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Chapter 41
What are you doing? She is Fitzwilliam's fiancée!!! his conscience screamed. You vowed to forget her! "Elizabeth... I hope you know that you will always be welcome at Pemberley." You fool. You'll never get another chance to tell her you love her.
"Thank you," Elizabeth quietly replied.
Darcy stood looking at Elizabeth, his soul tearing in two. One part of him wanted to swoop her up into his arms, kiss her, and tell her how much he cared for her. The other half despised himself for his feelings of love and his weakness, admonishing himself not to betray his loyalty to Fitzwilliam.
Although his facial expressions remained placid, his eyes revealed his inner torment. As Elizabeth stared deep into his eyes, Darcy became nervous that she could peer into his soul. He abruptly turned away from her and began walking quickly down the path.
"What is the matter?" Elizabeth asked as she began to walk beside him.
"I suddenly remembered Bingley and Jane. We should not let them get too far ahead of us. It isn't good for appearances," he explained.
"But they are engaged..."
"But we are not," Darcy replied crisply.
Elizabeth did not answer him. Instead she walked quietly beside him, lost in her own thoughts.
Now you've done it! You've offended her. "I'm sorry Miss Bennet..."
"Elizabeth," she interrupted.
"I'm sorry Elizabeth, I did not intend to sound so harsh. It is just that I must always be conscious that you are Fitzwilliam's fiancée."
"That's all right William..."
"Humphrey," he interrupted.
"That's all right Humphrey. I understand," Elizabeth said with a smile.
Against his better judgment, Darcy stole a glance at his companion. He was treated to a vision that made his heart ache even more. Her cheeks had a rosy glow, her smile was warm and inviting, and her eyes were brightened by the exercise. As he felt his resolve weakening, he suddenly blurted, "When is Fitzwilliam returning to Hertfordshire?"
Softly, she replied, "In two or three days."
Darcy wasn't sure how he should react to the news. Whether he should be relieved that his cousin was to return so quickly, or dread the reason for his return.
Chapter 42
Fitzwilliam returned to Hertfordshire just three days after he had left. Until the wedding, Bingley insisted he stay at Netherfield. Unfortunately, Fitzwilliam's presence only served to increase Darcy's torment and strengthen Georgiana's resolve.
The weeks leading up to the wedding were a blur of parties and dinners. Much to Darcy's relief, he was able to avoid some of them. Because he was only serving as the groomsman to Bingley and Fitzwilliam at their joint wedding, it wasn't always necessary for him to attend. To those events Darcy was forced to make an appearance, he stood in the corner silent and grave. He always stayed far away from Elizabeth, though his eyes followed her everywhere.
Bingley and Fitzwilliam, in their great joy, didn't notice Darcy's change of demeanour, but Georgiana did. She knew that every part of his being ached for Elizabeth. Despite his efforts to avoid Elizabeth, it was inevitable that they would see each other on occasion. It was on those occasions that his discomfort was most evident. However, he suffered in silence, unwilling or unable to share his heartbreak with anyone. Georgiana wanted to speak to her brother about his feelings, but it was clear that her interference was unwelcome.
Before Darcy could reconcile himself to the match, the wedding day was upon them. As he stood in front of the looking glass in his bedchamber at Netherfield trying to finish dressing for the wedding, he heard a soft knock at the door.
"Who is it?"
"It is I," replied Georgiana.
"Come in."
Georgiana opened the door and peeked inside. "What are you doing?"
"I'm trying to straighten my cravat, but it isn't cooperating," he replied while looking in the mirror.
"Here, allow me," she said while closing his door and crossing the room to him. As she began fiddling with this cravat, she glanced up at his face. He looked somber and serious. "I know that you do not wish for me to say this..."
"Then don't," he ordered, while still looking at his reflection.
"Very well," she replied softly. "There, it is done," she said while taking a step back. "You look very handsome."
"Thank you."
"William..." she began while looking up into his face
"Don't start Georgiana. Not today," he begged, while trying to avoid her eyes.
"It isn't too late until the minister declares them man and wife," she blurted quickly.
Darcy turned his back to her and walked to the window. He sadly shook his head as he stared outside. "No, it is too late. It has been too late for a very long time," he quietly replied.
Suddenly they heard Bingley call from the hall, "Darcy! Where are you? We don't want to be late!"
Darcy took one last deep breath, before moving away from the window and to the door. He quickly opened it and walked outside.
He saw Bingley looking quite frantic, with a wild look in his eyes. "Come on! Quick man! We must get to the church!" cried Bingley.
"I believe we are still early," Darcy replied.
"Not early enough. What happens if a carriage wheel breaks? Come on, come on," Bingley urged.
"Very well, let me get Georgiana."
"She can ride with my sisters. Come on!"
Darcy sighed and obediently followed Bingley outside, where he was greeted by the smiling face of Colonel Fitzwilliam who was standing outside of the barouche waiting for them. Fitzwilliam was dressed in his red military uniform, the sun glinting off of his polished buttons. "Good morning Darcy. You look quite nervous. Don't worry, it isn't as if you are getting married," Fitzwilliam chuckled.
Bingley quickly jumped inside of the carriage. "Well, come on you two. Let us not dawdle."
"Is he always this jumpy?" Fitzwilliam whispered to Darcy just before entering the carriage.
"Get used to it," Darcy mumbled.
During the ride to the church, Darcy sat opposite Bingley and Fitzwilliam. Bingley's eyes were wide with excitement and he could barely contain his nervous energy. Next to him, Colonel Fitzwilliam looked calm but happy. As Darcy stared at the two men, he doubted there was anyone in the world he envied more than these two men.
As soon as the carriage came to a halt in front of the church, Darcy broke the silence. "Well gentlemen, it isn't too late. You can always turn back."
Bingley scowled while exiting the barouche. "Don't even joke that way Darcy. I have been waiting for this moment for far too long."
As soon as the three gentlemen stepped out of the carriage, an older couple quickly approached them. Lord and Lady Matlock were all smiles.
"Oh Richard, you look so handsome," Lady Matlock beamed with a hint of a tear in her eye.
"Thank you Mother," replied Fitzwilliam after giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"We are very proud of you son. Elizabeth will make a fine wife, despite what my sister says," Lord Matlock declared with a smile.
"Thank you Father."
"However, I would steer Elizabeth away from her at the wedding breakfast," Lord Matlock urged.
"Excuse me Uncle, Aunt Catherine is here?" asked Darcy.
"Yes, she and Anne arrived about an hour ago," he answered.
Astonished, Fitzwilliam looked at his father. "But Father, she wrote me saying that she would never approve of the match. I thought she wasn't going to come."
"Neither did we," replied Lady Matlock, "but she appeared about an hour ago, looking as cross as ever. I hope she will not interfere with your happiness."
"Don't worry Mother. She never will."
During this family exchange, Bingley had been anxiously waiting. He was eager to enter the church but unsure of how to interrupt the Fitzwilliams. Finally, Lord Matlock noticed Bingley's distress. "I'm sorry. We should probably allow you to go inside. There will be time for this idle talk after the wedding." A relieved Bingley smiled at Lord Matlock as they all entered the church.
Chapter 43
As the music began, Darcy stood next to Fitzwilliam and Bingley. He looked down the aisle, willing himself to be calm. As Kitty, then Mary made their appearance, Darcy struggled to maintain his tranquil demeanor. As Elizabeth's sisters approached, he slowly clinched his fists. Every instinct in his body urged him to flee, but his will forced him to stay.
Then suddenly, there she was. She was so beautiful that Darcy gasped. She looked radiant as her father walked her and Jane down the aisle. Darcy didn't even look at Jane, who was on Mr. Bennet's other arm, his eyes were glued to Elizabeth. Every bride is beautiful, Darcy thought, but Elizabeth is an angel sent down from the heavens.
As they reached the front of the chapel, Elizabeth looked directly at Darcy and smiled for a moment before turning her attention to Fitzwilliam. Mr. Bennet kissed Jane, then Elizabeth, on the cheek then took a step back as the two women took their places beside their future husbands.
"Dearly beloved..." the vicar began.
With all of his strength, Darcy clinched his fists. My God I am going to lose her forever! he panicked. What am I doing? I cannot let her marry him! I love her! She loves me!
"... in holy matrimony..." continued the vicar.
But I must, I must let her go. This is impossible! Can I destroy Fitzwilliam's happiness in order to seek my own? No, Elizabeth will be Mrs. Richard Fitzwilliam and I must think no more of her.
"... the mutual society, help, and comfort..."
