Derbyshire, May 1810
Fitzwilliam Darcy looked up from his desk at the butler who was knocking on his door. "Yes, Stevens?" he asked.
Stevens, who had retained only half the use of his injured arm, announced, "Mr. Bingley." Stepping back, he allowed Bingley to brush past him and into the room.
"Bingley!" cried Darcy with surprise. "You're a full week earlier than your letter stated! What are you doing here?"
Bingley grinned widely. "You know me, old man. Someone has to ensure you don't waste away this summer with Georgiana at Ramsgate."
Chuckling, Darcy motioned for Bingley to be seated. Once he was settled, Darcy said, "You look much different since I last saw you here at Pemberley three years ago. It appears the matrons of Yorkshire have fed you well."
Bingley grimaced. "Yes, well, that has more to do with the daughters of the matrons and my unmarried state. The lack of exercise also contributed. I don't believe I've ever gone so long between gallops on horseback in my life."
"Well, then, how would you like to get back in the saddle? I had been planning a quick ride to Ramsgate to surprised Georgiana for a few days before your return next week. Obviously, I no longer need to hurry back. Would you care to join me?"
"Join you to visit Georgiana? I'd be delighted! How she must have grown these three years."
"You won't even recognize her," Darcy warned. "She may only be fifteen, but she is the exact image of my mother's portrait that was painted on her marriage at twenty years of age."
Bingley smiled. "She must be beautiful, then. I have always loved that portrait of Mrs. Darcy. You can see her kindness in her eyes."
"Yes, you can," replied Darcy softly.
The two men spent a moment in silence, then Darcy said, "Let us go, then! I cannot wait to see Georgiana's face when I show up with you in tow."
As the men left the study and climbed the stairs to the family wing, where Bingley's usual chambers resided, Darcy asked, "How have been? Your last letter was from about six months ago when you described some recent vandalism."
"Yes, it was quite unfortunate for Mr. Knoxley. I attempted multiple times to explain to him that the saboteurs were fearful for their livelihood. Attempting to prosecute the offenders to the severest extent of the law on fueled their rage."
"How did it end?" Darcy asked.
"He and his daughter sold me their properties for their value, then shipped off to the Americas!" Bingley exclaimed.
Darcy let out a burst of surprised laughter. "Well, you definitely got the better end of that deal!"
"Quite! My three years of holidays there had taught the local populace to trust me. When I gained control over Knoxley's factories, his people were immediately eager to sign the same contracts my own people had signed two years prior. Everyone is working in harmony, and I was able to come here directly after graduating instead of travelling their first."
"And you avoided being caught by Knoxley's daughter," said Darcy. Bingley nodded in agreement, and Darcy continued, "Although I have been considering her situation this past year since you first wrote about her. While I still feel she is a social climber, I pity her for having to make that choice."
"I agree," said Bingley. "I would not wish to marry for anything less than affection, but many women in society do not have that luxury."
The reached Bingley's door, and Darcy turned to ask him one last question before heading to his own rooms. "Have you read 'The Vindication of the Rights of Woman' by Mary Wollstonecraft?"
Bingley let out a bark of laughter. "Darcy, you do realize that it's me you're asking, right?"
Smiling in amusement, Darcy continued, "My aunt, the wife of my uncle the earl, recommended it as reading material for Georgiana. It was published last year, and I felt it my duty to read before passing it on to my impressionable sister."
"What did you conclude?" asked Bingley.
"That every woman of society ought to read it," said Darcy.
"Really?" Bingley was intrigued. "I would have thought that you would discard it immediately, due to its radical claims on womanhood."
"Yes, well, as I said, I have had much time to think in solitude over this last year. But we should prepare to leave. I will explain tomorrow on our ride."
The next morning, Bingley and Darcy arose early. They brought along the carriage but chose to ride alongside, allowing their valets the rare privilege of riding inside the carriage as opposed to on top.
Continuing their conversation from the day prior, Darcy said, "Wollstonecraft spoke very eloquently in her book about the evils of men viewing woman as merely property to be traded in marriage and ornaments to society. Women, she claims, should be educated as well as men."
"That's not very different than what you have always thought," said Bingley. "You've encouraged Georgiana to learn mathematics and Latin, in addition to the usual female education."
"Yes," agreed Darcy, "but until now, I never gave thought to the true disservice given to other women of society. A person is shaped by their experiences and their knowledge. Many women are raised to believe that their primary purpose is to attain as high a match as possible. With no opportunities to learn otherwise, how can they be held accountable for engaging in social-climbing behavior? It's all they are taught to do."
