The Houseguest A Pride and Prejudice Vagary (4 page)

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"Enter," Mr. Darcy replied after the knock on his study door.
"Brother? You wished to see me?" Georgiana entered the room
tentatively.
"Yes, Georgiana. Please come in, have a seat." He ushered her to a
chair next to the fire and sat down across from her.
Georgiana looked expectantly at him with her wide blue eyes. Once more Darcy
was struck with how much she looked like their mother. He had always favored
their father, whom Darcy was almost a spitting image of; tall, broad
shouldered, dark, slightly curly hair, deep blue eyes and a strong jaw.
Georgiana, while tall for a woman, was fair with light skin and golden hair.
Her eyes were a slightly lighter shade of blue than Darcy's and more open in
their expression. 
She is still such a
child
, he thought.
"Georgiana, how have you been lately? I feel as if I've neglected you,
it's been so long since we've talked."
"I am quite well Brother, thank you. And do not worry, you have not
neglected me at all. I have had Mrs. Annesley with me and my regular visits to
Lady Matlock. Colonel Fitzwilliam, of course, has stopped by a few times. So
you see I am not on my own entirely. And of course Miss Bennet is here,"
Georgiana’s eyes lit up at the name, "which is making everything ever so
much more fun!"
"Yes," he said hesitantly, "I noticed that you invited her
before you had my consent."
"Oh!" Georgiana's eyes became bigger and if possible, rounder as she
looked at her brother in surprise and a little bit of fear. 
"I did not think you would mind, Brother. You have always spoken highly of
her, and you had encouraged me to make new friends and she was so lonely
without her sister, that it seemed quite the right thing to do. And Mrs.
Annesley thought it would be a good idea, and she would be here with me all the
time. I thought it would be all right. I did not know how long it would take a
letter to reach you and a response sent and received. Two weeks could have gone
by, time which I could have spent with Miss Bennet. I thought if I waited much
longer, you might come back and then of course you might say no because you
would wish to have me all to yourself and not share the house with any guests.
We thought the best thing to do was to have her come while you were not here so
that I would have companionship and you would not be bothered; was this wrong
of me brother? Are you angry with me?" she asked fearfully.
"No, Georgiana. Of course I am not angry with you." His face took on
a gentle expression as he looked deeply into her soft blue eyes. "I was
simply surprised that you took such a step on your own, and I must say I am
rather proud. I don't think you could have chosen a better friend for yourself
than Miss Bennet. She is certainly all I would wish for in a good friend for
you. Please forgive me for frightening you." He took her hand in his and
stroked the back of her knuckles with his thumb.
"Oh, Fitzwilliam! I am so relieved!” Her face visibly relaxed. “It is such
a joy to have Miss Bennet here and it would be so disheartening for me to be
taking pleasure in something that is upsetting to you. I am having the most
delightful time!"
It made Darcy smile to see his sister so happy. He couldn't remember the last
time she had looked so innocent, so joyful. It had been before Ramsgate, before
Wickham came in and ruined their peace. And she even appeared to be coming out
of her shell. Maybe Elizabeth was just what she needed to help her come into
her own. She was certainly more vivacious and would probably be a lightening
influence on Georgiana.
Lord knows he hadn't seen his sister laugh as much in the last eight months as
he had seen her do since Miss Bennet arrived. What was it Elizabeth had said
once? 
‘I dearly love to laugh’?
 Yes,
she certainly did. And apparently she drew everyone around her into laughter as
well. Yes, Elizabeth Bennet's presence was definitely welcome, even though it
was doing terrible things to his peace of mind. It was with a slight jolt that
he came back to the present conversation and realized Georgiana was still
there, her hand in his.
"Brother, it is so wonderful to have another girl in the house. It is
almost like having a sister!" Georgiana was almost giddy with glee.
"Is it now? I am so pleased you are happy Georgiana, it makes my heart
glad to see you smile." Darcy's eyes crinkled as he smiled at his younger
sister.
"Yes! Do you know what we did last night?" When Darcy shook his head
no, she continued, "I knocked on her door to offer help from Hannah, and
she opened the door in only a chemise and corset! She seemed to think the whole
thing was quite funny and said that when she was home she and her sisters often
help each other get dressed and fix one another’s hair."
Georgiana was so excited by her tale that Darcy did not want to stop her and
tell her that it was completely inappropriate for her to be telling him how she
had seen Miss Elizabeth in nothing but a corset and chemise, even though he
knew he should; but he was so overcome with the vision it created in his own
mind (and embarrassed by the blush that was spreading across his cheeks as he
realized what he was thinking), that he could not chastise her without making
his own imprudence evident. 
