Title: The Matter of Courtship
Rating: K+
Summary: As the old cliché goes, Georgiana Darcy finds that the course of true love never runs smooth.
Chapter Thirteen: An Important Meeting
Peregrine rang the doorbell of the Darcy townhouse. The summons from Darcy was just what he hoped for as an answer to his letter. That did not stop him from feeling nervous. This meeting would be his only chance to change Darcy's opinion of him. If it went badly then he would never be allowed contact with Miss Darcy. He would not let that happen.
"Lord Cresthope," he said to the maid answering the door. That name was different for him to say. It was hard to reconcile himself to being 'Lord Cresthope'. Still, if he made a mistake and called himself 'Lord Denley' (or worse 'Mr Morris') then he had no chance. Mr Darcy may not see it is a simple error due to his past history as 'Mr Morris'. "I believe Mr Darcy is expecting me."
The maid showed him in and told him to wait whilst she informed Mr Darcy of his presence.
He looked around and immediately made eye contact with Georgiana Darcy who was coming down the stairs. She was curious as to the identity of their guest. She thought it might be Kitty. She looked surprised at the sight of him, as he was sure the same applied to his expressed. He gave a quick bow as he tried to silently communicate reassurance. He must not speak to her, as that would be inadvisable. She responded with a swift curtsey and slipped away with a small smile. She hardly dared to be hopeful at the outcome of his presence.
"Lord Cresthope, Mr Darcy is ready to receive you," the maid reappeared and told him. He followed her.
"Mr Darcy," Peregrine bowed respectfully as he entered the room. It was only the second time he had seen the man. The first was when he had attempted to see Georgiana after the fateful assembly. He had been turned away after only a few minutes.
"Lord Cresthope," Darcy studied the grave young man who was dressed in mourning. "I received your letter."
"Thank you for seeing me," Peregrine said. "I hope I will be allowed to create a better impression of myself."
"Yes. My sister seems particularly attached to you, anyway, and, I believe, in danger of falling in love," Darcy said. "I need to know whether her feelings are justified."
"To that I have no answer. I will be immodest if I say she is correct but will do myself harm in your eyes if I say her feelings for me are misplaced," Peregrine said.
"But are they reciprocated, Lord Cresthope?" Darcy asked. "I will be satisfied with that. If you are leading her on then you can leave this house immediately."
"Of course they are," he replied. "I have been given many opportunities to never contact her again these past few weeks and not taken them. On the contrary, the thought of redeeming myself in her eyes is the only thing that keeps me going. I have never felt this way about anyone before. I believe it is love."
"You 'believe' it is, Lord Cresthope?" Darcy questioned. He would prefer certainty where Georgiana was concerned.
"I have never been in love before, Mr Darcy, so these feeling are new. I hope it is love," Peregrine replied.
"What can you offer? Can you give her what she deserves?" he asked.
"Materially she will want for nothing and, as I said in my letter, her fortune will remain hers," Peregrine said. Of that he was determined. "Emotionally, well, I have hurt her once and could never do that again. She would be adored and cherished."
"I think you can be assured that your unfamiliar feelings are love," Darcy said. He did not expect to be saying that. It was not long since he had never wanted to see this man. "I did not expect or want my sister to fall in love in this way."
"For my part this is equally unplanned," Peregrine said. "I wish I was able to change our first meeting."
"As so I," Darcy said. "If only to avoid prevent the heartache you caused her."
Peregrine swallowed. That was harsh but he knew those words were deserved. "I cannot apologise enough I do not think I will ever forgive myself. It will be to my eternal shame that I behaved in such a way."
"Please, no more," Darcy said. "Profusions of remorse will only grow tiresome."
Peregrine acquiesced with a brief nod, afraid of angering the man.
"So, we have established that you do love my sister," Darcy said. "We can be grateful for that at least. A loveless match could easily be settled on. After all the trouble you caused she must have love in return."
"I will not hurt her again," Peregrine maintained. "It is not in my character. I am not my father if that is what bothers you. Do not think me like him." He could not help sounding offended. He feared that Mr Darcy would make an unfair comparison.
"I hope to realise that you are different," Darcy said. "Fortunately I only knew your father by reputation. I will know you personally."