I cannot let her go! I cannot let her go! Stop this! I must reconcile myself to the match. But who would be a more fitting match than she and I? Our temperaments are made for each other. No, I have lost her to Fitzwilliam. I must forget her!
"If anyone knows of an impediment to this marriage, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."
A moment of dead silence was followed by a very loud cough and clearing of a throat. The whole congregation whirled around to see who made the noise. Darcy turned around to see his sister, sitting in the second row, staring directly at him, her eyes boring into him. Although others were confused as to who made the noise, Darcy had no doubt it was Georgiana.
"Young lady, do you know a reason why either of these couples should not be wed?" the vicar asked.
Before Georgiana could answer, Darcy turned to Fitzwilliam and looked at his bewildered face. "I am sorry Fitzwilliam..." he slowly began, unsure of what he was going to say next.
Confused, Fitzwilliam asked, "Why are you sorry Darcy?"
Chapter 44
Darcy looked Fitzwilliam in the eye and hesitated. "I… ah…" Darcy began. Nervously, he looked at his sister sitting in the second row of the church behind Lord and Lady Matlock and his cousin David. She continued to stare at him, her eyes pleading.
As Darcy took a deep breath and looked back at his cousin, his mind flashed back to when they were boys.
"See, I told you that you saved my life," he told Fitzwilliam."I suppose I have. But don't you forget it," young Fitzwilliam chuckled.
"William, are you all right?" Elizabeth whispered, the look of concern evident on her face. "You look a bit pale."
Darcy looked at her but all he could see was the image of her in the parsonage. The reproof of months ago rang in his ears,
"You could not have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it."
"Darcy! Darcy, what is it that you wanted to say to me?" Fitzwilliam urgently whispered.
"I... ah... Georgiana has not been feeling well as of late. I am sorry she disturbed your wedding," Darcy replied shakily. As he was uttering the words, his mind could not believe what he was saying.
"That's quite all right," Fitzwilliam replied with a smile.
"Please continue Reverend," Bingley urged the clergyman.
Darcy stole one last glance at his sister before turning forward to face the minister. The look of disappointment was spread across her face.
"Yes, of course," replied the vicar before continuing. "I require and charge all of you, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it."
As the reverend spoke, Darcy stood at attention. He stared straight forward, trying desperately to forget where he was. Instead of listening to the ceremony, his mind flashed back over his relationship with Elizabeth.
"She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men."
"For be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful."
"I'd have soon called her mother a wit."
The vicar droned on, "At which day of Marriage, if any man do alledge and declare any impediment, why they may not be coupled together in Matrimony, by God's Law, or the Laws of this Realm..."
"I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any."
"...and will be bound, and sufficient sureties with him, to the parties; or else put in a Caution (to the full value of such charges as the persons to be married do thereby sustain) to prove his allegation: then the solemnization must be deferred, until such time as the truth be tried."
"I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love," said he."Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Every thing nourishes what is strong already. But if it be only a slight, thin sort of inclination, I am convinced that one good sonnet will starve it entirely away," Elizabeth answered.
The vicar then looked at Bingley, "Wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony?"
"Tease him -- laugh at him," she said archly with a smile on her lips.
"Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"
"When you met us the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance."
Bingley gleefully replied, "I will."
"Indeed, Mr. Darcy, it is very ungenerous in you to mention all that you knew to my disadvantage in Hertfordshire -- and, give me leave to say, very impolitic too -- for it is provoking me to retaliate, and such things may come out, as will shock your relations to hear.""I am not afraid of you," said he, smilingly.
The vicar nodded at Bingley and addressed Fitzwilliam. "Wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony?"
"You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, if you suppose that the mode of your declaration affected me in any other way, than as it spared me the concern which I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner."
"Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"
"I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry."
Colonel Fitzwilliam proudly responded in a loud, clear voice, "I will."
"Mr. Darcy!" an astonished Elizabeth proclaimed upon first seeing him at Pemberley."Miss Bennet!" he finally exclaimed.
The vicar nodded at Fitzwilliam then addressed Jane, "Wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded Husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony?"
"Come live with me and be my love, and we will all the pleasures prove…"
"Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"
"Fitzwilliam and Bingley call me 'Darcy,' but any name will do.""How about 'Humphrey'?" she asked archly.
Jane answered, "I will."
As the vicar turned to Elizabeth, Darcy drew his breath and held it. He knew that the next answer he heard would sear itself into his conscience forever. "Wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded Husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"
Darcy stared straight ahead and waited for the answer. He had been unable to look at either couple throughout the ceremony, but instead stared straight ahead. As soon as the vicar finished his words, Darcy was prepared to hear Elizabeth speak. Yet, what seemed like a lifetime passed, and he had not heard her answer. Hopeful, Darcy turned his head to look at Elizabeth just as she turned to look up at Fitzwilliam.
Chapter 45
"I will," she said with a radiant smile, happiness diffused across her face.
Darcy looked away. He could not bear to see the look of love in Elizabeth's eyes for another. He faced forward again, though he could no longer look up. For the rest of the ceremony, Darcy stood frozen, staring at the ground.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Darcy was in a haze. He blindly followed the couples out of the church. People cheered and threw flowers, though he was not aware of it. After he was a few yards out of the church, an arm wrapped itself around his. Dazed, he turned to look at his companion.
Georgiana wrapped her arm in his and held it tight. As she looked into his vacant eyes, she tried to smile, but instead a single tear rolled down her cheek.
"I'm sorry Georgiana," he whispered. "I've disappointed you."
"Shhhh... Speak nothing of that," she softly answered. "Why don't we leave? Our barouche is waiting for us fully packed. No one will miss us at the wedding celebration."
"How did you know I would want to leave?" he numbly asked.
"I knew that no matter what happened inside the church, you would want to leave Hertfordshire immediately. Let us go home to Pemberley," she quietly said, while leading him to their carriage.
They were fifty yards away from the rest of the wedding guests and had almost reached their carriage when a woman's voice called to them, "Darcy!"
Both Georgiana and Darcy turned around to see Lady Catherine marching towards them. Instinctively, Georgiana hid behind her brother.
"Darcy, I can see that you are no happier about this marriage than I am," Lady Catherine declared.
"What is it Aunt Catherine? Georgiana is not feeling well and I am taking her home to Pemberley this instant," Darcy mechanically answered.
Lady Catherine glared at Georgiana for a moment, "Yes, it is best that Georgiana not be exposed to these people for too long. You should take her home to Pemberley immediately. However, that is not why I stopped you. Now that Miss Bennet is married to your cousin, you are free to announce your engagement. I want to do it today at the wedding breakfast. I want the world to see that not everyone in our family forgets his place when it comes to choosing a wife."
Darcy sighed and turned away from his aunt a moment. He had been avoiding her requests for years now, but she never seemed to understand. Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. The newlyweds were very much the young couple in love. Everyone crowded around them to wish them joy. Fitzwilliam suddenly turned to his bride and gave her a kiss, much to the delight of Elizabeth.
Irritated, Lady Catherine demanded, "Well Darcy? I demand an answer! Shall I announce the engagement today?"
"Yes, that is fine Aunt Catherine. Announce my engagement to Anne," he sighed.
Georgiana gasped, but it was too late. Lady Catherine, content that he finally gave in, smiled and walked away. Georgiana grabbed his arm and whirled him around to face her. She was about to ask for an explanation, but the sadness on his face explained it all. Her shock and dismay soon melted to pity, and she carefully took his arm and led him to the carriage.
Once they were settled inside, the carriage began to move. Georgiana sat opposite Darcy and watched him warily. He kept his eyes focused outdoors on Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth, who were still being mobbed by well wishers. After the happy couple were out of sight, Darcy slowly hung his head. Georgiana watched her brother. He looked more lost and alone than she had ever seen him. After several minutes, she moved across and sat next to him. "Don't worry. You will be fine," she soothed.
He looked up at her and softly asked, "How?"
Unable to think of an answer, she took his head and placed in on her shoulder. She held him in her arms and tried to comfort him. "Don't worry William. We will be at Pemberley soon," she said softly while tears began to stream down her face.
Chapter 46
"We are home now William," Georgiana said to her brother as they passed through the estate gates. The long trip back to Pemberley had been difficult. She tried to be of some comfort to him, but he was inconsolable. The depths of his sorrow were too deep for her to reach.
Darcy sighed as he looked out the window and saw his home come into view. "Pemberley is just a house. It will never be a home without her," he murmured.
