Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker Read online

  Now that the Bingley sisters had left, I abandoned my room and gathered Mrs. Annesley so we could leave for Longbourn. Though I was pleased to be seeing Miss Elizabeth again, I was timid to meet the other Bennets. Mr. Bingley spoke only of the eldest Miss Bennet; and I expected the angelic person he described would not be intimidating. It was the younger sisters, those nearer to me in age, which made me anxious. I was unable to draw much information from the gentlemen regarding these ladies. Indeed, they had exchanged nervous glances whenever I questioned them, and avoided answering me. My fear rose as the time passed.

  Fitzwilliam approached me as I reached the bottom of the stairs and took my hand in his. “Shall we leave, my dearest?”

  Capturing my lower lip between my teeth, I looked to the long case clock in the hall to determine the time. “I suppose we should.” The shakiness in my voice did nothing to relieve my anxiety.

  He patted my hand reassuringly. “Do not fear, Georgie,” he whispered. “The younger Bennet sisters are not fearsome; merely overzealous. I am certain Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet will monitor their behaviour and protect you from their attentions. And, Bingley and I shall be there.”

  At this I was able to laugh, though nervously. “I doubt Mr. Bingley will notice me once he sees Miss Bennet.”

  My brother nodded. “You are correct, of course. Well, you shall have me, as always.”

  Holding my head a bit higher, I looked him in the eye. “Shall you apologize to Miss Elizabeth today?”

  Fitzwilliam’s colour reddened. “I know not how to mention it again without making matters worse.”

  “Will you allow me to give you an opportunity?” I widened my eyes in a pleading manner, hoping he would consider it.

  Patting my hand once more, he turned us toward the front drawing room to gather Mr. Bingley. “If the opportunity arises, I shall seize it.”

  “That is all I ask.” I smiled, suddenly fairly giddy with the possibility I might be able to assist him.

  ***********

  The Netherfield party was welcomed warmly at Longbourn; though I noticed Elizabeth watched us closely. As I had anticipated, Mr. Bingley took a seat by Miss Bennet and barely spoke to the rest of us for the remainder of our stay. Mrs. Bennet was very vocal regarding her appreciation of his attentions, and equally cool toward Fitzwilliam. Toward myself, she was the perfect hostess; becoming somewhat distressed when she learned of my orphaned state.

  “I cannot imagine coming of age without a mother, and only having an older brother in which to confide.” It was clear there was more she wished to say regarding Fitzwilliam, but Miss Elizabeth interrupted her.

  “I am certain Miss Darcy must have an aunt or cousin who might be able to take the place of her mother. You are not solely dependent upon men; are you, Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth asked as though she already knew the answer.

  “I have two aunts on my mother’s side, who each have one daughter. The relatives on my father’s side are quite distant; we are rarely in contact with them.” I glanced toward my brother standing by the fireplace where he was cornered by the Bennet’s cousin; a Mr. Collins, who was our Aunt Catherine’s rector. “One of my aunts is the Lady Catherine your cousin often mentions.”

  Mrs. Bennet gushed, “Oh, to be related to such grandeur as our cousin has described. I am certain she must take prestigiously good care of you.”

  Not wishing to speak ill of my aunt, I dropped my eyes to my lap and said simply, “Lady Catherine is exceedingly attentive to every detail.”

  A sudden change overcame Miss Elizabeth and she moved a bit closer to me as her mother began speaking animatedly to Mrs. Annesley regarding Mr. Collins. “I imagine she could be a bit overpowering, if she is truly as magnificent as my cousin has described her to be,” Miss Elizabeth whispered.

  Looking up, I saw the spark of amusement in her eye and smiled, feeling relief wash over me. “Indeed, she can be. My brother and our cousin believe her daughter has been sickly most of her life in order to avoid her mother’s demands.” I, too, spoke softly that no one else might hear.

  “Oh, if that were possible.” Miss Elizabeth glanced toward her mother and back at me, but her conspiratorial amusement quickly slipped away.

  I noticed her gaze lingered just behind me, and turned to see Mr. Collins’ excited discourse. Looking to Fitzwilliam, I realized he had engaged his most steely Master of Pemberley countenance. This would not do if he wished to show Miss Elizabeth he was more amiable than he had previously appeared. I turned back to the lady at my side with a hopeful expression. “I believe my brother is not quite himself at the moment.”

