Late May – Early June 1813
Although several weeks had passed since Georgiana's recovery, Darcy noticed that her spirits remained notably low. She had looked tearful on several occasions; however, whenever he asked about the reasons for her sadness, she adeptly avoided the question.
Darcy frowned as he finished reading a letter from his aunt, Lady Catherine. He placed it on his desk, noting that this was the second correspondence he had received from her in a fortnight, imploring him to visit Rosings to assist her in reviewing her accounting books and to oversee her steward's work. He had no desire to go; the memory of his failed proposal was difficult to bear. Moreover, he was anxious to receive news from Elizabeth. The last letter Georgiana had sent her had not elicited a response, leaving him uncertain whether Elizabeth still resided in Longbourn and had received the letter. He had also yet to receive any reply to the letter he had sent to Bingley three weeks prior.
In addition to Lady Catherine's letter, Darcy received a note from his other aunt, Lady Matlock, reminding him that Georgiana's seventeenth birthday was approaching. She emphasized the importance of preparing for Georgiana's coming out and graciously invited her to stay at her townhouse to assist her in this significant event. Darcy acknowledged the wisdom of Lady Matlock's suggestion.
With a heavy sigh, he reflected on his situation. After careful consideration, he resolved to travel to Hertfordshire. He desired to see Elizabeth, ascertain her well-being, and, if she allowed it, to court her properly. Afterwards, he would go to Rosings for just a week.
Upon hearing a gentle knock at the door, Darcy rose from the comfortable chair in his study and opened the door to reveal Georgiana, who regarded him timidly as she asked, "Mrs. Reynolds said you wish to speak with me, Brother"
"Yes, Georgie. Please take a seat."
Once settled, Darcy continued, "Today I received another letter from Lady Catherine, requesting my assistance in reviewing Rosings's ledgers and supervising her steward."
Georgiana nodded slightly, prompting Darcy to add, "For that reason, I must journey to Rosings in the coming days. Additionally, I intend to visit Bingley and Miss Bennet in Hertfordshire."
"I understand, Brother. When do you plan to leave Pemberley?"
Darcy examined her face, noticing the dark circles under her eyes. Frowning, he replied. "If you feel well, we can leave in three days."
Georgiana's eyes widened in surprise. Lady Catherine intimidated her, and after a moment, she stammered, "Do you want me to accompany you to Rosings?"
"No." he responded gently, "But as you will be turning 17 in a few months, you will make your debut by the end of the year. Lady Matlock has invited you to stay with her in London to assist with your preparations..."
At this, Georgiana began to weep. She harbored a profound fear of entering society. She believed that she would be subject to ridicule due to her scars.
Seeing his sister's distress, Darcy embraced her and stroked her hair. "Shhh, Georgie… Why are you crying? Please, tell me."
Amidst her sobs, she replied, "I do not wish to enter society… I am ugly… they will make fun of me… please, Brother… I want to remain at Pemberley."
Surprised, Darcy pulled away slightly, lifted her chin to meet her gaze, and asserted, "Georgie, I promise you that no one will mock you."
"But my face is marred by scars..." she protested.
Darcy examined her closely. Although she still had some pockmarks on her face, they could easily conceal them with makeup. The thought of Georgiana falling ill again or remaining in a state of sadness and depression troubled him deeply. Resolutely, he stated, "It is true you have some small scars on your face, but they can be effectively covered with makeup, and over time, they may fade." He sighed, adding "However, if you genuinely do not wish to enter society this year, we can defer your debut until next year."
"Thank you, Brother." She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Darcy interrupted gently, "The only condition is you should make an effort to recover and refrain from crying. You are a pretty young lady, and no one will ridicule you. Remember, you are the most important person in the world to me. If you are sad, I will be saddened."
They held each other tightly, finding comfort in each other's presence.
PPP
That same afternoon, while Georgiana practiced her piano lesson, Darcy engaged in a lengthy and poignant conversation with Mrs. Annesley concerning his sister's emotional well-being. Mrs. Annesley, who had devoted nearly three decades to the role of a governess and companion, possessed a profound understanding of the intricacies of young women's emotions and the challenges of the social expectations they faced.
With sadness, she addressed Darcy, "I must speak candidly with you, Mr. Darcy. The unfortunate incident in Ramsgate has significantly undermined Miss Darcy's perception of her worth. She is beset by insecurities that no reassurance can easily dispel."
