AN: Back from a great holiday. Sorry the posts were so sporadic. WiFi at sea is not that great. We have three chapters to go and the epilogue. I'm going to post the rest of the story next week, so it will be complete by Sunday next.
On Tuesday of the following week, the Darcy coach once again arrived at Longbourn to carry Jane and Elizabeth to Netherfield, this time on the pretext of meeting Miss Darcy. The young lady and her companion, along with Colonel Fitzwilliam had arrived late Monday afternoon. Both parties were eager to meet with their future relations and take a likeness directly. Once again Mrs. Bennet accompanied her eldest daughters, gushing about all the details she needed to discuss with Mrs Nichols for the dinner to be held on Thursday evening. Jane and Elizabeth could not get a word in edgeways on the short carriage ride. They were glad to finally arrive, with Mr. Darcy awaiting their arrival on the steps of Netherfield.
"May I introduce my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy and my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam," Darcy offered, accompanying the ladies into the main drawing room. He acted for Bingley, who had only recently returned from London. For his part, Bingley intended to join the party, and most especially, come to Miss Bennet's side as soon as maybe. However, he needed to change from his dusty travelling attire before greeting guests.
Mrs. Bennet demurred the offer of tea, in a somewhat vulgar fashion, in favor of seeking out Mrs. Nichols. Georgiana paled at the slight, but noticed her brother seemed very pleased at this turn of events. With the pleasantries concluded, Mrs Annesley indicated Georgiana should call for refreshments. So far the young woman had spoken only when addressed directly. Capturing Darcy's eye, Lizzy moved to sit beside the shy girl and engage her in conversation. Together they had formulated a plan to place Miss Darcy at ease in new company.
"Your brother tells me you play very well," Elizabeth stated with a warm smile, "and that you enjoy music."
"I do not play very well," Georgiana looked to her sibling for encouragement. When it came, she continued, "but I am very fond of music. William wrote of his pleasure upon hearing you play and sing. He said he has rarely heard anything more beautiful."
"La vie en rose," Lizzy smiled with delight. "I do believe you brother is looking through rose-coloured spectacles in describing my skill at the instrument in such terms."
"Oh, no, Miss Bennet, William always tells the absolute truth," Georgiana looked shocked at the slight on her brother's character.
Letting out an amused chuckle, Elizabeth replied, "I am merely saying that a man in love will hear what he wishes, and reserves the right to embellish his betrothed's talents as it pleases him. To be a true proficient requires practice. With four sisters besides myself and only one pianoforte among us, that is not possible."
"Oh," Georgiana cried, covering her mouth with her hands, "when you come to Pemberley, I will leave the instrument in the music room entirely for your use."
"I will insist," Lizzy felt both flattered by the offer and embarrassed, "on your tuition, for I believe you have had the distinction of learning from the masters. And," she added in a conspiratorial whisper, "as we are soon to be sisters, will you not call me Elizabeth?"
Nodding shyly, Georgiana accepted and offered the same. "I have always wanted a sister," she hesitantly confessed, "or at least a young lady with whom I could share my deepest thoughts and feelings."
"And I," Lizzy laughed to break the tension, "have always wanted a brother, for I have sisters enough. It is not always comfortable with so many ladies living in a single house. There is vexation, silliness and noise aplenty, I assure you." Taking in a deep sigh, Elizabeth looked to Jane who sat beside Mr. Bingley, quietly speaking with their heads together. "However, I have been most fortunate in my eldest sister."
"You are very close to Miss Bennet?" Georgiana asked, watching the interaction between sisters seated across the room from each other, yet somehow understanding each other.
"Yes," Lizzy sighed. Unable to remain melancholy for long, she stated, "but I shall have you at Pemberley. I am sure it will not be long before we are not only sisters, but the best of friends."
"I should like that," Georgiana responded. Suddenly turning red, the young woman stumbled, "I had thought, that is…"
Understanding, after the discussion with her betrothed on Friday, Elizabeth reached out a calming hand. "Pemberley is your home, is it not?"
"Yes," Georgiana, somewhat astounded by the empathy in Elizabeth's expression, stuttered.
"And so it shall remain. I should very much like you to aid me in the transition to my new home," Lizzy smiled warmly. "Miss Bingley tells me of the grand drawing rooms and parlours. Your brother has spoken of the gardens, woods and paths that surround the house. How am I to find my way in such a distinguished home without your aid, for I am sure Fitzwilliam will have much estate business and be unable to accompany us every minute of each day."
