"Georgiana, this room and that pianoforte, especially, is exquisite!" Lizzy was clearly in awe of the gold and white music room with its wall of windows that let in beautiful light and her pride and joy—the Broadwood Grand pianoforte. Additionally, the room contained a harp, violin, violoncello, and other assorted musical instruments.
Georgiana beamed. "Thank you, Lizzy. A few months ago, my brother purchased the pianoforte for me and had it delivered as a gift. Herr Haydn has one that is identical to it! I don't feel worthy of such devotion, but I adore it."
"Would you play something for me?" Lizzy asked eagerly. She also reached out to touch the beautiful instrument.
"Would you care to play it?" Georgiana offered. Lizzy would be the first person besides herself to play it, but she could not think of a better person to do so.
"Oh no! I am not much of a player." Still, Lizzy's hand reached again to rest on the lid.
"Please, I insist. My brother said that he had rarely heard anything that gave him more pleasure than when he heard you play and sing at a party at Lucas Lodge," Georgiana said eagerly.
Lizzy's eyes opened wider in astonishment. "He spoke to you about my music?"
"He wrote me a letter and described the evening to me." It was when Georgiana first began to suspect her brother had romantic feelings for the second Bennet daughter. Never before had he written such praise of a woman, especially one unrelated to the Darcy family. Perhaps this whole trip was fate, or God's way of bringing them together again?
"I am all amazement. I had no idea Mr. Darcy held me in such high regard. I believed he disliked me, in fact!" Lizzy went and sat on one of the gold and white striped chairs near the pianoforte.
Georgiana sat next to her. "He has the highest opinion of you," she insisted. "I have only heard praise from him in regard to you and your elder sister. Now, would you please explain what you were referring to earlier in the drawing room?"
Lizzy sighed and told a tale about her brother saying she was not handsome enough to tempt him to dance, and he was in no mood to give consequence to a young lady slighted by other men. "I was sitting out because there was a dearth of men for partners. We do this in turns, so everyone has a chance to dance."
"Oh, William," Georgiana moaned. There went her hope that her brother and Lizzy would make a match of it. It was now very clear that her friend did not care for her brother at all—in fact, she actively disliked him! "I assure you my brother is the best of men. He is just very shy and uneasy in new company." He had also just left her in London with their relatives, the Earl and Countess of Matlock. Both Darcys were still unhappy and recovering from the events of Ramsgate. How could she explain that without going into detail?
"Last summer…I suffered a grievous disappointment. I made an error in judgement, trusting the wrong person—a friend from childhood—who betrayed me. It happened not too long before William went to Hertfordshire. He felt guilty that I was away from him on a visit and he was not there to help me. I had a different companion at the time, and he blames himself for what happened."
She looked down at the floor, unwilling to see the condemnation she was sure would be on Liz's face. "I was deeply unhappy and very melancholy. William did not want to leave me again, but my aunt, Lady Matlock, felt a little distance was best for both of us. She was right and I am doing much better. Mrs. Annesley has been wonderful in helping me to see where I erred and how I can avoid doing so again." She pulled her handkerchief out of her sleeve and twisted it, crushing the embroidered linen. "I understand if you do want to associate with me anymore due to my poor judgement."
"Georgiana! You poor girl!" Lizzy was hugging her. "How could someone do something like that to you? Oh my sweet friend. I am so sorry that happened, but it does not make me think any less of you!"
Despite Lizzy's efforts to comfort her, she remained stiff and unresponsive. Best to just tell the whole truth. "I almost eloped with the son of my father's former steward."
"Mr. Wickham! So this is why your brother dislikes him so much!" Lizzy sounded disgusted.
"That, and he is a liar, gambler, and a debaucher of women," William said harshly. "He also runs up debts and does not pay them. I paid him three thousand pounds to give up his right to the living, which was left to him upon the condition that he take orders. This was in addition to a one thousand pound bequest. He told me that he preferred to study the law, and I was relieved because the good people of Kympton deserve a Godly man for a vicar who will actually minister to them and see to their needs. I have the receipts and paperwork that I can show you where Mr. Wickham signed away all rights to the living."
"Four thousand pounds!" Lizzy cried. "What happened to such a sum? A prudent man could live for life on that kind of money!"
"Indeed," William said sternly.