  Sighing, Miss Elizabeth nodded. “Our cousin most assuredly has that effect upon people. Shall we rescue him?”

  I agreed, though I was uncertain what she might have in mind.

  “Mary,” Elizabeth called to her sister. “Did you not have a passage of scripture you wished to discuss with Mr. Collins? What about the doctrinal passage in Fordyce’s Sermons that has you perplexed. I am certain Mr. Collins would be enormously happy to assist you in its understanding.”

  “Yes, Mary,” Mrs. Bennet shook her head as though exasperated. “Will you not put down your book and join in the conversations?” Before Mary could respond, Mrs. Bennet turned back toward her youngest daughters who were exclaiming over some bit of news they had obtained from town that morning.

  The middle Bennet daughter, who had been sitting alone by the window, blinked at her older sister. When Miss Elizabeth nodded toward the gentlemen by the mantle, Miss Mary appeared to understand and laid aside her book. Taking up her tome of Fordyce’s sermons, she stood and approached her cousin. A few moments later, after excessive bowing on Mr. Collins’ part, she led him away and Fitzwilliam was able to return to my side.

  Suspicious, I gazed at my new acquaintance. “It appears Miss Mary did indeed have questions for your cousin, Miss Elizabeth.”

  A light blush covered the lady’s countenance. “Mary is the only one of us with the temperament to speak to our cousin for extended periods of time. She has chosen several passages to discuss with him in the event there are others who … do not find his company … overly stimulating.”

  As our eyes met, a shared understanding passed between us and we giggled softly.

  “I am eternally thankful to your sister, Miss Elizabeth. I feared I would be forced to correct your cousin’s view of my aunt.” Fitzwilliam smiled warmly as he appeared to partake in our secret conversation.

  “Lady Catherine is not the supreme authority on all things, sir?” Miss Elizabeth asked innocently, though I noted her manner had changed slightly when she spoke to Fitzwilliam. She appeared amused, but there was nearly a sense of challenge in the tone of her voice.

  “I am certain she believes herself to be so, but I have often found fault in my aunt’s reasoning.” Fitzwilliam clearly had not noticed the changes in our companion and continued in his jovial manner.

  I bit my lip and said not a word as I waited for Miss Elizabeth’s response.

  “Then you see little resemblance between you?” Once again, her manner was innocent, but her words were sharp.

  This finally drew Fitzwilliam’s attention and he snapped into a rigid posture. “Certainly not.”

  “Forgive me, sir, I meant no offense. I had simply heard you may possess a similar turn of mind as your exulted relative.” This time, Miss Elizabeth’s challenge was exceedingly clear.

  “I fear your source may be incorrect, Miss Elizabeth,” Fitzwilliam stated coldly.

  “Truly? It was my understanding he had firsthand knowledge of your dealings.” She smiled sweetly at me as she made a clear attempt to steer the discussion in a different direction. “Are you mostly in London, Miss Darcy?”

  A heat began to rise in my chest as I realized Miss Elizabeth’s ‘source’. We were too late; Mr. Wickham had already poisoned the lady against us. For Miss Elizabeth to ask such a question, he must have mentioned Ramsgate. I was uncertain how to respond and fe
lt bile rise in my throat, until my brother laid a reassuring hand upon my arm.

  Taking a deep breath, I raised my chin, swallowed, and met Miss Elizabeth’s gaze. “Mrs. Annesley and I reside in London most of the year so I might take advantage of the masters; though I prefer Pemberley, our home in Derbyshire. I did spend a portion of this past summer in Ramsgate with my previous companion, but she deceived us terribly and my brother was forced to discharge her.”

  I saw the curious expression that crossed Miss Elizabeth’s countenance, as though my response surprised her. She glanced toward her mother, who remained deep in conversation with the younger Bennets and Mrs. Annesley, before she turned back to me and responded honestly. “How dreadful. I hope you came to no harm due to her shortcomings.”

  I smiled lovingly at my brother. “Fitzwilliam arrived before I could be led too far astray. I am forever in his debt for rescuing me from a most horrendous situation.”