"So Hannah and I joined her and while Hannah fixed her hair, I actually
chose her dress! I've never picked out another person’s clothing before; it was
quite exciting! And I also chose the pearl pins in her hair. Did you notice
them? I thought the white pearls quite striking against her dark hair. And this
is what Miss Bennet does every day! Can you imagine? Actually sleeping in the
same bed with another person?” Darcy bit his lip. “It must be so heavenly to
have a sister." Georgiana sighed and sank back into her chair, her eyes
dreamily looking into the ceiling.
Darcy did not know what to say; it seemed that Georgiana had exhausted herself
with raptures of the Bennet sisters and was happy enough dreaming of having a
sister of her own. 
Well, at least
she'll have the experience of a sister for a few weeks. And maybe, just maybe…
 No!
He would not let himself think that way. Elizabeth was completely out of the
question. Her family, connections, and situation in life were wholly
unsuitable. If she had a healthy dowry and a family who adhered to propriety;
if even just the family were better, if the connections were better suited! He
could overlook the lack of dowry; Lord knew he didn't need any more money; he
wasn't using half the money he had! He could well survive not having a
well-dowered wife. But in order to fully take his place in society, he must be
with someone who knew how society worked. He must have his social equal, and
unfortunately, Elizabeth was too far beneath him. There was nothing to be done
for it. She had relations in trade and an attorney for an uncle! She had a
vulgar mother and three completely inappropriate younger sisters. There was
nothing for it; she would not do. And yet… 
He got up and paced the room a few times before taking the seat behind his
large mahogany desk. He knew it couldn’t possibly happen, it
wouldn’t
happen, he wouldn’t allow it, but
there he sat, at his imposing desk, in his lavish study, daydreaming about a
lass from Herfordshire, and how her eyes shone, wishing it was all for him.
He sighed.
On reflection, her father really wasn't so bad, certainly not worse than Lady
Catherine, and Jane was quite perfect actually; beautiful, serene, gracious,
and kind. Everything you could want in a sister-in-law. And Elizabeth herself,
she was everything he had ever hoped for: a bright mind, a fearless spirit, and
that perfect certain something that was just bordering on impertinence, but
still maintained enough grace to be sweet. And she was beautiful. Her skin was
radiant, her eyes sparkled, her hair shone in the sunlight.
Yes, if she was judged on her own merit alone, Elizabeth would be quite
suitable. She had handled Caroline Bingley and her ungracious comments
magnificently. Never stooping to her level, but responding with grace and
kindness. And the ton was full of Caroline Bingleys; yes, she would handle
herself among them rather well. And with people who were amiable, such as
Bingley, she got on famously. Derbyshire was rather far from Longbourn; they
need not see Mrs. Bennet very frequently at all, and the younger sisters would
likely marry
someone
, though it
was doubtful it would be to anyone in the same sphere. Could they not just keep
her family in the dark? Was there really any need to introduce anyone beyond
Jane and occasionally Mr. Bennet? No! It would not do to think like this,
making plans that would never come to be. There was nothing for it; it was not
possible. He must forget her and move on.
Both Darcy and Georgiana sat staring into the fire, quietly contemplating what
life would be like with Elizabeth Bennet by their sides when the sound of the
carriage was heard outside the window.
"She's back!" Georgiana ran to the window and peered outside.
"There she is! Come Fitzwilliam, let us greet her!" 
Darcy knew he should tell her that such exuberance was uncalled for and that
you did not run to the front door to greet someone who was merely returning
from an afternoon call. After all, had they not spent the entire morning in
company with Miss Bennet? Had they not breakfasted together, attended church
together, returned home in the carriage together? Would she not be having
dinner with them? Would they not all go to sleep in the same house this evening
and wake up to have breakfast together again the next morning? There was no
need to become so excited over her return after so short an absence. Yet, he
could not quiet the excitement in his breast, and so he rose and followed
Georgiana to the door.

Chapter
3

That
evening, Elizabeth dressed in a pale pink dress and let Hannah fix her hair in
what she said was a subdued version of the ‘latest’ fashion. She had to admit,
she did look quite fetching. Georgiana had again chosen her dress and chattered
away happily as Elizabeth’s hair was done. She decided to let her neck go bare
as there was a small lace trimming around the square-necked collar. Hannah
allowed a few of her dark curls to hang over her shoulder, contrasting
perfectly with the pale dress and her light skin. 
