As Darcy made the journey back to Netherfield, he anticipated the following day as a young child awaits Christmas morning. His mind replayed his interaction with Elizabeth over and over, culminating in that kiss. Never before had one moment made him feel so nervous, terrified, and overjoyed all at the same time. Her scent lingered in his nostrils, her melodious voice echoed in his ears, and when he closed his eyes, Elizabeth was everywhere. Mr Darcy knew that if he was not already, he was very close to being in love with Elizabeth Bennet.
Georgiana was most intrigued that her brother wished to introduce a young lady to her, for he had never thought highly enough of any female acquaintance to wish them known to her. Georgiana wondered privately if her brother had finally fallen in love. If so, she longed very much to meet the lady who had captured Fitzwilliams heart.
Naturally then, there were two very disappointed souls at Netherfield the following day, when the sky was drearily grey and steadily raining all day. A social call was simply not possible in such conditions.
Darcy sulked about Netherfield in the worst of moods, worsened still by Miss Bingley's attempts to cheer him. No- he did not want to read any books in Bingley's pathetic excuse for a library; or play whist or chess, and no, he did not need to write any letters, did not need his pen mended and did not need a sheet of paper. What he needed was Elizabeth! Darcy considered this thought, and the notion that if they were married and at Pemberley, he wouldn't care if it rained for months on end. He was suddenly struck with the realisation that he'd begun thinking of Miss Bennet as Elizabeth Darcy, mistress of Pemberley. No longer was this a passing infatuation that he could leave behind when departing Netherfield. He was in love.
Suddenly the full weight of his desire settled upon him and Darcy began a war between his heart and his head. Could Miss Bennet truly become his wife? His heart whispered yes, his head screamed no. He had always been a sensible man, yet since meeting Elizabeth Bennet he'd been acting like a love struck fool. Darcy berated himself for being so forward yesterday. Yes, Elizabeth -Miss Bennet- was a charming handsome girl who he'd eagerly have as his wife, but was she suitable to be mistress of the Darcy empire? Sister to Georgiana? Would a child of Bennet and Darcy blood carry the same status as Darcy and his cousins? Darcy considered her family and even the young lady herself. Likely not. Darcy began to feel like all the love he had for Miss Bennet was not enough. He had to consider his duty to the Darcy name, and not sully it. He could not afford to align himself with a lady who had consented to an elopement, no matter who the scoundrel was that talked her into it. As much as it broke his heart, he had to listen to his head and do the right thing. He had to give up his Elizabeth.
Georgiana was exasperated at her brother's fickle intentions. He had had a day to ponder his actions, and no longer wanted to introduce the two ladies at the next possible moment.
"You'll meet at the ball this week anyhow, so there is no harm done. I simply do not wish to raise the lady's expectations by introducing her to you prior."
Georgiana was not entirely convinced by his speech, but thought too much of her brother to question him. One thing was for certain, in the space of twenty four hours, her brother had turned from elated to pensive to downright despondent.
The weather cleared the following day, but Darcy was resolute in his decision not to visit Longbourn. So irritable was he that he granted Georgiana permission to travel to Meryton with Mrs Younge so to avoid seeing her face frowning at him. Georgiana set off eagerly with her companion, having spent far too long under the same roof as Caroline Bingley.
As they reached the town, Georgiana heard a strangely familiar voice.
"My eyes must deceive me, for it cannot possibly be Miss Georgiana Darcy here before me!"
Georgiana whirled around with a start.
"George!" She cried, rushing over to Wickham and taking in his regimental outfit.
"How well you look in your red coat! You are in the militia?"
"Indeed I am, Miss Darcy- goodness, it sounds strange to call you that! My how you've grown into a lovely young lady! How old must you be now, seventeen?"
"I am but fifteen" laughed Georgiana.
"Ahh, Georgie, always wiser beyond your years!"
The pair laughed and Mrs Younge cleared her throat.
"Oh, my manners! George Wickham, this is my companion Mrs Younge. Mrs Younge, Mr Wickham is a very old family friend. He grew up with my brother."
"Come now Georg- Miss Darcy- I was like a brother to you too!"
At this introduction, Mrs Younge relaxed. Surely this man was acceptable to be around Georgiana. She sat nearby as Georgiana and Mr Wickham shared stories about shared acquaintances and past events. The pair was obviously enjoying their time so much that a further meeting was proposed for the following day. Mrs Younge could see no harm in the plan, and offered her consent. As he was parting company from the ladies, Wickham commented "you must recall how your brother and I loved playing pranks on one another- he has no idea I am in town! Please do not give my secret away, I plan to surprise him at the Netherfield Ball in three days time! What a fine joke."
