KaraLou's Index
Sharni's Index
Darcy and Elizabeth promptly came down from their room at quarter before nine and found Jacques waiting for them.
“Good morning, Sir.”
“Good morning, Jacques. If you will go for our luggage, we can be on our way.”
Jacques went immediately to retrieve their luggage.
Darcy and Elizabeth had eaten a filling meal before leaving their room in search of Jacques. Darcy was anxious to see how prompt this young coachman would be. He happily found him waiting for them at least fifteen minutes before the time he had been asked to come.
The Darcys walked around outside the carriage, enjoying the fresh morning air, and giving their legs one last opportunity to stretch before they were confined in the carriage for the full day’s journey to Paris. They were grateful for the blue sky that promised a most pleasant day’s travel.
Now in the daylight, Elizabeth noticed with fascination the detail on Jacques carriage. There was an emblem of some sort on the door. It was quite large; a pair of crossed swords and in between the two blades, a flame. The wood of the carriage was a highly polished dark wood with polished brass railings and racks along the sides, top and back. Elizabeth made a mental note to ask Jacques about his carriage when she had the opportunity.
The area around the inn was bustling with people, either preparing to leave for Paris, as Elizabeth and Darcy were, or preparing to embark on a ship that would take them back across the channel to England, as they would in a little over a week. Carriages, such as Jacques, were being loaded and people milled around waiting.
Darcy made little attempt to hide his affections for Elizabeth, winding his fingers through one lock of hair she let fall freely. When she made no attempt to discourage him, he turned to her, and raised his hand to the back of her neck, reaching his fingers into the nape of her neck and into her hair. He looked into her eyes, waiting for some objection, and when there was none, he leaned over and gently kissed her on the lips.
He took her a little by surprise, and she blushed, but she forced herself not to look around at the people walking past them to see if anyone was watching. Whereas she enjoyed the attention and affection of her husband, she was still not certain whether such a public display was acceptable, even here in France.
“Will, what am I to do with you?” Elizabeth laughed nervously.
“What is this? I always thought you were the impetuous one!” He smiled, underscoring his statement by bringing his arms around her and locking them behind her back. “Do you dislike my attentions?”
“May I remind you, Sir, that while I am extremely fond of your attentions, I have not had considerable experience in this area while in the midst of a crowd of people!”
Darcy only shrugged. “Wait until we get to Paris. I believe you shall feel differently about it there!”
Elizabeth tried to hide the smile that was forming on her face. “Yes, well Paris is quite a distance from here so for now, we have a long ride ahead of us.”
Darcy’s eyes lit up. “Yes, it should be a very long ride. And with just the two of us in the carriage!” He raised one of his eyebrows as he said this.
Elizabeth reacted with feigned shock at his statement. “Fitzwilliam!”
“What did I say? I was only stating a fact! I cannot help it if you misconstrue what I say!”
“Yes, well, this time it was in the way you said it as well as the accompanying look on your face!”
“Oh, I see. And what, exactly, did you surmise me to mean, then?” He asked, now his words accompanied by a smirk.
Elizabeth was grateful Jacques had returned with their luggage and prevented her from having to answer. Darcy went back and helped the young man load and secure their bags. “Merci, Mr. Darcy, but I think I can do it.”
“It is no trouble at all,” Darcy answered as he handed Jacques one of the bags.
When they walked toward the front, Elizabeth stopped Jacques. “Tell me, Jacques. What is the meaning of your emblem?”
“Oh, that. It was family crest that I designed for myself and had it made for my carriage.”
“You say you designed it?”
“Yes, I always wanted a family crest, but I did not really have a family.”
“What? No family?” Elizabeth was flabbergasted.
“I was orphaned as a child and was raised in an orphanage.”
Elizabeth was amazed at how matter of fact he stated this. How could one be so casual about not having any family? But suddenly she thought of something.
“But Jacques, you told us you have an aunt living in Paris.”
“Oui, yes, she is much older and could not raise me on her own. She is the only known family I have.”
Darcy then interjected. “So you said you designed the family crest?”
“Oui. I wanted swords to represent power. In my case, power to overcome circumstances I born into, and flames represent moving ahead with my life.”
“It is beautiful, Jacques, and a wonderful tenet to guide your life,” Elizabeth told him.
