Disclaimer: As much as I wish they were my own, they belong to JA!
Chapter 10
Two days later, Mr and Mrs Darcy buried their son, named Fitzwilliam after his father. It was a small, private affair but the family's tragedy was acknowledged by Darcy's tenants, many of whom paid their respects in the following days. Elizabeth's strength was returning slowly to her, helped, it seemed, by the unexpected arrival of her father. Mrs Bennet, however, had remained in Hertfordshire, claiming to be too unwell to travel. Elizabeth was ashamed to feel a sense of relief that her mother had not come to Pemberley but could not help but feel bitter that her mother did not appear to care about the well-being of her second daughter.
Elizabeth was glad of the number of people staying at Pemberley, it meant that the house ran as usual, providing some sense of normality. Normality was what Elizabeth craved to distract her from her thoughts. Yet this did not prevent her from grieving, indeed it could not for there were no such distractions at night.
The following days seemed very strange, Elizabeth often felt as though she was in a daze, not always being able to recall the events of those days. Her strength had returned enough for her to leave her chambers and join her family. At first, there had been silences which she had found unbearable and had begged Georgiana to play for her.
More unbearable than the long silences, were the constant enquiries after her health and happiness. It seemed that everyone desired to know everything that lay within her heart. She knew that they meant well but there were times when she wanted to be distracted from her emotions, not forced to confront them.
Elizabeth was in this frame of mind when Darcy approached her as she took a turn on the lawn. She had left the house after breakfast to avoid the incessant questioning, knowing that she was in no mood to talk.
"Lizzy!" Darcy called to her.
Elizabeth turned to face her husband as he approached and raised an enquiring eyebrow.
"Lizzy, are you well? You left so quickly after breakfast, I was worried."
"Fitzwilliam, I am fine," she tried to sound reassuring, not wanting him to see that she was not fine.
"Elizabeth," Darcy started, knowing that she was not being entirely honest with him, "Oh my dearest Elizabeth, I….I cannot understand the emotions that are consuming me……our son…sometimes I try and imagine what he would be like, what we would do. I would teach him how to fish and you would sing to him…."
Elizabeth could not bear the emotions that her husband's words brought to the surface and she turned away from him to hide the tears that threatened,
"Please, Fitzwilliam, I do not wish to talk about it."
"Why Lizzy? I wish so much that we could talk, I do not wish to confront this alone."
"Please sir," Elizabeth cried, the tears falling, "I do not wish to talk about it now….it pains me too much to do so. Please, I need some time."
Darcy watched as she fled to find solitude in Pemberley's extensive grounds. He let his own tears fall, making no attempt to compose himself despite his exposure to prying eyes. He did not understand why Elizabeth would not talk to him, he knew she was in pain but so was he. He truly did not want to be separated from her but it seemed as though there was an invisible barrier between them that prevented them from speaking of their emotions. He turned back to the house feeling frustrated and even a little angry at Elizabeth's behaviour.
Xxxxxxxxx
In the following weeks, neighbouring families began once more to call on the Darcys including the Prestons who were most welcome guests and called often.
Miss Preston had recently married and her nuptials were Lady Preston's preferred topic of conversation which prevailed at one evening at Pemberley.
"I dare say I have never seen Sophia look so handsome, indeed she was a beautiful bride, oh and Beatrice too was a very pretty bridesmaid, were you not my dear?"
Beatrice smiled benignly at her mother. She was finding her mother's choice of conversation rather tedious having been subjected to it this last month. At thirteen, her social engagements were naturally very few as she was not old enough to be 'out' but she was determined to enjoy the rare occasions when she joined her family at Pemberley. She found that her mother's exuberance detracted from any enjoyment to be had and turned the conversation the only way she knew how.
"We have been enjoying very fine weather this week, would you not agree Miss Darcy?"
Thus the conversation was turned until the gentlemen joined them.
Georgiana had anticipated with great pleasure, the opportunity to meet once more with Mr Preston. Her mind had been engaged with coming to terms with the death of little Fitzwilliam and in comforting her brother and Elizabeth. But now, in the presence of Mr Preston, Georgiana felt her heart beating violently at her chest and she knew not what to make of it. She struggled to make sense of the strange longings she felt and wished deeply to consult Elizabeth on the matter. However, she did not wish to burden her with such a trivial subject when there was a more serious matter at hand. Georgiana had noted Elizabeth's unusual silence and also that of Darcy and her heart bled for them, seeing, in their silence, their pain. Nevertheless, Mr and Mrs Darcy remained the perfect hosts, engaging in conversation with their guests although not between themselves.
"Miss Darcy, I trust you are in good health?" Mr Preston enquired, his mother having prevented from conversing with her earlier in the evening.
