Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker Page 3

  “Georgie, I have told you of their connections …”

  “Yes, but Mr. Bingley’s father was in trade, and Miss Bennet is a gentleman’s daughter. I do not understand how that is an unsuitable match. Please, explain it to me.” I crossed my arms and waited.

  Fitzwilliam sighed and looked longingly toward the trees. “If Bingley is to have any hope of advancing in society, he must marry from the first circles.”

  Tossing my head back, I urged my mount forward. “I have never thought that to be Mr. Bingley’s objective. Truly, Fitzwilliam, in your letter you stated you want only your friend’s happiness, but when it is before him, you are ready to discourage it. I do not understand, unless it is due to your own feelings for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Brother, do you think her unsuitable for you because her father is a county gentleman?” I paused and watched him closely as he said nothing, and then I pressed my point. “Our father was merely a country gentleman when he married Mother.””

  “Georgie,” his voice held a warning. “I will say once more; I do not have feelings for Miss Elizabeth. You must release these misguided ideas.”

  A motion in the woods drew my attention and I spurred my horse faster. As we reached the wall separating properties, I took position to jump and sailed over it easily.

  “Georgiana Darcy! You know not where you are going, I insist you wait for me!”

  I watched as my brother followed me over the wall, turning in time to see a small feminine figure just as he landed. The surprise which suffused his features was enough to draw my laughter. The woman’s shocked response was equally amusing.

  “Miss Bennet,” Fitzwilliam attempted to rein in his horse who wished to continue on.

  “Mr. Darcy.” The lady curtseyed properly, though her eyes filled with merriment.

  A thrill ran through me. The lady before me was exactly what I had pictured. Elizabeth Bennet was not as tall as me, and most likely would not be considered beautiful by the ton. Her dress and pelisse were not of the current fashion, and she had removed her bonnet during her walk so the curls, which had escaped their pins, bounced wildly about her. No, I could understand why Fitzwilliam was adamant this Bennet would not be easily accepted by our society for she was a free spirit, not polished like the ladies of the ton.

  That being said, when I looked into the dancing, mischievous eyes of the lady before me, I knew immediately that, given the opportunity, we could be the closest of friends. Miss Elizabeth Bennet was nothing if not high-spirited. The perfect complement to my brother’s staid, serious manner.

  I cleared my throat to gain his attention and he startled from his thoughts. I had to wonder if he always stared at her in that unsettling manner.

  “Fitzwilliam, will you not introduce me?” I urged as he appeared to be awakening from a dream.

  He cleared his throat and drew himself taller in the saddle. “Forgive me. Miss Bennet, may I have the pleasure of introducing my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy? Georgie, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

  The lady’s eyes widened as she looked up at me and I wondered what she was thinking. “Miss Darcy, it is truly an honour to meet you. I have heard so much of you. I had not realized you were anticipated at Netherfield.”

  My cheeks burned and I was suddenly concerned as to what had been said and by whom. “And I have heard much of you, Miss Bennet,” I responded softly, silently cursing the shyness which took control.

  I had been so eager for this meeting, but now I was uncertain of what to say. I desperately wanted Miss Elizabeth Bennet to like me, and hoped to further my brother’s cause; but the necessary words would not come.

  The three of us stood, transfixed for a moment, until finally, Miss Bennet curtseyed once more. “If you will excuse me, I should be returning home. I was out very early this morning.”

  Fitzwilliam quickly dismounted and stepped forward. “If you would allow it, we would be pleased to escort you. My sister has been anxious to meet you.”

  “Yes,” I quickly agreed, finally finding my voice. “It was the very reason for my journey to Hertfordshire.”

  Miss Bennet tilted her head to the side and looked at me curiously. “You heard of me in London?”

  “I fear I spoke of you in the letter I was writing during your stay at Netherfield. My sister is ever anxious to meet new people, but has a tendency toward shyness. My description of you spurred her youthful curiosity.” Fitzwilliam smiled as he turned to assist me from my horse.

  “I wonder what you could have said which would draw her here.” Miss Bennet’s lips twitched in amusement. “I fear, Miss Darcy, your brother may not have drawn the most flattering picture of me.”

