I've edited a couple chapters ahead of this one, so couldn't resist posting a "bonus for making you wait so long before" chapter.

Chapter 8: Testing Edwin

After I dressed, I resolved to go see my cousin Edwin. I hoped he was recovered from his morose mood from two days before and furthermore I hoped he would reject his parents' schemes and be like a brother to me again. While I did not feel like calling on Edwin at his parents' house, I knew that was the best way to find him. I resolved to call early, knowing that he usually rose before the rest of his family who firmly kept town hours. Fortunately, when I arrived, he was dressed and willing to see me.

I requested, "Edwin, I should like to talk away from listening ears."

He replied, "I suppose then that we should retire to the old nursery as there should be no one about in that part of the house."

As there were no young Fitzwilliams, aside from the furniture the nursery was largely empty. We settled side by side in a couple of rocking chairs the nursery staff likely had used to soothing crying babies.

Edwin said, "This is a good place to talk, and no one would anticipate my presence here. We shall be quite undisturbed. Did you wish to scold me for my unseemly display after dinner? I have chastised myself enough already, men are always to be strong, I should not mourn in front of anyone and I am ashamed you saw that."

I made no answer, so he continued, "Did you wish to make me feel more guilt for my part in harming Sylvia? I know the wrongness of my actions, but never particularly thought about the fact that I should have acted differently when she came to me. I thought she was seeking the position of my mistress but even if she was, you are correct that I had the power to do more for her, should have been better than I am, for the memory of my sisters and the love they had for her. I have thought of little else since I awoke yesterday."

Again, I made no response, so he addressed another possible concern, "Or perhaps you wish to berate me for making such poor choices, for blindly following my father's example. Do you come to tell me to absent myself fully from you and Georgiana?"

I remained silent. I had not thought to do any of these things, not really thought at all about what Edwin was thinking and feeling, only hoped he was feeling better. I rocked in my chair a little as I thought.

"I am quite at my leisure, go ahead and condemn me." Edwin hung his head and placed his face in his hands, his sandy hair falling forward to conceal his fingers, with his elbows resting on his knees, his chair dipping forward.

"It is not my intention to do so," I replied. "I simply wished to see how you are doing and wanted to ascertain whether you agreed with the plans your mother stated to Georgiana, that when she comes out in society, she must marry one of your brothers."

"I am doing poorly," Edwin told me. "I am feeling haunted by many things, but I would much rather discuss your concerns than keep dwelling in my condemning thoughts and continue to wonder what I should do about Sylvia now, if indeed there is anything to be done."

But then rather than address my concerns, Edwin rocked a bit, the chair squeaking and then continued to address the direction of his own thoughts. "I have no wish to give Sylvia up, she belongs to me now and anything I could do now cannot change the past. With her place in the world as it is presently, should I give her up she would likely only seek another lover. The players might change, but not the game."

Edwin straightened up, stopped the chair's movement and looked at me. "I know my father hopes Georgiana will wed one of my brothers and hopes beyond her dowry she will also gain the ultimate prize of Pemberley and keep it within our family. There are so many of us that my father cannot provide for me and my brothers in anything close to the manner of his heir. Thus, you see that in my family for me there was the cavalry, for my brothers a living in the church, a position in the government and being a barrister with the hope of someday becoming a judge."

He noted, "There are certainly plenty of us should something happen to my eldest brother, but now that he is married, I expect his wife will do her duty and all of substance shall pass through his line. The rest of us should all try to marry well as a brother with children of his own will not be as generous with us as a father."

Edwin added, "If Georgiana's wishes should align with my father's, surely there is no harm in that. Not all expect a love match, and my brothers are all capital fellows that are known to her. Many women marry knowing far less of what to expect from their grooms. Cousins often marry."

I grew increasingly frustrated as he talked. Edwin seemed willfully determined to place his parents' schemes in the best possible light. I was not willing to do the same. "Your mother did not speak of wishes or hopes, but of definite expectations that regardless of Georgiana's wishes, she must pick her groom only among the four of you, and that this could best be facilitated by removing me as her guardian and you forcing the issue."

Edwin scrunched up his face, showing lines I did not know his face to possess, bit one finger and shook his head. "While I might encourage her to look with favor upon one of my brothers, the same as I have encouraged you to do what father suggested, I would never force her to wed one of them, and no matter how advantageous I could never seek her hand, she is as a sister to me as you well know.