"Oh you poor, poor girl!" Lizzy was weeping and hugging Georgiana. "I did not know, or understand, what an evil person he is!"
Georgiana was crying, too. "You do not blame me? You are still my friend?""
"I do not hold you responsible, and I am still your friend." As their weeping diminished, a fresh handkerchief was passed to each of them. Georgiana used it to wipe her face and nose. She caught a glimpse of herself in the enormous mirror across from the windows. She was a mess, with wild hair, red eyes, and a matching nose. She would need to retire to repair the damage to her appearance as soon as possible.
She looked up and saw Mr. Gardiner standing at the windows, studying the wintry gardens.
Brother was seated across from her and looked worried. "I am sorry, William." He had told her to never speak of Ramsgate with anyone.
"It is done, Georgie. I am sure we can trust the discretion of our friends." He looked uneasy but tried to smile.
"You have my word, I will not say a word about Ramsgate, but Mr. Wickham is still in Meryton. Something must be done so he does not ruin more women or the livelihoods of the shopkeepers!" Lizzy exclaimed.
"I will write a letter to my Brother Phillips about what we have learned and he will handle the matter discreetly. I trust you are willing to show me the proof, Mr. Darcy?" Mr. Gardiner said sternly.
"Yes, sir. I possess proof of multiple instances where I paid off his debts. I told him three years ago I would not do so again."
"Is it enough to cause him to be transported or sent to debtor's prison?"
"More than enough, but I cannot risk my sister's reputation. He threatened to speak against her if I did anything."
"I will buy his debts in Meryton and see the deed done. You will not factor into it," Mr. Gardiner explained.
"Except that my family, and by extension all of Meryton, will know that we are visiting Pemberley," Lizzy pointed out.
"Have you written any letters to your family with that information or that we have moved from the Rose and Crown?" Mr. Gardiner asked.
"I wrote to Jane last night but did not send the letter yet."
"Then I will handle the matter personally when we return to Meryton. Meanwhile, I will write a letter to my brother, exposing Mr. Wickham's unfavourable reputation in Lambton and among the shopkeepers, in order to prevent him from obtaining further credit. I shall suggest to my brother that he talk to Sir William Lucas about his concerns about how much debt the regiment is carrying and let our favourite magistrate do the rest."
"That is brilliant, Mr. Gardiner!" Georgiana said admiringly.
"Sir, what if Wickham assumes the information came from me? He could still ruin Georgiana's reputation!" William said desperately.
"Oh, hang my reputation!" She glared at her brother. "Mr. Wickham needs to be stopped. We both know that by the time I actually make my come out, the ton would have moved on to a new scandal. I may not make a curtsy to the queen or attend Almack's, but between my dowry and our connections to the earl, it will be largely overlooked by all but the highest- sticklers."
"Mr. Darcy, forgive me, but something must be done. Since you have not done anything in the past, I am cleaning up your mess. I will not allow Mr. Wickham to prey upon the good people of Meryton the way you have! A suggestion that Mr. Wickham was lying to revenge himself upon you, if you had thrown him in debtor's prison, would have been all it took. Who would believe the word of a cad over that of you, a gentleman?" Mr. Gardiner looked disgusted.
"Do whatever you need to, Mr. Gardiner," Georgiana said firmly. "My brother will not stand in your way. In fact, he should be the one to take this action."
The man bowed slightly to her. "I applaud your courage, Miss Darcy. You have my word that I will be extremely discreet and will only discuss what happened in Ramsgate with my wife in the privacy of our bedchamber. We do not keep secrets."
"I do not question your discretion or that of Mrs. Gardiner. I thank you for taking action that should have been done long ago." She glared at her brother. "Well, William? What will it be? Are you going to do the right thing or leave it to our guest to clean up your mess?"
He bowed his head. "I shall write to my solicitor and ask him to organise a complaint against Wickham for debt and I shall buy up outstanding accounts he has run up in Meryton."
"Good. Please do it without delay. I am sure our guests will understand and excuse you," she said icily.
"As you wish." He bowed and left the room.
Georgiana tried to smile. "Lizzy, I think we should call for my maid and repair our appearance as much as possible before we leave this room."
"You are right, Georgiana. Let us face the windows and hope no one notices our appearance."
