A.N.: I am humbled by the number of favorites/followers for this story as well as by the kindness of the reviews. Thank you! I do try to respond to each reviewer, however in the case of guest reviews that is simply not possible. One guest mentioned the apparent discrepancy with Georgiana being in Hertfordshire before summer. It was always the intent that Georgiana should be in Hertfordshire with Mr. Darcy during the Bennet/Bingley engagement. Jane does not mention this (or Darcy's presence in fact) in her letters to Elizabeth because she fears the impact it might have on her sister. Jane always suspected there was or could have been something between the two (not to mention she is wrapped up in her own engagement and the situation with her father). The only hint to his presence during this time in LFE is Elizabeth's June 1 letter where she mentions Mr. Darcy's comment on Mary's improved playing. Mr. Darcy, being more concerned with what he finds in Kent than who he left in Hertfordshire simply doesn't think to mention his sister's presence there. All of this leaves Elizabeth thinking her sisters will meet Georgiana for the first time over the summer.
The canon P&P characters are not mine. They belong to Miss Austen and I thank her.
15 February 1812
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
Dear Richard,
Congratulate Hargrove on his engagement. I have written already, but as he is with Lady Harriet's family I expect you will see him before he receives my note. I suspect it will not be a long engagement. Lord Haliwell has been trying to marry off his eldest daughter for these five years at least and it appears there is some affection between the couple. As to the request of my last, I naturally understand you cannot take additional leave and I would not wish to face even a day in Kent outside your company. I require your assistance in deflecting our Aunt's continuous hints about uniting Pemberley and Rosings. I believe even Anne grows weary of her mother's blind insistence on a match we neither one desire. Perhaps if I had not fled in November…but, it no longer signifies. In any event, I do not believe Georgiana will join us this year. She is comfortably ensconced with the Bennet sisters and not likely to uproot for so trifling a cause as visiting her Aunt. In truth, I have not yet determined if I am dreading this visit more than in years past or if I am anxious to arrive. I do not know how I shall survive Kent, but it must be done. I did not mention before, but Miss Bennet has received a letter from her sister. She relates that Mrs. Collins finds our Aunt to be quite attentive. If that is all Mrs. Collins said, I shall declare her to be the mistress of understatement.
In an attempt to pass the time, I joined Bingley yesterday for a shooting party. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself welcome amongst the group, all of whom were area land owners. When the shooting was finished we retired to Bingley's study for brandy and cigars. A day spent in company was sufficient for more than a few of the local gentleman to begin questioning me regarding our friend in the militia and the stories with which he has regaled the neighborhood. I wonder that I did not set all this to rights sooner. How could I have left these good people to suffer from the proclivities of that man? Of course I spoke nothing of last summer, but I did make it known that he is not a man to be trusted. 'Twas a novel experience to have my word taken not because I am a Darcy of Pemberley, but because I was judged an honest fellow after a bit of sport.
Mr. Bennet continues in his illness. I believe I shall summon Dr. Cartwright. Whatever ails the man seems to be beyond the capabilities of the local apothecary and I have rarely seen a family in more need of their patriarch than this one. On my previous visit to this country I thought Mr. Bennet to be somewhat indolent in regards to his family, but it would seem I have been once again mistaken. Whatever little influence he held over his wife is now gone and is sorely to be missed. Despite my effort at impartiality, I find I have no goodwill for the woman. Mrs. Bennet has not a single concern for the welfare of her daughters except as players in her games. To one she is indulgent, to another attentive in the extreme, another is no more than an afterthought and to the last she is censorious and cruel. Of her married daughter she speaks only to brag of her own good sense in having both secured the future of Longbourn and rid herself of an ungrateful child. No matter how wretched the mother, I cannot but feel protective of the remaining daughters. To that end, I encourage Georgiana to have them as frequent guests. In this house even the youngest, whom believe I have described from my previous visit, begins to display some sense. Wild shrieks and running about have given way to endless giggles, piano duets and the taking up of drawing pencils. Georgiana is pleased with her new friends and to my own great surprise, I am scarcely less so.
I confess I have found an additional benefit to the near constant presence of the lively Bennets. It appears the very suggestion of a pending visit from that family is enough to cause Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst to develop the headache and remove themselves from company for the day. I find we all manage to bear the slight with good humour.
