Sunday November 8, 1813 – Matlock House, London
Georgiana was grateful for the solitude. Kitty had gone to visit the Gardiners and would not be home till late while her aunt and Uncle were visiting their daughter, Lady Frances, and were not expected back for hours. Richard, of course, was in company with Miss Thompson and had little thought for anyone else at the moment. She needed this time to herself - to sort out the events of the past week. A week ago, she had been looking forward to a ball and dancing the first set with Mr. Bingley. Now she found herself having to decide whether to accept a courtship with a man that she was increasingly inclined to dislike. If it were left to her solely, she would refuse; but it might not be that simple and she needed the advice of those closest to her and whom she trusted most.
She was still trying to comprehend how it had come to be and yet her mind seemed always to be grasping futilely at wisps of thought. "I must gain come control. Elizabeth would not behave so." She thought of her sister and then she remembered something Elizabeth had confided some months ago. When she – Elizabeth - had been beset by confusion and uncertainty, she had…what was her expression. Oh yes! "I forced myself to look back to when I was content, not confused, and then look at subsequent events as they happened." Georgiana began to recall her last contented or happy time.
It was at the _ Ball. She had been looking forward to dancing the first set with Mr. Bingley which he had requested two days previous to the ball. Instead of dancing the first set with Mr. Bingley, she had sat it out. He had not attended the ball at all. That was a disappointment enough but she had masked such feelings and circulated amongst the crowd meeting and talking with a few acquaintances. Questions as to Mr. Bingley's absence she deflected as best she could since she had no explanation to give and then, stopping at the refreshments, had stepped away from the table to once more gather her composure which was starting to fray. That eavesdroppers never hear good of themselves was once again afforded validity as she listened to a conversation between two young ladies with whom she had a slight acquaintance.
"I do wonder that the Matlocks are sponsoring Miss Darcy." said one lady. "I know she is their niece but surely they must be despairing of her. I mean look at her, she's as tall as a man and hardly slim. Poor Mr. Fairly looked embarrassed to be dancing with her. She almost dwarfed him. It is not even as though she were pretty. I have heard her features called handsome but I do not see it. There is nothing particularly attractive about any of her features."
Her companion tittered, "Yes, if it were not for her dowry, no one would pay her any attention at all. Her thirty thousand pounds will be needed to find her an eligible suitor. I mean really, she has no conversation, attempts to discuss music and the theatre with men when she can be convinced to talk at all. Why I remember that just the other night I listened to her…."
At this point Georgiana forced her leaden legs to move away and, as she did so, spotted her Aunt Eleanor searching the room, presumably for her. With some relief she rejoined her aunt. That she was able to maintain her composure for the remainder of the evening was something she could only wonder at afterwards. Even now she could not recollect who partnered her for the various dances.
Her aunt had noticed something was amiss with her but had been satisfied when told by Georgiana that she had simply heard some malicious gossip which had discomposed her for a few moments. In truth, she was sure that the hurtful comments would have been forgotten immediately if Mr. Bingley had been present. However he was not and since he had been calling once a week at least his absence concerned her slightly. Furthermore, she had expected to encounter him at a dinner two nights after the ball and his presence at one or two other social events that week would not have been unexpected. Georgiana found herself confused by his absence and worried by his failure to explain that absence. She remembered too well that he had fled Hertfordshire and Jane Bennet with no explanation. Her first thought had been that he had decided that she was too plain and uninteresting to pursue, but her common sense quickly overrode such fears. As well, he had shown himself to be too honourable to behave in such an ungentlemanly manner. No, the reason for his absence was unknown but she trusted that he could and would explain all.
