“It is just appalling and I’m glad you need not see it. He IS better in the mornings I’m told. You are wise to see him then. The rest of time he is sarcastic and depressed. His present state of fatigue and ill health has rendered him spiritless. I have never seen him thus before. I have not told him yet about the profits from the stock market crash. I don’t think he would be agreeable to it right now. I want to wait until later in his treatment schedule.”
“Are you sure deferring is a sound plan? There is no need for him to decide anything at present. I am convinced that he needs hope. He currently has little expectation that he will recover and that his life shall have purpose. He must be convinced that the reward is worth the exertion. I think it’s time we talked to Richard about the future, his future.”
“I don’t disagree, but it’s too soon to talk to him about his finances. We need something else to lift his spirits.”
The next morning Elizabeth brought Catherine with her to see Richard for the first time.
“She is beautiful as to be expected and she does resemble Georgiana to a degree, but she has your bright eyes. No wonder Darcy is so damned happy all the time. Are you sure it will not harm her to see such a loathsome sight as me?”
“I am sure that the sooner she meets her Godfather, the better. This is quite the overdue introduction!”
“Godfather? How can that possibly be? I missed her christening.”
“Fitzwilliam wrote your father and your father wrote the Archbishop. So the christening was done with you in absentia. Would you like to hold her?”
“Are you sure you trust me?”
“I trust you with her life. I am counting on you to teach her how to ride, swim, and climb trees. And she will need your counsel to evaluate suitors one day. She may eventually own this estate, Richard.”
Elizabeth gently placed Catherine in Richard’s arms where she promptly fell asleep.
“How is your supply of books? I can bring the newspapers as well. There is much coverage of the battle and the conclusion of the war. You have been promoted to Brigadier, Richard, but I confess, I shall always think of you as a Colonel.”
He seemed disinterested in news as he looked upon Catherine. “I’ve been brooding mostly. The nights are the worst. The medication has worn off and I can’t tell what is real and how bad the pain is. But there is a gnawing all day as well. It is a torment, I tell you.”
“Does Mrs. Sutton say that that is the withdrawal?”
“Yes, and she says if I can withstand these eight weeks, I have a good chance of a full recovery. Mr. Talbot will be back in a week or two to check on my progress as well. I am most concerned that once I go back to London I will be tempted to acquire more medication on my own.”
“Why would you do that?”
“I am not sure I can withstand the pangs. It is torture.”
“No, I mean why would you go back to London? You can stay here.”
Richard paused. “I am not sure where I shall go. Darcy says the war with the French seems to be over. Boney has abdicated. But we have heard that before and he escaped from Elba once. I must report to the War Office at some point.”
“Can we not do that by letter?”
“Yes, I suppose. I have made no decisions about where to go next. I am used to having that decided for me by the Army. I am stout of effort when I am given a purpose.”
“I agree and right now leeching that medication and your need for it out of your body is your most important task. How is your therapy progressing? Mrs. Sutton says you are to walk the servant’s hall at night to build up your stamina.”
“I have been doing it, but my progress is slow. The footman, Michael, walks with me just to pass the time. He is very kind. I’m used to charging a hill. Now I can hardly walk a hallway. The doctor said it would be slow. I had no idea how right he was!”
“You are lucky to be alive and in possession of all four of your limbs. We believe you will improve and we want you to believe it too. After you are comfortable presenting yourself to Georgiana and we are done with all this secrecy, I want to get you back on a horse.”
Richard grimaced. “Are you related to Wellington?”
“I’m quite serious. I’m riding, although I’m not sure how much skill I have. I’m even jumping now. I have a riding lesson each week. You should join me in a week or two. We will go slowly. You can ride Artemis, she is so forgiving. You need some fresh air and touring a bit of the countryside will do you good. Derbyshire, as you know, is good for the soul.”
“We’ll see.”
“It’s about time to talk about your future, Richard; an occupation, a home, a wife, children perhaps. Fatherhood seems to suit you. Catherine hasn’t stirred yet.”