"Yes sir, I thank you."
"I am pleased. I…" he struggled to find his words, "how does your brother his wife?"
Georgiana looked towards them and lowered her eyes, "As well as can be expected."
"I am sorry Miss Darcy if I have distressed you, it distresses me to see you so."
Georgiana coloured at Mr Preston's words but recollecting herself, smiled demurely,
"Nay sir, you do not distress me but I feel very much the pain that they feel."
"You are very good ma'am," he paused, his countenance becoming thoughtful, "Miss Darcy," he continued, "would you do me the honour of allowing me to call upon you tomorrow? There is something of great importance that I must speak with you about."
Georgiana coloured violently once again, her heart beat hard harder against her chest and she struggled to regain her composure at his words.
"It would be an honour sir."
"Thank you ma'am."
Georgiana looked up and briefly caught Elizabeth's eye. Elizabeth arched one eyebrow, but noticing the younger woman's peculiar countenance suggested some music.
"Miss Preston, your mother says you have become most accomplished on the pianoforte, perhaps you would do us the honour of playing."
Thus, the evening turned to that of a musical nature, agreeable to all those present. As the evening drew to a close, the pain and distress that had distracted her was temporarily replaced by the thoughts of what may pass the following day.
Xxxxxxxx
The following morning, Georgiana found Darcy and Elizabeth sitting at breakfast in silence. Both greeted her with a pleasantness that appeared to be a little too forced for her liking. Georgiana observed her brother's dark countenance and the red rings around Elizabeth's eyes and her heart sank for she knew the signs of a quarrel and a large one at that.
She tried to lighten the mood but to no avail as Darcy left the room without a word to either lady.
"Elizabeth? What has happened?"
"Do not worry yourself Georgiana, it was a small quarrel, nothing more."
"I cannot help but worry, it pains me to see you like this."
"I am sorry that you are pained but I ask that we discuss this no longer."
"I….forgive me."
Elizabeth smiled at the younger woman, forgiving her at once.
"Lizzy, Mr Preston is calling on me today and I believe that I may need you assistance."
"Do you suspect his motives for calling?"
Georgiana coloured and Elizabeth continued, "Georgiana, do you think he will make you an offer of marriage?"
"I…..I…I do not know, I think perhaps he will."
"Is that what you desire? Do you love him?"
"Lizzy, I do desire it, very much indeed. I cannot make sense of these feelings, whenever I meet him, my heart beats harder at my chest, it is very strange."
"Then I shall assist you for your virtue must be protected!" Elizabeth laughed, distracted momentarily from her distress.
Later that morning, the ladies of the house sat at their work in the sitting room. Mr Darcy had not yet left his study but the three ladies were content in each other's company. Georgiana struggled to concentrate on her work, the anticipation overwhelming her. Her heart leapt when a servant announced the arrival of Mr Preston.
"Mr Preston," Elizabeth greeted him, "it is a pleasure to see you."
"Thank you Mrs Darcy." he replied, taking a seat.
Georgiana returned to her work saying as little as civility would allow before Elizabeth suggested that they go out and enjoy Pemberley's grounds.
The ladies fetched their bonnets and with Mr Preston, ventured out onto the lawn. They walked for a little while, Elizabeth with Mr Preston and Georgiana with Kitty.
"Kitty, I must confess I am feeling somewhat scared. I do not know what to expect. Goodness, what if he does not mean to propose?"
Kitty squeezed Georgiana's arm gently, "Do not fret so. I cannot think of another reason why he would ask to call."
Georgiana looked ahead to where Mr Preston was engaged in conversation with Elizabeth. They paused and turned to face Georgiana and Kitty.
"Kitty," Elizabeth began, "Mr Preston has given me some wonderful ideas for the rose garden and I should like to have your opinion. Georgiana, perhaps you would like to show Mr Preston your mother's bench." Georgiana paled with worry and Elizabeth smiled, "do not worry, we shall not be long."
Elizabeth had thought this through carefully ensuring that these two destinations far enough away to ensure privacy but within sight to avoid any impropriety. The couples parted and Georgiana led the gentleman towards her the bench that had been built in memory of the late Mrs Darcy.
"I should like to thank you again Miss Darcy for allowing me to call this morning."
"It is a great pleasure sir," sitting down on the bench.
"Does it truly bring you such pleasure?"
Georgiana coloured violently and nodded. Her stomach was churning and her heart beating wildly.
"Miss Darcy, I cannot hide my true feelings from you. I have come to have for you a passionate regard….oh that is not right…..Miss Darcy, I love you, I always have, since the day of our first acquaintance."