Georgiana sighed, unable to think of a response. He was right. Pemberley would never be the warm, loving home that she had always longed for. Instead, it was to be invaded by her cousin, Anne de Bourgh. Surely it wouldn't be long before Aunt Catherine and Anne run me off, she thought.
As if able to read her thoughts, Darcy said, "Pemberley will always be your home Georgiana. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise."
As soon as the carriage came to a halt, Darcy helped his sister out, "Let us go for a walk. I have a few things I must tell you."
Obediently, Georgiana followed Darcy until he stopped under a nearby tree. He turned around to look at her and tried to smile, nevertheless his melancholy was unmistakable. "Do you remember the last conversation we had here?" he asked.
"Yes, this is where you first told me that Miss Bennet was in Lambton," she answered.
Darcy took a deep breath and continued, "You are correct. I wanted to take you outside under this tree to tell you she was here because this tree has a special significance to our family. It was under this tree that our father first asked our mother to marry him. No one could have guessed it by their later relationship, but they had a very rocky courtship. There were many misunderstandings between the two and it was under this tree that father finally confessed his love to mother. Once she heard his declaration, she told him that she loved him too…" Darcy's voice trailed off as he smiled wistfully. "I've always thought that this tree was very lucky and special to our family. It was here that I told you of Miss Bennet because I wanted to draw on all of the good fortune and love of our family. But now, my view of this place has changed. I've always thought that this tree symbolized happiness, however, perhaps I was wrong. Perhaps it is a place for confessions."
As Darcy spoke, all of the pain in his heart was clearly written on his face. His eyes were bloodshot with dark circles under them. Her young, handsome brother looked much older now. He looked like a broken man. Georgiana could not bear to see the person she loved most in so much pain. "William, you don't need to tell me this now," she said gently. "I understand."
"No Georgiana, for once I need to stop holding in my emotions. I need to start expressing myself more… I love our parents very much, but they weren't perfect. Because it was difficult for them to have another child after me, I became spoiled. Anything I wanted was mine for the asking. They allowed me to be filled with pride and conceit. I have always prided myself on being better than others, not only in breeding and fortune, but also in intelligence and wisdom. Now that pride has cost me almost everything I hold dear… Back in the church, I could not stop the wedding. However, it wasn't only for the reasons you believed. Though my family pride did hold me back, there were other issues to deal with. After our parents died, Fitzwilliam became the second dearest person in my life, second only to you. I could never cause him any grief."
"Yes, I know," Georgiana replied quietly.
Darcy struggled to continue, "I also wonder… I have my moments of doubt… I wonder if Elizabeth isn't better off with Fitzwilliam. He can make her happy. She has a lively, playful disposition and I'm afraid that it would have been squelched under my domineering, taciturn nature."
Georgiana wanted to protest, but thought it best to hold her tongue.
"She will be happy with Fitzwilliam. He will take good care of her, I am sure. I mean to do everything I can to promote his situation… As to my marriage with Anne, it is an eligible match. Combined, our fortunes will be one of the greatest in England." Darcy sighed, "Besides, it will make the family happy."
"Will it make you happy?"
Darcy shook his head. "The fate of my happiness was sealed in the church in Hertfordshire two days ago. It is now time to look for more rational things to rest my hopes upon."
Georgiana reached out and held her brother's hand, "I hate to see you resigning yourself to your fate. You've always reached out and made things happen, not allowed things to happen to you."
"Do not trouble yourself about me. I will be fine. I just don't ever want you to make the same mistakes I did. Never let your pride get in the way of your happiness. And, no matter what happens in the future, always know that you will always have a home here with me."
Georgiana gave her brother a hug and held him tight for a moment before they slowly walked into the house.
Chapter 47
The next morning, Georgiana determined that she would do everything she could to cheer her brother. After breakfast, she immediately went to the music room and began to play all of Darcy's favourite songs on her new piano forte. Though he did not come in immediately, he eventually entered the room. "I was hoping you would join me," she told him upon his entrance.
"I confess that I did not feel equal to much, but your music brings great comfort to me," he answered while taking a seat facing her. He sat and listened to her for nearly an hour, until a visitor came to call.
The butler quietly approached Darcy while Georgiana was playing and whispered in his ear, "Sir, Lord Wallingford is here to see you."
Bewildered, Darcy answered, "David is here? Now? Show him in Ellis."
"Very good sir," replied Mr. Ellis with a bow.
Shortly, Lord Wallingford strode into the room. "Darcy, George! I'm so glad I found you both!" he exclaimed boisterously, interrupting Georgiana's performance.
Darcy bristled a little. He and his older cousin, David Fitzwilliam, the Viscount Wallingford, never had a close relationship. Perhaps because of the six year gap in their ages or perhaps because of the clash between older sons, Darcy never really liked his cousin. His relationship with Richard Fitzwilliam, David's younger brother, was always more congenial. "David, what a pleasant surprise," he said in a flat tone as he rose to greet his visitor.
"David, it is so good of you to visit us. To what do we owe this pleasure?" Georgiana said sweetly while stopping her performance.
"Well, it has been so very long since I have been to Pemberley, and you two ran off so fast from my brother's wedding that I thought I would track you down to wish you joy, Darcy. Congratulations," David said with a smirk on his face.
"If you came to congratulate me on my engagement to Anne, you should have saved yourself the trip," Darcy replied crisply.
"No! I came to congratulate you on your escape!" cried David.
"What?" gasped Georgiana.
David turned and gave Georgiana a sly smile. "Oh, I forgot to ask. How are you feeling George? Over that little cold?" he asked in a mocking tone.
"David, what are you talking about? What escape?" demanded Darcy.
The Viscount shook his head, "You know you really shouldn't run out on parties like that. It isn't very polite. Besides, sometimes they can be quite entertaining." David grinned at his stunned and dumbfounded cousins as he promptly took a seat in a nearby chair. "The wedding itself was quite dull, but I wouldn't have missed the festivities afterwards for a thousand pounds." He stretched his limbs and grinned, clearly enjoying his cousins' suspense a little too much.
"David!" Darcy growled.
"All right, all right. You don't have to get upset. I'll tell you. Aunt Catherine stood up during the wedding breakfast and announced your engagement. Then…" he smiled as his voice trailed off.
"David, please!" Georgiana begged.
"Oh, you two are no fun. However, for you George, I'll tell the whole story. Lady Catherine stands up and announces the engagement without telling anyone beforehand, least of all Anne. So Anne bursts into tears and practically shouts that she will never marry Darcy. Apparently, she loves some stable boy and she is determined to have him! As you can imagine, Aunt Catherine is vexed, but Anne will not recant her statement… Who would have thought our mousy cousin would ever stand up for herself? Anyway, she declares she does not love Darcy and will never marry him and runs out of the breakfast."
Darcy stood looking down at his cousin's grin, staring at him in stunned silence.
"It looks like we missed quite a breakfast," Georgiana uttered once she regained her ability to speak.
David laughed, "But it gets better George! My brother is not married!"
"What?!" Darcy gasped.
"Richard is such a fool. Father told him that he would get him a special license to marry, but no, that would not suit the Colonel. Richard had to do everything on his own. So he and that Bingley fellow went to the parish clergyman to take out a license. I suppose that Richard decided he'd start learning how to conserve his money since the woman he's marrying is virtually penniless. Well, the vicar was such an ancient man, that he mixed the couples up. The license had Bingley marrying Elizabeth Bennet and Richard marrying Jane Bennet! What a muddle!" David laughed.
Bewildered, Georgiana asked, "But how did they not discover the mistake until after the wedding?"
"Like I said, my brother is a fool. He never looked at the license until after the wedding. He just happily paid his money and went on his way. As you know, the 'newly married couple' must sign the parish register after the wedding. The old man lost the register somewhere and could not find it after the ceremony. So instead, the couples returned to the church after the wedding breakfast was concluded to sign the register. It was when they returned to sign the book that the vicar gave them the licenses. Bingley was the first to receive the license, looked at it, and realized the mistake. You should have seen the commotion! Miss Bennet was crying. Bingley was mortified. Richard was shocked. The vicar suddenly fell over from chest pains! It was comical!" David chuckled.
"How is the minister? Will he recover?" blurted Georgiana.
"Oh George, you are too caring and too good. Actually, I don't know if the vicar will recover. He looked quite ill at the time. Perhaps it is best if he doesn't… You know he could go to prison for performing a marriage ceremony to a couple that does not have a wedding license or hasn't had the banns published. And considering he performed it twice! Well!"
Darcy was almost too shocked to comprehend what his cousin was saying. "So, F-f-fitzwilliam is not married?" he stuttered.
