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Chapter Six - Georgiana's Ball

Posted on 2011-11-02

When they arrived in town, Jane spent the first few days at Fairfield Gardens acquainting herself with the establishment, which was now hers to preside over. Jane and Bingley had decided to give up Netherfield Park after they were married, for it was at far too convenient a distance from Longbourn to be agreeable, even for Bingley's good temper; and Jane considered that she might like to preside over her own establishment, in accordance with her own preferences, which would hardly be possible if her mother were able to visit as often as may be, and set her right about the proper way of doing everything. Bingley's agent had found a suitable tenant to take over the lease, and Jane and Bingley were resolved to begin searching for an estate where they might settle after the wedding tour.

Upon learning of her brother's intention, Caroline Bingley, who, along with her sister Louisa, entertained hopes of long and frequent visits to his country estate, discovered an even greater affection for her new sister than heretofore. Though she preferred to stay with the Hursts - so long as Elizabeth Bennet resided at Fairfield Gardens - she endeavoured to make herself agreeable to Jane by passing on such useful information as might benefit her in the management of her new establishment - over which she, herself, had previously presided on her brother's behalf.

For the first few weeks, Jane was obliged to remain at home, to receive visitors wishing to pay their respects to the new bride. Apart from Bingley's sisters and cousin, Captain Radford, she and Elizabeth received calls from his many acquaintances, including Mr Darcy; and from their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, also.

When the sisters were able to go out more, their days were filled with shopping, and fittings for gowns, for Jane was eager to purchase her wedding clothes, which she had postponed until she would be in town. Bingley had been happy to handsomely augment the sum that her father had been able to provide for the purpose, and Elizabeth had the money she had received from her father to dispose of. Although they enjoyed visiting all the fashionable parts of town, their visits to far less fashionable Cheapside, where lived their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, and darling young cousins, was a yet greater pleasure.

They were invited to dine with the Hursts and other of Bingley's friends; but not yet by Mr Darcy, who wished to wait until his sister would be at Grosvenor Square. As soon as Georgiana arrived in town, Elizabeth received a note, expressing her desire to call upon them the following day. She came alone, for her brother had business to attend to. Elizabeth was delighted to renew their acquaintance and to introduce her to Jane - with whom Georgiana, who was by nature shy, felt very soon at her ease.

"I am so very nervous," confided Georgiana, "at the prospect of a ball given in my honour; but my brother tells me that it is necessary if I am to appear in society - although I am not at all certain that I even wish to do so. I had much rather remain quietly at Pemberley over the winter."

"I am certain it will not be half so bad as you imagine, my dear," said Elizabeth. "Though everyone may look at you when you stand at the top of the first set, and lead off the dancing, they will very soon afterwards pay you little more attention than any other lady present."

"That is exactly right," agreed Jane, comfortingly, "and though you may not be eager for balls and the like, once you are out, you may go to the theatre, operas, musical performances, and all manner of delightful entertainments."

"It all seems so silly," reflected Georgiana, "that until I am out, I may not be seen in society - it is almost as if I do not exist."

"You may at least walk in St James Park," said Elizabeth. "It is a lovely, sunny day, let us finish our tea; and take some air."

Georgiana found it most pleasant walking between Elizabeth and Jane, for it seemed almost like having sisters. "My aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, is to preside over my ball. I have met her but a few times, and always find her so very severe and frightening; I am never able to feel at ease in her presence."

"I am somewhat acquainted with your aunt," said Elizabeth, "and I perfectly understand your unease. I imagine she will prefer to seat herself regally in some prominent place, from where she may scrutinise all that is going forward, rather than stroll about amongst the guests."

Georgiana smiled, "Yes, that is exactly how it will be - you are evidently well-acquainted with my aunt's disposition, Miss Bennet."

"You will have not the least difficulty avoiding the austere lady; all you need do is stay well away from where she chooses to seat herself - you may be certain that I shall do the same. And since we are now friends, you must call me Elizabeth."

"And you must call me Jane; and we shall call you Georgiana."

"Look," exclaimed Elizabeth, indicating a gentleman and lady walking towards them. It was Captain Radford, in the company of a very beautiful, and finely dressed young lady.

"Mrs Bingley, Miss Bennet, how lovely to see you both. Please allow me to introduce Miss Victoria Barclay."

"You must be the wife of the Captain's recently discovered cousin," said Miss Barclay, smiling at Jane with delight; and then turning her gaze with interest upon Elizabeth, she said, "and you are the sister in whose company, the Captain tells me, he found such great pleasure, during his recent stay in Hertfordshire."

Elizabeth smiled at the compliment. She guessed that Miss Barclay must be around her own age. She was exceedingly handsome. "It is a great pleasure to meet you, Miss Barclay, and one that I have eagerly awaited; for your present companion was most energetic and generous in his praise when he was amongst us. Please allow me to introduce Miss Georgiana Darcy."

"Oh!" exclaimed Miss Barclay. "You are the sister of Mr Darcy of Pemberley; it is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance, at last; for I have heard your brother speak of your great accomplishment at the pianoforte. I, too, play that instrument, and am a great lover of music."

"And a great proficient, also," added Captain Radford.

"But I am not," said Georgiana shyly. "My brother is too generous in his praise, and is inclined to grossly exaggerate my talents, I fear."

"I am certain that cannot be, Miss Darcy," said Elizabeth. "For although I was disappointed not to have had the pleasure of hearing you play when we waited upon you at Pemberley, I can recall more than one person, amongst my aunt's acquaintance in Lambton, praising your musical talents."

Captain Radford and Miss Barclay now turned to walk in the same direction as the three ladies. Elizabeth was eager to become better acquainted with Miss Barclay, about whom she had heard so much. She found her manners delightful, and her character open and engaging. If she was a rival for Mr Darcy's heart, she would be a formidable one, indeed; yet rival or not, Elizabeth found herself liking the other lady very much. She wished to introduce the subject of Mr Darcy, in order to observe how she would react; and while she was searching for an opening, Miss Barclay saved her the trouble by introducing the subject herself.

"You must be well acquainted with Mr Darcy, if you have visited Pemberley," she said, looking at Elizabeth quizzically. Georgiana, also, looked in her direction, eager to observe how she would reply.

"My acquaintance with Mr Darcy is on account of his friendship with my sister's husband, Mr Bingley, whose guest he has been on several occasions at Netherfield Park, which is in the neighbourhood of my father's estate."

"You are speaking, I think, of Hertfordshire, Miss Bennet; whereas Pemberley, where you mentioned having waited upon Miss Darcy, is, I understand, in Derbyshire," replied Miss Barclay, with a questioning smile, which revealed a curiosity as to why Elizabeth should choose not to provide a direct answer to her question.

Elizabeth blushed at having been caught out. "I had the good fortune, in the summer, to make a tour with my aunt and uncle, which took us to Derbyshire; for my aunt grew up there, in the village of Lambton, where we stayed several days. It is quite close to Pemberley, where my aunt and I had the great pleasure of waiting upon Miss Darcy."

"Oh," said Miss Barclay, with an accent that clearly hinted at her suspicions that Mr Darcy was a subject of some considerable interest to Elizabeth; who reflected, that though the other lady had succeeded, admirably, in ascertaining her own interest in the gentleman, she had thus far made not the least headway in learning what was Miss Barclay's interest in him.

All possibility of doing so was lost, for they found themselves approached by Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst, who, in their excitement at recognising Miss Darcy, who was walking in front, beside Elizabeth and Miss Barclay, noticed too late to change course, their detested cousin following behind with Jane.

"Georgiana, how utterly delightful to see you," gushed Caroline Bingley. "We did not know that you were in town," she exclaimed, admonishing the younger lady playfully; although her false smile revealed that she was most put out.

"Please excuse me," begged Georgiana, in obvious embarrassment, "I am only just arrived in town, and was intending to send you a note."

Miss Bingley looked at Miss Bennet appraisingly; suspecting that she and her sister, at least, must have known of Miss Darcy's arrival. She was almost certain that Georgiana had not previously been acquainted with either their lowly cousin, or Miss Barclay; so it could not have been they, with whom she set out to walk; and unless it had been with some other person from whom she had become detached, it must necessarily have been with Miss Bennet and her sister.

Nevertheless, Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst greeted them all with effusive false joy. They even acknowledged their cousin - albeit coolly - as good manners demanded, in so public a place. Miss Barclay returned their greeting in a manner that indicated a prior acquaintance.

Taking Georgiana by the arm, Miss Bingley detached her from Elizabeth, allowing Mrs Hurst to take Georgiana's other arm. Then, without even consulting the young lady, Miss Bingley said, "We shall be happy to convey Miss Darcy back to Grosvenor Square." Although she did not seem at all happy with the arrangement, Georgiana acquiesced with good grace, and was soon led off in another direction, by the two determined sisters.

Miss Barclay was evidently amused and conscious of the undercurrents at play. "Miss Bingley seems eager to avail herself of the opportunity of returning Miss Darcy to her brother's house," she said with a smile.

"Yes, it shows a laudable concern for her interests," replied Elizabeth cryptically, leaving her listener to decide which of the two ladies she referred to.

"She is a lovely young lady - it is Miss Darcy, I now speak of," said Miss Barclay, with a sly smile. "I am greatly looking forward to her ball next week, and have hopes of hearing her perform at the pianoforte during the supper."

The day of Georgiana's ball arrived; and upon entering the large ballroom, Elizabeth found herself obliged, along with all the other guests, to file past Lady Catherine de Bourgh, to pay her respects; for she had enthroned herself beside the doorway, where she could not be avoided. As Elizabeth, in the company of her sister and Bingley, curtsied, Lady Catherine condescended to recognise her, saying, "You are very brave, Miss Bennet, to show your face so publicly after the disgrace of your youngest sister. You are fortunate, perhaps, that the scandal is not so very well known in town. Thanks to my rector, Collins, I am no stranger to all the shameful details - and he assures me, that with the passage of time, the reports must inevitably grow increasingly reprehensible. I was therefore greatly surprised that my nephew should have requested that you receive an invitation; but I suppose it is on account of your sister being the wife of his friend, Mr Bingley," she said, casting a critical eye over Jane and her husband. Then, dismissing her with an arrogant glance she added, "I shall have to speak with my nephew, and advise him to take greater care of the company he allows his sister."

Despite Lady Catherine's censure, Elizabeth was able to count herself well-satisfied with the ball. Georgiana, of course, stood at the top of the first set. She was accompanied by her cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, followed by Elizabeth and Mr Darcy. Jane and Bingley stood further down the set, beside Captain Radford, who stood up with Victoria Barclay. Lady Catherine de Bourgh sat regally upon her chair - which had been repositioned to allow her to survey the dancing. As she inspected the lines of couples waiting for the dance to begin, she was aghast to observe with whom her nephew, Mr Darcy, stood up; and glared with undisguised disapprobation at Elizabeth; who, to the displeasure of her ladyship, refused to look in her direction.

As the first dance got under way, the eyes of most of the company were upon Miss Darcy, who looked most elegant, indeed. Although Elizabeth attempted to avoid Lady Catherine's eye as much as possible, when she did happen to glance in her direction, it seemed inevitably to be resting upon herself, rather than Georgiana - and in no favourable manner.

"Your aunt appears somewhat unhappy at your choice of partner," observed Elizabeth, with a coy smile.

"I choose to please myself - not my aunt," replied Mr Darcy.

"She condescended to advise me that she considers neither myself, nor my sister, Jane, suitable companions for Miss Darcy, on account of our youngest sister's disgrace; which she has every expectation shall increase. I believe she intends to warn you of what a dangerous creature I am," said Elizabeth wryly.

"The warning has already been issued; for my aunt was most eager to furnish me with her good advice regarding my sister at the very earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, I was unable to hear it all, as I was obliged to excuse myself, in order, I explained, to find my partner for the first set," he said with a smile. "But I have every hope that when the news eventually reaches her, by way of her devoted rector, that there is no longer reason to fear any further bad reports, that she may cease to concern herself regarding my sister; who, I must tell you, was very much pleased at renewing her acquaintance with yourself, and making that of your sister. She told me that you were both of material assistance in helping her find the courage to face her ordeal this evening. I am most grateful."