Her uncle's request to speak to her last Thursday morning had only compounded her uncertainties. He had called her down to his study to, as he put it, "apprise her of a serious courtship offer." As it turned out, he had been approached the previous night by Lord Albert Knowles who wished to enter into a courtship with Georgiana. Despite being told that Lord Matlock could not sanction any such offer, he had persisted in presenting his case, which Lord Matlock eventually agreed to convey to Georgiana's guardians. Lord Albert was advised that he would have to obtain Georgiana's consent to such a courtship before her guardians were likely to approve it. Lord Albert appeared, he thought, rather unimpressed with such a nicety but agreed to do so the next day. Accordingly, the earl fully expected him to arrive shortly to make such an offer.
If the earl had reservations about the whole business, Georgiana could not detect them. He waxed eloquent about the young man's noble lineage – after all, the second son of a duke was an excellent connection with a standing in society that was superior to her untitled position. That such a connection would be of benefit to the earl himself, he readily admitted. His efforts in the House of Lords would be enhanced by the support of the Duke of _ and, as he pointed out to Georgiana, the eldest son was sickly and his wife was still childless after four years of marriage. Georgiana might well become the Duchess should an offer of marriage be made.
The earl waxed no less eloquent about Lord Albert's financial prospects – he had a decent estate and a fine income from it – and was well-featured and quite amiable which, the earl suggested, given Georgiana's reserve would complement her very well. Lord Matlock asserted, perhaps with more confidence than was warranted, that even Georgiana's brother would have supported a courtship with Lord Albert. Georgiana's protestations that she barely knew the gentleman and had developed no affection for him were dismissed with the brusque, "Georgiana, you must be sensible about this. Your brother was fortunate to marry a woman for whom he had a great affection and who returned it. As much as I have come to esteem Elizabeth, you must realize that such marriages are highly unusual amongst our station. I did not love your aunt when I married her. I barely knew her but we have grown to esteem each other highly." He had paused then and more gently stated, "It may seem cold but many solid marriages arise from such arrangements since there is a commonality of station, pedigree, education and background. A young woman cannot afford to wait upon the arrival of a gentleman who holds her in deep affection before the marriage. Marriage is too important a matter to be left to chance, Georgiana. One must be practical in such matters after all."
Lord Matlock's endeavours at extolling the manifold merits of Lord Albert were only brought to cessation by the appearance of the gentleman himself who, after the proper civilities were expressed, requested and was granted a private interview with Georgiana. Grasping the opportunity, she began to consider the gentleman while he made conversation with her uncle. He looked every inch the gentleman, taller than herself by several inches, well-formed although of a slender build. His manner towards most of their acquaintance seemed amiable enough, though he appeared to her to be fully conscious of his rank in society. His apparel was of the finest quality and, if he appeared to be somewhat of a dandy, he was not excessively so. As she appraised him, she realized that he was giving equal attention to her. In that appraisal she could find no particular regard and his gaze appeared rather cool than otherwise.
Georgiana's assessment of Lord Albert Knowles was not too far off the mark. The gentleman had a firm conviction of the merits of his station in life; an opinion that had been fostered by an overbearing father possessed of the conviction that the rest of society, except for those few of equal or superior rank, were of lesser worth than himself; and, if truth were known, his Grace the Duke of _ was not convinced that even those few of equal rank, merited his consideration. By virtue of this conviction, he had imparted to his children that their opinions and wishes were such as to assure their acceptability by others, regardless of the merits of such opinions and wishes. Fortunately, his Grace had, with the assistance of tutors and governesses managed to instruct his children in proper comportment and their belief in their own superiority was well masked by civility towards others. Unfortunately, his Grace, who was himself a reasonably intelligent and educated gentleman, had not managed to inculcate in his children his own respect for learning. Hence while reasonably intelligent, Lord Albert had acquired a gentleman's education at university, which is to say that he was much less acquainted with his books and tutors than he was with the other attractions and activities which a wealthy young gentleman could enjoy. That he did so without incurring a reputation for dissolute behaviour is a tribute to his intelligence and discretion. This is the gentleman that Georgiana was considering and he was not one that she instinctively liked.
Yet his voice when he spoke was quite pleasant albeit lacking any particular emotion, "I believe, Miss Darcy, that your uncle has informed you of my purpose here today?"
