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Chapter 1 - Reconciliation at Rosings
Fitzwilliam Darcy waved the invitation in outrage. "She has the audacity to request our presence at Rosings after the way she has behaved toward you?" he shouted to his wife Elizabeth. "After accusing you of 'polluting the shades' of Pemberley?"
Mrs. Darcy was more amused by her husband's rantings than bothered by the offending missive. "Consider, love, Lady Catherine has no more reason to resent me now that a suitable husband has been found for Anne (one who is in agreement with the match, no less) and has probably convinced herself that she never meant to insult me at all."
"She may so convince herself, but my memory is not so wavering as that."
"In such cases as these, a good memory is unpardonable." Elizabeth stole a sly look at her husband. "Besides, I was the one she insulted, and I have more practice at forgiving and forgetting insults than you do, William."
"More practice at giving as good as you get is closer to it," said Darcy, but Elizabeth's teasing had already worked its magic on him and his face relaxed into a smile. "Are you sure you want to go? Will it be safe for you to travel?"
"William, this baby is not due for five months. I think we both can stand a journey into Kent. I may not have another opportunity to leave Pemberley for some time after this."
"I suppose then that we are going to a wedding at Rosings." Darcy knew all along that he should go, but had to be certain that he would not cause Elizabeth pain in doing so.
Georgiana Darcy finally made her escape into the woods surrounding the great house at Rosings Park. She had begun to give up hope of finding any time to herself. Anne's wedding had come off splendidly, as Lady Catherine would have had it no other way. The only fault was that Mr. Collins had performed the ceremony.
Since the wedding was over, though, and Anne and her new husband left for the Continent, Lady Catherine had focused her attentions on Georgiana and Elizabeth. For Elizabeth, she was full of all kinds of admonitions as to the proper way of bringing up a new Darcy, and she constantly reminded Georgiana of her duty to the family to marry soon.
Georgiana was bored silly, but when she had mentioned her frustrations to Elizabeth that morning, her sister-in-law tried to explain them away. "You are just feeling the emptiness that naturally follows so much excitement. Compared to the events leading up to this wedding, a normal family visit seems dull."
"I wish these feelings could be attributed to such a cause," Georgiana replied. "But I have experienced this sense of uselessness for a number of months now. Nothing seems to have meaning - not the season in London, not Anne's wedding, nothing!"
"What about the prospect of a new niece or nephew, is that meaningless?"
Georgiana responded quickly, not wanting to hurt Elizabeth. "Oh, never! I am thrilled about the baby! But - " she paused. "The baby is yours and William's. I do not feel very necessary at all."
Elizabeth smiled as another idea occurred to her. "Perhaps you are wishing for a wedding of your own, little sister?"
Georgiana shook her head sadly. "No," she said. "I know I am not ready for that. Something else maybe. I really don't know what."
As Georgiana walked through the park that afternoon, she thought about what Elizabeth had said. Did she want to get married? Of course, eventually. But she still felt very young - and incapable of trust. Not even William realized how much Wickham had shaken her confidence in her ability to trust men. If I do not seek out love, she thought, I won't be so easily blinded. Until someone came along to win her heart, she would have to find another occupation for her time and energies. However, she had not the slightest idea of what that occupation might be.
Part 2
Georgiana noticed that the sky was becoming cloudy. She decided it would be best to turn back, since she had already walked about a mile. (Among the many things for which Georgiana was grateful to Elizabeth was her newfound enjoyment in walking). She had walked for only about a minute when she was startled by the loud sound of an animal. In her surprise she failed to watch where she was going and fell over a tree root. Georgiana tried to pick herself up; however, her ankle was in too much pain to move. Probably broken, she groaned inwardly as the inevitable rain began. An answer to my wish for adventure.
As Georgiana lay on the ground, trying to determine a course of action, a voice interrupted her thoughts. "Stupid, stupid dog, running away like that!" she heard, followed by some words that shocked Georgiana, especially as she realized the youthfulness of the voice. She looked up to see a little girl of not more than eight years, raggedly clothed.
"Sorry, lady, I didn't see you there," the child apologized. "Are you hurt?"
"My ankle," said Georgiana, unable to say much more as the pain was increasing. "Rosings Park - get help, please."
The little girl's eyes widened. "Yes miss, right away!" And she scampered away as quickly as she appeared, with a large dog running beside her.
Darcy glanced at the clock, wondering where his sister was. He heard a pounding at the door, followed by the appearance of Lady Catherine's housekeeper. "Mr. Darcy, sir, someone is here for you."