  Quietly thanking my brother, I turned quickly toward my new acquaintance. “Oh no, Miss Bennet, you are quite mistaken. It was rather the opposite.”

  Miss Bennet glanced from Fitzwilliam to myself before turning toward her home. “I can only imagine what was said of me. I appeared at Netherfield in quite a state from walking over the muddy fields, and I fear I have a tendency to speak my mind rather openly.”

  I fell into step beside her while Fitzwilliam gathered the horses’ leads and walked a short distance behind us.

  “Do not be alarmed, Georgie. Miss Bennet finds great enjoyment in occasionally professing opinions which in fact are not her own.” My brother’s jovial tone gave me cause to relax and smile. It had been some time since I had heard him tease.

  Miss Bennet glanced back over her shoulder, her lips pursed as though to hide her amusement. “Your brother will give you a very pretty notion of me, and teach you not to believe a word I say. I must say, Mr. Darcy, it is very ungenerous and very impolitic, too. I may be provoked to retaliate, and such things may come out as will shock your relation to hear.”

  Fitzwilliam stepped closer to us as he dipped his head in a conspiratorial manner toward Miss Bennet. “I am not afraid of you.”

  “Miss Bennet, I have only ever known my brother to behave in the most gentlemanly like manner. Pray, tell me what he has done in my absence.” I could not contain my smiles as I watched the playfulness between them.

  “You shall hear then, but prepare yourself for something very dreadful. The first time of my ever seeing him was at a ball, and what do you think he did? He danced only four dances! I am sorry to pain you, but so it was. He danced only four dances, though gentlemen were scarce; and, to my certain knowledge, more than one young lady was sitting down in want of a partner. Mr. Darcy, you cannot deny the fact.”

  Fitzwilliam stood straighter, an odd look upon his countenance as though he were remembering something unpleasant. “I had not at that time the honour of knowing any lady in the assembly beyond my own party.” Looking contrite, he continued, “Perhaps I should have judged better and sought an introduction.”

  “You danced only with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst?” I looked at him in amazement. “But you have stated you dislike dancing in general, and most specifically with Miss Bingley.”

  His discomfort increased. “I fear I was obligated to dance with them, Georgie. You are not yet out; you do not understand. We shall discuss it later.”

  Miss Bennet turned forward once more and took my arm. I was overcome by the welcoming gesture and forgot my brother’s evasiveness for the time.

  “Perhaps a change in topic is in order. Are you enjoying your stay in Hertfordshire, Miss Darcy?”

  “I only arrived yesterday.”

  “And she will be leaving in the morning.” Fitzwilliam said firmly.

  Another glance was thrown over her shoulder before Miss Bennet asked bitterly, “You feel your sister should be guarded from our society, sir?”

  “Forgive me, no, I would be pleased for her to be often in your presence, Miss Bennet. However, there are those in the area which I fear may not be as kind as yourself.”

  “Mr. Darcy.” Miss Bennet had stiffened. She

  released my arm and her countenance took on a regal appearance as her voice became haughty. “I am aware of
your displeasure upon finding yourself in our community, but I can assure you there are none who would harm your sister.”

  “I do not doubt you, Miss Bennet; though I am concerned regarding your belief of my disliking your society.”

  “I am aware you find my family objectionable and myself barely tolerable.”

  I gasped as my brother’s countenance reddened, revealing the truth of her words.

  “You heard,” he said softly as he lowered his eyes.

  “Fitzwilliam, what have you done?” I stepped forward and laid a hand upon Miss Bennet’s arm. “I can assure you, Miss Bennet, my brother holds you in the highest regard. He spoke so of you in his letters, that I felt I must meet you.”

  Miss Bennet looked at me suspiciously before turning cold eyes upon Fitzwilliam.

  I gripped her arm tighter. “Please believe me, you are not the reason for my brother’s concern. It is a Mr. Wickham who has meant me harm in the past.”

  “Mr. Wickham?” Miss Bennet turned toward me curiously. “I met a Mr. Wickham yesterday. Mr. Darcy came upon us as we were being introduced.” She turned back to look at my brother as she spoke. “Is there anything we ought to know regarding the gentleman?”