At the brief inclination of her head, he had continued, "I am come to you today to seek your consent to a courtship. My parents – my father in particular – are quite desirous of my, as he put it, 'settling down.' If they have other concerns, I am not privy to them. I have taken no little time to observe you in the past month and am convinced that you would be a suitable partner in life should it come to that. Your station in life, while inferior to my own is acceptable. That the Earl of Matlock is your uncle is sufficient to ameliorate such connections to trade as may exist. Your presence, countenance, dowry and accomplishments all establish that you would satisfactorily adorn any gentleman's arm. However, I realize that this offer has most probably been a surprise to you and that it is the custom for ladies to wish to get to know their partners in life before accepting any offer of marriage. For this reason, I am disposed to offer a courtship at this time rather than an offer of marriage as I had intended. Do I have your agreement, Miss Darcy?"
Georgiana could not help but feel that he had considered his question to be worthy of only one answer and, she admitted to herself, the temptation to reject it based on his manner of soliciting her agreement was very strong. His arrogance was beyond anything she had previously encountered and she could not like it – not at all. Nevertheless, she schooled her features to suppress her ire and replied, "You must appreciate, sir, that this offer comes as a complete surprise to me. I would ask you to allow me some time to consider it."
His surprise at her response was obvious, "Consider it? Miss Darcy I…" Then he bit off his words and nodded his head, retreating to a nearby window from which to inspect the street below.
Georgiana had first thought that she should not take overlong to consider this offer, but as she pondered the situation she knew that she needed her brother and sister to advise her. Looking at Lord Albert she realized quickly that his affections were not engaged. Thus, delaying her response might irritate him, wound his pride perhaps, but his heart was in no danger. Her thoughts skittered as the tidbit of gossip she overheard surfaced. Perhaps she was not such a poor prospect as that overheard comment would imply. Certainly accepting it would not have pleased the young ladies, a thought which had given her no little satisfaction at the time but she knew was hardly a basis for accepting.
That her uncle would appear to favour the offer greatly, she knew. That the absence of Mr. Bingley had left her feeling rather bereft was not something she recognized at the time but now knew had affected her decision, perhaps making her more cautious. She could not see that Lord Albert was an unsuitable suitor. She simply did not know what to do. She would prefer to reject this offer but her uncle's words seemed to suggest that doing so would be a bad mistake. How she had wished she could speak to her brother and Elizabeth. There were implications in the situation which she did not feel capable of assessing properly.
Finally, she had turned to Lord Albert, "I apologize, sir for making you wait upon my response and thank you for your patience in doing so. I appreciate the honour that is involved but, as I am sure you can appreciate, this offer has come as a complete surprise to me. I must ask for your further patience as I consult with my brother and his wife."
That Lord Albert's displeasure had increased was obvious only to the most careful observer. Perhaps the length of time she had taken to consider his offer warned him that an acceptance was not assured. His manner remained polite as he responded, "I would assume from your request that you might have reservations about the offer, Miss Darcy. Might you share them with me?"
"My reservations, Lord Albert, are as I have stated them. Your offer is quite unexpected and I wish to discuss it with my brother and wife." She looked at him directly as she continued, "I understand that courtship is intended to lead to an offer of marriage. I would not wish to enter a courtship if I am not prepared to give serious consideration to such an offer. It would do no credit to either of us to be precipitous in this matter."
Lord Albert was now clearly displeased by her decision but made every effort to mask his feelings and respond with civility, "Very well, Miss Darcy. When might I expect a response?"
"I will talk with my other guardian, Richard Fitzwilliam, today and he will send an express to my brother. I would think he would be here within a week or less."
"Then I will restrain my impatience and await your brother's arrival." He hesitated, "May I call on you tomorrow? At eleven, perhaps."