Georgiana did not like having secrets from her brother, but dared not spoil Wickhams surprise. Besides, Fitzwilliam was being so secretive himself that it gave Georgiana some small pleasure to have a secret too.
Georgiana met Wickham the following day, and had a wonderful time reminiscing. It was so nice to talk with someone so open and friendly who knew her parents- Fitzwilliam was always so serious and unapproachable. Although Wickham regularly referred to their relationship as brother and sister like, Georgiana could sense it was more than that. They shared a closeness, but she was a woman now, who could appreciate the appearance of an attractive man. And Wickham was just that.
Georgiana fancied that he was attracted to her too, from the subtle comments and glances directed her way. They left Georgiana basking in the glow of being desirable. Never had she felt like a woman until George looked at her. He was a man she felt attracted to, and one that she already felt comfortable with. Georgiana began to feel like this was what love must feel like.
On the eve of the ball, Georgiana met with Wickham once more. He was attending the ball, and for the first time, Georgiana wished she was already out in society and could attend the ball and dance with George. She wished she could dress prettily for him. A blush overcame her face as she realised what she was thinking, and mortified when Wickham noticed it.
"Georgiana, dear, I have a surprise I'm planning, but may need Mrs Younge's assistance. Would you mind terribly if I spend the next fifteen or so minutes discussing things with her?"
Georgiana was surprised, but conceded and walked into the nearby bookstore. She could see the two from the window.
Mrs Younge seemed surprised at being approached by Mr Wickham, and her eyes narrowed, then widened in surprise. She then had a small frown on her face, followed by a look of deep concentration. Finally, a look of satisfaction passed across her face and both smiled. Georgiana couldn't help but wonder what surprise the pair had planned.
Mrs Younge ventured to the bookstore to retrieve Georgiana, and the three walked to the outskirts of town where a pretty wilderness was to the left of the path. Georgiana was astonished when Mrs Younge sat down on a fallen stump and allowed Georgiana to proceed alone with George.
He took her hand tenderly and led her to a small copse of trees, quite secluded from the pathway.
"George?" Questioned Georgiana. She was partly alarmed, but mostly exhilarated at being somewhere private with a man.
"Dearest Georgiana," George began, "you must know how I feel about you. All my life I have loved you as a child, as a sister. Yet here you are before me and I can't deny loving you as a woman also. If you feel even a fraction of affection for me, please consent to be my wife."
"Oh George!" Cried Georgiana, but before she could say anything further, he had wrapped his arms around her and his lips crushed into hers. Barely releasing her, he murmured into her lips "say yes, dearest. Say you'll be my wife"
Georgiana could barely stand, let alone speak. Her mind could barely comprehend the feelings coursing through her body at such a passionate embrace. She heard herself whisper "yes" just once.
George pulled himself back to look in her eyes. The tears there made Georgiana gasp. "You have made me the happiest of men, dearest. I thank you thirty thousand times!" He kissed her nose "now for your surprise."
He held her close and nuzzled her neck as he whispered "how soon -kiss- would you -kiss- like to be -kiss- my wife?"
He held her face in his hands as he gently kissed her lips. The sensation of his lips on her left Georgiana feeling dizzy. She could hardly think straight, except that she wanted more of him. How soon could she be his wife?
"Tomorrow?" she said, surprised at how hoarse her voice sounded.
Wickham smiled broadly. "Tomorrow it shall be, my sweet Georgiana. Mrs Younge and myself have concocted a brilliant plan. How would you like to marry tomorrow, and return to surprise your brother in three days time? I care not for a ball, if you cannot dance with me."
Georgiana was not convinced of the secrecy of the plan at first.
"Consider, dearest, how relieved Fitzwilliam will be. You will be married, no longer requiring guardianship, and all done without any effort or expense on his part."
Georgiana could see the sense in this argument, and after all, Fitzwilliam did have a lot on his mind lately.
Slowly, Georgiana was beginning to see the merit of this plan and agreed. The passionate kiss Wickham bestowed upon her lips, her cheek and down her neck were dazzling enough to eliminate all doubt from Georgiana's mind. She and Mrs Younge would leave tomorrow whilst everyone was occupied with the ball under the guise of leaving early for Ramsgate, and travel with Wickham to London then onto Gretna Green. They would then return to Netherfield as husband and wife. Mrs Younge would stay on in London and visit with friends whilst the pair had a honeymoon.
Georgiana was most excited!