Chapter 31 - Visitors
...
Jane and Bingley were their next visitors, having spent two months touring the northern countries. Jane had met all the principal members of Bingley's extended family and had enjoyed the northern seaside town of Whitby which boasted some chalybeate springs, to boost ones health.
Elizabeth was delighted to have her sister stay and spent many an hour discussing married life and their plans for the season.
Jane and Bingley were considering where to locate. Jane did not wish to move far from Henry, it was not certain if one could be settled too close to one's family. She did not wish to be settled far from Elizabeth, however with Longborn a two or three day journey from Pemberley, it would seem she could not settle close to both.
For now, they were content to continue the lease until further opportunities presented themselves.
Henry joined them next, within a se'enight of the Bingleys' arrival. His welcome was enthusiastic, both from the gentlemen and the ladies. Henry and Jane spent hours together catching up on what they had missed, their twin bond being just as strong as ever. Henry knew his sister was happy, but it was a relief to see her and confirm it.
Between Bingley, Darcy and Bennet there had developed a deep and consequential friendship. No true brothers could be closer, and the gentlemen relished each other's company. Friendly rivalry in fencing (Darcy or Henry were usually the victor) billiards, (Bingley was the more skilled) and horse riding (anyone's race) were often the plans for the days and the evenings were spent in the company of their ladies.
These first few months of married life were full of happiness and good company. Elizabeth reflected that this seemed to be the perfect start to what would, hopefully, be a life filled with such gaity and love.
...
By natural placement, Henry spent much time with Miss Darcy. Especially prior to the arrival of the Gardiners. His feelings deepened to a steady and unwavering regard for the talented but shy young woman. His manner remained all that was proper towards a lady not yet out. She had turned seventeen at the start of the summer and continued to spend time in company, if the gatherings were small and friendly.
She did not wish to be presented in the little season with her new sister, not wishing for the comparison, and so had elected to wait for the season proper after the new year.
Georgiana, for her part, regarded Henry with all the rolling emotions in a seventeen year old's heart. She would gush about how wonderful he was on one day and the next rant about how he was too reserved. She would oscillate between being certain of his affection and then certain of his indifference, or her own.
Elizabeth tolerated these effusions as best she could. She knew Henry to be steady in his regard, but knew also that Georgiana was too young to form a serious attachment.
Darcy, as an attentive guardian, had noticed the evolving relationship and cornered Henry one day.
"What is occurring between you and my sister?"
Henry stilled as he was lowering himself in to the seat. He looked warily Darcy and he, eventually, sat. "Is this an inquisition?"
Darcy sighed and sat opposite him, rubbing a hand over his face. "Is this some sort of payback for me courting your sister?"
Henry scowled "how could you think that? That I would care so little for you, for Lizzie, that I would pay attention to a lady for no reason?"
There was a pregnant silence, both for the admission and the accusation.
Darcy sighed again "No, I do not believe you would toy with her emotions."
"I like her, Darcy. I am sorry if that upsets you, but it cannot be helped. Gads I think I might be in love with her!"
"She's only seventeen!" Darcy's face reflected his tempestuous emotions, but his tone was calm and measured.
"And I am only twenty three. I never thought I would even contemplate marriage or settling down at my age."
"As well you shouldn't." Darcy shot back.
Henry looked sadly at him "I realise I am not ready for marriage, I know she is not out. I know she is too young. I know all of this, what would you suggest I do?"
Darcy quirked up an eyebrow "I suppose kicking you out of my house is not an option."
"Not if you want your marital happiness to continue, no!" Henry quipped back.
"Hmmmm." Darcy pretended to consider before relenting and cracking a smile.
"You are imposing sometimes." Henry commented absently.
Darcy continued to smile "it proves useful occasionally."
Henry nodded.
After a minute Darcy looked up."can we agree on time?"
Henry frowned "what do you mean?"
"Georgiana deserves a season."
"I agree" Henry edged cautiously.
"If your." He waved his hand at them "connection, survives the year and the season, we can talk of courtship."
"Seriously? You would consider...me?"
Darcy looked intently at his brother by marriage "you are a good man, Henry. Loyal, hard working, conscientious. What more could I wish for in a suitor for my sister?"
"But.." Henry didn't even manage to start the sentence.
