Section I, Next Section
"Ramsgate."
"Oh Mr. Bennet, you are so good to your daughters, but to travel to Ramsgate, can my nerves bare to travel so far, but oh the husbands to be had..............."
Lizzy left the sitting room to walk about outside. At nineteen, the second Bennet daughter was intelligent and quick-witted. She had a special understanding with her father that even her mother was jealous of. Lizzy and Mr. Bennet shared a sense of humour that was a little away from the normal. They found great amusement in the absurdities around them, and in her three younger sisters and mother there was much to be found.
Lizzy wandered aimlessly around the garden and to a small area that was sheltered from view of the house when she came upon her sister Jane. This was unexpected as Jane rarely walked about the grounds, but Lizzy's questions were soon answered.
"Oh Lizzy," the elder sister said, "My mother is so excited that Papa is to take us to Ramsgate; it has been so long since she has left Meryton, but her exclamations are trying."
"Dearest Jane, they are not simply trying, but exhausting." Lizzy sat down heavily on the bench as she plucked the petals from a daisy.
Suppressing a giggle Jane continued, moving the subject a little, "Did you know anything of this trip Lizzy?"
"No Jane, I knew that father was planning something but I did not imagine that he would take the family on such a trip. Uncle Gardiner does have some interests in that part of the country; perhaps father is to visit them? During their last visit Uncle Gardiner did spend a great deal of time locked up in the library with Papa."
"It is of little matter Lizzy, I am quite looking forward to this journey."
"As am I. If only we were to leave today, then perhaps Mama would have less time to have her nerves affected."
At this, both young ladies walked toward the house, chattering about their hopes for the trip.
Though they walked ahead of their elder sisters, Kitty and Lydia were not so unwise as to leave their sight. The distance between them gave pleasure to both sets of sisters as Lydia saw her sisters as nothing but a rain cloud on a picnic and Elizabeth no more wished to hear her youngest sisters discussion about beaux and balls than she wished her sisters to share in their conversation. And so it was, Kitty and Lydia giggling and leading a number yards ahead of Elizabeth and Jane and their conversation.
Lydia and Kitty's discussion often included "Oh! Kitty! Look at that!" or "Lydia is that not a fine looking man over there?". This was of very little interest to any passer by (except perhaps if the aforementioned gentleman were within earshot), so their elder sisters were content to let the younger two be while they settled into their own conversation.
"Lizzy, is it not pretty here?"
"Indeed it is. I am quite happy to be here."
"As am I. Although I did not know that father had arranged the house for us."
"He was offered it. It belongs to one of my Uncle Gardiner's business partner's, and, as they are not using it at present, it was offered to Father. I believe that Father has interests in some of my uncle's ventures, but I cannot be sure."
"Well, that explains it then Lizzy. Father did say that he would have some business to undertake while he was here. At the time I assumed that he intended to spend time in the study alone, but perhaps he has some business on my uncle's behalf."
"He may indeed." They walked along in silence for a little while and then noticed that their sisters had stopped. Lizzy continued, "I wonder what has caused the silence and stillness ahead for it is certainly unlike Lydia to be so restrained."
They hurried their walk a little as Jane hushed her sister, "Lizzy you are so harsh on Lydia. We should see what has occurred before we judge them."
Any response was broken off by their arrival at their sisters' side. Kitty turned to Lizzy as Jane walked up to Lydia.
"Lizzy, look at that young lady, is she not pretty?"
"Indeed she is, but is that why you have stopped?"
"La, Lizzy you are silly." Lydia began as she took Kitty's place as interpreter of the situation. "We have stopped to watch that gentleman. See the one over there, watching that girl, the one Kitty pointed out to you."
It was Jane who now took control as she knew that Lizzy would not be so patient, "Lydia, hush please. You should not stop in the street to watch a young man. Do you wish to continue to walk or would you rather return home?"
"We will continue." In her haste to walk on, Lydia did not look where she was walking and walked directly into the young lady that they were discussing. Both Lydia and the other young lady, who looked close to Lydia's age, perhaps a year or two older and with much finer clothing, collapsed to the ground in a mess of arms, skirts and giggles. Kitty leaned forward to assist Lydia up while Lizzy moved to assist the young lady.
Lydia was giggling and proclaiming the whole misadventure a good joke, far too loudly for Lizzy's liking, while Jane spoke with an older lady who appeared to be a friend of the other young lady. Lizzy attempted to apologize for her sisters folly.
"Excuse me miss, please take my hand, allow me to assist you." The young lady took the offered hand and found her way to her feet. Her companion appeared to be caught between watching the 'fine young man' who was still watching from down the road a little and attempting to refuse any apology that Jane offered. Lizzy could see that the young lady who had recently vacated the ground was quite shy and unsure of how to act. Lizzy took charge, giving her own younger sisters some dark looks as they discussed the slight tear to Lydia's skirt.
"Please accept my deepest apologies for my sister Lydia. We have recently arrived in Ramsgate and I fear that she was not watching where she was going as she was far more interested in the attractions of the town."
"Of course, there is no harm done." The young lady looked to her companion who was still speaking with Jane and looking down the street.
Lizzy continued, "Please allow me to introduce myself." The young lady nodded slightly. "I am Elizabeth Bennet." The young lady offered a small curtsey before answering, somewhat hesitantly,
"Georgiana Darcy."
Lizzy curtseyed while saying, "Pleased to meet you Miss Darcy. These are my sisters Jane, Catherine, and Lydia is the young lady to whom we owe this new acquaintance." As she said the last her eyes sparkled a little at the polite way that she avoided directly mentioning their crash to the footpath.
