Oh Dear, I seem to have created quite the reaction by introducing proud and slightly taciturn Mr Darcy. Many liked the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy, others were amused by Lady Marianne's match making but most were very displeased at Darcy's lack of appreciation for saving his sister. All is in a state of flux, after all this is just the first meeting. They have not been in company above two hours as this stage and cannot know each other. Several weeks in the same house…..Ahm, wonder what that will do….
Erica, I have to say, I read your reviews – yes all four of them, several times and had to laugh. In some ways I felt like Miss Elizabeth Bennet might, rather amused at your expressions of dissatisfaction at Mr Darcy's behaviour. Oh, I agree with you and I have a sneaking suspicion….well read on and you'll see what I elude too!
Act III: Exit Mr Darcy
Scene I
"Georgiana," Elizabeth's tinkling laughter surrounded the three ladies now ensconced in the drawing room. They had returned from walking along the promenade to Bainbridge house to await the call to break their fast. "It cannot be so. A woman of sense could scarce act in such a fashion."
Smiling widely, the younger woman professed, "but it is, Elizabeth, I assure you. I witnessed the event with my own eyes. Miss Bingley accompanied her brother when he made a business call on Fitzwilliam. She stood by the window not three feet away. Miss Bingley shook, demanding to know the truth although it was not mine to tell. Despite me attending my lessons on the pianoforte, the lady continued to request details of the supposed engagement between my brother and cousin Anne."
At this point, Mrs. Annesley's eyes captured Miss Bennet's and said in a diverted tone, "scandalous!" However she hid her amusement from all but her sparkling orbs, lest she give away her enjoyment of the ill-mannered tale. Thankfully, Georgiana missed the joke.
"Which, Mrs. Annesley?" Elizabeth opined, swallowing her mirth, "That such a false report reached London society and it became so widely known, even though untrue, or Miss Bingley's reaction to it. The lady must hold quite a tendre for your brother, Georgiana, to act in such an improper manner, especially as Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley are intimate in the extreme."
"Miss Bingley is careful to stay within the bounds of propriety when in company, and most especially when Fitzwilliam is present," Georgiana answered with a frown. "I should not like her for a sister. My brother has spoken of her unbecoming manners and does not see them in a prudential light. He begs me not to take her likeness, even if she is a very accomplished woman."
"I hope you should never act in such a forward manner, Miss Darcy," Mrs Annesley refused to be further drawn into the conversation. "A gentleman is obliged to pursue the lady, if he means to court her. Propriety must be observed on such occasions if there is to be any respect within the match."
"Yes," Lizzy agreed, her humour dissipating. "In this case, I believe your brother to be injured most grievously. The reputation of your cousin must be materially damaged in the transaction, even if you say her hopes were not. It is a sad business, that loose tongues might ruin the credit of two respectable people and even force them into making a match neither would want." Pausing, Elizabeth couldn't help ask, "did Mr. Darcy ever discover from whence such a report originated? I cannot see your brother happy such a rumour was circulated, nor the situation that resulted."
Nodding, to all of Elizabeth's assertions, Georgiana's fingers began to play with the lace on her gown. Not willing to speak the truth, the young woman sighed heavily. Miss Bennet and Mrs. Annesley glanced at each other, sharing a private moment of understanding. Miss Darcy's reaction to the question indicated a family member first voiced the report.
The girl's mother, Mr. and Miss Darcy's relative must be the author of such an attempted union, they silently agreed. Such an arrangement, maintaining wealth and connections, was not unheard of among the highest levels of society.
Darcy, attracted by the delightful sounds emanating from the entryway, descended the stairs to commence is day, only to observe the three ladies entering the morning parlour. In somewhat of a quandary, Darcy found himself acting in a most ungentlemanly fashion. He did not wish to interrupt, but to continue listening to the conversation in the room from his current position at the foot of the staircase, would be considered impolitic. Unable to delay longer, he looked for a footman to announce his arrival. Without one in sight, Darcy coughed, rather loudly, before opening the doors to the room. On entering, his sister sat between the two ladies, her expression somewhat downcast. Georgiana's cry of "Fitzwilliam" alerted the party to their guest.
Bowing, Darcy approached and offered morning salutations. "Mrs. Annesley, after our discussion last evening, and upon further consideration, I believe you may enjoy an opportunity to visit your sister while you remain in Ramsgate. It is uncertain that we should ever visit this part of the country again once removed to London."
"Thank you," Emily said, shocked by the sudden attention when she had not requested such consideration. "I shall send a note immediately, requesting an appointment this week if that is agreeable to your plans. I do not wish to inopportune you, Sir."
"When you have arranged the day," Darcy responded, returning his attention to his sister, "perhaps you would like to join me for a picnic, Georgiana. I am reliably informed there is a popular ruin oft used for that purpose."
Georgiana beamed, until her gaze fell on Elizabeth. Obviously his sister wished to include her new friend in the party. Darcy instantly took her meaning, but had little intention of extending an invitation to Miss Bennet. Before more could be said, Jeeves interrupted. It seemed Lady Marianne required their company in the breakfast room.
Elizabeth stood quickly and indicated Mr. Darcy should escort her to break her fast. The attention paid Georgiana's new companion had not missed her notice. Indeed, for a master to pay such close attention to his servant's words and act upon them without a request spoke well of Mr. Darcy's scruples. It lent Lizzy the courage she needed to express her thoughts on Mr. Wickham's and Mrs. Younge's behaviour toward his sister.
"Had I spent many months away from my sister, Jane," Lizzy opened a dialogue between them with a topic close to Mr. Darcy's heart. Coming close enough not to be overheard by the others, she whispered, "I should like such an outing so we might speak privately, if the opportunity arose. There would be much that could not be imparted while residing in another's home."
