Imperative: Volume 1, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (30 page)

“And he was lonely and found this . . . this person to marry!”

“Georgiana!”  Susan let her go.  “Miss Elizabeth Bennet is not to be referred to in that way!  Your brother chose her to be his wife, and you know that he does not do anything without careful deliberation.  He obviously feels that she is perfectly suitable to be Mistress of Pemberley.”

“He does not say what he thinks of her.”

“No.  But why would he confess such an emotion to you?  It is not your business. The important point is that he has at last found the woman he wishes to spend his life with, and in a few days she will be his wife and your sister.”

“She will demand that I go back to my husband.”  Georgiana whispered.  “I cannot go back to him, I cannot!” 

“I cannot imagine your brother choosing a woman who would do such a thing.  Is that what is behind these tears?”  Georgiana’s head nodded.  “Well, we will cross that bridge when we come to it.  You can stay with me if he does.  You know that your uncle would love to have his dear Georgie living with us.”  She smiled sadly.  “He was devastated when our children died, and he has always loved you as a daughter.”

“Maybe my baby will die, too.” 

“Shhhh, you must not say such things . . .”

“I hope that . . . I am not really pregnant at all.  I do not believe that I am.  If we stop talking about it, maybe it will go away.  I just have a cold.  That is all.”  Susan squeezed her hand.  “Why has George not come looking for me here?”

“Do you want him to come?  You just said that you were afraid to return to him, do you feel otherwise?”  Susan studied the confused girl twisting her handkerchief.  “Perhaps your brother has spoken to him.  Maybe he will tell us some news when he answers our letters.”  They heard servants in the hallway and Susan straightened.  “Well, no more talk of this, we cannot let the staff overhear anything, this is our secret.  Remember, Fitzwilliam asked us to keep it that way.  Now, why not practice your music?  That always makes you feel better.”

“Pardon me, Mrs. Darcy?”  Mrs. Reynolds spoke softly.  Susan looked up to the doorway and glanced at Georgiana, checking to see that she looked composed. 

“Yes, Mrs. Reynolds?”

“May I ask your opinion, madam?  In the mistress’ chambers?” 

“Certainly, I would be glad to help.  Georgiana, go on and play, and I will join you soon.” 

“Yes, Aunt.”  She walked to the pianoforte and sitting, stared at the keys.

Susan walked alongside the housekeeper and down the hallway from the drawing room to the family wing of Pemberley House.  “I suppose that you have been hard at work preparing the rooms for your new mistress?”

“Yes, indeed!  We have not been in there regularly, of course, but every few months or so I would send a maid in to take a look about, and make sure that all was well.”  They arrived at the doorway, the curtains were open and the rooms smelled distinctly of polish.  “I had all of the linens washed.”  She looked around critically, “But it is all so old!  Surely the master would want the latest fashion for Mrs. Darcy?”

“I am certain that he does, but I imagine with the suddenness of their engagement and wedding, there simply was not time to think about it.  And do you not think Mrs. Darcy would like to choose her own things?”  Susan smiled kindly.  “You are nervous?”

“I would be lying to say I was not.  I was just barely promoted to housekeeper when the mistress died.”  She raised her chin.  “But I will serve my new mistress well.”

“You have taken care of Pemberley beautifully, Mrs. Reynolds.  I have no doubt that you will continue to do so for many years to come.” 

“Thank you, madam.  Mr. Darcy directed me to have a little celebration on Saturday for the staff, to have some punch for them and anything else I felt was appropriate to celebrate the wedding.  When he and Mrs. Darcy come home, he asks that I help her to find her way here.”

“Learn her duties?”  Susan asked curiously.

“Yes, he said that she does not come from such a large estate.  Mrs. Darcy, forgive me, but do you . . . do you know the name of our new mistress?  Mr. Darcy did not mention it in his letter, only that he was pleased to announce he was to be married.  It is not my business to ask why it has happened so quickly,” She darted a look at Susan, “I wrote to Mrs. Gaston at Darcy House, but have not heard back from her yet.  I only hope that he has chosen a woman who is worthy of him.  He is such a good man . . .”

“Her name is Elizabeth Bennet; he met her in Hertfordshire while staying with Mr. Bingley.” 

