would listen to him. Now he had an intelligent, caring wife and he felt the blessing even more so. “She had an elegant grace about her, Georgie, and you walk in the same manner she did. Your hair and eyes are so like hers that it’s like I’m looking at a younger version of her.”
“I wish I had known her,” Elizabeth whispered.
“I do as well,” Georgiana added. “I desire to be like her in every way.”
Into the silence, Elizabeth spoke. “Part of being in charge of a household, which I understand your mother was, are the summer chores. We have a busy day ahead of us, and I would appreciate your help today as we tend to our tasks. We have pies to bake and fruit to process to fill the larder for the winter. Would you be willing?”
“Yes. I do not know how to do what you are asking me, but I’m willing to try.”
Darcy had a glimmer of hope for the first time since Elizabeth told him of Wickham. It was a start.
“Georgiana, can you cook?” The dirty clothes could wait, but the peaches would not.
“No, I’ve never made the attempt.”
Well, neither could Jane nor any of her other sisters so it wasn’t too much of a disappointment.
“How about laundry?”
“I’ve not done laundry. In fact, I’ve never done any housework at all.”
“None?” Now it was Elizabeth’s turn to be incredulous. “Who performed the tasks at your aunt’s home?”
“There was an Oriental woman named Mrs. Chung. She did all the daily chores while her husband worked in the gardens and the yard. I did what my aunt assigned me to do.”
“And what was that, might I ask?” Elizabeth knew from the young girl’s attitude that her life would probably not be getting any easier with Darcy’s sister home.
“I would accompany her on visits to her neighbors and friends and help her choose fabrics for new dresses, as well as ribbons and trim for our bonnets.” By the time she finished her sentence, her voice was so soft that both Darcy and Elizabeth leaned towards her.
“Well, that’s a fine sort of accomplishment, I imagine.” Gesturing towards the plate in front of the girl, Elizabeth got up to refill Darcy’s coffee cup. Seating herself alongside her husband, she closed her eyes briefly as she thought about how the morning had unfolded so far. Though it was as she’d expected, she felt they had taken two steps forward and two steps back. She was hoping the steps forward had been giant leaps so there was at least some small progress to show.
Sweat dripped off Elizabeth’s brow and the wet patches under her arms had grown until they almost reached her waist. Georgiana and Maggie looked the same. Darcy had tried to help the women by peeling peaches, but the fragile fruit didn’t survive the callouses on his fingers.
He was amazed to see the many rows of jars on the drain boards and four warm pies in the window cooling.
The outside temperature had risen to record highs while the inside temperature was sweltering due to the constant feeding of the kitchen stove. It took a lot of wood and heat to keep the pots of water boiling so the jars would be safe to eat from during the cold. When the last kettle was empty and the hot water poured into the sink to drain, Darcy felt the heat was so intense that what moisture was left in the pot would evaporate on its own.
“Who wants first turn at the bathing room?” Elizabeth looked over the jars with pride. “Maggie?”
“Not tonight. I’ll clean up at the cabin. If you ladies are finished, I’ll head on home now.”
“Please, go.” Elizabeth went to throw her arms around the older woman, but changed her mind at the last minute. It was just plain too hot. Once Maggie was gone, she touched Georgiana’s arm.
“Ack! You are as sticky as I am. Do you want to bathe first to get rid of the peach juice we are wearing?”
“And the smell?” Georgiana replied.
Darcy’s hearing picked up the sound of his sister’s whisper-soft giggle, and he was amazed at how quickly it went from his ears to his heart. His wife had, indeed, worked her magic on his Georgiana, chatting to her about ugly bonnets and the antics of the
two sets of twins who had been on the train, and then the boat to Oregon City with Jane and her.
Darcy had listened with pleasure as the three females bickered back and forth. Together, they accomplished a phenomenal task. His chest filled with pride and contentment.
Then he remembered Wickham.
“Mr. Wickham.” Elizabeth called into the grove on the evening of the next day. “Mr. Wickham, I have a message for you.”
When he didn’t show himself right away, she was concerned he had changed his mind about showing up at Pemberley and relieved at the same time.
Finally, he stepped out from behind a tree. His hat was tilted to the side, and he was chewing on a stalk of grass. His clothes were neat and pressed, and his smile was as friendly as it had been the day they met.
“You didn’t bring Georgie with you.”
“That was not what we agreed upon, sir. You were to give me a note for her. However, that will not be necessary. She stated clearly in front of her brother and me that she has no intention or desire to marry you. Whatever relationship you had prior to this time is ended.” She took in a quick breath. “My husband is seated on the porch with his rifle to his shoulder. He tells me you would know whether or not his aim was reliable.”
Wickham’s face took on a pale hue.
“He asked that you walk directly to him should you have a question or any confusion as to the stance of the Darcys. If not, you are to leave.”
“You can’t want this, Elizabeth.” He whispered so his voice would not travel in the stillness of the air. “Surely your woman’s heart screams at the unfairness shown to me by your husband.”
“Mr. Wickham,” she was now exasperated and wanted the interview to end. “My greatest desire is to have peace in my household and right now you are disturbing it. I ask that you follow Will’s directive. It was not a suggestion.”