Beginning, Next Section
Posted on Tuesday, 16 October 2007
My name is Sarah Reynolds, I am the housekeeper at Pemberley. I arrived at Pemberley, the house, just after my marriage to John, who was Mr. Darcy's valet.
I was born on the grounds of the Pemberley estate. I was the eldest in the family and my brothers were called James and Henry. Our mother died when I was six years old and my father, who never remarried, raised the three of us. My father was one of Mr. Darcy's most respected tenants. He managed our farm very well, constantly improving the land and stock. He could also read and write and seemed to have a natural facility with numbers. Mr. Darcy often called on him and asked for his assistance in his bookkeeping, that is until George Wickham Sr. was appointed steward for the estate. Mr. Darcy, at times, still requested my father's assistance but only when he and Wickham disagreed on something. My father thought well of Wickham Sr. and always said that he was open to new ideas and ready to listen to all and sundry- always a good quality in a steward.
My father believed it was important to have a basic knowledge of the three Rs and made sure my brothers and I were taught reading, writing and arithmetic. My father and I discovered I had a flair and love for studies and after teaching me all that he knew, my father arranged for the local vicar, an unusually learned man, to give me lessons including some French.
John is seven years older than me. He had been working at Pemberley since he was ten years old. He started as a kitchen boy and moved up the ranks to footman and in time became Mr. Darcy's valet. Mr. Darcy thought it important that his staff could read and write and each servant, no matter how lowly, was given the opportunity to learn, not all took up the offer but John did, and Mr. Darcy encouraged him, even allowing him access to the library to enjoy his favourite pastime- reading. John saw me for the first time when I was about fifteen leaving the vicar's house after one of my lessons. He asked around and then came knocking on my father's door. After introducing himself he told my father that he had seen me at the village and wanted to know whether I was free, i.e. not promised to anyone. My father said that I was free, but still too young (an unusual stand at the time) and for John to come back in two years time, if he was still interested. In the meantime my father made his own inquiries and was quite impressed with what he had heard. He then told me of John's approach and asked if I would be interested in meeting him. I had seen John around and was not averse to meeting him. My father sent a message to John inviting him to a family meal and after our first formal meeting we knew we had found our other half. John agreed to wait until I was eighteen in order to get married, which ensured I was able to take care of my younger brothers (James stayed on at the farm helping our father and Henry started working with Wickham Sr. as an assistant) and father before being married.
Shortly after we were married Mrs. Darcy had to find a new lady's maid, as her previous one had married and moved away from Derbyshire, I applied for the job. Mrs. Darcy was impressed by my love of studies and agreed to take me on for a trial period of three months. The young master, Fitzwilliam, was then four years old and a more adorable, sweet tempered, generous hearted, curious, intelligent, and courteous child could not be found. Everybody from his parents to the stable boy wished to spoil him, but he would not be spoiled. He loved his mother dearly and spent many hours with her and therefore with me too, and he took to calling me Reynie, which I didn't mind one bit.
His favourite pastime was talking. He used to regale his mother and I with his adventures of the day, keeping us informed about what had happened at the stables, at the Smiths' farm, at the Knights' farm and so forth. When his father was at home Fitzwilliam was less loquacious. He used to follow him around, copying his mannerisms, listening to his talks with his steward, Mr. Wickham Sr, and other tenants. He loved and feared his father at the same time while his love to his mother was unconditional.
About a year after we were married I had a miscarriage and for a while was quite depressed. John had had to go away with the master and it was only with the aid of Mrs Darcy and the young master that I was able to pull myself together. When I became pregnant a year later, Mrs. Darcy watched over me like a hawk. I gave birth to a little boy which we named William. I was unable to feed him and his wet nurse was my sister in law, Mary, James's wife, whose baby had died a couple of weeks earlier, a few hours after he was born.
When the young master was about eight years old there was talk of sending him to school, but his mother objected, so the Master found a tutor for him and for young George Wickham, the steward's son and his godson, who was about six months younger than the young master. I did not like young Wickham, I thought he was dishonest, sneaky, a no gooder, I tried to tell the Master about him but he brushed me off with "boys will be boys". Mr. Darcy was rather fond of young Wickham as he was always smiling, bright, grateful, good tempered, at least in his presence, while the young master often seemed sullen, quiet and somber, often because young Wickham had just played another trick on him and he was left to carry the blame. He found it difficult to talk to his parents about the situation, especially his mother, as she would then say to him –"I am sure George is not as bad as that". I knew how he felt as I had found him on several occasions hiding in the linen room crying. I used to sit by him till he calmed down and he'd tell me what had happened, we then used to go and wash his face and I would bring him some hot chocolate and cookies to his room. He always made me promise I wouldn't tell anyone, not even John, I never did. The only other person who seemed aware of Wickham's real character was one of the young master's cousins, Richard Fitzwilliam, who was a couple of years older than the young master, and I noticed that young George seemed to be quite wary of him and hardly made a wrong move when he was around.
William, my son, had been spending most of his time at the farm with my brother, James, my sister in law, Mary and my father. Mary had had a number of miscarriages, and eventually the doctor told her to stop trying as she was very likely to cause herself harm. John and I were busy at Pemberley and we thought it would be best to leave him in the capable hands of James and Mary. We made sure we saw him at least twice a week and we contributed to his upkeep, upbringing and schooling. When William was two years old I gave birth to a daughter, Anne. Mary found a wet nurse for her and she and James asked if they could care for her, as they did for William, after some deliberations John and I agreed. It was a very difficult decision to make, we both wanted a family but our jobs were too demanding and we figured that James and Mary as their aunt and uncle would be the best surrogate family we would find, while enabling us to be near enough to the children to see them often, and make sure they were well looked after.
My father passed away when my little Anne was a year old. In his last years he let James run the farm, keeping a close eye on things, enjoying his time with his grandchildren, the attentions of his son and daughter in law, whom he cared for like a daughter, and the respect of Mr. Darcy, Mr. Wickham Sr. and the other tenants. At his funeral he was eulogized by many including Mr. Darcy. My father left the farm to James, and Henry and I inherited a small fortune, five hundred pounds, each. Following Mr. Darcy's advice we invested it in certain stocks and hoped for the best.
When the young master was twelve, a great tragedy fell on Pemberley, my beloved Mistress, Mrs. Darcy died, six months after giving birth to a daughter, Georgiana, a blue eyed golden haired little girl. The house almost fell apart, the Master was inconsolable, ignoring both children, especially the baby, drinking and spending most of his time in his study. Shortly after the funeral Lady Catherine showed up and tried to impose her will on Mr. Darcy to appoint her as Georgiana's guardian, though the Master was grief stricken he refused and in fact almost threw her off the estate. In fact if it had not been not for an innocent remark made by the young master Lady Catherine may never have been allowed to see the children again. The young master had decided it was his fault his mother had died, as he had asked her for a brother or sister and in total innocence said to me:
"Reynie, do you think Mama would ever forgive us (his father and himself) if we gave Georgiana away?"
"What do you think?" I asked him. I was careful in my wording as I saw the Master approaching us from the corner of my eye.
"I think", he said, "that Mama would never want us to part from the people that we love."
I noticed that Mr. Darcy had stopped his approach and was listening to us rather intently, he then came forward and bending down asked his son:
"Do you think your Mama loved your Aunt Catherine?"
"Yes", his son replied, "How can you not love your siblings?"
The Master gave him a kiss and went back to the house, shortly afterwards Lady Catherine left the house with the promise that the yearly visits to her will continue, and as that was all she actually wanted she was quite pleased with herself.
