by Kay Mares
“You summed up the idea I was trying to convey most concisely. That is exactly what I meant. Please allow yourself to let the guilt go and find joy in the love your brother has for you and the deepening affection I have for you. I love you too, Georgiana.”
Georgiana hugs Elizabeth back while speaking of the sisterly love she has for Elizabeth. They talk well into the night about all kinds of topics that hold interest for them both. Georgiana shares with Elizabeth a little more about her childhood and growing up with Darcy as her brother. Georgiana then tells Elizabeth about Fitzwilliam’s ridiculous sketches. “I recall the times I had an illness or those times when I just had the doldrums. Fitzwilliam seemed to sense I needed his own unique brand of humor. He would enter the room I was in, looking all dour and without a word, he would hand me a sheet of paper. I remember the first time he did such; he scrawled an embarrassingly pathetic picture of a horse along with blobs which he described as sheep. The eyes on the animals were huge and round while their bodies lacked any definition. Oh, Elizabeth! A small child could have done better. I laughed until the tears rolled down my face and Fitzwilliam laughed along with me. He was a wonderful brother, and he tried to make up for the sad fact I had never known my mother nor her penchant for laughter.” Elizabeth’s thoughts as Georgiana speaks are revolving around what a wonderful father Darcy will be when they are gifted with their own children. It is with this blissful thought she makes her way back to her shared chambers, and a peaceful dream-filled sleep.
Chapter 26
Darcy sorted his mail a few days before and in addition to letters for Elizabeth from Jane and Kitty, he has an invitation for a visit and meal with Lady Geneve and her husband. Lady Geneve has been a childhood friend, and Darcy is fond of her. There was never any attraction between the two. Lady Geneve considers Darcy the brother she never had, and Darcy naturally adopted the role of protector for the younger girl. Lady Geneve and her family stood by Darcy after the passing of his father then fretted for him when he became so heartsick over Elizabeth’s refusal he had shown physical signs of distress. Lady Geneve never became privy to what caused her friend’s angst. On the evening of the supper, a quick carriage ride brings Lizzy and Darcy to the beautiful well-maintained home of Sir Harland and Lady Geneve Harrington.
“I am so glad to have you and Mr. Darcy here with us, Mrs. Darcy,” Lady Geneve begins. The ladies sequester themselves in a sitting room to chat while the gentlemen renew their acquaintance in the study. Elizabeth is drawn to Lady Geneve, and she will foster a deep friendship over the years. Lady Geneve is delighted to tell Lizzy stories of growing up with Darcy nearby and Elizabeth is enthralled to hear them. Lady Geneve first tells a story about how she and some of the other young girls were floating small carved boats in a pond near Lambton. Some older boys came up and started to tease the girls. “We were happily floating the boats near the shore and using long reeds to pull them back to us should they begin to float out too far. Soon some other older boys showed up and began throwing small rocks and dirt clods at the boats to sink them. Some of the girls started to cry as the boys mocked them and sunk their boats. I was particularly distressed because one of the boys, Baldwin, sunk a boat my grandfather had whittled for me.”
“Boys can be so wicked sometimes,” Lizzy observes.
“Yes they can but not all of them.” Lady Geneve says. “The elder Mr. Darcy was in town with his always honorable son who happened upon the sorry scene. He asked with some authority about what was going on, and the boys began to mock him and tell him to mind his own business. Well, you know your husband’s intelligence and chivalry.” Lizzy nods her head while anxiously waiting to hear what young Master Fitzwilliam concocted. “He gave each girl some coin to buy their boats then fixed Baldwin with that Darcy scowl, granted the scowl we now see was still in its infancy at the time, but it was unnerving to the other youths. Darcy stated as he now owned the boats, it was his business, and he would know what was going on.” The ladies giggle at Darcy’s inventiveness.
“However, Baldwin did not wish to appear weak in front of his cohorts so to everyone’s shock he came at Darcy and unfortunately connected with a punch to Darcy’s lip. That did it, even though Darcy was no more than eleven or twelve, he was already taller than most boys, and he was unafraid. He returned a stunning punch which put the surly Baldwin on the ground then swung his glare at the remaining boys who fled!” Lady Geneve recounts with admiration. “What’s more, is he made the unfortunate Baldwin roll up his trousers and remove his shoes and stockings so that he could retrieve all of the wayward boats.”
