My dearest sister Georgiana,
I desire this letter finds you well as you stay at Rosings Park. I hope you have found something pleasing to occupy the monotonous time there; perhaps you have been practicing our aunts beloved piano-forte as she carries on about the supposed proficiency both Anne and herself might have possessed. The next time we meet you must entertain me with the new repertoire your instructor left. How proud I am of your musical talent.
It may have come to your attention that our aunt left on urgent business without notice. It is for that reason I have wrote to you, as I will discuss the details of the business.
Our aunt arrived here late but three nights ago, proceeding to call upon Miss Elizabeth Bennet in the middle of the night. From Miss Elizabeth's account our aunt demanded an audience with her with the sole purpose of ascertaining whether Miss Elizabeth and I were engaged to be married. Miss Elizabeth said we were not then our aunt declared that Miss Elizabeth and I could never enter into such a bond for I was to be married to our cousin Anne. Miss Elizabeth told our aunt she would never make such a promise and ushered her out. Sister, I can hardly believe Miss Elizabeth's boldness, to stand up to such a lady as Lady Catherine and defend herself and family takes great strength and independence, qualities I have come to admire greatly in Miss Elizabeth.
After Miss Elizabeth sent our aunt away she could not sleep therefore went outside to clear her head. Back at Netherfield, Lady Catherine stopped with the same purpose of asserting I never offer my hand to Miss Elizabeth for she is far too beneath me. I took no heed and sent her on her way, but not before I told her of my admiration of Miss Bennet, much to her dismay. I also desired to clear my head in the early morning air, hoping perhaps that Miss Bennet would follow in the same suit. As I walked I saw through the fog a figure passing through the pastures.
It was Miss Elizabeth. When we met she relayed to me of her meeting with Lady Catherine. I told her I had renewed hope in her affections and renewed my sentiments for her, also asking for her hand. Georgiana, you are to have a sister for she expressed mutual love and consented to my offer. My heart has never been lighter. To know Miss Elizabeth is to be my wife, there is no pleasanter feeling in the world for there is no one like Miss Elizabeth in the world. She is exactly the wife and friend that I need, for we compliment each other in every way. I do love her ardently; to have her express her love was almost too much for my heart.
I then went to Mr. Bennet to ask permission for his daughter's hand. He consented with one condition, that I care and love his daughter with my utmost ability. I ensured him it was now my life's mission. He wanted to know if I was worthy enough for his favorite daughter so he talked with Miss Elizabeth who came out with the news that our engagement is official.
Such is the reason I have decided to stay in Netherfield for an additional two weeks to be with Miss Elizabeth for I do not wish to part with her yet. Business in London can wait. In the midst of my joy I have forgotten to inform you that Charles and Miss Jane Bennet are also engaged. They certainly are a happy couple as well. I will soon write again to convey a plan for myself and you.
With all my love,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Georgiana Darcy sat on her plush bed in the guest suite at Rosings Park, clutching the letter from her brother to her chest. Her infectious smile light up her face as she fell back in glee onto the bed. She knew the moment her brother first mentioned Miss Elizabeth he was smitten. Seeing their interactions at Pemberly made it clear to Georgiana that Miss Elizabeth felt the same. It was obvious to Georgiana through the way their eyes locked on each other or the way Miss Elizabeth's subtle glances followed Fitzwilliam that they would be together one day. It helped that Georgiana admired Miss Elizabeth and considered her a wonderful friend. Georgiana put the letter on the armoire next to her bed and rushed out the room, her blonde hair swishing behind her. She skipped through the elegant corridors and stairwells to the breakfast room, pausing to regain her composure at the entrance to the breakfast room. Walking properly into the fantastically designed room it surprised Georgiana to find her aunt at the table.
"Ah, dear Georgiana, sit down." Lady Catherine de Bourgh commanded.
"When did you return from your trip?" Georgiana asked sipping her tea.
"Last night." Came the gruff reply
"And was it pleasant?" Feigning naivety, Georgiana put on her best innocent look and smiled at her aunt. Lady Catherine looked up slowly from her food with a sneer.
"Very."
"How wonderful! What was your business?" Georgiana ignored the harsh reply, continuing on with her naivety in which she employed sincerely.
"Too many questions for a proper young girl. You must learn to hold your tongue. Tell me, Georgiana, have you received correspondence from your brother lately?" Georgiana could tell Lady Catherine was fishing for information.