  “That he is no gentleman,” Fitzwilliam said bitterly.

  I looked from my brother to the lady and back before glancing about to assess our surroundings. It appeared we were in a secluded area, but I had to be certain before I spoke. “Miss Bennet, I would not wish you or your family to be importuned by Mr. Wickham. I am willing to explain our interactions, but I must be certain no one would hear of it.”

  “Georgie, no! I forbid it!”

  “Fitzwilliam, someone must be told so he is unable to hurt another.” I felt tears fill my eyes and began searching my reticule for a handkerchief. Miss Bennet offered me one before I could find my own.

  Her arm slipped about my shoulders giving me comfort. “Forgive me, I do not wish to pry, but I would like to be of assistance. You need not tell me what has occurred; it is clear Mr. Wickham has injured you in some manner.”

  Fitzwilliam stepped forward and drew me to his side. “You are correct, Miss Bennet, he has injured my sister. For that reason, I must insist no more be said on the matter. Simply know you cannot trust the man.”

  His arm was strong and forceful about me and I allowed him to assist me to mount my horse. I accepted the reins and hesitantly looked toward Miss Bennet.

  “Forgive my outburst, Miss Bennet. It was most pleasant to meet you.” My voice was soft and insecure once more, and I grimaced in frustration over my lack of social skills. The one chance I had of meeting her and I had become a weepy-eyed child.

  A shadow crossed over Miss Bennet’s countenance before she raised her head and smiled. “Miss Darcy, I am sad to hear you will be leaving tomorrow. I was hoping you might come to tea. I believe you would enjoy meeting my sisters, though they can be a bit overwhelming at times.” She looked hopefully toward Fitzwilliam.

  “Please, Brother, may I?” I asked, opening my eyes wide as I had done when I was a small child.

  Fitzwilliam took a deep breath and glanced between Miss Bennet and myself. “I suppose we could delay your departure for a day as you only just arrived yesterday. May Mr. Bingley and I accompany her?”

  Miss Bennet’s smile brightened all our demeanours. “Of course, you will both be welcomed, sir.”

  Chapter Four

  “Do you intend to tell me why Miss Bennet believes you dislike her so or must I question you further?” I drew my horse up beside my brother’s and matched his gait.

  Fitzwilliam refused to look in my direction, instead pretending great interest in our surroundings.

  “What is it she heard, Brother?” I was incapable of hiding my annoyance. When he still did not respond, I shook my head. “I fear I must write to Cousin Richard. He is quite capable of drawing information from you.”

  “Richard’s battalion is currently on maneuvers. He is unable to leave his post.” Fitzwilliam appeared pleased he was able to counter me so easily.

  Frowning, I turned my attention toward the distant manor house. “Well then, I suppose I must ask Mr. Bingley of his thoughts regarding the ball you attended upon arriving in Meryton.”

  “Georgie …” his tone held a note of warning.

  “No, Fitzwilliam. If you are unwilling to provide me the information, I shall learn of it elsewhere. Would you prefer I ask Miss Bennet tomorrow during tea?” I met him with my equivalent of his unwavering stare. It was something I had been practicing for some time, and I had been pleased when Mr. Barnes told me I resembled my brother at his most determined.

  Finally, Fitzwilliam released a sigh and reined in his horse. “If you must know, Bingley was insistent I dance and offered to have the eldest Miss Bennet introduce me to her sister, Miss Elizabeth. I was adamant I had no interest in the activity, but he would not desist. Ultimately I became cross and declared Miss Elizabeth tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me. It had the effect I desired; Bingley relented and returned to his dancing, leaving me be.”

  “Had you any idea she heard you?” I was able to ask, though I was thoroughly amazed by his ungentlemanly behaviour.

  “She was close enough to have heard I suppose, were she eavesdropping; but I did not remain nearby. I wandered about the room and noticed her laughing with her friend a short time later.” He straightened the reins in his hand as the furrow in his brow deepened. “I gave it no more thought. Never did I suppose it would colour her opinion of me.”

  “Yet it has. Oh, Fitzwilliam how could you think such a thing?” I shook my head once more and glanced toward the sun. “Well, we have a day to determine the best way for you to apologize and begin anew.” I turned back toward my brother, afraid to ask my next question. “Is there aught I should know? You did not insult her family while she stayed at Netherfield, did you? Perhaps you injured her dog?”

