Chapter 43

When he invites them to join him in a game of billiards, they have to admit neither of them knows how to play, and he promises to teach them next time the table is empty. But for now they decide to watch him play, and he promptly challenges Mr Grenfell.

A tiny voice inside Georgiana's mind asks whether he is doing that for her, and a knowing look from Mr Manners confirms her suspicion.

As they start the game, Mr Manners takes his time to explain the rules to Kitty and Georgiana, and though this seems to irritate Mr Grenfell, he doesn't actually voice his objections to the constant pauses in their game.

Mr Manners does praise his opponent's game a lot, explaining his decisions to the girls, and lauding his success, which seems to please his friend a lot. Is he that easy to manipulate? Or is it Mr Manners' easy familiarity that soothes him again and again? They are reputed to be good friends after all.

The girls watch an entire game, it's a close match, and in the end Mr Manners wins, fortunately, for Georgiana thinks his opponent recognised the challenge, and she wouldn't have liked for Mr Grenfell to have any reason to think he had a right to claim Georgiana's attention or congratulations.

As it is, the men shake hands and Mr Grenfell leaves the table, to find Miss Bingley on his way once more. He accepts her attentions, and they chat very lively. They look great together, very fashionable.

With several of the gentlemen starting to feel a need for exercise, Kitty and Georgiana are left by themselves while most of the others go out for a long walk in the snow. As expected, Mr Manners joins the party, but Mr Grenfell stays with Miss Bingley, who has clearly made her choice.

'They admire you very much, Georgiana, those gentlemen. I suppose it's because you're so much more accomplished than me. And you have such lovely dresses, I wish I could buy my clothes in London.'

Poor Kitty seems envious, and Georgiana decides to try to put things a little in perspective for her.

'Dear Kitty, those men may like the way I look, but most of them don't care three straws about what I can or cannot do. You know what they like so well about me?'

Kitty shakes her head, eager to hear more.

'They like my fortune, and they like my brother's influence and connections. That is what they want from me, not my person, those other things. Though your sisters had much less chance of marrying a gentleman of standing than I have, at least they know their husbands really care for them, they know they are loved. If I were to marry one of these friends of Bingley's, or anyone else, I'd never know what I was getting myself in for.

I cannot trust the motives of any man, Kitty, and while having a fortune and family-connections undoubtedly has made my life a lot easier, it also has this enormous drawback.'

She is certainly not foolish, her new friend, if she were Georgiana wouldn't have had such fun with Kitty. And she is counting on having even more fun together this evening, at the wedding-party, dancing and chatting about their partners afterwards.

But for now, Kitty digests what Georgiana has told her.

'I never saw it that way, Georgiana. Mr Darcy would never have wedded Lizzy if he hadn't loved her a lot. But I've seen Mr Grenfell looking at you, and now you have told me this I do remember wondering whether he really looked at you like a bite of prime steak, or whether that was my imagination, or even my envy speaking.

I'm sorry for you, but I guess Mr Darcy and Lizzy will help you decide whether a man truly loves you or just wants your money.

You know, Mr Manners seems to admire you for yourself, but he does not look as smitten as Bingley or Mr Darcy do. Do you suppose that means he is not to be trusted either?'

She is observant, Miss Catherine Bennet, can it be true that Lydia merely suppressed in her the superb intelligence her elder sisters have? Is there still hope for Kitty? Probably not for a truly advantageous marriage, but she is actually good company, and before whichever gentleman is invited to either London or Pemberley, Georgiana will ask Fitzwilliam to set a date for Kitty's visit.

'You know Kitty, I think you're right. He likes me, and he hints he would like more than friendship, but he is not smitten. I'm going to keep a close eye on him, see if I can find out his feelings for me. I'm not in love with him, but I was considering him as a gentleman who can be trusted. Thank you for putting me on my guard.

And as to your dresses, when you come to stay with us in London we'll get you some really nice ones. We'll go shopping with Simon, that sounds really weird, go shopping with a manservant, but he pretends to carry our packages, and actually gives us the very best advice. Wait until you see my dress this afternoon, you'll just not believe a man chose that for me.

Elizabeth chose her own dress, and it's absolutely stunning, but Simon pointed out her little hat and found her necklace.