“Thank you, Hannah. You truly are gifted.”
“Thank you, Miss.” Hannah flushed and curtseyed, then ducked out through the
servant’s entrance. 
Georgiana came up behind her with a long piece of green ribbon. She held it out
shyly to Elizabeth. “I think this will look lovely around your waist, Miss
Bennet.” Elizabeth noticed it was the same shade of green as Georgiana’s dress,
and that she was wearing a pink ribbon almost identical to Elizabeth’s dress
color. 
“I think you are right, Miss Darcy. And just think how well we shall look
together coming in to the dining room in all our finery?” Her eyes twinkled and
Georgiana’s shyness instantly melted away.
As the ladies entered the dining room, they heard the sound of men’s
voices. 
“Richard!” Georgiana left Elizabeth’s side and flew toward a tall, broad man
with shaggy, sandy-colored hair. 
“Georgie!” He opened his arms to her and embraced her fully, leaning back as he
did, so that her feet came off the ground a bit. “It is good to see you, my
girl!”
They smiled broadly at each other as he set her down and released the embrace.
“Ah, but where are my manners!” he said as he looked toward Elizabeth, an
appraising look in his eyes. Elizabeth noted they were the same shade of blue
as Georgiana’s.
“Richard, may I present Miss Elizabeth Bennet? Miss Bennet, my cousin, Colonel
Richard Fitzwilliam,” said Darcy. 
Colonel Fitzwilliam bowed, “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet.”
“I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth
curtseyed. “Miss Darcy has told me so much about you.”
“Do not worry, Miss Bennet. It can’t possibly all be true!” he said with a
smile. 
Elizabeth smiled brightly in return as she headed toward the chair he pulled
out for her. Tonight Elizabeth was seated next to Georgiana, who was still on
Darcy’s right, with Colonel Fitzwilliam on his left. As the Colonel looked up,
he caught the edge of a scowl on Darcy’s face. But, not having the slightest
idea what it was about, he dismissed it as another of his cousin’s moods. 
As the first course was being served, Georgiana peppered Colonel Fitzwilliam
with questions about where he’d been and what he’d been doing in the ten days
since she had last seen him. After a short lull, Elizabeth joined in.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam, I understand from Miss Darcy that you are quite the
practical joker,” Elizabeth addressed Fitzwilliam across the table.
“Oh she told you that, did she? And on whom does my fair cousin accuse me of
playing these practical jokes?” he asked with an innocent smile.
“So far I have heard only of ones played on your brother, the Viscount.”
“Ah, dear Cyril. If he wasn’t such an easy target I wouldn’t play so many jokes
on him. Although the best one was when Darcy and I here -”
“That’s quite enough, Fitzwilliam,” Darcy interrupted.
“Oh come, cousin, the ladies want to be entertained,” the Colonel said slyly as
Georgiana muffled a giggle.
“Surely there are better ways to entertain them than with your sorry stories.”
“And what do you suggest cousin? Shall you sing for us instead?” Colonel
Fitzwilliam asked.
Darcy glared a hole through Colonel Fitzwilliam and said in a steely voice,
“No, I have no such intention. I merely meant that perhaps that particular
story was not fit for feminine ears.” He gestured slightly with his head toward
Georgiana. 
“Do you sing, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked before she could resist teasing him.
Darcy’s head turned back towards Elizabeth to make a biting comment, but just
before he was about to speak, he saw the gleam in her eye and knew she was
teasing him. 
Here we are again, Miss
Bennet. Who shall be the victor this time?
“Not in public, Miss Bennet.”
“What he means to say is only while bathing!” laughed Fitzwilliam.
Darcy flushed a deep red and his eyes became steely, but not before he caught
Elizabeth looking down with a deep blush across her cheeks. She was pursing her
lips, trying to stifle a smile. A sideways glance at Georgiana revealed her
bottom lip was bitten in a desperate attempt at solemnity. Colonel Fitzwilliam
looked rather like a Cheshire cat that had just caught a particularly succulent
mouse. 
A pain in his hand told him that he was squeezing his cutlery too hard, and
with a clang he set it down on the table just as Elizabeth let out a choking
sound. As Darcy sat surveying an entire table of people laughing at his
expense, all the while desperately trying to hide it, he couldn’t help but
release a small chuckle. Soon the room was filled with laughter.