"Miss Bennet, I too have recently arrived in Ramsgate with my companion Mrs. Younge." She indicated the lady speaking with Jane.
"Well Miss Darcy, I believe that I should allow you to return to your companion, and I will take my sisters and continue our walk."
"Of course, Miss Bennet if that is as you wish." Somewhat hesitantly, but with the boldness of a young lady who has never come to any harm she continued, "Mrs. Younge and I were about to walk about, and I would be honoured if you would join us."
"Why, Miss Darcy, if you would like our company it is the least that we can offer after the events of this encounter."
With the exchange of a smile, Lizzy and Georgiana walked over to Jane and Mrs. Younge and told them of their plan. Mrs. Younge appeared a little less than satisfied with the new arrangement but could not think of any polite objection that would be sufficient, so she allowed the young ladies to have their way.
The five young ladies, with Mrs. Younge walking a little behind continued on their way. Once Lydia and Kitty decided that Miss Darcy was too quiet and not even out yet (Lydia was not out but hoped that she very soon would be, she was to be fifteen in two months), Lydia and Kitty returned to leading the group with a few yards between them and the rest of the group.
Jane felt that she should walk with Mrs. Younge as she seemed a little out of sorts; this left Lizzy to converse with Miss Darcy.
They walked for half an hour and found themselves outside their house. Lydia and Kitty decided that they would go inside to see their room and tell their mother all that they had seen, but Lizzy was reluctant to return home yet. Jane was willing to continue to walk, and Miss Darcy was very willing to continue her conversation with Lizzy.
Lizzy and Miss Darcy spoke of general things at first. Then Lizzy spoke of her sisters, Miss Darcy spoke of her brother as if he were a saint, and each envied the other their siblings. Gradually they began to speak of more and more personal topics, and, by the time they were interrupted, they had become friends and agreed to meet again for a walk two days hence. Of course they were on first name terms at this stage.
The interruption came in the form of an addition to the party. It was quickly apparent to Jane that Mrs. Younge knew the young gentleman that Lydia and Kitty were ogling when they met Georgiana, for he walked up to her and began conversing. As soon as Georgiana heard the voice she turned, with excitement clearly on her face (convincing Lizzy that this young man was well known to Georgiana) and spoke to the gentleman.
After about a minute, Georgiana remembered her manners and introduced Jane and Lizzy to the gentleman, a Mr. Wickham
Mrs. Younge was quite clear to Lizzy what her intentions were. She seemed to converse with Jane so as to remove her from Mr. Wickham's company, and she attempted to draw Lizzy's attention to herself or to Jane or to anywhere but with Georgiana and Mr. Wickham.
Though Georgiana seemed to welcome some attention from Mr. Wickham, she seemed a little confused by it. She watched her feet a great deal and addressed Lizzy as much as the gentleman. Lizzy was concerned for her new friend, but time was moving on and somehow the five walkers arrived outside the Bennets' temporary residence again. Jane and Lizzy bid farewell to their new acquaintances and Jane entered the yard and walked towards the house. Lizzy turned to Georgiana and bid her farewell. As Lizzy moved toward the house she heard a slight disagreement between the ladies she was leaving behind and then a timid "Miss Bennet" and quick footsteps behind her.
Lizzy stopped and turned in time to see Georgiana stop just behind her and beyond her Mrs. Younge and Mr. Wickham were in close consultation, very close. "Yes Georgiana" Lizzy answered a little confused by the new formality.
"Elizabeth, I would like to renew our arrangements for a walk the day after tomorrow, if that is still agreeable to you."
"Yes of course."
"Please call for me at this address" Georgiana handed over a card. "At three?" Lizzy nodded and both curtseyed each other as Georgiana walked back to her companions.
One night Lizzy confided to Jane how concerned she was for her new friend. Mr. Wickham's attentions appeared to be appropriate, but somehow it did not seem right. Lizzy resolved to speak with her friend about this as soon as she could find a way to do it without causing her friend any distress, for it was clear that the younger lady was falling in love with Mr. Wickham.
An opportunity arose one day when only Georgiana and Lizzy were walking. Georgiana confided in Lizzy.
"Lizzy, what do you think of Mr. Wickham? Is he not all that a gentleman should be? He is so kind and attentive and I have known him all of my life."
"All of your life? Please Georgiana, tell me about Mr. Wickham."
"His father was my father's steward at Pemberley." Lizzy knew that Pemberley was the grand estate of Georgiana's family. They had spoken extensively about their homes and families. "He is a year younger than my brother and they played together as boys and went away to school together. Now that I think about it, Fitzwilliam has not been very friendly with Geo...I mean Mr. Wickham since they were at school. But that is of little concern."
Here Lizzy interrupted. The idea that Georgiana's brother no longer shared any friendship with Mr. Wickham may not be relevant to Georgiana, but to Lizzy it was another piece of the puzzle. "Georgiana, why does your brother no longer share a friendship with Mr. Wickham? There must be a good reason?"
"I do not know." She stopped to think. "Perhaps they have had a disagreement, I am sure it is nothing, and they will be friends again when I am Mrs. Wickham."
"GEORGIANA?!? What do you mean? Did Mr. Wickham propose to you?"
"Oh yes Lizzy. Yesterday George asked me to marry him, and I have accepted. We are to marry in two days in Scotland. Will that not be romantic?" A dreamy look diffused Georgiana's eyes, and Lizzy paused for she had to consider her next words carefully.