We all went about our work with no joy and the only one who seemed unaffected was the baby. I took to slipping into her room at different times to get away from all the sorrow and often found the young master there playing with her. There seemed to be a special bond growing between them and I was afraid of what would happen when he went away to school. Georgiana seemed to be able to comfort him like no one else, and it seemed as though all the love he'd had for his mother he transferred to his sister. He tried to spend as much time as possible with Georgie, as we called her, and with the other servants help we managed to keep young Wickham away from her.
After the death of Mrs. Darcy I began to fear for my position, I had no mistress to serve and it seemed unlikely the master would remarry. I assumed that he would want a younger woman to look after Georgie so I was unsurprised to receive a summons to Mr. Darcy's study about two months after Mrs. Darcy passed away, I was though surprised at his proposal:
"Reynie (by then everybody was calling me that) how would you like to become Georgiana's nurse?"
"I would like nothing better, sir" said I.
"You do realize the ramifications of this?"
"Yes, I do."
"Would you like to discuss it with John?"
"There is no need, I have his full support. We have already discussed the possibility and he will support whatever decision I make," said I.
"Very well then, Nurse Reynolds, you may begin your new duties."
Thus I became Georgiana's nurse. I had realised that this may stop any advancement I may have been seeking in the house, the old housekeeper had just retired and I could have applied for her job, but I realized that the only way I could look after the children properly was if I was Georgie's nurse. I also wanted to ensure the special bond between the brother and sister continued to grow and I thought I was the only person capable of nurturing it properly.
Miss Georgiana was a very lucky little girl. She had, other than her brother and I, two constant companions, both closer to her in age and character. The first was my Anne, who was two years older than her. The second was Emily, the daughter of the local apothecary, who was a year older than Georgie. Mr. Darcy did not seem to mind or care, the young master was happy that Georgie was being looked after so lovingly, and knowing he was going away shortly encouraged their friendship. As Miss Georgiana grew older the three girls became inseparable.
It was now September and it was time for the young master to go back to school. With him went young George Wickham, Mr. Darcy paying for his schooling. The young master did not like it, but knew he had no choice. Luckily for him his cousin Richard was at the same school, a few years ahead but that was enough to give the young master the confidence he needed to deal with young George Wickham. Before he returned to school he asked me to write to him about Georgiana, thus we began a correspondence that has endured for many years.
Every holiday or vacation that he was home, the first person he went to see was Georgiana. He would go straight into her room and spend a couple of hours with her, it was as though he needed her to keep going, she made it all worthwhile. Then he would go and greet his father. I suspected his father was a bit hurt by this, though he never said a word, yet during those times he would spend more time with young George Wickham, his godson, than his son. I tried to tell the young master a number of times that I think he should go and greet his father first, but he claimed that while he had his father and Georgiana, Georgiana had only him so his first duty was to her. There was an element of truth in that claim as Mr. Darcy barely saw Georgiana from one week to the next as she reminded him too much of his wife.
The summer before he went up to Cambridge was a golden summer. We, the young master, Georgiana (who was seven by now) and myself spent many hours in the grounds of Pemberley, often with my children William, who was eleven, Anne, who was nine and Emily who was eight. During those days the young master would tell me of things he had learnt, his hopes and aspirations for the future, his hopes for Georgiana, his plans for Pemberley and so forth. Occasionally the matter of marriage arose and he was quite determined to find someone within his social sphere that would fit the bill of being "the Mistress of Pemberley". When I inquired what the requirements were, he was a little vague, but he was only eightteen, so I allowed him some leeway in the matter. Before he left for University the young master consulted with John about a valet for himself. Until then whenever the young master required help one of the footmen would assist him, whoever happened to be available, now it was time for him to have his own. John recommended that he not choose one of the footmen from Pemberley as that could lead to some unpleasantness, gossip and so on. John suggested writing to one of the agencies and requesting their assistance. The young master asked John if he would be prepared to choose someone for him- "you know what may happen, I shall be imposing, reserved and no one will agree to become my valet. You know what I need I trust you."
After receiving some names and letters of recommendations, John interviewed three possible candidates, he asked me to be present at the interviews saying-
"We are not only choosing a valet for the young master we also need to find someone Georgie will trust."
After meeting with the three candidates we both agreed that the third one seemed the best one. His name was James Laird from Edinburgh, he was three years older than the young master, unmarried, his parents and three siblings were living in the Lake District, of his three siblings two were younger sisters and he had served one previous master (his master has died in an accident six months ago and the family would not keep him on.) James or Jamie, as he soon came to be known, met the young master a fortnight before he left for University. Within three days he knew most of his master's rituals, dislikes and preferences. He tended to ignore the young master's moods, went around with a constant smile on his face, loved reading and took great care of Miss Georgiana, keeping an eye on her when I was called away for something or other. The day before the young master left for Cambridge he called John and thanked him for his choice, saying- "He is a bit too jolly for me but that may be just what I need."
The young master spent four years at Cambridge. I believed he enjoyed almost every minute of it. The only times he suffered were when young George Wickham and his affairs, with young women, gambling and debts threatened to shame the Darcy name and he then stepped in quietly and ensured all debts etc were paid. He never said a word about George Wickham to his father or to me in his letters, which were now coming once a week on a regular basis, and I only heard about it through my brother Henry. Henry was Mr. Wickham Sr.'s assistant and he would go down to Cambridge once a fortnight on the Master's orders, to keep the young master updated on Pemberley affairs. The Master had started to fail physically and mentally and realized that young Fitzwilliam was going to find himself in charge of a large estate sooner than he thought and he wanted to make sure he was ready for the responsibility. Henry heard of young George's Wickhams misdemeanors almost everywhere he went and used to infirm me of the lighter ones.
In his third year at Cambridge the young master befriended a young man from the north, a Mr. Charles Bingley. Mr. Bingley was four years younger than the young master and their acquaintance came about due to an interesting observation of Bingley's shortly after being introduced to the young master (I heard the story from Mr. Bingley on one of his visits to Pemberley). The young master rarely attended any of the social functions at university and if he did he always stuck out. There were a number of reasons for that his height, his reservedness, his disdain of his fellow students and his dislike of dancing. On one of these rare occasions he was introduced to Mr. Bingley, after acknowledging him he rather dismissed him from his mind under the impression that the son of a tradesman can be of no use to him until he overheard him talking to one of the Fellows of the University.
"Well Charles, how are you faring at the University?"
"Not too badly, Uncle George. I am enjoying some of my courses, others I get by and the others, well you know."
"Well, learning was never your strong forte. Have you met anyone interesting?"
"I have met a lot of people, everybody is so kind and helpful."
"Have you been introduced to Mr. Darcy?"
"Yes, not long ago and I must say I was struck by his air of melancholy."
"Charles what are you talking about?"
"Uncle, he looks just like I did after Father passed away."
A few days later the young master approached this Fellow and asked to be directed to Mr. Bingley's quarters and thus began their friendship.
During their years in Cambridge he brought him to Pemberley a number of times. A more cheerful, happy young man could not be found, he was quite the opposite of the young master who was by now quite taciturn, introvert and extremely shy, especially with the opposite sex. It is said that opposites attract and that most certainly seemed the case here, everywhere Bingley went he was welcomed while my master was continually giving offence. I had hoped that this friendship would bring out the master but unfortunately two things happened. The first was that the young master met Bingley's sisters- Louisa and Caroline, both fine women yet unpleasant and sharp especially Miss Caroline, who decided to set her cap at the master, thus strengthening in the young master the negative attitude towards women in general and young women in particular. The second thing was his father's failing health which drew him away from Cambridge very often and increased his involvement in all of Pemberley's affairs.