“Oh my,” Lizzy puts her hand to her mouth, she knew Darcy acts decisively but even as a young man, he had the aura of authority about him. “Was Baldwin successful?”
“Yes, he was. Darcy sat on the bank almost nonchalantly as Baldwin scurried in the water, handing the boats back to the girls and I. Once all of the boats were retrieved, including the special one from my grandfather, the girls shyly offered them to Darcy. He had a gentle smile on his face in spite of split lip, and he told each of us to keep the boats. A frown and glare quickly replaced that smile as Baldwin stepped from the pond.” Geneve laughs along with Lizzy at the mental picture. Lizzy briefly tells Lady Geneve how it fascinates her watching Darcy change his countenance so rapidly.
“He’s been able to do that for as long as I have known him.” Lady Geneve agrees. “Mr. Darcy the elder came to the pond to investigate, having heard that his son was brawling. Darcy did not need to say a word in his own defense as there were all these young girls thanking him for what he had done and praised his chivalry. Darcy’s father soon sported the same small upturn of his mouth as does Darcy. The two made their way back to town with the elder Darcy’s arm around his son’s shoulders.” Lizzy wants to know if there was any further trouble from Baldwin and his friends.
“I should say not. Mr. Baldwin grew up to be a respectable solicitor, and I have seen him from time to time. He is always very polite and gracious, and he always asks after the esteemed Mr. Darcy wishing for me to convey his greetings to Darcy. It’s rather hilarious considering all.” Lady Geneve and Lizzy chuckle quite a bit about the pandering Mr. Baldwin gives to Darcy especially after Lady Geneve reveals that Mr. Baldwin becomes all tongue tied and flustered on the rare occasions he encounters Darcy. “Darcy must not recall the incident because he cannot fathom the man’s response to him!” They laugh some more and Elizabeth is treated to another tale, this one a little more serious. One of the pubs in Lambton has a rougher crowd who frequent the establishment with much rowdy drinking and at times fighting. One fight had spilled out into the street as Darcy was walking by.
“It was only a couple of years after Darcy’s father had died. Darcy became so serious, and we rarely saw him smile. He did not take such roguishness lightly, and as the two combatants spilled onto the walkway, Darcy chastised them. The smaller of the two quickly apologized and made his way back into the pub, but the other must have decided Darcy would be a better opponent. He sneered at Darcy and informed him that he was not impressed by Mr. Darcy of Pemberley. He called Darcy a dandy and insinuated he was not manly.” Lady Geneve informs Elizabeth that she came around the corner of the building and witnessed the exchange. Elizabeth shivers knowing already Darcy will not back down from a challenge.
“Once again someone came after Darcy, but this time Darcy was ready. He deflected the hit and responded with a punch of his own. The brawler staggered but did not fall. He went at Darcy again and managed to grab Darcy’s shirt and began to pull it. The action caused Darcy to lose his balance for a moment and the man connected with Darcy’s chin.” Elizabeth winces because even though the fight happened long ago, she hates to think of Darcy knowing any pain. Lady Geneve shivers also.
“Darcy did not waver after the hit but rallied and returned two hits of his own. The result was the troublemaker went down but not before tearing Darcy’s shirt. Darcy kneeled on the man’s chest and glared into his face asking him if
he wanted more. Darcy could have rightfully pummeled that man, but he acted with honor once the man pleaded for mercy. Darcy granted mercy when the man agreed to clean up the mess he created in the pub. Many in the town had their respect for the young Master of Pemberley grow even further.” Lady Geneve recounts how upon spying her in the crowd of onlookers Darcy sought to alleviate her fears when he noted how pale and frightened she looked. “He jested about how much trouble he was in with Barnabas for ruining a perfectly good shirt! It worked, he soon had me laughing in spite of the fright I just witnessed.”
