Author's Note: This is probably going to be my last chapter for a little while. I'm going back to college this week and I'm heavily involved with a lot of activities. I don't have a lot of time to write but I'm going to try to make time to write on Sunday nights. Be patient if I don't update very frequently! I haven't abandoned the story, I promise.
Georgiana and her aunt arrived in London and went directly to the Matlock House. The Darcy House on Curzon Street had not been opened since Darcy's marriage to Elizabeth. They had spent time there before and after their wedding trip. Georgiana felt very comfortable at her Aunt's house and had passed much time there over the years. She loved the Darcy house, but she knew it would likely not be open for some time. London air was not the best for children and it was likely that only her brother would be using the house for business for some time.
She retired early due to her exhaustion from travel but woke early the next day. She dressed in a lovely green gown and readied herself for the visitors she and her Aunt would surely be receiving. Her Aunt was popular in town and had frequent callers. She looked forward to meeting new people; she loved Derbyshire but the company was very confined.
Georgiana broke her fast with her Aunt before heading to the parlor to do some needlework. She was making an embroidered blanket for her niece or nephew, as she finished work on a flower, the first caller arrived.
Lady Worthington was a dear friend of Lady Matlock and it was no surprise that she was the first to arrive. She was an elegant looking woman around fifty years old. She was welcomed into the highest circles of society but had a wild streak in her. She liked to entertain poets and other artists at her home and enjoyed their lively company. She made small talk before broaching a more serious topic.
"Miss Darcy, I have something sensitive to speak with you about. It's a bit of gossip that I think has no basis, but I believe you should be aware of it."
"Alright. You are scaring me, but please, tell me at once."
"I know you are acquainted closely with the Bingley family and have been for a great number of years. This may be why this news will be particularly disturbing. Miss Bingley has been spreading rumors that your brother and his wife have been having marital problems. She said she just returned from Pemberley and where she claimed there was constant fighting."
"I can assure you that is not the case. My brother and sister are the very picture of marital felicity."
"I fear that is not all. She claimed to know the reasons for the fighting. Her reason was that your brother is in love with her and that his wife found out. She claims that the reason she left was because Darcy could not stand to be around her due to his feelings for her. She said your brother is far too devoted to his wife to ever act on his feelings."
Georgiana laughed heartily. It took her a few moments to regain her composure and to speak. "That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard in my life. I heard only one thing with any truth to it – my brother cannot stand to be around Miss Bingley but not for the reasons expressed."
"I thought as much. We are all aware that Miss Bingley hoped to marry your brother. We know that she was bitterly disappointed and is likely trying to exact revenge."
"That is good. I am pleased that people do not believe the rumors. I will have to write to my brother and sister and tell them. They will surely laugh. They warned me that Miss Bingley might try to retaliate."
"I do have another bit of news for you," she said with an unreadable expression.
"Oh please tell, Lady Worthington," Georgiana said on the edge of her seat.
"Miss Bingley is not alone in town. She has a lady with her, a Mrs. Wickham. Apparently, she traveled to Hertfordshire to pick Mrs. Wickham up for her parent's home. Since then, they traveled to town and have been staying at the Bingley townhome."
"Surely you are not serious – Mrs. Wickham is Mrs. Darcy's sister."
"I had no idea! That is fascinating. I have heard that Mr. Wickham has been absent from his wife and has not been supporting her."
"That is not surprise to those that know him," Georgiana said. She had truly recovered from the incident two years ago and felt nothing but embarrassment when she thought about the event.
"Rumor has it that Miss Bingley has taken up support of her."
"They did strike up a friendship on their recent visit to Pemberley."
"That is very interesting. I know this is not appropriate to speak of in company so I hope you will give me some leeway."
Lady Matlock finally broke her silence and entered the conversation. "I am not sure that is such a good idea considering my niece is unmarried, but I will allow it." In truth, she was curious about the gossip.
"Well, it is not something exactly rumored but me and some other ladies have been speculating. We have discussed the possibility of something from scandalous between the ladies."
"I am afraid I do not follow," Georgiana said, confused.
"We believe there is a possibility that there is an unnatural relationship between Miss Bingley and Mrs. Wickham."
"That is enough," Lady Matlock said with vehemence.
"I am not sure what she means," Georgiana said, now puzzled by her Aunt's reaction.
"You do not need to know what she is speaking of. Lady Worthington, I have enjoyed your visit thus far, but we cannot be speaking of this."
"Very well, I just wanted to tell you of my suspicions."
"I shall write to my brother and sister about your suspicions. I am sure they will comprehend your meaning even if I do not."
"That is not a great idea," Lady Matlock advised. "We do not want these rumors to spread, particularly when there is a connection to your family."
"I still do not know what is going on, but I will not write about it if it could damage my brother and sister."
"Oh, it appears I must be going, but I wish to see you for dinner at my home next week." Lady Worthington said.
After she had left, Georgiana asked her Aunt what she really wanted to know.
"What did she mean when she talked on an unnatural relationship? I wish to know. I am out in society. You can tell me these things. I will never speak a word of it, I promise."
Lady Matlock considered this for a moment in silence. She did not wish to tell Georgiana of such a thing, but she feared she would not stop asking about it if she did not. "The relationship she speaks of between the ladies is one that she only occur between a husband and wife once they have been married."
"Oh," she said, the color draining from her face, "I comprehend your meaning now but I will speak of it no more."