"Elizabeth has taught me an important lesson in pride, one hard learnt but all the more worth it. Monetary value, connections, they are meaningless where happiness is concerned."
Henry just nodded, dumbfounded.
"Besides." Darcy rose, offering his hand "you have an excellent brother in law!"
They laughed, easing the tension of the last half hour.
...
From that day on Henry, frequently, would remind Darcy of his courtship of Elizabeth. Playfully moaning about the stipulation of time. Often trying to vex Darcy. He was, very enthusiastically, repaying Darcy for every stolen kiss and secret caress that had passed between him and Elizabeth.
Henry, however, was happy to bide his time, secure in his feelings for Miss Darcy. He was certain that if she did not feel the same then he should let her go. He knew he could offer far less than she could reasonably expect and his resolution to wait was borne of necessity as well as practicality.
He began to make plans for changes to the house, to allow him to live there without feeling like he was on top of his parents. Plans to improve the yield were also considered and he quietly invested in some profitable businesses in town.
His forbearance was only occasionally tested, such as the day she contrived to meet him in the maze. She had decided that Henry would never come to the point and decided that she would take matters in to her own hands. She sent a note to Henry, supposedly from Lizzie, to meet them.
"Good morning Miss Darcy. Is not Lizzie with you?"
Henry had rounded a corner of the maze, finding the centre and only Georgiana present.
"Henry, how many times must I ask you to call me Georgiana?"
"I will call you Georgiana when we are with our family, when in public you shall be Miss Darcy."
She looked up at him through her lashes as she sidled up to him. "We are not in public now."
Henry raised his eyebrows "I am not certain it would be proper right now."
"How about this?" She asked "is this proper?" She lifted herself on her toes, pressing her lips to his.
Henry swayed, the feel of her lips beneath his a heady sensation. He wanted nothing more than to drown in the feelings coursing through him. He wanted to wrap his arms around the woman he loved and kiss her until he was breathless. Instead, he indulged in the moment for a minute and then moved gently away.
"Georgiana, we cannot do this." He said, trying to convey his feelings in his eyes.
Georgiana stepped back as if he had slapped her and felt her eyes fill with tears.
"Please, Georgiana. We just need more time. We must wait for..."
"I hate you!" She declared and turned and fled.
Henry sighed, wondering what to do next.
...
"You sent for me Fitzwilliam?" Elizabeth slipped in to the study in which her husband was working, noting his frown.
"Yes, shut the door please." His tone was somber and Elizabeth felt a sliver of doubt. Had she done something to upset him? Nothing she could think of. Her marriage, so far, had been almost blissful in its happiness.
She moved closer to his desk, a frown upon her face. "Is something the matter?" Her voice remained strong, she would not be cowed by his imposing demeanour.
"I'm afraid there is." He said, moving around the desk and she turned to continue to face him.
He stepped closer and she inched back, pressing back in to the desk.
A second later his lips pressed against hers. She gasped in surprise, mouth opening, welcoming his sudden imposition. Her arms lifted and one hand tangled in his hair, the other stroked the back of his neck, encouraging him closer.
After a few, blissful, minutes he drew back. He loved the picture she painted, hair slightly messed, lips parted and swollen, eyes heavy with desire. He growled and pressed another kiss to her lips.
"My problem is that I have barely had time to be alone with my wife."
She smiled up at him a provocative look on her face.
"I believe the blame for last night falls solely on you. Playing billiards in to the early hours is not conducive to marital solitude."
He pressed against her, leaving her in no doubt of his current desire.
"Too many people are in this house." He growled in her ear, his voice raw with desire as he peppered kisses along her neck to the spot behind her ear.
She laughed, kissing him lightly on the neck just above his cravat causing him to shudder.
"Maybe I could have a headache tonight and retire early?" She raised an eyebrow suggestively.
"As long as it is cured the moment we reach our chambers."
He sucked on the spot just under her ear in retaliation, making her shudder also.
"I am certain I can think of a complete cure that you could administer."
His eyes lit up and he lent forward again, only to be interrupted by a knock at the door. Darcy cursed under his breath and dropped his head on the Elizabeth's shoulder, who laughed softly.
"Duty calls."
Darcy kissed her quickly "too many people." He whispered.
