Ch 2 repost
Chapter 2, repost 1. This version more accurately presents mourning customs - thank you JeanB! Also, thank you all for the great reviews for Chapter 1. Very encouraging.
Mr Darcy and the Cold Trail
Chapter 2: An interview with Mr Darcy
previously…early June 1811
In London in 1811, a woman living alone in straitened circumstances led a precarious existence.
A lady of society who had previously known a certain amount of wealth and status might suffer considerably at a sudden change of fortune, even if not reduced to actual poverty. One such lady was Mrs Sarah Younge.
This early June day was a special one for Sarah for it marked the beginning of her return to society after a difficult six months. First, she had an important interview and later she would attend a friend's soiree.
At the beginning of December 1810, Mrs Younge's husband Frederick had died suddenly. Sarah was understandably shocked by this occurrence and even more shocked to learn the extent of his gambling debts. She felt no grief for Frederick himself, for they had been estranged almost from the beginning of their marriage.
Frederick Younge far preferred drinking, gaming and pursuing women to paying attention to his estates or his wife. Estate management was something Sarah knew nothing about, so she had no idea how dangerous Frederick's proclivities were to her future.
Clearing the debts necessitated the sale of their country estate as well as two smaller properties. Luckily what remained, the London house and a small income, was left to Sarah as there were no competing heirs. It was enough to live on but not enough to continue her usual lifestyle.
Although it was impossible to hide the sale of the Younge country estate, the precise details of Sarah's inheritance were not public.
Sarah told her friends and acquaintances who visited her for tea - her only socially acceptable activity during the first six months of mourning - that she was considering finding a position as a companion, perhaps to another widow or a young lady making her debut.
She said that she needed purpose and challenge to stave off loneliness and keep her mind off her grief for Frederick. She would much rather kick Frederick than grieve for the miserable sod, but one had to conform to society's mores.
Sarah hated all the rituals of mourning. She particularly hated restricting her life for someone she despised. She who lived for parties, soirees and balls, had endured an almost non-existent social life for the past six months, and she would not be dancing for at least another six months. On top of coming to terms with Frederick's gambling debts, mourning was like an unfair punishment.
Now, it was June, and she could begin to go about again, albeit in a restricted fashion. She was anxious to put some of her plans into action.
In truth her goals were simple. She wanted to maintain her position in society throughout her mourning period and beyond. Then she would marry a rich man - one who would not gamble away his estates. She aimed to find a man she could at least respect. After Frederick's many betrayals, Sarah no longer hoped for love in marriage.
As Sarah was very popular, her friends were happy to help her find a suitable position. A rich, sociable, older widow was her preference, but at this time of year, she would not be too choosy. Sarah soon learnt of an opportunity. Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy was in urgent need of a companion and governess for his young sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.
"Mr Darcy!" thought Sarah, "the highly enigmatic Fitzwilliam Darcy".
Never at balls, hardly ever seen when in town, only occasionally encountered at private dinner parties, Sarah barely knew Mr Darcy. Still, she knew a lot about him. She knew less about Mr Darcy's young sister, just that Miss Darcy was around fifteen years of age and had a dowry of thirty thousand pounds, the lucky girl.
"Fifteen", mused Sarah. That would mean at least a two-year commitment before Miss Darcy makes her debut. With her dowry, she would have many eligible suitors, and there was an excellent chance she would marry quickly.
"If I were in a comfortable situation, I would not mind waiting up to three years to remarry", she thought. The advantages of the position were numerous. She made a mental list. A highly respectable and sought after family; a luxurious house in town and vast country estates; the possibility of keeping up with her friends; the challenge of successfully launching a young lady into society; a no doubt generous salary; a handsome, wealthy and single employer who did not gamble to excess.
Although Mr Darcy did not himself socialise much, "Surely", she thought, "he will understand how important it is that I keep up with my friends in the ton - for the benefit of his sister of course".
So it was that morning, just over six months after Frederick's untimely demise, Mrs Sarah Younge presented herself for an interview with Mr Darcy.
Sarah followed the Butler into Mr Darcy's study. Mr Darcy stood and bowed.
"Welcome, Mrs Younge", he said.
"Thank you, Mr Darcy." said Sarah executing a modest curtsy.
"Please sit." Darcy indicated a chair in front of the desk.
"He is so proper," thought Sarah, "as well as tall, handsome, and wretched. Oh, why did I think that? So rich is what I meant."
Mr Darcy sat down again and gazed severely at Sarah from across the desk. Sarah noted the dark curly hair, the furrowed brow, the ferocious eyebrows, the long dark lashes and the bottom lip pushed up into a frown. His eyes were pits of blackness from which the occasional spark escaped. He was both beautiful and terrifying.