"It is true," Georgiana finally managed a weak smile in response, "my brother spends much of the day in his book room or with the steward. There is little that goes on at Pemberley which Fitzwilliam does not know."
"An ideal elder brother, then," Lizzy laughed.
"Yes," Georgiana once again answered shyly. "Only, I think he is to kind toward me."
"I am sure your brother does not think so," Elizabeth smiled. At this comment, both ladies turned to glance Darcy's way.
Taking a sip from her cup, Lizzy perceived Darcy's slight frown as he noticed the conversation between the two most important ladies of his acquaintance come to a halt. As this opening gambit between the ladies seemed at an end, Elizabeth encouraged her betrothed to approach. Colonel Fitzwilliam accompanied his cousin, somewhat eager to meet the young lady able to entice the great Fitzwilliam Darcy into matrimony.
"Miss Elizabeth," the Colonel bowed deeply. "It is a pleasure to meet you at last."
"At last, Sir," Lizzy stated somewhat confused by the comment.
"Indeed," Richard smirked, allowing his jovial countenance to the fore, "I have heard much of you, none of it exaggerated, I assure you."
"I see my betrothed's pen has been extraordinarily busy," quipped the young woman. "For not only am I known to my future sister, but it seems you have the very great advantage of comprehending my countenance Colonel."
"My cousin has been most effusive in his praise of you," Richard answered, only to see Darcy squirm.
"Oh, Dear," Lizzy laughed, "now you will think me vain and in need of admiration. Tell me, Fitzwilliam, what can you mean?"
"Perhaps," the Colonel returned with his own brand of humour, "Darcy has attempted to prepare us for this surprise. My brother, Viscount Henley and I had quite despaired of our cousin ever marrying. I am glad to be proved wrong."
"And, are you married, Colonel," Lizzy asked.
"Alas I am the last to attempt such a state. My mother would say I am married to the army, for she is a demanding mistress, Miss Elizabeth."
"I doubt, as the son of an Earl, you could want to anything, Colonel," Lizzy teased.
"Oh, but I must make my own way in this world," he returned with twinkling eyes. Turning to Darcy, Richard stated, "I do believe your betrothed shall tease you unmercifully. I can only hope it will improve your dour countenance when in company. The new Mrs. Darcy shall add much colour and excitement to the halls of Pemberley. It is time the ballrooms were dusted off and you rejoined society, Darcy."
Shocked by her relations' words, Georgiana stood, unsure how to respond. Eyes wide, surprisingly it seemed neither Elizabeth, her brother nor cousin took offence at the forward words. For perhaps the first time in her limited exposure to society, Fitzwilliam Darcy smiled warmly and enjoyed the present company. Richard appeared pleased at the association and accepting of Miss Elizabeth into their family.
"Then," Lizzy, noticing Georgiana's wide eyes, took up the challenge by aiming her wit at Richard, "I hope the first ball we shall give will be in honour of your engagement, Colonel. While His Majesty's Army may give you gainful employment, it cannot compete with the joy in one's heart when you have uncovered your partner in life."
"Touché, Madam," Richard responded with a hearty laugh. "Although, unlike my cousin here, who has better means of having his choice in life, I must be inured to self-denial and dependence."
"In my opinion," Elizabeth's smile faltered somewhat, although she kept her tone light and teasing, "the younger son of an Earl can know very little of either. Now, seriously, what have you ever known of self-denial and dependence? When have you been prevented by want of money from going wherever you choose, or procuring anything you had a fancy for?"
"True," Richard sighed with great theatrics. "But, in matters of greater weight, I may suffer from the want of money. Younger sons cannot marry where they like."
"Unless where they like women of fortune, which I think they very often do," Elizabeth quipped.
"Then I shall charge your husband with holding many a ball or soiree," Richard smirked at his cousin, "at either Pemberley or Darcy House in London. And you, as the new Mrs. Darcy, shall place me in the way of eligible young ladies."
"A heavy burden indeed," Lizzy let out a chuckle of delight.
Darcy watched his younger sibling closely throughout the exchange to gather her reaction. While there was much good will between his betrothed and cousin, their discourse, on such a short acquaintance some could consider improper. Yet neither appeared displeased, indeed, they seemed to enjoy the repartee a little too well for Darcy's taste. It demonstrated Elizabeth's ability to take the likeness of a new acquaintance and use her wit without injuring or disparaging the association.