"No, Richard isn't married. I suppose we'll have to do the whole thing over again in another month or two. However, if all of Richard's weddings turns out to be this fun, I won't mind if he gets married every week!" David chuckled. "Funny thing though, about his bride… Everyone is upset. Miss Bennet is crying. Mrs. Bennet was hysterical. Mother was a wreck. The two grooms were beside themselves. But Elizabeth Bennet just laughed. She actually laughed at the mistake… Oh well… Richard is marrying an odd one." David shook his head for a moment then rose. "I am tired Darcy. I am retiring to my room. I will have lamb tonight with a nice Bordeaux. Go back to practicing George, you are doing very well. You are becoming a very accomplished young woman," David declared with a bow before quitting the room.
After the Viscount left, Darcy and Georgiana stared at each other in a stunned silence.
Chapter 48
Colonel Fitzwilliam sat in the drawing room of Longbourn watching his fiancée working on some needlework. It had been three days since the disaster at the church. He still couldn't believe it. One moment, he was married to the most wonderful woman in the world; the next, he was reduced to suitor once more. Elizabeth bore the news with more equanimity than he did. In fact, she handled the situation with great calm. She quickly sent for medical help for the vicar, arranged for the distraught mothers' care, and addressed Jane and Bingley's disappointment. Elizabeth had conducted herself admirably through the crisis. She would be a great asset in helping to further his military career, and yet he had been studying her behaviour very carefully over the past three days, and could not understand it. "Elizabeth, will you take a turn with me in the garden?" he asked her, interrupting her work.
She looked up a bit surprised, "Yes, of course." She smiled and put down her handiwork. "I'd be happy to follow you anywhere."
Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth walked outside together to a bench in the garden. Fitzwilliam sat down and turned and looked intently into Elizabeth's face.
"Fitzwilliam, what is wrong?" she asked as she sat next to him.
"Elizabeth, I love you more than I could express," he gushed.
She smiled, leaned towards him, and kissed him. "I certainly hope you do," she responded archly.
Fitzwilliam smiled and took her hand in his. "You've made me a very happy man. With you by my side, my life is quite complete. Now my only goal in life is to make you as happy as I am."
"We shall be very content in marriage then," she responded.
"I… I wanted to ask you," he said hesitatingly. "I don't understand… You didn't seem too upset when the mistake was discovered about our marriage license."
Her smile faded and she blushed. "Oh… That… I'm afraid that I have my father's sense of humour. We take delight in other peoples' follies. The blunder and everyone's reactions were so ridiculous, I couldn't help but laugh."
Fitzwilliam studied her face carefully. He wasn't sure if she was telling him everything.
"Nevertheless," she continued, "we shall be married soon. Your father is arranging special licenses for you and I and Jane and Charles. It is doubtful that the same mistake will be made twice."
"No doubt everyone will inspect the licenses twice before the next ceremony," Fitzwilliam chuckled.
"My mother chief among them," continued Elizabeth. "But don't worry. We will be married soon enough," she said as she patted his hand comfortingly.
Fitzwilliam looked at his future bride with some distress. She looked very content, yet something nagged at him. He wasn't sure what was amiss, but something was not right. He gathered all of his courage before hesitantly asking, "You aren't regretting your choice, are you?"
Chapter 49
Elizabeth gave a start as Fitzwilliam asked his question. "No, of course not," Elizabeth soothed. "Why should I have any regrets?"
"I don't know," Fitzwilliam blurted out defensively. "It is just that sometimes I catch a far away look in your eye. Sometimes I suspect your thoughts aren't here with me."
Elizabeth carefully considered her answer before responding with a squeeze to his hand. "Do not worry Richard. I am probably only dreaming of our future life together."
Fitzwilliam took Elizabeth's hand in his, and kissed it lightly. "I swear to you, as God as my witness, I will do everything I can to make you happy."
"I know you will," she replied quietly. "Richard Fitzwilliam. You are truly the best man I know. No one is braver, more noble, or kinder. We will be very happy."
Chapter 50
The days following the wedding were difficult for Bingley. He had wished for the wedding to be perfect in every way and it was until the wedding breakfast. Bingley could not look back on the breakfast without imagining a black cloud hanging over the proceeding. First, the outburst by Fitzwilliam's aunt and cousin, then the licenses mix up, then the vicar's illness. It was too much for him to bear.
He was very anxious to get married. After being violently in love for over a year, he did not think he could survive another day without Jane as his wife. Kitty, however, soon found something to occupy his time during his wait. She asked for a ball to be held at Netherfield. Always anxious to please, Bingley readily agreed and arranged for the ball to be held the following month. As soon as the date was settled, he scribbled off a note to Pemberley.
Netherfield
October 21stDear Darcy and Georgiana,
I'm sure you've heard, the wedding breakfast did not go off as planned. What disaster. Jane and I are most anxious for next wedding to go off perfectly. I hope you wouldn't mind back to Hertfordshire and serving as groomsman again.
There will be a ball on November 18th. I hope you will come and stay with me until wedding.
Bingley
Darcy and David were sitting in the music room listening to Georgiana play when the butler entered with a letter tray. Darcy recognized the writing on the envelope and took the note. "I'm surprised it didn't get lost with his awful writing and directions," Darcy muttered to himself as he quickly read it. As soon as Georgiana was finished with her piece, Darcy and David applauded.
"Brava George! You performed marvelously!" called David.
"Yes, it was very lovely," agreed Darcy.
"Thank you," Georgiana blushed.
Darcy quickly seized the opportunity to make an announcement. He had been looking for a way to make David leave ever since his arrival, but Darcy had been unsuccessful. Darcy had been giving hints, some subtle, some not so subtle, indicating that the Viscount should leave. Instead of taking the hints, David ignored them and continued to stay at Pemberley and order him about. Darcy didn't want to be rude and throw his cousin out, but the thought had crossed his mind. "Well, I might as well tell you both. Georgiana and I have been summoned back to Hertfordshire," Darcy stated while handing the note to David.
"The wedding is going to take place so soon?" asked Georgiana, trying to conceal her disappointment.
"No, Bingley is throwing a ball. But he would like us to stay with him until the wedding."
"This Bingley chap, does he speak the King's English? Good God look at his writing. His letter is totally savage," said David dismissively after reading the note.
"Bingley does write a bit fast and carelessly, but he is a good man and is a gentlemen in everything he does," Darcy defended.
"Humph," David replied with a doubtful look. "More importantly, do you approve of him George?"
"Yes, I do," Georgiana enthusiastically answered.
"Well then," sniffed David, "I suppose it won't be a punishment for me to stay with him until the wedding."
"What?" asked Darcy.
"Well, I must stay somewhere in Hertfordshire and I would like to attend the ball. Yes, I will stay with him while waiting for the wedding," David proclaimed. "I doubt my stay will be very long. Father is working diligently to secure marriage licenses for them both quickly. I'm sure the ceremony will take place shortly after the ball. Well, it shall be jolly fun, at any rate."
Darcy shook his head in amazement. His cousin never ceased to astonish him. "David, you have not been invited to the ball let alone to stay at Netherfield," he protested.
"Nonsense, I'm sure this Bingley chap would have extended the invitation to me, had he known I have been staying with you for the past week. Besides, if I don't go, who will dance the first two dances with George?"
"David, you are getting ahead of yourself. I have not decided if I am going to this ball and I certainly haven't decided if Georgiana will attend," Darcy countered, his patience wearing thin.
"Of course you will attend, you must attend. You are the groomsman and this is a wedding event. As to George's attendance, I doubt either you or Richard has noticed, but George is a beautiful young woman now. It is about time that she is out," David declared. Turning his attention to Georgiana, he asked, "You do want to go, don't you George?"
Not anxious to enter into another one of the cousins' disagreements, Georgiana hesitantly answered, "Well… Yes, I would like to, if… if my brother doesn't object."
"And you will save the first two dances for me?" David asked confidently.
"Yes."
"See Darcy? It is decided," David decreed. "I will accompany you both to Hertfordshire and stay at Netherfield."
Darcy scowled. I suppose this means I must tolerate my cousin's presence for a little longer, he thought.
Chapter 51
On the morning of November 16th, Darcy and Georgiana set out in their barouche for Netherfield, followed by the Viscount in his barouche. Georgiana thought the arrangement was odd, considering they were all traveling to the same place. "You could have invited David to ride in our carriage with us," Georgiana said while they were riding through Lambton.