Sarah felt a bit intimidated though she did not allow herself to appear so.
After all, there were whispers among the ladies of the ton, more speculation than rumour, that this man was possibly no threat to any woman. It was distressingly unfortunate, if true.
Drawing upon her many social skills, she banished intimidation. Instead, she gazed steadily back at him and smiled, a small, friendly but not flirtatious smile.
He did not return the smile. She thought "He looks so disapproving and pained as if he has a poker up his...stop it Sarah". Now she had a ridiculous desire to laugh. Years of social conditioning allowed her to avoid such a dreadful faux pas.
"I dressed with such care," she thought "in my most modest dress, black and horrible of course, but eminently suitable. He looks like he is about to tell me I will never do."
"My condolences on the loss of your husband," said Mr Darcy.
Surprised, Sarah inclined her head and whispered: "Thank you".
The Butler ushered in a maid, bearing tea.
A minute later, sipping an excellent cup of tea, Sarah willed herself to relax. Brusque and business-like, Darcy spoke.
"Mrs Younge. As you know, I require a companion and governess for my sister, Georgiana, who is fifteen."
"I must be honest, Mr Darcy. While I am well educated, particularly in languages, I am probably more qualified to be the former."
"I believe Georgiana has less need of a governess now. She, too, is already well educated and very advanced in her studies, particularly music."
He stopped there and gazed broodingly over her left shoulder as if there was something nasty in the back of the room. More likely, he just could not bring himself to say what came next. Sarah was sure that whatever it was, it began with 'but'.
For the first time, Sarah began to be curious about Miss Georgiana Darcy.
"Tell me about Miss Darcy. What is she like?" she asked gently.
"Georgiana lacks confidence and exhibits extreme shyness in social situations."
"What kinds of social situations, Mr Darcy?
"My sister socialises with family and close friends only - dinners, teas, even the occasional private dance if we are staying in the country."
"Fifteen can be an awkward age," said Sarah. "A young lady is no longer a child, but not yet out. Opportunities to practise social interactions can be limited."
"True. Even with family and friends, Georgiana does not initiate nor participate in conversation unless directly addressed. She is an excellent pianist but cannot be prevailed upon to perform," he said flatly.
His expression was even darker, and he looked down at the desktop a moment, then back at Sarah as if challenging her in some way. Sarah thought: "Does he blame the poor girl for her shyness? Does he know how scary he is? Does he regularly intimidate his sister into babbling inarticulation by looking at her like that?"
"Do you have any idea why she lacks confidence? What was she like as a child?" asked Sarah.
Surprised or affronted by her question, he paused for a few moments before answering, as if he had never before considered the matter.
"I was twelve when Georgiana was born. She never knew our mother. Our father died when she was ten. I didn't have much to do with her as a child. I was always away at school and later Cambridge. I recall she was quiet but liked me to read to her. She always asked a lot of questions!"
There it was, an instant of softening around his eyes as he remembered. "He does care for his sister", she thought. "What a relief! I wonder if she knows."
"I imagine she was devastated when she lost her father."
"Yes." His face shut down. His eyes were dead, but he still glared. Was he so cold? No, and yes. A raging fire encased in ice. Sarah repressed a shiver. She wanted no part of his demons, whatever they were. She did, however, want the position. It was best to stick to the business at hand.
"Are you together much at the moment, or do your obligations keep you apart?"
"We are not together as often as I would like. Georgiana has been away at school this past year. My obligations to my estates mean I am often away. We are together at Pemberley at Christmas. Georgiana's joint guardian, our cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, is also frequently overseas with the army."
"How is Miss Darcy with her friends?"
"She has trouble making friends," he said. "I have just removed her from school at her request. While she enjoyed the lessons, the other young ladies were not...friendly."
"So she does not have a particular friend, her age?"
"I think not."
"Mr Darcy, what are your expectations for Miss Darcy's further education and come out?"
"Georgiana will continue her lessons with her music and painting masters. I would like her to keep up her study of languages, history and current affairs. She should have her first season at seventeen, but I do not mind if she waits another year.
I believe my sister needs a companion who can her prepare for the trials and challenges of society. A lady who understands the ways of the ton and can teach Georgiana not only to survive but thrive in that world. Someone who is not so advanced in years that she has forgotten what it is like to be fifteen, shy and uncomfortable with people. Mrs Younge, I believe you are the one I seek".
"I hope so, Mr Darcy. The past six months have been very difficult. I find myself in need of a worthy purpose to occupy my mind and my time. I would dearly love the challenge of preparing Miss Darcy for her debut", said Sarah. "I have a suggestion, Mr Darcy."