"I also know of no reason why your guardianship should be terminated, would take no action to remove you. Your care of Georgiana is always exacting, the affection you share obvious. Whatever difficulties you have, it is not in lacking understanding of how to protect her."

Although Mr. Zelly's counsel had been reassuring, I was still worried that my failure to fully protect Georgiana from George Wickham could still be used against us. I needed to know if Edwin's mother's knowledge of the matter stemmed from him. "Your mother knew about George's attempt to elope with Georgiana. I thought we agreed to keep that secret."

I rocked in my chair, the movement giving me something to do, soothing some of my agitation. I contemplated how odd it would be to have a similar chair in my rooms at Pemberley, even as I felt a craving to obtain one for myself.

Edwin's rocking chair remained still as he scrunched his face once more. "I have told no one about that event. Do you think, perhaps, the source is George Wickham?"

That thought had not occurred to me before. "Perhaps. Would you come with me to visit Georgiana and offer your reassurances? Yesterday morning I consulted with my solicitor and his counsel about the difficulty there would be in removing me was reassuring, but I am sure she would feel better knowing that you would never strive to force her to marry one of your brothers against her will."

"Of course," Edwin stood up, brushed off his breeches (which had no dust) and appeared ready to depart. "I am relieved that you believe me and am happy to offer her any reassurance I can. I wish I thought that it was a simple misunderstanding between her and my mother, but I know my father doubtless was speaking through her as my mother often acts as a channel for his designs. Let us go see Georgiana at once."

Edwin spoke his words of reassurance with such fervor to Georgiana, that I was at least somewhat reassured that he was not an active participant in such a scheme, but at the same time I questioned whether I could truly judge whether he was acting a part.

I, myself, find dissembling difficult, find it far easier to deny than play a convoluted game to fool others, but because of this I worried that I would not know if Edwin was being honest with me. Perhaps he was genuinely distressed on Georgiana's behalf but would still act to please and placate his father by doing what he bid when called upon to do so.

However, Georgiana seemed to have no such reservations and to be most happy to be in Edwin's company again. She told him, "In an hour or so we are to visit Miss Elizabeth and her relatives. Surely you must come with us to renew your acquaintance with her and then spend the rest of the day with us."

After she had issued the invitation, I could hardly rescind it though I did not add my own invitation. Edwin gave me a long look during which I was silent before he agreed.

I was not sure I wanted Edwin around Miss Elizabeth and her kin. True, he was uniformly charming and a good conversationalist. They would all likely enjoy what he would contribute. I worried, though, that he would take back up the mantle of his old role without much thought or that in comparison with him, her family would see all my flaws.

I also was not entirely convinced Edwin had no designs on Miss Elizabeth. Had he been entirely honest in his letter? Our discussion while he was in his cups suggested that he had blithely written it without the same deep contemplation I gave to all my personal letters.

Could a man with no interest speak to me as he had about her? Also, how would Miss Elizabeth interpret me arriving with a man I had told her not to trust? Perhaps, though, I had been too hasty in issuing such a warning. While with the information I had then, I was certain I had been correct to act that way at the time, but perhaps now I would need to withdraw it. I had not many that I truly considered family and did not wish to lose the companion of my youth. If we could heal our breach and I could resolve to myself that aside from some lapses he was truly a good man, that would be grand indeed.

However, for all I knew he was still lying to me now and I simply lacked the ability to perceive it. If so, would I be able to discover this later?

There was also the added difficulty in having him join us for a visit that even now it had surely occurred to Edwin that matters had proceeded further with Miss Elizabeth. And when he saw us together, it would be obvious that I was at least courting her, and if he saw us holding hands . . . I was almost certain he knew about the three squeezes and what they meant, even if no one had even given them to him.

Would Edwin tell his father about whatever he perceived about my future plans with Miss Elizabeth? I did not want even more pressure placed upon me by the Earl, although I knew I was my own man. I had no wish to meet with the Earl again while in town and then be lectured on my duty.

I felt the need to consult with Georgiana about what I ought to do regarding Edwin. While I would not discuss the specifics of Edwin's depraved actions with her, she could still aid me in deciding on a future course of action.