Funny, I didn’t think Mr. Darcy could laugh
at himself. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him laugh before. But Wickham
did say he was agreeable enough in the company of equals. Well Mr. Darcy, am I
elevated to the level of equal now? No, I will not think this way! He has been
perfectly kind and civil to me and I am a guest in his home. I promised Aunt I
would be open-minded, and I shall be.
She took a breath to clear
her mind.
As all this was passing through her mind, Elizabeth had looked instinctually at
Darcy. As the laughter faded away, he met her gaze. For a moment, their eyes
locked and a small frisson shot through her. Surprised by the sudden intensity,
she quickly looked to her plate.
The remainder of dinner was passed in amiable conversation, mostly between
Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam, with Georgiana partaking occasionally and
Darcy barely at all. Colonel Fitzwilliam was all that was pleasant and
agreeable, ready to make conversation about a variety of subjects and clearly
not put off by the serious expression of his cousin.
Soon they were headed out of the dining room to the music room. 
“Georgie, what are you going to play for me tonight?” asked Colonel
Fitzwilliam. 
Georgiana looked down at her hands for a moment before looking up at the
Colonel with brightened eyes. “Miss Bennet and I have been working on a new
duet. Would you like to hear it?” 
“Of course, dear, I’d be delighted.” The gentlemen seated themselves on a small
sofa, but not before Darcy noticed a small trace of anxiety cross Elizabeth’s
face.
 Could she be nervous? I’ve heard
her play before, and in front of a much larger crowd than this. And she and
Georgiana have been playing together constantly since her arrival
.
He noticed Colonel Fitzwilliam in the corner of his eye.
 Could it be that she’s nervous in front of
Richard? But he’s so congenial! Surely not! Unless… She couldn’t be developing
feelings for him already, could she?
Darcy didn’t like where this was going. He knew the feeling rising within him
and knew its name: jealousy, plain and simple. How could he be jealous of
Colonel Fitzwilliam when he had decided that he would not pursue her? He had
decided to give her up and seek someone more suitable, hadn’t he? Hadn’t that
been the purpose of his blasted trip to Somerset? To put her and Hertfordshire
and Bingley and all their ridiculous problems out of his mind? That had clearly
not gone as planned.
Elizabeth took a deep breath and focused on the difficult music in front of
her. Georgiana was far more advanced a player than she was, and she knew she
did not compare favorably. 
Oh, well! I
have no one to impress here,
 she thought. 
And if Mr. Darcy tries to intimidate me, I will tease
him mercilessly. No! Be nice Elizabeth! 
The ladies began to play as he and Richard relaxed on the divan. Richard leaned
over to him and whispered in his ear, “Pretty picture they make, isn't
it?"
"Yes, they certainly look well together." Neither noticed when
Elizabeth struck a wrong chord.
"Quite the scene of domestic bliss, eh? Sweet how they are dressed to
match, too."
“Hmmm? Dressed to match?"
"Yes, Georgiana is pink on green, Miss Bennet is green on pink. You didn't
notice?"
"No, I didn't. Whose idea was that, do you suppose?" asked Darcy.
"I would imagine it was Georgiana's. She seems rather taken with the idea
of having another woman in the house. Well, at least someone closer to her own
age. How old is Miss Bennet, do you think?"
"I believe she's somewhere in the neighborhood of twenty."
"Yes, that is a fine age; old enough to be a big sister, but young enough
to still remember what it's like to be Georgiana’s age."
"Yes, I suppose it is a rather good age."
"They met in Hertfordshire?"
"Yes. She met Miss Elizabeth while there. They got on rather well from the
beginning and have been corresponding ever since. Georgiana invited her to stay
here while I was in Somerset, but I returned early..." he trailed off.
"Yes, I wondered about that. Not very like you to invite a young single
woman to stay in your home, unaccompanied. And a damned pretty one at
that."
"Yes, you are correct; it is not very like me. But I could hardly send her
home after she'd been invited to come all this way. It wasn't Georgiana's fault
I cut my trip short and came home early. Plus I didn't want to discourage her;
it was the first invitation she'd made on her own and I have been trying to encourage
her to make friends and socialize."
"Yes, she certainly does seem to be recovering rather well. Time seems to
be working its magic. Or perhaps time with the help of friendship."
Darcy was about to reply when they were interrupted by the soft melody of
Elizabeth singing. He let the waves of music roll over him as he leaned his
head back on the divan and closed his eyes. Yes, this would be a pleasant way
to end most evenings, his sister happy and smiling, Elizabeth playing and
singing for him. Yes, he certainly could get used to this ‘domestic bliss’, as
the Colonel had called it.