Darcy: 1807–1811
Little by little, Fitzwilliam Darcy became accustomed to the routine at Pemberley and became increasingly comfortable in his new role as a landowner. He was fortunate to have an excellent steward who helped him with the day-to-day tasks of the estate. Unfortunately, being busy all day, he could not spend time with his sister. He did manage to see her at dinner, though he usually ate lunch in his study. Once a week, he met with Georgiana's governess to see how she was progressing in her studies.
Before the year of mourning was over, Lady Matlock began urging him to take part in London's season, but Darcy flatly refused. He did not want to return to society for several more months, knowing that he would be considered a very eligible bachelor.
In 1808, Georgiana turned 12 years old. By nature, and perhaps due to his father's lack of attention and affection, Georgiana was quite shy and reticent in company. She was terrified of meeting new people in a place she didn't know.
Unfortunately for Georgiana, Lady Matlock, who had attended the best seminary in London, suggested to Darcy that it was time he sent his sister to the same seminary and reminded him that it was essential she gain an education befitting the granddaughter and niece of an earl. Said seminar was exclusively for ladies of the first circles of England.
Thus, in early September 1808, a crestfallen Georgiana left in a carriage for London with the Matlocks. When he said goodbye, Darcy felt remorse at seeing his sister's sad face, but he thought it was best for her future.
People cannot read minds, and sometimes we can hurt those we love without even realizing it; this, sadly, was one of those cases. For years afterwards, Georgiana remembered vividly her conversation with her brother when he told her about his plans for her future. At the time, she thought her brother was sending her to a seminary because he did not love her and just wanted to get rid of her.
"Georgiana, I have been too busy since our father died and did not have time to spend with you or oversee your education. Since your current governess can't teach you everything you should learn according to your social position, I asked Lady Matlock some weeks ago for advice."
Georgiana's eyes widened; she tried to speak, but the words did not come, and finally, she just nodded.
"As you know, our aunt is the daughter of an earl, and she believes it is important that you attend a fitting seminary for young ladies." He paused and added, "You will meet other young ladies from our social circle."
PPP
In late 1808, Darcy began to participate in London's season, and it was in that year that he met Charles Bingley. His aunt, Lady Matlock, introduced him to several young ladies suitable to be the future Mrs. Darcy. Most of them were daughters or nieces of Lord Matlock's political associates, with large dowries, and most attended the same seminary as Georgiana. At each party, more than one father or mother was promoting one of their daughters or even a few young ladies shamelessly flirting with him.
In London, he visited Georgiana at the seminary, but their relationship was becoming increasingly distant. He could see Georgiana was becoming withdrawn, and it was difficult for him to engage in conversation with her. His aunt, Lady Matlock, told him that Georgiana's mood swings were typical of her age and he should not pay too much attention to them.
On her part, Georgiana did not dare tell her brother that she was unhappy at the seminary since her brother and Lady Matlock said it was essential for her future.
In 1809, he began to attend several parties with his friend Charles Bingley, and on several occasions, Miss Bingley accompanied them.
Another important event occurred in 1809, when, for his courage in battle, Richard Fitzwilliam was promoted to colonel and sent to the continent. Due to the war, they received news from him very sporadically, and they all feared for his wellbeing.
Another burden on Darcy was Lady Catherine's request to assist her in reviewing Rosings' ledgers. His aunt was under the impression that her steward was stealing from her. In April 1809, he went to Rosings on what would henceforth be a routine trip for several years. Following the three-week visit, he returned to Pemberley.
In late 1810, at a dinner at Matlock's house, he sat next to Lady Isabella, considered one of London's most beautiful young ladies. She had been educated at the same seminary Georgiana attended and had a large dowry. During dinner, they talked about trivial topics.
Her father, Lord Jersey, was a friend of Lord Matlock, and the two wanted to strengthen their bond through an arranged marriage. Since Lord Matlock's eldest son was already married, and Richard had no money, Darcy was the best choice. After that day, Lord Matlock and Lady Isabella's father began to facilitate meetings between the two.
Early in 1811, Georgiana fell ill with the flu. Darcy was worried and fearful for his sister's life; he removed her from the seminary at the suggestion of the family doctor and hired a nurse to care for her. Georgiana recovered slowly, but she still had a cough two months later. The family doctor advised that she visit and stay at the coast for a while, as the sea air was perfect for pulmonary afflictions.
He knew he should pay more attention to Georgiana, but he was courting Lady Isabella and needed to remain in London. So he hired a companion to accompany his sister to the coast. Of all those he interviewed, the one with the best references was Mrs. Younge, and he hired her without taking the trouble to check her references better.
In May 1811, Darcy leased a house in Ramsgate for Georgiana to spend the summer there with her companion while he remained in London courting Lady Isabella.