by Lane Cossett
Mr. Bennet folded up his paper. “Indeed, I haven’t. But my dear, you will be able to make savings on the household bills now that Jane is not here. And there will be even more. Elizabeth and I are going to London.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened in shock. Was she dreaming? “But why, father?”
“I would also like to know the reason,” said Mrs. Bennet who dropped the piece of fruit she has been about to eat. “I see that you are going to abandon us once again. Have you no thought of myself or Kitty or Mary?”
“I do not mind,” said Mary with her characteristic bluntness.
“Be quiet, Mary. Mr. Bennet, explain yourself at once.”
Mary subsided back into her seat and sipped at her hot chocolate. She never seemed to take offence at her mother’s brusque manner.
“I would like to go away,” said Kitty. “It’s not fair. Lizzy is always going away.”
“Oh, Kitty, that’s not true.” Elizabeth’s mind was racing.
“Yes, it is. You have been away on a tour with our aunt. You have been down to London and to Kent. I never go anywhere.”
There was silence around the table as they contemplated the truth of what Kitty had said. Sensing she had everyone’s attention, Kitty continued. “Even Lydia went away to Brighton.”
Mr. Bennet’s face grew cold. “Yes and look how she behaved. I said then, Kitty, you would never be allowed to go away until you learned some sense. I see no evidence of that at all.”
Kitty promptly dissolved into tears. Mrs. Gardiner pulled out a lace handkerchief and handed it to her.
Mrs. Bennet glared at her husband. “Now look what you have done, Mr. Bennet. How can you be so cruel to our daughter?” You are most unkind.” She turned to Mr. Gardiner. “You see, dear brother, this is what I have to put up with. He has no consideration for my nerves at all.” And not wanting her daughter to gain all the attention, Mrs. Bennet squeezed out some large tears that ran down her cheek.
Mr. Gardiner patted his sister’s arm. “Now, Mrs. Bennet, do not take on so. Naturally Mr. Bennet thinks about your nerves and after all your hard work over the wedding, it is time you had a rest. While Mr. Bennet comes to London with Elizabeth, why don’t you ask our sister, Mrs. Phillips, to stay and keep you company?”
Mrs. Bennet continued to mutter about being abandoned until Mrs. Gardiner suggested she could hold a tea party to tell her friends all about Jane’s wedding. Mrs. Bennet quickly tucked away her handkerchief at this suggestion and started to look more cheerful. “You are right, dear sister. I must speak to Mrs. Hall and write a list. I know Mrs. Pearson’s youngest is getting married soon. I am sure there is much she would like to hear about the wedding.”
Elizabeth was pleased that her aunt and uncle’s quick thinking had saved them from her mother becoming more hysterical, but her heart was in turmoil. She was beginning to think there was a mystery behind her father’s behaviour. She had never travelled with him anywhere. She was desperate to know where they were going and why, but before she could ask, Mr. Bennet had picked up his paper and left the room, leaving them all shocked.
27
Mr. Darcy arrived back at Pemberley the morning after the wedding. He had wanted to complete the journey the night before but his coachman had insisted that the rain that had fallen in the previous days in the county had made some of the roads particularly treacherous.
Darcy had almost insisted they carried on but he trusted his servant and they had spent an uncomfortable night in an inn before setting off at first light. Although he was worried about Georgiana, he had spent the night thinking about the Bingleys’ wedding.
He wished he could have spoken to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. It had been so painful to see her and not be able to talk. He had tried to catch her eye at the reception and smile, but he had been unable to do so. He tried to push the horror of his encounter with Miss Bingley to the back of his mind.
As he entered the house he was greeted by his housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds.
“Sir, I am sorry I was not outside to greet you. We did not know what time you would arrive.”
Darcy waved away her concern as he took off his hat and handed her his cane. “Nor did I, Mrs. Reynolds. How are you?”
“Very well, sir,” said the housekeeper.
“And my sister?”