"You right to keep undesirable me away from Miss Darcy," Peregrine said. "It is a method I will employ towards my sisters. I have already decided that they will have no more contact with my brother Ernest's associates. I understand the reasons for your actions. I would do the same if I thought Camilla or Lucy to be in danger."
"We share the same position as older brothers," Darcy said. He had never thought to view Lord Cresthope as Georgiana's troublesome suitor but, of course, he had other responsibilities. Darcy had forgotten they were similar to his own.
"Yes, although I would not wish upon you younger brothers like mine," Peregrine said but then frowned. "No, that is too harsh. Hopefully, Quentin will become a credit to the family."
"Is he liable to create problems? I know your other brother is wild," Darcy said.
"Quentin wishes to join the Church," Peregrine said. "As long as that desire continues I will not worry about him. Ernest on the other hand…" he trailed off. "No, that problem is solved."
"Oh yes?" Darcy asked.
"Ernest is taking an indefinite stay in the country," Peregrine told him. "If that has no effect on him then he will find himself in faraway lands. Assure yourself that he will not harm Miss Darcy, even if we marry."
"When you marry, not if," Darcy said.
"When?" Peregrine echoed.
"Yes. That is what you want, I believe," Darcy said. "I hope it is."
"Yes, yes," Peregrine was hasty to reassure him. "But I did not expect you to agree so readily."
"You love her and she loves you," Darcy told him. "If it did not lead to marriage there would only be embarrassment."
"Thank you," Peregrine said. "Then I ask permission to court your sister."
"And I grant it," Darcy replied.
Peregrine smiled and bowed, "There will be no proposal yet. I hope you will understand that for me to become engaged so soon after my father's death would be disrespectful. I would like a few months courtship before."
"I see your point and agree," Darcy said. "I will need that time to adjust."
"I thank you again," Peregrine said. "You will not regret this. I love your sister."
"I know. There will be dire consequences if you do not," Darcy told him. If he did hurt Georgiana then Darcy would ensure he would become the second Earl Cresthope to die in a duel in a matter of months. "I ask you that you leave now without seeing my sister. Instead, I invite you to visit tomorrow."
"I will do as you wish," Peregrine replied. He wanted to see her now but was unwilling to spoil things by disagreeing with Mr Darcy so soon after their truce.
"Good. Tomorrow will be the start of your courtship. Good day, Lord Cresthope and I will see you again."
Peregrine bowed. "Good bye, Mr Darcy. I look forward to our next meeting."
"It seems we will be seeing more of Lord Cresthope," Mr Darcy said to his wife and sister as he entered the sitting room after the earl had gone.
"What?" Georgiana sat up straighter in disbelief.
"Lord Cresthope formally asked my permission to court you," Darcy said, deliberately pausing as Georgiana and Elizabeth leant forward expectantly. "And I granted him that request."
"Oh brother, can you really be telling the truth?" Georgiana asked eagerly, quickly getting to her feet.
"Am I in the habit of lying?" he asked. The reaction of his sister confirmed that she was serious in her feeling for Lord Cresthope.
"Oh Fitzwilliam!" she cried happily. He allowed her to joyfully hug him. "I knew Lord Cresthope visited you but I did not expect this."
"Are you convinced of his good intentions, Mr Darcy?" Elizabeth asked. She knew he must be otherwise he would not let him near Georgiana. She hoped that she could now take the opportunity to learn his character. He still suffered from a poor first impression in her eyes.
"I am now certain he means no harm and found him very amiable," Darcy replied. "However, Georgiana, I will continue to view him with suspicion until I am absolutely sure."
"He will convince you," Georgiana said. "He truly is a good man, Fitzwilliam. You shall see."
"I am willing to believe that you are correct," Darcy said. "I confess I judged him too harshly before. So, your feelings for him are unchanged then."
"They are stronger, brother. I do not think it was a temporary infatuation," she said. "I know it is not. I still feel the same as I did before."
"I believe the same applies to Lord Cresthope," Darcy said. "I admit that I cannot fault his feelings for you. He will be a loyal and loving husband."
"Husband!" Georgiana involuntarily exclaimed.
"Yes," Darcy said. "I recognise that it is leading that way. It must after hearing what he had to say earlier. No, it was a decision I made with the view that there eventually be a proposal."