"You may send them in," he answered absentmindedly.
The housekeeper hesitated only a moment before saying, "Sir, I think it might be better if you came to the door."
Darcy's bewilderment only increased when he saw the bedraggled urchin on the doorstep.
Georgiana was becoming more miserable by the minute. The cold and rain made the pain in her ankle even worse. She began to wonder if help would arrive or if she had only dreamed about the child and the dog. Her fears were leading her to believe the latter when her brother appeared with two servants and the girl. "What happened?" Darcy asked, horrified, as he bent over her. As the little girl had informed him that the lady's ankle was hurt, he began examining Georgiana's ankle.
"I was startled by a noise and tripped," explained Georgiana.
"It was the dog, sir," the child offered. "He ran away from me. He's my brother's dog and no good at all."
Darcy surmised that Georgiana's ankle was sprained badly, and laid her onto the makeshift stretcher they had brought. With the help of the servants, he started back to the house with his sister. Looking behind, he saw the mysterious child. "Come with us," he ordered.
In hopes of at least a hot meal as a reward, the girl followed.
Part 2
When the soaked party returned to Rosings, Elizabeth and the housekeeper whisked Georgiana upstairs to make her as comfortable as possible while the apothecary was sent for. Darcy was naturally concerned, but knowing his wife would take good care of his sister, he turned his attention to Georgiana's rescuer. "And you," he said gruffly. "You look as if you could use some tending as well. I'll have a servant find some dry clothes for you. You will stay here until the rain ceases."
The girl looked at Darcy wide-eyed. "Oh, no, sir, I couldn't!" she insisted. "I'll be fine except…." She paused expectantly with the air of one who had learned the art of manipulation as a survival tool.
"Yes, well, what is it?" Darcy was impatient but forced himself out of gratitude to listen to the urchin.
"I am rather hungry."
"That can be taken care of." Darcy was more than happy to entrust the child to the care of a servant who would dress her in something warm and find a meal in the kitchen.
The apothecary had come and confirmed Darcy's suspicions of a sprained ankle. "Miss Darcy will probably have a cold from being out in this weather, but plenty of rest will take care of that," he told Darcy.
"Thank you, Mr. Smith. You will return tomorrow to check on her, I hope?"
"Certainly, sir."
Mr. Smith turned to leave just as the servant entered who had attended the child. She spoke to Mr. Darcy hesitantly. "Sir, I don't believe the child is well. I didn't want to disturb Mrs. Darcy because I know she is busy with Miss Darcy, but I thought someone should be informed."
"What?" said Mr. Smith, surprised. "Is there another patient?"
Darcy explained to Mr. Smith the circumstances of Georgiana's rescue. "I suppose it would be wise for you to take a look at her as well," he admitted. He instructed the servant to take the apothecary to the child.
Mr. Smith was surprised when he saw who had rescued Miss Darcy. "Why, if it isn't Meg!" he exclaimed. "I haven't seen you since visiting your mother and the new baby." For which I was never paid, he added mentally. "How is Mrs. Owen and the little girl?"
Meg Owen shrugged. "All right, I guess. Hannah's noisy. I try to stay away from the house." Meg's words were punctuated by sneezes.
"Which leads you into escapades such as this one," Mr. Smith said in reproach.
"Better than being slapped," said Meg, but she was tired and did not have her usual will for argument.
As Mr. Smith examined her, he had to ask. "How did you find Miss Darcy, Meg?"
"It was all Harry's dog's fault," Meg explained irritably. "I was supposed to look after him while Harry was working, but he ran away from me and frightened the lady. That's how she fell. I thought I was in big trouble."
So Harry is working. A shame for one at his age - not more than ten, but that's how things are when a father is as shiftless as Robert Owen. Mr. Smith turned his attention back to his patient. "What happened to the dog?" The apothecary was amused, but realized how Meg's situation could have been much worse.
"I don't know and I don't care." Meg yawned. "I am frightfully tired."
Mr. Smith suggested to Mr. Darcy that Meg remain at Rosings for the night. "She is exhausted and has a cold," he said. "And I know from experience that she won't get any kind of care at home."
Darcy sensed that the child was capable of resorting to deception to her advantage. However, he did not want to expose to danger someone to whom he owed so much. "She would be better off here, then," he agreed. "Her home situation is not good, I gather?"
Mr. Smith sighed. "She is the second of seven children," he explained. "The father is good-natured but drinks most of what he earns, and the mother's efforts are limited with so many children. She loses patience quite often, I'm afraid. Young Meg is forced to take care of herself, to live by her wits so to speak."
