Section I, Next Section
Mr. Bingley, his sisters, and Mr. Hurst, were staying at Mr. Darcy's London townhouse with his sister, Georgiana, and himself. Bingley had just recently become engaged to Miss Jane Bennet. Miss Bennet and her sister Elizabeth were staying at their aunt and uncle's house at Gracechurch St. in Cheapside and were to join Darcy's party that night for dinner.
Everyone was gathered in the music room shortly after breakfast and delighted in hearing Miss Darcy on the pianoforte. Miss Caroline Bingley positioned herself right next to Darcy and immediately began showering him with praises about how wonderful his sister was and how good a brother he was to her. No matter how much Miss Bingley flattered and complimented him, she had no chance of ever gaining his affections. His love and regard lied with the witty and beautiful Elizabeth Bennet. Ever since their unexpected meeting at Pemberley last summer he was anxious to renew his addresses to her. He would have done so then, but that insufferable Mr. Wickham had to interfere in his life once again. His beloved had no idea that he was the one who arranged everything about her youngest sister Lydia's infamous marriage to Wickham. If she had known and he had proposed again, she might have accepted him out of gratitude and that he did not want. Darcy wanted Elizabeth to love him as much as he loved her.
"Oh Lizzy, I cannot decide. They are both so elegant and beautiful. Which do you suggest?" she asked as she held up the two gowns.
"Dear sister, you know I will not decide for you. Jane, you will look beautiful in whatever you wear. I'm sure Mr. Bingley would find you just as agreeable if you were dressed in a flour sack."
Jane laughed at her sister's remark. "Do not tease me. I believe I prefer this one." Jane held up a white wedding gown with a low neckline, made of silk and lace with tiny rose buds adorning it. "What think you of it?"
Secretly that was the very one Elizabeth would have picked for her sister and was relieved when Jane decided on it as well.
"I like it very much indeed, " answered Elizabeth, " You are going look like an angel."
Miss Bennet called for the dressmaker and her measurements were taken. The dressmaker said that her dress would be ready within the week. With that settled they left the shop to look for their Aunt Gardiner. They soon found her admiring some flowers on a small cart set up on the roadside. When she spotted her nieces she joined them and handed each of them a pink rose.
"Here, a flower for my favorite nieces," said Mrs. Gardiner with a smile, "Come, we must be getting back to Gracechurch street."
Mr. Darcy was about to explode if he heard Caroline Bingley open her mouth one more time. He was just about to leave the room entirely when his butler came in and announced a visitor.
The butler bowed to Mr. Darcy and said, "Sir, there is a young woman here who wishes to speak to you, may I summon her?"
"Yes of course. Please show her in."
The butler bowed and left the room to fetch the visitor. Georgiana stopped playing the pianoforte and approached her brother.
"Who is here, William?"
"I don't know. But I believe we will find out very shortly."
Just then the butler returned with the unknown woman. She was tall, slender and appeared to be of some considerable wealth. She had brown hair and dark elegant eyes. Both Darcy and Bingley thought to themselves that she was quite beautiful.
Darcy bowed to her. "I understand you wished to speak with me."
"Yes. Please forgive my intrusion upon your house. I am Lady Abigail De Witt, Dowager Countess of ——."
All those in the room bowed or curtsied upon hearing her name and title, even the usual sedentary Mr. Hurst.
"Delighted to make your acquaintance, Lady Abigail. Allow me to introduce my party. This is my sister, Georgiana." Georgiana curtsied and smiled shyly at her. She found something very familiar about Lady Abigail's eyes, but could not think why.
"This is my friend, Mr. Bingley, and his sisters Miss Caroline Bingley; Mrs. Hurst, and Mr. Hurst."
All resumed their positions in the room, but Lady Abigail did not budge from where she was standing.
"Mr. Darcy, there is something of an exceedingly important nature which I must discuss with you."
Darcy looked a bit alarmed. "Yes of course, what is it?"
"Sir, I must speak to you in private," replied Lady Abigail.
"Of course, m'lady, we can use my study."
He then motioned towards the door and Lady Abigail followed him out of the music room leaving the members of his party to ponder the nature of her urgency. Miss Bingley did not like the idea of a beautiful woman of large fortune alone with her Mr. Darcy. She tried to calm herself remembering that Lady Abigail was a widow and therefore could not be too much of a threat. The whole of the party sat in complete silence until Mr. Bingley inquired after Georgiana to continue her performance on the pianoforte. Georgiana jumped at the sound of her name mentioned. She was still trying to ascertain why Lady Abigail seemed so familiar to her, especially her eyes.
"Of course, Charles, if you wish me to continue." She walked back to her beloved instrument and began to play.
When Lady Abigail and Darcy reached his study, he offered her some refreshments, which she politely declined. He motioned for her to sit on the couch. Darcy sat opposite her on a leather chair in front of his writing desk. He too noticed something familiar about her eyes, but could not guess why. As she sat on the couch, she fidgeted with her gloves and glanced about the room, she looked almost shy and nervous. Darcy thought that she reminded him of Georgiana's manner.
She finally spoke, "Mr. Darcy, I have made a startling discovery. You might not even believe me when I tell you, but let me do so now. It is best that I start from the beginning."
Darcy sat straight up in his chair and listened quite intently to Lady Abigail.
"My parents were Lord and Lady Kellington, the Earl and Countess of —— and I believe were acquaintances of your parents."
Darcy nodded the affirmative and she continued, "My mother died many years ago and my father just three weeks ago."
Darcy interrupted her story to express his condolences.
"I thank you, sir. My father was an excellent man. He had a kind heart and a pleasing gentleness about him. My poor mother, on the other hand, was the exact opposite of him. Because of her forbearing demeanor and coarse countenance I was never close to her. For as long as I can remember I had always been nagged on to become the ideal noblewoman and wife. I did not have a pleasant or enjoyable childhood, well at least when I was in the presence of my mother. My father, however, did tend to grant me certain privileges that my mother would never allow. But I will not bother you any longer with tales of my childhood. As I mentioned before, my father passed on but three weeks ago and while on his deathbed he revealed to me a dark secret which had haunted him for over twenty years. Mr. Darcy, is it not true that your mother had a child some twenty-two years ago?"
Darcy upon hearing this jumped from his chair with a mixture of fear and anger.
"How in God's name did you know of that!?" he paused to collect himself, "Yes, it is true."
Darcy walked to the window and stared down at the street then continued.
"The baby, a girl, was pronounced dead shortly after her birth by my mother's midwife. I was but six years old at the time and my father, because of his hurt and my mother's, I was never to mention it again. My dear sister, Georgiana, doesn't even know of it. But how did you come upon this information?"
Lady Abigail sensing Darcy's distress walked towards him by the window.
"My parents, as we agreed, were acquaintances of your parents. My father, on his deathbed, told me of this. There is more of what he related to me, but you may want to sit down for the remainder of it."
Darcy nodded and returned to his chair by the couch. Lady Abigail sat back upon the couch and began again.
"Mr. Darcy, do you remember what became of your mother's midwife after this affair?"
"Yes I do. She left rather suddenly and was never heard from again."
"This woman was of a sinister character and what she did with your mother's child was shocking and appalling. To be rightly frank, your mother was ultimately deceived, for her child did not die as her midwife said."
Darcy sat in utter shock at what he had just heard. She continued.
"This midwife stole your mother's child away and delivered it to the hands of a wealthy childless couple. That couple was my parents. They paid this woman a handsome sum of money for the child, who they would pass off as their own. Now, I have said that my father was an excellent man, but he was completely controlled by my overbearing mother who instigated this whole mess."
While Lady Abigail was relating these statements to Darcy he sat in awe at what his ears were beholding.
"I cannot believe what you're saying. The child is alive?"