"Thank you, Fitzwilliam. I never thought you would agree to this," Georgiana said. That morning she despaired that she would never be allowed to see him again and now she was being told that soon she would be seeing him all the time. It was more than for what she hoped. "What did you think to him? I mean, if it was the first time you met without any previous history."
"As I said I found him very amiable," Darcy replied. "I understand his viewpoints and agree with him. We are both older brothers."
"I met his sisters," Georgiana said. "Simply by chance. They are very pleasant."
"Just as long as you never came across his middle brother," Darcy said.
"Did Lord Cresthope mention Mr Ernest Morris?" Elizabeth asked. "Is he as bad as they say?"
"He went into no great detail apart from to say Mr Morris has been sent to the country away from Town in a way to curb his behaviour. I approve of his method," Darcy said. "He is discreet and takes action. I cannot believe I am praising this man."
"I can," Georgiana said. "I always thought he would gain your approval. You are quite similar at times. It seem that I am to say that often but it is true and now you can see for yourself. When will we see him?"
"He is coming tomorrow," Darcy replied. "He will see you then. I suppose the rest of today will be spent telling people your news."
"Yes," Georgiana said. "I must tell Kitty. She will be so pleased. May I be excused?"
"Yes, Georgiana. I presume tomorrow will need much preparation."
"Of course," she replied. "Thank you again, Fitzwilliam, you have made me very happy." She smiled and left the room.
"Are you sure about this?" Elizabeth asked her husband once Georgiana had gone.
"Yes," he replied. "Do you see a reason to object?"
"I barely know Lord Cresthope," she said. "But I think I trust Georgiana on this. And you, of course."
"I am satisfied. I am not yet ready to treat him as a close friend but I can tolerate him for Georgiana's sake," he said. "It is obvious that, for all the trouble he has caused, she loves him. She is not a fool, I find."
"No, she is not. It is a fortunate match, though, a handsome earl for a husband. Lady Catherine de Bourgh will approve," Elizabeth said. Georgiana would make her aunt very happy. Anything to remove Lady Catherine's attention from her was welcome. Now she had performed her 'duty' by producing an heir, Lady Catherine was satisfied and barely paid her any regard. Now Georgiana's news would mean Mrs Darcy would practically be ignored. Elizabeth decided that would suit her very well.
"Yes," Darcy said. "Poor Georgiana. She will become the chosen one."
"That can be your punishment for Lord Cresthope then," Elizabeth smiled. "Lady Catherine."
"It is too harsh," Darcy said. "He only lied to her. Nothing to warrant my aunt. Oh, Lizzy, Georgiana will be married. I am still not comfortable with that, regardless of the husband. She is my younger sister."
"Think of it as practice," Elizabeth said. "One day you will be required to release our daughter to some deserving man."
"Not before she is forty," was all he said.
"You are back," Camilla said as he walked into the sitting room. He was met with the stares of his mother and sisters. They knew where he had been.
"Yes, I am back," he said, not wanting to give anything away.
"Well?" his mother asked. He looked at them without saying anything. All three women possessed identical expressions of eagerness mixed with irritation at his reticence. "Tell us, Peregrine. We need something to divert us."
He shrugged. "I am sorry to say you will be seeing far less of me," he said. They looked confused. "For I will be spending as much time as possible with Miss Darcy, and an appropriate chaperon, of course."
"Oh Peregrine," Lady Cresthope hugged him. "It is just as I hoped. Mr Darcy has given his permission then."
"Yes, I have gained his approval," he replied. "I am allowed to see her."
"Oh, you are going to get married!" Lucy exclaimed. "A wedding! I will love a wedding!" Camilla frowned at her. Her sister would no doubt become intolerably excited when Peregrine actually proposed if the mere thought created this reaction.
"Lucy, I did not even speak to her," Peregrine said. "A proposal is months away."
"Months?" Lucy echoed in disappointment.
"Yes," he said. "There needs to be a period of courting first and I am also still in mourning. To become engaged so soon after our father's death would be wrong."
"Should we feel guilty at being happy at your news in this time of sorrow?" Camilla asked.
"No," Lady Cresthope answered before Peregrine was able.
"Mother," he protested.
"I will not allow your father to spoil your happiness even in death just because he was stupid enough to be killed in a duel," she said. "He affected your chances of marriage in life and I cannot let him continue to do so."