“Oh thank the Lord!”  Mrs. Reynolds’ hand went to her heart and she glanced at Susan.  “Forgive me, madam.”

“You feared who he would choose?”  She smiled and went to look out at the view over the park.  “A great many ladies were interested in occupying this room, but it seems he found a bride in the country.  He did not tell me a great deal about her, but I do not think you have a thing to worry about, he seemed almost elated that she said yes.”

“Bless you for that, madam.   I have cared for these children for so many years, they are almost my own.  I would be so saddened to see Mr. Darcy unhappy in his bride.”  Glancing at the door, she stepped up to her side and whispered, “Miss Georgiana is not taking the news well?  She has been in tears since he left.  Mr. Darcy cares so much for her; he looked so hurt when she ordered him away.  Her summer on her own must not have been a success.  What happened to her companion and maid?  Why has she been so ill?”  She looked at Susan pleadingly.  “I know it is not my place to ask questions, but the staff asks me daily what is wrong, and now with the master marrying, we do not know what to think!  I heard Miss Georgiana sobbing and wondering if his new wife will send her away.  Why would she do that?  Where would she possibly go?  She seemed terrified of the prospect!”

Susan sighed, it had been very hard to hide the truth of Georgiana’s situation from the staff, but at least she knew that they remained ignorant of it.  “I think that the prospect of a new mistress in Pemberley is very unsettling to everyone, not just the staff.  As you say, it has been a very long time since a woman has taken her place here, a few nerves are only natural.” 

“Of course, I should have thought of that.”  Mrs. Reynolds nodded, but still tried to read Susan’s placid expression.  “There is never any reason to doubt the master’s decision.”

27 NOVEMBER 1811

Netherfield

Hertfordshire

Dear Georgiana,

Of course I still love you dear sister!  Do not let that worry you ever again!  I shall always love you.  And I promise; I will never send you away from Pemberley, and certainly never again to he who hurt you so deeply, please be assured of that. 

Thank you for your heartfelt offer to care for me forever, I appreciate it more than I can say because it tells me that you are ready to move forward with your life.  You see, that is what I am doing as well.  As much as I have missed you and wished that I could have been with you these past weeks, I am grateful that I came to Netherfield and met Elizabeth.  I pray that you will be happy for us when we take our vows on Saturday. In fact by the time that you receive this letter we will probably be married and on our way to London.  I know that it is soon, Sister, a blink of the eye, really.  I hardly know when my feelings became more than admiration of a lovely woman.   But I do know that I am sure of her, and sure of my feelings for her.  I know that you will love her as I

Darcy stopped; his pen hovered above the paper.

know she will love you.

Be well, Georgiana.  I will write to you from London when our travel plans are completed, but we expect to come home to Pemberley well in time for Christmas.  Perhaps you may introduce your new sister to some of the old traditions we have let go in the past years.  She will bring joy back into our home, I know it.

Your brother,

Fitzwilliam

Letting go of his breath, he carefully sanded the letter and sealed it, pressing his father’s signet ring into the warm wax.  “I know that you will love her as I know she will love you.”  Shaking his head, he slipped the ring back on, then looked at the ring he wore on his left hand.  “Forgive me for being such a coward, Elizabeth, but I wait for you.”   He stared out of the library window, trying to find sense in the jumble of thoughts that were running through his exhausted mind.  The ball ended at three o’clock when the last of the guests straggled out, the Bennets among them.  Of course Mr. Bennet did not remove his family as Darcy had suggested, and Elizabeth had felt the embarrassment of their deteriorating behaviour acutely.  Several times during the endless evening Darcy had been very tempted to take her by the hand and lead her upstairs to his chambers. 
To sleep.
  He said to himself firmly. 

“Good morning.”  Richard knocked lightly on the door.  “May I enter?”  Darcy glanced at him and after hesitating, nodded and arranged the letters spread before him.  Noting the envelopes Richard looked to his cousin.  “Georgiana and your aunt.  Reassurances?” 

“Yes, for Georgiana, and news of the search for Aunt. I am surprised that Uncle has not kept her informed, although there really has not been much to report.”  Darcy watched Richard prowl around the room and at last broke the tension.  “I am surprised to see you awake so early.”