Elizabeth gently took Catherine and rose to depart.
“I believe in you, my friend. You survived for a reason. And I believe you can have a full and happy life in your future.”
Richard looked away.
She closed the door to his bedchamber and cuddled Catherine who had that wonderful new smell of babies. On the other side of door she could hear Richard. He was weeping. Elizabeth silently withdrew.
Matlock House, August 22
My Dear Elizabeth,
I cannot tell you how relieved I am that Richard is in your careful hands at Pemberley. Your uncle had many fine things to say about the surgeons in Whitworth, but he was less enamored with the staff. As Richard sank into his reliance on the pain medication, your uncle knew it was time to leave. Providing pain medication quiets the patient but is not necessarily the best treatment for them. I know Richard is in the best possible situation at Pemberley. And your natural optimism will hopefully be contagious to your patient. Thank you for your many letters. I understand his progress is slow. But he is still making progress, and for that I give thanks. I too think he needs hope for the future. Your uncle and I are working towards that end. I will write you about it once I know more, but the Earl is calling in favors for the cause! Please let us know if we can send anything from London.
Yours, etc.,
Aunt Fitzwilliam
Chapter 33
Georgiana offered an unexpected opportunity to answer her aunt’s wishes and improve Richard’s circumstances by giving him hope. And Elizabeth loved her all the more for being clever enough to realize that having finally learned of the turn in the war on the continent; that by now they should be receiving some news of Richard’s whereabouts.
“Why have we had no news? Certainly my uncle has heard something? I shall write to my Aunt Fitzwilliam and find out what news on Richard.”
“Georgiana, come sit by me. Elizabeth and I have had some news.”
Georgiana exclaimed at this.
“Richard has survived, my dear, have no fear. But he has been seriously injured and is very weak. He is also quite conscious about his injuries. He has asked for his privacy whilst he recovers and we have promised him that. We need to give him time.”
“Of course I shall give him time! But Brother, I want to write to him! Can he-can he still see to read my letters?”
“Yes, Georgiana, he can see and he can still write, so you may correspond with him.”
“This is wonderful news! I shall write to him immediately! Where shall I post my letter?”
“Richard had his surgery in Whitworth. You can leave your letters in the study and I shall post them with our letters.”
Georgiana happily went to her room to write her letter.
“Well done, my dear.”
“I don’t like lying to her.”
“Richard has forced your hand on that score. But this will be a tremendous help to him. I will insist he write her back. He shall be reminded of how promising his future is. He has suffered tremendous pain, I know. It is past time he be reminded for what and for WHOM he suffered. ‘For King and Country’ can be rather empty words. He sacrificed to keep our family safe.”
Fitzwilliam congratulated Richard, telling him he was unable to hold back
the tides of feminine concern which surrounded his absence. Georgiana had detected that surely they must know something by now. And Richard was obliged to either reveal himself and face her or be her correspondent by mail which would be walked from one wing of the house to the other. Richard glowered.
“Are you sure you did not help her on with hints and innuendo, cousin?”
“Hardly. She has spent far too much time with Elizabeth and is turning quite clever. So be on your guard in your letters or she will be searching for you from room to room in no time! Richard, I need you back! Georgiana’s coming out is nearly upon us. I am going to be surrounded next season by every gentlemen, rake, scoundrel, and fortune hunter that Great Britain has to offer! She will be much safer with TWO of us staring them down.”
“I have trained in spy craft with the world’s greatest military power! I think that I can conceal my whereabouts whilst corresponding BY LETTER with an eighteen year old girl!”
“That’s the spirit, cousin!”
And so a correspondence of letters began that was conducted in its entirety under one roof. The subterfuge of this correspondence was carried out with the utmost secrecy. HER letters were carried directly to him, so he would have time to think of a response. HIS letters were held in the study until the appropriate number of days had passed such that they could be delivered to Georgiana, presumably by express, without arousing her suspicion of having been received too promptly. An express from Whitworth could make the journey in two days’ time.