Jacques opened the door, helping Elizabeth in and then Darcy. “I thought we stop in Amiens, which is about half way there. If you have need for anything, just tap on front of carriage or holler out at me.”
“Merci, Jacques. Thank you.”
The carriage pulled away from the hotel at precisely nine o’clock. They both had brought books along to read, but Elizabeth enjoyed watching the scenery pass by through the window. She was not sure when she would have the opportunity to come back and wanted to see and enjoy every bit of France that she could. It also gave her a chance to think about what Jacques had told them. He certainly seemed to have overcome his circumstances in life. He did not appear bitter, had a very good outlook on life, and seemed to be a most conscientious worker.
As Darcy read, he kept one hand on his book and the other combing through Elizabeth’s locks of hair, and occasionally reaching over to her in their solitude, displaying his affections to his lovely wife.
*~*~*
Their short stop in Amiens allowed them to stretch their legs, and have an enjoyable meal at an inn that Jacques recommended. They were ushered into a well lit room that boasted red checked tablecloths and fresh flowers on the tables. The servings for the day were hand written on a board that they passed as they walked in.
A woman came by and asked what they would like to order. Darcy knew they would be travelling until dark, so they decided to eat heartily. They began their meal with fresh fruit in heavy syrup, then had a plate of sliced pork roast, potatoes and beans. They ended with pudding. When they finished, Darcy ordered a box of food to be sent along with them that they could eat in the carriage later.
Jacques spent the time changing out horses for the carriage and ate some food he had packed for himself back in Calais. He was ready and waiting for the Darcys when they returned from eating. Jacques had them settled in quickly, and they were soon off again to Paris, travelling as expeditiously as possible.
They arrived in Paris well after eight o’clock in the evening. Elizabeth had fallen asleep late in the afternoon, but as soon as they reached the city limits she was wide awake and watching the sights as they drove through town. She was delighted with the new sights, sounds, and even the smells of this city. Darcy only smiled at her obvious pleasure.
It took them nearly another hour to reach the hotel where they were to stay the next week while in Paris. It was larger than the inn in Calais and Elizabeth was quite awed by its stately presence. It appeared to be three floors high and the length of the whole block.
Jacques unloaded their luggage and they walked inside. The lobby of the hotel was open all the way to the ceiling of the third floor. Railings on each of the two levels above allowed guests to look out over the lobby from the second and third floor. A chandelier, grander than the one in Calais, lit the room. Little prisms hung from every candle that was lit.
Darcy went up to the desk and talked to the manager while Elizabeth took it all in. A plush, red carpet covered the floors, except in the centre, where there was a square of beautiful marble. The wallpaper covering the walls and the velvet coverings on the furniture gave an overall warmth and grandeur to this room.
They were to be on the third floor. Darcy took his wife’s arm and led her to the stairs, Jacques following with the luggage. They came to the room and Darcy opened the door. Elizabeth could barely contain herself when she saw it. It was, she was quite certain, almost the size of four rooms at Longbourn.
“Thank you, Jacques. I will not keep you, as I am sure you are tired. Does your aunt live close by?”
“It would be about a twenty minute carriage ride. What time should I come tomorrow?”
Darcy looked at Elizabeth. “What do you think, dear? We can do whatever you like tomorrow.”
“Is there anything within walking distance from the hotel?”
“Oui, yes, Madame Darcy. The River Seine is just beyond the hotel, you can walk along it, visit shops, and there are a couple of museums.”
Darcy then interjected. “Why do you not come back in the afternoon around three. We shall do some sightseeing on foot in the morning and then use the carriage into the evening.”
“Merci, Monsieur.” Jacques quickly left. “Good evening.”
“Oh, Will. This is too beautiful!” She walked over to a chair and brushed her hands across its back. “Everything is so elegant!”
“And if it were still daylight outside, I would show you the most beautiful view. I am sure you will like that, too. But we shall have to wait for morning to feast our eyes on it.”
He walked up to Elizabeth and cupped her face with his hands. “And now, dearest Lizbeth, you are the only thing I would like to feast my eyes on.”
*~*~*
The heavy drapes in the room kept out almost all of the natural sunlight the next morning. Darcy and Elizabeth, both naturally early risers, were surprised when they each awoke and found it to be close to eight o’clock. Darcy was up first and slipped on his robe and slippers. He opened the drapes slightly to let a little bit of light in and began reading, not wanting to awaken his wife. He turned the chair he was sitting in so it was facing her and he could easily look up and admire her beauty.