Georgiana, even before her near elopement, had been shy and reticent in company. Born late in their parents' marriage, and with Lady Anne passing only days after her birth, the young girl's exposure to society had always been restricted. As George Darcy became increasingly reluctant to entertain and more loath to take a second wife, Georgiana's prospects for associating with young women of similar fortune and refinement decreased further. In the last years of his life, the elder Mr. Darcy refused to leave his beloved Pemberley, becoming somewhat of a recluse. During this time, with Darcy completing his education at Cambridge, Georgiana's instruction had been left to the tender mercies of her governess. Finally, with the passing of their esteemed father, Fitzwilliam Darcy had to consider his younger sibling's best interests for her eventual coming out and making her way in society . Every moment of his day became consumed with the duties of running two estates, houses in London, Bath and Ramsgate and increasing the worth of his entire holdings. The learning curve steep, Darcy did not have the time to support a young woman, even if his inclination wished it so.
After much consideration, Darcy believed a ladies seminary would furnish Georgiana with the essential accomplishments required for any refined lady. There she would be amongst others of the first circles. Aunt Susan, the Countess of Matlock, soon dissuaded her nephew from this quaint form of education utilised almost entirely by those wishing to increase their standing in society. She cited Miss Bingley as an example, then suggested a school using the Rousseau approach which was attracting only the most eligible of young ladies from the best families.
The bond between siblings endured in strength while separated for long periods. Darcy remained invested in his sister's affections. However, only now did he come to realise how little he knew of Miss Georgiana Darcy. Both reluctant to be in the company of new acquaintances or large gatherings, and being of a retiring personality, Darcy supposed neither performed well to strangers. This conversation between Elizabeth and Richard demonstrated, as little had before, the necessity of such a sister for Georgiana.
"You are not attending, Fitzwilliam," Elizabeth scolded tactfully. Her smile softened the rebuke which drew a startled gasp from Georgiana.
"I was not," Darcy sighed.
"Tell me, Georgiana," Lizzy turned her wit on the girl, in a most gentle fashion, "is your brother oft known for his wool-gathering?"
Stunned, the young woman could not formulate a ready answer. As the silence lengthened, she finally stuttered, "I have never witnessed it before."
Arching an eyebrow, Lizzy offered, "so it is only my conversation which produces such a response. I shall remember, after we are married, Fitzwilliam and act accordingly."
"I should dearly like to know how you intend to punish my cousin," Richard quipped at Darcy's expense.
"While I," Darcy responded, "would never suspend any pleasure of yours, my Dearest."
Observing the subtle expression that had crossed her betrothed's features, Elizabeth left well enough alone. At the earliest possible moment, however, she would revisit his thoughts at this moment. It seemed Darcy had come to some monumental decision, and Lizzy could not fathom what or why. Still it mattered not as the conversation continued on around her with Colonel Fitzwilliam teasing his cousins. Georgiana, much like her brother, became more animated in the presence of gentlemen she knew well.
"Well, it is all arranged," Mrs. Bennet's raucous voice broke the quiet. Her eyes noticed Jane speaking quietly with Mr. Bingley. Wishing to aid the match, she chose to retire to Longbourn. "All that is left is the invitations to be delivered on the morrow."
"Shall I call at ten," Bingley stood and addressed the older woman, "so we maybe on our way sooner."
"Lizzy," Mrs. Bennet demanded, "is all in readiness?"
Rolling her eyes at the vulgarity, Elizabeth placed a calming hand on Darcy's forearm before he took offence on her behalf. "The invitations are prepared. If Jane will consent to accompany the party, I believe we may call on Sir William as Lucas Lodge first, before continuing on to Pervis Lodge."
"There is still much to do as the wedding is only two weeks hence," Mrs. Bennet complained, now the dinner was all but finalised. "I am all aflutter. If you could call the carriage, Mr. Darcy, I shall return to Longbourn."
Frowning at this, Darcy wondered if he would lose his betrothed's company so soon. Elizabeth sent him another pacifying smile. As before, she turned her mother's attention toward those duties that could be achieved without her eldest daughters.
"Did not Aunt Phillips wish to speak with you about the flowers for the church," she encouraged.
Eyes ablaze, Mrs. Bennet used this excuse to give her Jane more time in the company of Mr. Bingley. "Lizzy may stay," she offered condescendingly, "if Jane will remain."
"Miss Bennet must remain," Darcy bit out, everyone in the room reading his irony except the woman at whom it was aimed, "for who else shall ride in the carriage with Miss Elizabeth on the journey home."