"I will find one of the Reynolds and ask them to send your maid to you, Miss Darcy." Mr. Gardiner bowed to her. "It is the least I can do."
"Thank you, sir. I would appreciate that."
He went to open the door. "You there! Please ask Mrs. Reynolds to attend Miss Darcy here."
"Yes, sir." Footsteps went quickly down the hall.
Mr. Gardiner closed the door and came back into the room. "I sent a footman."
"Thank you. I forgot Fitzwilliam usually has one stationed outside the rooms we occupy."
Now that all the emotions were over, they felt all the awkwardness of the moment. Lizzy stood and walked around the room, occasionally asking questions about something which Georgiana did her best to answer.
A knock. "Enter!" Georgiana tried to call but coughed. Her throat was dry and scratchy.
The door opened and Mrs. Reynolds entered with Georgiana's ladies maid and the girl acting for Lizzy, who carried a tray of tea and bowls of water.
"Bless you, Mrs. Reynolds," Georgiana said gratefully as the housekeeper bustled over and checked on her.
"Mr. Darcy suggested you would like tea and your maids," she said calmly. "Let me make you some tea, and then you can tell me if you need anything else."
"You girls are obviously in capable hands, so I will leave you and check on my wife," Mr. Gardiner bowed to her.
"Mrs. Gardiner is resting with a maid watching over her. She took some tea and bread and kept it down."
"Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds."
She curtsied. "I am so pleased to see her again. I have often wondered what happened to Miss Howard. We occasionally hear news from her friends in Lambton, but it is not the same. I am happy to meet you too, sir."
"It's a pleasure to meet you and everyone my wife holds dear. I shall leave you to care for the ladies." He took his leave and exited the room.
"Now, Miss Darcy, let us get you put to rights…."
The care of Martha, some cool cloths, and a rest helped Lizzy feel more herself that evening as she descended the grand staircase for dinner. She wore her white muslin and green ribbons as planned, and when she entered the drawing room, Georgiana was there wearing her white muslin and green ribbons. The younger squealed and hurried over to her. "Oh Lizzy, we do look well together. Look!" She dragged her friend over to a gold-framed mirror on the wall opposite the pianoforte and stood back so they could both see their laughed.
"Yes, we do!"
"Very charming," Mr. Darcy pronounced.
"Oh!" Lizzy had been so busy admiring herself and Georgiana she had not even seen him. Her face flamed. "Thank you, sir." He also looked very handsome in his tailored black and white evening clothes. Some men were overwhelmed by such garments, but he wore them well.
"The Gardiners will have trays in their rooms, I understand Mrs. Gardiner is still feeling poorly. It will be the three of us and Mrs. Annesley tonight. I believe she will be down shortly."
Lizzy nodded. "Earlier, when I went to see her, my aunt was not doing well."
"Lizzy, come sit with me, please," Georgiana called, patting the settee next to her.
"Miss Bennet?" Mr. Darcy offered his arm and she took it lightly. He escorted her over to Georgiana, and she sat next to her friend. "Would you care for a drink? Sherry perhaps?"
She shook her head. "No, thank you." Wine at dinner was more than enough for her. She did not want to get tipsy or lightheaded at Pemberley.
"Very well." He took the seat across from them. "I sent an express to my man of business earlier and that is all I will say on the matter."
"I am glad to hear that, Mr. Darcy." She blushed. "You must allow me to apologise—"
"No," he interrupted. "It is done, Miss Bennet. Let us say no more on the subject."
"As you wish."
The door opened and Mrs. Annesley entered. "Good evening. I apologise for being late."
Mr. Darcy smiled. "You are right on time, madam. Please join us."
Lizzy was impressed with the care and courtesy he showed his sister's companion. As the evening wore on, she observed his interactions with his sister and Mrs. Annesley. He was completely focused on them, making sure they were comfortable and treating her with a special warmth that made her blush multiple times. The only other time she had witnessed a man behave like this was when Mr. Bingley was with Jane.
She gasped and put a hand to her mouth.
"Miss Bennet! Are you well?" Mr. Darcy asked worriedly.
"Yes, sir. Just a thought." Her face flamed. She could not think about this here, with him watching her so intently.
"Would you favour us with some music?" he asked, gesturing to the pianoforte. Georgiana had just finished a beautiful sonata.
