Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker Read online

  Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker

  A Pride and Prejudice Alternative

  by

  Bronwen Chisholm

  HARVESTDALE

  PRESS

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Some passages in this novel are paraphrased from the works of Jane Austen.

  Cover art by Richenda Janeen (Klepper) Hershey, Artist/Illustrator/Graphic Designer.

  Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker

  Copyright © 2016 by Bronwen Chisholm

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any format whatsoever.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND DEDICATION

  As always, I must begin by acknowledging the muse herself, Jane Austen. The characters she created have touched so many over the years. I humbly offer my attempt in the hopes that it brings some joy.

  Thank you to my beta reader, MK Baxley, and the devoted readers at BeyondAusten.com and AustenUnderground.com. Your assistance, as always, is indispensable.

  The idea for this story began after listening to my 13-year-old daughter, Julianna, discussing her friends’ relationships, and how she put a finger in here and there to get them on the right path. Georgiana’s attitude, insecurities, and childlike spirit were inspired by the beautiful changes I see in Julianna as she grows and matures faster than her father and I would want. As much as she is determined to rebel and not like anything Jane Austen, this one is for her.

  Chapter One

  Netherfield Park

  Hertfordshire

  My Dearest Georgie,

  I cannot tell you how pleased I was to receive your letter. It appears Mrs. Annesley is very devoted to your improvement of both mind and spirits. I believe I shall be quite satisfied with her practices.

  Forgive me, my dearest, but Miss Bingley is insistent that I express her desire to see you again. I am certain she will continue to eject comments throughout, but I beg you would understand the reasons behind her requests and excuse me from further bowing to them.

  My time with Bingley has been quite productive. I believe his knowledge of estate affairs is increasing sufficiently that I might be able to rejoin you in London sooner than originally anticipated. I only fear leaving him alone amongst the local gentry.

  As we have discussed in the past, Bingley is apt to fall in love hastily wherever he goes, and Hertfordshire is no different. The lady in question is the eldest daughter of a landed gentleman. The ladies, there are five sisters in all, are lovely; but they have few connections and relatives in trade.

  Of course, you are aware of my intentions to only marry for true affection; having seen first-hand how unfulfilling a marriage of convenience can be in the matches of our parents and other relations. Therefore, I would wish the same for my friend. My fear is this particular young lady’s heart remains unaffected. Certainly her look and manners are open, cheerful and engaging, but without any symptom of peculiar regard. She behaves as any young lady of breeding should, but

  Forgive me again, my Precious. You must understand that Miss Bennet, the young lady to whom Bingley is showing such attention, took ill in his home this Tuesday past and her sister has come to care for her. Where Miss Bennet is all that is proper, her sister is a bit more spirited than is fashionable. Miss Bingley has deemed her unworthy, perhaps due to a misguided comment I made regarding her fine eyes. Be that as it may, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Bingley began a discussion based on one of his sister’s many compliments to my person, and I was forced to respond. I am now completely unaware of what I meant to say before I was interrupted.

  I have never met such a person as Miss Elizabeth. She is both enticing and irritating. Though we appear to begin well enough, it seems every conversation devolves into an insult or attack. I fear I come away feeling quite out of sorts, yet desirous to engage her quick wit once more.

  I believe it is best that I return to London at the earliest available date. Once Bingley is secure, I will notify you of my anticipated arrival. Until that time I remain,

  Your Affectionate Brother,

  Fitzwilliam Darcy

  Absent-mindedly I tapped my finger against the edge of the fine stationery as I looked unseeingly about the room. My companion noticed my distraction and cleared her throat discreetly. My gaze returned to the older woman at my side in time to see her smile.

  “Forgive me, Mrs. Annesley, I was contemplating my brother’s latest letter.” I gently bit my lower lip as my thoughts wandered once more.

  “Is there cause for concern?” she asked.