When Bingley nodded that he understood, Darcy pressed on. "Wollstonecraft compares the lack of rights for women as akin to slavery, which is I find to be a distasteful practice. Each year the MPs become closer to passing the vote for abolition. But I digress; women have very few rights or freedoms, which cannot be denied. Her argument moved me to compassion for the opposite sex."
Bingley was speechless for a minute. "Bravo, old man," he finally said. "I've always told you that women could not be as bad as all that."
"Well," said Darcy wryly, "with as many compromise attempts that I have managed to escape, could I be held to blame?"
Bingley laughed, and the men continued discussing the difficult positions of women in society for the remainder of the journey.
Darcy and Bingley arrived in Ramsgate just as evening began to descend on the town. The streets were empty, and they made good time to the house that Darcy had let for his sister. Darcy knocked on the door, which was opened by a maid. The look of surprise on her face gave Darcy an idea.
"Don't announce us," he said "I want to surprise my sister. Where is she?"
"In the drawing room," the girl said, "but, Sir, -" Darcy didn't let her finish as he walked briskly down the hall, eager to see the look on Georgiana's face. When he opened the door, he froze.
Georgiana was in the embrace of a young man, his cravat askew and the shoulder of her gown down around her arm.
"What is this?" thundered Darcy. The couple broke apart, gaping at him. "Wickham!" Darcy shouted.
"Brother!" Georgiana stood and flung herself into his arms. "You have arrived just in time! We are leaving for Gretna Green tomorrow to be married! But you are here now, so we can wed here with your permission instead!"
Across the room stood George Wickham. He straightened his clothing and extended his hand, smirking. "Well, Darcy, it appears we are to be brothers!"
"Not bloody likely," growled Darcy.
Georgiana gasped and looked up at her brother. "Fitzwilliam, what do you mean?"
"I will never give my consent for Georgiana to marry the likes of you, Wickham," Darcy declared.
Wickham's grin grew wider. "But I'm afraid you have no choice, Darcy. She is quite ruined otherwise. I've seen to that."
Georgiana's face grew pale. "George, what are you saying?"
"You do realize," interjected Darcy, "that Georgiana's dowry cannot be released until she is of age, and that is with the approval of her guardians?"
Wickham's face twisted in anger. "You lie!" he spat.
"I'm afraid I tell the truth," said Darcy. "Although, if you truly love my sister, then you won't mind working to support your family for the next six years."
"George won't mind," said Georgiana. "He loves me for myself, not my fortune."
"Shut up, you stupid chit," snarled Wickham. Georgiana's wide eyes stood out on her pale face. She burst into tears and ran out of the room.
"Now that was well done," Bingley drawled, looking at Wickham. The pure rage in his eyes spoke lie to the calm expression on his face.
"What do you mean?" Wickham demanded, spinning to Bingley.
"Tsk, tsk," Bingley mocked. "You lost your temper in front of Georgiana. You betrayed yourself with your words. Had you just kept quiet and made love to her with your words, then she may have been able to convince her brother to take care of you both until her dowry was released. But I daresay she'll want nothing to do with you now."
Darcy stared at Bingley in amazement. Since when had his friend gained the ability to take charge of such a tense situation? Yorkshire, thought Darcy.
Turning back to Wickham, Darcy coldly said, "Leave my house. Now."
"B-but," stammered Wickham, "your sister is ruined!"
The next second, Darcy's hand was around Wickham's throat. "You dared to defile her!" he roared.
"N-n-no," rasped Wickham, gasping for breath. "J-j-just a kiss. But the g-g-gossip rags have the story of our elopement already p-p-printed for tomorrow."
Bingley laid a hand on Darcy's shoulder. "Better let him go before you kill him," he said mildly. "Not that I would object, but the last thing Georgiana needs is a magistrate showing up to collect a body."
The reminder of his sister was the only thing that forced Darcy to release his hold on Wickham. The faux beau collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath, hands at his throat. Bingley crouched next to him. "You will leave," he said, "and you will never speak a word of this again." The ominous tone of Bingley's voice was more frightening than Darcy's outrage.
Wickham nodded, still unable to speak from the swelling at his neck. He staggered to his feet and clumsily stumbled out the door.
Darcy looked at Bingley with despair in his eyes. "What do I do now?" he asked hoarsely.
"First, you comfort your sister. Make certain that Georgiana is well," said Bingley. "Meanwhile, I will see what I can do about the gossip."
Darcy nodded dumbly, which Bingley took for agreement. Donning his hat, Bingley took a long look at his broken friend. A feeling of resolve filled him, and he left the home to assess the damage.
A maid quietly entered the sitting room were Darcy stood, numb. He looked at her with blank eyes, and she dipped a quick curtsy. "Begging your pardon, sir," she said hesitantly, "but Mrs. Younge just ran out the back door with her things."