"You seem to be rather familiar with the family."
"I have taken an interest in them, yes. The oldest two - Meg and her brother, Harry - are both bright children. They are capable of much more than circumstances will allow them to do." He did not inform Mr. Darcy of his true motivation - that he had long ago sought the hand of Meg's mother before losing her to the smooth-talking scoundrel Robert Owen.
The matter was settled then. Mr. Darcy would inform Lady Catherine de Bourgh that the shades of Rosings would be temporarily polluted.
Chapter 4
Georgiana recovered quickly, and on the second day after her fall was able to move outside her bedchamber with the assistance of a walking stick. Her first destination was the room where her young rescuer still lay suffering from a slight fever. Meg was surprised to see Georgiana, for she had not yet been visited by anyone other than Mrs. Darcy or Mr. Smith.
The skills which Georgiana had learned for mingling in the drawing rooms of London enabled her to become acquainted with Meg quickly, allowing the child to forget the differences between their ages and social status. Miss Darcy soon learned the names and ages of all the Owen children, where every good climbing tree was on the grounds of Rosings, and all the gossip of Hunsford village.
"Papa says Mr. Collins is an idiot," Meg offered. "Why does he walk backwards and bow whenever Lady Catherine is around? And he says such strange things in his sermons! He spoke for half an hour one time about what an honor it was for King Solomon to have the Queen of Sheba come visit. 'Such condescension! Such affability!'"
Meg gave such a perfect imitation of the bumbling clergyman that Georgiana was barely able to keep her countenance. Before she could discourage the impertinent monologue, Meg continued. "I don't know what those words mean, but he certainly sounded silly. Papa says Mr. Collins gives him the perfect excuse to sleep late on Sunday mornings. But Mama makes us all go so we won't grow up to be drunkards like Papa."
Georgiana was shocked at this casual revelation, but the girl had not finished. "I love Papa, but when he comes home drunk and Mama yells and the baby cries and Papa yells at Mama to get the baby quiet…." Meg shook her head, frustrated at the memory of it. "And then Mama is upset all the next day and she gets angry with me when the little girls are bad."
Of course Miss Darcy had a vague knowledge that some families somewhere lived this kind of existence, but she had never before faced it personally. For a child so young to be burdened with such a family! And one with so much potential both in mind and beauty, Georgiana realized. Meg was a bright little girl. Perhaps the stay at Rosings might be both beneficial for Meg and useful for Georgiana.
"You seem to be feeling so much better, Meg," said Georgiana. "You probably are not ready to be climbing trees yet, though. Maybe we could find something interesting to do inside. Have you ever played a pianoforte?"
Chapter 5
Meg appeared interested in the pianoforte, so Georgiana took her to Mrs. Jenkinson's room. (That lady was on an extended holiday following Anne's marriage). Georgiana's good sense told her that Lady Catherine would not take kindly to the downstairs pianoforte being used for a beginner's lessons. Besides, going downstairs would be next to impossible for someone with a sprained ankle.
One further problem awaited Georgiana. She racked her brain as she tried to remember how she began to learn the pianoforte. She had been even younger than Meg at the time, so the memories were rather vague. Her governess at Pemberley had some beginning level music, but there was nothing like that at Rosings. How was Meg going to play with no music?
An idea suddenly hit Georgiana like a lightening bolt -- an idea that would come again many years later to a man on the other side of the world.** Miss Darcy began to think of the folk songs she heard from her nurse as a small child. Surely, if she played them simply, Meg could imitate her.
The plan worked better than Georgiana could have imagined. Meg only needed to hear the melody played once or twice before she could mimic it perfectly on the keys. To make the game more interesting, Georgiana introduced a bass accompaniment on the lower keys, which Meg immediately wanted to do herself.
Two or three happy hours passed this way. Elizabeth came looking for the two patients and was promptly treated to a "recital" by Georgiana and her protégé. As if the simple, joyous music held some sort of magnetic force, Darcy appeared in the room soon after. He was struck by how happy Georgiana's face looked. This child must have bewitched my sister, he thought. Darcy was glad to see his sister come out of the apparent lethargy she had been in for some months, but he was concerned about the effect of Meg's eventual departure from Rosings. Even this worry was not enough to dispel Darcy's enjoyment of the happy scene before him.