Posted on Thursday, 18 October 2007
Mr. Darcy was quite ill when the young master came of age. Due to his illness there was no party, ball or celebration of any kind, much to the young master's relief. His cousins, the Fitzwilliams and Anne, each sent a gift as did Mr. Bingley. Miss Georgiana with my Anne's help knitted him a cardigan and I with Cook's help prepared all his favourite dishes. Mr. Darcy was too ill to attend the dinner so it was just the young master and Miss Georgiana. They asked John, William, Anne, Emily and I to join them for the meal but we refused, we did agree to join them for dessert.
Shortly afterwards the young master returned for his last year at University. The year was cut short when Mr. Darcy's health deteriorated even more and Mr. Wickham Sr. asked him to come home to resolve some issues. Mr. Darcy later improved somewhat and so the young master returned to the University to finish his degree. Three months after he celebrated his twenty third birthday Mr. Darcy passed away. The loss of Mr. Darcy did not upset the house as much as that of Mrs. Darcy eleven years earlier. There were a number of reasons for that. He had been ill for the last few years so his presence hadn't really been felt about the house, most of the problems that had arisen in that time had been presented to and solved by the young master, so the passing of the reins was a relatively smooth affair, especially since the young master was of age. As soon as the funeral was over I began to hear rumours about the fate of Miss Georgiana. The staff was talking of her being sent to her Fitzwilliam relatives or worse to her Aunt Catherine and I could tell that the staff and especially Sally were concerned. I was not too worried as Mr. Darcy had confided in me his intentions about Georgie. When it was discovered that the young master and his cousin, Major Fitzwilliam, as he was then, were appointed as joint guardians over Miss Georgiana a sigh of relief went through the house. But there was to be one more loss to bear before things began to settle down, Mr. Wickham Sr. died six months after Mr. Darcy.
When Mr. Wickham Sr. died it was discovered that he had left no will and that he had very little money left, quite surprising as Mr. Darcy had been considered a generous employer. But when the young master looked into Mr. Wickham Sr.'s affairs he discovered that George had been deceiving his own father and had taken large sums of money from him over the years to pay his debts of honour and gambling. The young master found himself in a quandary as Mr. Darcy in his will had stipulated that if young Wickham decided to take orders a valuable family living should be his as soon as it became vacant and there was a legacy of one thousand pounds. The young master did not think George was suitable for the job but if the subject had come up he would not have gone against his father's wishes. Luckily for the young master George Wickham decided against taking orders and after resigning all claim for assistance in the church he received instead three thousand pounds from the young master. He then departed for London and disappeared from our lives.
The Master in his will had also left John and I a small legacy and stipulated that a small sum was be paid to us annually for as long as we live. John was quite overcome by it all and asked and received permission to go to the farm for a month to think over his next step. John was by now forty four years old, the young master had his own valet, and though the young master promised he would find him something suitable in Pemberley John decided to take some time off and think. I too realized my time as Georgie's nurse was coming to an end, she was eleven years old and it was time to get her a governess or send her to school and so I began to wonder what I should do next.
After a month at the farm John approached James and asked if he could stay on. After all the years of travel and hassle with the Master, John found life in the farm a pleasant change. He enjoyed the time he spent with William and Anne, our children, and he discovered he had an affinity with horses. James agreed though he warned him life might be dull in the farm after Pemberley but John said he would manage. I was happy with John's decision, he had been in the Darcys' service for over thirty years, it was time for him to have some life of his own. When the young master heard of John's decision he gave him his blessing and wished him all the best. He paid John a tidy sum of recompense for all his years of service and added-
"John if you ever change your mind let me know I'll find you a job here at Pemberley."
As for me I was still Miss Georgiana's nurse but time was running out. Shortly after Mr. Wickham Sr. died, the young master called me to his study, I was somewhat apprehensive but I knew I would not be dismissed without references or compensation.
"Sit down Reynie."
"Yes Sir."
"As you know Georgie is eleven, it is time to get her a governess, a companion or to send her to school."
"Yes Sir, I realize that."
"You have done an excellent job over the years and for that we are very grateful to you."
"It was my pleasure Sir."
"You may not have heard Reynie but Mrs. Thomas (she was the housekeeper at Pemberley) has handed in her resignation."
"No Sir, I did not know. Did something happen?"
"Apparently her younger daughter had twins a couple of months ago and she has not quite recovered, in fact it seems she may be dying, so Mrs. Thomas has decided to quit Pemberley and go and assist her daughter."
"I knew her daughter had had twins but I did not realize things were so bad."
"I don't think Mrs. Thomas knew either until yesterday when the letter arrived from her son in law. She came to me directly and after discussing with her all her options we agreed that she should resign and go to her daughter. The announcement to the staff will be made in two days time."
"I will be sorry to see her leave, she was a very good housekeeper."
"Yes, she was. While we were talking yesterday I asked her if she could recommend anyone from the staff or anyone else to replace her, she said yes and mentioned your name."
"Me Sir? I have been Miss Georgianas's nurse these eleven years, a bit unusual to have the nursemaid become the housekeeper."
"You are right Reynie, but you were my mother's maid before that, most of the staff know you and John, you have been with us for almost twenty years and there is no one else on the staff I would trust more. What do you say?"
I was quite bewildered so I said the first thing that came to my head –"I must speak with John."
"Of course Reynie, but remember Mrs. Thomas is leaving in three days time."
I asked and was granted permission to go down to the farm for the afternoon. When I got to the farm Mary told me that John was in the paddock with the horses, she also asked if there was something wrong, I told her I would tell her everything after I had spoken to John. John saw me coming and asked William to take over from him, he then led me gently towards the lake and asked
"What is it my dear, you look like you've seen a ghost."
"Oh John I don't know what to do."
"That doesn't sound like you, tell me what happened and we'll take it from there."
I sat down and leaned my head towards John and told him of all that had occurred. John was silent for a few minutes and then said – "Poor Mrs. Thomas." He held on to me and slowly but surely I began to calm down. After fifteen minutes or so John said- "Well what have you decided?"
"What makes you sure I've decided anything?"
John began to laugh "How long have I known you?"
"Almost twenty five years."
"Exactly. And in all those years you've always made up your mind within ten minutes so why should this be any different?"
"I suppose you are right. But you don't think the other members of the staff will object?"
"If there is one person the staff at Pemberley trust it is the young master, and if you ask me even more than Mr. Darcy. So if the young master decided that you are to be the housekeeper that is that. There may be some grumbles at first but I am sure you will win them over."
"What would I do without you John, you are truly my source of strength."
We stayed by the lake a while and then headed back to the farm to tell Mary, James, Henry, William and Anne of my decision.
I went back to the house that evening and knocked on the young master's study.
"Come in." he said.
I entered and found him sitting by his desk going over some papers. He jumped up when he saw me and came up to me.
"Well what have you decided?"
"If Mrs. Thomas wants to leave in three days I suggest we meet early in the morning to go over things."
"Thank you Reynie, this is the best news I've heard in a while."
I left the office and returned to my room and on the way I kept wondering what John meant when he said- "If there is one person the staff at Pemberley trust it is the young master…" and I wondered whether that applied only to personal staff affairs or to Pemberley affairs too. I entered Georgie's room, made sure she was well protected from the cold and then went to my room and fell asleep almost immediately.