Elizabeth danced the second set with Captain Radford. He had requested the honour of those two dances on the day they had met in St James Park, having recalled that Mr Darcy had already reserved her for the first two, at the wedding ball at Netherfield. Elizabeth commented on the beauty of his first partner, Miss Barclay.

"Yes, she is the most beautiful creature. But I find I am surrounded by beauty tonight," he said, bowing his head towards her. "And I might add, that the young lady in whose honour this ball is given is looking very lovely, also," he said, looking towards Georgiana, who was dancing with her brother.

Colonel Fitzwilliam engaged Elizabeth for the third, and she was very happy to renew her acquaintance with him, for it was above nine months, when she had visited Charlotte at Hunsford, that she had last enjoyed his society. "Are you up for the season, sir?" she asked.

"Indeed I am," he replied. "My dear aunt is kind enough to remind me that I am not getting any younger; and am in need of finding myself a wife."

"If that is a proposal, sir, it is the most off-handed one I have yet received."

The Colonel laughed. "I am quite certain that a lady as beautiful and charming as yourself, must receive a great many offers; but I regret to say, that this was not one. My aunt tells me that I must find a lady of good fortune; and, most regrettably, I fear that you will not do."

Elizabeth looked around the ballroom, and then said mischievously, "I have just the lady for you. Are you acquainted at all with Miss Victoria Barclay? She is both beautiful and wealthy - although you may find yourself in competition with her present partner - your cousin, Mr Darcy."

"I have not yet had the pleasure of being introduced to the young lady; I do, however, recall my cousin making mention of her - although it was with regard to music, rather than matrimony. She is a very fine performer at the pianoforte, he informs me, and he has hopes that she and his sister, Georgiana, who is also a lover of music, might find pleasure in each other's company."

Elizabeth was most happy to hear the Colonel's opinion, and hopeful that he was correct. "I should be very happy to make the introduction, sir, if you do not believe that your aunt will consider than I am usurping her prerogative."

"I would be most happy to be introduced; and please do not concern yourself on behalf of my aunt's sensibilities. Though she doubtless has a list of suitable young ladies prepared for the purpose, it has been my experience that my opinion of suitability does not always concur with that of my esteemed relative."

When the set was over, Elizabeth and her partner approached Mr Darcy and Miss Barclay, and the introduction was made. Although the lady had a partner for the next set, she was pleased to be engaged to Colonel Fitzwilliam for a later one. Mr Darcy was eager to engage Elizabeth for a further set, but was obliged to wait until after the supper, for her card was full until then.

Mr Darcy invited Elizabeth to sit beside him at the supper; however, she gracefully declined, for he and Miss Darcy were obliged to sit with their aunt. "I believe my appetite will be healthier if I sit elsewhere," she said; and was happy to sit with Jane and Bingley, and Captain Radford and Miss Barclay. Elizabeth noticed that Caroline Bingley had seated herself beside Mr Darcy, and was eagerly availing herself of the opportunity of making herself agreeable to his aunt. If they happened to converse on the subject of herself, reflected Elizabeth, they would discover a true likeness of mind.

When it came time for music, Lady Catherine requested her niece to open the instrument. It was the moment that Georgiana had been dreading, and she begged to be spared the ordeal; but her aunt insisted that she must, and that it was her duty. She ordered Colonel Fitzwilliam to lead his young cousin to the pianoforte, where she sat herself down and seemed to fumble through the sheets of music, not knowing what she was about. Elizabeth, seeing how nervous and frightened she was, immediately rose and went to her.

Looking through the music, Elizabeth found a song she knew, and asked Georgiana if she could play it. But Elizabeth felt shy, herself, to sing alone before so large an assembly, and looked entreatingly towards Captain Radford; who, immediately comprehending her intent, joined the ladies. Together they sang a couple of duets, accompanied by Georgiana on the pianoforte. The applause was warm, and Elizabeth attributed their success to the Captain, whose voice was quite exceptional. Having gained in confidence, Georgiana agreed to play a Mozart sonata, while Elizabeth remained beside her to turn the pages, and give her strength. Her performance was excellent, and the company were loud in their praise.

When she returned to her table, Elizabeth observed Colonel Fitzwilliam begging Miss Barclay to play next. She politely, but firmly declined; and another young lady, unknown to Elizabeth, exhibited next; and although she played well, she was unable to match the virtuosity of the previous performer.

"I am disappointed that you do not wish to play, Miss Barclay, for I have heard such glowing reports of your talent. I was greatly looking forward to it," said Elizabeth.

"You shall hear me on another occasion, I promise," she said.

"The reason she refuses to play," explained Captain Radford softly, "is that she fears her own performance might exceed the excellence of Miss Darcy's, and she is too considerate."

Miss Barclay smiled, "I am older than Miss Darcy, and have had the advantage of several years more study and practice than she. I am not at all convinced that my performance, at her age, was as exquisite as that which we just heard from her."

When the supper was over, Mr Darcy, to the consternation of his aunt, led Elizabeth to dance a second set with him. "Miss Bennet, there are no words that can adequately convey the depth of my gratitude to you, for having saved my sister from what might have been a most terrible embarrassment. I cannot bear to contemplate how deeply she might have been affected, had you not averted it, by coming to her aid and lending her your kind support."

"It was my pleasure; she was only wanting a little encouragement, and I was glad to provide it - but you must also thank Captain Radford, I believe, for he, too, assisted, and in turn supported me - for I should never have considered my voice good enough to sing alone in front of so large and fine a company as this."

"You are too modest. I have rarely heard a voice that gave me as much pleasure as yours. But you are correct, I do, indeed, owe Captain Radford my thanks, and he shall receive them."

"It would seem that he is presently receiving your sister's thanks," said Elizabeth, glancing in the direction of the Captain and Georgiana, who were dancing together. "And are you able to give me any news yet, of the investigation that you commissioned, regarding that gentleman?"

Mr Darcy did not reply immediately, but looked thoughtfully towards his sister and Captain Radford. When he spoke, Elizabeth detected some awkwardness in his manner, and he appeared to choose his words carefully. "I am, Miss Bennet. He is indeed the son of Bingley's aunt; exactly as he claims."

The remainder of the ball passed in a whirl of dancing, and Elizabeth noted with pleasure that she had been engaged for every dance - a far more satisfactory result than a certain ball of her recollection, at the Meryton assembly, when she had first made Mr Darcy's acquaintance, and where he had refused to stand up with her. It amused her to think how vastly different were their opinions of each other now, and to wonder at how she had so badly mistaken his character at that time. And though the mystery of his part in Lydia's affairs continued to trouble her, she was now so disposed to think well of him, that it pleased her to believe that it was only a matter of time before he cleared himself of all suspicion in the matter.

Chapter Seven - Importuned in the Park

Posted on 2011-11-05

It had been arranged with Georgiana, that she would wait upon Jane and Elizabeth on the morning following the ball, as it was absolutely essential that it be discussed in the greatest of detail; the gowns and jewellery worn by the ladies commented on, and a review made of who danced with whom - and whether this gentleman showed an uncommon preference for that lady - or the reverse. However, Jane suspected that Bingley's sisters - or at least Caroline - might be intending to wait upon her also, for she had last night enquired as to whether she would be at home this morning. Thus, as soon as Georgiana arrived, the three ladies decided to walk in St James Park, where they could just as easily carry on their conversation.

Georgiana was at great pains to again thank Elizabeth for saving her from the most acute embarrassment, when her aunt had insisted upon her performing. "I cannot thank you enough, Elizabeth; I just seemed to freeze up, for I have never before played in front of more than a handful of close acquaintances. Do you think all the company noticed how terrified I was?"

"I doubt that anyone but myself noticed. To others, it simply appeared as if you were searching for the right score."

"It was exactly so," agreed Jane. "And when my sister and Captain Radford joined you at the pianoforte, the attention turned to them, for everyone was conjecturing as to what kind of performance lay in store."

"It was most gallant of the Captain to join us," observed Elizabeth, "for I should not have liked to sing alone."

"Why ever not?" asked Georgiana. "You have the most beautiful voice; and the Captain's voice is quite exceptional - I do not believe I have ever heard a gentleman sing so sweetly."

"And he engaged you to dance after the supper," commented Elizabeth. "He is also a very fine dancer, is he not?"

"Oh, yes, and he looked so handsome in his naval uniform - I do not think there was another gentleman that looked quite so fine."

"I am pleased that you like him," said Jane, "for he is invited to dine with us tomorrow, when you come with your brother."

Georgiana smiled. "I am very pleased to hear it; for I am generally exceedingly shy with gentlemen, and feel so very self-conscious; but with Captain Radford, I felt entirely at my ease, and was able to enjoy his company. It will be a -"

But Georgiana suddenly stopped, for looking up she observed two ladies walking very deliberately in their direction; and one of them was her formidable aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The other was Caroline Bingley, who wore a self-satisfied smile.

Georgiana had gone pale, for she imagined her aunt meant to lecture her on all her failings of the previous evening; but as soon as the greetings had been exchanged, she was both surprised and relieved to hear Lady Catherine declare, "Miss Bennet, I would like a word with you, if you would favour me with your company."

"Thank you, Miss Bingley," she said, dismissing her former companion with a nod which made it clear that her company was no longer desired. As Lady Catherine detached her from the other ladies, Elizabeth noted the smug expression on the face of Miss Bingley, who must have learned of their whereabouts at Fairfield Park, and led Lady Catherine to them.

"You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the reason for my taking the trouble to ascertain your whereabouts at the very earliest occasion, and the subject upon which I find myself duty bound to address you."

"Indeed, you are mistaken, Madam. I am not at all able to account for the honour of your evident desire to speak with me this morning. I cannot imagine what business your ladyship could have with me, for I gained the strongest impression, when we spoke last night, that you do not approve of me."

"Miss Bennet," replied her ladyship, in an angry tone, "you ought to know, that I am not to be trifled with. But however insincere you may choose to be, you shall not find me so. I observed you very closely at my niece's ball last night - most especially when you were in the company of my nephew, Mr Darcy; and I was greatly alarmed that not only did you dance the first set with him, but you danced a second set with him, after the supper."

"I fear that you are directing your disapprobation in the wrong direction. Surely your ladyship is aware that it is the prerogative of the gentleman to invite a lady to dance with him, and not the reverse."

"How dare you address me in so disrespectful and impertinent a manner! Do not trifle with my intelligence, and pretend to be an innocent party, for I know better. Miss Bingley has given me a full account of all that passed at the wedding ball at Netherfield - where you danced three times with my nephew! I am quite certain that you must well understand the degree of preference such a breach of etiquette implies - and the expectations to which it must inevitably give rise!"

"As I have already pointed out to your ladyship, it was not I who begged Mr Darcy to dance with me. Would you have me offend the honour of your nephew by refusing to stand up with him?"

"This is not to be endured! I shall not be spoken to in so insincere and insulting a manner! Your pretence of innocence does not fool me in the least - though evidently you have duped my nephew with your arts and allurements, and besotted him with your charms. You have drawn him in and made him forget what he owes to himself and to all his family!"

"If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it."

"Miss Bennet, let me be rightly understood. This match, to which you have the presumption to aspire, can never take place. Never! Mr Darcy is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you to say?"

"Only this; that if he is so, you can have no reason to suppose he will make an offer to me."

"The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favourite wish of his mother, as well as of hers; and I shall not permit it to be prevented by a young woman of inferior birth, and of no importance in the world! Do you pay no regard to the wishes of his friends? Your alliance would be a disgrace; your name would never even be mentioned by any of us."

"These are heavy misfortunes, indeed," replied Elizabeth.

"Obstinate, headstrong girl! I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment."

"That will make your ladyship's situation at present more pitiable; but it will have no effect on me."

"I will not be interrupted. Hear me in silence. I demand you promise me, never to enter into an engagement with my nephew!"

"I will make no promise of the kind, and I beg you to importune me no longer, good day, Madam," said Elizabeth, turning away.