I was silent in these contemplations for a long while, while Georgiana chatted happily enough with Edwin, though not, I was pleased to note, about Miss Elizabeth and me. I did pay attention when Miss Elizabeth's name was mentioned, but fortunately it was only regarding Anne's lessons. Georgiana told Edwin all about their progress with Anne and about her surprising skill at the piano forte.

Edwin chortled at Georgiana's lively recitation of how it all came to pass, then asked, "Did Anne truly say she was a true proficient just as her mother anticipated her to be?" At Georgiana's nod and smile, he grinned widely. "Who would have thought it, well even an unwound clock is right twice a day."

Georgiana gave a slight laugh, then asked, "Is the unwound clock Lady Catherine? I would rather have thought she is too tightly wound."

They were both silent for a moment before they both began to laugh. While I did not join in their laughter, I treasured their easy rapport and the pleasant moment only deepened my wish to keep Edwin as our close family.

It was not long after that time when I asked Georgiana if she would help me find a book from the library. Edwin gave me a look and then said, "There is no need for you to go for your talk. I am the one who taught you, 'would you join me in the library.' I will leave if that is what you want."

"No Edwin," I stopped him with a raised hand, "I just need to sort out some things with Georgiana, we will return to your company ere too long."

I did indeed go to the library to with Georgiana to discuss Edwin and such was my caution that I locked the door and resolved to speak softly. Our library in town was much smaller than the one at Pemberley, quite a narrow room, but every wall was filled with books, to eleven feet in the air, save the space needed for the single window and the window seat. However, just above that window, there were additional shelves with books. I was quite fond of the library, although the smell of old books tickled my nostrils, it felt safe in there.

Before we even sat down before the window Georgiana asked, "Did I make a mistake inviting Edwin to join us in visiting the Gardiners?"

"I do not rightly know," I responded. "I wish you to use all your skills of discernment to help me decide how we should treat him, if he is being genuine."

Her eyes widened, "Do you think he was dissembling when he told us that he would not use his power as my guardian to force a marriage with one of his brothers?"

"I hope not, but he certainly has mixed loyalties, both to our father and his father and mother. Too, he must have some loyalty to me and you, but also owes loyalty to his brothers. I do not doubt that he cares for your happiness, but would he sacrifice that if he thought he ought over a deeper loyalty to the Earl? While Mr. Zelly thinks it nigh on impossible to remove me before you reach your majority, I know not whether the Lord Chancellor can be bought and as for an unwilling marriage, priests can be bribed and after the marital bed, there is no escape whether the bride wished to be wed or not. I do not wish to distress you by bringing up such things, but I know I am not good at determining when someone lies."

Georgiana sat down at the window seat and I sat next to her. She responded, "I know Edwin to be loyal, but your question is to whom he is most loyal."

"Yes, that is the heart of it."

She turned away from me, fiddling with the tied back curtains which were a deep blue, then turned half toward the window. "Edwin certainly has filial loyalty and resides with his parents while in town. They provide him with an allowance and purchased his commissions, but has he not spent the greater bulk of his time when not in the cavalry with you and me? Especially after father died and remembered him in his will, giving him means of support other than that profession. Since he resigned his commission, he has been far more often in your company than in that of his father's."

"Yes, since that time he has mostly been with me, the both of us when we are together."

"How well does his estate do? Could he live from the income of it alone, or is the allowance he receives still necessary?"

I considered the matter. Although Bartley was small compared to Pemberley, it was larger than my Aunt Matilda's property, perhaps two thirds the size of the Longbourn estate. It also was well maintained with a smart house and flat, well irrigated fields that could grow many crops. It lay on the other side of Lambton from Pemberley.

"Yes, well enough, although perhaps not in the manner the son of an Earl would expect. He has never lived upon it, the house is closed up. I believe the profits have been used to improve the land and purchase additional fields."

Georgiana considered further, then said, "Oh!" She rose to her feet in excitement perhaps, but before I could rise also, she sat down once more. "I believe the answer lies in whether we can trust Father's judgment! We can, can we not?"

I was confused and Georgiana must have understood that because she began explaining, "From among our relatives Father selected Edwin to be my guardian and to help you and rewarded him with an estate which provided him with independence but tied us closer to him as it is located near our home and not his father's lands."

I nodded; she was not telling me anything knew.