**This is an affectionate reference to Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998), who developed the "mother-tongue" approach to teaching music to children. His philosophy (unconsciously shared by Georgiana) was that a love for good music results in becoming more noble human beings.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh entered the house, having returned from a visit to the parsonage. She was feeling exceptionally pleased with herself, for she had been able to offer Mrs. Collins several suggestions for improving the management of her household. Lady Catherine was eager to relay to her relations the useful advice she had given, but no Darcys were to be found. A servant directed her to Mrs. Jenkinson's room.
The sight horrified Lady Catherine. "What is the meaning of this?" she asked.
Four startled faces greeted her. Lady Catherine indignantly realized that the young urchin was staring her straight in the eye in a most impertinent manner. "Darcy, how can you allow this?" she demanded.
"Allow what?" Darcy inquired. "Georgiana is simply instructing our guest (he emphasized these last two words) in music. And I must admit that Meg is an excellent student."
The explanation served only to increase Lady Catherine's ire. "My niece should not be playing governess to the child of a common drunkard," she declared. Before anyone could protest, she went on. "Yes, I make it my responsibility to learn all the particulars of the local families, and I will have you know that Robert Owen is a notorious figure in the village.
"And this little wench," she continued, "runs absolutely wild over all the country. Is it any wonder that she has taken ill? We should not be made responsible for what comes as a result of such poor breeding and disposition. She probably will die of whatever dread disease she has, and I say good riddance! But I will not see my niece exposed to such danger!"
Darcy was too stunned to respond. He always knew his aunt was irrational, but she was now outdoing herself. Before he could think of a proper reply, he was saved the trouble.
Little Meg's eyes were blazing like hot blue flames. "I do not have a dread disease," she said in a low voice, with an amazing amount of control for an eight-year-old. "I am getting much better, no thanks to you, and I don't want to die, no matter who my father is!"
"How dare you speak to me in such a manner?" Lady Catherine was exhibiting considerably less restraint in her tone. "You are nothing but a little heathen!"
"I'm not a heathen!" said Meg. "I'm in church every Sunday listening to your Mr. Collins the mushbrain. But even he has enough sense to know that only God should decide who lives or dies. Maybe you are the heathen, since you do not know that."
On delivering such an audacious reply, perhaps Meg should have left the room. However, she wisely realized that doing so would require her to move away from Georgiana and closer to Lady Catherine, who looked angry enough to resort to violence. So she instead indicated that the conversation was finished by turning back to the piano and furiously pounding out "London Bridge."
An observer in the room would have seen a variety of countenances. Lady Catherine was purple, while Georgiana was horrified. Elizabeth's eyes were wide, but a trace of amusement could be detected on her face. A girl after my own heart, she decided. Mr. Darcy's face was stony, but he was nonetheless impressed. If this child were twenty years older and a man, I would advise her to make a run for Parliament, he thought. Her reasoning is brilliant for an ignorant child. And she's handled my aunt better than any of us can, excepting my dear wife, of course. And he turned to look at the impudent little girl, and saw that her face was calm and serene, as if the uproar in the room was completely unrelated to her.
Part 6
Georgiana thought that her aunt had never looked more dreadful. Lady Catherine appeared as though she was about to be struck with a fit of apoplexy. Her eyes were bulging, and her nostrils were visible, partly because they were flaring and partly because her nose was so far up in the air. Finally, she regained her speech, if not her composure, and said, "I want her out."
Those words were enough to cause Meg to stop playing. I'm in trouble now, she realized. And just when I'm starting to enjoy myself. Meg looked around the room to see if the Darcys agreed with Lady Catherine's pronouncement.
Mr. Darcy was hoping he had not heard correctly. "I beg your pardon, madam?" he asked.
Lady Catherine appeared angry for having to repeat herself. "I said I want her out," she demanded. "I will tolerate this child's insolence no longer!"
Insolence? Lady, if I had money and was as old as you, I'd show you what insolence really is. Meg was about to decide that she had nothing to lose, and would speak her mind despite her youth and poverty. However, the standoff was about to be interrupted.
Darcy was trying to formulate a proper response when he felt a sudden grip on his arm. "William!" Elizabeth cried, obviously in agony.
"Elizabeth, what is it?" Darcy asked, horrified.
Elizabeth only clutched her husband's arm more tightly as she tried in vain to stifle her sobs. She indicated the source of her pain with a gesture toward her abdomen.
The baby! Oh please, God, no, Darcy prayed. Don't let anything happen to this child. His Lizzy had wanted a baby so badly. He picked Elizabeth up in his arms and carried her to her room, shouting orders behind him for someone to send for Mr. Smith.