And we'll go to the theatre again, and maybe row on a pond in a park, and maybe you can learn how to ride. Though we'd better do that at Pemberley, with Peter the stable-boy, he's the best teacher. Anyway, don't worry about the dresses, we'll get them for you, I promise.'

'Will you help me get accomplishments, Georgiana?'

'I can help you to learn to draw and play the piano, but to learn French you'd better get lessons. Just ask Mr Bennet, he'll let you have them. Or start in London, ask Mrs Annesley. She used to be my companion, and before that she was a governess, I'm sure she still loves to teach. She can help you get started. But I warn you, learning French is a lot of work!

Come, let's see what all the fuss is about, maybe it's your sister coming back!'

And indeed, there is a rush of activity at the front door, people coming in in thick coats, covered in snow. Georgiana recognises Fitzwilliam, he's taller than anyone else in this company, and Elizabeth's lovely long coat is also unmistakeable.

The bride and groom are already well inside, Bingley helping Jane out of her coat then handing it to a servant, both have red cheeks from the cold, but also from happiness, Georgiana guesses.

Kitty runs at her eldest sister and her new brother, and congratulates both of them heartily. Well, a good example should be followed, so Georgiana follows suit, it's not very decorous, but somehow this wedding is turning into quite an informal occasion anyway because of the snow.

Shaking hands with Bingley and kissing Jane, she's so sweet, who wouldn't want to kiss her, Georgiana expresses her happiness that they have managed to reach the church despite the weather. They both smile, and Bingley suddenly seems to remember something.

'Dear Georgiana, I'm afraid the orchestra will not be able to make it because of the snow, will you be so kind as to provide us with some music today? Of course there will be others to take your place now and again so you can dance with my friend Manners, and your brother, but I dare say you're the best player we have.'

Since Georgiana is sure of that, she gracefully accedes, she can play all day long without ever getting fed up. And it will keep Mr Grenfell out of her hair, if Fitzwilliam or Elizabeth haven't solved that little problem by then.

Other people are now approaching to offer their best wishes to the happy couple, and Georgiana looks around to find her brother and sister to inform them about Mr Grenfell's intentions.

And her eyes meet George Wickham's at less than a foot's distance.

The impudent fellow has sneaked up on her, at least that is what it feels like, and the sight of his handsome face with a soft expression brings back the past instantly.

It has been nearly two years since she saw him last, just before Fitzwilliam arrived and she confessed their plans to him, and Wickham has changed as much as she herself must have in that short time.

Though he behaves as charmingly as he used to, something about him is different, he looks old and tired somehow. He is dressed rather handsomely, but Georgiana can clearly recognise the cheap quality cloth of his coat, the slight sag of the collar and the tiny wrench of one sleeve. His cravat is suffering from lack of attention, this is a man who is trying to hide a lack of money, and barely succeeding.

Concentrating on detail has enabled her to prevent blushing and looking down, Georgiana knows she is very pretty these days, as well as independently wealthy, and she lifts her head and greets him with her sweetest smile.

'Mr Wickham, such a pleasure to see you, you haven't changed a bit! Have you had a difficult trip over?'

A little lie for propriety, he actually looks much worse than he used to. And he clearly did not expect her to rise to the challenge, he hesitates just an instant, looking rather stunned, actually. But he wouldn't be Wickham if he didn't answer readily and gently.

'Not at all, Miss Darcy, we merely followed your brother's carriage to get here, it was a breeze, thank you so much for asking. Miss Darcy, pardon my frankness, but you have really come into your own the last year, you're so grown up and so beautiful, I'm almost struck dumb.'

Almost, yes, but not entirely, not Wickham. But at least he is polite, and he knows not to touch her, unlike Mr Grenfell.

'Thank you for your compliments, Mr Wickham. Will you introduce me to your lady wife? She's the only one of my sisters I haven't met as yet.'

From the corner of her eye she can see Fitzwilliam with a mixture of concern and anger in his features, and she takes a moment to look at him soothingly, to let him know she has the situation under control. After this morning, there is little that can fluster Georgiana Darcy, she single-handedly conquered her shyness to lead an obnoxious would-be-suitor a merry chase until help arrived.

Even more surprised, Wickham does exactly what she asks.

'Miss Darcy, please meet my lovely wife Mrs Lydia Wickham, and Mrs Wickham, I'm very pleased to introduce you to Miss Darcy.'