  I am certain she noticed I was behaving unusually. Normally when I receive a letter from my brother I am exceedingly pleased and read it aloud. Not so today; he had given me too much to consider.

  “I do not believe so, but I fear my brother may make an error in judgement.” I turned toward Mrs. Annesley, having made a decision and imperturbably asked, “Have we any engagements in the next week?”

  “We are to attend tea with your aunt, the Countess of Matlock, on Thursday, and we had discussed visiting the museum but had not set a definite day.” Mrs. Annesley set down her needlework and studied me closely.

  “Then if we were to decide to visit my brother in Hertfordshire, we need only send word to Lady Matlock that we shall be unable to attend tea.”

  “Is Mr. Darcy not visiting Mr. Bingley? It is highly questionable to invite yourself to another’s home.” Her brow arched as she awaited my response.

  “Oh, but Mr. Bingley did invite me.”

  “You are certain?”

  I began to wonder just how high Mrs. Annesley was capable of raising her brow as it continued its accent. “I was in the room when Mr. Bingley invited Fitzwilliam and he included me. Fitzwilliam stated I had other engagements, as he knows Miss Bingley can be quite overbearing. We discussed it after Mr. Bingley left and I agreed there would be little for me to do in Hertfordshire, therefore I remained in London.”

  Mrs. Annesley peered suspiciously over her spectacles as she pursed her lips. “Your opinion has now changed?”

  “Yes, I believe it has.” I took up the letter and perused it once more. “Indeed, I believe it best that we leave as soon as possible. Might we be ready to depart tomorrow before midday?”

  “So soon? I must ask again, is there cause for concern?”

  With a great sigh, I reluctantly read the letter aloud before concluding, “I fear Fitzwilliam is running away, and I have never known him to do so. I wish to meet this Miss Elizabeth Bennet for myself. You must see that if he returns to London, I may never have the opportunity.”

  “Do you believe Mr. Darcy would approve of your travelling to Hertfordshire? Might he not be displeased?” Mrs. Annesley asked, though the way her eyes narrowed made me hope she was contemplating what need be done for us to leave so quickly.

  “He shall certainly be surprised.” I felt the corners of my lips turn upward mischievously as I considered Fitzwilliam’s reaction when he saw me in his friend’s home. “I believe he will enjoy a respite from Miss Bingley’s attentions.”

  “Well then, I suppose we must speak with Mr. Barnes to determine if arrangements can be made immediately.”

  Overjoyed, I hugged her before nearly skipping to the bell pull to summon the butler. If my suspicions were correct, I may very well be travelling to meet my future sister.

  I had longed for this day for quite some time. My only fear was that Miss Elizabeth Bennet would not like me. From Fitzwilliam’s letter, it was clear the lady was nothing like the Miss Bingleys of the ton.
I always knew my brother would not take interest in any of the pompous members of the first circles. He seemed determined to find someone who would meet our family’s expectations, but also touch his heart. I had begun to doubt such a person existed.

  Mrs. Annesley and I had left the door open after we entered the front parlour, and Mr. Barnes now stepped into the room and bowed. “How may I be of service, Miss Darcy?”

  “Mr. Barnes, I have decided to join my brother in Hertfordshire. Could you make the appropriate arrangements?”

  The older butler eyed me suspiciously. “I believe that can be arranged, Miss. When would you like to depart?”

  “Tomorrow, if possible?” My previous confidence began to wane and I twisted my fingers at my waist. I had never been comfortable asking for things, and my experiences of the last summer had made me realize how immature I truly was. I often felt the servants knew it.

  “I see. Yes, I believe all could be readied by then.” He hesitated and glanced toward Mrs. Annesley; but she, angel that she is, maintained a serene expression. He returned his gaze to me. “Forgive me, Miss Darcy, but is anything amiss?”

  “No, Mr. Barnes, I simply wish to see my brother.” I attempted a nonchalant air, but fairly quivered with suppressed excitement. I simply had to travel to Hertfordshire as soon as possible.