Meg darted out of the room. A few seconds later the inhabitants of Rosings heard the front door of the house slam. It never occurred to the poor man's daughter that Mr. Darcy had intended for a servant to be sent for the apothecary. Neither did Meg remember that she was ill and should not be out running. She only knew that the kind Mrs. Darcy needed help.
Fortunately for Meg's health as well as the safety of Elizabeth and the baby, Mr. Smith was already on his way to see Meg and Georgiana. In fact, Meg nearly ran right in front of his horse. The girl breathlessly explained about Mrs. Darcy's illness. "Mr. Darcy did not say, but I think something is wrong with the baby."
With five younger siblings, Meg's knowledge was hardly surprising. Mr. Smith cursed silently for not having brought his usual supplies. He would have to ride back to Hunsford.
An exhausted Meg returned to Rosings. The first person she saw was Lady Catherine. "Mr. Smith is coming," she said breathlessly, not caring that she was speaking to her enemy. "He's bringing a woman with him, a Mrs. Perkins, who helped my mother with three of my sisters."
"Well!" said Lady Catherine with all the dignity that she could muster in that one word. "At least you have made yourself useful, instead of trying to invade the higher ranks."
Meg tossed her head contemptuously and went upstairs to inform Mr. Darcy and to see if she could help in any other way.
Mr. Smith and Mrs. Perkins finally arrived, and thankfully Elizabeth's baby was not harmed. "She needs to rest as much as possible," Mr. Smith instructed Darcy.
"William," Elizabeth called weakly from the bed. "I want to go home."
"Is it possible?" Darcy asked the apothecary. "Could she travel?"
Mr. Smith hesitated. "Normally I would not recommend it after such an episode. But she might be more comfortable at home than as a visitor here. I think that perhaps the atmosphere here might be -- "
Darcy finished for him. "Distressing? Infuriating?" He saw Mr. Smith's discomfort. "I am truly sorry. I have been so worried with Mrs. Darcy, and I must confess that my aunt has been no help."
"Then I would suggest you take her home." The apothecary lowered his voice. "And while we are speaking frankly here, sir, it might do all of you good to take Meg with you."
Darcy pulled the man out into the hallway. "First you tell me my wife needs plenty of rest in a calm environment, and then you say I should take that child with us back to Pemberley? She is an exceptional child, to be sure, but her exuberance would certainly be too much for Mrs. Darcy. And in what capacity would we take her back? As a servant? She is much too young for that. Besides, she has parents."
Mr. Smith shrugged. "I will not argue with a man such as yourself. But please consider my words. Meg -- deserves better than her lot in life. She could be given an education, a chance to earn her living, as a governess perhaps."
"I will think about what you have said," Darcy promised. "I thank you for all you have done."
"You can thank me best by remembering someone else who deserves your thanks." Mr. Smith bowed and turned to leave Rosings.
Part 7
Mr. Smith realized that he should check on Miss Darcy before leaving Rosings. He knocked on the door to Georgiana's room and received permission to enter.
"Oh, Mr. Smith, I am so glad to see you!" Georgiana cried. "How is my sister? Is everything all right?" She was not quite bold enough to refer to Elizabeth's pregnancy.
Mr. Smith smiled, for he knew Georgiana's true concern. "Mrs. Darcy is recovering nicely," he assured her. "No damage has occurred at all." Seeing Georgiana's relief, he continued. "Your brother agrees with me that she will be better off at home, and I believe he will be making arrangements for your return to Derbyshire."
Georgiana's face fell. Mr. Smith was surprised. "You do not wish to leave here?" he asked as he began examining her ankle.
"You will think it silly of me, Georgiana replied. "But I will miss Meg, even after spending so little time with her. I wish I could take her to Pemberley!"
"Interesting," said the apothecary. "I was just speaking that idea to Mr. Darcy."
"And did he agree?" Georgiana's voice grew hopeful.
"I must confess he was hesitant. His main concern was for Mrs. Darcy's health and the stress that having Meg at Pemberley would cause her."
"Oh, he must not concern himself with that!" declared Georgiana. "I can take charge of Meg and teach her so many things! She would not bother Elizabeth at all."
"Is educating a child a suitable occupation for a lady such as yourself?" Mr. Smith asked, apparently doubtful. In reality, though, he was playing devil's advocate. He guessed that once Miss Darcy was firmly decided, Mr. Darcy would not be so difficult to convince.