  “You are exceedingly lucky to have such a guardian,” she commented, her tone noticeably more affable.

  “Oh, Fitzwilliam is the best of men.” I returned my attention to Miss Elizabeth. “I fear he is not always comfortable in society, and may not make the best of impressions. If someone were to speak falsehoods against him, it may be easy for those of little acquaintance to believe them. However, my brother is nothing but honest in all his dealings.”

  “Georgie,” my brother said softly.

  I turned and met his gaze with a determination. “Tell her, Fitzwilliam.”

  “Tell me what?” Miss Elizabeth asked.

  Fitzwilliam looked at me for what seemed a lifetime before finally clearing his throat and turning his full attention upon Miss Elizabeth. “I fear when we first met I was not the proper gentleman my sister believes me to be. I must beg your forgiveness, Miss Elizabeth, for a remark I made within your hearing.” Her eyes widened and he continued quickly. “I can honestly say it was a falsehood.”

  I sat quietly while they stared at each other, afraid to move less I break the spell that had fallen over them. It appeared a great many things were being said without a word being spoken. A rush of joy filled me as my brother’s unease diminished and Miss Elizabeth blushed.

  “Well, I suppose I am not entirely innocent, sir. My grandmother always said ‘Those who do not wish to hear ill of themselves should not listen in doorways.’ It appears the lessons of my youth had not taken root as firmly as they should have.”

  Seeing Fitzwilliam about to protest, I covered his hand with my own. “I fear first impressions are not always the most accurate. Fitzwilliam sometimes appears quite proud when he is not familiar with those about him, while Mr. Wickham is always at ease. One would not know my brother was the better of the two men without knowing more about them.”

  Miss Elizabeth inhaled sharply. “Perhaps, if one only heard Mr. Darcy’s telling of the interactions between the gentlemen, that may be true.”

  “Oh no, Miss Elizabeth, I am quite aware of the stories Mr. Wickham tells regarding my brother; and I have seen the proof which refutes them.” I held her gaze, determined not to allow Mr. Wickham to prejudice her against us.

  A thoughtful expression passed over Miss Elizabeth’s eyes and the tension that had filled her shoulders eased. “I would be most relieved to learn your brother was not capable of the things of which Mr. Wickham has spoken. My dearest Jane was quite determined to find no fault in either man, but I fear from your words, that is not the case.”

  “Miss Elizabeth,” Fitzwilliam leaned toward her and spoke softly. “I would gladly answer any questions which you might have; however, I would prefer it be done at another time. I fear we have overstayed our visit as it is.”

  The expression of wonder upon Miss Elizabeth’s countenance as she gazed deeply into Fitzwilliam’s eyes caused me to grin ridiculously. Seeing the warm response in my brother inspired me to hint for more time in Hertfordshire.

  “I wish I were remaining so that I might invite you to visit me at Netherfield. I would like to know you better now that our misunderstanding has passed.” I turned hopefully toward my brother.

  “Mr. Darcy, do you truly believe Mr. Wickham would risk his living by speaking ill of your sister? I believe I can assure you, the opinion of my family would be with her.” Miss Elizabeth took my hand in her own as she looked at my brother anxiously.

  “And I am to deny such looks? I believe I have been outwitted.” His eyes lit with his smile.

  I excitedly turned back to my new friend, but hesitated as I observed Miss Elizabeth’s look of surprise. It was obvious she had not seen Fitzwilliam smile in such a manner before. Well, I must simply find ways to make him do so more often.

  Chapter Five

  Caroline Bingley’s eyes narrowed as she looked at me across the dinner table. “I beg your pardon, Miss Darcy? Am I to understand your plans have changed yet again and you shall not be leaving tomorrow?”

  The warmth of a slow blush crept over me, but I was not certain if it was due to my discomfort at her question or a growing displeasure with her manners. “My brother has agreed to allow me to stay, Miss Bingley. I hope … that is to say, I understood it would not be an imposition were I to remain. Yesterday you were quite distressed when you heard I was leaving. I thought you desired my company.” I lowered my eyes to my hands so she could not see my annoyance, and waited for her response.