Before moving behind his desk. Elizabeth quickly checked her appearance and sat demurely in the chair she usually occupied.
"Come in."
Henry walked in, appearing agitated.
Elizabeth rose. "Henry, what is the matter?"
He stopped, uncertainty flashing across his face as he saw both Elizabeth and Darcy there.
He shrugged "I need to speak to you of Georgiana, Miss Darcy" he corrected hastily at Darcy's look.
He related the story of the incident in the maze.
Darcy glared menacingly at him and Henry raised his hands in surrender.
"I swear I had no idea of her intentions."
Darcy looked at Elizabeth who had risen and put a calming hand on his arm.
"Is she compromised?" Lizzie asked Henry.
Henry shook his head "no one saw us go, and no one was about either."
"What do you want me to do?" Darcy tried not to growl his words, but it was hard. Georgiana had turned seventeen and would come out the next season, but it was hard to think of her as a woman.
"I wanted to seek your council. You know, you must know, how much I esteem her. But I agreed with you, she needs a season before settling. I cannot offer her this." He raised his arms and gestured to the surroundings. "She needs to know she will be desired by the ton."
Elizabeth pursed her lips. "Let me speak to her. Then together we can decide what should be done."
...
Elizabeth found Georgiana in her personal sitting room. She was curled up on a window seat, slippers on the floor an old comforter wrapped around her shoulders. An empty cup of chocolate was next to her. Her eyes were red and swollen and handkerchiefs were strewn around. She looked more like a child than Elizabeth had ever known her to.
Lizzie tidied up the mess around her then joined her on the seat, tucking her feet underneath her.
Georgiana shot her a scathing look. "Did he come running straight to you? Telling on me?"
Elizabeth reached out a hand, caressing Georgiana's knee.
"Dearest, he is worried about you, we all are."
Georgiana scoffed "you just think I am too young."
"Too young for what?"
"For love, marriage. But I see what you have with Fitzwilliam, I want that."
Elizabeth smiled at her "we want that for you too. Truly. Nothing would make us happier than to see you equally satisfied in your marriage."
She paused, letting her words sink in.
Georgiana sighed "how can you say I won't have that with Henry?" His name came out wistfully.
"We are not saying you cannot have that with Henry. All we are saying is that you should take a little time."
"Time! Allow him to fall for another girl, leave me, like everyone does!"
Elizabeth felt her heart ache painfully, this must be the problem.
"Dearest, I have the strongest belief that Henry will remain steadfast in his affection." She looked down, straightening her skirt. "However, if he is not, would you not rather find out before you are committed to him for life?"
Georgiana just stared at her, then her brow furrowed in thought.
"What if another fortune hunter, another Wickham, turns my head?" She sobbed "What if it is my affections that are not steadfast?"
At this Elizabeth moved to embrace the girl. "You are allowed to change your mind, but if you were already married it would be too late. Your brother and I will not allow you to fall for a rake. Trust me, trust him, on that one."
Georgiana sniffled a bit, then blew her nose loudly.
"All we ask is time. It is too early to marry. Trust me, you do not wish to live with my mother and youngest sister anyway." She chuckled at Georgiana's expression. Things might be better in the Bennet household, but Lydia and her mother were still outspoken, particularly in private.
"You, at the very least, should wait until Lydia is married. I know Henry is thinking ahead, fitting up the dower house. I have not asked his reasons, of course, but maybe you should. Talk to him, make plans for the season, discuss what you would like to do together. Rather than cornering him in the maze." Georgiana dropped her head in to her hands.
Elizabeth sighed, squeezing her tightly. "Once you have had some of your season, we can discuss an open courtship, if that is what you still wish for. And believe me we do not hold you to anything."
There was a few minutes where the only sound was their breathing.
"Georgiana, what do you wish for?"
The young girl raised her eyes to her new sister's face. "It shall be as you say. You are correct, I do not know what I was thinking."
Elizabeth smiled kindly "I am glad I did not meet William when I was your age,I barely understood myself, let alone feelings for gentlemen." She raised her eyes dramatically and Georgiana laughed softly.
"I love you Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam was the best brother but I can imagine no better sister."
Elizabeth smiled and embraced her sister tightly, sighing in happiness.
...
so thats it folks. epilogue up last. biggest hugs and thanks to you all.