Miss Darcy's Trip
Pemberley in the fall was peppered with the many colors of the spectrum. Fall was the favorite season of Miss Georgiana Darcy. During most afternoons she could be found sitting at the pianoforte next to the large windows in the music room. The location of the music room afforded her a striking view of the rolling hills and colorful panorama out the tall windows. While playing well-practiced musical pieces or warm-ups, she often gazed out the panes in quiet reflection.
Her favorite pastimes, besides playing her beloved instrument, included taking long walks and rides on the grounds. She preferred to ride with her brother; in his absence she had become friends with the groom who regularly accompanied her and her companion, Mrs. Annesley.
Mrs. Emma Annesley was a kindly lady who began working as a companion after the death of her husband of two years. Not wishing to be a burden to her distant relatives or remarry (for she had sincerely loved her husband), she decided to use her skills to aid others. Since her decision to be a hired companion, she had assisted two other young ladies of consequence before Fitzwilliam Darcy hired her. She owned a dynamic personality as well as an appreciation for propriety that made her an ideal companion for the reserved, kindhearted Georgiana.
On the morning that Georgiana received a letter from her brother, gusts of wind had encouraged the ladies to end their morning walk abruptly. After consuming a cup of tea to chase away the chill, Georgiana sat at her instrument conversing with Mrs. Annesley in French. French was not Georgiana's favorite subject, though she found it much less trying when conversing; consequently most of her French lessons were given orally.
"Miss Darcy, this missive just arrived for you." Mrs. Reynolds stepped forward when a lull in conversation allowed her to interrupt.
Georgiana smiled broadly and stood to receive the letter. "Est-ce que je peux prendre une pause pour lire la lettre? Merci, Mme Reynolds." Can I take a break to read the letter? She asked Mrs. Annesley, who readily approved and seized a novel to fill the time.
Noticing her brother's writing, she quickly broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. "I do hope that William will be home soon…"
Mrs. Annesley could not help but notice the ecstatic expression that suffused the face of her young charge as she began to read the letter. Curiosity got the better of her and Emma put her book down after reading only a few sentences to ask, "Is it news that you hoped for Miss Darcy?"
Georgiana hopped from her seat, too excited to sit still. "No. It is better than I ever hoped for! My brother is to be married to Miss Elizabeth." Not caring about acting the part of a young lady she jumped in her excitement. "He wants the Colonel to escort me to Hertfordshire. I am so delighted for him! At last William will have the happiness he so deserves." She read through the letter again. "I must answer him at once and talk to Mrs. Reynolds." She then quit the room leaving it to Mrs. Annesley who smiled, shook her head, and resumed reading her book.
As Georgiana reached the stairs she saw Mrs. Reynolds and rushed over to her to impart intelligence found in her letter. "Mrs. Reynolds! I had the greatest news. William is to be married!"
Mrs. Reynolds had been a permanent fixture at Pemberley for over five and twenty years. She thought fondly of the Darcy family and loved the siblings as though they were her own children. She rarely saw Miss Georgiana in such a jovial state and was genuinely pleased to hear such tidings concerning the young Master.
"My, that is wonderful news, Miss Darcy! I am sure to get a letter soon with the Master's requirements for the new Mistress." As the intelligence was absorbed, Mrs. Reynolds smile grew until she clapped her hands together. "Miss Darcy, will you accompany me to the Mistress's chambers? Perhaps you can convey ideas for improvement to Mr. Darcy."
"Oh, yes! What a good idea. I also must tell you that William expects Lady Catherine to arrive." She continued to relate the information regarding Lady Catherine as they ascended the stairs.
Mrs. Reynolds was not pleased with the notion of Lady Catherine pressing the young Miss in such a destructive scheme and agreed that the Lady should not gain entrance to Pemberley. She motioned for a maid to follow them to the family wing and opened the door to the room which connected to the Master's chamber.
The Master chamber consisted of two corresponding rooms connected by a balcony beyond a set of large French doors and a double door on a wall next to a grand fireplace. The other wall included another door leading to a sitting area, dressing room, closet, and bathing chamber.
In a business-like manner, Mrs. Reynolds took up a writing book and charcoal pencil from the pocket of her apron and flipped to a blank page before taking notes. She spoke to the maid on her right as Georgiana wandered around the room. Although the chamber had not been utilized in nearly seventeen years, it was well aired and clean.
Georgiana had no memories of her mother, so the room did not affect her. She noticed a few knickknacks on the secretary by the window, but there was nothing in the room that disturbed her sensibilities.
When Mrs. Reynolds began walking around making scratches in her little book, Georgiana followed.
"Miss Darcy, what colors would the new Mrs. Darcy prefer? Do you think she would like these chairs reupholstered? I should order a new set for the vanity. Are these draperies tolerable?"
Georgiana was a little overwhelmed with the questioning and made short non-committal replies to the inquiries. Mrs. Reynolds understood that Mr. Darcy would ultimately make the decisions, but wanted Miss Darcy to feel included and share her opinion. In the last year, Miss Darcy had made great progress in her personal esteem and independence, and Mrs. Reynolds desired to nurture her individuality.
What Georgiana remembered about Elizabeth, she shared with Mrs. Reynolds. The dress she wore when they last met was a simple cream with embroidered yellow flowers on the trim. Her love of nature. Her genuine smile. Her curly dark hair. Beyond these facts, there was little she could tell Mrs. Reynolds about Elizabeth's tastes. She longed all the more to depart for Hertfordshire to be better acquainted with her future sister.