Her long hair was splayed out across the pillows and she had the most content look on her face. It almost seemed to him that she was on the verge of a smile all the while asleep. She eventually began to move and slowly reached out to stretch. When she opened her eyes, it took her a moment to get her bearings.
“Good morning, darling,” Darcy whispered. He walked over to her and sat beside her on the bed.
“Good morning. Did I oversleep?”
“We both did. I have actually been up about a half hour. The drapes in this room keep it exceptionally dark in here. I think neither of us realized it was morning.”
“It also did not help that we had a late night last night.”
“Is that a complaint I hear?” He took his finger and trailed it down her neck and shoulder.
“No, I was only stating a fact.” Elizabeth repeated his words from yesterday morning.
Darcy pulled back the covers and handed her robe to her. Now, if you get yourself up, I want to show you the view our room affords.”
Elizabeth slipped on her robe and walked with him over to the window. Darcy opened the drapes the rest of the way and the two of them were afforded a beautiful view of the Seine River, a bridge just below them crossing over it. The sun glistened on the water and reflected back up to them. Elizabeth looked out to the left and noticed a small flower garden, and off to the right, across the river, was a street filled with small shops.
She sighed. “I think I shall like it here very much!”
“There is one more thing you need to see and I think we still may have some time. But you need to hurry and get dressed.”
Elizabeth eagerly accommodated his request and he was pleased when she promptly returned from the dressing room with part of her hair pulled up and twisted, but even more of it loose and falling gracefully down her back. He did not say anything but reached over and as a token of affection, entwined her hair with his fingers and pulled them through all the way to the end. The two stepped out of their room, but instead of walking toward the stairs, Darcy brought them over to the railing that looked over the lobby. Elizabeth gasped when she saw the lobby. The rising sun was hitting the chandelier with all of its prisms, and little rainbows were reflected all over the walls.
Elizabeth gasped, “Oh, my!”
“This only happens in the morning when the sun shines through that front window. The sun, hitting each prism, and each facet in it, is bent, and elicits a beautiful band of colours, just like a rainbow. Once the sun goes up beyond that window, these will all disappear.”
“I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life! Can we make sure we come out every morning and see it?”
“Not only that, but we can have our breakfast brought to us right here and eat it at this table if you like.” He pointed to several tables placed along the rail.
“I think that would be a delightful idea!” Elizabeth wholeheartedly agreed.
This morning, however, they decided to find some small place to eat away from the inn. They stepped outside and began their walking tour of Paris. Darcy had never stayed in this part of the city before, but had visited it. He had, a few years earlier, stepped inside the hotel and knew immediately back then that this was a special place to which he would one day have to bring a very special lady.
They walked to the river and crossed over the bridge, stopping in the middle to look down at it. The morning breeze was ruffling up the water with tiny white caps. It gently brushed Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s faces and sent errant strands from Elizabeth’s hair flying.
“Now I know why I usually wear all my hair up!” she laughed.
Darcy took his hand and smoothed it down. “And I appreciate you wearing some of it down today. You look enchanting. Besides,” he suddenly changed from serious to teasing. “I have to put up with the wind completely wreaking havoc with my hair, so you can too.”
“I will be glad to smooth it down if it gets too out of hand.”
Darcy shook his head in an action of shock. “In public? You would not do that in public, would you?”
Elizabeth pursed her lips. She gingerly brought her hand up and ran them through his hair.
He quickly reached up and grabbed her wrist, pulling it down and behind him, drawing her closer to him. “And what do you think of doing this in public?”
He leaned over and gave her a light kiss that lingered quite a bit longer than yesterday morning’s kiss.
“Do I detect that you are getting bolder, my dear?” teased Elizabeth.
“And am I correct in that you are a bit more accepting Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Only by virtue of the fact that no one else is on the bridge with us.”
Darcy chuckled. “And what about yesterday?”
“You caught me off guard.”
Darcy smiled and looked as if he was about to say something, but changed his mind. He took her arm and began walking with her the rest of the way across the bridge.
A smile tugged at Elizabeth’s lips. Her husband appeared to have no uneasiness in his display of affection in public, or so it seemed at least here in France. It was something quite out of character for her husband.