Darcy clenched his fists tightly, the weight of her words resonating within him, and nodded slowly. Mrs. Annesley continued, "Miss Darcy knows you care for her deeply. Yet, this very awareness complicates her ability to trust your reassurances that no one will ridicule her. I believe that should someone unconnected to her express a similar sentiment, she might be more inclined to accept it as truth."
Feeling the burden of his sister's suffering, Darcy nodded again, his heart aching for Georgiana's plight. Cautiously, he asked, "What do you recommend I do to assist her as she navigates this tumultuous time?"
"For the time being, Miss Darcy needs time and space to heal emotionally, and, above all, she must feel both useful and loved. She needs to realize her inherent worthiness of affection."
Once Mrs. Annesley left his study, Darcy reflected on their conversation. As he sat there, a sense of resolve began to form within him; he made a mental note that upon returning to Pemberley, he would encourage Georgiana to accompany him on his visits to the tenants and to take an active role in the parish charities. He hoped that by actively engaging her in these activities, she might begin to reclaim a sense of purpose and gradually rediscover her self-worth.
He aimed to help her embrace the woman she was meant to be — a woman brimming with confidence, grace, and the understanding that she was worthy of love and respect.
PPP
Two days later, Darcy set off for Hertfordshire. During the two-day journey, he had ample opportunity to reflect on his future and the possibilities ahead. His feelings for Elizabeth were unwavering; he was certain of the depth of his affection and believed his love would last a lifetime. However, he also maintained an objective perspective: he was twenty-nine and knew his duty was to marry and produce an heir. Additionally, Georgiana would benefit from having a sister. If Elizabeth did not share his feelings, he would seek a kind and suitable woman and enter into a marriage of convenience.
Upon his arrival in Hertfordshire, he made his way directly to Netherfield Park. The housekeeper, Mrs. Norris, was surprised by his unexpected visit. After the customary exchange of pleasantries, she informed him that Mr. Bingley was in London and had neglected to inform her of the details of his visit.
Darcy nodded slightly in acknowledgment, and to reassure her, he replied, "Do not trouble yourself, Mrs. Norris. It is not my intention to stay at Netherfield. Furthermore, Mr. Bingley is unaware of my presence in Hertfordshire. I was a mere few miles away and at the last moment, decided to visit him since I could not attend his wedding." After a brief pause, he inquired, "Is Mrs. Bingley at home?"
Mrs. Norris hesitated before responding candidly, "Yes, but she is indeed at home, sr." she said cautiously, "However, she is not in a condition to receive visitors at this time."
Alarmed, he asked, "Is Mrs. Bingley unwell?"
"Not unwell in the conventional sense, sir," she replied, her tone softening, "Mrs. Bingley is expecting her first child, and Mr. Jones has advised her to rest."
Darcy asked her several additional questions regarding the Bingleys and the Bennets. However, as a woman of considerable discretion, her responses were succinct. He learned that the Bennet family had vacated Longbourn several months prior, but Mrs. Norris could not provide further information regarding their current whereabouts.
Disappointed by the lack of news concerning Elizabeth, he resolved to visit Lucas Lodge in hopes of finding more information about her.
Lady Lucas was astonished when her housekeeper entered the drawing room announcing that Mr. Darcy had come to visit. Sir William and his eldest son, Frederick, were currently out touring the estate and would not return for another half an hour. Determined to pay the part of a gracious hostess, Lady Lucas extended a warm welcome to Darcy, inviting him to take a seat, and offering refreshments.
After Darcy offered his sincere condolences for the death of Mrs. Collins and inquired about the health of Sir William and the rest of her family, he took the opportunity to ask about the whereabouts of the Bennet family.
Lady Lucas was startled by this unexpected question, as she had assumed that Mr. Darcy - a close acquaintance of Mr. Bingley - would already be familiar with the tragic circumstances surrounding the Bennets. With an exaggerated sigh and feigning deep concern, she replied, "Since the sale of Longbourn, I have, regrettably, not heard anything further regarding them. They were forced to leave their home in the most distressing circumstances; I fear I do not know where they currently reside. It was such a shock - poor Mrs. Bennet suffered a grievous apoplexy upon learning that her daughter, her dear and beautiful Jane, would be leaving her without a roof over her head." She sighed dramatically again, adding, "Miss Catherine Bennet is currently living with the Phillips, who have sold their house and moved to Bath."