"Well she's certainly not a child anymore, Mr. Darcy. She was born some twenty-two years ago, was she not?" She paused briefly and added softly, "Pray, how old do you think I am?"
Darcy stared wildly at her. He was still desperately trying to comprehend what she had just told him. "I know not, Lady."
"Then I will tell you. I am two and twenty."
That revelation caught Darcy's attention immediately. "You mean that you're..." He could not continue, he was so taken aback.
"The other half of the secret my father told me was that I was the child that his wife and himself had paid the midwife to deliver to them. Therefore, Mr. Darcy, that makes me..."
Darcy interrupted her last sentence, "...my sister."
"You are correct, Mr. Darcy," replied Lady Abigail.
Darcy stood up and began frantically pacing about the room. With a wild gleam in his eye he turned to the lady and ranted, "This cannot be! Your father must have been mistaken. There is no possible way!"
Lady Abigail rose from the couch she was seated upon and walked, with a bit of caution, towards Darcy.
"I did not believe it either when I first learned of it. Even though I had always known my father, rather the man I thought was my father, to be an honest and good sort of man, a part of me doubted him. Which is why after my father passed on I took it upon myself to search out the midwife who sold your mother's child. I found her in a penurious state and living in a shady neighborhood of London. I demanded to know the truth from her, but I found her still to be of a sinister character, so she did not yield all the information to me right away. But when I threatened to inform some of her more ruthless creditors where they could collect their debts, she at once told me of her infamous deed."
"But how do you know this woman was telling the truth or if she was even my mother's midwife?"
"I told her none of the particulars of what my father revealed to me and she related to me exactly what my dear father had told me. How could any person besides the midwife have known of it? I truly and wholeheartedly believe my father was telling the truth."
Darcy began to slowly pace again. He did not know what to say or think. In his distress he poured himself a small glass of brandy and swallowed it down in one gulp.
Lady Abigail spoke once again, "This secret weighed heavily upon him ever since the beginning and he felt excessively guilty for doing such a heinous act. You must believe me, Mr. Darcy. What purpose would it serve my poor father, who is now gone, to lie about such a matter?"
Darcy approached Lady Abigail and when his eyes met hers, he once again saw the familiarity in them. They reminded him of his mother. Darcy took a second to admire her facial features. Indeed her entire countenance is the same as Mother's. This must be more than pure coincidence. No, she must indeed be my sister. He finally spoke aloud when he saw Lady Abigail look a bit nervous under his scrutiny.
"M' lady, you are quite right. I cannot see any purpose it would serve for your father. You must indeed be the child my dear parents lost and in turn, my sister."
A smile slowly crept onto Lady Abigail's face. "I know how awkward this must be for you. It is awkward for me as well. Please be assured that I did not come here for any other purpose, but to tell you of this. I have all the fortune, titles, and lands I should ever want, so you need not worry about that. All I want is to know of my real parents."
Darcy smiled sincerely in return and said, "I understand, Lady Abigail. I will be happy to share with you all you wish to know. Will you allow me to summon my sister and tell her of this discovery?"
"Of course, sir, by all means."
Darcy bowed quickly and exited the room to ask a servant to fetch Georgiana from the music room.
In the music room, the guests were talking amongst themselves. Georgiana was engaged in a conversation with Bingley about a recent production they had seen and Miss Bingley was in heavy discussion with her sister about Lady Abigail and her meeting with Darcy. Mr. Hurst was lying asleep in a chair in the corner of the room, as always. A servant entered the room and bowed.
"Miss Georgiana, the master wishes your presence in his study."
Georgiana looked a bit puzzled at the request, but acknowledged.
"Thank you, Roberts."
She exited the room increasing Miss Bingley's and Mrs. Hurst's curiosity immensely.
"I wonder what they are talking of," remarked Mrs. Hurst.
"It must be something pertaining to the family for Mr. Darcy to request Georgiana's presence," added Miss Bingley.
In her mind she was beginning to worry that perhaps Darcy might engage himself to this beautiful and wealthy countess. Impossible! she thought.
Georgiana reached the study and lightly knocked on the door. She heard her brother tell her to come in from within the study. She found Lady Abigail sitting upon the couch and her brother in a chair directly across from her. Darcy stood up and spoke.
"Georgiana come here. There is something of importance you need to know."
Georgiana seemed a little alarmed at the seriousness of the situation, but gathered her spirits and walked toward her brother. She sat on the couch next to the countess.
"What is it, William?" she asked shyly.
"Georgiana, our parents and myself have kept a family secret hidden from you all these years."
Georgiana's countenance suddenly filled with fear.
"A secret? What do you mean?"
Darcy went on to recount to her the particulars of his meeting with Lady Abigail. Georgiana was speechless and stared wide-eyed at her brother and Lady Abigail.
No wonder I found her eyes so familiar, thought Georgiana.
"Are you sure? Can it be possible?"
Lady Abigail spoke up, "Miss Darcy, I know this is an awkward situation, but it is true. I hardly believed it myself."
Georgiana stood up from the couch, as did Lady Abigail.
"Lady Abigail," said Georgiana in a soft, but confidant voice, "I welcome you to the Darcy family."
Darcy was not quite sure how Georgiana would take the news, but after this warm welcome on her part, he was proud and smiled affectionately at her.
Tears began to swell in Lady Abigail's eyes as she said, "Thank you so much, Miss Darcy, for your kindness and yours as well, Mr. Darcy."
Darcy bowed, "I am having a number of guests over for dinner this evening; will you join us?"
Lady Abigail wiped the tears that were beginning to stream down her cheeks and replied, "I would not want to impose upon your set plans."
"Not at all. Please, I insist."
"Very well then, Mr. Darcy, I will join you and your guests."
Darcy and Georgiana showed their newly found sibling to the door and saw her into her carriage. After her departure, Darcy turned to his sister.
"Do not tell anyone as of yet, Georgiana."
"I understand, William."
Elizabeth stood in front of a mirror looking over her appearance. She chose to wear a simple, yet elegant looking rose-colored gown her Aunt Gardiner had made for her. Normally she would not have taken so long to get ready, but she was being especially attentive to her appearance for one special reason; Mr. Darcy. The last time she saw him was that day in Lambton when she read Jane's letters containing Lydia's unruly deed. Elizabeth knew from the moment he left the room and closed the door that her feelings for him had undergone a drastic change. She was sure he wanted nothing more to do with her. But her feelings on that changed when Bingley returned to Hertfordshire and proposed to Jane. Darcy accompanied his friend on the initial visit, but was absent at the second one where Bingley proposed. He had told Elizabeth that urgent business concerning Darcy's estate in Derbyshire prevented him from calling with his friend and told Bingley to make his apologies. Some of her doubts lifted and she at least knew that Darcy did not think ill of her. There came a knock at the door.
"Lizzy, it's me," said Jane, from behind the door.
"Come in, Jane."
The door opened and Jane stepped in looking beautiful as usual. "Are you not ready yet, dear sister?", she asked with a smile.
Elizabeth smiled back at her sister and said, "I believe so. What do you think?"
"You look very beautiful, Lizzy. I think Mr. Darcy will not be able to take his eyes off you," commented Jane.
Elizabeth shot her sister a surprised look and Jane started to giggle. "Oh come now, Lizzy. I know you want to impress Mr. Darcy. But do not worry about it."
Elizabeth smiled. "Yes you are right. I am little nervous actually."
Suddenly they heard their aunt calling them from downstairs. "Girls, we must be on our way!"
The sisters gathered all they needed and went downstairs to depart.
Meanwhile at Darcy's home a similar conversation was taking place. Darcy stood in front of his mirror looking over his attire. He had two important things on his mind, his newly discovered sister and his beloved Elizabeth. There was a knock at the door.
"Come in."
Bingley walked in and was in high spirits.