Darcy nodded, and she continued, "And Miss Steward has gone upstairs to your sister. I tried to tell her that the house was not admitting callers, but she pushed her way around me and went up."
Darcy began to nod again, then froze. "Who is upstairs with Georgiana?"
"Miss Stewart," the maid said.
Darcy repeated the name blankly and asked, "Who might she be?"
"Her father is a local tradesman, sir," the maid said. "She has called on Georgiana several times. They practice the piano-forte together."
Darcy closed his eyes and groaned. Just what he needed in the middle of this mess – a tradesman's daughter finding out about his sister's ruin. What will it cost me to keep her silent? he wondered. Hopefully, the payment will be in pounds and not in a wedding license.
Thanking the maid, Darcy slowly climbed the stairs. He knew he should be thinking about what to say or do, but he couldn't think at all. His mind felt as though he had drunk an entire decanter of brandy.
Hearing his sister's sobs from down the hallway, Darcy winced. What did Bingley say? Right – comfort Georgiana.
He knocked gently on the door. "Georgiana?" he called softly.
The door opened to reveal a young woman in fashionable dress of about twenty-five years. She looked him up and down, then replied, "You had better not be George Wickham. If you are, then I shall set the footmen on you."
Darcy's eyes widened in surprise. Perhaps this won't be as bad as I expected, he thought hopefully. He removed his hat and bowed. "Fitzwilliam Darcy, at your service."
The hatred in the girl's eyes faded into relief. She curtsied and introduced herself, "Miss Samantha Stewart. Delighted to make your acquaintance." Then she chuckled slightly.
"Of all the absurdities, introducing ourselves formally at a time like this. Well, at least society's rules for etiquette and decorum are good for something – giving us something to focus on when we'd rather not think about a dreadful situation."
She shook her head and opened the door wider. "I am extremely glad that you are here, sir," she said. "I haven't been able to understand much of what is going on, other than Georgiana has repeatedly sobbed that George Wickham has ruined her."
Darcy's head dropped on hearing those words. He entered the room and found Georgiana sobbing into her pillow on the bed. He gently sat next to her. "Dearest," he said, rubbing his hand on her back. Georgiana only sobbed harder.
Darcy looked to Miss Stewart, who shrugged. After a few minutes, Darcy tried again. "Georgiana, please look at me," he said pleadingly.
She shook her head and buried her face deeper into her pillow.
"Rubbish," said Miss Stewart firmly. She walked over to the bed and sat down as well. Darcy looked at her in alarm, and she laughed. "Mr. Darcy, I promise that claiming a compromise because we sat on the same bed in your sister's room is the last thing on my mind."
Darcy blushed, vaguely remembering his words to Bingley about not judging women so harshly. "My apologies, madam," he mumbled.
She waved her hand at him. Turning to his sister, she said, "Now Georgiana, that is quite enough. I cannot understand a word of what you have said, nor can your brother, I daresay. Be a good girl and sit up so we can help resolve this matter."
Georgiana obediently sat up, but she kept her eyes cast down at her trembling hands.
"Very good," Miss Stewart said. "Now, Georgiana, can you please tell me why you are ruined? Without crying, dear," she added as Georgiana's blue eyes filled with tears again.
In halting breaths, Georgiana explained that she had run into George Wickham here in Ramsgate on the beach. Mrs. Younge had told her there was no danger in allowing an old family friend to call on them. The two were often left alone, although a door always remained open. That very day, Wickham had confessed his love. He convinced her to elope to Gretna Green, and the kiss Darcy witnessed was in celebration of her acceptance.
Darcy let out a quiet sigh of relief, as did Miss Stewart. They exchanged brief smiles, and Darcy said, "Georgiana, why would you agree to an elopement?"
"George told me that you would never allow us to marry," she said quietly. "I knew you would not have a problem with his station, since he truly loved me, but George said that you were under the impression that he loved another and would think he was only after me for my dowry."
At these last words, Georgiana remembered the hurtful things Wickham had said. Bursting into tears again, she collapsed into her brother's arms. "What must you think of me?" she sobbed into his coat.
Darcy immediately put his arms around her. "I think you are a wonderful girl," he said. Georgiana stilled in his arms. He continued, "You were betrayed by your companion and a man much older than you who has fooled many a person in his lifetime, including our own father."
Georgiana looked up at him, her eyes hopeful. "Really?" she asked. "You aren't upset with me?"
"I am more upset with myself," Darcy admitted. "Had I not sheltered you so much about the deceitful nature of one whom you once called a friend, you would have not been taken in."