Georgiana was put out. "Sir, you sound like my Aunt Catherine!" she said indignantly. "I think that helping a young girl to a better life is more worthwhile than simply awaiting an eligible offer on the marriage market!"
Mr. Smith laughed in spite of himself, revealing to Georgiana that he had been baiting her. "Miss Darcy, I can see that you and Meg would be a formidable team. I suggest, though, that you present your case more calmly when you help me convince your brother that Meg should be at Pemberley."
Georgiana smiled. "My brother will be persuaded without knowing I had anything to do with it," she said slyly. "Mr. Smith, I have a very simple plan. There is only one way to ensure that William will make the decision we want."
Mr. Smith went in search of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, ostensibly to pay his respects. "Madam, it has been such an honor and privilege for me to have the opportunity to be of service to your esteemed relations," he said with a bow worthy of Mr. Collins himself.
He went on in this disgusting manner. "And when I think that your nephew Mr. Darcy feels such gratitude to little Miss Owen that he is willing to take her and provide her with a lady's education, I feel such admiration for his generosity that I wish I had the means to do something of the kind for another poor child."
Actually the last part of his sentence went unheard because Lady Catherine was already beginning her second fit of the afternoon. "Darcy!" she bellowed.
Mr. Smith saw his opportunity for escape. This time he really did leave Rosings.
Part 8
Darcy was reluctant to leave Elizabeth's side upon hearing Lady Catherine call for him. Knowing that his aunt would not give up, though, he kissed his wife tenderly. "I had better face the lion," he said woefully.
"William, you let Lady Catherine intimidate you too much," Elizabeth reprimanded him gently. "Why, even little Meg stood up to her admirably."
"But is that not what brought on your attack?" Darcy asked, puzzled.
"More like your aunt's rantings!" claimed Elizabeth. "That child is a delight. I hope ours will be so spirited."
"With you for their mother, I don't see how that could be helped," Darcy teased. "Thank you for the encouragement, my dear." And he left to find Lady Catherine.
"Darcy, the most alarming report has reached me," announced Lady Catherine imperiously. "Are you actually planning to take that little wench back to Pemberley -- to give her an education?"
Meg's fate might have been different if Lady Catherine had stopped long enough to give Darcy a chance to answer. But she continued. "Nephew, I was willing to overlook your marrying that impertinent country girl, if only for the sake of your dear mother. But to bring in this child and turn Pemberley into a charity school -- this is too far and I will not stand for it."
"Then sit down."
Amazingly, Lady Catherine de Bourgh obeyed. Probably the czar of Russia would have obeyed a command issued in that particular tone. Fitzwilliam Darcy had always prided himself on being self-controlled, not given to overwhelming emotions such as rage. His weaknesses were his wife and sister. An insult to either of them disabled his capacity for thinking rationally.
"I parry that you would not insult my mother's memory by dragging her name into this," Darcy said angrily. "Let me remind you, madam, that you are not a Darcy, and if I wanted to open up Pemberley as a charity hospital or prison it would be no business of yours!"
"You insist upon taking this child into your home?"
Remembering Elizabeth's complimentary description of Meg and her reminders not to be swayed by Lady Catherine, Darcy made his choice. "Yes, I do." And he went to inform the child.
Darcy knocked on the door of Meg's room and heard no answer. He turned the doorknob. It opened, and he looked inside. Meg was on the bed, fully clothed, sound asleep. Darcy was not sure of how to proceed. He knew, however, that he must learn about dealing with children. He pulled a chair up beside the bed and sat down. Then he shook Meg's shoulder gently to wake her.
Meg opened her eyes sleepily, but then closed them tightly upon recognizing who was sitting beside her. "I suppose you've come to throw me out." Her voice was tinged with disappointment but not submission.
Darcy thought a minute and then began. "Actually, Meg, Mrs. Darcy and I want to thank you for your quick thinking this afternoon -- in going for Mr. Smith," he added hastily. Although I'm also grateful that she stood up to Aunt Catherine. It almost makes up for me missing Lady Cat's confrontation with Elizabeth right before our engagement.
"You're welcome, sir. I did not want anything to happen to the lady or her baby."
This remark surprised Darcy, but he remembered that Meg had five younger brothers and sisters. Besides, she was precocious in all other areas. He realized that he would have to learn not to let anything surprise him from this little lady.
"Have you ever been outside of Kent?" he asked Meg.
"No, I have never left Hunsford." Then Meg announced, "Someday, I'll travel all over the world, though."
"Would you like to start with Derbyshire?"
