Mr. Darcy's Little Sister (27 page)

“I do not know, but I know that your mother and father have always seemed to be excellent parents and have tried to make him be a responsible adult. Still, if you recall, he was always very self-centred. I can only think that he must have been born that way. The two of you have always looked very much alike and been the complete opposite in temper. Do you remember when we found him throwing rocks at the barn cat he had tied up at Whitwell Abbey? He just shrugged when we yelled at him and asked why we were so angry: ‘it was just an old cat.’”

“Yes, I remember that and a thousand other things. What upsets me the most right now, however, is that I will have to tell Georgiana something about it; she will wonder why St. George isn’t at any parties over the next week or so.”

Darcy drummed his fingers on the desk. “Very true. You will have to tell her. She will probably be embarrassed that you were fighting over her, but on the other hand, you can’t leave her in ignorance; she may have more embarrassment having people asking her where he is or saying something inadvertently.” After a moment of silence, he gave his cousin a sly smile. “Besides, what woman would not be secretly happy to have her fiancé proved to be a knight in shining armour, willing to battle for her honour?”

Colonel Fitzwilliam blushed and then grimaced. “I will talk to her this evening and tell her something.”

“I suggest that you tell her
everything
. As Elizabeth once pointed out to your father, my sister is not one to be overcome by the truth, even if it is unpalatable, Fitzwilliam. She would not thank you for trying to ‘protect’ her from reality to that extent.”

Fitzwilliam silently nodded his agreement.

***

The ladies came downstairs for dinner, and Jane and Bingley and the Gardiners arrived. Elizabeth had invited them to dine a few days before, and now there was a particularly happy reason to have the family gathered. Georgiana was wearing the green gown she had worn to the Elliots’ ball, but with her pearl necklace and earrings and the bracelet the colonel had given her for her birthday, and she was flushed with happiness as she accepted their congratulations.

Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled and kissed Georgiana’s hand before leading her into the dining-room at the head of the line, a position of importance that pleased Georgiana greatly.

Later, after the gentlemen had rejoined the ladies in the drawing-room, the colonel took Georgiana to the far end of the room and began talking earnestly to her. While the Gardiners and the Bingleys sat and drank their tea and coffee, Darcy asked Elizabeth to play for them and he sat next to her at the pianoforte so that the two lovers could talk in privacy. Elizabeth was halfway through a sonata when Georgiana burst out giggling. She and Darcy both looked over; Georgiana had her fingers covering her mouth and Fitzwilliam had a chagrined expression on his face. Then Georgiana took his hand and said something very quietly in his ear, which made him smile foolishly at her.

***

Later, when they went upstairs, Darcy explained to Elizabeth what had happened at his uncle’s house, and she also laughed.

“It serves St. George right!” she exclaimed.

“It does indeed. I cannot believe that my cousin would behave in such an ill-bred fashion, particularly saying such things about Georgiana. I have half a mind to blacken his other eye!” he said scornfully.

Elizabeth laughed again. “That would be very satisfying, no doubt; however, it might be difficult to keep it hushed up if everyone in the family takes a turn at blackening his eyes.”

“Unfortunately,” Darcy said seriously, “there has always been a great deal of competition between my two cousins, on St. George’s side at least. It is rather odd since he is the one who will inherit everything, while Fitzwilliam will get little or nothing. I suspect St. George realises that, for all his wealth and prospects, Fitzwilliam has always been the one whom everyone likes. When we were young boys, Fitzwilliam and I always went off to play without him, because even then he was an arrogant braggart who always wanted to rub our noses in the fact that he would one day be an earl. It bothered him very much that neither of us seemed much impressed by him.”

“I had wondered why you never mentioned your elder cousin when you are such good friends with the colonel. It is very surprising to me that the colonel is as happy and easy as he is after having to deal with such treatment from his brother for his entire life.”

“Well, his parents have always tried to improve St. George’s temper and make him face the responsibilities that go along with his status, and Fitzwilliam has always been relaxed and easy; it is just his temper to be contented. My aunt must be very happy that he is marrying Georgiana.”

“I am sure she is. She sent Georgiana a long note this afternoon telling her so. She wants us all to dine with them tomorrow night, if you have not made other plans.”

Darcy chuckled suddenly.

“I wonder if St. George will dine with us.”

They both laughed heartily.