"Not so hasty, if you please! I have by no means done," said Lady Catherine, turning with her, and obliged to quicken her pace to keep up. "To all the objections I have already urged, concerning your family and your low connections, I have still another to add. As I told you last night, I am no stranger to the particulars of your youngest sister's infamous elopement. I know it all, how she was abandoned, and the life of disrepute and utter degradation into which she must by now have sunk. Is such a girl to be my nephew's sister? Heaven and earth -- of what are you thinking? Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?"

"You can now have nothing further to say to me," answered Elizabeth resentfully. "You have insulted me by every possible method. I must beg you to leave me alone," she said, quickening her pace and forcing Lady Catherine, who was by this time breathing heavily, to walk faster, yet.

Taking hold of her arm to slow her down, her ladyship said, "You have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew!"

"Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say. You know my sentiments."

"You are then resolved to have him?"

"I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me. Good day, Madam," said Elizabeth, forcibly withdrawing her arm from that of the other lady, and walking away so quickly as to be almost running.

Lady Catherine, who was exhausted from walking so briskly, and unable to match the pace of the younger lady, called after her, "And this is your real opinion! This is your final resolve! Very well. I shall now know how to act. Do not imagine, Miss Bennet, that your ambition will ever be gratified. I came to try you. I hoped to find you reasonable; but, depend upon it, I will carry my point!"

She was obliged to speak in so loud a voice, as Elizabeth drew further away, that many of those in the vicinity turned their head to stare in astonishment at the bizarre spectacle.

When Elizabeth related to Jane the substance of her conversation with Lady Catherine, her sister was shocked at the harshness of her ladyship's speech; and, though alarmed at Elizabeth's steadfast refusal to give way before so great a lady, and the strength of her language, she was also exceedingly proud of her sister.

"Caroline has been no friend of yours in recounting to her ladyship all that passed at the Netherfield wedding ball."

"As you well know, Caroline has never had a single kind thought in my regard; from the very beginning she has viewed me as a rival who stands in the way of her own ambitions. Perhaps I should have informed Lady Catherine that were I to refuse her nephew, Miss Bingley would most certainly oblige him."

Jane laughed. "I doubt very much that such an assertion would have troubled her ladyship, for her nephew shows not the slightest interest in Caroline; whereas, his attentions towards you are most marked. Lady Catherine has reason for concern over the hopes she holds for her daughter. You must be aware, Lizzy, that Mr Darcy's behaviour has given rise to expectations in the minds of many - not the least my own," said Jane, smiling enquiringly at her sister.

"And you wish to hear my opinion regarding the likelihood that he will pay me his addresses?"

Jane smiled and nodded. "And of his chances of being accepted."

Elizabeth sighed. "I once thought I knew Mr Darcy well; but he has lately become a man of mystery."

"You speak of his connection with our sister, Lydia?"

"Yes, principally." There was also his unexpected behaviour with regard to Captain Radford, but Elizabeth did not wish to mention it, for he was Bingley's relation; and, also, it involved the matter of the investigation upon which she had agreed to remain silent. "I am no longer confident that I understand Mr Darcy well enough to predict how he might behave - and whether he will renew his addresses or not."

"But you hope he will?"

"Not until the mystery of what has befallen our sister, Lydia, is known; and of his part in it. Until he has exonerated himself there, I cannot know how I would answer him, and I suspect that he is aware of my feelings, and will wait until that mystery is resolved."

"Perhaps you will learn something more of the matter tomorrow, at dinner. You will be happy to hear that Caroline and the Hursts found themselves to be under the obligation of a prior engagement - when they learned that their cousin, Captain Radford, was invited. Still, it will make for a very small party; just Bingley, you and I, Captain Radford, Mr Darcy, and Georgiana. What do you say to my inviting Miss Barclay?"

"An excellent idea. I should like to know her better; and I am eager to hear her play," replied Elizabeth. And though she did not say it, she was eager to observe her and Mr Darcy in more intimate company. "And perhaps Colonel Fitzwilliam, also? That will make four ladies and four gentlemen."

Jane's first dinner party was a lively affair indeed; and a great success, principally because the company were so well-suited, one to the other. Bingley always enjoyed the society of Darcy and the Colonel, and had come to greatly value that of his cousin, also. And the four ladies got on splendidly. Georgiana and Miss Barclay were unable to exhaust the subject of music, and were pleased to discover that they shared many favourite composers and pieces. They were not inclined to wait for the gentlemen to join them in the drawing room, after the meal, before taking turns at the pianoforte. Miss Barclay's talent exceeded Elizabeth's high expectations, and Georgiana was in awe at her virtuosity, which surpassed her own.

When the gentlemen joined them, Miss Barclay prevailed upon Captain Radford to sing for them, and though her own voice was indeed very fine, it was the equal neither of his, nor Georgiana's; and so she was happy to play while they sang for the rest of the company, who, with one exception, seemed quite enthralled by the performance. Though he generally smiled, Elizabeth sometimes detected an expression on the face of Mr Darcy that spoke of emotions other than happiness and complaisance. Jane had seated Captain Radford beside Georgiana at the table, and it was evident that they got on very well together. But rather than appearing satisfied at observing his exceedingly shy sister engaged so comfortably in conversation with a gentleman, Mr Darcy often seemed apprehensive.

Elizabeth suspected that he feared that Captain Radford, like George Wickham before him, was attracted not to his sister, but to her considerable fortune; what other explanation could there be?

At one point during the evening, while the three performers were engaged in searching through the music for the next piece, and Jane and Bingley were deep in conversation with Colonel Fitzwilliam on the other side of the room, Mr Darcy, who had seated himself beside Elizabeth on the sofa, said softly, "I feel that an apology is owed to you, Miss Bennet, for the most unpleasant experience to which you were subjected, yesterday, in St James Park."

"Your aunt is a lady of uncompromising convictions," said Elizabeth with a satirical smile.

"Yes," sighed Mr Darcy, "and she is always most willing to share them. I am most sorry if you were greatly importuned."

"Please do not feel obliged to apologise on behalf of Lady Catherine; it would be wholly unfair of me to blame you for the behaviour of your relative - and would certainly require that I beg your forgiveness in turn," said Elizabeth, alluding to her mother's implacable dislike of Mr Darcy, and the rude and resentful manner in which she treated him; not to mention the disparaging rumours against him she had so industriously put about the neighbourhood.

"But I feel responsible for what must have been a most unpleasant experience for you - and in a public place, too - for it concerned myself."

"True. However, it was based upon an assumption that was all in the mind of your aunt," said Elizabeth with a coy smile.

"Oh?" replied Mr Darcy, unsure of how to proceed; for the assumption to which she referred was that he wished to pay her his addresses. After a moment's thought, he smiled and said, "Considering my behaviour at my sister's ball, and also at the Netherfield wedding ball, the details of which, I understand Miss Bingley was considerate enough to relate to my aunt in the greatest of detail, I think it would be unfair to say that her assumption was unreasonable, in the least," he said, looking at Elizabeth warmly.

She blushed, for he had all but said that it was his wish to pay her his addresses; and it pleased her to cherish the hope that when the mystery of Lydia was resolved, he might very soon do just that. However, she did not wish to again ask him when it might be, although she suspected that he, too, was contemplating the very same question.

"On the subject of ladies named Catherine," said Elizabeth, "my younger sister, Catherine, will soon arrive from Hertfordshire to spend some weeks in town with us."

"Oh," he said, his mind evidently still dwelling upon a different sister. "I sincerely hope her stay will be enjoyable. And I believe you will be happy to learn that another lady of that name returns tomorrow to Kent," he added with a smile.

Jane had invited Kitty to stay with her, for she and Elizabeth agreed, that by proper attention and management, her character might be greatly improved; for she was yet young; and now that she was no longer under Lydia's influence, it was a material advantage to remove her from the company of their mother as much as possible.

About a week after Kitty's arrival in town, the ladies were taking tea in the sitting room when the butler entered with an express, and informed his mistress that the messenger yet waited at the door for a reply. Looking at the envelope, Jane was surprised to see that it was neither for Bingley nor herself - but that it was addressed to her sister, Kitty, to whom she handed it.

Kitty opened it, and then surprised her sisters by reporting that it came from Lydia.

"Read it!" demanded Elizabeth.

[indent]"Dear Kitty, Will you to come to me? I cannot reveal where I am living, but it is some distance from town. A carriage will come for you early tomorrow morning and bring you here. We shall be able to spend a few hours together, and you shall dine with me early enough to return to town by evening. If tomorrow is not convenient, then name another day. The messenger will wait for your reply. I long to see you, Lydia.[/indent]

Can I go?" asked Kitty, excitedly.

Jane looked questioningly at Elizabeth, who, after a moment's consideration, replied, "Yes, but not alone."

"But Lydia asks only for myself," said Kitty.

"Lizzy is quite correct," said Jane. "You are too young; and it would be highly improper for you to go alone, most especially when we have not the least idea to whence you will be taken, and what you may find there."

"I shall accompany her," said Elizabeth to Jane. "But Kitty, since Lydia may not wish it, make no mention of it in your reply; only say that you will be ready tomorrow morning."

"Yes," agreed Jane, "that is what must be done."

Chapter Eight - A Mysterious Lady

Posted on 2011-11-05

When they heard the carriage arrive, early the next morning, Elizabeth looked out the window and said reassuringly, "It is just as I expected, Jane, it is Mr Darcy's carriage; you need have no fear, we shall be perfectly safe."

The journey took above three hours, and although Elizabeth tried hard to determine to whence they travelled, all she could be certain of was that their direction was a northerly one. Nevertheless, as they drove along, she industriously noted down the names of the turnpike roads and villages through which they passed, along with notable landmarks, such as rivers and hills, using a pencil and paper she had brought for the purpose. Eventually, the carriage entered the grounds of a small country house. What they could observe of the grounds from the carriage window was delightful, and the house was very pretty too - all covered in vines.

The carriage stopped at the front door, and Lydia came rushing out, as fast as she was able; for she was, most evidently, with child. She threw her arms around Kitty, who alighted first, clearly delighted to see her sister; but when she saw Elizabeth, she gasped, "Lizzy, what are you doing here? It was only supposed to be Kitty!" But she nevertheless embraced Elizabeth. "Mr Darcy will not be happy when he learns that you, too, were here! Oh hang him; I am pleased to see you, Lizzy! Come," she said, offering an arm to each sister and leading them inside.

Looking around, Elizabeth observed that it was a most comfortable house - and if not quite so large as that of her father, it was more than its equal in elegance; all that she saw of the fittings and furniture confirmed her favourable opinion.

Lydia led them to a comfortable sitting room, where she rang the bell for tea. The lady who entered the room gasped when she saw that there were two ladies; but recovering herself, she asked politely, "Yes, Madam?"

"We will have tea now, Harrison," said Lydia self-consciously, in a manner that immediately aroused Elizabeth's suspicions.

"And will there be a second guest for the dinner, Madam?"

"Err... yes," stuttered Lydia, "please advise the cook."

"Very good, Madam," she said with a bow, before leaving the room.

"Who is that lady?" asked Elizabeth.

"Oh, that's just Mrs Harrison, the housekeeper," replied Lydia, in a dismissive tone.

Elizabeth said nothing, but the look she had observed passing between the older lady and Lydia, when the former first entered the room and saw that there were two visitors, seemed almost an admonishing one - hardly what one would expect of a servant.

"Do you know, it must be above eight months, since last I saw you - since I left Longbourn," said Lydia wistfully. Elizabeth perceived a great alteration in her younger sister. Though she was evidently happy at seeing them, there was a sadness and joylessness which she had never before observed in her.

"I imagine that you are both very curious to know all that has happened in that time. Well, I do not need to speak of Brighton, for you received all my letters, and so you know what a wonderful time I had there… if only I had remained in Brighton, and not been such a fool as to fall in love with George Wickham," she said with a sigh, shaking her head as she stared at the wall, perhaps recalling those carefree days that were forever gone.

"I must have been a complete simpleton to have been taken in by that insincere scoundrel. If only I had been less impetuous... how very different my life would now be." Elizabeth, who sat beside her on the couch reached out and squeezed her sister's hand comfortingly. She felt guilty for not having warned Lydia of what she had learned from Mr Darcy concerning the truth about Wickham's character; if only she had foreseen the danger and acted! But it was all too late, and it would be in no way helpful to make mention of it now.