Darcy scowled at the suggestion, "No. If I invited him to ride with us, he would be tempted to leave his carriage behind at Pemberley, and we would be forced to ride with him to Netherfield and back again. And who knows how long he would stay with us once we returned? Besides, I rather like the peace and quiet."
Georgiana giggled, "You never did like him ordering you about, did you?"
"No, and I don't know how you can tolerate him as well as you do. He is so overbearing."
She shook her head, "That is because you are not the youngest in the family. I am accustomed to listening to orders. Besides, David isn't the ogre you would like to think he is."
Darcy frowned at his sister. David's presence added extra irritation to what was already a grim period in his life. He was going back to Hertfordshire to watch the woman he loved marry his cousin, again. He hated the thought. It had taken every fiber of his being to withstand the first ceremony and cling on to his principles. He knew it would take every ounce of strength he could muster to go through it again. In his dreams, he imagined stopping the ceremony and whisking Elizabeth away on a white steed. However, he knew that real life wasn't that simple. The love and loyalty he felt to his cousin stood in the way. If he acted on his impulses, he knew he could never forgive himself. It was a torturous situation. It seemed that no matter what he did, he faced heartbreak.
The two-day journey to Hertfordshire seemed to drag. With every passing mile, the situation weighed more heavily on Darcy's mind. Therefore, he was far from joyous when Netherfield became visible.
Fitzwilliam and Bingley were in the billiard room playing a game when Fosset entered. "Mr. and Miss Darcy and Lord Wallingford have just arrived sir," Fosset announced, followed shortly by Darcy, Georgiana, and David.
Both Bingley and Fitzwilliam put down their pool cues and bowed. "Darcy, Miss Darcy, and Lord Wallingford, I'm glad you've finally arrived," Bingley said cheerfully.
Fitzwilliam looked surprised upon seeing his brother before joining in with Bingley's greeting, "Yes, I'm happy to see all of you as well. David, I had no idea that you would be coming."
David smiled and bowed to Bingley, "I hope it won't be of any inconvenience to you. I have been visiting Darcy since leaving Hertfordshire and I decided to accompany him back. I thought I might stay in the area until the happy day arrives."
"No, no inconvenience at all Lord Wallingford," Bingley replied smilingly. "Had I known that you were visiting Darcy, my invitation would have been extended to you as well. Please, be my guest and stay here at Netherfield."
"That is very kind of you," said David while flashing a triumphant smile to Darcy.
Fitzwilliam scowled as Darcy rolled his eyes. What trouble has my brother been causing this time? thought Fitzwilliam. "David, I had no idea you had been visiting Darcy for so long. Why have you been at Pemberley?" he asked suspiciously.
Raising one eyebrow, David returned Fitzwilliam's question with a question of his own. "Do I need an excuse to visit my favourite cousin?"
Darcy rolled his eyes again and Fitzwilliam frowned at David's evasive answer. "And I had no idea that you intended to attend Bingley's ball. In fact, I had not heard from you since the wedding breakfast," Fitzwilliam continued.
"Of course I would come," David stated. "I love balls. Besides, who else is going to dance the first two dances with George?"
His brother bristled. "Why do you always insist on calling Georgiana, George?"
"She is named after her father, therefore her name should be George," David declared.
Irritated, Fitzwilliam corrected him; "She is named after both her parents, George and Anne."
"Thank you for teaching me so much of our family history Richard," said David sarcastically. "Besides, George doesn't mind, do you?" Before waiting for an answer, he continued, "I'm sure there is more to this house than just the billiard room, why don't you show me around?" he said to Georgiana while offering his arm to her.
Georgiana obediently took his arm and the pair left the room.
Fitzwilliam and Darcy both scowled at each other. They had tolerated David's imperious behaviour for far too long not to know what the other was thinking. "You've put up with him since the wedding?" asked Fitzwilliam.
"Yes," Darcy replied. "As you can imagine, he has been a charming house guest."
Fitzwilliam shook his head sympathetically, "Be glad he isn't your brother."
Bingley listened to the exchange good humour. Though the Viscount was a bit pushy, nothing could ruin his spirits. "The ball is tonight," he cheerfully said. "Darcy, you had me worried. I was afraid you weren't going to arrive in time."
"Forgive me Bingley, but I didn't want to subject you to my cousin for longer than I must."
"Oh Darcy, you are too fastidious!" exclaimed Bingley, "I'm sure we will all have a jolly time. Besides, Caroline and Louisa are arriving shortly for London. Perhaps we can introduce your cousin to my sister," Bingley suggested.
Darcy and Fitzwilliam passed a knowing smile between them before they both answered, "What a good idea."
Chapter 52
The Bennets arrived very early for the ball at Netherfield. Although Mr. Bennet would have been more content arriving at Netherfield much later, Mrs. Bennet could not pass up the opportunity for Mary and Kitty to become better acquainted with Darcy. Although she still thought him rude and disagreeable, ten thousand a year was still tempting. Upon entering the parlour where all of the occupants of Netherfield were assembled, she was delighted to discover that her future son's brother, the Viscount Wallingford, was also in attendance. "Smile girls, smile," she urged Mary and Kitty as Bingley was making the proper introductions.
Quickly, Mrs. Bennet cornered David in an effort to get to become better acquainted. "Lord Wallingford, I did not have the opportunity to meet you properly at the last event in Hertfordshire. I hope we will have the chance to see more of you this time?"
"Hope springs eternal…" David muttered.
"What sir?"
"Ah, yes," David replied, "I hope so too ma'am. The last time I had some important business to attend to in Lyme and could only travel down the day of the event. I then left quickly to console my dear cousin."
Mrs. Bennet smiled and nodded her head. "Yes, I understand. I hope Mr. Darcy was not too disappointed by the young lady's refusal."
David kept a stern face as he replied, "I'm sure he will recover, in time."
"He does seem uncommonly changed since we last saw him. No doubt it is due to his disappointment," said Mrs. Bennet while looking over at Darcy.
"Yes ma'am. You are very wise. I'm sure his change is due to his broken engagement," David answered while looking over at Darcy.
Darcy was standing near a window, but all of his attention was focused on Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. Georgiana stood attempting to talk with Mr. Bennet, all the while she was watching her brother. Neither Georgiana nor Mr. Bennet could hold each other's attention for long and soon Mr. Bennet went wandering off to find the library.
Mrs. Bennet beamed at the Viscount's compliment. What an obliging gentleman he is. He will do very well for Mary or Kitty, she thought.
"If you will excuse me Mrs. Bennet. It has been delightful speaking with you but I must speak with my cousin for a moment," David said with a bow.
"I hope we will get a chance to talk more once the ball commences."
"Yes, I'm sure we will."
"Perhaps you can dance with my girls," Mrs. Bennet suggested cheerfully.
"Well, I'm afraid that I am engaged to dance the first two with my cousin," David began while trying to think of a way out of the predicament. "But I'm sure I will have the pleasure of dancing with your daughters before the night is over," he finally conceded.
Mrs. Bennet beamed at him as he bowed and walked away.
"Meeting the new in-laws?" Georgiana asked archly upon seeing the look on David's face as he approached her.
"Unfortunately," David mumbled back.
"Mrs. Bennet seems very pleased with you," she said with a smile.
"Unfortunately."
"Perhaps I should accidentally turn an ankle so you could dance the first two with Miss Mary Bennet," she teased.
David looked at Georgiana horror stuck. "You wouldn't do that to your dear cousin, would you?"
"I might…" she grinned.
Chapter 53
An hour later, the rest of the guests began to arrive. Bingley and Jane took their posts near the foyer to greet the new arrivals. Mrs. Bennet dragged Mr. Bennet over to stand near Jane to help her welcome the guests as well. Even though it was Bingley's party given in honour of his upcoming marriage to Jane, Mrs. Bennet felt it was as much her place as theirs to greet everyone.
People began to flood into the ballroom talk amiably amongst themselves until the ball commenced. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam were happily conversing with each other in the ballroom when David interrupted. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet, if you will excuse me, there are a few matters I wish to discuss with my brother. I promise I will not detain him for long."
"As long as I have your word that you will return him directly to me, you may have him My Lord," she replied playfully.
Taking Elizabeth's right hand, David answered with exaggerated sincerity, "Your wish is my command," he said before bowing and kissing her hand.
Fitzwilliam rolled his eyes. Georgiana watched the whole spectacle and tried to stifle a laugh. Some things never change, she thought.
Soon, David led Fitzwilliam over to a corner where they entered into a discussion. Seeing Elizabeth free from Fitzwilliam, Georgiana decided to take the opportunity to speak with her.