***

Georgiana carried her candle to her bedside table and pulled out her diary. She had neglected it of late; she had been fearful that any words she put down would be engraved on her heart forever. Until she knew of the success or failure of her bid for the colonel’s affection she had not dared to reveal more of her feelings, even to herself. Tonight, however, she could pen the love that threatened to burst out of her:

6 June: I can finally take up my diary again, my old friend who has stood by me through everything. Today I am the happiest of women. Today my dear Edward asked for my hand, and in a manner so warm, so passionate that I could wish for nothing more to make my happiness complete. I do not yet know when the wedding will be; we were so absorbed that we did not get to those details, but we will have plenty of time to decide those details and the rest of our lives to show how much we love each other!

She put her pen and her book away and blew out the candle.

***

The next evening the Darcys arrived at Longford House for dinner, and Georgiana was embraced and kissed by her future mother- and father-in-law. Darcy and Elizabeth were told how happy they were that they would be even more closely related. They had a very enjoyable dinner and Georgiana was bubbly and talkative in her happiness. Lord St. George did not put in an appearance and was not mentioned by the family.

When they had a moment of privacy in the drawing-room, Lady Whitwell told Elizabeth how pleased she was about the engagement.

“Edward has always been my favourite son, although as a mother I should not admit it. I have been concerned about his future, since almost the entire estate is entailed; his marriage to Georgiana answers all of my concerns and, of course, makes me very happy for them both. I wish I could feel as sanguine about my eldest son’s future,” she said, looking rather sadly towards the staircase that led to the upper floors.

Elizabeth took her hand and patted it reassuringly. Lady Whitwell sighed for a moment and then seemed to pull herself up, smiling at Elizabeth.

“Thank you, my dear. I might as well not discuss it. I do not want to put a damper on Georgiana and Edward’s happiness tonight, so we will just let the future take care of itself, shall we?”

Elizabeth agreed, and they quietly listened to Georgiana playing the pianoforte.

After they dined, they were all to go to the Bingleys for the party Jane had been planning with Kitty’s help. It would be Jane’s first foray into entertaining during the London Season, and Elizabeth hoped that all would go well and help establish her sister in her rightful place in society. It was to be a small party, with friends and relatives, and they would have dancing and cards and would conclude with a late supper. They hurried over their coffee and tea so that they would not be late and then left for Berkeley Square.

This man of clay, son of despite.

—John Milton,
Paradise Lost

Jane’s party was an unqualified success. The guests included Bingley’s relatives—the Hursts and Miss Bingley—as well as a number of friends of Bingley’s. The Comte de Tournay was there as well, at Caroline’s request Georgiana presumed. When the Darcy party entered, Miss Bingley asked whether Lord St. George was with them, and Lady Whitwell told her without hesitation, “I am so sorry, Miss Bingley, my eldest son is not feeling well tonight and so could not come. However, I am sure that he will be better soon.”

Miss Bingley quickly covered her disappointment and spent the evening being charming to the count. The Blake family was at the party and Kitty was kept happy dancing and, in the intervals, talking with Edward Blake. Georgiana’s friend Catherine was also there, as she and Jane had become well acquainted during the Season, and she spent the evening conversing with Sir Robert Blake when she was not with Georgiana. A whist table was set up in the small parlour adjoining the salon for those guests who could not, or would not, dance, and the dining-parlour offered a variety of refreshments. Jane had been fortunate enough to find a housekeeper for the town house who was highly respectable and very competent, and the arrangements for the party were most elegant.

The guests finally trickled out of the door at around one o’clock, leaving the host to relax with one last glass of wine in the company of his nearest relations while Jane rested her feet on a footstool. She looked pleased with the success of her little entertainment, and Elizabeth bolstered her feelings with her own compliments.

“I had a delightful time, my dear sister. Now you can relax for the remaining days of the Season and let other hostesses work to entertain you, although your triumph sets a rather high standard for them to maintain.”

“Dearest Lizzy! You are always so good to me!”

“Indeed I am not! I am only stating the plain truth of the matter,” Elizabeth returned with spirit as she gathered her things for the ride home.

***

The next morning Darcy went to his club and ran into the colonel.

“Darcy, I hoped I might find you here.” He grasped his cousin’s arm and drew him into the club’s small library, where they were the only visitors.

“What is it, Fitzwilliam?” Darcy asked, his alert eyes scanning his cousin’s face.

“I have two things to tell you, Cousin. The first is that my brother left town this morning and would not say where he was going. He merely told our father that, since he no longer had an allowance to enable him to live like a gentleman in London, he was going into the country.” After a moment he added, “I wonder where he has gone?”

“And I wonder what his creditors will think of this turn,” Darcy commented.

“I know not. My parents are very upset and are hoping that he will not do anything to discredit the family name.”

“I think that your brother thinks more of the family name than he does the well-being of its members, but it is difficult to predict what a man will do when he is angry,” he said grimly. “Unfortunately, there is not much we can do about it, whatever his plans, but I am sure your parents are going to have a disagreeable time until he reappears.”