Miss Stewart shook her head. "I disagree, Mr. Darcy," she stated firmly. "The guilt lies predominantly with those who deceive. Your sister is still young. She is actually more educated than many young ladies her age. That is why I chose to befriend her; I appreciated her company much more than the empty-headed misses who congregate to Ramsgate every summer."
Darcy gave her a faint smile as Georgiana beamed. Then the girl's face crumpled, "But I am still ruined. I kissed a man, and we are not engaged."
Miss Stewart sighed. "Unfortunately, my dear, I'm afraid you might be correct. You are not ruined in the literal sense, but the reason why I came to your home when I did was because I heard one of your maids telling mine that you were to elope."
Gratitude filled Darcy for this unselfish woman who clearly placed friendship above a possible taint by association. "Thank you," he said, "from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I don't know how we shall ever repay you." Although he now trusted her honor, he still watched her closely for any reaction to the word "repay."
Miss Stewart gave Darcy a scornful look, as if she knew his thoughts. "No repayment is necessary," she declared. "I merely ask that you allow Georgiana and I to correspond once you leave Ramsgate."
"Of course," Darcy said in amazement.
Miss Stewart gave Georgiana a hug. "Now that the issue of repayment is settled," she said, throwing a saucy look at Darcy, "we unfortunately do need to discuss where to go from here."
"I will have to marry him, won't I?" asked Georgiana sadly. "Even though he doesn't really me."
"Absolutely not," said Darcy firmly. "I will not allow you to be shackled to such a scoundrel."
"But what will I do? Where will I go?" Georgiana's fearful voice tore at Darcy's heart. "I cannot return home ruined, but no one will want to marry me now."
"I will marry you, Georgiana, if you will have me."
Three heads turned to see Bingley standing in the doorway. He removed his hat and came to kneel at Georgiana's feet.
"I will marry you," he repeated. "Will you marry me?"
"Bingley," Darcy warned, "perhaps we should discuss this in private first."
"No, we shouldn't," stated Bingley. He took Georgiana's small hand in his. "I do not love you the way a man usually loves a woman," he explained. "But I do love you as the sister of my dearest friend."
Looking at Darcy, Bingley continued, "Darcy, more than a decade ago, you saved my life, perhaps literally, in standing with me to protect my friend. Allow me to do the same."
Everyone was silent. Darcy looked at Georgiana, then back at his friend. "It isn't what I wanted for you. For either of you," he added, taking Georgiana's other hand.
"I can't promise that we will have a grand passion," Bingley said to Georgiana. "But what I can promise you is that I will always treat you with kindness and respect."
Darcy opened his mouth to speak, but Miss Stewart voiced her thoughts first. "Mr. Bingley, is it?" At Bingley's nod, she continued, "What I am about to ask may seem indelicate, but Georgiana's wellbeing is too important for me worry about being ladylike." She fixed Bingley with a stern look and said, "She is still a child. A young woman, yes, especially in appearance, but still a child. Are you prepared to wed and bed a child, or will you consider waiting to come to her until she is ready for that step in her life?"
Darcy's jaw dropped open in shock, followed by a shudder. That image was something he wished had never been put in his mind, but he was simultaneously grateful for Miss Stewart's quick thinking and courage in voicing the question.
Bingley paused briefly, considering something that had not occurred to him until that moment. After only a moment he responded. "I will wait. I would want both of us to come to know one another as partners before taking that step – which will only occur when she wishes it, and not a moment before," he added firmly.
Miss Stewart nodded in approval, and Darcy let out a breath he was unaware he had been holding. "Bingley," he said hoarsely, "I can't begin to express what this means to me."
Bingley looked directly into Darcy's eyes. "I swear to you that I will care for Georgiana," he vowed.
Darcy looked at Georgiana, who had been listening to the exchange in silence. "What do you say, my dear girl?" asked Darcy. "Would you prefer to marry Bingley, or should we discuss other possibilities?"
Miss Stewart looked approvingly at Darcy. "I had not thought you would consider her feelings on the matter," she said in surprise.
"In the past, I might not have," Darcy admitted. "But I must confess, Wollstonecraft makes a compelling argument."
Miss Stewart let out a surprised bark of laughter, then covered her mouth with a delicate hand. "She is probably the reason I have not yet found a husband," she laughed. But then sobering, she looked down at Georgiana. "What do you think, child?" she asked fondly.
Georgiana bit her lip, then looked at Bingley. "Yes, Mr. Bingley," she said clearly. "I will marry you. I thank you for the honor."
Bingley smiled gently at her. For a minute, no one said anything. The silence was interrupted by a stomach growling. The four looked around at each other and burst out laughing.
"Perhaps we should eat," Darcy said with a smile.
They all agreed and passed the evening in a pleasant manner.