"Miss Bennet," Georgiana greeted her with a curtsey, "I am so happy to see you again."
Elizabeth smiled warmly and returned the curtsey. "Please, call me Elizabeth."
"Only if you will call me Georgiana," Georgiana answered with a slight blush.
"You do not prefer 'George' as your cousin calls you?" she asked with a smile.
"Only David calls me that. He can be rather insistent at times…"
"So I have noticed," she said while stealing a glance at Fitzwilliam and David. Both men appeared to be looking over in her direction while engaged in their discussion.
Meanwhile, Georgiana desperately searched for some way to turn the conversation to the subject of her brother. Elizabeth, you must marry William… No, that sounded too much like an edict from David or Lady Catherine. My brother loves you… But what if she doesn't love him? Georgiana finally settled on a safe opening. "Have you been well since we last met?"
"Yes, very well, I thank you. And how are you feeling? I believe you and your brother left early last month because you were unwell. I hope you have recovered."
"Yes, I have. Thank you," Georgiana answered before falling silent again. Oh dear, this isn't as easy as I thought it would be.
"I trust your trip back to Pemberley was pleasant."
"Yes, it always is. Pemberley is always a pleasant place… But it was never as pleasant as when you were there." It's too late to turn back now.
"Thank you," Elizabeth said with a warm smile and a slight blush to her cheeks. "You are very kind."
"Oh no, I am just telling you the absolute truth," Georgiana blurted. "I have never seen my brother more happy and content than when you visited us in the summer. He was so delighted to find that you and your aunt and uncle were staying in the neighbourhood. Your visit brought him great joy." While she was speaking, Georgiana earnestly searched Elizabeth's face, hoping that she understood her meaning.
"Here he is," David interrupted. "I promised to bring him right back and I am a man of my word."
Georgiana was so focused on Elizabeth that she had not noticed David and Fitzwilliam approach. Startled, Georgiana gasped, "What?"
"I promised my future sister to return my brother to her as soon as I was through with him. Here he is," David explained.
"Oh," Georgiana answered as the smile on her face fell.
"We were just renewing our acquaintance when you came upon us," Elizabeth said.
"I hope you missed me while I was gone," Fitzwilliam asked Elizabeth with a smile.
"Of course," she answered.
As Georgiana watched Elizabeth return Fitzwilliam's smile, she felt her heart sink. "If you will excuse me," she mumbled with a quick curtsey and walked away.
David noticed the change in expression over Georgiana and followed her as she left Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. "George," he said as she walked away, "you don't look well. You suddenly look very pale. Perhaps you should sit down."
"I am fine," she uttered as she rushed out of the ballroom leaving her bewildered cousin behind.
Chapter 54
Georgiana ran upstairs to her bedchamber, entered, and quickly closed the door behind her. She immediately threw herself on to the bed and began to sob. She grabbed her pillow, held it tight, and began to cry into it.
Within a minute, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Go away," she sobbed.
Instead of leaving, Darcy entered her room and sat on the edge of her bed. He began to softly caress her head. "Shh… Nothing can be that bad, can it?" he asked.
Georgiana tried to speak, but all that came out were more sobs.
"What did David say?" Darcy asked with a twinge of hardness to his voice.
She shook her head and tried to speak. "No, it was not him. It was…" she could not continue.
"I saw you talking to Miss Bennet," Darcy began gently. "Is that what this is all about?"
Georgiana finally sat up on the bed and nodded.
Darcy gave a sad smile as he said, "Don't worry about me Georgiana. I will be fine. Besides, all of this crying isn't good for your appearance. I want you to look beautiful for your first ball." Darcy quickly removed a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her.
Georgiana wiped the tears from her face and took a deep breath to compose herself. "How do you manage to carry on as if nothing is wrong?" she asked.
Darcy contemplated his answer for a moment before saying. "Nothing is wrong. Elizabeth is meant to be with Fitzwilliam."
"No! You can't mean that!"
"Yes, I do. It is obvious that they are in love," Darcy patiently explained. "As much as it may pain you or I, they are meant to marry. We must have our disappointment and move on. She will be our cousin soon and we must do everything to welcome her into the family."
Georgiana's shoulders slumped down. I haven't the smallest hope, she thought.
Chapter 55
Darcy left his sister's room in a decidedly graver mood than when he entered. He did not like deceiving her, but he felt it was necessary. He began to realize that he had been selfish. He had allowed his private sufferings to impact her. Though he knew his heart was far from over his love of Elizabeth, he knew that he must be more guarded in his emotions, for his sister's sake. He must act as if he no longer cared for Elizabeth, if only to spare Georgiana.
Darcy walked downstairs and found David anxiously waiting near the foot of the stairway. "How's George?" David asked.
"Georgiana is fine."
David shook his head. "I don't understand. What is wrong? One minute she seemed content and the next, she is very upset. In fact, she hasn't…"
"I said, my sister is fine. Are you questioning whether I know if my own sister is well?" Darcy snapped.
"No, nothing like that," David tried to explain quickly. "It's just that she seemed very depressed as of late."
"Perhaps if you left us alone, she would have something to celebrate," Darcy growled while leaving his cousin.
Darcy walked directly into the ballroom where the first dance was about to commence. The couples were taking their places in the middle of the room and leading off the set were Bingley and Jane followed by Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. Although Darcy wished he could turn his mind elsewhere, his attention was glued to Elizabeth. Every movement, every laugh, the twinkle in her eyes, everything was breathed in and absorbed by Darcy. He seemed as if he was in a trance while circling the ballroom watching her dance. She seems to be enjoying herself, he thought. She is laughing and smiling at Fitzwilliam and yet she seems to lack that playful, teasing spark in her eye that she often has when she is talking with me… He shook his head, No, I cannot start thinking that way. I am deceiving myself. She is to marry Fitzwilliam. She will be Mrs. Richard Fitzwilliam.
Chapter 56
Georgiana slowly walked down the stairs five minutes after her brother. She was not in the mood to attend a ball, but she knew her absence would be conspicuous. As she walked down the stairs, she saw David pacing back and forth. His head was lowered and his hands were clasped behind him. She stopped and stood at the bottom of the stairs for a moment until he noticed her.
"George, there you are," he said as his face instantly brightened.
"I believe the ball already started. Why aren't you in the ballroom?" Georgiana asked.
"I believe you promised me the first two dances and I wasn't about to attend without you by my side."
"I know you too well. That wasn't it," Georgiana said, shaking her head.
"It wasn't?" he innocently asked.
"You just didn't want to be forced into dancing with Mary Bennet for the first two dances," she teased.
"You have figured me out," he laughed. "And now that you have discovered all of my secrets, will you not accompany me in?" he asked while offering his arm.
Georgiana accepted it and they walked into the ballroom together. Once they entered the room, Georgiana saw Darcy standing near the corner of the room. She immediately dropped David's arm and walked directly to him. Bewildered, David followed Georgiana through the crowd.
"William, I was hoping I would not find you standing in the corner," Georgiana said gently upon reaching him.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you," he answered. "I just haven't found a proper partner yet. I'm sure I will dance soon," he said with a reassuring smile.
David walked up behind Georgiana and pointed at the couples dancing. "George, you had promised to dance the first two with me and…."
"David, I am thirsty. Will you be so good as to bring me some punch?" Georgiana ordered.
David considered protesting, but the look of determination on Georgiana's face made him think better of it. Instead, he nodded and left to go find her refreshment.
"You have an amazing way of handling him. Perhaps I should get thirsty more often," Darcy said with a grin.
"You still don't look happy," she said with a frown.
Darcy smiled at his sister. "I want you to enjoy yourself," he said.
"And I want the same for you."
"Georgiana, really. I don't need you hovering about me all of the time. I really don't look that depressed, do I?"
"No, worse."
"I promise, I will be back to normal when we return to Pemberley. You shall see. This will be all forgot soon enough."
Georgiana looked at her brother with her brow furrowed. It was obvious that he was trying to look happy, but she knew him too well to be fooled.
They stood in silence for a few moments until David returned with a cup of punch for Georgiana. "Here you are George," he said handing it to her.
"Thank you."
"Anything to make you happy."
"David, I am thirsty too," Darcy began.
"Then the punchbowl is in that direction," commanded David with an annoyed look on his face. "You have legs. Go get it yourself."
Georgiana giggled as Darcy walked by his cousin, then turned to look at her and rolled his eyes once he was passed him.
"We missed the first dance, but may I have the next two?" David asked.
"Only if you are on your best behaviour."
"I promise."
