Chapter 10

"Your concern about George Wickham is well merited." Darcy informed Bingley about a week later as they were sitting in Darcy's home in London, sipping port after dinner. "He is not a trustworthy man, and I would not want him around any lady I cared about."

"Even if the lady in question is capable of humiliating him at every turn?"

"I admit that is a sight I should very much like to see. I wonder how she became aware enough of Wickham's character to question him. You don't suppose he has behaved improperly toward her?"

"I am sure she would not tolerate his continued visits if he had done anything improper. I think she began to suspect him when he told a story about how his godfather's son had denied him the living he had been promised. By the end of that conversation, any listener would have known that he would not have been fit as a clergyman."

"I paid him the full value of that living! Three thousand pounds!"

"I knew his story was not to be taken at face value. Miss Elizabeth knew it, too."

"Despite your faith Miss Elizabeth's cleverness, I think it would be advisable for someone to keep a close eye on Wickham. Her family should probably be informed of Wickham's character. You could speak to Miss Bennet about it when she arrives in two weeks."

Miss Darcy was passing the room where the men were conversing; she knew she shouldn't be listening, but when she realized they were speaking of Wickham, she could not help herself. Georgiana's first thought was disappointment in herself; she should have been able to see through Wickham. Her second thought was that she would dearly like to have Miss Elizabeth Bennet as a friend. She didn't know when she might have the opportunity to meet Miss Elizabeth, but at least she would meet that lady's sister very soon.

Knowing that Miss Bennet would arrive soon filled Mr. Bingley with good cheer, and his cheer was so contagious that those around him could not help but feel happy. Bingley was staying with the Darcys, and his presence had completely changed the environment of the home. The mostly silent dinners had been replaced with pleasant conversation and hearty laughter.

Hearty laughter also filled the Fitzwilliam home when Darcy and Georgiana arrived to spend Christmas with their Aunt and Uncle. Their Fitzwilliam cousins were both jovial and full of friendly laughter. The Viscount, James Fitzwilliam was in his thirties, but was boyishly charming. He preferred to play, joke and flirt to every other activity. His mother had quite despaired of his ever settling down and marrying. His younger brother, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was also jovial and was a true gentleman. He was not as opposed to the idea of matrimony as his elder brother; however, as the second son, he knew he needed to marry a woman with some fortune to support the lifestyle to which he was accustomed. Richard was Darcy's opposite in appearance, personality and demeanor. Despite their differences they were nearly as close as brothers, and they were united in their great love for Georgiana whose guardianship they shared.

Aunt Fitzwilliam, the Countess of Matlock, was in temperament similar to her elder son. She loved to laugh and play. As the wife of an earl, she had had few concerns in life which would put a damper on her boisterous personality. Her husband, on the other hand was a stern and silent man. Those who did not know him well found him intimidating. His family and friends were aware, though, that he had a kind and gentle heart. He also had a keen wit and a wry sense of humor.

"Welcome, Niece and Nephew! You have been away for too long." The earl ushered them into the sitting room.

"Why have you not come sooner?" Their aunt demanded.

"We have only just arrived from Pemberley a few days ago." Darcy looked to his cousin Richard silently pleading for help. Richard knew why the Darcys had secluded themselves.

"But why did you stay away for so long? Have you found some young lady in Derbyshire?" The Countess was hopeful. The Viscount laughed this idea away quickly.

"Of course Darcy has not found a young lady. How could he do so as stodgy as he is?"

"Brother, please stop it. If you keep goading Darcy he'll stay away even longer." Darcy looked at Richard thankfully.

"My brother and I have been enjoying our time together. We shall both be in society more than we would like next year when I come out." The whole room turned to Georgiana, who had been silent up to this point. Even amongst family she was very shy, but now she screwed up her courage.

"Aunt, would you please come have tea with me sometime this week."

"Of course, darling!" From here the conversation turned toward Georgiana and her progress in her accomplishments. She did not like the attention, but she preferred it to her brother's discomfort.

The rest of the holiday progressed happily with cheerful conversation. Colonel Fitzwilliam delighted them all with tales of the adventures he had faced on his military campaigns. Then the viscount brought them laughter with tale of boyish exploits. In such company the day passed very quickly until it was time for Mr. and Miss Darcy to depart.

When they arrived home, Georgiana brought out a small package.

"I made these for you brother." Darcy un-wrapped the package and found three finely embroidered handkerchiefs. The border of each was covered with a pattern of yellow roses, made of tiny delicate stitches.

"These are lovely, sister!" But how shall I blow my nose on them. They are too lovely for that. By the way, your present is in the music room.

Georgiana ran into the music room where there was a brand new harp waiting for her. She squealed with delight and impulsively rushed to embrace her older brother. Darcy, though unused to such displays of affection, was pleased.

As the next two weeks passed, the Darcy home was filled with joy and hopefulness. Georgiana entertained her aunt and then cousin Richard. Then she even invited the whole family for dinner. Since Bingley was in residence with them, he also enjoyed the young lady's hospitality.

By two weeks after Christmas, Bingley's spirits began to fall and the mood of the Darcy house began to sink. Miss Bennet, it seemed, had not arrived in London. When Charles pressed his sister, Caroline insisted that she had heard nothing from her friend. Caroline even insinuated that Miss Bennet was intentionally avoiding them because she was displeased with the attentions she had received.

Neither Mr. nor Miss Darcy had ever met Miss Bennet, and they did not know what to make of her absence. They both felt it their responsibility to comfort their bewildered and depressed friend.

As the weeks passed, nothing changed. Darcy and Bingley attended a few society functions, but they mostly stayed in the corner to themselves. This was not unusual behavior for Darcy, but for Bingley it was shocking. Many individuals rightly surmised that the young man suffered from a broken heart.

Darcy hated to leave Bingley when it was time for him to leave for Rosings at Easter time. Bingley assured his friend that he would be fine. Mr. Bingley would spend the next few weeks with his sisters. He doubted that anything would happen while Darcy was away that would change his mood, but he also doubted that it would get worse.

So Fitzwilliam Darcy and Richard Fitzwilliam set out together on their annual journey to Kent, answering the summons of Lady Catherine De Bourgh.