They crossed over the bridge and walked along the small street that was filled with little shops. Each one seemed inviting and soon they came to a bakery. The aroma wafted through the doors as someone walked out just as they strolled by, and without a word spoken to each other, both turned and walked in.
They walked up and down the glass display, which had every sort of baked good one could imagine. There were fruit filled, cheese filled, plain, heavy, light, dark. They could come here for every meal each day they were here and each order something different, and would not have sampled even half of the choices offered.
Elizabeth finally selected a light, sweet bread, while Darcy preferred heavy dark bread. They each ordered tea and took their selections to a table that was set outside the bakery. Darcy brought out some butter, which they both liberally applied to their bread.
As they enjoyed their first Parisian meal, the sun shone deeply on them and Darcy noticed the glow on Elizabeth’s face. He reached out with his hand and took Elizabeth’s, bringing it to his lips. He lightly kissed her palm several times and then trailed kisses up past her wrist. Elizabeth enjoyed the gesture, but instinctively looked to see if anyone was watching. People were briskly walking past them, but no one seemed to pay them any attention.
The rest of the day was spent visiting an art museum, strolling through a beautiful garden, and then sitting in it while watching children frolic in a water fountain. They both enjoyed the myriad of artists who had placed themselves in strategic locations as they were painting pictures of this beautiful city. Elizabeth found herself drawn to one particular artist’s watercolour paintings and Darcy, upon inquiring which one of his finished paintings she liked particularly, promptly picked it up and purchased it. Elizabeth felt an initial rise of protest within her, never having had the privilege of buying something without giving it a second thought. Fortunately she realized there was no need for concern before she said anything to stop her husband.
“Thank you, Will. It is simply lovely! How I wish I had learned to draw and paint. It is something I have never been able to do.”
“Perhaps when we are back at Pemberley, we can hire someone to teach you.”
“Oh I am quite sure I am beyond the teachable years.”
“Nonsense!” insisted Darcy. “But in the meantime, we shall have to settle for these Parisian artists’ works.”
They were back at the hotel a little after two, and went up to their room and freshened up. Jacques was waiting for them when they walked out of the hotel at three o’clock.
“Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Have you enjoyed your day in Paris?”
“It has been quite enjoyable, Jacques. Thank you,” Elizabeth said, giving him a warm smile.
“You look very nice, Mrs. Darcy. I believe Paris agrees with you.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I have seen very little so far, but what I have seen is very delightful!”
Darcy came up and put his arm around her shoulder. “I beg to disagree with you Jacques. She has been married to me longer than she has been in Paris. I must deduce that it is being married to me that agrees with her!”
Elizabeth and Jacques looked at each other and shook their heads.
Darcy had Jacques drive them to the Arch de Triumph and Champs Elysee, where they rode around the circled road quite a few times per Elizabeth’s request. Then they got out of the carriage and walked. Darcy knew of a fine eating establishment nearby and they went there for a meal.
When they had finished eating, the sun had set, and darkness was just beginning to settle over the city. The streetlamps had already been lit and an ethereal glow radiated out from them. Jacques was waiting and Darcy asked him to take them down to the river. As they rode through the streets, Elizabeth was amazed at how many people were out enjoying this beautiful city.
When they approached the river, the sight that greeted the couple was breathtaking. Lamplights from the sides of the river reflected into the waters below. Couples walked along the banks of the river, enjoying the music being played from boats floating by.
Elizabeth turned eagerly to Darcy. “Do you think we can go out on one of those boats? It looks like it would be so much fun!”
“Your wish is my command,” he asserted and made a quick bow. “I believe we can pick up one of these boats down here, but let me tell Jacques.” He knocked on the front of the carriage, and Jacques quickly pulled over. As he did, he explained to Elizabeth what they could do. “We can take a boat all the way down to one of the docks by our hotel and walk back to it from there, if that sounds reasonable to you.”
“That sounds delightful!” exclaimed Elizabeth.
Darcy dismissed Jacques for the evening, letting him know that tomorrow they would be going to the School for the Deaf, gave him the directions to it, and told him they needed to leave by nine.