“Georgiana is fine,” said a voice from the top of the stairs. Darcy looked upwards. His cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam was coming down the stairs.
Darcy was pleased to see him. “Fitzwilliam, I came back as quickly as I could.”
Mrs. Reynolds retreated to a discreet distance as the colonel hurried down the stairs and the two men greeted each other.
“Darcy, Georgiana is fine. She was up in the attics and she had a fall. It was nothing.”
“Nothing?” asked a disgusted voice. “She could have been badly hurt.”
Darcy swung around to see someone who he did not remember inviting to Pemberley standing near the passageway that led to the music room. It was his aunt, Lady Frances Kingston.
He glared swiftly at his cousin before turning to his aunt. “What an unexpected surprise, Lady Frances. What are you doing here?”
Lady Frances frowned disapprovingly. “I came to visit my niece as you have not brought her to see me recently. It was a good thing I did. It was I who insisted a doctor should be called for Georgiana.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam looked embarrassed and tapped his boot impatiently on the floor. “Georgiana did not want a doctor.”
“Georgiana is too young to decide such a thing,” said Lady Frances sharply. “And Richard, you are not responsible enough.”
Darcy could hear his cousin grinding his teeth. Darcy sympathised with him. His aunt had a habit of speaking to them as if they were still children. It was galling.
“I must see Georgiana.”
Mrs. Reynolds stepped forward. “She is awake, sir, but she is still in bed.”
“Thank you. I shall go and speak to Georgiana. And then, Mrs. Reynolds, could you arrange some breakfast?”
“Yes, sir. It will be in the breakfast room when you are ready.”
Darcy was grateful for the calmness of his housekeeper as she disappeared towards the ground floor. He turned to his aunt and cousin. “I will see you shortly.” And before they could say anything he took the steps two at a time up to his sister’s room.
He knocked on the door and was relieved to hear her say ‘come in.’
Georgiana was sitting up in her bed. She smiled with pleasure as he entered. “Fitzwilliam. No one told me you were coming.”
Darcy crossed the room and sat down on the edge of the bed. “I did not tell them. Cousin Richard sent an express. He was worried about you.”
His eyes quickly ran over her. He noticed a slight discolouration of her face and there was a cloth wound around her right hand. Georgiana’s cheeks flooded with red. “He should not have done that. It was nothing.”
“Yes, he should. If you are hurt, then I would want to know about it. I will be speaking to Dr. Jenkins.”
Georgiana wriggled her nose. “You are cross with me, aren’t you?”
Darcy shook his head. “Georgiana, I could never be cross with you. But what were you doing up in the attic?”
Georgiana’s blue eyes suddenly filled with tears.
Darcy reached out for her hand, being careful not to squeeze it too hard. “What is it?” he whispered.
“I wanted to see if there was something about our mother.”
Darcy was surprised at her admission. “There is the portrait of her in the gallery.”
“One painting and a miniature. That is all,” said Georgiana dismissively. “I know nothing about her. You never talk about her. No one does.”
Darcy wasn’t sure what to say. “We…. I thought it was best.”
Georgiana pulled away her hand. “But I would like to know more. I thought I might find some letters between her and father.”
“But why would you want those now?
It is in the past. It can only bring you sadness.”
Georgiana’s blue eyes darkened as she stared at him in annoyance. “It is always the same. You decide what is best for me. You cannot protect me from being hurt.”
Darcy was shocked. “I was not,” he spluttered
“Yes, you are. I know our mother died giving birth to me and that brings me great sadness, but I would like to know more about what she was like and about our parents’ marriage.”
Georgiana gazed earnestly at him.Darcy hesitated. He had never found it easy to talk about their mother. With the same startling blue eyes, his sister was a constant reminder.
“Fitzwilliam, I am not a child.”
Darcy was stung by her criticism. “I understand that, but I am your guardian and your brother. I am also older than you…” his voice trailed away.
Georgiana was not satisfied with his reply. “I know you have a great deal more experience of life than I, but it does not always mean you are right, Fitzwilliam.”