Lizzy nods because she knows exactly what Lady Geneve refers to. Darcy uses humor to ease the tension during difficult or stressful times, and Lizzy loves him more for it. “Darcy then went into the pub himself. Many followed expecting another melee. I took some time to compose myself, not wanting to witness my dear friend in another battle, before I went inside. Imagine my shock to see Darcy seated with the two ruffians while he was talking to them almost if nothing occurred. The stern countenance was in place. However, he made offers to both of them of work he knew about in the area. The one man who did not fight Darcy has remained employed to this day, married and raised a family of his own much to Darcy’s satisfaction.” Elizabeth cannot help the tears which mist her eyes. She knows her husband to be honorable but to hear how he did not hold any rancor over what these men had done and instead offered them an opportunity for a better life touches her.
Lady Geneve smiles gently at Lizzy. “Darcy has always been an exceptional man,” she says as she pats Lizzy’s hand. “Unfortunately the other man with whom Darcy had fought, did not take up the offer and he shortly left the area. No one knows what became of him.” Lady Geneve holds Lizzy’s hand as she talks more of Darcy and the obvious felicity she sees on his face and in his whole being. Lizzy comments on Darcy’s gentle soul, and Geneve has one last story to tell which highlights his kindness and passion for horses as well as children. It started on a London street where peddlers often traveled with their carts and horses trying to sell whatever they have on their wagons. Often the wagons would be overloaded, and the horses would have difficulty pulling the load. One horse had fallen from exhaustion, and the owner was brutally whipping the horse to make it stand up again. Geneve describes for Lizzy the scene.
“Jonesy and Darcy were in Town on some business and were drawn by the noise. Darcy took one look at the poor, malnourished beast who trembled under the driver’s onslaught, and Darcy became incensed. His love for horses, even those who do no more than humble work without fine pedigrees, is true and deep. To see one of these animals or any animal mistreated is more than he can bear. He grabbed the man’s arm to prevent him from whipping the horse further, and he tossed the whip away. The driver, seeing Darcy’s anger coupled with his formidable scowl and person decided not to react physically. As he backed away from Darcy’s rage, Darcy loosened the harness then freed the horse from the shafts while speaking soothingly to the poor thing.” Geneve sips on her tea as Lizzy sits spellbound.
“After some gentle coaxing the horse attempted to rise, and the third time the horse regained his feet. Darcy stood by the animal stroking its neck as it calmed and the trembling stopped. Jonesy fixed the owner with a glare of his own and looked disapprovingly at the gathered crowd. Darcy sent one lad to his townhouse to fetch a groomsman and some footman, and as they awaited their arrival, Darcy negotiated to buy the horse. He paid more than the animal was worth but the cruel owner was satisfied. The man naturally purchased another horse, but he now had the added scrutiny of Darcy’s men assuring that the new horse remained well fed and cared for lest Darcy file charges.” Lizzy is not surprised by Darcy using his influence to assure another horse did not suffer the same fate, but she is curious to know what became of the horse Darcy rescued.
“That is perhaps the sweetest part of the story. Darcy had his own men care for and restore the horse to health. Once the animal was shiny and fat, Darcy donated the horse to an orphanage. Darcy believes when children learn to care for another being and put its needs before their own, the children become better adults. Darcy pays for the horse’s upkeep and needs but the orphans do the grooming, cleaning, and feeding. The orphans named the horse Dudley, and he still resides there in a small shed and yard built by Darcy’s men. Dudley is well cared for and loved by the children, and I imagine he has been a friend and confidant to many lost little ones over the years. Those who run the orphanage report Dudley has helped many a traumatized child start to heal as that child learns to care for Dudley. The children are protective of Dudley and make sure no one ever slacks off regarding Dudley’s care.”
Geneve leans forward as if sharing a secret. “When Darcy visits the orphanage ostensibly to check on Dudley, he is swarmed by the orphans who thank him for Dudley and clamor for Darcy’s attention which he gives to the children freely. Often there is a bag or two of sweets which seems to make its way to the children.” Geneve smiles as she finishes and Lizzy can imagine Darcy’s kindness with the horse and especially the children. Geneve again states how relieved she is to note Darcy’s felicity since his marriage to Lizzy. She fretted that such a gentle and good man as Darcy would never know the blissfulness to be found with one’s true love.