"Darcy, are you still fussing over your appearance?" he remarked, "Miss Elizabeth Bennet will like you all the same no matter what you look like. Don't think I didn't see the way you looked at her when she was at Pemberley."
Darcy smiled at his friend. "It was that obvious?"
"Darcy, if I were deaf, dumb, and blind I could still see that you are madly in love with this woman."
"I am, my friend. I just hope she returns my feelings."
Bingley walked over to his friend and reassuringly said, "I noticed her looking at you the same way. There is no doubt of her affections. Now, what did that countess want earlier?"
"You will know later, Bingley. Let us go now, they should be arriving shortly."
Both men exited the room and made there way downstairs to the drawing room. Inside they found Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst telling Georgiana of the latest fashions, and Mr. Hurst seated comfortably next to a bottle of brandy. Miss Bingley, upon noticing Darcy's entrance into the room, moved towards her brother and his friend.
"Charles, Mr. Darcy, we were worried about you. It is not like either of you to be tardy."
Darcy spoke first, "Miss Bingley, we were discussing an important matter and forgot about the time." He made a slight bow then went to his sister.
"How are you, Georgiana?" asked her brother in a low voice.
"I am quite well. How are you doing?" she replied in an equally lowered voice.
"I am well. I confess I am nervous about seeing Miss Elizabeth Bennet again."
Georgiana did her best to reassure her brother that all would turn out well. Several minutes later the butler came in and announced the arrival of the Bennet sisters and their aunt and uncle.
The newly arrived Gracechurch St. party was shown into the drawing room. All bowed and curtsied to each other in respect. Bingley immediately walked to his fiancée and kissed her hand. Darcy walked towards the remaining party.
"You are most welcome to my home," said he.
Mr. Gardiner smiled and replied, "Thank you, Mr. Darcy. It was very kind of you to include my wife and I in your invitation."
"Why would I not, sir."
Mr. Gardiner engaged Darcy in conversation about business and commerce. Even though Darcy wanted to speak to Elizabeth, he obliged her uncle in conversation. Mrs. Gardiner went to Elizabeth and squeezed her arm gently.
"Mr. Darcy is looking as handsome as ever," she said smiling at her niece.
"Yes indeed, Aunt," came the reply, "Yes indeed."
Elizabeth and her aunt sat on one of the sofas next to Georgiana. They immediately started into a conversation. Elizabeth kept noticing that Darcy would often look at her with those beautiful dark eyes of his and she would seem to go off track in the conversation a bit.
"We are awaiting another guest for dinner," Georgiana told Elizabeth and her aunt.
"Really, I did not know any more were invited," said Elizabeth, her curiosity then getting the best of her, "Pray, who is this other guest?"
"Her name is Lady Abigail de Witt. She is a countess," Georgiana told her.
She was lost in thought in remembrance of what she discovered earlier that very day about this guest. Elizabeth was also lost in thought. She was thinking of the countess and what her connection to Darcy was. She laughed at herself and tried to brush the slightly jealous thought from her mind. Mrs. Gardiner expressed her excitement at broadening her circle of friends, for she enjoyed meeting new people. Just then Darcy approached the three women.
"Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, you both are looking exceptionally well this evening," he said, gallantly. The two accepted the compliment graciously.
She is as beautiful as the last time I saw her, thought Darcy.
"How is your family, Miss Bennet?"
"They were all quite well when Jane and I left them, thank you."
They gazed into each other eyes and seemed to forget about everyone else in the room. Both Darcy's sister and Elizabeth's aunt witnessed this exchange and looked to each other with smiles. The gaze between the two was broken suddenly by the opening of the drawing room door and the entrance of the butler.
He bowed and announced, "Lady Abigail de Witt, Dowager Countess of ——."
All in the room stood and watched as a tall, beautiful woman entered the room. Her high rank was apparent in her manner of dress. Elizabeth and her aunt stood in awe of her apparel and her altogether air. Darcy walked to her and bowed.
"Good evening, Lady Abigail."
There appeared to be someone behind her, a small child hiding behind the skirt of her dress.
"Mr. Darcy I apologize for my tardiness. I hope I have not kept you and your other guests waiting long."
"Not at all." Darcy noticed the small child trying to hide behind the countess.
Lady Abigail moved slightly out of the way and took the child's hand.
"May I present my daughter, Margaret."
The girl appeared to be about the age of four. She had her mother's brown hair, but light blue eyes. The little girl curtsied as she was taught to do upon being introduced.
Darcy was surprised by this revelation and said to her, "Lady Abigail, I was not aware that you had any children."
"She is my only child. I am sorry to bring her without first having your consent, but I did not intend upon it. She would not go to sleep if I was not there and so she begged me to bring her with me, and since I was already running late, I did not oppose. Again, I do apologize."
Darcy once again saw that Lady Abigail appeared to be nervous and a little shy, much like Georgiana.
"No, no, it is all right," said he.
He then went on to introduce her and her daughter to the party from Gracechurch St. Little Margaret remained silent as strange adults surrounded her. Elizabeth was still thinking of what this countess, a woman who she granted was elegantly beautiful could have to do with Darcy. Another woman in the room was also pondering the same thing. Caroline Bingley was becoming quite restless about not knowing the particulars of her visit earlier that day. She had tried to get the information out of Georgiana, but had no luck. She was also not in good spirits because now she had two women to contend with, Elizabeth Bennet and Lady Abigail De Witt. Caroline walked towards Elizabeth like a cat stalking her prey complete with the intent of finding some way of degrading her society and/or family connections.
"Miss Eliza, how wonderful to see you again."
Elizabeth smiled at her, even though on the inside she was cringing.
"Miss Bingley, how delightful to see you as well."
"I heard your sister Lydia has recently married George Wickham. You must be grieved for I seem to remember him being a favorite of yours."
"Mr. Wickham was never a favorite of mine, I assure you," retorted Elizabeth.
"He has gone into the regulars, has he not? Well perhaps your youngest sister will find worthy husbands for the rest of her unclaimed sisters amongst her new husband's comrades," said Caroline, smiling devilishly.
Elizabeth was losing her patience and her temper with Miss Bingley, but before she could respond to Caroline's last statement Darcy approached the two. While the two ladies were having their conversation they were completely oblivious of the servant who had entered the room and announced that dinner was ready.
Darcy bowed shortly to the ladies and said, "Miss Bennet, Miss Bingley, shall we be to dinner?"
"Yes of course, Mr. Darcy," replied Caroline.
She was about to take Darcy's arm, even though he hadn't offered it, when Darcy extended his elbow to Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet," he said, "shall I escort you."
"But of course," responded Elizabeth while flashing a small triumphant smile to Caroline.
The pair proceeded to the dining room. Darcy knew that it was rude of him to snub Caroline and not offer her is other arm, but he wanted to be alone with his beloved. Caroline stood there with a look of shock and anger upon her face and her contempt for Elizabeth Bennet grew even more.
Darcy had personally arranged the seating of all his guests to his advantage. He was seated at the head of the table. To his right was Elizabeth; to his left were Lady Abigail and her young daughter. Seated next to Elizabeth was Mr. Gardiner then Mrs. Gardiner, while next to Lady Abigail, in order, was Georgiana, Jane, Mr. Bingley, and Caroline. Miss Bingley being as far away as possible from Darcy. This she did not like one bit. On the other side of the table was Mr. and Mrs. Hurst seated next to the Gardiners.
The first course was served and everything was exquisite. Conversations ranging from politics to music were heard at different sections of the table. Darcy turned to Lady Abigail and inquired about her daughter.
"Margaret is just recently four years old, sir. She is dreadfully shy around people she just meets, but she is quite spirited at home," said the countess, but after saying the last sentence her face turned slightly pale and she looked very sad, "Well, more so before my husband died."