They had to wait about a half-hour before the next boat came, but once they boarded it, they felt it was well worth the wait. A small string orchestra was set up inside and played music as the boat slowly drifted across the water. Darcy and Elizabeth stood at the railings, watching the city pass by. Elizabeth watched, as couples in love seemed completely oblivious to others around them. She had to admit that this boat ride down the Seine was very romantic and most everyone on it was caught up in that atmosphere as well.
She was watching the lights from the banks of the river reflecting on the water between them, but was more acutely aware that her husband had turned to face her and was standing very close. She could almost feel his warm breath on her.
“Elizabeth.”
He did not need to say another word. Elizabeth turned to him and looked up. That was all the encouragement he needed and he slowly leaned down and kissed her. This time, though, he brought his arms up and behind her, and held her close to him for the duration of the kiss.
When he drew his lips from hers, he continued to hold her tightly. He raised an eyebrow at her and breathed in deeply. “Do you forgive me for this fault of mine, Lizbeth, that I am so inclined to kiss and hold you even in public?”
Elizabeth could barely speak. She had to admit that in these last few moments she did not give one thought to the people around her. She did not give one thought as to whether anyone was looking at them or what they would think if they had been. She did not care that her husband kissed her in public. She reasoned that it was only because it was dark, they were on a most romantic boat ride, and...yes, because they were in Paris.
“I would hardly be wise to call that a fault, my love. If that be your only fault, I am the luckiest of wives!”
He kept his arms tightly around her and pulled her to him again.
The boat leisurely drifted through the city of Paris, a cool breeze playfully ruffling both Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s hair. They soon began to stroll around the boat, enjoying both the sights of the city going past them and the music as it continued to play. They walked around couples that seemed as much in love as the two of them were, and very indifferent to the watchful eyes of others as loving affection was displayed without reserve.
When they disembarked from the boat and began walking back to the hotel, Elizabeth closely held on to Darcy. They walked back to the hotel in silence, almost afraid of breaking the spell that seemed to have come over them. Neither of them could have imagined a more perfect day nor a more perfect person with whom to spend it.
They finally reached the hotel and went straight up to their room. Elizabeth was ready to retire, and pulling the covers back from the bed, she lavishly expressed to her husband her delight in their first full day in Paris. “Today has been the most perfect day,” she exclaimed. “I do not think I could have dreamed of a finer day.”
Darcy, who was blowing out the candles in the room, turned to her with a look of disappointment written across his face. “I am sorry to hear that.”
Elizabeth looked up at him with her mouth dropping open. “But why should you be sorry to hear that?”
“I would have thought...uh...hoped, that one more thing was needed to have made it perfect.” He walked over to the last candle that was lit, looked at Elizabeth, smiled, and abruptly turned from it and crawled into the bed next to his wife.
“Will, did you not forget to snuff out the last candle?”
He looked at her through the dim flicker of the last candle’s light, admiring her beauty. “I think not, my dear. I think not.”
During the past few days, news had spread quickly throughout Derbyshire and even to some of the neighbouring counties regarding the recent marriage of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Derbyshire’s most prominent land owner, to a mere country girl from a modest family, albeit a gentleman’s daughter. The article that appeared in the paper took many by surprise - and disappointment. They were surprised that he had finally married and that he married someone quite unknown in the ranks of society. Many a mother and daughter were disappointed that he had selected someone else.
The folk of neighbouring villages, having seen the change in him and the accommodating nature he had of late displayed toward them, were not as surprised as some. They had come to know and appreciate this man whom they had always held in high esteem, but who only recently began to keep company with ones, such as themselves, from a class very much beneath his own.
Those who enjoyed the same superior society as the man himself were not just astonished; they questioned his good judgment, to say the least. For him to marry a lady with little or no wealth and of the poorest connections, they reasoned she must be a tantalizing beauty or had used her artsy wiles to entrap him. They figured Darcy too intelligent to be taken in by the latter, so they trusted their reasoning to the former.
This was the atmosphere that Georgiana and the Pemberley staff returned to after the wedding. The staff that had remained behind had been the ones who had to try and refute any and all rampant rumours when they first began to circulate. It was an easy task, however, as they had grown to admire Elizabeth for the person she was. When she had been a guest there while their master was unconscious from his accident, they had seen nothing in her demeanour that would have given any concern about what her intentions were. She was not one who was trying to seek out Mr. Darcy’s fortune; in fact, it seemed to be of very little enticement to her. She had appeared to be a caring and unassuming young lady and they were additionally pleased that she and the master’s sister had developed a fond attachment toward each other.