“No doubt.”

Darcy started to turn towards the door, but the colonel detained him.

“You have forgotten that I have two pieces of news for you. The second is that my informant at the palace revealed to me that Captain Blackman finally told him the names of his co-conspirators in exchange for his life. I mentioned to you last time we spoke that Lord Liverpool has been pressing for a conclusion to this possible threat to the prince.” He paused and looked at his cousin for a moment. “The ‘W’ in the letter was Jonathan Walker.”

“Really?” Darcy stared at him in shock for a moment then walked over to the window and stared out, thinking about the possible ramifications of this development. “Has Walker been arrested?”

“Not yet. I have kept out of this investigation, for which I am now eternally thankful. I would hate to be examining my conscience to try to decide if I had jumped to conclusions because of my desire to implicate Walker.”

“What do you think will happen?”

“My informant told me that they will arrest Walker. If he is convicted of treason it is likely he will hang. His property has already been confiscated.”

“Walker does not have any property except what he administers for his father.”

“Well, we will see.”

“Mmmm.” Darcy’s mind was reeling with the news about Walker. He waved vaguely when the colonel told him goodbye.

***

When Darcy came home he told Elizabeth and Georgiana the news about St. George with a bleak face. He held back the information on Walker. Better that he and Fitzwilliam have no part of that. As his cousin had implied, they were both too close to the situation to be objective. Elizabeth was surprised at St. George’s defection, but Georgiana shrugged indifferently.

“At least I will not have to meet him in public.”

“There is, unfortunately, not much we can do about his plan, whatever it is, but I am sure that my aunt and uncle are going to have an unpleasant time over the next few weeks.”

Elizabeth agreed that this was likely but could see no hope of improving the situation except to be a support to Lord St. George’s parents. Darcy agreed and decided to visit his uncle that afternoon.

Several days went by without news of Lord St. George. The colonel was divided between his happiness with his engagement and concern over his brother and what he might do in the heat of his anger and resentment. He put the situation with Walker firmly out of his mind, and Georgiana tried to keep his spirits up and his mind off Lord St. George, with some success, and they both basked in the good wishes of all of their friends.

Catherine Freemont called on Georgiana often and showed a lively interest in her friend’s happiness. As always, Georgiana took delight in her company and was pleased to hear that Sir Robert Blake continued to be attentive when they met at parties and dances.

Georgiana even received a letter of congratulations from Lady Catherine de Bourgh after the engagement was published in the papers, which she showed Elizabeth:

My dear Niece,—

Congratulations on your engagement to Colonel Fitzwilliam. The match is highly suitable and I am very happy that you, unlike some people, are willing to do your duty to the family. Give my regards to the colonel and his family.—Sincerely,

Lady Catherine de Bourgh

“My aunt would not be quite so pleased had she known that I turned down Lord St. George to marry the younger son of the family,” Georgiana stated smugly.

“I am surprised that she is not angry because she might have got the colonel for her daughter. After all, a younger son and an heiress with no brothers or sisters: what could be better?” Elizabeth smiled mischievously at her.

Georgiana responded with a roll of her eyes and they moved on to more agreeable topics.

***

The next day, the Darcys were at breakfast when Burton announced Mr. Bingley. They all looked up in surprise at this early call. Bingley’s eyes were sparkling as he, at Darcy’s invitation, sat down at the table. After the footman had laid his place and retired from the breakfast-parlour, Bingley burst out with, “I thank you. I ran over without breakfasting in order to bring you the big news. I wanted to let you know that Caroline accepted a proposal of marriage from the Comte de Tournay.”

They all exclaimed over this and demanded further details.

“He trotted up to me while I was taking my morning ride around Rotten Row this morning and asked for my permission. He apparently asked her during a party they both attended last night. She must have given up on your cousin when he left London. I feel very odd, by the way, giving permission as the head of the household for my sister to marry someone old enough to be my father,” he said in some embarrassment.

They all laughed at him and gave him their congratulations, and Elizabeth added that she and Georgiana would call on Miss Bingley later in the day to convey their felicitations to her in person.

As Darcy was seeing him out after breakfast, Bingley added quietly, “Caroline is absolutely indecently happy about her engagement. I am sure that she has never forgiven you for marrying Elizabeth instead of her, and she is gloating over the fact that she will be a
comtesse
while Elizabeth is a commoner. Oh, she hasn’t been so vulgar as to say it aloud, but I can see it by the look in her eyes.”

Darcy smiled and answered, “Well, I hope that she gets all the enjoyment of her title that she deserves,” and, after Bingley gave him an ironic glance, sent him on his way.