Your Cousin,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
17 February 1812
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
Dear Anne,
I confess myself surprised at the receipt of your letter and can only trust your discretion with my response. I am curious to know more about this Mr. Addison. How did you come to meet him and what are his prospects? I should wish to meet the young man. Perhaps something can be arranged? I cannot fathom how you have managed to keep such a thing from my Aunt. She must be very distracted indeed by her efforts to oversee the changes in her parson's living arrangements. I can very well see how you would wish for me to convince her there can never be an understanding between us, but I cannot see how it is to be done. Certainly speaking with her has had no effect. I had hoped…but it does not signify. I will give the matter due consideration and perhaps between us, Richard and I will have a suggestion when we visit at Easter.
I am no less pleased to know you find Mrs. Collins to be an amiable neighbor. I daresay the dinner conversation is not dull when she is a guest at your mother's table. You are correct in your belief we are acquainted. I met Mrs. Collins, then Miss Bennet, last autumn while visiting a friend who had leased an estate in the area. I know not how intimate she ever was with Wickham, but if she is asking then certainly tell her the whole of our history with him. Mrs. Collins has a strong sense of justice, I believe, and it is likely he won her over with his universally charming manners. I knew she was outraged on his behalf last November, but could not bring myself to disclose what I knew. It is one of many regrets from that time. I am afraid, cousin, I did not recommend myself well to those in the neighborhood on my first visit. If Mrs. Collins has a low opinion of me, it is due to my own reticence in company. I have been informed by no less a person than the lady's youngest sister that I was thought to be, "a proud, distasteful sort of fellow." Miss Lydia shows no restraint in offering her opinions. In many ways she reminds me of her sister, though the younger is not so discrete as the elder. She tells me I am now much improved. I shall accept her words as the compliment for which they were intended.
I plan to depart Hertfordshire for London on March 17. I have some few matters of business to attend and I wish to call on Hargrove to offer my felicitations. Once there I shall join Richard and together we should arrive at Rosings on the 23rd if the roads are passable. If I thought coming sooner would make any difference to your situation, I would happily do so. As it will not, I must stay with my original plans and ask for your continued patience. I will do all in my power to promote your happiness.
Your Cousin,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
1 March 1812
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
Dear Richard,
By your convoluted train of logic one would assume that a second son might never marry, or at least might not be able to marry where he chooses. It is either this or you think Lady Amelia to be a flirt who has accepted your attentions only as a means of diversion with which she might pass the season. Do try to not be quite so ridiculous. I certainly hope you have not expressed such thoughts to your lady, else she might not be your lady any longer. Bah. Who am I to give advice in these matters? Had I but spoken sooner we might even now be celebrating my own betrothal. You had do better to ask your brother. He has made his match and managed to please the family in the process. Do as you will, only try to recall that a lady's heart is to not to be gained in the same manner as a soldier's obedience. Even I know that much. It is good we soon leave for Kent. You will be able to do far less harm to yourself from there.
I had hoped you might have some advice for Anne's situation. Perhaps between us we can devise a plan. It seems she would very much like to know this Mr. Addison better. For my part, I cannot object without knowing him better myself. I shall think on it more before we travel and I ask that you do the same. At least one of us should find happiness. Since I have lost my chance and you seem determined to ruin yours; we are left with Anne to succeed where we have not.
In Hertfordshire we continue much as we have these many weeks. I believe Bingley grows tired of one Bennet sister even as his affection for another continues to grow. Miss Mary has proven herself to be a most effective chaperone and I daresay the couple has enjoyed scarcely a moment's privacy. We shall have to seek someone of her talent when Georgiana is out. Though I still long for the sanctuary of Pemberley, I find myself thinking how empty that place shall be. I have grown quite accustomed to the noise and activity of four busy young ladies. Each of the Bennet sisters has discovered some occupation and Netherfield is frequently filled with their chatter. It happens that Miss Mary does have some talent for the piano, despite her earlier showing to the contrary. She wanted only proper encouragement and some direction. Miss Catherine is learning to draw and Miss Lydia seems content to sample both for now. How pleasing it will be to have news of her sisters' well-being to deliver to Mrs. Collins.
I hope to also bear news of her father's improvement. Cartwright seems optimistic that a change in treatment will make all the difference to Mr. Bennet. I am not, naturally, privy to all the most intimate details of the situation; but I am given to understand that the man had some sort of apoplexy. His recovery has been hindered by a series of colds that have now caused some sort of illness in his chest. He has been made worse by a lack of good air, stress and numerous other factors. Though it has been only a few days since the changes were made, I have already noted a difference in the Misses Bennet when they speak of their father. There is something less of despair in their manner and tone. We are now all optimistic that Mr. Bennet will, at least, be able to attend his eldest daughter's wedding even if he cannot yet escort her down to the altar.