Telling Georgiana was not easy and after some deliberations it was decided to find her a governess and postpone her leaving to school. With the help of the Major's mother we soon found a governess, a Miss Lawson. Her references were excellent and she could begin work immediately. A carriage was sent to collect her and the night before she arrived Georgie asked if I would spend the night with her, I agreed.
When I came to my darling's room, her brother was just leaving – "She is so afraid I don't know what to do."
"Don't worry Sir, you'll see everything will turn out right at the end."
"I hope so Reynie, I hope so."
When I entered the room Georgie was sitting on her bed holding her bear tight and in her hand was her favourite book "The Ostrich Egg". After reading it to her, I blew softly at the candle and lay down by my darling.
"Oh Reynie, I am so scared."
"Of what darling?"
"Of Miss Lawson? What if she doesn't like me? What if I don't like her? What if she is cruel or mean to me?"
"Well if she is mean or cruel to you, you must tell your brother, your cousin or anybody on the staff, there is no one more important than you at Pemberley."
"Not even my brother?"
"Not even your brother, everything he does is for you, without you his life would be empty and meaningless, believe me."
"What if she doesn't like me?"
"Do you remember when Sally first came here?"
We both burst out laughing.
Shortly after Georgiana celebrated her seventh birthday Sally arrived at Pemberley, she had been hired to assist me in the nursery duties. On the day Sally arrived Georgiana threw her first and only tantrum, she went around the house yelling at everyone, throwing her games and toys at anybody who came near her and no-one was prepared to approach her. The Master had left the previous day to London for a meeting with his lawyer, the young master had left for University and I had been spending a couple of days at the farm helping out as Mary and the children had come down with the chicken pox. Mrs. Thomas quickly penned a note and sent one of the stable boys to get me but in the meantime help arrived from an unexpected quarter. Sally getting off the cart that had brought her from Lambton to Pemberley heard the commotion and decided to check it out. Sally was the eldest of seven, and among her siblings there were two sets of twins, the first two boys the second a boy and girl, the noise she heard reminded her of the racket her siblings made and she knew exactly what to do. Walking into the house Sally found most of the staff cowering before a child, Sally put her bag down went up to Georgiana grabbed her hands and pulled them back, then in a voice that demanded quiet and obedience she instructed the child to stop her "screeching" or she would be obliged to throw her in the lake she passed on her way. She then told her that she had never met anyone in her life so selfish and inconsiderate and that if she wanted anyone's respect she should pick up her toys and games, apologise and go to her room. Georgiana was so shocked she did exactly what Sally said and on her way out she heard Sally mutter, "What a disgusting child, I pity her Nurse." All those who witnessed the scene were astounded by the events and wondered who this young girl was. Immediately afterwards Sally introduced herself to Mrs. Thomas, the housekeeper, and after being told that the young girl she had just reprimanded was to be her charge, Sally was stunned "Are you telling me that I am supposed to look after That Child?" when Mrs. Thomas confirmed that, Sally said "Well, after taking care of her, other children will be a piece of cake."
Mrs. Thomas took Sally to her room to give her some refreshments and to await my arrival. I returned to Pemberley as soon as I received the note from Cook, assuring Mary I'll be back the following day even if it meant bringing Georgiana with me. At the house everyone was talking of Georgiana's tantrum and the first thing I did was go up and see her. Georgie was sitting in her room in a daze, nobody had ever rough handled her or spoken to her so brusquely and nobody had ever called her "disgusting". As soon as I walked in Georgie flung herself in my arms and began to cry, as I calmed her down I noticed she was rather warm, a peep on her back confirmed my suspicion Georgie had come down with the chicken pox. I immediately undressed her and called for some lukewarm water and after bathing her and putting some lotion on her I settled her down and went looking for Mrs. Thomas, I had an idea.
Sally was still waiting in Mrs. Thomas's room when I got there. After Mrs. Thomas introduced us I asked Sally if she would be prepared to wait outside for a few minutes, after she closed the door I said to Mrs. Thomas-
"Miss Georgiana has come down with the chicken pox."
"No wonder she was so hysterical earlier, I presume you heard most if not all the details."
"Yes I have."
"What do you think we should do with Sally?"
"I think we should keep her and what's more I think I shall give her her first assignment- looking after Miss Georgiana."
"Are you sure that is wise?"
"Having six siblings has probably taught her a thing or two about keeping children occupied while they are ill. I think I will chance it."
"You are her Nurse, I just hope you know what you are doing."
As I left the housekeeper's room I wondered whether I was not making a mistake but my instincts told me otherwise so I decided to see wait and see how events would develop. Sally was waiting outside the room, rather anxiously, I smiled to relieve her and said "Please come with me."
As we walked towards the nursery I told Sally that I was Miss Georgiana's Nurse and that the little girl had come down with chicken pox and that I required help in looking after her. "Oh Nurse Reynolds I am not sure that is a good idea."
"Why is that?" I asked.
"Well… I spoke to her rather harshly earlier when she threw a tantrum and she will probably refuse to let me take care of her."
"I believe you are the eldest in your family. How many brothers and sisters do you have?"
"I have four brothers and two sisters, the youngest has just turned four."
"Then you've had your share of taking care of sick children?"
"You could say that."
"Have you had the chicken pox?"
"When I was three and I've helped my mother when my younger brothers and sisters came down with them."
"Then you know how cranky, tired and frustrated they become."
"Tell me about it."
"A word of advice, if you ignore the events that occurred this morning I suspect you will learn to love the little girl as much as we do."
I could see that Sally was skeptical and decided to let things run their course. When we arrived at the Nursery Georgie was beginning to scratch, I quickly put some more lotion on her, told her not to scratch and gave her her favourite toy to hold, a bear. I then asked Sally to close the curtains but to leave the window open. I gave Georgie some chamomile tea and waited to see if she settled down, when I saw that she was still unsettled I asked Sally to read Georgie her favourite book while I went down to the kitchen to consult with Cook. Sally sat down by Georgie and began to read, I had never heard anyone read to Miss Georgiana like that, not even the young master. Sally had a different tone, voice, facial expression and gesture for each character in the book, Georgiana sat there engrossed. I left them and went downstairs. By the time I had come up with some broth for Georgiana, she and Sally had forged a friendship that only strengthened during the years. After that Sally became my assistant and in time she took over the duties of bathing, dressing, mending and sewing for Miss Georgiana. They often referred to that first encounter as "throw her into the lake".
I had hoped that by reminding Georgiana of Sally's first action and subsequent events she would calm down and that the first meeting with Miss Lawson would be uneventful, which it was, and within a month the entire staff was singing Miss Lawson's praise.
As for me I slowly but surely began to find my way around as housekeeper. Two mornings before Mrs. Thomas left I met her and Mr. Darcy in his study. She went over the house accounts with me, the menus, the silverware, linen etc. She told me of some of the staff's eccentricities and who to keep an eye on, having been Miss Georgiana's Nurse for so many years I was to a certain extent removed from the regular day to day running of Pemberley. Mrs. Thomas also showed me where she kept her files about the staff, the bedrooms, the bills etc, by the time the evening came I was quite exhausted but as Mrs. Thomas said "Everybody makes mistakes, so learn from them and keep going." The next morning we went over the whole house, the vegetable garden, the hothouse and she showed me her room. It was larger than the one I had as Georgie's Nurse with a few extra amenities. That evening the master made the official announcement, the staff had guessed and had bought Mrs. Thomas a farewell gift and gave her some money for her daughter. The master also gave her a handsome gift and when she left the next morning, many of the staff came to bid her farewell. She wrote to me shortly after she arrived, her daughter was very ill and the apothecary was doing what he could, but the odds were against her. I went to the master and asked if there was some way to help, he promised he would try and do something.