***

That afternoon, Elizabeth and Georgiana called on the Bingleys and gave Miss Bingley their best wishes. She was very condescendingly gracious to both of them, and Elizabeth later told Darcy, “I felt rather like a peasant who was noticed by a royal personage—far more so than when I danced with a true royal.”

Georgiana could tell that Elizabeth was very amused by Caroline’s preening during the visit and had difficulty keeping her countenance serious and sincere, but she, noticing her sister’s waning control, squeezed her arm under the cover of her shawl. That captured Elizabeth’s attention, and she was able to sip her tea and control herself, although she refrained from looking at Georgiana for the remainder of the visit. When they were safely in the carriage, both of them relieved their feelings by giggling uncontrollably for several minutes.

“I must thank you, my dear sister, for pinching my arm,” Elizabeth said as she dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. “I needed something to draw my attention. I am afraid that you will think me very ill-bred for being unable to keep my composure; however, Miss Bingley and I have a long history. I fear that her pride and condescension will be boundless now that she will have a title.” She sighed and shook her head.

“Yes, I expect that it will. Well, I hope that a title is enough to ensure her enjoyment of a life encompassed by marriage to a man who is twice as old as she and who has no fortune.” She coloured suddenly in confusion, realising that some ill-natured gossips might make similar comments about her engagement. She finally said with downcast eyes, “I hope, at least, that there is some affection between them. They have not known each other very long.”

Elizabeth took her hand. “I hope so too, my dear.”

They finished their ride home in silence and spent the rest of the day quietly reading; they had another ball to attend that night as the Season wound down to its finish. They would leave town in only a week and return to Pemberley. Georgiana was looking forwards to returning to the retirement and serenity of the country where they could relax and rest and get away from the soot of London.

10 June: I can hardly wait to leave for Pemberley, although I am not certain that my dear Edward will be able to accompany us. He is attempting to finish his duties so he can spend at least a fortnight in the north, but he has several important things in hand which must be concluded. There is something on his mind which he will not share with me; I do not know if it is his brother St. George or if it is a problem at the palace. (I cannot believe how close-mouthed this man is whom I always thought could talk the birds out of the trees!) Certainly, St. George’s behaviour is explanation enough for his lack of spirits.

Georgiana enjoyed the ball that evening and, on the way home, Elizabeth commented on the evident relief of her fellow debutantes that she had not taken one of the elder sons, but Georgiana merely shrugged off the lesser feelings of her acquaintances.

“They, of course, do not realise that I was never competing with them for the heirs once the Season actually began and that they are welcome to any future lord or landholder that they can enchant, with my blessings.”

Elizabeth patted her hand fondly.

***

Lord Whitwell came to see Darcy the next morning and was closeted with him for about an hour in his library. Later, Darcy told Elizabeth about the meeting.

“We discussed what we wanted to do for Georgiana and the colonel. My uncle would like to give them Longford House. I had not realised that it is not included in the entail, but he purchased it himself years ago and held it out of the entail because of his concerns even then about his eldest son’s behaviour. My aunt and uncle prefer to spend most of their time in the country, and Longford House is large enough to accommodate them as guests when they come to town. They have a smaller house near Berkeley Square, just around the corner from the Bingleys’ house, which is leased out and is included in the entail and will go to St. George when he inherits. I thought that I would see if I can find a small estate near Pemberley to give them for a wedding present so we could see them often and Georgiana can benefit from your society when the colonel must be in town.”

“That will be lovely! I am sure they will not want to be near Whitwell Abbey when your cousin inherits.”

“No, my uncle felt, as I did, that it would be better for them to be in another part of the county, and settling near Pemberley would solve that difficulty. My uncle is trying to decide what to do about St. George. They have still not heard from him since he left town. My uncle is quite exercised in his mind; he is struggling to determine how to be fair to both of his sons. He is hoping that St. George is somewhere quietly thinking about his iniquities and resolving to change but fears that it is not so.”

“Well, however the problem of St. George resolves itself, it will not affect Georgiana’s happiness. She tells me that they want to wait until next spring to get married, soon after she turns eighteen. Lady Whitwell would like them to have a big society wedding at St. George’s in Hanover Square, but Georgiana and the colonel have not yet decided if that is what they desire. I think Georgiana would prefer to have a quiet wedding, but she has plenty of time before she must decide.”

Darcy smiled. “Hopefully, Fitzwilliam will be able to get to Pemberley often this summer, once the Season is over and the turmoil from Napoleon’s defeat dies down. Now that Napoleon is on Elba, the situation in Europe should stabilise and the prince’s cronies will settle back into their usual spiteful gossiping and backbiting.”