“I cannot tell you how pleased I am to see Darcy so content. As I had told you before, our families have been close throughout the years, and it pained us to see Darcy deal with such heartache after the death of his dear father. I wanted to offer him comfort, but as you know, propriety would frown on such behavior. For us women, it is expected that we express our feelings to one another because we are emotional, while a man has to bear his sorrow all alone. What a silly notion as if a man does not suffer from loss. My father had seen Darcy during the time after the elder Darcy’s demise. Father offered what advice he could with the estate, but Darcy learned well from his father.” Lady Geneve pauses here and collects her thoughts as she continues haltingly.
“Then last spring around Easter we became seriously concerned for our friend. Father reported seeing Darcy in London stating that Darcy had lost weight and looked gaunt and haggard. We feared a serious illness. Rumor had it Darcy ceased most contact with people unless absolutely necessary to the running of Pemberley. No one saw him at a social gathering. Father asked about and found the estate continued to thrive under Darcy’s hand, but he could not account for his appearance. Naturally, the ton was filled with all sorts of speculation, none of which held any truth but made for tantalizing gossip. I have never subscribed to the thinking of the ton, but like Darcy, I have been forced to move within it for the betterment of myself and my family.” Lady Geneve snorts her disapproval. “To continue, Darcy made a cryptic statement to Father regarding heirs to Pemberley. He said it mattered not to him if he did not produce the required heir as the estate would pass to Georgiana’s children and perhaps he would finally be useful to someone as he would help them to take the reins of Pemberley. We thought it strange he would feel that way considering all who rely on Pemberley and Darcy’s competency as Master.” Elizabeth has remorse and guilt wash over her.
“Eventually Darcy seemed to regain some of his vigor, but there was a sadness about him which was almost palpable. Close to the fall, Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived in London, but we were never made aware of what he found. Then you came into Darcy’s life, and we saw him not only return to health, but he finally broke free of the prison that held him captive for so long. I could see his salvation the first time I met you on the streets of London. He is a complex man to be sure, but a better man never lived.” Lady Geneve smiles broadly at Lizzy, her relief evident.
Elizabeth is quiet during this narrative, and it takes all of her self-control not to break down in front of Lady Geneve. Lady Geneve has no idea the source of Darcy’s suffering was the reproofs Elizabeth heaped on him at Hunsford as well as her sound rejection of all he offered. She at the time thought him to be devoid of feelings and figured he would easily dismiss what she had said. She had an inkling he s
uffered after talking with the Colonel while Darcy mended from the gunshot wound, but the Colonel only alluded to Darcy’s indignities and did not elaborate further.
Elizabeth is impatient to be at Darcy’s side to let him know of her love and sorrow for hurting him so deeply. She manages to pass off the rest of the evening without letting her agitation show, but she does note Darcy studying her a time or two. Darcy makes their excuses at the end of the evening. Sir Harland and Lady Geneve are most gracious hosts, and Elizabeth looks forward to hosting them at Pemberley. Once settled in the carriage, however, Elizabeth cannot hold back any longer. She leaves her seat to join Darcy on his as the tears and sobs begin.
“Lizzy! What is this? Has someone upset you? Tell me Love what I can do to ease your angst?” Darcy is caught unaware of the turmoil in Lizzy’s heart.
“Oh, Fitzwilliam! Lady Geneve told me of your suffering after Rosings. Please do not be angry with her; she was just telling me how changed and happy you are now that we are together compared to how you were over last summer. I could not tell her I was the cause of your misery! The Colonel only said you suffered some indignities, but I had no notion of how deep your pain. Forgive me Fitzwilliam for not seeing the wonderful man you are and for my cruel and hurtful words!”
“Lizzy, please! It pains me more to see you so distraught. I offered you far worse when I gave you my first proposal. I offered you cuts you did not deserve and tore at everything and everyone you held dear. How could you not have responded to such mean statements? I am heartily ashamed of myself and can never forget the hurt I put in your eyes. Please do not torment yourself over what you said. I deserved every criticism you gave. I cannot bear your tears, please Lizzy, there is nothing for you to be forgiven for.” Darcy holds her tight to his chest as he soothes her with words of love and devotion. The carriage rolls to a stop before Pemberley’s entrance and Darcy exits the carriage and turns to sweep Elizabeth up in his arms then carries her into the manor. Once in the foyer, he assists her with her coats then picks her up again to carry her to their shared chamber.