"Has your brother approved this match?" Lizzy asked as both sat down on a bench. Lizzy noticed a tall man walking towards them, and at first feared it would be Mr. Wickham but as he drew nearer she knew that it was not any person that she had met before.
"No Lizzy, he has not, but George assures me that all will be well once we are married. All I can think about is to be married, for I love George so dearly and he loves me."
"Oh Georgiana, do you not believe that you should speak with your brother first?"
"Perhaps, but George is so insistent that we leave on the morrow and be married the following day. He says that he can not live without me as his wife for another day. He is so sweet."
"But Georgiana, a quick marriage, I do not know him, but I am sure that your brother would not approve. Perhaps if you," Lizzy stopped for she noticed the tall gentleman standing quite near and obviously listening to all that they were saying. Lizzy stood and looked the gentleman in the eye, "Sir, if you wish to have a seat on this bench, perhaps you could walk around and speak with us directly, it is quite ungentlemanlike to listen to a private conversation between ladies. If you do not mind we will be leaving now." Lizzy reached to take Georgiana's hand to raise her to her feet so they could leave when the gentleman addressed Lizzy (for Georgiana still had her back to the man).
"Excuse me miss but I believe that," Georgiana exclaimed and rose to her feet with speed and turned to face the gentleman behind her. He held his hand up in a gesture to stop her from speaking and continued in a level voice, "...the young lady may wish to inform her brother about whatever it was you were discussing."
Georgiana prevented Elizabeth from speaking by addressing the gentleman first, "Perhaps you are correct, would you like to join us, Fitzwilliam?"
Before either Darcy could speak, Lizzy addressed Georgiana, "Georgiana, I believe that I should be on my way."
"Oh no Lizzy, please stay. Elizabeth Bennet, may I present my brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy?"
Though he barely heard the name, Mr. Darcy bowed, Lizzy gave a quick curtsey and both exchanged a greeting before Lizzy repeated her desire to return home. As they were barely two minutes walk from her home, Lizzy turned to leave without an escort. Mr. Darcy was grateful for the departure of the young woman, who was clearly below his sister's station, for he needed to speak with his sister.
After Lizzy was safely gone, Mr. Darcy turned to his sister. Without speaking a word, Georgiana knew what her brother wished for her to say. Rather than torment him and possibly incur his anger, she decided that what Elizabeth had said made a great deal of sense. Her brother must have a reason for his dislike of George, and for him to insist that they marry soon and without consent. However, she was sure that George loved her and she loved him, so although they would not be married in two days, they would be married, and her dearest brother would be in attendance.
"Fitzwilliam, were you listening to our conversation?"
"I confess that I was, but I did not hear clearly of what you were speaking. Did you have some news for me?"
"Oh Fitzwilliam, I do have news. I have the very best of news for I am sure that you will be happy for me when I tell you, for how could you not be? It is such a good thing!"
"Georgiana, please stop. What is this news?"
"You will not guess who is here." He looked at her to say that he wished her to continue her story, "George is here, George Wickham is that not good?"
A slightly distressed look passed over her brother's face, but Georgiana barely noticed through all of her own excitement. "Georgiana, have you been spending a great deal of time with Mr. Wickham?"
"Indeed I have. Mrs. Younge encouraged it. I believe that they are friends." She said as they sat on the bench.
"Georgiana, please continue with your story." He said carefully attempting not to show his dissatisfaction with the situation.
"Yesterday, George proposed to me." Mr. Darcy paled at this comment, but allowed his sister to continue. "We had planned to leave tomorrow and be married in Scotland and return to you married. George decided that this would be such a romantic thing to do, and he was sure you would not object, but now you are here! We can make arrangements and be married at Pemberley." She said quite excitedly.
Mr. Darcy would not allow for any marriage for his sister at this time, and to that particular man never, but she seemed so happy. How was he to deal with this? Georgiana cannot go to Mrs. Younge for she was not fit to be her companion, but he must see Mr. Wickham. Her friend, what was her name? She seemed to be talking Georgiana out of this arrangement.
"Perhaps I should speak with Mr. Wickham before we make any decisions."
"Of course, he would wish to see you. Perhaps we should go to see him now."
"No dearest, I will go to see him alone. Perhaps you could visit your friend, Miss Bennet was it? While I call on Mr. Wickham." Mr. Darcy was gently guiding his sister from the bench and in the direction that Lizzy had gone.
On arriving at the Bennet residence, Darcy knocked on the door, asked the servant to escort his sister to Miss..... - at which point Georgiana finished "Miss Elizabeth please". Darcy turned and left as Georgiana was escorted into the house.
Georgiana was quickly shown to her friend, who was sitting with the eldest Miss Bennet, and after making a hasty greeting, Lizzy addressed her.
"Dear Georgiana, I am surprised at your arrival, pleasantly surprised, but surprised. I had thought that your brother would wish to spend the afternoon with you."
"Oh yes, he did....that is he does" She said rather energetically "He has gone to see dearest Wickham to arrange the wedding."
Jane made a tactful exit from the room while Lizzy answered her friend "So you are to be married...."
Georgiana interrupted "We are to be married at Pemberley. Oh Lizzy I am so happy that Fitzwilliam will be there for the wedding, he and George will arrange it all and I am sure that I will be married before the end of this year."