"When I left Brighton with him, Wickham said we were going to Gretna Green to be married; but then, when we reached London, he said we must stop a while in town, for he had some matters of business that first needed attending to; and I doubted not his sincerity. But now, to my cost, I know better. I am quite certain that he never intended to marry me; the wicked, vile, deceiver!

"One day he went out from the rooms where we stayed, leaving me behind as always, and he never returned. When later I looked in the wardrobe, I discovered that all his things were gone. When the landlord saw that I had been abandoned, he demanded the rent that was owed, for Wickham had not paid him - but I had no money.

"I knew not what to do. I felt such a fool, and realised how I had disgraced my father and all my family. I was penniless; how was I to get to Longbourn, if I found the courage to return? Then I remembered my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner lived in London, but I had not the least idea where, or how to find them; and, in any case, I could not, for the landlord had become angry when I told him I had no money to pay him, and he locked me in my room."

Lydia took a handkerchief to dry her eyes, and Elizabeth again took her hand. Kitty rose up from her chair to go to her sister, but Lydia pulled her hand away from Elizabeth's, and waved Kitty back. "Stay where you are, Kitty, I am all right; I have accepted my lot in life, and that I must now pay for my sins; it is many months, now, since last I felt sorry for myself and cried. It was just because I was retelling the start of my story, when still I had hopes of better things. Pray, allow me finish.

"The landlord turned me over to a gentleman - whose name I shall not reveal - from whom, I suppose, he received money which he thought was his due in lieu of the rent. The man took me to another lodging house in a poorer part of town, where the rooms were small and mean. He kept me there for his pleasure; although he did not live there himself, but visited when it suited him. It was there that I realised that I was with child - his child, I am certain - not Wickham's. There were other poor creatures, living like myself, in that awful place, and one of them befriended me. When I told her I was with child, she warned me to hide it for as long as possible, from the man who kept me; for when he found out, he would surely throw me out onto the street, she said. I was terrified. Every time he came, I was fearful he would discover my condition - I was living in constant fear.

"Then one day when I was alone, Mr Darcy came. He had somehow learned where Wickham and I had been staying, and must have bribed the landlord to tell him where I had been taken. He gave me the news that Wickham had eloped with Mary King - do you remember her, with all the freckles?"

"And the ten thousand pounds," added Elizabeth.

"He must have encountered her on one of his outings from our lodging house, I suppose," said Lydia stoically, "and of course he never mentioned anything of it to me. But I do not blame her - she will have known nothing of me; and in any case, I am now convinced that Wickham always intended to abandon me. I do not envy Mary King one bit, being married to that lying, deceiving, rogue."

"Nor I," said Elizabeth. "Did Mr Darcy know you were with child?"

"Yes, of course, for I told him everything. I cannot, for the life of me, fathom why he went to so much trouble to find me, and why he should want to rescue me; for I know he has a low opinion of me, and he certainly was not seeking any favours - like Wickham, and the second gentleman - if you take my meaning.

"He said that he wished to immediately remove me from my present circumstances, and take me to my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, who would contact my father, that they might decide what was to be done. He said that if they should determine that it was best for me to be secluded quietly in the countryside, that he knew of a suitable place, and would take care of everything.

"I refused to go with him to my aunt and uncle, for I was too ashamed to see any of my relations, and I wished that none of them should ever again hear from me. I realised how my disgrace must bring shame upon my whole family and would damage the marriage prospects of all my sisters. Before Mr Darcy came, it seemed certain that it was only a matter of time before I was thrown out onto the streets, where I would starve, and eventually die. At least it would be the end of the shame for my family, for no one would ever know what had become of me.

"When I refused to go to my aunt and uncle, Mr Darcy said that he would take me to the place in the country, of which he had earlier spoken, and that I would be comfortable and well. He promised me that I could raise my child, and that we could live our whole lives there. I agreed to go on one condition, only - that he promise never to tell my family what had become of me. He said that I owed it to them, to at least let them know I was safe and well, for otherwise they would fear the worst; but I would not be persuaded; and in the end he gave me his promise; although whenever he came here, he begged me to contact my family - and eventually he succeeded in prevailing upon me. You may tell my parents and sisters everything you have heard today. Tell them I am very well here, and, as you can see, very comfortable. But they will never see me again in Longbourn."

"Considering how dire were your circumstances in London, you are most fortunate, indeed, Lydia, to now find yourself here in this lovely country place," observed Elizabeth.

"Oh, yes, I know it - believe me - after all I have experienced in town. But if only it were a little more lively here, there is just… myself," said Lydia.

Elizabeth thought her sister had intended saying something else and stopped herself short. "Does this property belong to Mr Darcy?" enquired Elizabeth.

Lydia shrugged her shoulders. "Yes, I suppose it must."

"But do you think he has been in possession of it for some time? It seems strange that he should have an establishment like this - which must be very far from Derbyshire, and also at quite a distance from town. Does he sometimes stay here?"

Lydia became uneasy. "I think he must have had this place for some time, for Mrs Harrison has lived here for quite a while, I think. He visits sometimes, but he does not stay here. Come, it is time for the meal," said Lydia, evidently wishing to change the subject.

The three young ladies enjoyed an excellent dinner, and afterwards returned to the sitting room. Lydia, having told them all her news, was eager to hear about what had been happening at Longbourn; for all that Mr Darcy had been able to tell her was that Jane had married Mr Bingley. Kitty was pleased at the opportunity to recount all that had passed in the eight months since her sister was last at home; but Elizabeth, who was little interested in Kitty's gossip, excused herself, intending to walk in the pretty garden; for though it was cold, it was clear and sunny.

As she was walking along a lovely path, bordered on one side by a hedge, which formed the boundary of the property, Elizabeth came upon a gate, through which she could see a sizeable river, not very far away. It looked delightful, with the sun reflecting upon the water like diamonds. Finding the gate unlocked, Elizabeth walked to the river bank, where she stood for some time, observing the beauty of the swiftly flowing water, and reflecting sadly upon her unfortunate sister, and all that had befallen her. There was a path along the bank, which she began to follow.

Elizabeth had gone about a mile and was thinking that she must soon turn back, when she noticed someone ahead of her, sitting upon a small stool on the river bank, painting. So engrossed was the young lady in her art, that she did not notice Elizabeth, until she was almost upon her. Looking up, the artist appeared startled to see another soul in that lonely place.

"You paint beautifully," said Elizabeth, in genuine admiration, "you have captured the sparkle of the sun on the water, and the swirling river currents, most admirably."

The young lady smiled. She was about the same age as Elizabeth, and had dark hair and eyes. Elizabeth found a strange haunting beauty in her face. "Where have you come from?" she asked, looking at Elizabeth curiously.

"I am a visitor at the house over there," she said, pointing to the hedgerow which was all that could be seen of it from here.

"Oh!" she replied, evidently alarmed at the information; and quickly turned back to her painting.

Elizabeth knew not what to think. Did the house where her sister lived have some evil reputation in the neighbourhood? She could think of no way to ask the young lady, who now appeared entirely engrossed in her work, and apparently did not wish to converse further. "I had best be getting back; good day, to you," said Elizabeth politely.

"Good day," said the young lady, her eyes remaining fixed upon her canvas; but just as Elizabeth was about to turn, she looked up for a brief moment, staring searchingly into her face.

As she walked back along the picturesque river, Elizabeth barely paid it any attention, for it was the beautiful face of the strange young lady that appeared in her mind; and her expression, when she had mentioned the house where Lydia was living.

Upon re-entering the house, Elizabeth looked about carefully, as if it perhaps hid some great mystery. On one of the drawing room walls, she noticed two paintings; and though one was of a village and the other of fields, there was an unmistakable similarity of style between them, and the painting of the young lady beside the river. Elizabeth could not see a name on either, but she felt certain that all three paintings were the work of the same artist. Looking about her, she noticed a pianoforte which gave the appearance of having been very recently used, for sheets of music lay upon it. Although some trouble had been taken to hide it, Elizabeth noticed other signs of a second occupant; a second work bag, and a number of coats hanging inside the front door that were more than could belong to one young lady.

Before she and Kitty departed, Elizabeth asked her sister pointedly. "Lydia, are you really living here all alone, with just the housekeeper, Mrs Harrison, and the servants?"

"Yes, of course, Lizzy. I have no idea why you should ask such a silly question." Lydia blushed and appeared discomposed.

Taking pity upon her, Elizabeth said nothing further on the subject, and embraced her sister warmly, in farewell. "Now we know all about you, there is nothing further to hide; you must write to us sometimes, and let us know how you are, dear Lydia. Are we permitted to know the location of this house, that we may write to you?"

"I think Mr Darcy may wish for it to remain secret," said Lydia uneasily.

"Then I suppose we can always give a letter to him to send on to you."

"Yes, of course," said Lydia, embracing her sisters again, before they climbed into the carriage. As they drove out of the gate, Elizabeth again took from her bag the piece of paper and pencil, and again noted everything that might help her determine where Lydia was living - and not just Lydia - the other young lady too, whom she had encountered painting beside the river. It was evident now, that she had deliberately absented herself from the house, so that Lydia's visitor would not see her. She, along with Lydia and the housekeeper, Mrs Harrison, had gone to some trouble to prevent her presence in the house being discovered; and it seemed certain that the person, who wished to keep her existence secret, was none other than Mr Darcy.

Elizabeth suspected that the other young lady had been living in the house for quite some time - very probably well before the arrival of Lydia - and in fact the very reason for the existence of the establishment was to provide a home for her. When he had found Lydia in need of a secluded country house, Mr Darcy had brought her there. But who, she asked herself, was the mysterious young lady? Was she another victim of George Wickham perhaps, whom Mr Darcy had felt honour-bound to save? She was very beautiful, and Elizabeth could not help suspecting that her acquaintance with Mr Darcy might possibly be of a more intimate nature.

When Elizabeth and Kitty arrived back in the evening, Jane was eager to hear all their news concerning Lydia.

"Considering what we imagined," observed Jane, "our sister's seclusion in the country is the best possible outcome both for Lydia and our whole family. In time, her disgrace will be all but forgotten around Meryton, and it is hardly known of, at all, in town."

"For which, we are fortunate," added Elizabeth, "that Caroline Bingley is now our relation and cannot blacken the name of Bennet without tarnishing that of Bingley. I surprise myself in discovering that, in this matter at least, I am pleased, Jane, that you may call her sister."

Kitty, who was eager to be the bearer of the good news, excused herself and went up to her apartments to write to their mother.

"Our mother will be greatly relieved, and delighted, to learn of Lydia's present situation," said Jane.

"But not, I think, when she learns to whom she is indebted for it - or that she will no longer be able to damn Mr Darcy's reputation, and is now obliged to cease circulating her fanciful stories about his supposed infamy."

Jane smiled. "On the whole, I believe she will be well satisfied, as will our father. Mr Darcy has done our whole family an enormous, and most valuable, service. Since we may now be certain that there was nothing in the least way improper between him and our sister, it is most difficult to explain, is it not, why he should have gone to so much trouble and expense for a young lady whom he barely knew, and for whom he can have had very little regard. There is, however, one explanation that comes to mind," said Jane teasingly.

Elizabeth smiled. "And there is also another; Mr Darcy felt responsible for Lydia's elopement with Wickham - which led to every other ill - because he chose to keep Wickham 's disreputable character secret, for fear of compromising his own sister's reputation."

"I think it unlikely that such a noble sense of responsibility would, of itself, have been a strong enough inducement; however, it may, very likely, have been a combination of the two," concluded Jane. "I do not believe he would have acted to save our sister, had it not been for his regard for you, Lizzy. And it is now evident that Mr Darcy has long been most eager for Lydia to write to her family, and thus reveal his innocence in her regard, and thereby absolve him of the blame of which he has been unable to defend himself, on account of the promise of silence he had given to Lydia."

"Yes, I think what you say is most probably true."