"Thank you Miss Darcy, I appreciate your judgment." Mrs. Reynolds told Georgiana that it was not necessary for her to stay longer if she wanted to write to Mr. Darcy. Then she conferred with the maid about airing, polishing, and rearranging the room.
Georgiana was only too happy to leave the details to the housekeeper. Rereading her letter again, she meandered to her own suite and sat at her secretary.
Pemberley, Derbyshire
October 12, 1812
My Dear Brother William,
You have been teasing me. You will always be my favorite brother as you are the only one I have. Though, I must say, once you make Miss Elizabeth my sister, you will have my everlasting esteem and gratitude. You are the best brother that I could ever have asked for!
I am excited beyond belief to venture to Hertfordshire! I only wait to hear from Geoffrey. But I must warn you that if he does not show his face within the week, I will have no choice other to make the trip with Mrs. Annesley in tow.
Perhaps we will miss Aunt Catherine since she has yet to grace Pemberley with her presence. I do hope she does not choose to redecorate Pemberley and ensconce Anne in the Mistress's chamber. That would be a surprise to come home to, no?
Speaking of the Mistress's chamber, I went to look it over with Mrs. Reynolds. I think it needs a few minor changes like a new feather tick and things of that nature. I also believe the addition of some affixed molding under the chair rail would add elegance to it. Maybe paint under the chair rail and a simple paper above? Mrs. Reynolds already has a list several pages long of the changes she would like to see. She is certainly a force of nature.
Do you think Elizabeth will allow me to assist her with wedding preparations? I would love that exceedingly! I do hope she will not think me a nuisance when she has Miss Bennet to help also.
I do hope this letter finds you in good health. I promise to see you soon. Until then I remain your beloved, ecstatic sister,
Georgiana
Once her letter was signed and sealed, Georgiana went to inquire after a messenger. Next she had tea with Mrs. Annesley and lay for a nap. The rest of the day and most of the next passed sluggishly for Miss Georgiana Darcy as she waited to hear from her cousin. She spent the majority of her time considering how she will be affected by her brother's marriage and what pleasure is to be had when she has a sister to share her thoughts with.
When she at last received word from Colonel Fitzwilliam, he was not present with it. A footman brought Georgiana a package wrapped with a handkerchief and a string. Inside was a small silver jewelry box with a note from her cousin and guardian.
London
Dearest Cousin Georgiana,
I am sorry to disappoint you when you are no doubt impatient for me to attend you. However, I am unable to escape from commitments here for another week at least. I hope you will enjoy my peace offering and know that I will ride to Pemberley as soon as I am able.
Since you received the news of William's approaching nuptials, I am certain you are more than excited. I had the good fortune of making the acquaintance of Miss Elizabeth (or should I say the future Mrs. Darcy?) while visiting our Aunt at Rosings last spring. I found her society delightful and it is my expert opinion that she will make an outstanding sister to you. Did you know that she has four other sisters? Indeed, she has had a great deal of practice! It might be too much, but I venture to presume that she might even encourage your brother to exhibit more of the good-humored, affable nature I know is hidden deeply under his severe expression. We shall see…
I will send another letter ahead of my journey so you can be packed and ready. Until then, I send my love and remain your favorite cousin,
Geoffrey
Georgiana looked up and absentmindedly tapped the parchment with her index finger, pondering on her course of action.
It has long been the habit of her two guardians to treat her as the child they remember. She, of course, was in need of cosseting after her error in judgment the year before. But that was in the past and she had to look to the future. The time had come for her to prove her independence of mind. Though she was not yet out in society, she had the means to travel and exercise her whims. She would prefer not to defy her brother or cousin; however, they never explicitly said not to depart alone. She could take an extra armed footman with the coach.
It occurred to her the course she was compelled to take. With a sense of purpose and a gleam in her eye, Georgiana took up a quill at her writing desk and wrote:
Pemberley, Derbyshire
October 13, 1812
Dear Cousin Geoffrey,
If you will not attend to me, I will have to attend to you. I already sent a missive to my brother warning him that if you were not here soon, I would have to venture to Hertfordshire without you. I know you will understand. I am sending this letter before we have yet packed, so you should receive this several hours prior to our arrival in London. I will send a note when I reach Darcy House.
Your loveable charge, Georgiana
Post Script – Thank you for the box. I will treasure it as I do all the gifts from my impish cousin.
After sealing and writing the direction, Georgiana then took the message to a footman to send it express. She then found Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Reynolds to inform them of the journey. Mrs. Reynolds was to have a carriage ready in the morning and inform the lady maids' to pack trunks for Mrs. Annesley and Georgiana.
Georgiana was not forthcoming with Mrs. Reynolds and evaded her questions regarding the nature of the trip. Why would Mr. Darcy allow the young Miss to travel alone? She simply told the concerned housekeeper that the plan was to convene with the Colonel in London and travel to Hertfordshire with his escort.
Within an hour the household was busy with preparations for their trip. Dinner was a hurried affair since Georgiana anticipated leaving at first light and wanted to double check her trunk before retiring.
AN: if there is a problem with the French translation, please blame the internet translation site. I took Spanish in school…
Assuming it takes 2 days for a letter to reach Pemberley from Hertfordshire and a little longer from London. London is only about 3 hours from Hertfordshire.
Georgiana goes to London rather than Hertfordshire first to meet with her cousin because Darcy wanted Fitzwilliam to escort her.