Lizzy did not know what to say, but Georgiana had plenty. So excited she was that the wedding would happen and explaining all of her beloved's virtues to her friend that Georgiana barely stopped to take a breath and all too soon a servant entered to collect Georgiana as her brother had sent for her. Georgiana left promising to call in the next couple of days.
Lizzy was left shocked, she doubted that all would work out as her friend hoped but she was a relative stranger to the family so could not make any judgments, she could only hope that Mr. Darcy had all the virtues his sister credited him with.
When he arrived at the house he had taken for his sister, Darcy entered with the intention of speaking to Mrs. Younge and dismissing her and then calling at the address Georgiana had given for Mr. Wickham, Mr. Darcy quickly realized that he would be saved a trip. Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Younge were sitting down to tea when he entered the room.
The look on Mr. Darcy's face was enough to make George Wickham pale and Mrs. Younge fear for her position as companion to Miss Darcy. It was soon quite clear to both that they were not welcome in the house they were currently sitting in. Mr. Darcy agreed to settle Mrs. Younge's wages at a later date, but neither Mrs. Younge nor Mr. Wickham were to have any contact with Georgiana.
After many uncomplimentary comments about Georgiana and the elder Miss Bennets, especially Elizabeth, Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Younge left. Mr. Darcy sat down and considered the situation.
Though Georgiana had not been compromised, she very nearly was. From what Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Younge had said, the chance meeting between the Bennet sisters and Georgiana prevented too many unchaperoned walks and meetings. He and his sister had much to thank Georgiana's new friend for. Though Georgiana would not be so thankful at this point.
Mr. Darcy arranged for a maid to pack his sisters belongings and arranged for their immediate removal from Ramsgate. He sent a footman to collect his sister from the Bennet house and return her immediately.
"Brother for what reason are we leaving so soon? Is the wedding to be soon? Where is George?"
"Georgiana, please come and sit beside me, we had best have a talk before we leave."
She sat on the indicated sofa and looked to her brother, her concern for her 'fiancé' growing with every second.
"Georgiana," he said gently, taking a seat beside her and taking her hand in his. She hesitated but allowed him to take it. "Mr. Wickham did not ask my consent to marry you, and had he, I would have refused it."
She attempted to snatch her hand back, but her brother held it tightly. "Why would you do that?" she spat at him. Both were shocked at her outburst but this did not prevent her continuing "Where is George? He will explain this all; it must be a misunderstanding," she slumped onto the sofa, very near tears.
"Georgiana, Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Younge have left Ramsgate and neither will be in your company ever again." She sobbed at his words. He waited for the sobs to subside and continued, "I am sorry, but he did not love you. He had two reasons for wishing to elope with you. One was your fortune, and the other," he paused, "the other was to revenge himself on me."
"But why?" she sobbed.
Putting his arm around his sister and softening his voice further he continued, "Your fortune is very good. This is an important lesson for you. Many a matchmaking mother throws her daughters at me, you have seen that, you even laugh at that with your cousin Fitzwilliam, but many a man would be quite satisfied with your fortune."
"I am sorry, I did not think of that. But what has this to do with revenge?"
"You know that I went to school with Mr. Wickham?" She nodded. "And before that we were friends."
"Yes. Elizabeth said I should ask you why you were no longer friends."
"Elizabeth? Oh, the young lady you were with when I came upon you. Yes, well we will not speak about your new acquaintance now, but of Mr. Wickham. I will not tell you the details, only that while at school I was able to see what my father was not. Mr. Wickham was not honorable nor was he a serious student. His time was not well spent."
It was clear to Georgiana that her brother would not elaborate further, so she just looked at him, saw the sadness in his eyes, and allowed the subject of school to drop. Mr. Darcy stood, offered his hand to his sister and led her to the door.
"Elizabeth!" Georgiana exclaimed. "I cannot leave without saying farewell."
"We must leave now or we will not make it to __________ by nightfall. Write down a quick note with directions so that she may write to you at Pemberley. Geeves will deliver it in the morning."
Georgiana did as she was bid and found herself in a carriage leaving Ramsgate.
After an hour of silence in the carriage, Georgiana spoke. "Fitzwilliam, why does Geo...Mr. Wickham not have the living at Kympton; he told me that you prevented this?"
"I suppose that you are now old enough to understand and I will explain as best I can." Mr. Darcy stopped, looked out the carriage window for a moment and then turned back to his sister. "As I told you earlier, Mr. Wickham was not the gentleman that our father believed him to be. For a number of years I suspected as much, and then at school I was sure. When father died, he left a letter addressed to me in addition to his will. Father had always wished to provide Mr. Wickham with a living, and the living at Kympton was expected to be vacant soon. Mr. Wickham approached me not two days after our father's death. He knew that our father wished him to be presented to the living, but Mr. Wickham professed no desire to join the clergy, and I agreed with him. He asked for a more immediate financial settlement of Father's wishes. I agreed that this would be appropriate and, after much negotiation and unpleasantness, I agreed to settle a sum of money on him. This was done and I expected never to be in his company again. Until today I was not."
Georgiana looked at her brother and the hurt in his eyes told her that all he had said was the truth. Until this moment she had thought that perhaps there was a misunderstanding between her brother and George and perhaps it could be resolved and they would eventually marry. Perhaps...But now Georgiana was convinced. Mr. George Wickham had attempted to use her in the worst of ways. At this moment Georgiana realized that an open and happy manner could lead you into trouble.
With some bursts of tears and many silences did the brother and sister travel home to Pemberley. They made no stops besides where necessary for food and rest. Colonel Fitzwilliam was invited to Pemberley so that, as her guardian, he could be fully apprised of the events of the past days. Georgiana spent a great deal of time alone in her room or at the piano forte while her brother and cousin spent many an hour behind closed doors of the study.