"Of course, My Lord"
As she sat at the pianoforte, her fingers casually running over the keys, unaware of what melody was issuing forth, her thoughts focused on the moment she had realized that unless her brother suggested otherwise, she would not accept Lord Albert's offer. The morning following her conversation with Lord Albert, her aunt had been seated at the breakfast table and opening her morning's mail. Looking up at Georgiana, she had blurted, "Well, that explains what happened!"
"Of what do you speak, Aunt?"
"Mr. Bingley! He has just written to express his regrets. Poor man. I am glad he is better."
"Better? Aunt I do not comprehend you?"
"Mr. Bingley writes that he was taken quite ill the day before the _ Ball. A violent fever rendered him insensible for almost a se'enday he says and it is only recently that he is out and about. He sends his apologies for missing the ball and regrets the loss of the dance you promised him. And, let me see…" Turning to the second page, she continued, "Ah yes, he expects to be out in company as soon as the doctor declares him healthy. Lady Matlock looked at her niece noting her sudden smile, "Georgiana dear, whatever is the matter? Have you developed an affection for Mr. Bingley?"
Georgiana could not control either her happiness or her blushes, "Yes aunt, I do not know for sure but I do enjoy his company more than any man I know."
"I will say nothing against Mr. Bingley. But you have not yet made an acquaintance with many gentlemen who could be potential suitors. I would urge you to be very cautious in your behaviour to him."
Unfortunately, she had not been allowed time to enjoy the prospect of further attentions from Mr. Bingley. Lord Albert was to call at eleven but it had taken her maid only a few minutes to prepare her appearance for the outing. As she looked back at her encounters with Lord Albert – of which there had been only a few – she could recall little that spoke to his benefit. They had been sitting in the sitting room with only a maid, safely and discretely sitting in a far corner, for company. Seeking to discover more about the gentleman she had begun to question him about his estate.
"I understand, Lord Albert, that your estate is located in Devon. Is the country there much like Derbyshire?"
"Yes, it is although perhaps slightly less wild. The hunting is very poor though."
"Are you there much of the year?"
"No, I have not been there for two years or more. I organized a hunting party three years ago and it was so poor we had to give it up after only a week."
Georgiana was nonplussed as to how to continue the conversation. "That is very unfortunate, I am sure. But may not the park afford some excellent trails for riding?"
Lord Albert nodded slowly, "Certainly it does, but that amusement palls quickly and my guests were quite eager to depart."
She thought she might ask after some features of the house. "What is the manor house like?"
He appeared to be surprised at the question but responded, "Ah, I forgot that ladies are interested in such features. I am desolate to say that I really cannot remember much about the house. It is not fashionably furnished and while it has been maintained it is not located, I believe, where I wish to be overlong."
Georgiana's misgivings were increasing the more he revealed. Her brother she knew was intimately involved in the running of his estates and their management absorbed a considerable portion of his time every day. Perhaps the same was true of Lord Albert and so she asked, "It must be difficult to manage your estate from afar. I know my brother receives many reports about his every week."
Lord Albert looked at her in surprise, "Does he? I am sure I do not understand why he would waste his time so. That is what stewards are for, surely." He paused for a moment or two before continuing, "As long as I receive the income I expect from my estate, I leave the getting of it to those I have hired for that purpose."
Georgiana had some difficulty in masking her disapproval and did so successfully only by leaning forward to refill her cup with tea. Fortunately, Lord Albert was inclined to begin talking of some hunting parties that he had attended over the summer and the remainder of their conversation suffered a surfeit of information – from Georgiana's perspective – about guns, birds shot, fishing and other such activities which attend such parties, none of which she found to be of particular interest.
She found it particularly irritating that he had made but a token attempt to acquaint himself with her interests and thoughts. While he might initiate a conversation about a play or exhibition that she had attended, it did not require much time for the conversation to devolve to his interests and she quickly determined that a simple question from her was sufficient to allow him to expound on those activities. That her interest in them was limited never seemed to occur to him.
Georgiana could see no reason to accept Lord Albert's offer and rather regretted not doing so immediately; however, she knew that, given his station, such a rejection might be impolitic in the extreme.