Darcy was not accustomed to having such conversations with Georgiana and it made him very uncomfortable, especially after Bingley too had pointed out that he was sometimes in error in both thoughts and actions. However, it was one thing for his friend to point it out, it was quite another for his younger sister to do the same.
He was responsible for Georgiana and he had no choice but to make decisions on her behalf.
Darcy stood up and kissed her on the top of her head. “I have only just arrived back home. I must go and breakfast and you must rest. Perhaps it would be better if we postponed this conversation until later.”
Georgiana turned her head away. “Whatever you wish,” she murmured.
Darcy left the room feeling worried. He had returned to Pemberley in haste believing it was a badly injured Georgiana he would be dealing with. How wrong he had been. Injuries Georgiana clearly had, but it was her mind that was troubling her and that was a great deal more difficult for him to deal with. He cared for his sister greatly, but he did not always understand her.
* * *
Lady Frances and the colonel were in the breakfast room. “How is Georgiana?” asked his aunt as he pulled out his chair and sat down.
“She is a little pale,” said Darcy carefully as he helped himself to some meat and a roll.
“That is because she had a nasty shock,” said Lady Frances, looking at them both disapprovingly. “I don’t know how you could allow her to be so careless.”
“Aunt. This is Georgiana’s home and she is free to go where she wishes.” Colonel Fitzwilliam sounded defensive.
Lady Frances smiled, and Darcy thought how much she looked like his mother. “Richard, do not look at me like this. You are both to blame for what has happened. Georgiana has far too much time on her hands.”
Darcy cut at his meat. He was very fond of his aunt, but he resented her interference.
“Georgiana has her music and her art. She also has the library and lots of books.”
Lady Frances sniffed. “Books. What use are those? Darcy, Georgiana needs to be married.”
Darcy’s eyes narrowed. “She is too young.”
“No, she isn’t and it is what she needs,” said Lady Frances as she sipped some coffee.
Darcy exchanged a look of exasperation with his cousin.
Lady Frances put down her cup and eyed them both severely. “It is time. She needs to put all this Wickham business behind her.”
Darcy was astounded. He had thought that was one family secret which was not generally known. “How… how…?”
“How did I know?” Lady Frances tapped her fingers on the edge of the table. “She told me all about it.”
Darcy was in turmoil. This was most unexpected. He had impressed on Georgiana that no one should ever know what had taken place and he thought she had agreed. It was true he had told the Gardiners a little and Miss Bennet, but that was only to save Lydia Bennet. He had not expected Georgiana to tell anyone - not even her favourite aunt.
“Don’t look so shocked, Darcy. You may rely on my discretion, but Georgiana needed to talk to someone and she chose me. That business unsettled her, and for some time she struggled with her feelings for Wickham, but it is over and now she needs to get married.”
Darcy pushed his plate aside. He suddenly didn’t feel very hungry. He was disappointed in his sister and he resented Lady Frances. “Aunt, my father left Georgiana in our care. We know what is best for her.”
Lady Frances sighed impatiently. “No, Darcy, you do not and that is clear or the situation with Wickham would never have arisen.”
Darcy’s anger was bubbling inside him. It was very hard to listen to Lady Frances criticise them both in such a manner.
“We were deceived by Mrs. Younge. She was the one who allowed Wickham to meet with Georgiana,” said the colonel, his voice shaking slightly
“But you had no idea they had feelings for each other.” Lady Frances reached for some cake.
“He had none.” Darcy found it difficult to keep his temper “He only cared about her fortune.”
“And so will others, Fitzwilliam. You cannot keep Georgiana as a prisoner here.”
“She is not,” objected the colonel.
Lady Frances poured herself another cup of coffee “Then what preparations have you made to go to London?”
Darcy did not understand why they were suddenly talking about London.
Lady Frances was happy to explain. “Georgiana should be there for the season. She is a beautiful young woman and will be sought after for all the best parties. There are many young gentlemen who would like to take her as his wife.”