She continued, "You have said before that father left detailed plans for ensuring Pemberley's ongoing prosperity and the solicitor yesterday said the careful drafting of my guardianship was designed to protect me from being forced to marry. If Father planned so well in those things and made Edwin necessary in his plans for us, does not that mean we should trust Edwin just as Father trusted him?"

I considered my previous thoughts about Father's plans. They had seemed officious and high handed. I thought he did not trust my judgment. However, in most ways the plans he made for Pemberley were sound and judicious. While I had determined to assert myself now and make some changes, simply because I could, in large part these would likely be simply minor adjustments based on things that had changed since his death, most of which could not be anticipated.

Father's plans for Edwin to help me had made my life easier, had provided me with protection and were not absolute. Perhaps he hoped for calm weather but had prepared for every potential storm.

I also considered where things had gone awry and whether my father's plans might bear any responsibility for such things. My father was not the one who had hired Mrs. Younge; Edwin and I had, based on the recommendation of the Earl. In contrast, Mrs. Annesley was the sister of Georgiana's governess, a woman who if she had not married likely would have stayed on to become her companion. Had I not trusted Mrs. Annesley partially because my father trusted her sister?

However, I did not think my father's judgment infallible. He had hired Governess Hayes to care for me and retained her when mother would not have, and had employed George Wickham to be my friend but should I overthrow my perceptions of his generally good judgment from those two acts? George's father was a hardworking, diligent steward who was loyal to my father and in most cases the son is like the father, though perhaps George was more like his mother?

But if blood will tell, making a son like to his parents, what hope was there for Edwin? Did that mean Edwin was like the Earl?

I was confusing myself and directed my thoughts back to those in my father's employ. He had hired Nurse Storey and Mr. Stowbaugh for me, promoted Jeffrey to be my valet and virtually everyone in my employ were either those that he had put in place, like Mrs. Reynolds or my steward, or hired by me upon the recommendation of those he chose. How much more careful would he have been in choosing one to protect his son and daughter?

Although Edwin had not behaved towards Miss Vaughn as he ought and had said crude things about Miss Elizabeth, might have pushed too hard for what his father wanted while we were at Rosings, in the end he had explained himself, had not insisted on his role and at least for now was allowing me to conduct my own life.

Edwin wanted to make sure Anne would be cared for and must have seen that a marriage to me would have done that. He had also cried for his sisters, believed my father had wanted him to have a sister in Georgiana and even now was questioning his actions towards Miss Vaughn. He had every reason to conceal these things from me, yet he had shared with me such difficult things, did not just tell me what I wanted to hear. Were these not the marks of a brother?

Georgiana remained silent while I thought. Finally, I responded. "I want to trust Father's judgment, but his judgment while generally good is not flawless. I want to believe Edwin is as a brother to us, but I do not want to blindly trust."

"Ye shall know them by their fruits," Georgiana quoted, adding "we are to be 'wise as serpents and harmless as doves.' I think we should trust Father and try to trust Edwin but be cautious."

I nodded in acknowledgement in the verses she quoted from the Bible; those were wise words, But I felt obliged to ask, "Would it make any difference to you, if you knew Edwin is not entirely proper toward women in both words and deed?"

She gave me a look, "Does he have a mistress like the Earl?"

I startled, aghast, "What do you know of such things?" I was very embarrassed.

Georgiana blushed. "I may not know exactly what that means, but . . ." she paused and whispered, facing away from me and looking out the window, "I know it is marital relations outside of marriage, touching under clothes, causing a woman to be fallen."

She turned back to me, her face still flushed, though she spoke more normally, "Aunt Emmeline explained a bit after I told her I almost eloped with George; it was shortly after when we were last in town. She wanted to make sure I was undamaged. Do not fear, the most George did was kiss my hand and speak ardent words of love. I wish I had never told her, but who was I supposed to speak with about such things? Aunt Matilda? Lady Catherine? Certainly not Anne or the girls from my school! You had just hired Mrs. Annesley and I knew not how much I could share with her."

"So that is how she knew about George." Neither Edwin nor I had considered the possibility that his mother's knowledge had come from my sister.

"Yes, I am sorry I told her. Perhaps Lady Catherine would have been a better choice, but we have seen her less often. I hope that will change; I wish to spend more time with Anne, to help her where I can."

"I wish to as well."