Pemberley House, Aug 24
My Dearest Richard,
How happy I am to learn that you have survived and you are out of danger! I have missed you terribly and want to hear of all your heroics. Elizabeth tells me that you are now a BRIGADIER. Shall I be required to salute you? She has kept a few of the papers that mentioned you and shared them with me. I am so proud of you and look forward to your safe return to Pemberley. We have much to discuss, dear cousin!
I understand that you have been injured although neither Fitzwilliam nor Elizabeth will tell me exactly how. I am assured though that you can read my letters and write replies, so you must not disappoint me. I would like to be able to nurse you and visit you, but Brother says I must be patient and that you are well cared for in Whitworth.
We have a guest at Pemberley and you will never guess who, so I will tell you. Miss Caroline Bingley! Can you believe it? She has made quite a nuisance of herself at her brother and sister-in-law’s estate at Barrington in Cheshire, so now we have her. Elizabeth hopes she can be of assistance in finding Miss Bingley a husband. I hope she is right, for Miss Bingley seemed quite unhappy upon her arrival. She has been somewhat improved of late and I am not sure why for there are no single gentlemen here.
I shall speak to you and Brother about my coming out. I know that it shall be next year and I think myself quite ready! Elizabeth has already told me all about her presentation at court. And we may go to Almack’s together, Richard! Won’t that be fun? I shall scrutinize every woman that you ask to dance. Can you still dance, cousin? Brother hired a dance instructor and I have been practicing dancing here at Pemberley so that I can be prepared. Sometimes I still make a wrong turn and we all laugh.
There are many changes to Pemberley since Elizabeth arrived and I will show you everything. I have been assisting her so that I may one day run my own household. Brother says he is quite impressed and that I am growing up too fast.
I promised I would not write too long and tire you. Please know that I am thinking of you and looking forward to our reunion.
Yours, etc.,
Georgiana
There was music in the house most evenings and Richard had adopted the habit of leaving his room and sitting at the entrance to the servants’ hall so that he might be able to better hear the ladies playing. He could recognize each performer by sound. Whilst Elizabeth still did not have the technical proficiency of either Georgiana or Caroline, she was vastly improved from when he had heard her play at Rosings Park. She was now playing a broader range of selections including much more difficult pieces than before and Richard appreciated her diligent progress. Georgiana played with great proficiency and feeling as she always had and he could not forget her many favorites that she had performed for himself and Fitzwilliam in that very house. They had made a merry threesome! Listening to Georgiana play was a window into the past and would often bring a tear to Richard’s eye. Richard was surprised at Miss Bingley’s performances. He had come to understand from his cousins that while her play was flawless, Miss Bingley took no pleasure in her playing, but rather only in its superiority. He could not discern this from her performances. She WAS highly skilled. He apprehended that Elizabeth might be shaping Miss Bingley’s repertoire. She played fewer serious pieces and more ballads than he had expected.
Whitworth, August 26
Dear Georgiana,
My sweet girl, it is good to hear from you. I don’t think there should be any cause for saluting me as I think my days in the Army are over. How are you faring under the discriminating eye of Miss Bingley? You sound no worse for the wear. I am relieved. I have met her a few times and I must say that she did not improve with familiarity!
I am trying my best to be a good patient and follow the doctor’s orders. I look forward to seeing you again and watching you play the pianoforte.
Try not to worry your brother too much. Perhaps we can plan your coming out when you turn 25? I think he shall be ready by THEN.
Yours, etc.,
Richard
∞∞∞
Pemberley House, August 29
My Dearest Richard,
How are you feeling dear cousin? I hope the doctors say that you are healing. I have some stories that I want to tell you, but one story, the BEST story, must be told in person and involves Lady Catherine, swarming bees, and firing a pistol! I am sure I have made you very curious. But this story must wait and you will hear it when we all gather together again here or in town.