“I haven’t thought about it,” admitted Darcy. “Roads are improving between here and London, so I had no plans to stay all the winter months there.”
“Nor I,” said the colonel.
“Then it is good that I have thought for both of you. As soon as the doctor says she is fit to travel, we are going to London. I have warned several people of our arrival and the first invitation arrived today.”
Lady Frances smiled at both of them. Darcy was open-mouthed. The shock had rendered him speechless.
28
“How dare she interfere with Georgiana.” Darcy could hardly contain himself. His voice shook as he spoke. “She has no right to say we will be in London.”
More than two hours had passed since Lady Frances had announced her intention to take Georgiana to London and his anger had yet to abate.
He was on his way to see his steward who he had agreed to meet near the stables. Colonel Fitzwilliam was finding it difficult to match his stride.
“I know our aunt can be very forceful, but … I think… she may be right.”
Darcy stopped for a moment. He turned to his cousin. “You think she should go to Londont?”
The colonel’s gaze was steady. “Yes, I do.”
Darcy felt disappointed. He thought his cousin would be in agreement with him that now was not the right time. “She is too young. Perhaps next year.”
The colonel sighed. “No, Darcy. Lady Frances is right. It needs to be now. We cannot shield her from the world. Georgiana needs to have the opportunity to wed a good man. Not all men are like Wickham.”
Darcy still did not like the thought of it. She’d been badly hurt by Wickham.
“And one day you will be married yourself,” said the colonel.
“I doubt it will be for many a year,” said Darcy gloomily as a picture of Miss Bennet flashed into his mind.
He saw his cousin was looking at him with a puzzled expression on his face. Darcy shook his head. He had not confided in his cousin about his affection for Miss Bennet and now was not the time to do so.
“And what about you, Fitzwilliam?” asked Darcy, hoping to divert his cousin as he started to walk again but a little slower.
His cousin was not so easily fooled. “I would not want to pry into your business, cousin,” he said with a slight smile. “And as for me, I hope that it will n
ot be too long before I find a woman willing to marry me. Of course, I have little to offer.”
“You will find that woman, I am sure of it,” said Darcy, who knew that as his cousin was a second son he would inherit little, so wanted to marry a woman with a substantial dowry.
They had reached the stables and he could see his steward waiting to speak to him. They had much to discuss.
“I will leave you,” said the colonel. “And think about it, Darcy. Georgiana should go to London.”
Darcy nodded. He would think about it, but his instinct was still to say no. He could not see there was any rush for his sister to be married.
Darcy put all thoughts of Georgiana out of his mind as he met with his steward. Work was needed on some of the stable buildings which had hardly been touched since his father had died. Darcy was pleased with the progress. He also questioned Mr. Adkins about some improvements which were being made to a row of cottages in village.
“Work has stopped at the moment, sir,” said Mr. Adkins as he closed the door of the stable block.
Darcy frowned. “But I thought we agreed this was one of the estate priorities.”
“And it was, sir, but there was a fire. I don’t know what went wrong, but four of the cottages have been very badly damaged.”
“And why do I not know anything about this?” asked Darcy.
“It only happened last week, sir. All four families have moved in with other villagers and are being well looked after.”
“But was anyone hurt?”
“One of the children, Sally Penn, lost most of her hair when it caught on fire, and some of the workers have been coughing a great deal from the smoke, but no one was badly hurt.”
Darcy immediately felt concerned. He tried to be a good landlord, though it was Mr. Adkins and others who oversaw all the tenants. “I would like to ride over this afternoon and see for myself. Meet me at the house at two.”
“Yes, sir.”
* * *
Darcy said goodbye to Mr. Adkins and walked back to the house. His father had spent many years ensuring he knew everything he could about running the estate but there were many times when he did not feel as if he had the skills to do it. Thank goodness he had Mr. Adkins to help him. He was a good man who had the respect of all the workers. He knew whenever he was away Adkins would run the estate efficiently. However, he was often left wondering if he did enough.