"Certainly".
"I do indeed remember what is like to be fifteen. I had several good friends, and we experienced the excitement and trepidation of our first Season, together, making the whole thing much easier for us all. I have many friends and acquaintances in society and quite a few have daughters of Miss Darcy's age. I would suggest that I introduce Miss Darcy to some of these young ladies soon as they will probably debut in the same Season. It is possible that Miss Darcy might find one or two have compatible interests and disposition, and their acquaintance might develop into friendship".
"That is an excellent suggestion," said Mr Darcy, apparently happy enough to use a superlative, though still glaring. "Mrs Younge, I would like to offer you the position. I believe you are available within the week. I have urgent matters to attend to at Pemberley and must leave London soon".
"Thank you, Mr Darcy. I certainly can start later this week. Will Miss Darcy and I be remaining in town or accompanying you to Pemberley?"
"Neither," said Mr Darcy. "I have taken a house in Ramsgate for the rest of the summer. I believe a bit of sea air will be good for Georgiana. I should be able to join you there by late July. If any of the young ladies you mentioned are in Ramsgate for the summer, please introduce them to Georgiana."
"I will, Mr Darcy," said Sarah, very pleased with this news. She had not expected to escape the heat of London this year. What a fortunate thing!
"I would introduce you to Georgiana now, but she is staying with our aunt and uncle for a few days."
Sarah nodded. They commenced talking about salary and other relevant things.
Sarah left the Darcy house very pleased with herself and the world. Mr Darcy had offered her an excellent salary. She would be able to socialise a little, and more so after her mourning period ended, to keep up with her friends. She would live in luxury and have enough money to dress well, if more conservatively than before. She would move in the best of society and successfully launch Miss Darcy into society in two years time. By the time Miss Darcy married, Sarah would have attracted the attention of another wealthy man, maybe even her employer!
Sarah thought of Mr Darcy. He was exceedingly attractive even if his usual facial expression was a glare. Sarah thought: "I much prefer open, uncomplicated men who smile, converse and flirt. Oh! That sounds like Frederick! Well as long as I don't care or stupidly fall in love, it doesn't matter. If Mr Darcy, who is no doubt difficult and often bad-tempered, wants to marry me, I won't say no! What woman would?"
Sarah had a lot to do to be ready to leave London within a week. She visited her man of business and instructed him to let her house fully furnished and staffed to a wealthy merchant or someone with no entree to Sarah's world. The rent would nicely supplement her income, and she would still own a substantial property.
Her next stop was home, for luncheon and a rest. As her maid prepared Sarah for her first real social engagement in six months, a soiree, Sarah excitedly told her about their upcoming adventure.
The soiree, one of the last of the season, was held at the home of a good friend of Sarah's, the older, somewhat eccentric widow, Lady Amelia Harris. Lady Amelia promised music, poetry, food and wine. Her soirees were always well attended. There would likely be an eclectic group of attendees, but that made it more interesting. At this time of year, most people of the ton had already left town, but Sarah knew several of her friends would be there.
As soon as Sarah arrived, Lady Amelia rushed over to greet her. Several of Sarah's friends were not far behind and soon surrounded her. They eagerly entreated Sarah to tell them everything about her interview with Mr Darcy. Sarah was only too happy to oblige. Laughing at their exuberance, she said: "Ladies, behold the new companion of Miss Georgiana Darcy!"
Her friends congratulated Sarah excitedly and loudly, no one noticing that a man standing nearby was eavesdropping, alerted by the name "Darcy". He watched and listened as the vivacious young lady in black laughed and talked with her friends.
"You will not believe my good fortune!" she was saying "I despaired of getting away from London this year with all the business of the estate and mourning. Mr Darcy has hired a house in Ramsgate! Miss Darcy and I will travel there next week for the rest of the summer."
"Oh, my dear Sarah. That is excellent news! We will see you there. Will Mr Darcy be going to Ramsgate, too ?"
"He will indeed, Maria!" she replied "but not until the end of July."
The listener found this a fascinating conversation. An introduction was in order. He hovered near the group of ladies and waited for a break in the conversation, which occurred when a waiter offered them drinks from a tray. He then addressed his hostess.
"Lady Amelia," he said, "would you be so kind as to introduce me to this lady?" He indicated Sarah.
Sarah looked up at him. He was a stranger - tall, dark and handsome, with an open, engaging countenance. He radiated charm and confidence. His eyes were deep blue, and he was smiling at her.
All Sarah could think as she fell under his spell was, "No, this can't be happening. Not to me. It cannot! Not now. Why now?"