"He may now, very likely, hope to prevail upon you to accept him when he pays you his addresses - which, I suspect, could be as soon as tomorrow - for I have not yet told you that I was surprised to receive an invitation this morning, from Georgiana, for us to dine at Grosvenor Square tomorrow, which, of course, I have accepted. Although Mr Darcy was unaware that you would accompany Kitty today, he will have anticipated that you must, by now, be familiar with all the details surrounding Lydia. I am inclined to suspect that the dinner invitation, given at such short notice, was all Mr Darcy's doing, and a very clear indication of his intention."

"If that is his intention - and I am not at all certain that it is - then he shall find himself obliged to satisfy my curiosity on an entirely different matter before I will agree to hear any proposal of marriage."

"Good heavens, Lizzy! What can you be about? Do you mean to torture the poor man forever? Surely after everything you learned today - all that he has done for our sister in saving her from a fate of unimaginable pain and degradation; and in which he has acquitted himself of every evil design that our dear mamma has laid at his door - what other satisfaction can you possibly wish for?"

Elizabeth told Jane of the beautiful young lady she had encountered upon the river bank, and of her suspicion that she, too, resided in the house, along with their sister.

Jane was so surprised at this information - which Elizabeth had not confided in Kitty - that she remained silent, shaking her head, and searching for an innocent explanation; for it was her nature to always think the very best of everyone, and she had the highest regard for her husband's friend. "You do not know for certain that the young lady lives in the house - although I grant you, there are strong reasons for believing it. And if she does, you have not the slightest reason to suspect that her connection with Mr Darcy is in any way different from that of Lydia's. Did it appear to you as if she was, likewise, with child?"

"I cannot say, for she was seated and wearing a thick pelisse. But Jane, you said, yourself, that you did not consider Mr Darcy's wish to make amends for keeping Wickham's character secret, was sufficient explanation for the trouble and expense of him rescuing Lydia - so how could such an explanation, that the mysterious young lady was, likewise, a victim of George Wickham be plausible - unless, of course, she also, has a sister he is bent upon marrying?"

"Yes, I see what you mean. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to question Mr Darcy about the young lady tomorrow?"

"If your suspicions, regarding the reasons for the dinner, are correct, then I am confident that Mr Darcy will find a suitable opportunity for a tête-à-tête - but I am not at all confident that he will be able to satisfy me, and proceed to what you suppose to be, his intended purpose."

Chapter Nine - A Proposal Postponed

Posted on 2011-11-05

When the Fairfield Gardens party arrived at Grosvenor Square, they were greeted by Georgiana, who was exceedingly anxious, as this was the first dinner party over which she had ever presided.

Mr Bingley went off to the library in search of Mr Darcy, thus allowing Georgiana the opportunity of begging Jane to stay close, and advise her on everything she must do. She confided how shocked she was that her brother should ask her to arrange her first dinner party at such short notice, thus denying her the opportunity of consulting in detail with a more experienced lady, to confirm what were all of her obligations as the hostess.

"Fortunately, it is to be a very small party," she said. "Apart from yourselves, there are only three other guests; my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Captain Radford and Miss Barclay. My brother instructed me to invite them to arrive a half an hour after yourselves - he said it in such a decided tone that I was afraid to ask his reason. Surely that is not the normal procedure?"

Jane and Elizabeth exchanged a glance at this news. "It is unusual," agreed Jane, "but it is of no great moment; and it will give us the opportunity of discussing everything before your other guests arrive."

"Perhaps that was my brother's reason?"

Just at that moment, Mr Darcy entered the room together with Bingley and greeted the three ladies. "Miss Bennet," he said, "there is something I wish to show you in the library, if you would oblige me for a few minutes?"

Jane and Elizabeth exchanged a meaningful glance. Georgiana looked inquisitively from her brother to Elizabeth, perhaps guessing his purpose; while Kitty looked startled, evidently wondering what it might mean, for she had not the least suspicion concerning her sister and Mr Darcy. Only Bingley seemed oblivious to the expectations that had arisen in the minds of the ladies.

"Certainly," replied Elizabeth, following him to the library.

Once they had gained the library, Mr Darcy turned to face her. They were standing beside a heavy oak table. He placed one hand on the back of a chair, perhaps to stop it from shaking, and took a breath to steady his charged emotions. "I understand, Miss Bennet, that your sister, Catherine, visited your youngest sister yesterday. I am hopeful that you are now mistress of all the information concerning her, of which you have long been desirous."

"I am, sir."

"And may I then hope that any doubts that previously you may have entertained with regard to my conduct in your sister's affairs are now laid to rest?"

"You may, sir; and I wish to thank you, on behalf of all of my family, for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister."

A charming smile spread over his face as he took a step towards her and reached out his hand. But the smile quickly disappeared, and was replaced by an expression of bewilderment, when instead of stepping towards him and taking his proffered hand, Elizabeth suddenly stepped away from him.

"You will easily comprehend, Mr Darcy, that my sister, Jane, and I considered it unwise to allow our younger sister, Catherine, to travel, all alone, to some unknown destination, when we had not the least idea of what she might find."

"Oh?"

"And that we therefore resolved that I should accompany her."

"You also travelled to... err... then you also visited your sister, Lydia, yesterday?" asked Mr Darcy, apprehensively.

"I did," replied Elizabeth. "Was there any reason why I should not?"

"Why no, none at all," he said guardedly. "I thought perhaps it was the wish of your sister that Catherine should come alone."

"I am surprised," replied Elizabeth, "for my sister, Lydia, appeared to believe it was entirely your wish - but then, since probably you never visit the place, one can very easily comprehend how misunderstandings might arise when communication is done by letter."

Mr Darcy looked awkwardly away, not knowing how to proceed. Eventually he managed to turn his gaze back to Elizabeth, and enquire, "I sincerely hope that you found the house suitable, and your sister comfortably settled there?"

"Oh yes, it is a very lovely house," observed Elizabeth, "and exceedingly large - for just one young lady."

Mr Darcy was becoming increasingly perturbed with Elizabeth's every utterance. Finally, he managed, "Yes, it is a rather fine house; and the park, though small, is delightful. I believe the housekeeper does a most creditable job in keeping everything in order."

"And well she might - with so many servants, and just one young lady to attend to."

"Err... yes."

"After the meal, my sister, Lydia, was eager to hear all the news from Hertfordshire, and so while Catherine was engaged in recounting all the recent events to her, I decided to take a stroll; and found my way down to a most delightful river, where I happened to encounter an equally delightful young lady; who was making a painting of it."

"Oh," said Mr Darcy, his face turning visibly pale. Unable to hide his expression of alarm, he attempted to deny Elizabeth the opportunity of observing it by turning towards the table, and resting his hands on the back of a chair.

"I shall not trouble you, Mr Darcy, in attempting to describe the young lady to you; because, although I previously suspected it, your present behaviour now convinces me, that you are far more familiar with the young lady than am I."

Mr Darcy stood silently leaning on the chair, his eyes fixed upon the table as he diligently avoided Elizabeth's penetrating gaze.

"The housekeeper, Mrs Harrison, did a creditable job of hiding the existence of the other young lady - in fact, my sister, Catherine, is entirely unaware that her younger sister has a companion; for Lydia, too, played her part in the concealment - as indeed did the young lady, who divulged not the smallest piece of information concerning herself - so please do not be angry with any of them on account of my uninvited discovery."

"I see," said Mr Darcy, shaking his head, unhappily.

After a long silence, Elizabeth said, "It would seem evident that the young lady has likely been living in the house for quite some time - and very probably she was there well before the arrival of my sister. It would not even seem an unreasonable conjecture to suppose that the very reason for the existence of the establishment is to provide her with a home; and that upon discovering that my sister was in want of seclusion, you brought her there also. Do you deny it, sir?"

He continued staring fixedly at the table, looking most sombre and serious, slowly shaking his head - not in denial of her supposition, thought Elizabeth, but rather at the mortification of having been discovered.

"Who is the young lady?" enquired Elizabeth. When he made no reply, she said, "I am no innocent, Mr Darcy; I am well aware of the ways of the world, and all that is deemed acceptable in society; such as the courtesans one observes entertaining their protectors quite openly at the theatre or the opera."

"But I will warrant," said Mr Darcy resolutely, finally turning, and facing her, "that you have never observed me in such company."

"No, I have not. However, there are gentlemen, I believe, who are less brazen; or, perhaps, simply prefer to conduct their affairs in private, rather than in the glare of the pomp and pageantry of the Ton."

He said nothing, but continued to regard her intently.

"Please excuse me, if I am so ill-mannered as to speak upon subjects which polite society deems it necessary that a young lady not notice; and certainly never give utterance to. She is expected to pretend that a young gentleman is everything that he wishes the world to believe him to be; and that such furtive goings-on, occur in some imaginary world, which is no concern of hers, or in any way part of that which she, herself, inhabits. And if he chooses to continue in such a manner after he marries, his wife is expected to similarly ignore his dalliances with his mistress - and count herself fortunate if he conducts his affairs in private."

Mr Darcy, whether through embarrassment or guilt, looked away and chose to remain silent.

"I feel myself obliged to make it known to you, Mr Darcy, that regardless of what might be his other merits, I would never contemplate becoming the wife of such a man. Please excuse my presumption, if I therefore ask you once again: who is the young lady that I encountered by the river?"

Mr Darcy continued gazing at the table, shaking his head despairing; thumping the top of the chair in frustration. Finally he looked up and faced Elizabeth; his countenance stormy and severe. "Miss Bennet, it is with the greatest regret, that I must decline to answer your question."

"I see," said Elizabeth, making no attempt to conceal her displeasure. "In that case, it would appear that we have reached the end of our conversation. I think I should rejoin the other guests," she said, turning to leave.

"Miss Bennet!" he exclaimed urgently.

Elizabeth stopped, and turned back to face him.

"Though, doubtless, you shall think what you will on these matters, I make one earnest request of you."

Elizabeth nodded, as she regarded him critically.

"Do not speak on the matter of the young lady, whom you encountered beside the river, to anyone - most especially, my sister."

Elizabeth could well imagine the shame he might feel at having his younger sister, who looked up to him in awe, knowing that he kept a mistress. "I regret to tell you, that I have already spoken of the matter with my elder sister; for Jane and I tell each other everything. Though I am certain she will keep the information in confidence, I will explicitly ask her to do so - as shall I."

"I thank you," said Mr Darcy gravely.

Elizabeth curtsied, before turning and leaving the library. Her heart was heavy, as she made her way to join the rest of the party. Though she had doubted that Mr Darcy would be able to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the mystery lady, yet she had desperately hoped that somehow he might; and now all her hopes were dashed. Elizabeth struggled to overcome her disappointment, and to appear herself before the others. When she joined them, the eye of every lady was upon her, including that of Victoria Barclay; for the remaining dinner guests had now arrived. If her quiet reserved demeanour did not answer the question of those who secretly sought it, then the serious and sombre visage of their host, who soon afterwards joined them, was enough to convince them that no happy announcement was imminent.

It was very soon time to enter the dining room; and Elizabeth discovered, to her dismay, that Georgiana had placed her beside the dispirited Mr Darcy. And when he observed that she had placed Captain Radford beside herself, at the other end of the table, he gave her such a dark look, that poor Georgiana trembled. However, her discomposure was of but a short duration, for the Captain's charming conversation on her one side, and the encouraging and affectionate words of her cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, on her other, soon restored her good spirits - although she assiduously avoided looking towards the head of the table - though well she might have, for her brother was entirely lost in his own unhappy thoughts, and seemed hardly aware of what was passing in the company.

Elizabeth was glad to have Victoria Barclay as her other neighbour; for sensing Elizabeth's low state, she engrossed her in conversation, and succeeded in distracting her from the sad reflection that she appeared to have arrived at the bitter end of what had been a long and eventful entanglement, filled with so many hopes and disappointments. Victoria spoke excitedly of her own dinner party, which she would give in a fortnight, and to which they were all invited.

When the ladies withdrew after the meal, Elizabeth observed Mr Darcy delay his sister to whisper something to her; and when she joined them in the drawing room, Georgiana appeared upset and unhappy. Jane and Kitty were engaged in conversation with Victoria Barclay, allowing Elizabeth to take Georgiana aside. "What is the matter, my dear? Your brother, I fear, is out of sorts this evening; I do hope that he was not critical of your management of the dinner; for I thought it all went off rather well."