While the Darcy carriage was conveying the siblings home, Lizzy was handed a short note. She looked at the crest sealing it and did not recognize it, nor did she recognize the hand that it was written in. She opened it and read the signature first. It was from Georgiana. Only a short note:
I believe that I will be leaving Ramsgate today. I shall miss your company. Please write to me at my home.
She gave the directions, and signed the note.
Lizzy did not know what to think. It was clear that the brother she had heard so many good things about had taken his sister from this place, but could she truly blame him? At least he had allowed her to write a note to her friend before leaving.
Dear Georgiana,I was sorry to hear of your speedy departure from Ramsgate. I can only hope that all has been resolved in a way that makes you happy. It has not been the same here without our walks.
It appears that I am not to remain here as long as expected either, for my father has decided that he has had enough time away from his library. We are to return to Longbourn in two days.
I am required at present to attend my mother and to see to some packing so I will apologize for the shortness of this note and add that the directions for reaching me at Longbourn are _______________.
Yours,
Elizabeth Bennet
To say that Georgiana was excited on receipt of this letter is to understate the situation. Mr. Darcy had noticed his sister's withdrawal from all company, including his and his cousin's, and her less assertive manner with the servants. He feared that this would continue. The more that he saw of his sister's withdrawal, the more determined he was to prevent her, and himself, from associating with those beneath their rank. They had been deeply hurt from their association with the steward's son and this would not happen again.
Just as he resolved to inform his sister that she was not to write to the young woman she met at Ramsgate, he saw her opening the letter that had been delivered. She was her old self again; her eyes shone and her lips curved into a smile; the first one he had seen since Ramsgate. Perhaps a female correspondent would be good for his sister; it was not likely that they would meet again.
And so it went. Georgiana wrote back to Lizzy and they continued a regular correspondence. Although Georgiana was more quiet than usual, especially around Mr. Bingley's sisters, she had a glow whenever she read a letter from her friend. Mr. Darcy enjoyed watching his sister read her letters, for she would smile and giggle at what she read. She did not share the content of the letters, and Mr. Darcy did not ask her to. He was curious, but anything that kept her from retreating into her shell completely was good.
Two months after Ramsgate, Mr. Darcy decided that it was time for Georgiana to go back to school in London. She had no objections to this arrangement; her brother would visit frequently, and she always had Elizabeth's letters.
Georgiana learnt a great deal about her new friend. She found Elizabeth's letters enjoyable to read; all of her stories about her sisters and parents made Georgiana jealous at first, but gradually she was happy that she could hear about a family of five sisters. Then there was Elizabeth's obvious enjoyment of the folly of her neighbours. Such stories were better than any novel, and the way Elizabeth told them made Georgiana feel that she was watching through Lizzy's eyes.
As much as she wished it, Georgiana was sure that her brother would not allow her to visit her friend so she did not ask. Fitzwilliam had become quite strict about who Georgiana, and himself, would associate with. Unfortunately Miss Bingley was not excluded from her company, but all encounters between Miss Bingley and Miss Darcy gave Georgiana stories to share with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth greatly enjoyed her correspondence with Georgiana too. She enjoyed writing such stories as she had to tell, and she enjoyed hearing about London and school and even Georgiana's brother. It was, therefore, quite an interesting piece of news when Georgiana informed her friend that 'my brother is to travel with Mr. Bingley to his new home of Netherfield. I recall my brother mentioning Hertfordshire, is Netherfield very near Longbourn?'.
Lizzy replied,
'I know of Netherfield and it is a few miles from Longbourn' and she 'had heard that a young man had taken the place; it had just not occurred to me that it was the same Mr. Bingley you write of. Do you know whether his sisters to join him, for I would enjoy meeting them from your descriptions.'
Georgiana did not know what to think. Her friend was likely to meet her brother again after many months. They had barely met the first time, but she seemed so much what her brother needed. No, she would not think this way. Her brother will meet her and perhaps they will be friends. Georgiana decided not to inform her brother that he was to reside in the neighbourhood of her correspondent; he had never shown any interest in her friend before and this way she may hear more of her brother. Lately he had quite withdrawn from all society, except that of their relatives and Mr. Bingley and his sisters. She contented herself with replying to Lizzy
'Mr. Bingley is to be accompanied by two of his sisters, Miss Bingley - that is the one who constantly praises my works when Fitzwilliam is present and speaks not a word directly to me unless it is about her brother - and Mrs. Hurst. Mr. Hurst and my brother bring the party to five.'
Lizzy did, however, allow Jane to read the most recent letter that she had received. Jane had read most of the letters that Lizzy had received from Georgiana, but no other person in the Longbourn house was particularly interested in the young lady from Ramsgate.
The only other person in the house who even remembered the name of the young lady was Mr. Bennet, but he could have little interest in the correspondence of two young ladies.
Lizzy did not have long to wait for the whole neighbourhood to know about the newest tenant of Netherfield. The news came the morning after the letter from Georgiana. The information was relayed to the family via an address by Mrs. Bennet directed at her husband.
"Mr. Bennet, have you heard? Netherfield is let at last." The gentleman showed very little interest but Mrs. Bennet was not so easily deterred. "Do you not wish to know by whom?"
He could no longer avoid responding to his wife so he carefully placed a marker in his book and placed it on the table beside him. "You wish to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing."