  Fitzwilliam looked exceedingly uncomfortable. “Really, Georgie. I believe I shall forbid Richard’s visits without my supervision. You are beginning to imitate him.”

  “You have not answered my question, Fitzwilliam.” I allowed my horse to begin walking at a slow pace and he did the same. “You stated in your letter your conversations seemed to dissolve into insults or attacks. What else could you have said to which the lady might take offense?”

  Reluctantly he recounted the various conversations that had taken place while the Bennet sisters resided at Netherfield. By his telling, it appeared most of the insulting statements were made by the Bingley sisters, and then only after Miss Elizabeth had left the room. Even so, I feared more could have been read into my brother’s words due to his statement at the ball.

  We left our mounts at the stables and entered the house quietly, hoping to avoid our hostess. Mr. Bingley, however, had risen and we gladly joined him for a cup of tea while he broke his fast.

  “Miss Darcy, I was not aware you shared your brother’s habit of rising early.” His joyous smile was contagious and drew me from my thoughts.

  “Only this one time, Mr. Bingley. I was hoping to meet one of your neighbours and my wish was granted. We came upon Miss Elizabeth Bennet during her morning constitutional.” I lifted my cup to my lips and waited for his response. He did not disappoint.

  Mr. Bingley’s eyes brightened and his smile grew as he spoke. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, you say? Was her sister with her, by chance?”

  “Regretfully no, but I hope to meet all the Bennet ladies tomorrow as I was invited to take tea with them.”

  “You will be quite taken with them, I am certain. Miss Bennet is the loveliest creature I have ever beheld. She is an angel.” He sipped his coffee and looked dreamily at nothing in particular.

  Hiding my smile behind my handkerchief, I glanced toward my brother. His eyes held a look of amusement laced with annoyance. I cleared my throat to gain his attention and nodded toward our host. Though Fitzwilliam clearly understood my wishes, he hesitated, as though he were
considering whether he would share Miss Bennet’s invitation. A wide-eyed glare on my part seemed to finally motivate him to speak.

  “Miss Elizabeth granted her permission for us to accompany my sister to tea, Bingley. I hope you are able to attend.” His lip twitched as he suppressed a chuckle, both of us knowing the gentleman’s obvious response.

  “Of course, of course! I shall be delighted!” Bingley hesitated. “Were my sisters included in the invitation?”

  Fitzwilliam and I exchanged another glance, unwilling to voice our desire they not attend. “I fear they were forgotten in the moment,” he responded.

  “Perhaps that is best,” Mr. Bingley’s brow knitted together. “I wonder if we should tell them of our plans.”

  “I see no reason for it, though I would not lie were they to ask.” Fitzwilliam’s serious expression mirrored his friend’s.

  “Oh, honestly,” I sighed. “Do you believe they would wish to attend if they knew? I thought Miss Bingley disliked the Bennets.”

  “She does consider the eldest Miss Bennet a friend,” Mr. Bingley stated quietly.

  I looked to my brother once more, an eyebrow raised questioningly. When he tentatively raised one shoulder in response, I realized his thoughts matched my own. Miss Bingley may have expressed such sentiments toward Miss Bennet, but the truth of them was doubtful.

  “Well, we shall simply make our plans and address my sisters’ inquiries when necessary.” Mr. Bingley raised his cup in toast and we all agreed.

  ***********

  The following afternoon the Bingley carriage rolled down the drive toward Meryton as I stood in my window and watched it go. During conversations the previous evening, Mrs. Hurst voiced her desire to purchase a new set of gloves, and Mr. Bingley seized upon the moment. He mentioned hearing new items were anticipated at the shops and suggested the ladies go see for themselves the following afternoon.

  Before I could respond, Fitzwilliam reminded their host I would be unable to accompany the ladies as I was to leave the day after and must prepare. He also expressed his desire to spend time with me while I was there. I quickly deduced the gentlemen had discussed this scheme at some time when we ladies were not about. I must say I was exceedingly pleased it had achieved the desired objective.