"What is there?" Meg asked curiously.
"It is where Mrs. Darcy and Miss Darcy and I live."
"Is it a big house like this?"
"We live in a big house, yes, but it is different. There is an enormous lake, lots of trees . . . ." Darcy caught himself trying to impress Meg with Pemberley. How had the little minx managed to reverse their roles? Am I up for this? he wondered.
"Is there a piano-thing?" Meg asked.
"Pianoforte? Yes. You can play as much as you want"
"Very well, I'll come if you want me too. You had better tell my parents, though."
Darcy had forgotten about Meg's parents. Surely they would not part with a daughter so easily. He was obligated to try, however.
Chaos ruled eternally at the Owen home. So great was the noise and bustle that no one noticed the approach of an obviously wealthy gentleman to the shabby house. Babies were crying, children were yelling both inside and outside, and a woman was screaming at all of them to be quiet.
Darcy knocked at the door. As it was opened the woman said impatiently, "I tell you, Mr. Owen will have the money for you next week!" Then she jumped back, startled. This was not one of their usual creditors. Her hand reached for her hair in an unconscious attempt to make herself more presentable. "Can I help you, sir?"
"Yes, madam. I am looking for Mr. Robert Owen. Are you Mrs. Owen?"
The woman eyed Darcy warily. "I am. What do you want with my husband?"
"This is regarding your daughter Meg."
The woman burst into hysterics. "She is dead! I knew it! She has gone and gotten herself killed. I tried and tried to get Robert to do something about her, but he never would and now she's gone! My baby girl! What happened to her?"
Mrs. Owen would have continued indefinitely in this manner had Darcy not intervened. "Silence, madam! Your daughter is safe." If you or your husband had taken the trouble to look for your child, you would have known that days ago, he thought, but considered it best not to antagonize the woman. "My business is with Mr. Owen, since he is Meg's father and her legal guardian. Now where might I find him?"
The word "legal" sent Mrs. Owen on another tangent, after which Darcy had to reassure her that Meg was not in trouble with the law. Finally he was able to extract from her the information of Robert Owen's whereabouts, after which he left quickly, more determined than ever to get Meg out of such a pathetic situation. Only one obstacle was left. Darcy braced himself mentally and headed for the town pub.
Chapter 9
Darcy stood in the doorway and looked around, frowning. he hadn't been in a place like this since he had gone searching for Wickham in London. Most of the occupants were at the bar, crowding together and laughing uproariously. Darcy heard whistles and cries of "Best one yet!" and "Tell another one, Robbie!"
A small man in the center of the crowd held up his hands to silence his fans. "All right, if you insist, one more. If someone will buy me a drink." One of the listeners quickly complied and the man began.
"Well, have any of you heard the one about the red-haired lass who went to an old man's castle to look for work?" As the half-drunk men began hooting in anticipation of another bawdy story, Darcy approached the crowd.
The storyteller stopped his tale. "Well, boys, looks like we have a gentleman in our midst. What brings you to our high-class party?" He stared at Darcy impudently, which with his fair coloring and obvious wit made it apparent that he was indeed Meg's father.
"Mr. Robert Owen?" Darcy inquired.
"That I am, unless Mr. Robert Owen owes you money," he answered, sending the crowd into another wave of guffaws.
Darcy swallowed and counted to ten. Now I know where Meg gets it, he thought. He forced himself to concentrate on his objective -- to get Meg to Pemberley. He said as smoothly as he could, "I assure you my business is of a different sort entirely, Mr. Owen. Is there some place where we could talk privately? While you and your friends enjoy another round of drinks on me, of course," he added, thereby winning the admiration of the entire place.
Mr. Darcy led Mr. Owen to a corner of the pub. "Are you aware of the whereabouts of your oldest daughter these past three days?" he asked.
"Who, Meg?" Owen snorted. "'Course not. That little minx can take care of herself. My wife can't keep her in the house. She's not in some sort of trouble, is she?"
"Actually, she became ill while helping my sister, who had fallen and injured herself in the woods. She has been recuperating at Rosings Park, under the best of care, I assure you. My wife and sister have become fond of her, and we would like to take her with us to my estate in Derbyshire for an education." Darcy hoped this would suffice as an explanation. He also hoped this exchange would not cost him too much money.
Owen looked at Darcy shrewdly. "We men will do anything to please the ladies, hmm?" he said with surface congeniality. "But I don't know about this. She is my flesh and blood, after all."