This was sufficient encouragement, so Mrs. Bennet went on to tell her husband, in as much detail as she had (which was very little), that a single gentleman of substantial fortune was to be their neighbour. She then felt the need to remind her husband of his duty to his daughters, that he must visit him as soon as he arrives, which is to be the very next day.
Mr. Bennet, enjoying this discussion immensely, insisted that he would not visit; Mrs. Bennet insisted, with far less enjoyment, that he would visit for his daughters sake. After 10 minutes of this to-ing and fro-ing Mr. Bennet could stand it no longer, collected his book, patted Lizzy's arm, and left the room.
The very next day, Mr. Bennet informed his family that he had paid the visit and that Mr. Bingley would be attending the next assembly in Meryton. After he had safely left his ladies the younger Miss Bennets enthusiastically discussed Mr. Bingley and how he was sure to fall in love with one of them. Mrs. Bennet agreed with the sentiments of her daughters, and went on to discuss their gowns and shoes since the assembly was only four days away.
As soon as they could, Lizzy and Jane left the room for a walk around the grounds. The sisters wandered about in a comfortable silence for a number of minutes, Lizzy occupied in pulling the petals from a flower she had picked, and Jane was content to look at the gardens. At length, Jane broke the silence.
"Lizzy, do you believe that you should inform our mother of Mr. Darcy's relationship to your friend? It was clear from what Lydia had to say that they know Mr. Bingley is to bring a party of friends with him."
"Oh, I see no reason for that. Our acquaintance is so slight; I met him but once, and I do think that his mind was on other matters at the time."
"Perhaps you are correct. Mama will meet him herself soon enough."
"I am sure that I am right." With a mischievous grin Lizzy continued, "For I am certain that Mama would begin to plan my marriage to him if she knew of our prior meeting."
With laughter both returned to the house, Jane returned to the sitting room with her mother and sisters and Lizzy to write to Georgiana.
Dearest Georgiana,Thank you for your kind information. Rumour of Mr. Bingleys move reached us a few days ago and today he arrived.
My father called on him and describes him as a pleasant sort of fellow, but this I had already understood to be the case from your information.
I do not think that your brother was in attendance yet, you said that he would follow his friend in a few days so I did not expect that he would be. My father did not mention any person beyond Mr. Bingley.
You need not write with any further details of Mr. Bingley, for I believe that I am to meet him and his entire party at an assembly in a few days. I will write you with every detail after the event.
Lizzy continued with stories of a disagreement Sir William Lucas was having with Mrs. Phillips. It seemed that they disagreed about the best time of day for the curtains to be closed on the West side of the house.
I am very pleased to hear of all of the new music you described in your last letter. It seems that your brother is very good to you. Perhaps you will visit Netherfield while he is here, for I would dearly like to see you again.Yours, Elizabeth Bennet.
After Lizzy completed her letter, she made her way back to the sitting room, hoping that the discussion of Mr. Bingley would be complete. As she drew near, she could make out some of what was being said, and it was clear that Mr. Bingley and the assembly were still the topics of discussion.
"Lydia," Mrs. Bennet was saying, "I am sure that Mr. Bingley will like you best, or dear Jane..."
"But Mama," Lydia squealed, "What of Maria Lucas or Samantha and Sally Long?" Lydia pouted, knowing that her mother would issue a grand compliment now.
"They do not hold a candle to you, dear, or to any of your sisters. But I do wish that we knew more of the gentlemen that are to accompany Mr. Bingley. One is his brother-in-law, so he is of little consequence, but the other, his friend, we do not know if he is married or even his name..."
Lizzy stepped into the room in time to prevent Jane feeling obliged to answer her mothers query. "Mama, is it time for tea?" Lizzy moved to ring the bell as she spoke. "I am certain that we will learn all that we could wish about Mr. Bingley and his friends at the assembly."
"I suppose you are right Lizzy," Mrs. Bennet huffed, "But it is vexing. Why should we not know of the gentleman before the ball?" Further conversation was halted by the entry of the maid with the tea things.
Even Lizzy was anxious for the assembly, for she was unsure if Mr. Darcy would remember her. Georgiana had told her that he did not take an interest in her correspondence, but encouraged her to write to her friend.
On walking into the rooms, Lizzy looked around for the Bingley party. She saw no sign of any person not usually at these assemblies, so she decided to enjoy herself with the dance and the partners that were available.
After the second set of dances the long awaited party entered. Silence fell over the room and all eyes turned to the new arrivals.
Two ladies and three gentlemen arrived. From Georgiana's descriptions, Lizzy knew immediately who was who. Mr. Bingley led the group with a wide smile on his face. He was closely followed by a lady, his sister, Mrs. Hurst. Next came Mr. Hurst and then Miss Bingley. She was rather overdressed for the occasion. She had lace and jewelry at every possible position. She did not enter the room directly. She seemed to turn to speak with the final person of the party to enter the room. The tall gentleman Lizzy had briefly met at Ramsgate entered the room with his face showing no sign of a smile. He appeared to Lizzy to be displeased with the attention they were receiving, but she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. He was after all Georgiana's brother, how bad could he be?
It did not take long for Mr. Bingley to seek out an introduction to the eldest Miss Bennet. As he and Sir William Lucas were approaching Mrs. Bennet, Jane and Lizzy, Mr. Darcy followed. He was not sure why, but, somehow, felt he needed to meet this family.