Lydia doesn't look like a simpleton, she's pretty, but her dress is as badly fitted as Wickham's coat, and still she seems radiant. Elizabeth's youngest sister is truly very happy to have caught this smirking nobody. And she's actually quite nice, she shakes hands with Georgiana amiably and exclaims, 'Miss Darcy, I have so wanted to meet you! You're much handsomer than I expected, and your dress and little hat are just a dream! Don't you think my husband is the handsomest man that was ever seen? I feel so sorry for all the rest of you ladies that there was only one Wickham!'

She truly means it, it's just incredible! Lydia knows Wickham better than anyone, excepting maybe Fitzwilliam, and she still likes him! Now totally amazed herself, Lydia continues.

'Though Lizzy seems to like Mr Darcy reasonably well, can you imagine that? He's handsome, and rich, but still...

Oh, I'm sorry Miss Darcy, he's your brother of course, I didn't mean to make it seem as if he's no good.'

'But he's just not Mr Wickham, I guess,' Georgiana fills in with humour.

'Exactly! You understand, Miss Darcy, Lizzy always looks at me with such loftiness. As if she didn't want him for herself.'

Lydia seems to have forgotten that her husband is standing right next to her, and he has caught Georgiana's ironic tone very well, but apparently he's used to Lydia's ramblings and has grown very proficient at ignoring them.

Seeing Elizabeth approach, undoubtedly to save her from the couple she fears will hurt her sister-in-law, Georgiana takes leave quickly.

'I'm sure we'll have another chance to meet today, it was so nice meeting you, Mrs Wickham!'

She smiles, and even means it, Lydia may be foolish, but she's not really a bad person. Wickham gets a polite nod, and Georgiana embraces Elizabeth warmly.

'Elizabeth, I'm so glad you're back safely! Not that I worried much during your absence, I have great trust in my brother's motives to keep you well-protected, but still, snow can be dangerous.'

Mr Wickham does not like to see the two of them intimate, and when Georgiana mentions her brother, his open expression shows a fleeting look of pain. Somehow he really hates Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam being so much in love. Oh well, it was his own choice to behave so miserably, Georgiana feels little empathy towards him. And why be sad? He's got the most loving wife a man could ever wish for!

As they walk off together, Elizabeth says softly, 'We kept an eye on you and you seemed to be handling yourself excellently, even against both of them. But enough is enough, there is only so much 'my dear Wickham' any person can take.

How was your morning?'

'Absolutely frightful!' Georgiana exclaims, and at her sister's incredulous expression, she says, quietly, 'let's go somewhere private for a few moments, Fitzwilliam too, and I'll tell you both. I may need rescuing tonight, and not from the couple we just left.'

Elizabeth takes her to their bedroom, where Fitzwilliam is obviously waiting for his beloved, not for his sister. But thankfully he is at least still dressed, and of course happy to see Georgiana anyway.

'I'm sorry I left before you were rid of Wickham, Georgiana, Elizabeth sent me to our room, I suppose she was afraid I'd strangle him after all. The insolence, to confront you like that, I was ready to do something to him! Fortunately I always obey my wife. I'm back to normal, Elizabeth, can I go to the party tonight?'

'Only if you promise not to lose your self-control again, Mr Darcy. You almost let Mr Wickham get to you again, you really should behave in a more gentleman-like manner. It's not just beautiful coats and intricately pleated cravats that make a gentleman you know.'

Something is going on between those two. The way Elizabeth says 'Mr Darcy', and him watching her in adulation, it's rather disconcerting, there is a certain tension in this room that is none of her business. It's kind of embarrassing to be here right now.

But she really needs to tell this, she dare not risk Fitzwilliam inviting Mr Grenfell to Pemberley or their London house in total ignorance of what that would do to his sister. But first, ignore those looks, the tone at which Elizabeth talked to her brother, so bossy.

'So did you really send Fitzwilliam to your room and stay behind to save me from Wickham?'

'And Lydia. She can easily talk a person to death, you know, she's such a bore, and she doesn't let anyone get a word in edgewise.'

'Elizabeth, what is going on? Are you making fun of me?'

Georgiana has had it, what is it with these two, they behave like children!