A few weeks later I heard from Mrs. Thomas again, a Dr. Meredith from London, had been visiting in the area and after hearing the apothecary describe her daughter's complaints asked if he could see her. After examining her daughter thoroughly he had made a number of suggestions and it seemed her daughter was going to recover, but it would take a while. The good doctor refused to take payment saying he didn't often get to see such cases and he benefited from it. The name Dr. Meredith rang a bell and I remembered that when the three girls- Georgiana, Anne and Emily had come down with the measles we quarantined them in the nursery and that a Dr. Meredith had come down from Town one afternoon to check on them as Emily was very sleepy and Anne's temperature refused to drop to normal. After examining them and giving Sally some draughts he briefed Mr. Darcy and myself about the possible complications of measles and asked if he could spend the night so he could check on the girls again in the morning. The master immediately instructed a room to be prepared for the doctor and I went to sit with the girls, feeling despondent. That night Anne's fever broke and by the next morning there was a marked improvement in Emily and Anne. The Doctor examined them and expressed his satisfaction. He requested that Sally continue to administer the draughts for another two days, and left after lunch. The girls recovered completely.
After hearing from Mrs. Thomas I decided to go to the master, tell him the news and thank him. He was very happy to hear that there was a good chance that Mrs. Thomas's daughter will recover but refused to hear my thanks saying it was probably a coincidence that Dr Meredith happened to be there at that time, I was not so easily deceived but decided that if he preferred it that way I would keep quiet. For me it was another reason to respect and honour him as I knew this was not the first time he had worked behind the scenes to aid one of his friends, relatives or tenants.
Slowly the house began to find its new rhythm, there was a new Master, a young mistress who was becoming every day more and more like her mother and a new housekeeper. The Master spent about half his time at Pemberley and the other half in town. He would leave Pemberley towards the end of February, when the roads were passable and return at the end of July, beginning of August. Thus he was in London during the Season, not his favourite time. He would write about once a fortnight, his letters always included a brief review of some of the social events he had been, but there was never any mention of any young lady, except Miss Bingley or one of his cousins, from the Fitzwilliam side. His cousin Anne De Bourgh only received a mention during Easter when he and Major Fitzwilliam went to visit. He would only go to those balls he could not avoid (dancing was not his favourite pastime though he danced very well). The Opera, the Theatre and the concerts were more to his liking. Occasionally he would go to house parties and once or twice even had one at Pemberley. He did not like to invite people to Pemberley as he considered it his haven from London society and Georgiana was still at Pemberley most of the time and he did not want to disrupt her routine. If the Bingleys were part of the house party Miss Bingley tried to act as hostess much to the Master's chagrin, but he tried not to show it so as not to hurt Charles Bingley's feelings, but I remembered something John had once said "trust the Master" so I ensured there was no lasting damage to Pemberley.
Miss Georgiana was becoming more like her mother every day, in her character, intelligence, mannerisms and beauty. She loved her studies and every year she would join the young Master for the last two months of the Season. She would have music, singing and riding lessons as well as her regular studies. She would accompany her brother to Readings and such events as he saw fit for her to attend- family dinners and so forth. Wherever Miss Georgiana went she was loved for her quiet unassuming manner and her gentle behaviour towards all those she encountered whether they were aristocrats, the little girl in the park, the servants or the lowliest tenant at Pemberley. I was proud that I had Miss Georgiana as my mistress.
As for me, housekeeping wasn't as easy as I had thought. There didn't seem to be enough time in the day for me. I divided the days into segments yet at the end of the day I always felt I had missed out on something. After two months I decided I had made a mistake and that I should not have taken this job. I decided to resign but before telling the Master I decided to consult with John. I hinted to Mary that I wanted to talk with John quietly so the following Sunday after we had dined at the farm as we had done for so many years Mary arranged for the disappearance of everybody and I suggested to John we take a walk down to the lake. As we walked down I noticed John kept glancing at me, I ignored him until we reached the lake and sat down in our favourite spot.
"Are you going to tell me what happened or do I have to guess?" Said John.
"Oh John I don't know what to do."
"What happened?"
"I think I made a mistake becoming the housekeeper."
"Why is that?"
"At the end of each day I feel like I've done everything yet nothing."
"I assume you mean that you feel you have not accomplished all that you set out to do for that day."
"Yes I suppose so, I mean I divide up the day but something always occurs to disrupt my plans."
"Well my dear I'd be very surprised to hear otherwise."
"What do you mean John?"
"How long were you Georgie's nurse?"
"You know the answer, almost eleven years."
"Exactly. In those eleven years how many people did you have working under you?"
I began to get a glimpse of what John was saying so I answered "At the most maybe three or four and that does not include Georgie who was the easiest child to nurse."
"How many people are under your care now, as housekeeper?"
"Probably close to twenty five- thirty."
"If each one of them approached you every day for one little thing, just that is two hours off your planned time. Are you still surprised?"
"Well if you put it that way no. So what should I do?"
"Try to be a bit more flexible. Set weekly goals not daily ones and you will have time for other things as well."
"As though I am not doing enough." I said laughingly, "But you are right, I'll try."
Walking back to the house that evening I thought over what John had said. Pemberley could probably run itself, if necessary, it just needed someone to supervise and direct as needed. I, as housekeeper, was that someone and thus I should learn to delegate functions to others and generally act as supervisor. When I reached my room I made a list of the different duties I thought the housekeeper was required to do, and then decided which of those I could delegate to a certain extent and to whom taking into account how much responsibility was involved in each duty. There were a number of duties I was reluctant to give up, one of them being the guide to Pemberley for visitors, and I decided to wait and see how events unfold before I gave up on the tour of the house. Over the years I delegated that duty maybe once or twice, I enjoyed meeting the people who came to see Pemberley and I was fascinated by the different emotions the visitors expressed during their tour of the house.
The next morning I started acting according to my plan, it took a while and slowly but surely Pemberley and I found our balance and rhythm. In time I found I loved being the housekeeper and my only fear was that any young lady the Master marries will not appreciate and love Pemberley as much as he did Yet as it seemed more and more unlikely that he would ever marry and I felt sorry for the Master, Miss Georgiana and Pemberley.
Posted on Thursday, 25 October 2007
Life in Pemberley continued peacefully for the next couple of years until just before Miss Georgiana's fourteenth birthday party. A few days before the party Lieutenant Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived with his parents Lord and Lady M_____ . They were a well respected intelligent couple for whom family rank and place in society were of great importance. They were not always considerate of those below them yet they never mistreated servants, theirs or others.
They remained in Pemberley after the party and I noticed that there were many discussions between the Master and his relatives It seemed as though they were trying to persuade him to agree to a plan they had formed but he was resisting.
Two days before they left, Lady M____ sent word with one of the maids that she wished to speak to me. I tried to think of any mishaps that had occurred during the past week but except for the burnt potatoes, on the second night, I could recall nothing else.
I knocked on her Lladyship's door and was bid to enter. "Good morning Mrs. Reynolds," she said.
"Good morning Lady M_____ ."
"You are probably wondering why I wished to speak to you."
"Yes I am Ma'am. It is a bit unusual, if I may say so, for a guest to request the presence of the housekeeper."
"You are right, Mrs. Reynolds but I feel these are unusual circumstances. I believe you were Miss Georgiana's Nurse before being appointed Housekeeper, and that you have been working for the Darcy family for over twenty years?"
"That is all true Ma'am."
"Then maybe you can be of some assistance to us."
"Us, Ma'am?"