Sir William made the introductions, and Mr. Bingley quickly obtained Miss Bennet's company for the next dance. Mr. Darcy stood by silently until Mrs. Bennet addressed him, "And you sir, do you come eager to dance."
Mr. Bingley realized his oversight and began, "Do forgive me, Mrs. Bennet. May I present my good friend, Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy this is Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Lizzy watched Mr. Darcy as he bowed for any sign of recognition, but none showed. He did not begin to converse with any other person there, but merely walked away. This was strange and a little disappointing, but not so much so as to ruin the entire evening for her. As the music began and Mr. Bingley led Jane away from her and her mother, Lizzy was content to watch Mr. Darcy as he moved toward Miss Bingley.
Lizzy danced a few dances that evening, but due to the scarcity of gentlemen was forced to sit out a few. As discreetly as possible, she watched Mr. Darcy during some of this time. He danced two dances, one with Miss Bingley and one with Mrs. Hurst. He did not appear to enjoy the dance with either lady, though Miss Bingley appeared to follow him as if she were his shadow whenever she was not otherwise engaged to dance.
It was on one of these occasions, when she was sitting out with her sister that Lizzy overheard some comments that would change her opinion of her friends brother.
"Come Darcy, I must have you dance," Mr. Bingley addressed his friend during a break in his dance with Jane.
"At an assembly such as this?"
"Oh Darcy. I would not be as fastidious as you for a kingdom; come there are many agreeable ladies, some uncommonly pretty."
"You are dancing with the only pretty girl here."
"She is an angel. There is one of her sisters," he indicated Elizabeth who had conveniently turned away. "I could have my partner introduce you."
"She seems familiar somehow," he muttered as he twisted his pinky ring.
"What was that Darcy?"
"Nothing, nothing at all."
"Shall I arrange that introduction?"
"I think not."
"She is pretty, Darcy I only encourage you to dance with her"
"She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me."
Bingley was shocked, and Elizabeth flushed briefly with anger. Darcy continued "Do not concern yourself with me, go enjoy the smiles of your partner, you will not convince me to dance."
Bingley left his friend. Not a minute later Elizabeth rose from her seat with a smile in her eyes and walked to her friend Charlotte Lucas to whom she told the entire story. No longer angry, merely disappointed that she would not have a better report to give her friend, Lizzy laughed at the remarks and enjoyed the rest of her evening.
Dearest Georgiana,The Meryton Assembly was last evening and I must say that it was quite an interesting night.
Mr. Bingley and his party arrived before the third dance and drew a great deal of attention to themselves. I must agree with you; Miss Bingley does appear to pay a great deal of attention to her appearance. I would go so far as to say that she pays too much attention to her appearance and not enough to those around her. She barely spoke two words to any person outside her party, except my sister Jane.
I did not have an opportunity to converse with Mr. Bingley, for he spent a great deal of time with my sister Jane. He did seem quite agreeable, and by all of Jane's reports he is very agreeable and a happy sort of man. Added to that, he is quite handsome, too. I am very well pleased with him.
I am sure that you wish to hear of your brother. Mr. Darcy was quite reserved all evening, speaking very little to any person beyond his party, though he did appear to be attempting to escape from Miss Bingley on a number of occasions. He did not appear to recognize me; I did not expect that he would, but I cannot say that he was pleased with the assembly. Perhaps you had best wait for his information for further details.
I hope that this finds you in good health and all is well at your home. Jane sends her best wishes. That is, when I told her that I was to write she asked that I send her kind regards. (With Jane, could her regards be anything but kind?)
Yours, Elizabeth Bennet.
"Not attend? Mr. Bennet, what do you say? Your daughters! How can you do that to them?"
"What do you mean, Mrs. Bennet?" Mr. Bennet said, giving a look to his second daughter which indicated that he knew exactly what his wife meant, and that he fully intended to attend the gathering.
"I mean that Mr. Bingley is expected at this gathering, so Lady Lucas has informed me, and he must be thrown in Jane's way as much as possible. They have met a few times since the assembly, but we must ensure they meet at every possible occasion."
This discussion went the way of many in the Bennet house. Mrs. Bennet insisting that Mr. Bennet allow his family to attend. The gentleman quietly evading answering. Mrs. Bennet threatening and attempting any other means of persuasion until Mr. Bennet was satisfied that his wife (with the occasional help of her youngest daughters) had provided him with sufficient entertainment and agreed that the ladies of Longbourn may attend.
The acceptance was sent, and the ladies began their preparations. Elizabeth was a little less enthusiastic than she was prior to the assembly; for her friend's sake she was attempting not to dislike the gentleman, but it was difficult while the entire neighbourhood were beginning to think ill of the proud Mr. Darcy.
The day of the party arrived, and amid many questions of dresses and gloves, the Bennets were the first to arrive at Lucas Lodge. This early arrival was mainly due to Mrs. Bennet, as she did not wish to arrive after Mr. Bingley and allow any other young lady to secure his attentions. She needn't have worried for as soon as Mr. Bingley had entered the room he looked around for the face of his angel. He saw her and they exchanged a small smile, and he walked to her side as soon as was polite.
There is little beyond this to say of Mr. Bingley and Jane, for they spent the entire evening in each others company. Often there were other people present, which vexed Mrs. Bennet greatly, but they did not separate.
Lizzy was another matter. She spent the chief of the evening in discussions with Charlotte Lucas and occasionally watching Miss Bingley or Mr. Darcy. Miss Bingley was clearly doing all that she could to attach herself to Mr. Darcy, while, as Charlotte observed, Mr. Darcy watched Elizabeth a great deal.