Darcy thought this was not a good subject for his new sister and he quickly changed it, asking her if she enjoyed music. From the start of their conversation the young woman to the right of him was trying hard not to listen to the two. She knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but she was greatly curious about Lady Abigail.
"Indeed sir, I love music. I enjoy playing the pianoforte whenever I have the chance. I have just started teaching my daughter to play and sing. She is coming along very well, I dare say," Lady Abigail said with pride.
"Why not get her a music tutor? There are some fine ones here in London," asked Darcy.
"I was taught to play and sing by my father and he would not hear of anyone else instructing me. Therefore, I have taken it upon myself to teach Margaret. Call it a family tradition."
After she said this there was an awkward silence. Family traditions, she thought to herself, that family was not my own, but rather a lie. Abigail shook the thought from her head.
The dinner went swiftly through two more courses plus dessert. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, even Miss Bingley although she kept a watchful eye on Darcy and his attentions to the ladies surrounding him. In her observations she noticed that Darcy paid most of his attention to Miss Elizabeth, but would also converse with Lady Abigail. Lady Abigail spoke with Georgiana a great deal during the later half of dinner sharing their likes and dislikes.
Caroline was beginning to grow exceedingly more curious about the countess with every passing moment.
Who is this woman? I am determined to find out.
When dinner was completed, the gentlemen left to have their drinks and the women retired to the music room where they would have tea. There were a few moments of silence that was inevitably broken by Caroline Bingley.
"Lady Abigail, you have a very beautiful daughter. She is quite a little jewel," said she before leaning towards little Margaret and smiling her devilish grin.
The little girl quickly turned away in fright and buried her face in her mother's arm. Elizabeth had to keep herself from bursting out with laughter at this sight. During dinner she often caught Margaret looking around at all the adults at the table. When Elizabeth met eyes with the young girl, she shot her a smile and sometimes a silly face, which would make Margaret smile and giggle in return.
After a short while, the doors opened and the men came in to join the ladies. Upon their return Lady Abigail rose and addressed Darcy.
"Mr. Darcy I thank you for a wonderful dinner, but I am afraid that I must be going now. It is a bit late and I must get my little one to bed."
"Of course, m' lady. I understand," replied Darcy.
Lady Abigail bid her farewells to the remaining company and Darcy escorted her and her daughter to the door. What they did not know was that Caroline had secretly followed the three to the door.
"Mr. Darcy thank you for this evening. I have not done much socializing since the untimely deaths of my husband and my father."
"You are quite welcome. It was a pleasure to meet your daughter. I am sorry that she is out so late," said Darcy who made a small bow to little Margaret.
"You need not worry. I would like to call upon Georgiana sometime in the next few days. She is a charming girl," she said to Darcy then she looked at her daughter, "Come now, little one, let's get you home."
With that Darcy helped Lady Abigail and her daughter into their carriage and signaled for the driver to proceed. He stood there for a few moments thinking to himself before going inside. I am an uncle. This is a surprise indeed. I had originally thought that I had bit more time before becoming one. Darcy chuckled to himself and went back inside. I am an uncle.
Margaret was asleep as soon as Lady Abigail and her were settled in the carriage and on their way to the inn. Lady Abigail stared out the window and reflected on how the evening went. She concluded that the Darcys were charming people and was happy that they had accepted her into their family. Throughout dinner she grew fonder of her new sister Georgiana with every passing moment.
They soon arrived at the inn and the footman helped the lady out of the carriage. Not wanting to wake her sleeping child she carried her into the inn and up the stairs to their suite.
Once inside, Lady Abigail carried her daughter to her bed and laid her upon it. Little Margaret made a small noise and slowly opened her eyes.
"We're at the inn, little one. Let's quickly get you into your nightgown," whispered Lady Abigail. Margaret slowly sat up on the bed and allowed her mother to change her clothes for her. Lady Abigail kissed her on the forehead and whispered, "Good night, love. Pleasant dreams."
"Good night, Mama." Lady Abigail went to her bed chamber and readied herself for bed. She sat in front of the mirror and brushed her long hair. Soon she closed her eyes and became lost in a memory.
"You have such beautiful hair, my wife," said the man, "Please allow me to brush it." He then took the brush from her hand and began slowly brushing her hair."Thank you. How did you become so skilled at brushing a woman's hair, sir?," she asked teasingly.
"I believe it is a natural talent," he replied in an equally teasing manner, "Are you happy with me, Abby?"
The woman turned to look her husband clear in eyes and said, "Of course I'm happy, Edward. I've never been happier in my entire life." She rose and lovingly kissed him.
"And I have never been so happy. I love you with all my being, my beautiful Abigail, " said Lord Edward de Witt. Before she could reply he seized her lips for another kiss.
Lady Abigail opened her eyes and ended the reverie. She brought her hand up and gently touched her lips. A tear managed to escape from its prison in her eye, followed by another and another. Oh I miss you so much, my sweet Edward. I will love no other besides you. She picked up a candle, walked to the bed and set the candle on the night stand then climbed into the soft bed. She closed her eyes and silently began a prayer.
She ended it aloud, "And please let these nightmares end. Dear God, I beg you. Amen." Lady Abigail blew out the candle and settled into the bed. Within minutes she was in a deep slumber.
Breakfast passed rather quickly at the Darcy townhouse much to Georgiana's approval. She couldn't stand to hear one more ill comment about Lizzy from Miss Bingley.
Poor Charles. I will never understand how he can tolerate her presence.
Now she had the house to herself. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst left directly after breakfast to visit a friend of theirs since childhood. Bingley left early as well, heading for Gracechurch St. along with Darcy. Georgiana smiled to herself. She was delighted that her brother was in so much in love. As for Mr. Hurst, he went with his wife and sister-in-law, but no doubt left them in the company of their friend and went to his favorite gentleman's club. Georgiana chose to stay behind. Last night at dinner, her new sister told her to expect a visit from her today.
Georgiana sighed and then walked to the pianoforte. She much preferred the one at Pemberley, but her pianoforte here at the townhouse was a good instrument as well. She sat down and began to play a wonderful piece she had just learned by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. She got almost through the entirety of the song when the door opened and the butler announced Lady Abigail's arrival. The countess walked in and Georgiana stopped playing.
"No please do not stop playing. I would love to listen to you," said Lady Abigail. Georgiana smiled, curtsied and began making her way back to her instrument.
"Wait, I have a better idea. How about a duet?" announced the countess with much enthusiasm.
Georgiana's smile broadened. "I would like that very much."
Lady Abigail and Georgiana sat down on the bench and began to play a lively jig. Their laughter and music seemed to immediately fill the house and servants found themselves dancing in the hallway.
"You look wonderful, Madeline," cried Caroline Bingley upon seeing her friend, who was six months with child. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley met their old friend, Lady Madeline Gilbert, with fond kisses upon each other's cheeks.
"Thank you, Caroline, as does Louisa and yourself. Tell me, Louisa, how is that husband of yours?"
"Oh he is quite well. He is at one of his clubs right now I believe. Lord knows what he does down there," replied Mrs. Hurst.
The three laughed and tea was brought in. Lady Madeline addressed Miss Bingley.
"So dear Caroline, I see that you have not married Mr. Darcy for you are still a Bingley. Haven't you managed to secure that man yet?"
"Oh you have no idea of all the trouble I have gone through to secure that man. He is enraptured by this country girl, the sister of the woman my brother Charles has recently become engaged to. There is also another woman who has caught his interest, but I know nothing about her."
"A country girl? How awful! Country manners are so...improper and savage. And what of this other woman?"
"Well," said Miss Bingley, "I was hoping that you might know a thing or two about her. She is a countess named Lady Abigail de Witt. Do you know of her?"
"Indeed I do," replied her friend, "I met her once before I believe. Charming woman. Poor thing has had so much tragedy recently. Losing both her father and her husband in the span of a year."