"You would not wish to deny her such an opportunity?" Darcy questioned. "With her intelligence she could accomplish a great deal and bring credit to your entire family."
"You're trying to fool me, and I'm no fool. She's a girl. The best you could do for her is to turn her into some society wench and sell her off to a rich man in the marriage market." Robert Owen's contempt for Darcy and all of society showed plainly.
"Besides, sir, Meg is nearly old enough to work. We were counting on her to bring in a little extra."
Darcy had been waiting for this. He had figured that for the right price, Owen would not be too concerned about his daughter becoming a "society wench." "What are your debts, Mr. Owen?" he asked.
"You're offering to buy my daughter?"
Darcy reined in his temper. "I am merely offering to make up for the loss of income that would result from Meg traveling to Derbyshire."
Owen rubbed his chin. "Well, since you put it that way, I guess we could work something out." He named a sum that was relatively small, much to Darcy's relief. The two shook hands in agreement, and Darcy hurried back to Rosings.
Conclusion
Meg Owen became firmly entrenched at Pemberley during the next few months. Georgiana taught her music and other subjects (not so interesting to Meg). Mrs. Reynolds did her best to keep Meg from running wild all over the country. And Elizabeth doted on the child and loved her like a daughter.
Darcy worried. Only he knew how bad Meg's background was. She seemed like a basically good child, but he recognized in her a potential for rebellion and deviousness. Besides, could a person grow up in the Owen household for eight years without suffering some deformation of character?
So Darcy adopted his usual manner towards people of whom he was unsure. He silently observed Meg while keeping his manner stern and sever. Though he spoke to her rarely except in matters of discipline, he could almost swear that sometimes he caught the girl looking at him with laughing eyes -- much as Elizabeth had during a previous time.
The time came for Elizabeth to give birth. Mrs. Darcy was confident that she would have no trouble. After all, she had always been an active, strong person. However, it appeared as though the new little Darcy was not to make things easy on his mamma.
Meg was terrified. She knew too much for a child her age, including the horrible fact that sometimes women died from having babies. She lurked in hallways and behind doors throughout the enormous house, waiting to hear news while at the same time being afraid of what she might hear.
At last a baby's cry was heard, but the painful screams did not stop. Neither did the doctor emerge from the birthing room for some time. When he did come out, his face was grim. Meg, hoping to find out something about her beloved Mrs. Darcy and her baby, stealthily followed the doctor to Mr. Darcy's study. Then she pressed her ear to the keyhole and listened.
The doctor was speaking. "Your son is healthy, sir. I'm truly sorry I was unable to save --"
He was interrupted by a half-crazed Darcy. "Who? Elizabeth? Dear Lord, she can't be dead, man, tell me!"
"I was unable to save your daughter, sir. I think -- " the man paused -- "I think the second baby must have died a few days ago."
Darcy was stunned. "Twins? I had no idea," he said. But he quickly snapped back into focus. "What about my wife?"
"She will recover," the doctor said guardedly. "The lady was injured severely in the birth, however."
"Injured how?"
"Injured so that this son will be your only child."
Darcy was silent for a minute. Then he said, "I want to see my wife."
The doctor promised that he would be sent for as soon as Mrs. Darcy awakened. Then he left the man alone in his shock and grief for the loss of a daughter he never knew.
The physician did not see the small girl sneak into the study after he left. Meg stole into a corner of a room and watched the man she had thought invincible cry uncontrollably.
"Oh, sweet Elizabeth, how could I have done this to you?" he cried. Then he remembered the lost baby. "My little girl -- lost before I knew you."
Meg sat and watched as long as she could stand to do so. But she was a compassionate person, and Mr. Darcy's suffering was more than she could bear without trying to help in some way. Despite their wary avoidance of each other in the past, Meg approached the man who was by now prostrate on the sofa. She took his large hand in her two tiny ones and pressed it to her face which was wet with tears.
Darcy opened his eyes and realized who was beside him. "You shouldn't be here," he groaned weakly.
"I have to be," said Meg simply. "I have to do Sara's job."
Darcy was exhausted and confused. "Who?" he asked.
"Mrs. Darcy said if the baby was a girl her name would be Sara. Papa always said a daughter's job was to take care of her father. And you're sad, but Sara can't take care of you. So...." Meg was lost for further explanation, but it was unnecessary, for the usually stern young man swept her up in an enormous bear hug. And that embrace confirmed this unlikely pair not only as adopted father and daughter, but also as kindred spirits forever.
And baby Sara smiled from heaven.
The End