"His Lordship, Lieutenant Colonel and I think Miss Georgiana should go to school, your Master does not agree with us. What do you think?"
I was dumbstruck, I never thought of Miss Georgiana leaving for school, but it actually made perfect sense. There was a strong need for my young mistress to meet other girls from her social sphere. I was beginning to fear that if Miss Georgiana's social skills were not cultivated she may become as reserved and unsociable as her brother.
"I agree with you Ma'am. It is time she went to school but you have three problems before you, the Master's obstinacy, Miss Georgiana's fear of change and Miss Lawson's future."
"Well the last problem is the easiest to overcome. I am sure I could find Miss Lawson a new position in days, if she so requests. But with the other two obstacles I need your help."
"My help? Why?"
"Well, you've known Fitzwilliam and Georgiana for almost as long as we have. They both trust you and I suspect that any solution you present will take into consideration issues we have not considered."
"Thank you Ma'am. May I have a few hours to think about it? I'll give you an answer before dinner."
"That will suit me very well Mrs. Reynolds."
As I walked back to my room I thought over what Lady M_____ had said. I realized our biggest impediment was the Master. Being Miss Georgiana's guardian had made him, very protective of her and as Miss Georgiana was even shier than him, he tried to safeguard her from the rest of society. The solution therefore had to be one that would put all his fears to rest.
When I reached my room I called Sally and relayed to her my conversation with the Master's Aunt. Sally was quiet for a couple of minutes and then said "It will be the best thing for the dear, she'll hate it at the beginning, but if she had someone with her she trusts, not a servant, it would make the transition easier for her."
"You are quite right Sally."
An idea was beginning to form in my head but I knew I had to talk to at least two more people before I could carry it out. As it was a Wednesday I didn't need to ask permission to go down to the farm, as that was one of my regular days. (All of Sunday and Wednesday afternoon were always spent at the farm.)
As usual the first hour in the farm was spent exchanging news, looking at Mary's new samplers, Anne's new books, listening to James's, William's and John's old and new ideas for the farm and then I had some time alone with John and the children. Today I asked William and Anne to leave me with their father for half an hour or so and then come back. After the children stepped out John asked "What is the matter Sarah?"
I told him of my talk with Lady M____ and with Sally. He was quiet for a few minutes and then said " You know they are right."
"Yes I do. John how much money have we have in our savings?"
"About one thousand pounds my dear, why?"
"What if we send Anne to school?"
John began to smile. "Anne is sixteen years old, she could probably teach some of the girls and teachers at the school a thing or two."
"True, but think how much couple of years schooling would give benefit Anne. She could become a governess, a teacher at a seminary or even a companion instead of spending her life on the farm."
"Do you think Anne will agree?"
"Yes if she knows why she is going away and with whom. Anne is unlike Miss Georgiana, she is a sociable, fun loving and friendly girl. Anne makes friends easily, is a good judge of character, is a loyal friend and she will look after Georgie like an elder sister."
"If you think so and Anne agrees I shall support you both, let us call in the children."
We called William and Anne in and explained the situation. Anne was surprised but agreed to help. When Anne asked why not Emily, who was closer to Georgiana in age, I said that Georgie and Emily were too much alike and Georgie needed someone who would motivate her to go out more often than she wished and protect her at the same time.
"And besides" I said, "Emily does not need to worry about her future." A quick glance revealed a blushing William. We all knew of William's feelings towards Emily but she was still too young, so William was biding his time.
John then said "Well that solves Miss Georgiana's difficulty but what about the Master's?"
"Actually I think that one solution will lead to the next."
That evening I met with Lady M______ and suggested Anne accompany Miss Georgiana to school and added that we were willing and able to pay for Anne's schooling. With a familiar face Miss Georgiana's fear of change would diminish. I then added that I thought that if the Master thought Georgiana safe he would agree to send her. Her Ladyship approved of the idea and at first wished me to join the discussion the following morning but I did not think it appropriate for me to be present there. Instead I suggested I meet with the Master, separately, before their meeting, her Ladyship agreed.
Over the years the Master and I had perfected a system. As there was no Mistress, yet, we would arrange to meet once a week in his study during the months he was at Pemberley to review household expenditures, to exchange news and discuss different household issues. Our weekly meeting took place the following morning.
After going over the routine material I told him I wished to confer with him on a certain subject.
"What do you wish to discuss Reynie?"
"John and I thought of sending Anne to school for a year or two."
"Why? Anne is an accomplished young lady, well read and even fluent in French. Why would you want to send her to a school where all they teach is sewing, crocheting, dancing, fashion and so forth?"
"John and I wish something better for Anne than a farmer's wife. If she goes to school it mat be easier for her to find a situation as a governess, lady's companion or teacher."
"I see what you mean. Have you made any inquiries about schools?"
"No, not yet."
The Master got up from his seat and began to walk about the room, I waited silently for his next question knowing exactly what it will be.
"Has my Aunt spoken to you Reynie?"
"Yes she has."
"And what did she tell you?"
I told him of my conversation with her Ladyship and of the talk I had with Sally, John and Anne. I kept nothing back and when I was finished the Master looked at me and turned away.
"Do you realize what you are saying Reynie?"
"Yes I think I do. I too love Georgiana very much and would miss her terribly if she went away, but I do believe she may benefit from a year or two at school. I also wish to tell you that whatever you decide about Miss Georgiana will not affect our decision regarding Anne. We can afford to send her away for a year or two, and I think Anne will enjoy it."
"Thank you Reynie. I must ask you to leave now as I have much to think about."
"Very well Sir. Have a good day."
As I walked out of the room I wondered briefly whether we might be doing the wrong thing. For a minute I felt as though I was betraying Pemberley but almost immediately I checked myself and mumbled "It is for everyone's benefit."
The morning passed quietly, I went about my housekeeping duties, guided a family of four about Pemberley and sat with Cook over the menus for the next few days. After a light lunch in my room I received a request to join the Master and their Lordships in the library. When I entered the library a quick glance at her Ladyship confirmed my suspicions. Yet it was Lord M_____ who spoke first.
"As you have heard from her Ladyship, Mrs. Reynolds, for the last few days we have been discussing the possibility of sending Miss Georgiana to school."
"Yes I have."
"We would like to make you an offer."
I looked at the Master and he nodding to his Uncle picked up the thread of the discussion
"I thought of what we talked this morning, Mrs. Reynolds, and I am willing to make the following suggestion. If you agree to let Anne become Miss Georgiana's companion during her school year I will pay for her tuition and board."
"Sir, there is no need for you to do that. As I told you this morning my husband and I can afford to send Anne to school."
"Nevertheless, this is the offer. As you know my father did the same for his godson, and I feel it incumbent upon me to do the same for you and John after all those years of service to the family. You may buy Anne a new wardrobe with the money you were going to spend on her schooling."
"Excuse me Sir but I could probably buy Anne three new wardrobes and still have some money left over."
Everybody looked at me in amazement and then the Lieutenant Colonel began to laugh and very soon we were all laughing as well. The ice had been broken. I agreed to take up the Master's offer and we began to discuss the issue in earnest.
After we had worked out most of the details I asked "And who is going to tell Miss Georgiana?"
"I will," said the Master, "It is my duty as her brother and guardian."
"I shall join you," said the Lieutenant Colonel, "Georgie must know we are one on this matter."
"Very well," said the Master and they went out together.
As I was about to leave the library her Ladyship said to me "Thank you Mrs. Reynolds for all your help, we could never have succeeded without you." I curtsied and made my way back to my rooms thinking of Miss Georgiana. When I reached my room I sent a note to John telling him what had occurred and asked him to come up to the house with Anne the following morning.