Both Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst straightened up and listened intently to Lady Madeline for they knew that their friend would satisfy their curiosity at least for now.
"Tragic indeed. Pray, how did they pass on?" inquired Miss Bingley.
"I do not know all the particulars of her father's death; I know only that he became ill and passed on because of the malady. As for her husband's death, no one knows for sure what happened. It happened a little over a year ago. All I know is that Lady Abigail and her husband were on their way to his mother's home in Dover when robbers attacked their barouche. Rumor around Court is that her husband along with the driver and the footmen attempted to fight off the robbers and were killed. They say that Lady Abigail ran into the forest and hid while the men fought. After the robbers had taken what they wanted and gone, Lady Abigail returned to the scene and found her poor husband dead on the road," Lady Madeline told the two sisters.
Both Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley were shocked into silence, which was especially rare for Caroline Bingley.
"Oh poor woman. How awful!," exclaimed Mrs. Hurst after a few seconds.
"You say she's after Mr. Darcy? Her marriage was known throughout Court as full of love and romance. I have no doubt that she will mourn her husband's death for a long time. You needn't worry about her," Lady Madeline reassured Miss Bingley.
"I suppose you're right, but I am worried about that country girl." The rest of the morning was spent gossiping and discussing that particular country girl.
"Come, Lady Abigail, I wish to show you something," announced Georgiana as she got up from the piano bench.
"Please call me Abigail or Abby if you like. I mean, we are sisters," said Lady Abigail.
"Only if you will call me Georgiana and not Miss Darcy," returned Georgiana, who had quickly overcome the shyness of the situation and was quite at ease with her new sibling.
"Its a deal then. Now what is it you wish to show me."
"Follow me."
Georgiana led her sister out of the music room and down the hall. They reached a set of beautifully engraved doors and Georgiana opened them. They led to the library. It was not as magnificent as Pemberley's, but it had its charms. Georgiana led Lady Abigail across the room and towards the back where a writing desk was situated.
"Father would sometimes write his letters here or take care of his business matters. He told me that he always enjoyed working in the library because he could still hear me practicing the pianoforte," said Georgiana, the look upon her face told Lady Abigail how much her sister missed her father, "I wanted to show you that portrait."
Georgiana motioned to the painting that hung above the desk. Lady Abigail moved closer and studied it earnestly. The portrait was of George and Anne Darcy, painted a year or so before Darcy was born.
"When I first saw you, there was something familiar about your eyes that I could not quite figure out. I then realized that they are exactly the same as our mother's," Georgiana told Lady Abigail.
Lady Abigail brought her hand up to her face and saw how greatly she resembled her birth mother. Remarkable, she thought. Georgianna is correct, it is like looking into a mirror. "They were a perfectly matched couple. He was quite handsome and she was exceptionally beautiful. I see you have your father's fair colored hair. You are a very lovely young woman."
Georgiana slightly colored, "Thank you."
"Georgiana, will you tell me about our parents?"
The two walked towards two leather chairs that sat in front of a fireplace.
"I do not know how much I can tell. But I can..." The entrance of a servant interrupted Georgiana.
The servant bowed and told them that Miss Bingley and the Hursts had returned. He then left the room and Georgiana, not at all thrilled that Mr. Bingley's family had returned, proposed that they commence to the drawing room. Lady Abigail could see that she was not delighted at the prospect of playing hostess to these guests and from her observations of Miss Bingley the previous evening, Lady Abigail knew why.
Georgiana and Lady Abigail entered the drawing room and the customary greetings were given and received. Miss Bingley was surprised to see Lady Abigail with Georgiana. This puzzled her a great deal. Since learning information about Lady Abigail from Lady Madeline her interest and curiosity about the countess had grown. Caroline Bingley had concluded that Lady Abigail was most likely not after her Mr. Darcy and therefore sought out to make the countess an ally against Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
"While I do enjoy London quite well, I believe I prefer the tranquillity of the country."
"And what think you of country manners?" she asked Lady Abigail slyly.
"I see nothing wrong with them at all. Granted, they are quite different from what we were raised on, but that is only because of our social differences," replied the countess with a showing confidence.
Miss Bingley, disappointed that she did not receive the answer she wanted, turned the discussion directly on to Elizabeth Bennet.
"Pray, how do you like the Bennet sisters?"
Lady Abigail was beginning to wonder why Miss Bingley would inquire her opinion of people she had just met the evening before. Georgiana was growing annoyed with Miss Bingley and her questions. She knew that Miss Bingley was just looking for another opportunity to deface Miss Elizabeth. Georgiana looked at her sister with a look of apology on her face.
"Miss Bingley, although I have only just met the sisters whom you speak of, I find them quite charming and I hope to become better acquainted with them in the future," said Lady Abigail.
She couldn't help but smile a little at the expression of confusion and vexation growing on Miss Bingley's face.
"Miss Bennet and Miss Eliza are charming, I suppose, but their family is quite the opposite. Lady Abigail, if you knew how their family's country manners were, you would rethink your opinion of them, " Miss Bingley said, making one last attempt to discredit Elizabeth Bennet in the countess' eyes.
Lady Abigail was growing just as annoyed as Georgiana.
"Miss Bingley, one should not judge another by the way their family acts, but by how the individuals themselves act. Remember, you can choose your friends, but not your family."
Before Miss Bingley could reply, Lady Abigail spoke up once more, "Miss Darcy, I am afraid I must be on my way now. I promised my daughter I would be home for lunch," she and Georgiana rose from their seats, "Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, it was nice to see you again. Have a pleasant afternoon."
They both left the room, a little more quickly than they should have. Once they were out of earshot of the drawing room, Georgiana spoke,
"I am so sorry about all that. Miss Bingley is quite annoying, I dare say. I hate how she always bashes the Bennets at every opportunity she gets."
"It is all right, sister, and I am sorry for having to leave you with them."
"Do not worry, I can handle them."
Georgiana smiled broadly and held her head up in confidence. They both giggled. The carriage was pulled around front and Georgiana escorted her sister to it.
"Georgiana, perhaps you could join Margaret and I for dinner tonight?" asked the countess as she was just about to leave.
"I'll see if I can make it. I enjoyed this morning very much. Good bye, Abby."
The carriage began to roll away. "Good bye, Georgiana!," the countess called from the carriage. Georgiana sighed and went back inside. Now back to the snake pit, she thought.
A half an hour went by before Darcy and Bingley returned. They appeared to be in joyously happy moods. Miss Bingley was of course the first to ask about their visit.
"So Charles how was your visit to Cheapside?"
Bingley sat down on the couch and was all smiles. "It was delightful. The Gardiner children are simply wonderful. I hope to have children just as charming as they are someday. What say you, Darcy?"
Darcy was making his way towards his sister when he was addressed. He stopped and turned to Bingley, "Yes they are quite charming children. I especially like little Marie."
Georgiana smiled and laughed at her brother's reply. Bingley laughed as well.
"Yes, Marie is quite a little lady. She does remind me a great deal of Miss Elizabeth."
Georgiana knew exactly why her brother had singled that particular child out. Miss Bingley grew more and more vexed as she listened to the two men go on about their visit. She was just about to leave when the butler entered the room and announced the arrival of a visitor.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam," announced the butler.
Georgiana practically sprang from her chair and embraced her cousin.
"Dear cousin, it is so good to see you," she said happily.
"It is good to see you, Georgiana," he told her before turning to her brother.
"I'm sorry for arriving unannounced, Darcy. I hope it is not too much of an inconvenience," he told Darcy.
"No not at all. It's quite a pleasant surprise. You remember Bingley and his sisters."
"Yes I do. Congratulations on your engagement, Bingley. I wish you all the happiness in the world."
Bingley smiled in his usual charming way. "Why thank you, Colonel. I believe I shall be extremely happy."