At the conclusion of the piece, David took the empty cup from Georgiana's hand, placed it down on a nearby table, and then offered his arm to her. She took it and he lead her to the floor. Georgiana was a little nervous at the beginning, as this was the first real ball that she had ever attended. She worked hard to make sure that her steps were perfect. Her mind was focused on the next steps and making sure she was perfectly in step with the other dancers.
Her countenance reflected her determination and concentration. It wasn't long before David reassured her, "George, you are doing marvelously. Don't worry. Now try and enjoy the dance," he said with a smile.
"I just don't want to make any mistakes."
"You won't."
"That is easy for you to say, you've been to many balls."
"But rarely have I had as elegant a partner as you."
"Thank you," she blushed.
Just then, a stir developed in the room and people murmured to each other. David and Georgiana looked towards the entrance to the ballroom and saw Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Caroline Bingley enter the room.
"Who is that?" David questioned.
"That is Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Caroline Bingley. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley are Mr. Bingley's sisters."
"Which one is Miss Bingley?"
"The taller one."
"The one dressed in all orange?"
"Yes."
"She has quite a strange, beak-like nose… Still, she isn't unhandsome."
Georgiana shot a glance at David then Caroline. A suspicion began to form in her head, but she quickly ignored it.
David interrupted her thoughts. "Tell me, why does Darcy continually stare at my brother and his fiancée?"
"What?" Georgiana gasped as she stumbled and lost her place.
David quickly coaxed Georgiana back into the rhythm of the dance.
"I'm sorry," Georgiana said, with flushed cheeks, "perhaps it is best if we stay silent and I concentrate."
"As you wish."
David and Georgiana danced silently until their dances were finished. At the conclusion, David escorted Georgiana to the side of the room. "It was delightful George. You danced marvelously."
"Thank you."
Just then, Mrs. Bennet rushed up behind David and exclaimed, "There you are! I've been looking all over for you! Come with me, I'd like to introduce you to my daughter Mary!"
David bowed to Georgiana, but stopped long enough to give her a helpless look, before Mrs. Bennet grabbed his arm and dragged him away to where Mary was sitting and reading a book. Georgiana couldn't help but giggle as she watched him bow to Mary and ask her to dance. Mary looked very vexed at the request, but put down her book at the insistence of her mother and rose to dance with him.
Just then, Caroline and Louisa approached Georgiana. "Dear Georgiana," Caroline exclaimed. "How nice to see you again. How we have missed you!"
Louisa nodded in agreement.
"Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, it is very nice to see you again too."
"I wish this was a happier occasion," Caroline began, "but so it is. To have Charles married to a woman with such low connections and such a family…"
It flashed through Georgiana's mind that Jane Bennet had the advantage of being the daughter of a gentleman, which Miss Bingley did not have, but she let it pass.
"I see you were dancing with a man, and a very handsome, tall man at that. I hope he isn't the new town vicar or a Hertfordshire attorney. You know rank is rank and we must preserve the status. Still, he dresses very well for a man of his station…"
"He is my cousin David, the Viscount Wallingford."
"The Viscount? Heir to the Earldom? Oh…" Caroline said while turning her attention to him. "I see… He is very handsome indeed. He has such nice, brown hair and green eyes."
"Blue," Georgiana corrected, "the are as blue as Sapphires."
"Even better," Louisa murmured as she and Caroline continued to stare at David, while he attempted to dance with Mary Bennet.
A queasiness began to form in the pit of Georgiana's stomach as she watched Caroline and Louisa study David.
Chapter 57
After a few more minutes, Georgiana couldn't stand to listen to the Bingley sisters talk anymore. First, Caroline set her cap at Darcy, now David. The thought of being related to Caroline Bingley either as sister or cousin made her ill. Instead, she excused herself and decided to go and find a seat in the corner. She would have been very content to sit in the corner alone with her thoughts all night, but after a few minutes, Bingley spotted her sitting alone. After whispering something in Jane's ear, he quickly approached her.
"Miss Darcy, you are far too pretty to be sitting here alone. Will you dance the next with me?" he asked.
"I would be delighted," said Georgiana with a smile.
"Splendid!" Bingley beamed before returning to Jane's side.
After Bingley left, Georgiana let her eyes wander over the scene in front of her. Bingley and Jane looked the part of a happy couple, smiling and laughing. Mrs. Bennet was pointing out David and Mary dancing together to every person who would listen. While dancing, Mary stepped on David's feet at practically every turn. David seemed to be attempting to give her directions to help her along, but that was only making Mary more flustered, which compounded the problem. Caroline and Louisa now decided to track down Darcy and were homing in on him. Apparently my cousin's title isn't good enough to hold Caroline's attentions for too long, Georgiana thought. Darcy was still staring at Elizabeth longingly. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam were dancing happily together, though Fitzwilliam occasionally glanced over at Darcy.
Soon, the song came to its conclusion and Bingley came over to claim his partner. He quickly led her to the top as the music began to play.
"Are you enjoying yourself Miss Darcy?" asked Bingley anxiously.
"Yes, very much so."
"You seem rather quiet tonight."
"That is only because I am afraid of being overwhelmed by the experience. You see, this is my first real ball."
"Oh really?"
"Yes."
"I noticed you danced with your cousin earlier."
"Yes, I believe he is over there, dancing with Miss Catherine Bennet."
Bingley glanced over in their direction. "Kitty seems to be managing better than Mary."
"Yes, Miss Mary Bennet seemed to have a little bit of trouble." Silence fell over the pair as they continued dancing. Georgiana's mind was too preoccupied to be very good at small talk and Bingley was too busy looking over and smiling at Jane.
Finally, Bingley recollected his manners and began speaking again. "I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening, Miss Darcy."
"I believe I shall."
Just then, a footman nodded at Bingley, catching Georgiana's attention. "Mr. Bingley, a footman seems to be wanting to speak with you."
"It can wait until the song is concluded."
"No, it looks quite urgent. You are the host, you should probably attend to it," Georgiana insisted.
"You don't mind?"
"No, not at all."
Bingley escorted Georgiana back to her seat, bowed quickly and left to go speak with the footman. Georgiana could see that the footman handed Bingley a note, which he opened immediately. After Bingley read the contents, he rushed over to Jane to show it to her. After Jane skimmed the contents, she urgently waved to Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam to join them. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam immediately stopped dancing, and went over to read the note as well. Once finished, they began discussing the contents amongst themselves. Georgiana became curious about the letter's contents. She rose from her chair and considered walking towards them to eavesdrop. However, before she had a chance to act on her impulse, Bingley ended her curiosity. He went to the orchestra and instructed them to stop playing immediately.
As the music abruptly ended, the couples dancing stopped and turned toward Bingley. A hush fell over the room as everyone waited to hear his announcement.
"I have just received a letter from the Earl of Matlock," Bingley announced loudly. "In it, it states that he has obtained the special licenses so that Jane and I and Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam may marry." A cheer went up from the crowd, but Bingley quickly silenced them. "His Lordship and Ladyship will arrive in two days and desire that we schedule the wedding as soon as possible, therefore, our joint wedding will be in three days." Another loud cheer went up from the crowd. "I am sorry for interrupting the dancing, but I had to share my joy with all of my friends!"
As the rest of the guests were celebrating, Georgiana was horror struck. Another wedding? she thought. Can fate be that cruel? She wanted desperately to escape from all of the cheers and celebration. Fitzwilliam's marriage to Elizabeth in three days was hardly cause for joy.
She slyly slipped away from the party and walked outside onto the balcony. It was a cold, clear, bright moonlit night. The stars were twinkling and a thin ribbon of clouds passed in front of the shining full moon. As Georgiana stood outside looking at the peaceful scene in front of her, the sadness and desperation of Darcy's predicament crept into her heart. Tears began to run down her face as she contemplated the future in front of them.
Georgiana was so consumed with her thoughts that she hadn't noticed that she was shivering, nor had she heard someone approaching from behind. Startled, she jumped when a coat was placed over her shoulders.
"George, you're shivering," said David softly behind her. "Here, put this on." Quickly, Georgiana brushed away her tears and turned around to look at him. "Now put your arms in." She did as she was told and he buttoned the coat up and lifted the collar around the neck. "It isn't the prettiest covering for your gown, but it will do."
"Thank you."
"I wouldn't thank me that quickly if I were you. I expect to be compensated for my gallant act," David warned.
"A gentleman would never expect compensation for kindness to a lady," Georgiana indignantly answered.
"I never said I was a gentleman..."
Chapter 58
"What type of payment do you require?" Georgiana asked suspiciously.
