Edited by nanciellen
December 1813 – March 1814
Finally, in December 1813, Georgiana Darcy's grand coming-of-age ball was held at the Matlock home. Lady Matlock invited all the leading families of England and went above and beyond to ensure that everything was perfect; her niece's coming-out ball would be the event of the year! It was very important the Ton believed that Darcy and Georgiana were on excellent terms with the Matlocks and their children.
Georgiana was very beautiful that night; she was wearing a light blue gown with silver embroidery and delicate lace that accentuated the color of her eyes. Her hair was tied back with pearl and diamond ribbons, and she wore a matching diamond necklace and bracelet from the Darcys' jewelry collection. In just a few minutes, several gentlemen asked her for a set, but only a lucky few had the privilege of dancing with her that night.
As was to be expected, Darcy opened the ball with her sister, and Georgiana subsequently had to dance the second set with Richard and the third set with Lord Matlock.
For several days afterward in the most important salons of London's society, there was talk about how pretty Miss Darcy was and how handsome and wealthy Mr. Darcy was. There were also several single ladies who had illusions of being Mrs. Darcy, including Miss Bingley.
Invitations to dinners, parties, teas, and balls quickly began to arrive for the Darcys as well as morning visits from ladies and also from gentlemen who wanted to get to know Georgiana better.
Over the next several weeks, the Darcys attended many parties and social events. Georgiana met several gentlemen, but none of them interested her. On the other hand, two gentlemen showed interest in courting her. Unfortunately, both seemed more interested in her dowry and connections than they were in her. Furthermore, Georgiana sadly realized that the only reason most of these ladies wanted to be friends with her was because of her brother.
Towards the end of February, Darcy was reading some business letters in his office when his housekeeper brought him the day's mail. Among the letters, there was a very sad and strange one from his cousin Anne.
February 20th, 1814
Rosings Park
Dear Darcy,
Unfortunately, I am very sick with cancer and there is no medicine that can cure me. According to my doctor, I have at most three months to live, and ironically, I am not sad since I always knew that I would die young.
The reason that I am writing to you is that there are several very important things that I need to tell you personally as soon as possible. For this reason, I beg you to come to Rosings.
Fondly,
Your cousin,
Anne De Bourgh
He was very sad. He cared so very much for his cousin Anne and had always hoped that one day her health would improve. What was it that Anne wanted to tell him? What could be so important that it could not be sent by letter?
Two days later Darcy arrived at Rosings.