Georgiana looked at the gentleman sat beside her and smiled. She felt the fear and anxiety slip away at his proclamation of love.
"Miss Darcy," he continued, "would you do me the honour of consenting to be my wife?"
Georgiana felt a tear fall from her eye as she was overwhelmed by her emotions.
She nodded, quickly composing herself, "There is nothing I desire more sir."
As Elizabeth and Kitty approached, they were overjoyed by the couple's joint expression of happiness and congratulated them warmly and on returning to the house, Mr Preston made his way to Darcy's study.
Georgiana was in the sitting room with Elizabeth and Kitty. She found herself unable to concentrate on her work, her mind distracted by the sheer happiness she was feeling. She had however, observed that Mr Preston had been with her brother for some time. She excused herself from the sitting room and started towards Darcy's study. Midway, she happened upon Mr Preston and her heart leapt. However, his countenance was dark and Georgiana's heart sank as he approached her.
He took her hands in hers and kissed them tenderly, "Dear Georgiana, your brother has refused his consent. He believes I think only of your fortune but please believe me when I say I do not for I have no need of it."
Georgiana nodded, tears already falling, "how can he refuse? It is not fair."
"I know, but he is your guardian and I must respect him yet it breaks my heart to do so. Georgiana, I love you, my heart belongs to you and I swear I will wait for you, for as long it takes."
Georgiana could not speak, unable to recollect herself.
"I must leave you now, Mr Darcy does not wish me to return to Pemberley. I think he may also like to speak to you."
Georgiana nodded as he took his leave and she knocked on the door of her brother's study.
"Georgiana, what can I do for you?"
"I…I would like to thank you for your concern for my welfare."
"Ah, yes, Mr Preston. I do not wish to see you unhappy and I believe that such a union would be imprudent."
"Do you believe him indifferent to me?"
"Yes I do. Clearly you have some regard for him but you are too young to understand what it is to love a man."
"Fitzwilliam, I am almost eighteen, I am not a child. I see how Elizabeth looks at you and I see how much she loves you. I love Mr Preston and I believe that he feels the same."
"Georgiana, I will not give my consent. You may go now."
Xxxxxxxx
News of Mr Darcy's refusal had reached Elizabeth and it left her feeling most displeased. She could not understand why Darcy was so prepared to refuse his own sister her happiness. Had he paid more attention to the couple, he would have observed the looks of affection that betrayed Mr Preston's feelings. Elizabeth sat in her bed meditating on these events and shook her head in despair. She grieved deeply for her son and had spoken with her father of it yet nothing could remove the pain. She did wish to talk to Darcy but it was difficult. She needed time to collect her thoughts but his persistence had not allowed this which had resulted in frequent quarrels. A knock at the door brought her away from her thoughts and she looked up to find her husband entering her chamber.
"Good evening Fitzwilliam," she greeted him civilly.
Darcy noted the absence of warmth in her tone and his bad mood increased, darkening his countenance, "Elizabeth," he warned, "I do not wish to quarrel tonight. Today has not been enjoyable."
"I do not wish to quarrel either but perhaps you should have considered that before ruining the chance that your own sister had to secure her happiness," Elizabeth replied icily, her temper rising.
"I do not see how this is your business. Georgiana is my sister."
"Aye, she is and through marrying me, she is my sister also so I believe that it is my business. Perhaps you would do me the honour of justifying your decision."
Darcy felt his temper rise and he struggled to compose himself, "I do not believe that Mr Preston loves Georgiana, he seeks only her fortune. Besides, she is only seventeen and had not been out in society very long, she cannot know what it is to love."
"She is no longer a little girl Fitzwilliam! She is a young woman who is perfectly capable of deciphering her own feelings, you cannot protect her forever."
"Perhaps not, but I can protect her the likes of Mr Preston!" Darcy's temper broke.
Elizabeth's own resolve to remain calm also broke, "Heaven forbid such a terrible man should have designs on Georgiana, for such a scoundrel makes even Mr Wickham seem angelic!"
"Oh yes, I forgot Lizzy, your judgement is so implacable that I must trust it entirely, after all, you judged dear Wickham so well!"
"Well perhaps he was not the only mistake I made, perhaps I misjudged you!"
"Aye, perhaps your breeding impeded it somewhat."
Elizabeth stared at Darcy unable to believe his words, the tears falling from her eyes as she spoke shakily, "Then perhaps you should not have married me."
"Perhaps not," came Darcy's angry replied has he strode out of the room.
Here's a nice cliffhanger for you! This has certainly been a mixture of fluff and plenty of angst, I'm sorry if I have upset anyone, to be honest, it was upsetting writing it! Anyway, please review!