David looked at Georgiana thoughtfully for a moment. "I need the answer to two questions… I heard a rumour that Caroline Bingley and your brother are quite close and are about to be engaged. Is this true?"
Georgiana gave a start to this unexpected question. "No, they are not engaged nor do I believe there is any intention on William's behalf to ever become so."
"Oh… Hmm…" he mumbled, before falling silent. David looked lost in his thoughts as he stood in front of her.
"That is your first question. What is your second?"
"Tell me why you were crying," he answered softly.
"David, I am not…"
"Don't bother trying to deny it. You aren't happy, I can see it in your eyes. In fact, I've never seen you so miserable. I've been at a loss for weeks now, trying to discover what has been bothering you, but I'm no closer to discovering the truth now than when I first saw you at the wedding."
Her eyes widened. "You mean…"
David nodded. "I overstayed my welcome at Pemberley, made myself an absolute nuisance, and invited myself here to be near you. I couldn't bear to see you in so much distress without trying to help," he answered.
"It is nothing… Nothing that you can help me with."
"Please?" he begged.
Georgiana shook her head and looked down at the ground.
David tried to study her face, but she would not look up. "Very well. I won't force your confidence," he said with a slight frown. "You know you were much easier to deal with when you were younger. I seemed to be able to make your problems go away… But that was a long time ago…"
Georgiana nodded and slowly looked up at him. "I recall the time you found my doll. I still don't know how you located Mrs. Stanley. Father had all of Pemberley turned upside down looking for her. And yet, you found her five days later sitting under William's bed. I don't know how we missed it…"
"Well," he sheepishly began, "Mrs. Stanley wasn't exactly under Darcy's bed."
"Whatever do you mean?"
"The doll I gave you wasn't Mrs. Stanley."
"I don't understand. She looked like…"
David turned away from Georgiana and leaned forward on to the balcony railing. "I bought that doll in London," he admitted softly.
"But she was worn and played with…"
"No, she wasn't. I bought that doll four days before I gave her to you… I knew you loved Mrs. Stanley. You had carried her everywhere with you from the time you could walk… When you lost her, you were so upset that I began to look for her everywhere. Within ten minutes of searching, I found Mrs. Stanley in little pieces in the morning room. Penrose, the dumb mutt, had torn her to shreds. I couldn't bring myself to tell you that your doll was lost, so I set out to London immediately to find you another. I searched every toy shop in Town looking for a doll that could match her. After visiting several shops, I was afraid that I couldn't find another. But finally, I found an exact duplicate, except it was new. So I rode back to Pemberley sitting on the doll, trying to give it a worn look. I've never been so saddle sore in my life. Once I returned to Pemberley, I thought it still looked too new, so I slept with it for three days…" David chuckled. "I was terrified that a servant would enter while I was sleeping and find me cuddled up with a doll. After three days of sleeping with it, the doll looked tolerably like the one you lost and you were so miserable, I couldn't bear to keep it away from you for much longer. So I gave it to you and told you I found it under Darcy's bed."
"Father was very angry with William for not looking carefully under his bed," said Georgiana.
"Well, it was his fault. He shouldn't have allowed that beast into the house to begin with… I suppose he still lets the dogs in when no one is looking."
"Yes, he does."
David shook his head. "He'll never learn," he mumbled.
"Why did you go to such lengths to get me another doll?"
The Viscount took a deep breath and looked down at the ground beneath the balcony, avoiding her questioning eyes. "Richard, Mother, Father, and I had been staying at Pemberley because your mother was ill again. I know Darcy loved your mother, but she had such a frail constitution that he had seen her ill several times before. He knew how to deal with his fears, but you… You were so young… Somehow, that doll made everything all right for you. As long as you could cling to Mrs. Stanley, you believed the world was a happy place and your mother would recover. I had to do something, anything, to help restore your peace of mind."
"Mother died later that summer," Georgiana said softly.
"Yes, I remember."
"And you were always there... Whenever I began to cry at night, you would come and tell me stories of how she was a princess in heaven, looking out for us… How did you always know when to appear?"
David looked at Georgiana out of the corner of his eye. "I suppose you no longer believe that your mother flew into my bedchamber and whispered in my ear to go and talk with you?"
She shook her head. "I'm no longer four. How did you know when I started to cry? You were always there, knocking on my bedchamber door as soon as I became upset."
David took another deep breath and looked out on the scene in front of him for a moment. "I used to stand at your bedchamber door every night, listening," he began quietly. "Your father was so consumed by grief, and Darcy… Well, Richard always had a better relationship with him… So I took it upon myself to look after you. You were so innocent and fragile, far too young to lose your mother… I stood at your door. If I thought I heard you cry, I would enter and tell you a fairy tale about your mother. Or if you fell asleep, then I would go to my bedchamber and sleep."
"As I recall, you didn't sleep in your room often that summer."
David hesitated before continuing. "No, I didn't. After I told you a story and you fell asleep, I was concerned that you would wake up with another nightmare, so I slept on the floor in case you ever woke."
Georgiana nodded and turned away to look out at the scene in front of them. Her eyes became misty as the images of that year flooded back… Her mother's terrible cough. Her father's frightened eyes. The funeral. Her brother's grief. Her father's depression... As she turned her head away to hide the tears that were welling in her eyes, David reached into his pocket and handed her his handkerchief. Georgiana nodded as she took it from his hand.
"Your welcome," he whispered.
After she dabbed away her tears, she said quietly, "I never thought about this before, but you were never in my room in the morning when I woke."
"No, I used to rise early and sneak back to my bedchamber at dawn. Your father was so distraught that I did not want him to know how many nightmares you were having."
"Do you… Do you believe that she is really up there watching me?" Georgiana haltingly asked.
"I don't know," he replied honestly, "though I like to think so. Your mother was a remarkable woman."
"I feel as if she is always with me. I can probably attribute much of that to you. Your reassurances that she was always watching and protecting me have stayed with me throughout the years."
Silence fell over the pair as they stood side by side looking out over the grounds of Netherfield.
After a minute, Georgiana asked, "David, why didn't you tell Richard and William why you call me 'George'?"
"It is none of their concern. Besides, I made you a promise."
"But that was ten years ago, I was only six."
He pondered his answer a moment before responding. "It doesn't matter. A promise is a promise... Besides, they wouldn't understand… Your mother was a wonderful woman, but you were being stifled by her memory. You felt yourself being compared to her or having Lady Catherine compare you to her Anne. You needed your own identity."
Georgiana laughed, "Yes, I told you I wanted to be called 'George' because no other girl would ever be called that and I wouldn't have to listen to how wonderful someone else was… Still, you've been ridiculed by the family for years because of my moniker."
"Nothing that I cannot withstand. Besides, it's only Richard and Darcy who are really disturbed by the name. Everyone else has become accustomed to it."
Georgiana giggled, "You take delight in vexing Richard and William."
"I confess I do," he said with a smile. "Richard is my younger brother. It is the job of older brothers to pester the younger ones. And Darcy, he hides behind his taciturnity. He needs to be shaken up a bit every now and then… It isn't always easy being the oldest son in the family. We are expected to be the family standard bearers... It is a responsibility that Richard will never understand."
"So you believe William hides behind a dour façade to protect himself?"
"Yes, I do. His stern demeanour helps to keep people away."
Georgiana turned and tried to look into David's eyes. "Is that why you are always so overbearing?"
He smiled and gave a slight nod, "Yes, perhaps I do act domineering to distance myself."
"Is that why you push William around any chance you get?"
"No, I do that out of habit."
Georgiana crossed her arms and furrowed her brow.
"All right, I admit it. I enjoy irritating your brother," he admitted sheepishly.
Georgiana laughed and smiled at him. "Oh David!"
David turned to admire his companion for a moment. His brow furrowed a bit as he began to mumble quizzically, "Everyone in our family is intimidated by me, even Lady Catherine on occasion. Everyone but you..."
Georgiana raised her chin defiantly. "Me? Intimidated by the mighty Viscount? I know you too well not to see behind your mask," she answered confidently.
A wistful look clouded his eyes as he murmured, "Perhaps you do." After a moment, he recovered himself. "You know, you look quite beautiful in the moonlight…"
"Do I?"
"And quite cold. Let's get you back inside before you freeze to death," he said while offering his arm to her.
Georgiana took his arm and smiled at him as they walked back inside. As soon as she stepped inside, her happiness faded and a worried look shown in her eyes. David noticed the change in her countenance and immediately followed her gaze until they fell on a couple dancing, Darcy and Elizabeth.