That evening Sally came to me and asked me to come up to Miss Georgiana's room. Georgie was sitting by the window looking outside.
"I am going to miss Pemberley," she said.
"It is only for a short while my dear."
"It will seem forever."
"Do you realise that Miss Lawson has been with you for three years already."
"It seems only yesterday when she arrived."
"Do you remember how anxious you were?"
"Yes I do."
"Well you are three years older, more experienced and you are going away with Anne and Sally. What harm could come to you?"
"You are right Reynie."
"Remember what I told you about being the most important person in Pemberley, it is still true. So if you are unhappy, if anyone hurts you, let someone know and you will be cared for. Remember we love you."
"Thank you for everything Reynie." She then burst into tears and fell into my arms. I let her have her cry and when she was calmer gave her a soft kiss and left her to Sally's care.
Within a month all the arrangements had been completed and in September the two girls left with Sally to school. Pemberley suddenly became very silent, no music, no singing, no running feet. The Master found it difficult to remain in the house and often went away to house parties, hunts, Town, anywhere away from silent Pemberley.
I missed the girls very much. I wrote to Anne at least once a week and to Georgie and Sally twice a month. I was happy to hear that Georgiana found a couple of friends and that the teachers at the school thought very highly of our two young ladies. John and I went to London a couple of times during the year to see them. The Master went at least once a month.
Toward the end of March I received the following letter from the Master:
23rd March 1811
Dear Reynie,
I was not surprised at the contents of the letter, Anne had apprised me of that possibility in her last few letters. Anne had also mentioned that she had met Mrs. Younge and did not like her. According to Anne, Mrs. Younge had snubbed her and then ignored her completely. I did not pay too much attention to what Anne had said as I thought she was piqued by her, even though I knew Anne was a good judge of character I simply imagined that in this case she was mistaken. I could not have been more wrong.
Georgiana stayed in town until the Season was over. I received letters from her on a weekly basis and she seemed content. She had no complaints about Mrs. Younge and there were no disapproving remarks about her from the Master so I assumed all was well. There was one other person who seemed displeased with Mrs. Younge, Sally, but I put that down to jealousy.
At the end of June Miss Georgiana, Mrs. Younge and Sally went to Ramsgate for the summer. The Master had invited Anne to join them but she declined avowing a previous arrangement with one of her school friends.
Mrs. Younge thought the sea air may be good for Georgiana, and indeed in the letters I began to receive from Georgie there was a marked change. The letters were livelier, happier but shorter. I assumed Georgiana was too busy to write longer letters and I thanked Mrs. Younge in my heart for suggesting the move to Ramsgate.
I began to look forward to meeting Mrs. Younge. She and Miss Georgiana were supposed to come unto Pemberley after Ramsgate and in fact they had sent some of their belongings directly from London to Pemberley. The Master and I had decided which of the rooms would be Mrs. Younge's and I had begun to prepare it for her.
About three weeks into their stay at Ramsgate I received the following letter from Sally.
17th July 1811
Dear Reynie,
I stared at the letter for the longest time, I couldn't shake off a feeling of approaching disaster. At first I wondered how come Sally didn't recognize him but then I realized. Sally had come to work at Pemberley when the young Master and Wickham were at University. George Wickham rarely came to Pemberley during University vacations, unless it was to get some money from his father, and he never came up to the house. The old Master was quite ill by then and Fitzwilliam would not allow him into the house. So Sally had actually never met him and probably never heard about the Master's will and his legacy to George Wickham.
I immediately decided to send an express to the Master advising him to go and visit his sister as soon as possible. I did not say more than that, as I thought that if Wickham hears that the Master is due, he would abscond and no one will be any the wiser.
Four days after sending the express to the Master I received an express from him thanking me for the suggestion and informing me that he, Georgiana and Sally were on their way home, to Pemberley. As I had no idea how far or near they were to Pemberley, I immediately went to check on their rooms and ensure their readiness. I also went to see Cook and asked her to make some of the Master's and Miss Georgian's favourite sweets as I was sure they would need a warm welcome when they arrived home.
The following morning the carriage pulled up and the Master and Miss Georgiana stepped out. The Master looked as though he hadn't slept in a week and Miss Georgiana looked as though she had been crying for a week. I quickly arranged for some hot water to be sent to their rooms along with some tea and sweets, and went back to my room wondering what had happened.
I did not see the Master or Miss Georgiana until the following day. The Master met me by the breakfast room and asked if I would come to his study around noon, I agreed. Miss Georgiana sent Sally to me asking if I would come and have tea with her in the late afternoon, I told Sally I would love to join her.
At noon I knocked on the Master's study and was bid to enter.
"Please sit down Reynie. Let me thank you for the express you sent me. I had been planning to go and visit Georgiana but if I had gone as planned I may have been too late."
"Too late Sir?"
"Apparently Wickham had decided to elope with Georgiana to Gretna Green. In fact they were due to leave two days after my arrival."
"Elopement?"
"Yes Reynie. It would seem we were mistaken in Mrs.Younge's character. She and Wickham have known one another for a number of years, and when Wickham heard we were looking for a companion for Georgiana, he furnished her with the necessary documents to ensure she got the job. Her recommendations were not hers. Wickham had falsified another's letters of recommendation and gave them to her."
"Sir this is shocking."
"I haven't finished Reynie. Mrs. Younge and Wickham arranged that he would not come calling on Georgie while she was in London. Their reasoning was that someone may recognize Wickham and report back to me. They decided to wait. The decision to go to Ramsgate was Wickham's. He knew it from a previous stay and thought it may appeal to Georgiana. Shortly after their arrival in Ramsgate he called on Georgie and so recommended himself that she was convinced she was in love with him and agreed to an elopement. His interest was no doubt Georgie's thirty thousand pounds. Luckily for us your express brought me to Ramsgate a couple of days before the proposed elopement. Georgiana, who has never been able to keep a secret from me, told me of the planned elopement. I immediately made my way to Wickham's rooms where I confronted him. He didn't even apologise. I told him that if he was not gone within the hour I would send the constable to check on him. He checked out in thirty minutes. As for Mrs. Younge I dismissed her on the spot without references."
"Are you going to report Wickham?"
"And have Miss Georgiana's reputation shred to bits, no Reynie. I am not going to do anything except pray that no other young lady falls into his hands."
"What of Mrs. Younge's belongings?"
"I have no doubt she will write to you about them. Send her the belongings to whatever address she gives you, just don't tell me about it."
"Very well Sir."
"Reynie this, the truth, must go no further than John. Anyone else who asks you, tell them Georgie was feeling unwell and asked to be brought home."
"I understand Sir. But before I leave I wish to say that it was Sally who first intimated to me of Mr Wickham's presence at Ramsgate, and that both Anne and Sally are better judges of character than we are."
"Yes I know of Sally's part in the affair, and I shall be forever grateful to her for it, and you are right, Anne and Sally are better judges of character that we are."
"Miss Georgiana has requested that I join her for tea this afternoon, is there anything in particular I should pay attention to?"
"I think she may be a little depressed, we shall have to watch her carefully the next few days to see she does not harm herself."
"Very well Sir, good day."
"Good day Reynie and once again thank you very much."
Chapter 10
Afternoon tea with Miss Georgiana was a quiet affair. The stay at Ramsgate did not come up once in conversation. Georgiana did seem more withdrawn and nervous since the last time I saw her. I said nothing either, just gave her the love and support she needed.