When some of the younger ladies began dancing at one end of the room, Elizabeth was forced to leave her comfortable conversation in order to speak with Lydia about her behaviour and tendency to expose herself and her family to ridicule. Lydia was, at that very moment, parading around with a dress sword, which Elizabeth could only imagine belonged to the officer who was following her about the room.
While silently cursing her sisters behaviour, Lizzy moved across the room, only to be stopped by Sir William who appeared to be conversing with Mr. Darcy. Lizzy looked up, took a deep breath, and a small step forward as she greeted the pair and resigned herself to this discussion.
"Miss Eliza, why do you not dance?" He continued before Lizzy could speak, "Mr. Darcy, surely you would not refuse to dance when so much beauty is before you?" Sir William took Lizzy's hand and would present it to Mr. Darcy unless she spoke first.
"Why, I had not the intention of dancing."
"But Eliza how could you refuse when Mr. Darcy is willing, though he dislikes the amusement so!"
"Miss Bennet, I would be delighted if you would join me for one set"
Surprised at his request, though his manners would not have allowed him to do otherwise, Lizzy still refused. "I had not the least intention of dancing, please do not think that I moved this way in want of a partner." With a quick curtsey she moved to speak with Lydia.
Mr. Darcy was a little disappointed, but that brief conversation, along with others that he had heard her speak in, had increased his respect for this young woman, even if her family were quite lacking.
It was later in the evening that Mr. Darcy was standing alone, watching Miss Bennet in a quite animated conversation with Colonel Forster, Miss Lucas and Miss Maria Lucas that he was approached by a lady. The lady approached him quietly and whispered in a very familiar way, "I imagine I can guess your thoughts at this moment."
'I imagine not,' he thought to himself. 'Until this moment my mind was agreeably engaged and now I am to lose some time to speak with my friends sister. Why does she not leave me alone?'
The pause while Mr. Darcy thought was sufficient encouragement for Miss Bingley to think that her conversation was desired and that she should continue. "You are thinking that to spend many an evening in such tedious company is quite undesirable, and I must say that I agree with you." She waited for a response.
'It appears that you only agree with yourself,' he thought.
"No indeed, my mind was more agreeably engaged."
'Please let her go now.'
"Agreeably engaged? Please, Mr. Darcy, will you not share your thoughts?"
'Only if she will leave, perhaps it will work.'
"I was meditating on the pleasure that a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."
'Oh no! she is fluttering her eyelids at me in that most obvious and unattractive way, she thinks I mean...she thinks I mean her eyes, what have I done?'
"Really?" flutter, flutter, flutter, "Of whose eyes," flutter, "do you speak, sir?"
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet's."
'Oh No what have I done? She is staring daggers at Miss Elizabeth.'
"I am all astonishment, tell me, when am I to wish you well?"
'Well here we go, now I shall never be free of Miss Bingley. She will watch me at every moment, and I can no longer enjoy Miss Bennet's eyes without censure. This is to be a long evening.' And so he was correct.
Miss Bingley did not leave Mr. Darcy's side for the remainder of the evening, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her fine eyes were constantly discussed. Elizabeth, however, had an enjoyable evening talking and laughing with her neighbours.
Dearest Lizzy,I am sorry to hear that you and my brother have not renewed your acquaintance on the best of terms. I have had a letter from Fitzwilliam, and he makes no mention of you and very little about the assembly. I can only assume that you are correct and he does not remember you at all. I will not inform him of your presence in that area for it is quite a fine thing for me to hear about him from quite another source; to hear how he is among strangers when he is not troubling himself with my comfort.
I am pleased to hear that Mr. Bingley is happy in his new establishment with such friends so near by. Did you say how far away from Netherfield Longbourn is? I am sure that Miss Bingley will not be happy with the attentions her brother bestows on any young lady, for she is always encouraging him to shower his attentions on myself. Although flattered, I am not yet old enough to consider matrimony, I am not yet out! I believe that even my brother has a small wish for the match, but I see Mr. Bingley as nothing but a brother. If I may be so bold, he is kind and considerate and generous and would be perfectly suited to one such as your sister.
It is no shock to hear of Miss Bingley's actions. She does not appear to behave any differently from when I am around. The only difference is that she is not using me as a tool in her quest. Even if Mrs. Annesley had not informed me of the rumours that Miss Bingley is attempting to be led to the alter by my brother, I would have noticed it for myself. I may not speak a great deal in company but I do watch. I am sure that Fitzwilliam has no interest in Miss Bingley (he has hinted at that himself when she and her brother leave after a visit), so I am learning from you; learning to laugh at the folly of others. Any information that you may send to assist me in this process would be appreciated.
Unfortunately, Fitzwilliam has not requested that I join him in Hertfordshire. He prefers that I remain at Pemberley with my lessons and Mrs. Annesley. I do not believe, judging from the letter that he has sent me, that he would wish to introduce me into the society of Hertfordshire at this time. I am quite ashamed of him for those remarks, but as he is my guardian, that is the way it shall be. Please do not let this lead you to a poor opinion of him, he just worries for me especially after {blot}.
I am quite enjoying the new music that my brother has given me. There were five pieces, and all I long for is someone to share them with me. I wish that you could visit me, Elizabeth, for I long to see you again. Perhaps I will ask my brother if I may invite you after he returns from my aunt's home.
Please send on my best wishes to Jane and your father. I do not believe that Jane would wish to read this letter as it pertains to herself.
Yours, Georgiana Darcy