"Such regard displays an affection for your sister which is pleasing," Darcy stated, somewhat astounded by the woman's audacity and yet sensitivity. He wondered to what the lady eluded, for surely she must have a point to this conversation.
"I hope," Lizzy looked to the floor and prayed Mr. Darcy would take her comments in the vein they were meant, "time spent with your sister will give you an opportunity to discuss Mr. Wickham's behaviour and how this may not be an isolated incident on that gentleman's, nor others, part. Society can present many and varied situations, as I am sure you are aware, Sir, to importune a young ladies reputation. Georgiana is a trusting soul, who values your good opinion and looks to your guidance and good judgement, as she ought. However, she may easily be lead astray by those of dubious character whom she considered friends, and her virtue compromised in the transaction. Not yet out in society, her innocence shines bright. I should not like to see any harm come to your sister, Mr. Darcy."
"Is that you opinion, Miss Bennet?" Darcy enquired, his brows furrowed in concentration. He had not expected the young woman to be so explicit nor approach him in such a way. Yet in doing so, his estimation of Miss Bennet's principles and understanding of society increased. It seemed she took her role of protector seriously and considered his sister almost as her own. Darcy found himself unaccountably humbled and at a loss for words, for he could not see this lady placing herself in a similar situation, no matter what the provocation. Mr. Darcy began to better understand the friendship betwixt his shy sister and this more affable woman.
"I believe it is what occurred, Sir," Lizzy looked up to see his serious expression. It appeared Mr. Darcy hung on her every word. "I hope you will not object to my plain speaking. Mrs. Younge made a fool of us all. I should have acknowledged her true character sooner, as she displayed a want of propriety that placed a young woman in harm's way upon our very first meeting. I would have written to you myself, despite the consequences to my reputation, had not your sister done so. I supposed Georgiana to be in the most acute danger and can only thank my aunt for agreeing to host your sister prior to your timely arrival." Lizzy dropped his arm, curtseyed and took her seat beside her aunt, feeling slightly embarrassed.
For his part, Darcy remained silent, except when addressed directly as breakfast proceeded. He needed time to think on this revelation. Around him, the ladies conversed happily, talking of the amusements to be found in Ramsgate and their plans for the following week. Lady Bainbridge accepted one or two evening events each seven night, her affliction severely limiting the number, while the inclusion of her niece necessitated at least that many outings to soothe Miss Bennet's social disposition. Marianne could not do without her companion whilst in company, and so Elizabeth attended the older lady happily.
He watched his sister surreptitiously, from under discrete lashes, as the young woman smiled and interacted with ease in the present company, Miss Bennet above the others. It appeared Mr. Darcy would be alone with Georgiana tomorrow evening as Lady Marianne and Miss Bennet were engaged elsewhere. It would be an ideal time to discover Miss Bennet's true character and her level of attachment to Georgiana, from his sister's point of view.
"Would you care to join us, Mr. Darcy," Marianne asked, breaking into his silent contemplations. The offer made more out of politeness than expectation. "Mr. Charlesworth has issued an open invitation to his card party. As a guest in my home, you would be a most welcome addition."
"I thank you for the honour," Darcy politely declined. "I should like to spend every moment with my sister before returning to town. Business will call me away far sooner than I would like."
Nodding her understanding and consent, Lady Bainbridge continued speaking of the inhabitants of Ramsgate, leaving the reticent man to his thoughts. Mr. Darcy made comments not exceeding ten words, proving the gentleman followed the conversation, but refrained from speaking unless particularly provoked. What insights he offered proved his intellect to be worthy of his university education, and the man was well informed on many subjects. This drew Lizzy's interest. She began to gently engage the gentleman with topics of interest to him, content to be in the company of such a mind. Mr Darcy cautiously responded, albeit in as few words as possible.
Having seen her niece enter the room beside Mr. Darcy, whispering in the gentleman's ear, and having left Elizabeth to entertain their guests last evening, Marianne took pity on the young woman and chose to carry the greater part of the conversation, directing it to her niece's best advantage. Yet Lady Bainbridge was not unaware of the looks passing between the pair as each attempted to sketch the other's very complex characters in their limited exchanges. It seemed Mr. Darcy's interest had been aroused, and her plan to foster an attachment between them was in its infancy. Lady Bainbridge could not determine Elizabeth's feelings, but wished to uncover them.
After breaking their fast, Lady Bainbridge called Elizabeth to the garden, where she spent the best part of the morning carefully interrogating the young woman as to her thoughts on their guests. Confused by her feelings, Lizzy answered her Aunt's queries with the truthful candour Marianne had come to expect from the young lady. It displayed the level of trust garnered between the two. Miss Darcy and her companion retired to the drawing room, and the only pianoforte within the house, to await the master for her instruction. Darcy followed the latter, staying long enough to understand all was well and that he was not needed.
So set the pattern within Bainbridge house for the following week. Darcy took all his meals with the ladies and escorted them to the drawing room after dining, but spent very little time with them throughout the day. Lady Marianne turned over her library to Darcy, where he transacted whatever business matters required his attention prior to luncheon. Often Darcy had appointments in the early afternoon. He did walk out with the ladies on occasion, more to ensure Georgiana's felicity with Miss Bennet than wishing to take in the prospect of Ramsgate's promenade. At least that is how Darcy's mind condescended to justify his presence on these outings.
Ah ha, what think you all? Only two more weeks (four posts) to go. See you again on Monday. I warn you now, that post might be a bit late due to the Easter Holiday, but not too much.