"You did not answer me, does Edwin have a mistress?"

I was still embarrassed but answered, "Yes, but I wish to speak no more about it."

Georgiana nodded, she was silent for a while, considering. "It does not change me wanting to trust him, does not change my desire for him to be a brother to us (like a brother that is, I should not want him to become a brother-in-law). It might be different if I were considering him as a potential husband but as I am not . . . ."

Our talk had gone far off course, I needed to get it back to the last topic I wanted to address with her. "What should we tell Edwin about my relationship with Miss Elizabeth? Is it wise to bring him on the visit with us? Let him accompany us on our outing?"

"Perhaps I should not have issued the invitation without discussing it with you, but as it is already done, I do not want to rescind it without reason. But perhaps, it might offer us an opportunity to test his loyalties. Tell Edwin the truth, that you are engaged but still need her father's permission and her uncle is letting you court her under his supervision. Swear him to secrecy. Then if the Earl speaks of it to you, you will know where Edwin's loyalties lie."

"Such a test may work but it is not foolproof. I asked Lady Catherine to not share the news outside of Kent, but it is not so far from London that the news may not yet spread. How will I know for sure if the Earl speaks of it that he has not learned it from a different source?"

Georgiana drummed her fingers against the glass and then said, "You must tell him a falsehood as well, something plausible that the Earl might wish to work to his advantage."

I waited while Georgiana considered what sort of falsehood it should be. "I think I know just what you should say, but perhaps I should be the one to actually say it. What if we were to tell him that Miss Elizabeth's father wants Miss Bennet to wed first, but that Mr. Bingley broke her heart, so you are determined to put them back together?"

I turned the idea over in my mind, considering it from many directions before responding, "I do not like to lie, but I do not see how it could harm anyone if I tell Bingley about it and assure him that nothing could be further from the truth, that I will not interfere in his choices. Likely Miss Elizabeth and I will wed before Miss Bennet shall be ready to even consider another suitor, so even if such a rumor about her broken heart comes out it should not hurt her chances and in truth, Bingley raised such expectations that this would seem to be in line with what the people of Hertfordshire might suspect, but for the order of how the sisters must wed."

Georgiana reassured me, "Did you not tell me that there was a general expectation in Hertfordshire that they would wed? At worst, you would simply be passing on such a rumor that he disappointed her. Even if this might cause some temporary disparagement of her in London, all would be forgotten soon and even so, Miss Bennet's chances to wed well should improve above what they were before upon your marriage to her sister."

When we returned to Edwin he looked sad, but Georgiana soon had him smiling when she said, "Brother and I have been discussing what we ought to tell you before you meet the Gardiners."

Edwin responded, "I am curious about Miss Elizabeth's other relatives, given what I have learned of her and her parents."

I decided to assert myself and not let Georgiana dominate the conversation, even though it would be easier to do so. I wanted Edwin to know I was my own man. "It is not primarily them which I want to talk to you about, but I must have your word that what I am about to tell you will not leave your lips, that no one else will learn of it."

Edwin wrinkled his brow but nodded. "If you will trust me, I will tell no one."

"You must congratulate me; Miss Elizabeth has consented to be my wife."

"I am happy to congratulate you." Edwin smiled slightly. "You knew what you wanted, and you have obtained it. I thought it was likely when I left. She defended you strongly enough, although I was not certain if you would gain her heart."

I responded, "Our courtship was briefer than I expected. While I knew my feelings early, I was surprised for them to be returned so rapidly. I have won both her heart and hand. However, given that I have not asked her father's permission yet, her relatives are strict supervisors in our courtship. In a few days she will return to her home and Bingley has given me permission to stay at Netherfield, the estate he rented that adjoins her father's lands. I ask for your secrecy on this matter and some other matters that I am about to relate."

"You shall have it," Edwin told me, his hand pressed to his breast in either an expression of sincerity or a show of it.

"While there are several obstacles I anticipate, the first is that her parents wish her elder sister, Miss Jane Bennet, to marry before her. All might have gone smoothly with this as Bingley was informally courting Miss Bennet while we were yet at Netherfield. However, due to a misunderstanding regarding me, Bingley broke off their budding courtship and it has left Miss Bennet devastated. I am going to see about repairing the breach as Miss Bennet and Bingley were well suited."

"And the other matters?"