Caroline rolled her eyes at his last comment. She still was neither satisfied nor happy with the prospect of Charles marrying beneath his society.
After a few more minutes of socializing, Bingley, Darcy, and the Colonel decided to play a game of billiards. Mr. Hurst just happened to wake up right as they were announcing their departure and followed along with them leaving the ladies to themselves.
Elizabeth, Jane, and Mrs. Gardiner were walking down a lane and conversing happily with each other.
"Girls, I want to buy you both new gowns, for there is a ball coming up soon. My old friend Lady Hampton throws a spectacular one every season!," cried Mrs. Gardiner.
Lizzy stopped in her tracks and looked shockingly at her aunt, "Aunt, you do not have to buy us new gowns, we have enough. You shouldn't be spending your money on us! Besides how can you afford to?"
"Lizzy, I am a grown woman and can do what I please and I am going to buy you both new gowns. Anyhow, I know the shopkeeper and he gives me excellent prices. Plus he owes your uncle a favor. Come, let us look."
Before Elizabeth could protest anymore her aunt was already inside the dress shop. As the three women entered they dispersed and moved throughout the shop.
Elizabeth moved to the corner of the shop and was admiring a beautiful green gown. As she was looking over the dress she noticed two fashionably dressed women stop next to her to look at a different dress. One of them was strikingly tall and the other was shorter with blazing red hair. Their manner of walking and their appearances reminded her of Caroline Bingley. The two women began conversing with each other and Elizabeth couldn't help but listen to what they were saying. At first they were merely discussing the beauty of the dress and how well it would look upon the other, but then the conversation turned more familiar.
"My dear Elinore, have you heard the latest gossip about the handsome Mr. Darcy?"
The shorter one's face grew more excited, "No I have not, but I know you are going to tell me."
"Well I heard that he has been frequently meeting a young lady of court at his home. A widow no less!" the tall one told her.
"No?!"
"Yes, my dear, and rumor has it that they are secretly engaged to be married. And can you guess who this lady of court is? None other than Lady Abigail de Witt."
The shorter one was shocked. "Are you sure? That little vixen! I thought her marriage to Lord de Witt was something of a fairy tale and was unlikely to recover from it. She is already engaged?! The nerve of her."
"Calm yourself, Elinore. Come let us leave and discuss this further at my home."
The two women departed, leaving Elizabeth standing completely motionless.
Mr. Darcy, engaged to Lady Abigail? Impossible....he was so attentive to me at dinner and he even stated that he did not know she had a daughter. How could he be engaged to her and not know of a daughter. No it cannot be true. But...what if? She shook her head to get the thought out of her mind and went off to find her sister and aunt.
Elizabeth found her sister and aunt admiring some gowns towards the back of the shop. Although she had much on her mind, Elizabeth did not want it to be obvious to her relatives, so she smiled and went about as if nothing had happened. About an hour had passed and both Jane and Elizabeth had decided on what dresses they wanted. When everything was taken care of the three exited the shop back onto the street. The trio continued to walk along when they saw Georgiana Darcy emerge from a toy maker's shop with a package in her arms. Miss Darcy saw them and smiled her usual angelic smile.
"Miss Darcy, aren't you a little old to still be playing with toys?" joked Elizabeth.
"Indeed I am, Miss Elizabeth. I was simply buying something for my niec- I mean for Lady Abigail's daughter."
Elizabeth suddenly turned pale. Niece! She was about to say "niece". My God, it is true then.
"Lizzy, are you feeling unwell? You look awfully pale," said Jane, with a bit of alarm.
"I am well, Jane, really. Perhaps we should head for home though."
"I hope you feel better, Miss Elizabeth. If you do, I would love for you to come visit me tomorrow morning," said Miss Darcy.
"I would love that as well, Miss Darcy," replied Elizabeth, still a bit pale. Miss Darcy curtsied and continued walking down the lane, opposite of Mrs. Gardiner and her nieces, in search of her servant.
Once at the Gardiner house, Lizzy went upstairs to the room she shared with Jane and lied down on the bed in tears. Within minutes Jane, out of concern for her sister, entered the room.
"Lizzy, what is the matter? Why are you crying?" asked Jane, in her sweet melodious voice.
"Oh Jane, I've lost him," she sobbed, "I believe Mr. Darcy is engaged to Lady Abigail."
"The countess we met at his dinner party? What makes you think that? She is a widow, is she not?"
"I overheard two ladies in the dress shop talking about it. At first I did not believe them, but then Miss Darcy mentioned she was buying a toy for Lady Abigail's daughter, but she was about to call her niece. Did you not hear that?"
"Now that I think about it, yes I do recall her almost saying niece, but Lizzy that does not mean Mr. Darcy is engaged to Lady Abigail."
Elizabeth rose from the bed and walked to the window. She folded her arms and said, "Why else would she have called Lady Abigail's daughter her niece? No, Jane, it is hopeless. Mr. Darcy is to marry someone else and I must accept that. I thank you for your concern, but I wish to be alone now."
Jane nodded, walked over to her sister and gave her a kiss on the cheek and a supportive hug. After Jane left the room, Elizabeth sat down on the rocking chair that was stationed next to window. She covered her face with her hands and began to cry again and she did not stop for nearly an hour.
After a few rounds of billiards, Darcy asked Colonel Fitzwilliam to join him in the library. Once inside, Darcy shut the huge doors and motioned for his cousin to sit down.
"What's on your mind, cousin?" Fitzwilliam asked.
"A great deal actually. Fitzwilliam, you are not going to believe me, but Georgiana and I have discovered that we have a long lost sister."
"What! Did I hear you correctly, Darcy? A sister! But how is that possible?"
Darcy told every detail of Lady Abigail's visit to his cousin, who listened in amazement and sat dumbfounded on the leather chair. Finally, after letting all of what Darcy had said sink in, Fitzwilliam spoke.
"This Lady Abigail sounds like a very intelligent young woman. I can't wait to meet my new cousin. Where is she now?"
"She is staying at an inn. Georgiana is going to have dinner with her this evening directly after she completes her shopping. They are getting along quite charmingly."
"Thank you for the present, Miss Gee-or-ganna, I love it," said little Margaret as she hugged Georgiana.
"You are welcome. Now have you thought of a name for your dolly," asked Georgiana.
"Ummm, I'll call her Annie."
Lady Abigail smiled as she watched her daughter play and run off to show her nanny what she had just received.
"You really didn't have to buy her a gift. I spoil her enough as it is," said Lady Abigail.
"Oh, I wanted to. Have you told her, yet?"
"I am going to tell her tonight. I'm sure she'll be very happy to know that you are her aunt." Margaret came running back in. "Margaret, slow down. You might fall or break something," said her mother in a low yet firm tone.
"I am sorry, Mama. Who was the lady sitting by Mister Darcy at dinner with the curly hair?" Margaret asked Georgiana.
"That was Miss Elizabeth Bennet or Lizzy for short."
"I liked Miss Lizzy. She's pretty. I think Mister Darcy likes her too. Maybe they'll get married."
Georgiana couldn't help but laugh. It is even evident to a child that they are in love, how come it is so hard for them to see it.
Lady Abigail stared at her younger sister apparently laughing at nothing. "What is so amusing?" she asked.
Georgiana calmed herself and replied, "I am laughing because, and do not repeat this to anyone, my brother is hopelessly in love with Miss Elizabeth, but he is afraid to do anything about it. I find it funny that a small child could see it, yet they cannot."
This time it was Lady Abigail's turn to laugh. Once she calmed down, she spoke again, "Dear Georgiana, I have an idea. What if the two of them got a little...let's say...encouragement? From, say, two clever and beautiful ladies such as ourselves."
"Three!" shouted Margaret.
"What do you propose?" asked Georgiana. The three ladies proceeded to discuss the plan over dinner.