"No, it was not that, upon which he spoke. He was unhappy that I seated myself beside Captain Radford. I do not understand his objection to the Captain; he often hints at his disapproval, and is discouraging of our friendship - even though I have attempted to assure him that there is nothing in the least way romantic in it; and that I have not the least wish to marry either the Captain, or any other gentleman - now, or for the foreseeable future."

"You are yet young to be contemplating marriage," said Elizabeth, "and I can well understand your brother not being anxious to lose the frequent company of a beloved sister. Yet, as you say, there is nothing in Captain Radford's behaviour to indicate anything more than an enjoyment of your company. He behaves in a similar manner towards myself; and though, for a time, I was uncertain of his intentions, I now understand them to be nothing more than friendship."

"Exactly!" replied Georgiana. "My brother has just now informed me that I may not attend Miss Barclay's dinner party. I suspect it is on account of Captain Radford, who will, of course, be present; although he gave a different reason."

"Oh; and what was that?"

"That Admiral Barclay's lady shall be present, and that I am too young to be in her presence. He instructed me to give a suitable excuse to Miss Barclay."

"How absurd!" exclaimed Elizabeth, indignantly. It was well known that after his wife had died, many years ago, that the Admiral had taken up with a very beautiful French lady, an opera singer of great renown, by the name of Madam Lasalle; whom he had eventually taken under his roof as his de facto wife. "That is a very thin excuse indeed. I am certain that you are correct in supposing that it is on account of a young gentleman who resides in the Admiral's house, rather than an older lady, that he wishes to prevent you going. Say nothing to Miss Barclay for the moment, Georgiana; I shall speak with your brother."

When the gentlemen rejoined them, Elizabeth had little difficulty in gaining a confidential conversation with Mr Darcy, for he appeared to have the same intention. As soon as they were seated on a small sofa away from the remainder of the company, Elizabeth spoke. "What word, Mr Darcy, would you use to describe a gentleman who keeps his mistress hidden away from the world in the countryside, and yet finds something so offensive about a another, who takes his mistress under his roof and accords her all that is due a wife, that he should wish to prevent his own sister from going into that lady's society?"

Mr Darcy's face went pale. "You have been speaking with my sister, I think?"

Elizabeth smiled. "The word, in case you are at a loss, Mr Darcy, is hypocrite. However, I shall be kind enough to spare you that appellation; since I believe your reason for instructing your sister to decline Miss Barclay's invitation is not on account of a French lady, but rather an English gentleman - in whom, I believe, you commissioned an investigation which revealed nothing in the least bit dishonourable or disreputable - and, in light of which, I find your attitude to that gentleman most difficult to fathom."

Mr Darcy sighed. "You are justified, Miss Bennet, in exonerating me on the charge of hypocrisy; and therefore I must, I suppose, own to behaving ingenuously in naming Madam Lasalle as my reason for not wishing my sister to attend Miss Barclay's dinner. But please rest assured that I have my reasons for discouraging my sister from being too much in the company of Captain Radford."

"Surely you must be aware that your sister is painfully shy - most especially with gentlemen - which is hardly surprising given her history. That she evidently finds herself at ease, and is able to converse comfortably with the Captain, is something I would expect you to rejoice in, and wish to encourage. If you have observed anything of a more intimate nature between them, please be explicit; for I have not."

"It is the very fact of my sister's ease in his company - which is, as you have just now remarked, most unusual - that gives me cause to suspect a preference - on her side, at least."

"Then you believe Captain Radford to be a fortune hunter?"

"My sister has a substantial fortune, and it is common knowledge that the Captain has none. Although I genuinely appreciate your sincere interest in Miss Darcy, I do not wish to speak further on the subject; other than to say that I would have very strong objections to his marrying her. However, upon consideration, I suppose there is no great harm in my sister attending Miss Barclay's dinner, and so I shall not forbid it; for I have no wish to offend either Miss Barclay, the Admiral, or his lady."

"Thank you," said Elizabeth.

"Miss Bennet," he said purposefully, after a some moments of silent musing, "I have been searching all through the dinner for some way of saying to you, what I wish to say; and of attempting to reassure you that I am not so bad, as perhaps you suspect me to be. Most regrettably, I find myself, once again, in a situation of being unable to provide you with those assurances that you would wish to hear. I beg your indulgence; and that you allow me time to find a way of satisfying your justifiable concerns."

"I shall try," said Elizabeth, rewarding him with a smile. She was deeply touched by the depth of his sincerity, and his evident desire to please her; although she could not presently imagine how he might succeed. Did he mean to withdraw his protection from the mysterious young lady, and throw her out of the establishment he had formed for her? Elizabeth was appalled at the thought that she might be the cause of dispossessing the young lady of her home, and throwing her upon the mercy of men who would very likely treat her far less kindly than Mr Darcy. If only she could talk with him on the subject, and truly comprehend the situation - but he had made it very clear that he did not wish it.

The remainder of the evening passed pleasantly enough. Elizabeth took the earliest opportunity to communicate to Georgiana her brother's change of heart regarding her attendance at Victoria Barclay's dinner party; after which her spirits rose and she was persuaded to play a number of pieces on the pianoforte, and later to sing some duets with Captain Radford while Victoria Barclay accompanied them on the pianoforte. Elizabeth noticed that Colonel Fitzwilliam looked a great deal in Miss Barclay's direction; and when later she played a Bach piano sonata with great virtuosity, he sat enthralled.

The following morning provided the earliest opportunity for Jane to question Elizabeth alone; for Kitty had gone shopping, as she was to return to Hertfordshire the following week. Elizabeth recounted everything of her conversation in the library - including Mr Darcy's request that the existence of the young lady, who apparently lived in the house with Lydia, should remain secret.

"Certainly I shall say nothing - not even to Bingley," Jane reassured her sister. "I must say, Lizzy, that you were very brave, indeed, to speak upon such matters with Mr Darcy. I should have felt too embarrassed to make mention of such subjects, even to my husband - who would never, I am quite certain, contemplate keeping a mistress - or anything of that nature."

"I am sure you are correct, Jane, and yet I could not have imagined that Mr Darcy would keep a mistress - had I not seen her with my own eyes. And if his desire, these past several months, has been to pay me his addresses, and he has only been waiting until the mystery concerning Lydia was resolved, then his apparent intention of continuing to keep his mistress, disturbs me greatly."

"The words you spoke to him last night can have left him in no doubt that in such a situation, you would never accept him."

"Oh yes, he can be in no doubt of that," replied Elizabeth. "If he truly wishes to marry me, he is well aware that he must first abandon his mistress. But, Jane, I now worry that she will be cast out from her pleasant home, and be at the mercy of other men who may treat her unkindly. She might very well end up in woeful circumstances, similar to those from which Mr Darcy rescued Lydia. I could never forgive myself if I had that on my conscience - whatever am I to do?"

Jane sighed. "It is difficult, indeed, to know what to do. I am perhaps better informed upon that particular subject than you, Lizzy; for it appears to hold some great fascination for my sisters, Caroline and Louisa, who speak of it often; and greatly enjoy gossiping amongst themselves about those ladies who are known as Cyprians. They are, it would seem, very high-class courtesans. Some of them, apparently, have liaisons amongst the highest levels of the nobility, who provide them with very fine establishments where they live most comfortably, and may become exceedingly wealthy."

"So Mr Darcy's young lady, who is certainly beautiful, if she be also clever and accomplished, may very likely not descend to the same unfortunate level as our poor naïve sister," reflected Elizabeth.

"Exactly," said Jane.

Victoria Barclay's dinner party was a far grander affair than Georgiana's; there were above twenty guests, and there would have been three more had Elizabeth not assured Miss Barclay, upon her discreet inquiry, that Mr Bingley would not be offended in the least if his sisters were not on the guest list, and would likely bear their absence with the utmost complaisance - as would she and Jane - and their cousin, Captain Radford.

Although Madam Lasalle presided over the Admiral's house, it was Miss Barclay's dinner party. She had determined the guest list from amongst her own acquaintance, sent out the invitations, and presided over the whole affair.

When they arrived at the Admiral's house, which was very grand indeed, they were introduced to him and to Madam Lasalle, whom Elizabeth guessed must be nearing forty. She was exquisitely dressed, and very beautiful. She appeared to know who everyone was, and told Elizabeth that she had been eager to meet her, having received such glowing reports of her beauty and charm from Captain Radford upon his return from Hertfordshire.

Admiral Barclay greeted them all warmly; he appeared to be a jovial gentleman, and complimented Elizabeth, "I shall allow my daughter to hold dinner parties as often as she pleases if she fills my house with such beauty." The Admiral welcomed Mr Darcy with pleasure, happily recounting his fond memories of his father, whom he had known well when they were both young men.

More introductions followed, for many in the party were unknown to Elizabeth, including a cousin of Miss Barclay's by the name of Captain Russell, who looked most handsome in his naval uniform. "I saw you, Miss Bennet, at Miss Darcy's ball, a month or two ago," said the Captain.

"Oh, yes," replied Elizabeth, "I recall seeing you dance the first set with Miss Bingley; and a later one with Miss Darcy."

"And I certainly noticed you, madam, but what gentleman did not? Most regrettably, I could find no one who was able to perform an introduction, for I wished to ask for the pleasure of dancing with you."

"You had only to ask your partner in the first set, sir; for Miss Bingley is the sister of my own sister's husband," replied Elizabeth.

"Yes, I knew it, for she told me so herself; and yet I gained the impression that she was no great admirer of yours, and would be most disobliged, were I to request her to perform the desired office."

Elizabeth laughed at his impolite satire, but doubted that his eagerness to dance with her had been nearly so marked as he implied; for there were other acquaintances in common present, such as his cousin, Miss Barclay, to whom he might have applied. Elizabeth suspected that it was simply gallantry, for he appeared to be a gentleman who was most skilled in charming words and flattery; and she very soon afterwards observed him turning his attentions and charm upon Georgiana.

"I see you have met Miss Barclay's cousin, Captain Russell," said Captain Radford to Elizabeth, with such barely concealed disapprobation as to greatly surprise her; for she had never heard him speak ill of anyone - not even of his disagreeable cousin, Caroline Bingley.

Speaking softly, so that only she might hear him, he said, "Though Miss Barclay's cousin may make himself pleasing to the ladies with his gallantries, and appear to be the most amiable and genteel of men - there are those who hold a far less agreeable opinion of him."

"Such as yourself?"

"It was my misfortune to serve under him a twelvemonth, when he was a second lieutenant, and I an ensign. It is a tradition in the navy, that once ashore, a sailor does not speak badly of another, no matter how unpleasant and reprehensible was his behaviour at sea. Furthermore, Captain Russell is the son of Victoria's aunt, so I will simply advise you that he is not a man to be trusted."

When they entered the dining room, Captain Russell was surreptitiously exchanging two of the place cards, earning himself a reproachful look from his cousin, Miss Barclay, who saw what he was about, but was too polite to comment and draw attention to it. Elizabeth found that she was seated between Mr Darcy and Captain Radford, who, to her brother's displeasure, had Georgiana on his other side; and next to her at one of the places where he had exchanged a card, sat Captain Russell, whose object had evidently been to seat himself beside Georgiana. Elizabeth did not fail to observe that Miss Barclay had placed herself beside Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Though Captain Radford ensured that Elizabeth received her share of his conversation, he seemed most eager to engage Georgiana on his other side; purposefully, Elizabeth suspected, to deny Captain Russell any greater opportunity of subjecting her to his considerable charm.

Mr Darcy, on her other side, made a tolerable attempt at polite conversation. "I understand from Bingley that he and your sister leave London soon, on their wedding tour, and that you are to accompany them."

"Yes, the weather is warm enough now, I think, and we are anxious to savour the delights of the Lakes," replied Elizabeth.

"I find I have had enough of all that the Ton has to offer, and will very likely return to Pemberley, myself, in the next week or two."

"Does Miss Darcy accompany you?"

"Yes, of course; I would not think of leaving my sister alone in town - even with a suitable companion. There are those who might take advantage of my absence - and her innocence," he said, looking meaningfully down the table beyond Elizabeth. "But to which of the two naval captains did he allude?" she wondered.