  “Very well, Miss Darcy. I shall speak to the driver and have everything readied.” Barnes bowed and left the room as I released the breath I had been holding.

  Mrs. Annesley tied off her thread and put her needlework into her basket. “I suppose we should see to having our things packed. Have you decided how long we will be staying in Hertfordshire?”

  This I had not considered, and a sudden feeling of unease passed over me. “I had not, only of getting there as quickly as possible.” I tried to remember how long my brother was staying. “I believe Fitzwilliam originally intended on remaining there through the end of November; he mentioned returning in time to travel to Pemberley for the holidays. I suppose we could prepare to do the same?” I looked questioningly at my companion.

  Happily, Mrs. Annesley smiled as she stood and crossed to my side. Her comforting arm slipped about my shoulders as she nodded. “That is a very wise decision, Miss Darcy. I am certain there will be house parties to attend, consequently, you must pack accordingly. As you are not yet out, you will not be expected to participate in all the activities Mr. Bingley and your brother may choose.”

  We climbed the stairs to our rooms, both of us lost in our thoughts; I of what awaited us in Hertfordshire, my companion, I know not what. My unease regarding Elizabeth Bennet’s opinion crept over me once more. As I entered my room, I shook myself in an attempt to dispel the thought and smiled brightly at Mrs. Annesley.

  “I believe this is a good decision, do you not? It would be unwise of my brother to leave if this lady is …,” I faltered, suddenly unable to find the proper words to complete my thought.

  Mrs. Annesley smiled and patted my hand. “Your brother will be pleased to see you, and it is good for you to make new friends. I have a suspicion the Bennet ladies are unlike the women you have met thus far in your life. For Miss Elizabeth to have your brother unsettled, leads me to believe our time will be entertaining, if nothing more.” She paused, giving me a wicked grin. “I believe it may be beneficial for you to see your brother in such a state. As you love him dearly, you see him without fault. I fear no man, or woman for that matter, is such.”

  “Fitzwilliam is not without fault, I know; but he is a wonderful brother and I believe he will be an affectionate husband someday. I only want him to find someone who will love him for the man that he is, not his rank in society or the proposition of being the Mistress of Pemberley.” A sigh escaped me and I squeezed her hand. “I have brought him such distress. If I can see him happy, I shall feel redeemed.”

  “You know he does not ---“

  “I know what you are about to say. I was a foolish child. Fitzwilliam and I have discussed it and he has taken the blame upon himself. He decided I was too sheltered and therefore easily led astray.” I suddenly felt very weary, unable to hold my rigid posture, and I slipped into the closest chair.

  “Your brother was wise, if uncommon, in deciding to share more with you after your experiences at Ramsgate.”

  Nodding, I slowly began to smile. “I am certain he tells me things now he would never have shared before. I believe he might have mentioned Miss Elizabeth, but he would not have expressed his opinion of her as he has.” Determinedly, I sat a bit straighter. “I must show him I have improved and am able to be of assistance to him.” Feeling a bit impish, my smile grew. “After all, men can also be led astray; they do not consider their emotions as thoroughly as women do.”

  Mrs. Annesley nodded as she turned to leave the room. “You are correct, of course. Shall we dine early this evening?”

  “Yes, I believe that would be best.” I stood and crossed to the dressing room where I could hear Hannah, my maid, moving about. Clearly word had already spread through the staff regarding our impending journey. My earlier excitement returned and I entered to choose which items would accompany me.

  Chapter Two

  As the Darcy carriage entered the town of Meryton, I leaned excitedly toward the window. When we stopped an hour prior, the driver had told me the next town was the last before reaching Netherfield Park.

  “This must be it; this must be Meryton.” I grinned at Mrs. Annesley.

  “Yes, I believe you are correct,” she replied as she nodded toward a sign reading Meryton Inn and exchanged a knowing glance with Hannah who sat to her left.