I decided to share what George had done. He had no respect for the rogue and in this matter, he was sure to be loyal to me. "I am not sure whether I have mentioned it, but George Wickham is a lieutenant in the militia currently stationed outside of Meryton, right close to the Bennets' home, Longbourn, and Netherfield. George spread some nasty rumors about my childhood behaviors and did his best to suggest I am not much improved. I have reason to believe that some have caught Mr. Bennet's ear. In terms of fortune, I am certainly a favorable match, but as Miss Elizabeth did not look favorably upon me back then I have reason to be concerned it may be more difficult to earn his consent than it should be. Miss Elizabeth is his particular favorite."

I paused as I considered the other difficulties and how to summarize them. "Additionally, Mr. Collins has probably written Mr. Bennet a letter regarding our engagement which was meant to stay secret. A private moment between me and Miss Elizabeth was observed and became fodder for some local gossip in Hunsford and Lady Catherine determined announcing our engagement was the best way to quell it. I suspect that Mr. Bennet will not take kindly to me pursuing my interest without first gaining his permission and given that it is Mr. Collins writing, who knows how ridiculous any letter he might compose would be. He seemed offended that I had not sought his permission as Miss Elizabeth was under his protection."

"Oh Fitzwilliam," Edwin leaned over and patted me on the back, "it does sound like a bit of a mess. Do you want me to help you sort it out?"

While the offer was tempting, I was not about to let Edwin assume his familiar role at the expense of my so recently gained independence. "While I welcome your support, I must sort it out myself. I know you are all too willing to enter the breach, that is what you have repeatedly done, but I wish to solve these issues for myself."

Georgiana added, "You must be kind to Miss Bennet, she must be feeling even worse seeing her sister's happiness. Her aunt and I have been endeavoring to keep her occupied so that Miss Elizabeth and Brother may converse, but surely she feels it most acutely as she knows that Brother and Mr. Bingley are close friends."

"I would not mind if you endeavored to talk to the other members of the party to enable Miss Elizabeth and I to talk, but can you try to tamp down your charm?"

Georgiana smiled at him, "Brother is still trying to make a favorable impression on the Gardiners and he does not want you to upstage him, for them to think you would be a better choice for Miss Elizabeth than Brother."

"Not that this would be a possibility," I added, "as I expect you are still seeking your heiress."

Edwin responded, "Not that I have a particular one in mind, though Mother has made it her mission to find her. I like Miss Elizabeth well enough, but mostly as a scintillating partner for discourse. I never have any serious marital designs on ladies such as her; they do not have enough wealth to support the third son of an earl."

He added, "While I still see the advantages of a match between yourself and Anne, I understand why you wanted to seek and win Miss Elizabeth. I will do my best to support you without overstepping what a cousin ought to do. I have resigned my commission of managing all things for you and it is rather a relief. I hope, though, that you will always think of me as your close family."

Oddly enough I felt calmer having both Georgiana and Edwin at my side as we called on Mrs. Gardiner and the other ladies (it was Mrs. Annesley's day to spend with her sister's family, so it was just the three of us). I made the necessary introductions and settled in next to Miss Elizabeth to have a lovely chat. It felt wonderful once again to merely hold her hand, to see her smile just for me, to meet her eyes if only for a few moments.

"Well, you have certainly brought some entertainment today," she said, inclining her head in the direction of Edwin, who had settled down with Georgiana to talk with the other ladies. Then she whispered, "It seems he must be back in your favor again."

I whispered in reply. "The warning I gave you regarding him was likely overblown. He said a few things that made me think he might wish to act improperly, but now I believe him as he said he was just trying to test the level of affection I held for you. He is not in all ways honorable, but I hope I have his loyalty. He says he would have no part in trying to force a match between Georgiana and one of his brothers, and Georgiana and I are inclined to believe him."

"I am glad," Miss Elizabeth told me.

I then shared with her about our plan to test Edwin's loyalty, finally explaining, "I think if this reaches the Earl's ears, it may both provide us more time to receive your father's consent and wed without the Earl's interference, and if the Earl should attempt to use others to warn Bingley off your sister, it can do no harm as that is already the state in which things were left."

Miss Elizabeth squeezed my hand three times which lessened the sting from her next words. "I wish you had consulted me before enacting such a plan. I do not like to put my sister in the middle of things."