"By the time you have completed your tour of the Lakes, my sister and I will be well settled at Pemberley; and I have invited Bingley to visit us there, before returning south. You will receive an invitation from my sister, as is proper. I do hope this will not greatly inconvenience you."

"It will be my pleasure to accept Miss Darcy's invitation," replied Elizabeth. She might well have added that after experiencing the beauty of nature in the wild, she could think of no more suitable place to experience it under man's intelligent and sensitive dominion; however, she did not wish to compliment his estate so warmly, for she remained displeased with him.

When the ladies withdrew, Georgiana took the opportunity to give Elizabeth the invitation to stay at Pemberley upon their return from the Lakes. "There are so many delightful places in the park and gardens that I am eager to share with you," said Georgiana, with a shy smile.

It seemed to Elizabeth that there was an expectation in Georgiana's mind that their sharing of the delights of Pemberley might be something more enduring than that which a brief visit might afford. Elizabeth was conscious of Georgiana's unspoken expectation that her brother and she might very soon wed; it was an expectation, she was aware, that was shared by many in their circle of acquaintance, and no doubt much spoken of and anticipated out of her hearing. And, she reflected, were it not her surprising discovery of the mysterious young lady, two weeks earlier, she and Mr Darcy might very well, by this time, be engaged.

Elizabeth was saved from any further embarrassment on account of Georgiana's expectations, by Madam Lasalle, who, approaching them, said to Georgiana, "Miss Darcy, I have heard wonderful reports about the beauty of your voice. I suspect that you are not accustomed to performing alone before a large audience, and so I wondered if, perhaps, before we are joined by the gentlemen, you might favour me with one or two songs."

The request was made so charmingly, that Georgiana could not deny her; and Victoria Barclay was happy to accompany her on the pianoforte while she sang two French chansons. Madam Lasalle was very warm in her praise, and begged Georgiana, so earnestly, to sing something together with Captain Radford and herself, for the gentlemen had now entered, that she could not refuse. Their performance was exquisite and the audience listened enraptured. Victoria Barclay then played some Mozart with great virtuosity and passion, and then remained at the pianoforte to accompany Madam Lasalle, who performed the principal parts of the heroine from an Italian opera, in what was the musical highlight of the evening.

"She is wonderful, is she not?" said Captain Radford to Elizabeth when her performance was over.

"Oh, yes, indeed. I do not think I have ever heard anything quite so beautiful."

"Nor I." said the Captain affectionately. "I was most fortunate in having her teach me to sing."

"You were fortunate, indeed," said Elizabeth, "and I imagine that she must be exceedingly pleased with the result."

The Captain nodded his head at the compliment. "I am sorry, Miss Bennet, to turn the conversation to a less agreeable matter, but I fear I must."

"Oh?"

"You will recall my comments about Captain Russell before we dined; and perhaps you did not fail to observe him changing the place names to seat himself beside Miss Darcy, whom he was most energetic in flattering and charming all the way through the meal. And, as you can see, he has again seated himself beside her, and presently continues his attentions."

"Yes, he is most persistent. If you have misgivings about his intentions, Captain, it might be wise if you speak of them with her brother."

Captain Radford sighed and shook his head. "While we were at our port and cigars, I took Mr Darcy aside and attempted to do just that. I must tell you that I did not receive a very favourable hearing."

"I am surprised, for Mr Darcy is generally very protective of his sister. Does he have some reason to hold a good opinion of Captain Russell?"

"He barely knows him. No, it is not on account of Captain Russell that he would not hear me - but on account of his attitude to myself, I fear."

"You believe he does not like you?"

"Not exactly. In Hertfordshire, I found him amiable enough. There was, perhaps, some rivalry, concerning a particular young lady," he said with a smile. "But that aside, his behaviour towards me was not at all unpleasant, and he showed some interest in my personal history. When we met again in town, it was much the same, until I made the acquaintance of his sister."

"So you think the alteration in his attitude it is on account of Miss Darcy?"

"Yes."

"It is perhaps natural," said Elizabeth, "that he should wish to protect his sister if he believes that your intention is to make her fall in love with you, in order to gain her fortune."

"Yes, of course, that would be entirely reasonable. But is it not evident that we simply enjoy each other's company, and that there is not the slightest romantic interest on either side?"

"It is my experience, Captain, that it is not always possible to know what is in the heart and mind of another - regardless of appearances. However, in so far as appearances go, I agree that it appears to me to be just as you describe. However, I am better acquainted with you than is Mr Darcy, and so I am likely to be more trusting."

"Mr Darcy is a rational man; yet in so far as his sister is concerned, his behaviour is anything but rational. He mistakes my good intentions and entirely overlooks the dangerous intentions of another."

"By whom? Captain Russell? You think he is a fortune hunter?"

"I do."

"Does he have no wealth?"

"No, none that I know of. But he is worse than a fortune hunter - he is a man without morals, whose word cannot be trusted. Miss Bennet, I know you are Miss Darcy's good friend and that you care a great deal about her. Her brother will not listen to me - he suspects me of acting from self-interest, and therefore discounts my warning."

"Do you think that I might succeed in prevailing upon him?" asked Elizabeth.

"Perhaps," replied Captain Radford, "but I would not ask it of you; and in any case, he would probably believe that you had been duped by me, and were simply representing my interests. No, I wish you to warn Miss Darcy, herself, of the danger. Will you do it - for her sake?"

"I will," said Elizabeth.

Chapter Ten - A Mission of Mercy

Posted on 2011-11-08

It was Elizabeth's intention to call upon Georgiana on the morning following Victoria Barclay's dinner party; both to pass on the warning concerning Captain Russell, and also to bid her farewell; for they were to leave on the wedding tour the following day. But before she had departed the house, a visitor arrived - Victoria Barclay.

"Miss Bennet," she said, once they were seated, "I have come at this early hour to make a particular request of you, for I am aware that you very soon shall be leaving town. It was evident to me yesterday evening that my cousin, Captain Russell, was embarked upon a campaign to win Miss Darcy's affections."

"Yes, I, too, observed it," said Elizabeth.

"I feel most guilty that my dinner party provided a vehicle for him to pursue his enterprise, which I believe he embarked upon at Miss Darcy's ball, some weeks ago."

"Yes, I recall him dancing with Miss Darcy. I wonder how he obtained the introduction?" conjectured Elizabeth.

"I believe it was from Miss Bingley, with whom he danced the first set. Doubtless he charmed and flattered her into making the introduction. I have known him for most of my life, and he had always been a charming deceiver; and, over the years, he has grown increasingly unscrupulous and disreputable. I believe that Captain Radford warned you about him yesterday. Of his own acquaintance with my cousin, and all that passed in the navy, I know nothing; only that his opinion regarding my cousin's character is entirely in accord with my own.

"Although I endeavour to avoid Captain Russell's company as much as is politely possible, I am nevertheless obliged by my affection for his mother to invite him to my father's house when there are dinner parties and such like. My aunt, whose health is poor, is thus denied the opportunity of seeing her son in society, and has as blind a partiality to him as any mother for her only child. It would hurt her grievously if I were to cut him. Yesterday, he arrived early, and aware that Miss Darcy was to be of the party, he begged me to seat him beside her; he is doubtless aware of her fortune - and he, himself has nothing. I was immediately alive to his designs and refused to oblige him; and placed him well away from Miss Darcy, where he could do no damage; but my devious cousin exchanged the place cards in order to seat himself beside her."

"Yes, I observed it," said Elizabeth. "He seems entirely lacking in scruples."

"Oh, indeed he is! Which is why, Miss Darcy must be warned! I do not feel that I know her well enough to approach her on so delicate a matter; but you, Miss Bennet, are, I believe, likely well enough acquainted with the young lady, to perform the office."

"Indeed, I am; and, in fact, I was planning to do just that, this very morning; for Captain Radford made an identical request of me yesterday evening."

"I am exceedingly relieved to hear of your intention, for I believe it may be a matter of some urgency. My cousin is aware that Miss Darcy soon departs for Derbyshire, and I suspect that he may attempt to prevail upon her as soon as may be. He called upon me earlier this morning, and begged me to come with him to wait upon Miss Darcy, for Mr Darcy is seldom At Home to morning callers, and my cousin could hardly call upon her if she were all alone. I declined his request, citing prior obligations."

"I wonder," said Elizabeth, with a playful smile, "why you did not think to ask her cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, to warn her. You had ample opportunity last night; for you sat beside him at the meal; and, if my memory serves me correct, you were engaged at length in conversation with him in the drawing room, also."

Miss Barclay smiled. "He is a delightful gentleman, and I will happily admit to finding the greatest pleasure in his company. And indeed, I did contemplate doing exactly as you suggest. However, I do not have a good notion of the nature of his relationship with his cousin, and I feared that it is a subject which might cause some awkwardness between a gentleman and a younger lady. Furthermore, it is, I believe, an office which would be better performed by a lady whom she trusts, and whose opinions she respects. I did, however, make the Colonel aware of my concerns, after which he more closely observed the behaviour of my cousin, and was exceedingly dissatisfied. I begged him to make Mr Darcy aware of the danger at his earliest convenience, and he assured me that he would do so."

"It is well that you spoke with Colonel Fitzwilliam, for he shares the guardianship of Miss Darcy with her brother, and will now be hardly likely to give his permission for your cousin to marry her," said Elizabeth.

"Miss Bennet, my cousin is in need of no one's permission to elope!"

"Good God! Is he capable of such a thing?"

"Oh yes, most assuredly. His charm and prodigious skills in deception and the art of seduction, are equalled only by my cousin's degree of devotion to his own self-interest, and total want of morality or concern for the welfare of others. Which is why, it is Miss Darcy, herself, who is in need of enlightenment concerning Captain Russell!"

Miss Barclay soon afterwards departed, in order that Elizabeth might go directly to Georgiana.

When she was shown into the sitting room at Grosvenor Square, Elizabeth was most surprised to find Captain Russell and Georgiana alone together. Georgiana blushed deeply; but the gentleman was brazen, and acted as if there was nothing in the least bit untoward in their present situation.

He made a show of looking at his pocket watch and remarked, "I cannot imagine what can have happened to my cousin, Miss Barclay, for she promised faithfully to meet me here above thirty minutes ago. Miss Darcy, would you be so good as to inform her when she arrives that I am greatly disappointed in her lack of punctuality, and have given up my vigil of waiting for her." Bowing elegantly to each lady in turn, he made a speedy departure, all the while avoiding looking Elizabeth in the eye.

"Allow me to inform you, Georgiana, that Miss Barclay will not be waiting upon you this morning; and, as Captain Russell is very well aware, she never had the least intention of doing so. It is clearly a fabrication designed to provide him with an excuse for being alone in your company, which, as you must know, is highly improper."

Georgiana looked at Elizabeth uncomprehendingly. "I do not understand your meaning; he has been waiting for his cousin these past thirty minutes - I know I should never have remained alone in the same room as a gentleman for so long, but he assured me that her arrival was imminent."

"I have just come from Fairfield Gardens, where I received a visit from Miss Barclay. She informed me that Captain Russell had begged her to accompany him to wait upon you this morning, but that she declined his proposal. He could have been in no doubt that his cousin had not the least intention of joining him, here, at Grosvenor Square."

"I am certain there must have been some miscommunication. Did you not hear him say that Miss Barclay had promised to meet him here? Evidently, she must have forgotten. Oh, Elizabeth, I have never met such a charming gentleman in all my life - he is so handsome and his manners are utterly delightful!"

"You sound as if you are well on the way to being in love," observed Elizabeth with alarm.

"Who could not be in love with so delightful a gentleman," said Georgiana fancifully.

"And do you believe that he returns your affections?"

"Oh, yes, he was most explicit," said Georgiana artlessly.

Elizabeth sighed. It was evident that Georgiana was entirely in Captain Russell's power, and that she was so infatuated that she would very likely not hear a single word said against the insincere rogue. She needed somehow to be shocked out of her stupor.

"Then you find him every bit as charming, handsome, and delightful of manner as George Wickham?" demanded Elizabeth sternly.