"No, I have not, but I dearly hope to hear from him soon." Georgiana lied, though it had not been in her upbringing to do so yet it was not wise to tell Lady Catherine so otherwise.
"Good, perhaps he did heed my advice." Lady Catherine muttered under her breath.
"Pardon, did you say something?" Georgiana asked, eyes wide in youthful gleam.
"No." The rest of the morning passed in awkward silences. Georgiana tried playing the pianoforte yet felt too apprehensive. She decided to talk a walk around the beautiful grounds.
"Anne would you care to join me for a walk?" She asked politely trying to reach out to her shy cousin.
"Sure." Anne said, much to her mother's advisement it must be a short, undemanding walk as to not endanger her fragile health. Outside the crisp air breathed life into Georgiana's veins. The sun hung glorious as it bathed everything in an unadulterated light. Smells of the fresh, vibrant plants surrounded Georgiana's nose as she breathed deeply. Somewhere birds teetered away in a melodious song. After a few minutes of silence between the girls, Anne surprisingly spoke up.
"Are Darcy and Miss Bennet engaged?" She asked meekly, as if scared to be asking such a forward question. The question surprised Georgiana but she decided to tell Anne the truth.
"Yes, he sent me a letter this morning."
"Yes, I knew that. I saw it come in. My mother told me the purpose of her trip."
"Will she be upset when she hears of the engagement?"
"Yes."
"Oh," Anne's straightforward answers were much different than what Georgiana was used to hearing from Anne, "your quite observant, Anne."
"Yes." The rest of the walk was in silence. Through the fresh air livened up Georgiana, she could not help but wonder what Anne thought of the engagement, after all it was Anne who was intended for her brother.
When they returned back to the estate, Georgiana rushed to a separate drawing room than the main one to have the privacy to reply to her brother's letter. As the creamy paper lay on the wooden desk she could not decide how to correctly pen her excitement. She touched the ink to the paper and began to weave her thoughts.
My Beloved Brother,
My heart is overflowing with the excitement of your news. I am positively ecstatic about the prospect of having Miss Elizabeth as a sister. Do pass on my best regards to her. I knew from the moment you first mentioned her that there was magic about your relationship. Having the pleasure of meeting Miss Elizabeth at Pemberly was wonderful. What a brilliant day that was. I do consider Miss Elizabeth a dear friend already so I will cherish her as a sister. I wholly approve of the whole situation.
Lady Catherine returned last night to Rosings Park and has been in a cross morning since. She does not know of the engagement as I thought it best not to inform her. Our cousin Anne though has surprised me with her acute observance and has learned of it on her own. I do hope she does not break it to Lady Catherine yet. Are you planning on telling Lady Catherine yourself?
Rosings Park has lost its splendor for me as I yearn to be in my home. Though its beauty is quite pleasurable. I will wait patiently until I hear of your plan for me. Enjoy your stay in Netherfield. Pass on my congratulations to Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet on their engagement. How exciting for both of them.
Oh brother, I have just had a splendid idea! Would it be possible for me to spend time with Miss Elizabeth upon your departure to London? I do not wish to be alone in Pemberly and I would dearly enjoy her companionship. Please inform me of your thoughts on the matter. I again cannot contain my pleasure or excitement regarding your engagement! With great amounts of love I send.
Your beloved sister,
GeorgianaGeorgiana let the ink dry then sealed the letter and scampered to find a courier to send it off. As she thanked the courier and turned to retreat to the drawing room to play the pianoforte she thought of the prospect of spending more time with Miss Elizabeth. She desired contact with Miss Elizabeth. In the drawing room Lady Catherine sat staring straight ahead, Anne sat looking at her hands in her lap.
"Sit Georgiana." Georgiana sat obediently, unsure of her aunts tone. "Why did you dare lie to me?"
"Lie about what aunt?" Georgiana replied though she fully knew why. Lady Catherine held up the letter addressed to Georgiana in Darcy's handwriting.
"That is my letter."
"It was on the armoire I own, in the room I own, in the estate I own. Did you really think you could keep this from me? Naïve, foolish little girl, just like your brother. How dare he ruin an agreement about his marriage and marry so foolishly, and you who encourage it." Lady Catherine's bitter stare locked on Georgiana's face displaying her cold feelings. Georgiana looked away, biting her lip, desperately wishing she could stand up for her brother and herself but instead sat unable to accomplish anything.