There is another matter of grave importance where the gentleman is involved. Miss Bennet has confided in Bingley of her father's ignorance regarding the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Collins. Only Mrs. Bennet seems unconcerned as to the impact this news might have on her husband's health. She is willfully blind to the potential consequences of her actions and remains convinced her husband will understand. Her daughters are not so ignorant as the lady herself appears to be. From what I understand of the story, Mr. Bennet first took sick just before Christmas. It was unfortunate that Mr. Collins had chosen that time to make another appearance at Longbourn in hopes of pursuing Miss Elizabeth. As her husband's health continued to fail, Mrs. Bennet became desperate and begged her brother, who is a local attorney, to act in Mr. Bennet's stead and approve the suit of Mr. Collins. Thus the betrothal was effected and the banns read whilst Mr. Bennet was yet unable to speak or write on his daughter's behalf. The whole thing was accomplished in a matter of weeks. Now he has begun asking, in his own manner, after the presence of his second child. Mrs. Bennet prattles on as if she has not understood him and the daughters say their sister is staying in London with an Aunt and Uncle. 'Tis a sorry mess and I know not how to be of service to Bingley or the family. Good God, Richard. She was forced to marry that obsequious, ill-mannered, simpering, foul-smelling parson by her own mother! What sort of woman would subject her own child to such a fate? Even I, a virtual stranger to this family, could see Miss Elizabeth's evident disdain for her cousin. Was there no one who would protect such a lively and intelligent woman from being bound to the stupidest man in all of the kingdom? I wish to cry out to the heavens against this injustice and yet I must accept my own fault in it. If I had not run from my heart, she would not be chained to a man she can never respect. How can I face her in Kent knowing that whatever of bad she has found there is my doing? Free will is a cruel mistress, cousin. Be careful how you serve her.
Your Cousin,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
19 March 1812
Darcy House, London
Dearest Georgiana,
I am safely arrived in London and as I told you before I left, I shall remain here for several days. I apologize for departing so very early, but it seemed the only way. You will, I think, be happy to know I have dined with our Aunt and Uncle Fitzwilliam as well as Richard and Hargrove. Lady Harriet was also in attendance and I think I am correct in saying you will like her very much. She is not so very young, but not nearly so old as to be considered on-the-shelf. She is perhaps the same height as our Aunt and seems amiable enough in her conversation. I am no judge as to whether her heart is engaged, but the match seems agreeable to both parties. I am bid to pass on to you her affectionate thanks for your kind wishes. Our Aunt also sends her regards and begs you to reconsider having your season next year. Do not pay her any mind. There is no need for you to have your come out quite so soon as that. I have only done my duty in passing on her words but they are in no way similar to my own wishes. I am quite proud of you dear sister, and perfectly content to remain your nearest connection for as long as you would like. I am even reconciled to sharing your affections with your new friends in Hertfordshire, so long as I remain your favorite brother.
I believe I shall have some free time on the morrow and will utilize it to seek out the music you requested. Do not concern yourself that I did not understand your many suggestions of gifts for your new friends. I have made careful note of all your requests and will attempt to make those purchases with your happiness and approval in mind. I am also of a mind to add to Bingley's library, if only for my own sake. Richard and I will attend the theater tomorrow night. There is to be a production of Twelfth Night and I find myself desirous of some levity.
I will send word again from Kent, and I am sure to include some few lines from your cousin.
Your Affectionate Brother,
Fitzwilliam
20 March 1812
Darcy House, London
Dear Bingley,
I think I must apologize for the nature of my departure. I know we had discussed my leaving after a morning ride, however I found the only way to effect a safe exit was to do so while your youngest sister was still in her rooms. As it has come to that, I will say now what I intended to say that morning. Caroline is becoming desperate in her attentions and I have ceased to find any humour in the situation. Really, you must speak with her. For the sake of our friendship I will not miss your wedding, but once that is done I will have to insist Caroline not be included in any future invitations to either Darcy House or Pemberley. Additionally, if she continues to reside with you after your marriage, I will necessarily stay at an inn while visiting.
We leave London in a few days and I shall remain in Kent until it is time to return for your wedding. If I can be of any service to you or to the Bennets, please direct your requests to me at Rosings. I think I must say, if your request is urgent you might best ask Georgiana or some other member of the household to write on your behalf. Your script is near impossible to read, especially if you are agitated.
In Friendship,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
AN: The Gardiner's will not feature in this story. For our purposes, they have traveled abroad to pursue various business interests. In the next chapter, Mr. Darcy will discover for himself the unhappy truth of Elizabeth's situation.
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