Georgiana gasped and turned pale. "But... what do you know of George Wickham?" she whispered.

"Everything! How he duped you into believing you were in love with him, and that he was in love with you - when what he really desired was your thirty thousand pounds. I know also, that he persuaded you to elope with him; and that he very nearly succeeded!"

Georgiana was stunned into silence, so ashamed was she, that Elizabeth knew her darkest, most humiliating secret.

"Be not ashamed that you were duped by George Wickham, and that you were on the point of eloping with him - for you were then but a naïve girl of fifteen. But have you learned nothing from that earlier mistake? Of the need to be more circumspect? To comprehend that there are gentlemen who will lie and deceive to obtain a fortune such as yours? Of the prudence of seeking out the opinions of others, whom you trust? You are now a young lady of seventeen, who has come out into society as an adult - and yet you have allowed yourself to be duped in exactly the same way, by a rogue who is no better than George Wickham."

"You know that he has begged me to elope with him?" exclaimed Georgiana in alarm. "Did you hear him speaking of it?"

Elizabeth stared at her, incredulously. "I heard no day or time. Is it all arranged then?"

"No… of course not," said Georgiana nervously.

"Then you refused him?"

"No… not exactly… I did not give him my answer."

"Did he propose to a meet with you, somewhere?"

"He begged me to walk in St James Park this afternoon, but I did not give him an answer - for it was just then that your arrival was announced."

"You were inclined to go then, I think?"

"But, what harm could there be, if we were to meet in a public park?" asked Georgiana innocently.

"Doubtless, he would have his carriage nearby, ready to whisk you away to Gretna Green. Were he unable to persuade you to elope with him - and he is the most persuasive of gentlemen - he might well have tricked you into entering his carriage, by offering to drive you home - and then abducted you."

"No! I cannot believe it of him! He is the most noble and honest of gentlemen," protested Georgiana shaking her head vehemently.

"So it is your intention to meet with him, then?"

Georgiana blushed, and was unable to meet Elizabeth's gaze.

"Yes… no… oh, I do not know - it is all so very sudden; and he implores me to act quickly or others, he says, will prevent it. But Elizabeth, he swears that he truly loves me - surely he cannot be an insincere deceiver like George Wickham - no I am convinced that it cannot be so. And I am quite certain that he is not simply after my money, for he is so very rich himself - or at least he shall be when he inherits his uncle's fortune."

"I have heard that he has no money at all; and I know of no uncle from whom he is to inherit anything."

"He told me that Admiral Barclay's fortune will pass in its entirety to him, for it is entailed upon his nearest male relative, which is himself - although he assures me that he intends to make very generous provisions for both his cousin, Miss Barclay, and Madam Lasalle."

Elizabeth sighed. "Georgiana, my poor, dear girl; you have been comprehensively deceived. Victoria Barclay is the sole heir to her father's fortune; and though I am less certain of it, I believe that Captain Russell is related to the Barclays through Admiral Barclay's deceased wife, and is not even a blood relation of the Admiral."

"No!" exclaimed Georgiana, "I cannot believe that he could lie to me like that - he loves me! You must be mistaken!"

"Is your brother at home?"

"Yes; he is writing his letters in the library, I believe."

"Shall we ask him, then; surely you would believe your brother?"

"Of course. He would never lie to me."

They made their way to the library and upon hearing them enter, Mr Darcy, who was seated at a large table with documents and papers spread all about him, looked up, evidently displeased at being disturbed. However, upon observing Elizabeth, he immediately rose and greeted her warmly. "It is most kind of you to take the trouble of coming all the way up here to bid me your adieus, Miss Bennet."

"I regret to tell you, Mr Darcy, that I am come on an entirely different mission, and I apologise for interrupting you, for I see that you are very busy."

He smiled. "No apology is necessary; it is always a pleasure to see you. How may I be of service?"

"By providing the answer to two very simple questions, sir. What is the exact relationship between Admiral Barclay and Captain Russell; and, upon the Admiral's death, who shall inherit his fortune?"

Mr Darcy seemed surprised at the questions. "You will find the answer to your first question here," he said, walking across to a shelf and taking a copy of Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, which he thumbed through until he found the correct page, and then offered it to Elizabeth. "Their relationship, I think you will find, is by marriage only. The Admiral's wife was the sister of Captain Russell's mother."

Georgiana turned pale and looked as if she might faint. Elizabeth put an arm around her and helped her down to a couch, where she seated herself beside her and placed a comforting arm around her shoulder.

"Please let me see it," asked Georgiana, taking the book from her brother.

"What on earth is this all about?" demanded Mr Darcy. But Elizabeth gave him an admonishing glance, which silenced him.

"And so… Miss Barclay is the sole heir of her father?" asked Georgiana softly, still staring at the book.

"Yes," said her brother.

Georgiana burst into tears and Elizabeth gently drew the younger lady to her, allowing her to sob on her shoulder.

Mr Darcy looked mystified, but said nothing. He took a large handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to his sister who buried her face in it. After some minutes, she stood and said, "I shall go to my apartments."

Elizabeth hugged her and said, "I think your brother is owed some explanation. If you will allow me, I shall provide it, and I will then come up to see you."

"Yes, please do, Elizabeth, and thank you; thank you for saving me from that evil man!" she exclaimed, before turning and quickly leaving the library.

"My God!" exclaimed Mr Darcy, "What on earth is this all about?"

When Elizabeth had finished recounting the whole story, he sat shaking his head in disbelief. "May I offer you a glass of wine, Miss Bennet? I find myself in need of one."

"Yes, thank you."

Mr Darcy poured out two glasses from a decanter on the sideboard and handed one to Elizabeth. "Words cannot express my gratitude. You have very likely saved my sister from a most awful fate - that would have ruined her whole life. I had not the least idea that Captain Russell was such a scoundrel."

"Really? Did no one attempt to warn you?"

Mr Darcy looked up at Elizabeth. "You speak of Captain Radford?"

"I do. He was the first to alert me to Captain Russell's bad character. Though he refused to divulge the details, he spent a twelvemonth at sea with him, so he must, indeed, be well qualified; and he is as honest a man as I have met. He told me that he had attempted to warn you, but that you would not hear him."

Mr Darcy hung his head, but said nothing.

"Why did you choose not to believe him?" demanded Elizabeth. "Do you know some evil of him? Do you have any reason to think him dishonest?"

"No, is the answer to both your questions. All I can say, by way of explanation, is that having for some time now, observed the growing closeness between my sister and Captain Radford, I have been afraid that they might develop an attachment to each other, and perhaps wish to marry."

Elizabeth smiled. "Please, do not be too severe with your sister, sir. Be gentle and forgiving; and though she made a serious mistake, please remember that you, too, have erred. Captain Russell's design was not difficult to discover. I saw it almost immediately, as did Captain Radford, Miss Barclay - and even your cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, once he had been alerted to it. Yet you saw it not - even though Captain Radford was most explicit in making it known to you. If you are to give your sister the protection she is owed, then you will need to rise above your own prejudices."

"Thank you, Miss Bennet, for a well-deserved admonishment. Your accusations are just, and have found their mark. I acknowledge my own lack of perspicacity; and, yes, it was on account of... not prejudice exactly; I would prefer to call it preoccupation. But of whatever appellation it deserves, there is no excuse for my negligence. I must learn to pay more attention to my sister, and of what she is thinking and feeling; and be more vigilant in her protection."

"I fear you are over-harsh with yourself, Mr Darcy. It is evident that you care a great deal for your sister, and exert yourself as much as any older brother could. All that is wanting is a little more openness of mind." Elizabeth rose. "I must go to Georgiana, now, and comfort her; she has suffered a great disappointment. I suspect it may be a good many years before she will be willing to again trust the words of a suitor. I do not know how Captain Russell will act when Georgiana does not appear at the park this afternoon - he may attempt to again call upon her."

"Yes indeed. I shall give instructions that he is not to be admitted - under any circumstances; and if my sister should wish to venture out from the house again, before we depart from London, I shall ensure that it is in the company of a suitable companion. Allow me say again, Miss Bennet, how greatly indebted to you I am. I wish there was some way I could thank you."

Elizabeth looked at him provocatively. "Oh, I believe you are well aware of how you may thank me, sir."

He looked at her imploringly, apparently uncertain as to her meaning.

"I asked you a question, some weeks ago in this very library. I am still hopeful, Mr Darcy, of receiving a satisfactory answer to that question. And it is not merely a matter of curiosity; it may indeed be a matter of far greater import," she said, with her eyes fixed steadily upon his.

He made a plaintive sigh, and shook his head, well aware that she was speaking of the young lady whom she had encountered by the river. "If only you had never seen her, how much happier both our lives would be," he said regretfully.

"You would prefer that I should be deceived?" demanded Elizabeth sharply.

"No, not deceived, Miss Bennet; for it is a matter with which you need not concern yourself."

Elizabeth was most dissatisfied with this suggestion, yet he seemed to think it entirely reasonable; and upon that unsatisfactory note, they bade each other farewell.

As she made her way to Georgiana's apartments, Elizabeth wondered if she was, perhaps, being unreasonable. He evidently expected her to be wilfully blind to his keeping a mistress. Society, she knew, unquestionably expected it of a wife, so it was hardly surprising that he should have such an expectation of her. Perhaps rather than being displeased with him, she should feel grateful at his patience and tolerance of her unconventional attitude.

Elizabeth spent the remainder of the morning comforting Georgiana, and advising her on exercising greater caution in the future. "Now that you are out, Georgiana, you will unavoidably be prey to fortune hunters; and there are more than a few of them about."

"But I am such an innocent; I can see now that I am in no way adept at judging the intentions of gentlemen - most especially when they choose to deliberately deceive me."

"In time, with greater experience, your judgement will improve. But it is always wise to confide in, and seek the opinion of, others whom you trust, such as myself or Jane; and on no account, ever again, consider eloping - with anyone! Promise me!"

"Oh yes, gladly will I promise you, for now I see how twice it has almost caused my ruin."

"Your brother and Colonel Fitzwilliam, who are your guardians, are sensible, well-informed men, who both wish for your happiness. You have nothing to fear from having any would-be suitor apply to them; and you can always rely upon them to protect your interests."

"Of course, you are right; I shall do just as you say. I have the highest regard for my brother's judgement - except when it concerns one particular gentleman."

"You are speaking of Captain Radford, I think. I, too, have observed his unreasonable concerns regarding that gentleman and yourself. Apart from his lack of fortune, it is difficult to understand what can be the cause of your brother's disquiet."

"I have told him, on more than one occasion, that while I enjoy the Captain's company, I have not the least romantic notion - and nor, I am certain, does he. But my brother will not be convinced on the matter."

"Yes, I have lately found your brother difficult to comprehend - and on other subjects, also," said Elizabeth shaking her head. She and Georgiana parted affectionately, with sincere wishes of meeting at Pemberley in about a month's time.

Upon returning to Fairfield Gardens, Elizabeth told Jane everything that had passed at Grosvenor Square.

Jane shook her head. "I think you will be happy to relax in the quiet beauty of nature, after all the recent excitement in town."

"Yes... but... Jane, do you think when we depart, tomorrow, we might take a somewhat different route than is normally taken?"

"Why? What are you thinking of, Lizzy?"

"Would you like to see our sister, Lydia?"

"Why yes, I would, very much," admitted Jane. "And you, perhaps, would like to meet, again, with the mysterious lady?"

"Yes, I am most curious about her, and if we were to arrive unannounced she would not have the opportunity of absenting herself from the house. I attempted to scribble down the directions, when Kitty and I paid our visit, and I am hopeful of being able to find the place again. Do you think Bingley will mind, very much, if we make a short detour at the start of our journey?"

"No, of course not; Bingley is the most obliging and amiable of men. And since you may not wish him to join us in visiting the house, I am sure he will be happy to remain without, and perhaps take a walk, or explore a nearby town in the carriage. Do you wish to tell him our purpose?"

"I would prefer just to say that I am in search of an acquaintance, who lives thereabouts. It will hardly be out of our way, for it is in a northerly direction; in Suffolk, I have concluded, after consulting several maps."