"Mother," Peregrine said again. The guilt his mother experienced at being unable to feel sorrow at her husband's passing had given way to anger.
"Sorry. Take no notice of me," she said. "But allow yourself to be happy. You need to for the sake of your health."
"We will have a wedding to arrange!" Lucy said eagerly.
"Lucy," Camilla complained. "You are going too far."
"Why? Everyone knows where it will lead, even if it does take months," she said. She was trying hard to be serious as she felt she should at a time of grief but now her brother had returned with this news she was distracted. All her mind was telling her now was 'wedding, wedding, wedding' and she could not ignore it. Camilla just sighed. "Fine," Lucy said. "I will say nothing more." She pouted but then smiled to herself. Wedding! What should she wear?
Camilla tutted at the sight of her sister in a dream world then turned back to her brother. "Do you think it will lead to marriage."
"Yes," Peregrine replied. "That was the conclusion arrived at during my meeting with Mr Darcy. It is naturally my intention."
"Do not make any mistakes," Lady Cresthope said.
"Mother!" he objected to that.
"I mean it, Peregrine," she told him. "You have a romantic nature but a courtship is no place for that. You need to be calm and cautious. There will be many opportunities once married for that sort of thing. You will be a perfect gentleman around her."
"And you doubt that I will?" he sounded hurt.
"I worry that you will love your judgement through love," she said. "At this point of your relationship you can be too loving. Leave it for after you marry."
"I shall act in every correct way," he assured her. He knew she made a relevant pint. People would not look favourable upon him if he was too demonstrative. "All our meetings will probably be heavily monitored anyway."
"Good," Lady Cresthope said. "You will do this properly. I will not have you embarrassing me. The courtship will be done correctly!"
"Yes, Mother," was all he said. He would not react to her demanding tone. He was offended that she thought he would act in a foolish manner over this.
"When can we meet her?" Camilla asked. "Properly this time."
"Soon, Camilla," he replied. "What do you mean 'properly'?"
"We spoke in the park once when we met by chance," Camilla told him. "It was whilst you were ill but before our father departed. Lucy and I liked her and we want to see her again."
"I think you will become good friends," he said.
"Invite her to Cresthope Abbey," his mother said. "I have yet to meet her anyway."
"You will like her, Mamma," Peregrine said.
"I know I will," Lady Cresthope said. "Not because I trust your judgement, Perry, but because all accounts of her are favourable. It has always been that way for Miss Darcy. I am glad she is your choice."
"Uncle Morris!" Lucy exclaimed suddenly as she spied her uncle near the door. He came into the room. "What do you think is occurred?"
"I cannot begin to think, Lucia," he replied. He was glad to see his family smiling. Personally, he thought his brother was not worth the sorrow he had seen recently.
"Perry is to marry Miss Darcy!" Lucy replied.
He turned to his nephew. "Perry? Is this so?"
"I am not to marry Miss Darcy," Peregrine said. "Yet anyway. I met with Mr Darcy and I was given permission to court his sister."
"Good," Philip said. "It is what you need. It is obvious you possess many feeling for her."
"I do," Peregrine said. "I am seeing her tomorrow along with Mr and Mrs Darcy."
"How was Mr Darcy with you?" Philip asked.
"He was polite but I doubt we will ever become good friends," Peregrine replied. "I have ruined all chances for that. At least he is now willing for me to court his sister."
"Do not give up on a friendship between you both, Peregrine. Now use the opportunity to impress him afresh," Philip said. "Show him that there is no other man more suitable as a husband for his sister. You are not a nobody, Perry, you are the Earl of Cresthope. He should be grateful that you are considering his sister for a wife."
"Once maybe," Peregrine said. "But I have caused too much trouble now. It is a blessing he still considers me."
Philip sighed but said nothing. He had recently noticed that his nephew's usual confidence had disappeared. He did not want arrogance but he did wish Peregrine would stop this martyr complex from developing any further.
"Never mind, Philip," Lady Cresthope said. She knew what he was thinking. "Once he has his Lady Cresthope then Perry can become the Earl Cresthope promised by his potential. Be yourself tomorrow, Peregrine, and you will not fail."
"Yes, Mother," he said.
"And look handsome. Very handsome," Lucy said. The others stared at her. "Do not look at me like that. You know it necessary. They will not resist him then."