"Oh I could not!" There was no way that her meagre talent could ever follow someone as talented as the youngest Darcy.
"Please, it would give me great pleasure if you would play," he said earnestly.
She blushed again. "Very well, sir." Two could play this game. She proceeded to the music cabinet and looked over the pieces. She had one in mind, found the music for it, and took it over to the instrument.
"Shall I turn the pages for you, Lizzy?" Georgiana offered. She had been playing from memory, but Lizzy was not that accomplished.
"Yes, thank you." She settled on the stool and did a few scales to limber up her fingers and then launched into the Italian love song. She could not glance at Mr. Darcy as she played it, slurring her way through a few of the more difficult passages, but her soprano was lovely and true as she sang. She let her voice and the last chord of the song die away and finally glanced at her host.
He looked enchanted and immediately applauded. "Brava, Miss Bennet! That was beautiful."
She was vexed with herself when she could not prevent another blush. Despite the failed tease, her stomach could not help but flutter at the approval on Mr. Darcy's face. "Thank you, sir." She looked desperately around the room, her gaze zeroing in on the clock. It was not late enough to retire, although surely it would be understood due to the difficulty of the day.
"Georgiana, would you mind if I retired? I am very fatigued," she murmured.
"Of course not, Lizzy! I shall go up with you if you do not mind. It was a rather unsettling day." She looked at her brother. "Lizzy and I are going to retire for the evening."
"Of course. May I get you anything before you go up? A glass of wine perhaps?" he offered gently.
Lizzy shook her head. All she wanted was to be alone in her room so she could consider the day and the surprisingness of Mr. Darcy apparently having feelings for her. She needed to think and figure out how she wanted to respond to such a revelation. She hoped Aunt Maddie would be up for a talk tomorrow. Her aunt was so good at helping her sort through things.
"Then I will wish you goodnight." He bowed and Georgiana linked arms with Lizzy and led her out of the room and up to her bedchamber.
"Would you care to share some tea and biscuits?" Georgiana asked hopefully.
"Perhaps tomorrow night? I have a headache." It was just beginning, but if she did not tend it promptly, it would turn into a megrim. It had to be all the emotions and stress of the day.
"Oh, you poor thing! You should have said something earlier." Georgiana practically shoved her into a chair and then went to ring the bell, but Martha had already appeared. "Martha, Miss Bennet has a headache. Please send for some of cook's willow bark tea. I will leave you to care for her."
"I just need some sleep," Lizzy protested. She hated to have a fuss made over her, but Martha was already going to ring the bell for help.
"I'll have her set to rights in no time, Miss Darcy. You can count on me," Martha promised.
Georgiana smiled. "I know. I hope you feel better, Lizzy. If you are not feeling better in the morning, I hope you will rest and not feel you have to entertain us."
She smiled weakly. "Thank you."
"Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help." Georgiana was obviously worried.
"I am sure I will be well in the morning," Lizzy attempted to reassure her. But a day spent by herself sounded heavenly. Perhaps she would take it.
Georgiana left and a maid came in response to the bell. Martha directed her to fetch some willow bar tea and then, after the girl left, helped Lizzy change into her night rail and wrapper and rubbed her head after taking out all the hairpins.
"My mum used to get bad headaches, and this helped her," the maid explained.
"Mmm." Lizzy closed her eyes and enjoyed the maid's ministrations. It was helping her headache ease. The willow bark tea came and she drank a cup at Martha's insistence.
"Time to get you to bed, Miss Bennet," Martha said, taking her robe and neatly arranging the bedclothes. "It will be warmer with the bed curtains closed, miss."
"Very well," Lizzy said reluctantly. She did not sleep with them closed at home, but it was much colder here at Pemberley, even with warming pans and a good fire in the room.
The curtains were closed and Lizzy was plunged into darkness, minus a tiny pinprick of light from the fire in a small opening of the curtains. The maid wished her goodnight and she answered in kind.
Lizzy turned on her side, determined to think through the day but instead found herself drifting to sleep and proceeded to dream of dancing with Mr. Darcy at the Christmas Eve ball.
She woke at her usual time in the morning with no headache, smiling and happy from the unusual dream. Perhaps it would not be a dream, but reality. Only time would tell.