So next chapter is a very climatic one, which I'm so excited to begin working on. But we had to meet Georgiana and Richard first. I've been wanting to bring Georgiana in since the beginning, and I figured the ball would be an excellent time. This is still a continuance of the last chapter.
Chapter 9
Georgiana Darcy, Georgie to her family, was a beautiful girl. Her blonde hair, long past her shoulders, arranged delicately at the top. She had an air of innocence about her. And she was only allowed to attend this ball for one reason.
She was to meet the Duchess.
Getting to the ball didn't come easy, Georgiana would have to admit. She had to beg her older cousin to let her go to Netherfield. And while she was always welcome there, Caroline made sure to let Darcy know she was, for she dearly hoped to someday call Georgiana her sister, convincing Darcy to let her attend the ball was a major fete. One she did not expect to win at all.
Georgiana and her cousin Richard Fitzwilliam had only arrived at Netherfield just that morning, it took her most of the afternoon to convince her brother.
She knew of Elizabeth through her brother's constant letters, and was so excited to meet her. So while she was allowed to attend the ball, she was not allowed to attend until after the waltz was over, and she was not to dance with anyone other than her dear brother, Richard, and Mr. Bingley.
So while she waited for the time to come, she spent time in the sitting room on the piano forte. She had become quite the proficient at it, and it soothed her otherwise frantic nerves. Whenever she was nervous, she had her piano forte to comfort her.
Richard had decided to wait with her until she was allowed entrance, so she would not feel alone. He understood Darcy's obligation to attend, and did not mind sitting out with his young cousin, who he had come to love as a sister.
"Come dear one, it is time to make our presence known." With that he walked over to the piano and held his arm out for her to grasp. With a giggle of nervousness, she accepted his arm graciously, and they made their way down the long staircase to the ballroom, located on the lower level.
Georgiana had to admit, "This is a beautiful house, Richard. I do see why brother likes it so much." Richard had to chuckle at that, "Indeed." He had not the heart to tell her that the house was not precisely what kept him here. In her innocence she could not know his meaning, anyway.
Through his letters to Georgiana, Darcy had described Elizabeth as a friend, and in her naiveté that is what she believed, for her brother never lied to her. He was all good and honorable in her eyes. She was excited to meet her and make another friend.
Though she could do without Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley liked to fuss over her, and she had not an idea why. Though she had to admit that she had seen a great change in Mrs. Hurst, and noticed that the sisters rarely talked. Are they fighting?
She could not bear the thought of ever not talking to her brother. He was a hero in her eyes, and took such good care of her.
So as they made their way down the stairs, the butterflies in Georgiana's stomach made their presence known, so much that she had to stop at the base of the stairs, and take a few deep breaths. She like many in her family, did not like big crowds. Maybe it was a Darcy family trait? She assumed that was it.
"Are you ok dear one," Richard knew of Georgiana's nerves, and never wanted to make her feel inferior for them.
"I am ok, Thank you cousin." With a smile she took his arm again and they finished their trek to the ballroom. They made it just as the second set was finishing up.
Georgiana had a hard time finding her brother, and she only noticed him as he was coming toward her, with a smile on his face. She had to admit that her brother looked younger with a smile on his face.
"Brother!" She could not help but to be excited. Her brother was her favorite person in the world. He reached her a few seconds later, and uncharateristic of Darcy, kissed her cheek then spun her around, as if he had not seen her but 4 hours before.
"Georgie, dear. You look beautiful." And with that he acknowledged Richard, and the trio made their way to the tables. "There is someone I want you both to meet.
Elizabeth had found her table as Darcy disappeared. She was relieved to sit, she had been standing since the start of the ball. Her ticket was full tonight. And she did notice that Darcy was monopolizing her time. Not that she minded one bit. She found she was enjoying his company as well. Though she knew that she needed to turn her attention to others before people started to talk.
She was still anxious for his return.
She didn't have to wait long.
He was walking toward her table, with a man behind him, who appeared to be a part of the militia, and a young woman on his arm. Elizabeth felt a twinge of jealousy.
She stood as he greeted her properly. "Your Grace, allow me to introduce to you my cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.* The colonel stepped forward and bowed gracefully, "Your Grace."
Darcy continued, "And this is my sister Georgiana Darcy."
Elizabeth automatically felt a sense of relief curtsied to them both. "I am honored to meet you both. I hope you are enjoying your time here."
"We've only just arrived, Your Grace." Richard Fitzwilliam, was openly friendly. "But I must say, we are having a most excellent time here so far."
As Elizabeth appreciated his outgoing personality, she smiled at him and turned her attention to Georgiana, who had suddenly looked very nervous and uncomfortable. Poor thing, I can relate. She decided to take pity on the poor young woman. "I trust your journey here was pleasant, Miss Darcy?"
The young woman, smiled her relief. "It was your Grace." Her smile was magnificent. "It was most comfortable knowing that I would see my dear brother at its conclusion. I missed him terribly."
The love between the two siblings was evident before her eyes. She wondered if people saw that when they looked at her and Jane as she led Georgiana to a seat. "You must be tired, do sit down." Elizabeth spent the rest of the evening guiding Georgiana into easy conversation as Mr. Darcy watched on.
A certain Miss Bingley was not at all happy.