Elizabeth awoke with the same feeling of desolation that she fell asleep with. Her face hurt from crying so much and her stomach ached for food. Last night she did not feel like facing everyone at the dinner table so she requested that her food be brought up to her room, but all she did was stare at it. She was too melancholy and confused to eat. But since her aunt and uncle would be worried about her, she decided to get dressed and join them for breakfast. They did not know what troubled her for she had told Jane to only tell them that she wasn't feeling well, but she somehow knew that her aunt would suspect something else.
"There you are Lizzy! Are you feeling better this morning?" exclaimed Mrs. Gardiner.
"Yes, I am feeling much better this morning, thank you. I am quite hungry though," replied Elizabeth.
"Well then eat up, dear."
Throughout breakfast, Mrs. Gardiner noticed something different about Elizabeth. She did not have her usual cheeriness about her.
When breakfast ended, Elizabeth asked, "Uncle, may I have the carriage this morning? I was invited by Miss Darcy to spend the morning with her."
"Of course you may, Lizzy. All I require is that you return it by three of the clock. I need to run some errands," Mr. Gardiner told her.
"Thank you, Uncle."
Elizabeth stood from the table and went upstairs to fetch her coat and bonnet. Jane entered the room shortly after Elizabeth.
"Lizzy, are you sure you feel up to going? You should not make yourself any more sad by visiting his sister and seeing his house," Jane said.
"Jane, I assure you I am fine. I cannot possibly get any worse than I already am. I enjoy Miss Darcy's company and that is all I am going for."
Elizabeth kissed her sister on the cheek and headed down to the carriage. Jane walked to the window and watched Elizabeth get into the carriage. Oh sister, you are only going to torture yourself by visiting Miss Darcy. Please be careful.
The Gardiner carriage soon arrived outside the Darcy townhouse. Once inside she knew none of its occupants were home because it was deathly quiet. When the butler approached her she said that she was there to see Miss Darcy. The butler said that Miss Darcy was not home at the moment, but would be back shortly.
"Miss Darcy wished for you to wait in the music room for her," said the butler in a solemn tone.
Elizabeth followed him to the music room and sat on one of the couches. There was tea and a few trays of food waiting upon the table. She sighed and prepared to wait for Miss Darcy. After about fifteen minutes, Elizabeth started getting restless. She got up and walked about the room, admiring its contents.
I wonder if anyone would notice if I took a little tour of the house.
Elizabeth quietly walked out of the music room and advanced down the hall. She slowly opened the last door on the left and found herself in Darcy's study. For a second, she did not feel right in invading his privacy, but then her curiosity got the best of her. She thought she could possibly find something in here to confirm or contradict her suspicions about his secret engagement. She looked on his desk, but saw only a small leather bound book with a paper folded inside it. Elizabeth picked up the book and opened it. It was a book of love poems. She took it as a confirmation of her fears and was about to close it when she grew curious about the folded paper. She set the book down and slowly unfolded the paper. Once opened, she started to read it.
For Elizabeth,Quietly I watch you sleep, praying that you will not hear what I say.
Wondering if I turned the clouds, happy the moment I tasted your rain.
This was the night that I saw my first sight of how pleasure can win over pain.
Now that I know, I don't want to ever let you go.I just pray that you feel the same.
You shot your arrow, through my restless, shaking heart.
You came upon me slow, drew back your bow,
My lady, you shot your arrow straight through my heart.I kiss your mouth and caress you hair, intently I hang on your every breath.
I know what I am feeling now is more than just lust for the sake of your flesh.
I need you now, I shall try my best to learn how to be all that my words might say.
Looking in your eyes, I never imagined I would ever feel this way.You shot your arrow, through my restless, shaking heart.
You came upon me slow, drew back your bow,
My lady, you shot your arrow straight through my heart.*Written by F.G. Darcy
A hot blush engulfed her and tears streamed down Elizabeth's face. He wrote that for me? She judged by the date on the paper, that he wrote it during her stay at Lambton last summer. She sat down on the small couch and tried to collect her thoughts. She did not know what to think. She now knew that he still loved her last summer, but did he still love her now. If he is indeed engage to Lady Abigail, than he must not love me anymore. This poem was written months ago. Oh, I'm so confused! She replaced the paper back into the small book and left the study. Elizabeth walked faster and faster towards the front door. She did not want to stay there any longer. She found the butler and told him to make her apologies to Miss Darcy, but she must go. Again, she used the excuse of not feeling well instead of the truth. She was helped into the carriage and was soon on her way back to Gracechurch Street.
"Stop the carriage!!" Elizabeth shouted at the driver. The carriage was brought to a stop, the door opened and Elizabeth exited. The driver looked at her questionably.
"Please take the carriage back to my uncle. I will walk from here," she said. The driver looked puzzled.
"Are you sure, Miss Bennet? Unescorted?"
"I will be fine. It is such a beautiful day and I do not wish to waste it. Please tell my aunt and uncle that I will be home in a while."
The driver got back onto the carriage and said, "As you wish, Miss Bennet."
She stood on the sidewalk and watched the carriage continue down the road without her. As she walked down the sidewalk her mind raced with feelings of confusion. Does he still love me? He would not be marrying Lady Abigail if he did. Are they even engaged? I must find out the truth. But how? While she was caught up in her inner turmoil, she was not paying attention to where she was walking and collided head on with a tall man. The force almost knocked her back, but the gentleman lunged forward and grabbed her before she fell. As she was standing there, she kept her head down due to her embarrassment and found it hard to look the man in the face.
"I am terribly sorry, sir. I was not watching where I was goin--Mr. Darcy!!" exclaimed Elizabeth when she finally got the courage to look up.
"Are you all right, Miss Bennet?" asked Darcy, clearly concerned.
"I am fine, sir. I am truly sorry. My mind was elsewhere and I was not watching where I was walking," she said with agitation and embarrassment.
"Do not trouble yourself, Miss Bennet. I was not watching either, so the fault is mine as well," he cast her a handsome smile and asked, "Pray, are you walking about the streets of London unescorted?"
Since their meeting at Pemberley, Elizabeth had noticed his change in demeanor and welcomed it, but she was still not used to Darcy being such a polite and thoughtful gentleman.
"I am alone, sir," she replied in answer to his question.
"Then permit me to escort you to your destination," he said as he smiled and extended his arm. Elizabeth took it and they walked arm in arm down the lane.
"Where are you headed, Miss Bennet?" he asked.
"Back to my aunt and uncle's home. And you, sir?"
"I was on my way to visit Lady Abigail, the countess you met at my dinner party."
"Yes, I remember her. Delightful young woman," remarked Elizabeth.
She turned away and dared not look at him. She fought back her tears and took in a deep breath. Don't lose control, Lizzy. Be strong!
"Would you like to accompany me on my visit? I am sure Lady Abigail will have no objection to seeing you again," asked Darcy with a look of hope upon his boyish face.
"No, I am afraid that I would feel unwelcome since I was not invited by Lady Abigail herself. I thank you for your invitation though. Shall we walk down to the corner here and go to our separate destinations?" suggested Elizabeth.
"It would not be any inconvenience to me if I were to escort you all the way to the Gardiner's home," Darcy said, wanting to spend as many minutes alone with Elizabeth as he could.
"That is not necessary, Mr. Darcy. Lady Abigail is probably expecting you shortly."
Elizabeth saw a look of disappointment come over Darcy's face, which confused her even more. They reached the corner and stopped.
"I thank you, Mr. Darcy, for escorting me this far. I hope you enjoy your visit with Lady Abigail. Please give her my regards," Elizabeth said plainly.
"You are quite welcome. Please give my warmest regards to the Gardiners and your sister." Darcy bowed and turned to walk away when he stopped and called back to Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet!" She turned around and faced him. "Will you and your family be attending Lord and Lady Hampton's ball in three days?" he asked.