Another story I CAN tell is how Elizabeth and I have furnished Lambton Parsonage. Yes, yes, I know it belonged to the town, but not any longer. Fitzwilliam helped Elizabeth BUY it and then she and I worked together to improve it for the new clergyman, Pastor Atkins. What do you say to that? They suit each other, I say. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam suit each other, that is. Pemberley is joyful and busy. Fitzwilliam is very happy and Elizabeth is…well Elizabeth. She is always happy, but I think she feels very valued here. She makes everything better. Just ask Pastor Atkins. Elizabeth brought her sister, Miss Mary Bennet, here and Pastor Atkins courted her and then married her!
The Parsonage was quite dreary. Elizabeth said it was in disrepair. We donated furniture and purchased curtains, dishes, linens, and a range for cooking. Once word spread, we even got the townspeople to help! Elizabeth said it was like the old parable of Stone Soup. Isn’t that so very clever? You shall see when you are come. Church attendance is up and the town is happily and generously tithing to collect funds for the orphanage, as Brother is now paying Pastor Atkins’s income.
Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth say that we are going to Darcy House within a month or so. I am much more comfortable there now. I enjoy the shopping and the theatre. Elizabeth takes me to the art galleries and museums. I think she enjoys art even more than Brother! She has also convinced Fitzwilliam to let me receive callers on my own! She helped me practise here in the saloon as though we were performing a play. It was quite amusing! I am happy, Cousin. I don’t even think about Wickham or Ramsgate these days.
Please tell me more about your progress and when you may be able to travel.
Yours, etc.,
Georgiana
∞∞∞
Whitworth, September 2
Dear Georgiana,
What is Lady Catherine doing with bees and a pistol? Surely you’ve made that up! It’s too preposterous to believe. You take after your old Cousin Richard with your storytelling, a little TOO much, I daresay.
I am getting str
onger. I walk a long hallway as part of my therapy. My legs are slow to return to their former strength, but my nurse says they will continue to improve from where they are today. I am taking less pain medication these days and it is hard, but it is the only way to heal properly.
I expect you to continue writing to me whilst you are in London. Elizabeth tells me that this is part of a military campaign to reintroduce Miss Bingley to London society and find her a husband. Don’t fret about missing out on the balls, Georgiana. Perhaps we shall go together next year and look out for one another.
Yours, etc.,
Richard
Caroline’s furniture catalogues had arrived and were of much interest to the three ladies of the house. Elizabeth had never seen so many styles and sizes of furniture!
“Mrs. Piedmont’s sitting room in London is in part what inspired me to take on the Pemberley saloon. I’m not trying to match it, but rather to emulate its style. Our saloon will of course fit more furniture than her sitting room, but her color palette and sense of fashion are lovely.”
They spent much time in the saloon discussing different ways to design a new furniture arrangement. Caroline had an informed opinion on the subject. The location of the two fireplaces, the double doors, and the windows apparently would dictate much about the furniture placement. Multiple conversation areas must be designed. And they must consider properly lighting the room. Elizabeth still recollected with amusement Lady Catherine’s unannounced visit to Longbourn where she admonished Elizabeth’s mother about the inconvenience of the Bennet sitting-room whose windows were full west! The unfortunate occupants of THAT room were to endure glaring sunlight in the evenings in summer. Elizabeth still thought it was shrewdly arranged to dispose of lingering guests who had stayed TOO LONG.
The ladies took measurements of the dimensions of the Pemberley saloon and the space available for each conversation area. After listening to Elizabeth’s hopes for the new arrangement and teasing concerns about blinding her guests, Caroline drew a plan which showed the placement and size of each item in the room; settees, a divan, fireplace screens, arm chairs, bureaus, silver tables, secretary, tea table, candle stands, gilt mirrors, tall case clock, and etc. The arrangement was everything that Elizabeth could wish for.
By Charm or by Choice Page 23