Before Lady Lucas could elaborate further on the misfortunes of the Bennets, the door opened, and Sir William walked in, along with his eldest son.
After exchanging pleasantries, Darcy took his leave. As he journeyed to London, he reflected on Lady Lucas's comments but found it difficult to believe that Bingley could abandon his in-laws to such precarious circumstances. The seriousness of Lady Lucas's account troubled him, leading him to suspect that she might have exaggerated the difficulties facing Mrs. Bennet and her daughters.
The following day, determined to ascertain the truth of Elizabeth's circumstance, Darcy went to Bingley's residence. But to his disappointment, Bingley's housekeeper informed him that her master was not there, and she did not know when he might return.
That same afternoon, Darcy went to Mr. Gardiner's business, but upon arrival, he discovered that the company had closed its doors. The few neighbors he consulted informed him of the family's recent misfortune, revealing that, due to financial difficulties, Mr. Gardiner had sold his house and warehouse and did not know Gardiner's new address, leaving Darcy with a profound sense of unease.
He was disheartened by his lack of success, but resolved to continue looking for Elizabeth after visiting Rosings.
Upon arriving at Rosings Park, Darcy noticed Lady Catherine's extreme pallor and thinness. She appeared diminished, her commanding presence overshadowed by an air of distress. His cousin Anne, her demeanor subdued, greeted him with a faint smile before retreating to her chamber.
After refreshing himself, Lady Catherine summoned him to her study, where they could converse privately. Once she had ensured that all doors and windows were securely shut, she turned to him with a grave expression. "Nephew, something most distressing has occurred, and I need your assistance without delay."
Concerned, Darcy asked, "Pray tell, Aunt, what has happened? Are you feeling unwell?"
"Fortunately, I am in excellent health," she replied, her gaze unwavering and penetrating, "You must marry Anne without delay."
Darcy sighed heavily; he was weary of his aunt's persistent demands. "Aunt, I have expressed my disinterest in marrying Anne -"
Before he could continue, Lady Catherine interrupted, " If you marry her, Rosings will become yours. Additionally, I am willing to increase Anne's dowry by £30,000."
Darcy closed his eyes momentarily, took a deep breath, and replied, "Aunt, your offer is indeed very generous, yet I must reiterate: I do not wish to marry Anne, nor does she express any desire to marry me."
Lady Catherine's expression hardened, and her tone sharpened, "It does not matter! Anne will do as I instruct her. It is your duty to marry her. You must consider the family's honour! You must act decisively."
"What you say is not true. No signed contract that obliges me to comply with your demands." He sighed in annoyance, "Moreover, Anne does not need to marry; Rosings will be hers in less than a year."
Lady Catherine leaned forward, "Anne must marry as soon as possible," she insisted, her eyes glowing with fierce determination. "Anne is with child."
Darcy's eyes widened in disbelief, and for a long moment, the only sound in the room was the steady ticking of the grand clock. A flurry of questions surged through his mind: Who? How could this have happened when Anne had scarcely left Rosings? Finally, finding his voice, he asked, "Who is the father?"
"That is of no consequence," Lady Catherine replied curtly waving her hand. "He is a nobody, undeserving of owning Rosings. That is precisely why you must marry her."
Darcy responded indignantly, "How can you me to marry her? Do you expect me to relinquish the legacy of my ancestors to a child who does not even bear my blood?"
"Do not be obtuse, Nephew. After you marry Anne, you can take an extended wedding trip. When the child is born, you may easily dispose of him. I care not whether you place him for adoption or take more drastic measures."
His shock turned to disgust as he absorbed her words. He took several deep breaths and clenched and unclenched his fists to steady himself. In a calm yet firm voice, he replied, "I deeply regret Anne's situation, but I shall not marry her."
"Your refusal endangers our family name and the future of Rosings itself!" Her voice rose indignantly.
"I am sorry, but I shall not be part of this travesty!"
The argument escalated, both parties exchanging barbed remarks that would have been better left unsaid. Ultimately, Darcy resolved to depart the following day, unwilling to endure any further indignities and insults from his formidable aunt.