“Noon?”  He laughed softly and settled down in a chair opposite the table where Darcy sat.  “Neither of us are accustomed to rising so late, although I am perhaps more used to dancing until the wee hours.”

“No perhaps about it.”  Darcy ran his hand over his face.  “Elizabeth was just as tired as I.  I can imagine she is awake though . . . I hope that she slept, I know I did not.” 

“I cannot imagine what could possibly have occupied your mind.”  Richard received a sharp glare and sighing, sat up and poured himself some strong black coffee from the pot on the table and took a sip.  He closed his eyes and settling back with the steaming cup, steeled himself before meeting Darcy’s gaze.  “Let us have this out before the rest of the household stirs.  I apologize, I was out of line, I was disrespectful of Elizabeth and you, and I should know better.”

“You think that makes it all right, do you?”  Darcy pinched the bridge of his nose, fighting back the headache that throbbed dully. 

“Forgive me, Darcy, I was . . . well I will not say I was completely wrong, you are blinded by whatever feelings you carry for her, and I needed to . . . you would do the same for me if you worried I was choosing the wrong woman, I know you would.  You would save me from an imprudent marriage without blinking an eye, and likely crow about the success.”

“I am not given to boasting.” 

“Self-congratulation . . .”

“That speaks of arrogance, something I am attempting to reform.”  Darcy gave up on easing the headache.  “Elizabeth was wonderful last night.   Her family did not surprise me in the least, disgusted, but that is nothing new.  I swear that we will distance ourselves from them, just as I have distanced myself from our own family and society whose behaviour is equally mortifying.  You, however, who are you to judge who I marry?   What exactly did you say to her?  She made excuses, undoubtedly knowing my fondness for you, but I know that you hurt and frightened her.”

“The truth hurts at times.”

“I will not even address that ridiculous statement.  What was behind this?  Were you hoping I would reject her?  What happened to the support you gave me before?  Who has influenced you?”

“Did you read that letter from my mother yet?”

“No.”  His brow creased.  “Why?  What does that have to do with anything?”

“I read it.”  He held up his hand against the open-mouthed stare he received.  “I was not thinking, but I did break it open.  Mother welcomes Elizabeth with open arms.”  Darcy startled.  “Yes, I thought the same, what is she about?  She seems to think you are marrying some unknown heiress, and she is appointing herself guide.  I doubt that she would be so enthusiastic if she knew Elizabeth’s true provenance, but I believe that she would still be taking advantage of the moment.”

“Why?  They cannot possibly be pleased with this news.”

Setting down his cup, he leaned forward. “I have been thinking hard on this since I read the letter.  Last night I was just assuming that my parents had latched onto a way to mend fences with you, by helping your bride in society.”  Darcy’s brow was creased, but he nodded his understanding.  “She did mention their disappointment with you rejecting Cathy . . .” Darcy groaned.  “But at the same time she said they were glad you did not choose Anne instead.”

“The battle of the siblings rages on.”  Darcy rubbed his temple. 

“I do not know, I think in my parents’ case they might have been hoping more for a generous son-in-law.”

“What do you mean?”

“A loan; or better yet, a gift.” 

“I do not understand; surely the income from the estate has not fallen?  You still receive an allowance.”

“Happily supplemented by my winnings from you.”  Richard shrugged at his cousin’s glare, “Why else would I be at your disposal?”

“Oh I do not know, I thought that you might like me.”  Darcy said dryly.

“Of course I do.”  Richard grinned.  “However, Father has rather pointedly told me that I will have to find myself a bride with a dowry, especially if he were to die.  Maybe I can sweet talk Anne into accepting me after all.”  Darcy closed his eyes when he chuckled.  “In any case, that is what has raised my suspicions that there may be more to this than familial tenderness revived.  They lost the rich son-in-law, but they think you are marrying a woman with a substantial dowry.  Well you certainly do not need all of that free cash lying around . . .” Darcy shook his head and Richard shrugged.  “It is just a theory, we will see how it plays out when Cathy does marry, but I have lived apart from them long enough to be able to observe with clear eyes.”

“Why does that statement make me think of Elizabeth?  She was the only Bennet who was mortified by her family’s behaviour, but she has never lived apart from them.”