In time, afternoon tea with Miss Georgiana became a ritual. I never knew what to expect when I came for tea, sometimes she would cry, other times she would tell me over and over again what a terrible thing she had done to her brother, always wondering whether he would ever forgive her. She rarely mentioned Wickham's name, or what had happened at Ramsgate. I thought she would only begin to heal properly after she spoke of it, but at present there seemed to be no one she would talk to, not even her brother.
My feelings towards Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Younge wavered between hatred and guilt. Hatred towards the people who hurt my little darling and guilt that I did not follow up on Anne's and Sally's comments about Mrs. Younge.
The first month after "the Wickham affair" was a difficult one for us all. The Master and Miss Georgiana stayed at Pemberley the whole month. Miss Georgiana was quite despondent, quieter than ever and the Master was worried about her. He made sure there was always someone keeping an eye on her.
One morning about three weeks after their return, I approached the Master and asked if I could have a few words with him. He was sitting with Miss Georgiana in the East Room, and as Anne had come with me he agreed, saying Anne could keep Georgiana company while we went to his study.
When we entered the study he bade me to sit down while he began to pace the floor, an old habit of his which appeared when he was upset, nervous or worried.
"Yes Reynie what did you want to discuss?"
"Forgive me for being impertinent but I think you should find Miss Georgiana a new companion."
"How can you say that after what she's been through. Really Reynie I thought you had better sense than that."
"Sir, I believe keeping her isolated like this will do more harm than good. It allows her to dwell on the past and exacerbates her guilt…"
"What guilt, she is not to blame."
"You know that and so do I but I suspect Miss Georgiana feels differently. Why don't you ask her?"
"I will, but I have a feeling you are not finished."
"You are right Sir. I believe if you do not get her a companion soon she will become a recluse and when the time comes for her "coming out" you may have a problem."
"You know, Reynie, she will not hear of another companion and I don't blame her."
"Yes I know, but you are her older brother and guardian and should consider what is best for her, not what she wants. Moreover Sir, and excuse my forwardness, if you are determined to stay with her, Pemberley will never have an heir and I don't think your parents would have wanted that."
"Well I suspect I shall never marry Reynie, if what is out there is any indication, but I shall think over everything you've said."
"Thank you Sir."
I left him pacing in the study and went to join the girls, I knew he would spend some time mulling over what I had said and would then write to the Colonel asking him for his advice. I also assumed that he would act as soon as he heard from the Colonel.
When we left Miss Georgiana before dinner Anne said to me "Mother what happened at Ramsgate?"
"Why do you ask dear?"
"I have never seen Georgiana so low. She said to me "I wish you had come to Ramsgate with me, then it would never have happened." When I tried to ask what she meant she became silent."
"You are right, Anne, something did happen, but I swore to the Master I would tell no one, except your father. If I may make a suggestion, Miss Georgiana now needs all her friends, if you and Emily continue to love and support her, no matter what she says and does, I believe it will be of great help to her. In time she may tell you what happened of her own accord."
"Very well Mother, Emily and I shall try and come up every day."
I kissed my lovely daughter farewell and saw her walk quietly towards the farm. I knew she would call on Emily early in the morning and that we would see them frequently around Pemberley for the next few weeks.
Three days later the Colonel came for a visit. He stayed for a couple of days and rode back into town. Before his departure, he came into my sitting room while I was having my midmorning tea and said-
"Thank you Reynie, he would not have accepted that piece of advice from anyone else."
"You are welcome Colonel, I am here to serve them both to the best of my ability."
"I know and they couldn't have asked for anyone better."
By this time I was blushing like a young girl, so in order to hide my face I took a sip of my tea and almost burnt my tongue. The Colonel then sat down and said-
"Reynie, do you know of anyone who could or would take on the position of being Georgiana's companion. She needs to be someone dependable, trustworthy, kind."
"I may, Sir, but I haven't heard anything about her for many years, so I do not know her situation in life."
"Who is it Reynie?"
"She is the vicar's sister. She married a Mr. Annesley, a friend of the vicar's, and moved to London. She is a couple of years older than I, and I know she has two sons, they must be in university by now, and that Mr. Annesley died about six years ago. Unfortunately I do not know what has happened to her since. Maybe on your way out you could go past the vicar and ask him?"
"I'll do that Reynie, and once again thank you for everything. I have no doubt you will hear if there are any news."
He then bent down and gave me a kiss on the cheek, he always was a lady's man. I waved my hand at him and sent him on his way.
About a week later the Master called me to his study, he was holding two letters in his hand and seemed somewhat bemused.
"You asked for me Sir?"
"Yes. Sit down Reynie, I'll be with you in a minute." He kept staring at both letters, then seemed to make up his mind and put them down on his table.
"I have two letters here, one from Charles Bingley and the other from a Mrs. Annesley. Bingley has just taken a lease on an estate, Netherfield, in Hertfordshire, near a town called Meryton and he would like me to join him there, and Mrs. Annesley informs me that she would willingly be Georgiana's companion, and that she could start as soon as necessary. It seems as though God works in mysterious ways."
"Yes, He does Sir. Which room would you like Mrs. Annesley to have, and when do you leave for London, Sir?"
"Always practical Reynie. I think I would like to meet Mrs. Annesley first and see how she and Georgiana get on. I would also like to hear Anne and Sally's opinion on Mrs. Annesley before I decide whether I take up Bingley's offer. I will now go and tell Georgiana the news."
"Very well Sir and good luck."
"Thank you Reynie and by the way, you were right, Georgie was feeling guilty."
I left the room feeling content, I was sure that Mrs. Annesley and Miss Georgiana would get on well and I was happy the Master was reentering society, even if it meant he had to spend time with Mr. Bingley's sisters. I was a little concerned that Mr. Darcy may succumb to Miss Caroline's machinations and bring her back as mistress of Pemberley, for inspite of his misgivings I was sure there was someone out there for him. I decided to place my my trust in G-d and the Master that he would not take such a step.
Mrs. Annesley arrived in the beginning of September and within a week Miss Georgiana was smiling again. Pemberley was filled with music and singing, in short, the gloom began to lift. Both Anne and Sally approved of Mrs. Annesley. Within a fortnight Mrs. Annesley promised Anne that she would ask one of her sons to send an elementary book in Latin for her, and Sally was learning bookkeeping.
After a month in Pemberley it was decided that Georgiana would go back to town with Mrs. Annesley and return to her studies. Mr. Darcy accompanied them into town, made sure they were settled in and had some business meetings. He then joined his friend Mr. Bingley and together they rode to Hertfordshire.
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
London
I have decided to take Georgiana out of school and set up an establishment for her here in London. The reason for this move is simply that I do not believe the school can teach her anything more.
My Aunt has found Georgiana a companion, a Mrs. Younge, who seems to come well recommended. I shall engage the best music, singing, French, history and geography teachers in London and I shall ensure Georgie becomes a most accomplished young lady.
I have spoken to Anne and suggested that she join Georgiana in her new establishment, but she told me she would prefer to finish the year at school. I respect Anne's wishes, yet should she change her mind, she is welcome to join Georgiana.
I shall of course continue to pay for Anne's tuition and board until the end of the year.
Sincerely,
Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Ramsgate.
I thought you should know that a certain person has come to call on Miss Georgiana, his name is George Wickham. He has visited the house already three times and Miss Georgiana seems to like him. Apparently he grew up at Pemberley, the old master's godson, or something like that, and he remembers playing and looking after Miss Georgiana.
Mrs. Younge seems pleased with him but I do not like him. He seems too good, too kind, too handsome to be true.
Do you know him? What should I do?
Sincerely,
Sally.