"Yes we will," she answered.
"Good, I shall see you there. Good day, Miss Bennet."
With that, he was gone. Elizabeth continued down the street without the company of Darcy. She was beginning to miss the comfort of his arm and his conversation. I should have let him escort me home. Lizzy, you stupid girl! Oh well, it is too late now. Soon she found herself outside the Gardiner residence. She sighed and entered the house, hoping Jane was still there.
Darcy soon found himself outside the inn that Lady Abigail was staying at. Colonel Fitzwilliam was waiting in the lobby for him.
"Thanks for meeting me here, Fitzwilliam," Darcy said to his cousin.
"You're welcome, but you are late. That's not likened to you Darcy."
"I ran into Miss Elizabeth Bennet on my way here," Darcy told him as they walked up the stairs to Lady Abigail's suite, "and I talked with her a bit."
"I see," the Colonel said. I had a feeling there was something between you two.
The two gentlemen stopped outside of Lady Abigail's rooms and Darcy knocked on the door. A maidservant opened the door and showed the gentlemen inside. They followed her into the sitting room where Lady Abigail and her daughter were. Both ladies got up and walked over to the gentlemen.
"Lady Abigail, how nice to see you again," Darcy said before kissing her extended hand, "And how nice it is to see you again, Miss Margaret." Darcy kissed her little hand as well.
"It is wonderful to see you, Mr. Darcy," said Lady Abigail.
Darcy turned towards Colonel Fitzwilliam and motioned for him to step forward.
"May I present my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam."
The Colonel bowed and took her hand, gently placing a kiss upon it. He held onto her hand a little longer than propriety dictated, but her beauty mesmerized him. Good god, she is exquisite. Darcy, you sly thing, you didn't tell me she was an absolute angel.
Darcy couldn't help but notice both of their reactions to each other.
"Colonel, I am delighted to make your acquaintance. This is my daughter, Margaret," said Lady Abigail, after she broke from her trance.
He did the same as Darcy and placed a kiss upon her small hand. Lady Abigail asked the gentlemen to sit down and have some tea.
"I trust all the guests at your home are well, brother?" Lady Abigail inquired of Darcy.
He was surprised that she called him brother in front of her daughter.
"Do not worry. I told her last night," reassured Lady Abigail.
"Yes they are all well, thank you," replied Darcy.
Margaret popped up and said to Darcy, "I made you something. May I go get it and give it to you?"
"Of course you may," said Darcy.
The adults watched as she raced to her room and brought back a folded piece of paper.
"Margaret, I told you not to run indoors," scolded her mother.
"I am sorry, Mama. Here, Uncle Darcy," said Margaret, smiling broadly. Darcy unfolded the paper and saw that it was a drawing.
"Who are these people?" he asked.
Margaret sat next to him and pointed to each of the stick-like people. "This is you, that's Auntie Gorganna, that is Mama, and that is me," she said proudly.
"But who is that?" asked Darcy, pointing to a drawing of a woman standing next to him with dark curly hair.
"That's Miss Lizzy!" she exclaimed with laughter.
Darcy and the others joined her in her laughter.
"This is obviously a family portrait, but why is Miss Bennet included?" asked Darcy, rather curious.
The little girl smiled at him and said, "Because I think she is pretty and she is a nice lady. Don't you?"
"Yes, I would have to agree with you, Miss Margaret."
After about two hours, it was time for the gentlemen to leave.
"Thank you for visiting, Mr. Darcy. It was a pleasure meeting you, Colonel," said Lady Abigail, staring into Fitzwilliam's eyes.
"We will see you at the upcoming ball, won't we?" asked the Colonel.
"Of course. Please send Georgiana my love. Good bye."
The gentlemen walked down the stairs and exited the inn. They both got into Fitzwilliam's carriage and were on their way back to Darcy's town house. Once inside the carriage, Fitzwilliam spoke.
"Darcy, you didn't tell me she was stunningly beautiful! I could not take my eyes off of her."
"I noticed, Fitzwilliam. I'm glad you like her."
"She does look a great deal like Aunt Anne. Remarkable, absolutely remarkable. She is a widow, you said?" asked the Colonel with a sly smile.
"Yes she is. Don't get any ideas in that head of yours, cousin. I believe she still mourns her husband's loss."
"I would never do such a thing as to go after a newly made widow, but you did say it happened over a year ago. Her daughter is very amusing and quite perceptive judging by that drawing she made you, Uncle Darcy," Fitzwilliam said teasingly.
"Perceptive? What do you mean?" Darcy innocently asked.
"She seemed to have picked up on your attraction to Miss Bennet and drew her into the family portrait hoping that someday she'll be a part of the family," Fitzwilliam chuckled and added, "She's quite a little match maker, is she not?"
"Just what the world needs, another match maker," sighed Darcy.
"True, the world does not need another match maker, but you certainly do."
Fitzwilliam's laughter filled the carriage. The carriage soon arrived outside the Darcy townhouse. As the two gentlemen entered, Darcy was deep in thought. I need a matchmaker, do I? Somehow I do not think little Margaret is alone in her wishful thinking. She must have gotten the idea from someone and I think I know who.
"Georgiana, come, I wish to speak with you in my study." Georgiana followed her brother into his study, wondering what it was he needed to speak to her about.
"You're up to something, aren't you?" asked Darcy, looking suspiciously at his younger sister.
Georgiana assumed an even more innocent face than her usual countenance.
"Whatever do you mean, William?" she asked, "I don't understand."
"Oh, do not think you can fool me, Georgiana. Here, explain this!"
Darcy said as he handed her the drawing Margaret had made for him. Georgiana unfolded the paper and looked over the drawing. Her face started to turn red as she tried not to laugh.
"I think it was very sweet of little Margaret to draw this for you, brother. What explanation do you wish me to give?"
Her brother walked over to her and pointed to the figure of Elizabeth in the drawing.
"Whom do you suppose that is?" he asked her.
Georgiana studied the figure closely. Oh dear, it's Miss Elizabeth. She giggled on the inside.
"It does look a great deal like Miss Elizabeth Bennet. But why would Margaret include Miss Bennet in her drawing of our family?" she asked of her brother.
"You tell me. I know you have the answer. You're trying to use the little girl in your little match making plan, but I've figured you out," Darcy said triumphantly.
For the first time in her life, Georgiana began to get annoyed by her brother's ravings.
"William," she said firmly, "I have not been using our niece in my little so-called match making plan. If you must know the truth, I shall tell you. Margaret is quite observant and noticed your attraction to Miss Bennet. It is quite obvious to everyone, brother. Anyone could see by the way you look at her, that you are in love with her!"
Darcy stood in shock at his sister's serious tone. He had never before heard her speak in such a mature way. She is growing up, he thought to himself.
Georgiana went on, "Margaret has taken quite a liking to Miss Bennet and so have I. William, I would love to have her as a part of our family. Hurry up and marry her!"
"Don't you think I'm trying? She'll never have me. Not after..." Darcy then told his sister of his proposal to Elizabeth in Hunsford and of her refusal. He had not told anyone of this until now, not even Bingley or Fitzwilliam.
"How awful for you. But you must not let that discourage you. I have seen the way Miss Bennet regards you and I see love in her eyes. Please don't give up, William," Georgiana said as she took her brother's hands in hers, "You will have your chance at the ball."
She kissed him on the cheek and asked if he was finished with her.
"Yes, you may go. Oh, Georgiana, are you excited about your first ball and your coming out? Are you sure you're ready?"
"William, I am ready. Do not worry. I'm not going to become engaged to the first man I dance with." She left the room and Darcy sat down, deep in thought about Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
*A song performed by the group Az Yet and written by Brian McKnight. I know its not period, but its sweet!