'I'm sorry, Georgiana,' her brother now says, soothingly. 'I'm afraid you caught us at a bad time, it's a kind of game we play together, and when we get started it's not easy to stop. We'll behave, you've something on your mind, that's obvious. Is it Wickham? Elizabeth really told me I'd better leave and let her handle him.'

Compared to Mr Grenfell, Wickham is nothing! He can't hurt her anymore, she's a woman now, and besides, Wickham would never touch her without her consent. A bit out of sorts now, she blurts out all her frustration of the morning.

'No, it's not him, I can handle George Wickham. It's Mr Grenfell.'

And she tells the whole story, his familiar way of touching her, his hints at wanting to marry her, his proposition to have him invited to Pemberley.

Fitzwilliam is ready to get angry again, but Elizabeth soothes him with a single touch on his shoulder, the exact spot where Mr Grenfell touched Georgiana to be precise. But that touch gave her the creeps.

'Georgiana is beautiful, and rich, and your sister. You should expect men to start paying attention to her, and not all of them are subtle.

You say you told him Fitzwilliam preferred Mr Manners?'

She nods.

'And Mr Manners knows about this?'

'He thought it was a good joke, though he did angle for an invitation himself.'

'And you don't mind if he gets it?'

Without blushing or showing any sign of shyness or particular interest, Georgiana admits, 'No, I actually want to get to know him better, he's the first gentleman I actually like. Well, except Bingley and your father. And I suppose I'll like Mr Gardiner once I get to know him.'

'Well, then it's easy. We invite him to London for Christmas, and if that is a success, he can come to Pemberley. Do you agree, Fitzwilliam, you like him, too, don't you?'

Her brother looks at Elizabeth in that weird way again, slowly Georgiana's mind starts to get a lead on it. He expected Elizabeth to return by herself, after having saved Georgiana. Then that so-called game of theirs...must be...how they make love?

That cannot be true, but the reasoning is sound. They were alone, no Simon or Fanny in sight, the party starting in a hour or so and everybody retreating to their own rooms to change.

Fortunately, Fitzwilliam breaks her train of thought by answering his beloved's question.

'Yes, I like Mr Manners a lot. He is a true gentleman, well-dressed, in possession of a good fortune, smart, well-spoken and most importantly, very outgoing. I feel very comfortable in his presence. He's not handsome, though.'

'But he is so charming, to me it totally makes up for his lack of personal beauty.

Do you agree, Georgiana, that you can get rid of Mr Grenfell by your brother inviting his rival over?'

Georgiana certainly thinks he'd let go of the idea of marriage, but she wouldn't feel much safer in his presence, which she tries to explain to her sister, after which Elizabeth continues with some incredulity.

'You don't really think he'd do more than touch you casually? If you really feel threatened by him physically you can avoid being alone with him, and once the party starts, it will be impossible to be alone anywhere, and there will be plenty of people looking out for you.'

'And I'm going to be stuck behind the piano most of the night, Bingley said the orchestra wouldn't come.'

'Do you mind?' Elizabeth asked, 'you know Mary can do the honours.'

Laughing, Georgiana offers, 'She can take her turn, if she wants to. But I like playing, so I don't mind.

And somehow I'd like you to invite Mr Manners over, yes. I told him I wasn't ready to for marriage yet, and he asked me whether we could be friends instead. I was quite distraught with what happened, but in his presence I settled really quickly.

Though I don't think he's in love with me, he has made his interest clear, but Kitty observed he didn't look like Bingley or Fitzwilliam at all, not in love. I hadn't realised that, but when she said that I knew it was true.

And still I want to be friends with him, if only to find out what he wants from me, my fortune, your connections, something else?'

'Maybe he's just not very passionate?' Elizabeth suggests.

But after some thinking, she admits, 'No, you're both right, he doesn't act like a man in love. But then, he met you just three days ago. Fitzwilliam took months to fall in love with me, didn't you?'

'Actually, I think it was weeks. By the time Jane was recovered and you both left Netherfield, I think I was lost. But I'm ashamed to admit that had you been rich and connected, I think I would have fallen for you within the week.'

Of course that makes him look at Elizabeth in that certain way again, and now Georgiana has had enough. It's time she leave them by themselves, and she gets up and says, 'I suppose Fanny will help me dress first?'

'Yes, please, Georgiana,' Elizabeth replies absently, 'we won't be needing any help for half an hour. Have fun!'