  “I believe you misunderstand my sister,” Mrs. Hurst replied quickly, before Miss Bingley had the opportunity. “Of course, we are pleased you will remain; simply surprised as Mr. Darcy was so unyielding regarding his wishes that you should return to London.”

  Taking a steadying breath, I turned my head enough to see Fitzwilliam’s response. He appeared to also take a deep breath before he spoke and I wondered if he were struggling as much as I to preserve a calm appearance.

  When we returned to Netherfield that afternoon, we learned the Bingley sisters had not yet returned from their shopping excursion. Fitzwilliam, Mr. Bingley, and I took the opportunity to discuss how and when we would tell Miss Bingley of our impending visitors. It was decided we would begin by announcing I would not be leaving Hertfordshire after all. Thus far, our news had not been received as we anticipated and I, for one, was hesitant to mention the Bennets.

  “You are correct, Mrs. Hurst. I was quite determined for Georgiana to return to our home in town.” Fitzwilliam turned to catch my eye and smiled. “However, I am pleased to have her near. I have begun to realize she is no longer the little girl she once was, and I quite enjoy spending time with the young lady she is becoming.” Looking back to our hostess, his smile took on a cunning appearance. “If it is an inconvenience, Miss Bingley, I am certain we could find accommodations elsewhere.”

  Miss Bingley appeared startled as she began to stammer. “Mr. Darcy, how could you ever think it would be an inconvenience to have your precious sister here at Netherfield? I was simply surprised you had changed your mind. You always appear so certain of your decisions, and determined to see them through; I feared you were being influenced.” Her eyes gleamed suspiciously as she finished. “But of course, who could influence Mr. Darcy? Certainly no country chit or inconsequential members of a simple country town.”

  “Caroline.” Mr. Bingley spoke softly, but his threatening tone was clearly heard by all.

  “Come now, Charles,” Miss Bingley turned her attention to her brother; the sweetness of her tone poisoned by the anger in her eyes. “Are you going to deny you were at Longbourn today?”

  “Why would I deny it? The Darcys and I had a lovely time taking tea with the Bennets.”

  I eyed Miss Bingley suspiciously, wondering how she had learned of our visit. The Bingley sisters had returned from Meryton with several packages and announced they had taken tea at the local inn. They had not mentioned speaking to anyone.

  “I am certain you did,” Miss Bingley frowned. “Mrs. Philip’s was telling anyone in the milliner’s shop who would listen of the expectations held regard
ing your attachment to the eldest Bennet daughter. She said her sister, Mrs. Bennet, was so pleased you would be joining the Darcys when they came to tea today. She was surprised Louisa, Hurst, and I had not joined you.”

  Mr. Hurst glanced up from his plate upon the mention of his name. He briefly glanced about the table, before returning his attention to his dinner; clearly untroubled by the slight his sister-in-law had felt so dearly.

  Fitzwilliam cleared his throat, drawing the lady’s attention back to himself. “Forgive me, Miss Bingley. I fear this is entirely my fault. Georgiana and I encountered Miss Elizabeth Bennet during our ride yesterday and she invited us to tea. I asked if your brother might join us, knowing he is a favourite of the Bennet ladies.”

  “We did not include you as we were aware of your feelings toward the Bennets,” I chimed in, feeling suddenly exceedingly confident. “I would not want to force anyone to endure the presence of someone they disliked.”

  Miss Bingley’s eyes narrowed as she studied me. “That is exceedingly considerate of you, Miss Darcy; but I fear you misunderstood. I do not dislike Miss Bennet.”

  “Oh, I am so pleased!” I clapped my hands together in an exuberant manner, knowing I appeared much younger than my sixteen years. “Then you will not be upset with me.”

  “Upset?” Miss Bingley appeared confused.

  “Yes, you see I invited Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth to tea tomorrow. Mr. Bingley said you would not disapprove, but I was so concerned. I am truly happy to hear you will welcome them to Netherfield.” I smiled what I hoped was my most charming smile.

  “Of course,” Miss Bingley said through clenched teeth. “Since I was unable to see Miss Bennet today, I simply must see her tomorrow.”

  “And Miss Elizabeth,” I added, feeling my smile turn slightly mischievous, as Miss Bingley eyed me suspiciously.