  I was unable to suppress my giggles and watched the pedestrians wandering about the town. “It appears the Army is in residence. I have never seen so many officers in the streets of such a small town.” Turning, I glanced out the other side of the coach and gasped. “Look! It is Fitzwilliam!”

  My brother had obviously not seen the coach as he was focused on a group of people standing upon the boardwalk. I was about to call for the carriage to stop when I noticed him stiffen and saw a grimace flash across his countenance. Just as the carriage was moving out of sight of him, I saw him begin to move away from the group.

  “That was odd,” I murmured.

  “Shall we stop the carriage?” Mrs. Annesley asked, obviously unaware of what I had seen.

  “I do not believe we should.” Fitzwilliam’s reactions were so out of character.

  As the thought crossed my mind, the carriage did indeed draw to a halt and the door opened suddenly.

  “Georgie? What the devil are you doing here?” My brother appeared concerned and displeased. His voice was louder than normal and there was a hint of annoyance I had never heard before.

  “I wished to surprise you,” I mumbled, casting my eyes down to my lap in an attempt to avoid witnessing his anger.

  From the corner of my eye, I could see him shift slightly, and I thought he might be looking behind him. Tilting my head somewhat, I determined he was looking back toward the group he had just left and I wondered who they might be.

  “Bingley, I will be riding in the carriage to Netherfield.” Fitzwilliam stepped away from the door to tie his horse to the carriage, before returning and climbing inside, closing the door behind him.

  I slid over to make room for him beside me as he began lowering the shades on the windows. “I thought you would be pleased to see me,” I whispered, choking back tears. Suddenly my newfound confidence slipped away and I was once more his younger nuisance of a sister.

  He sighed. “Forgive me, my dearest. Any other time, I am certain I would be extraordinarily pleased to see you.” He took a deep breath as he placed a hand over mine. “I have just this moment learned Mr. Wickham is here in Meryton.”

  “Here?” My voice squeaked as I forced the word out. Swallowing, I raised my eyes to his and attempted again, hoping to hide the surprise and concern from him. “Why ever would Mr. Wickham be in Meryton?”

  Fi
tzwilliam’s lips formed a thin line before he spoke. “I do not know, but I am determined to learn his reasons. Until then, I believe it best if you return to London as soon as possible.”

  “No.”

  “I beg your pardon?” Fitzwilliam turned his entire body toward me.

  Taking a deep breath, I glanced across at Mrs. Annesley. She smiled and gave a slight nod, giving me the added encouragement I required to address my brother. Turning back to him, I met his incredulous gaze.

  “I have reason for my journey, and I shall not return to London until I am satisfied.”

  The corner of Fitzwilliam’s lips twitched ever so slightly as he also looked toward my companion. From the corner of my eye, I could see Mrs. Annesley had returned to her reading and Hannah had become preoccupied with her needlework. I waited patiently for my brother to question me.

  “Precisely what are your reasons, Georgiana?” he asked, a bit of humour evident in his tone.

  Forcing myself not to waver, I lifted my chin and spoke as forcefully as I could. “I believe you are about to make a most disastrous error and I wish to stop you.”

  The startled expression upon his countenance nearly undid me. Biting gently upon my lower lip, I fought the urge to smile.

  “And what exactly is the ‘error’ that I am about to make?”

  “In your last letter, you announced your intentions to leave Netherfield at the earliest date in order to avoid …” suddenly I realized it would not be proper to discuss this in front of Hannah or Mrs. Annesley. I glanced their way and back to my brother before deciding upon the correct way to broach the topic. “A certain young lady. It appears to me this will only add to your unease regarding her.”

  Watching his growing incredulity caused my nerves to begin to overwhelm me and I looked down at my gloves in an attempt to steady myself. “I believe it would be best if you learned all you could regarding this lady so you may make an intelligent decision regarding your future and not … oh what is it Richard says? Ah, turn tail and run.”