When Georgiana’s carriage finally pulled up after a full day of travel, Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley were eagerly greeted by the small staff that had stayed behind. Shouts of “Welcome home!” “How was the wedding?” and “Is the Master happy?” rang out to them. Georgiana felt a little overwhelmed. As much as she would have liked to answer everyone, she simply nodded to everything that was asked of her and stated that everything had been just perfect.
Her belongings were brought in and as she walked through the heavy wooden doors, she sighed deeply with a grateful sentiment that signalled she was glad to be home; glad to be back at Pemberley. She knew this stay at Pemberley would be different for her. She usually was only here when her brother was present. When he was absent, often as he was, she would normally spend that time in London. Now she was here at their great estate alone, but for the servants and Mrs. Annesley.
Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper who had returned a few days earlier, greeted them, and presented Mrs. Annesley with a letter. “This arrived while you were away, Mrs. Annesley.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds.” She turned to Georgiana. “It appears to be a letter from my son and his wife. If you will excuse me, I shall go up to my room and read it.”
Georgiana excused herself as well, saying she was fatigued. She went directly to her room and flung herself across her bed. She pulled out her journal -- a journal that Elizabeth had wisely encouraged her to start -- and opened it. She looked down and began to reread her very first entry:
Today Misses Jane and Elizabeth Bennet departed Pemberley. These last few days have been laden with emotional ups and downs. When Miss Elizabeth arrived, Fitzwilliam was unconscious, as he had been for days, and we were most concerned for his condition. At that time, I believed she and William to be engaged and I was most happy to have made her acquaintance and to have found her to be so amiable. When I found out I had been mistaken about them being engaged, I was terribly grieved. I still do not fully understand the whole situation between them, but I know she is very different from any other woman who has been in his life, and I hope and pray they can work things out between them.
It had not been an easy road for any of them, including Georgiana herself, in trying to sort things out between them. Her brother had apparently done and said some foolish, heartless things to her. It had taken some clever manoeuvring on Georgiana’s part to help speed the process along.
She ruffled past all the pages on which she had written since those first days, finding the next blank one. She began to write.
Today I am back at Pemberley. I am very happy, knowing that Elizabeth is finally my sister-in -law. And I do not believe I have ever seen William happier. I do not think he could have chosen a more perfect wife for him; nor I, if I had been trying. But it is good to be back at Pemberley, in my own home, in my own room, to be able to sleep in my own bed. Here I can be alone when I wish and need not worry about entertaining anyone. At least for the moment. I hope that nothing changes for a very long time. I like things just the way they are.
She closed the book and lay down, feeling all the contentment of a young girl with neither a care nor a worry in the world. Soon she was fast asleep.
*~*~*
Georgiana was awakened by a dinner bell. She had been in such a deep sleep that she felt she had been asleep forever. She pulled herself up and stretched. How she would love to just curl back up and climb under the covers and stay there for the night. But she knew that could not be, so she pulled herself up off the bed and went to her dressing table, looking quickly in the mirror to repair any damage to her hair.
With that done, she proceeded to the dining room. Mrs. Annesley was there and Mrs. Reynolds came out and joined them. She suddenly realized how large and ominously empty this house felt without her brother, even with all the help that roamed about. She also realized how much better she would like it when Elizabeth would be here, too. Right now she was grateful for the two ladies who were present with her instead of the two ladies who had been a constant irritation to her in Netherfield, namely Bingley’s sisters. She had enjoyed Jane’s company, but the disconcerting presence of Caroline and Louisa always cast a pall upon the atmosphere there and caused Georgiana more grief than comfort.
After the evening supper, Georgiana took a book into the sitting room and read for quite a while. Mrs. Annesley sat across from her working on a needlework sampler.
“Georgiana, dear,” she said after a while. “You are aware that I received a letter from my son and his wife today.” She took a deep breath, as Georgiana looked up and met her eyes. “They wrote me to inform me that they are expecting their first child, due in March. They would very much like for me to come up north and live with them.”
Georgiana looked at her and saw in her a mixture of joy and sorrow. “Mrs. Annesley, does that mean you will be leaving as my companion?
“Yes, Georgiana, I think I must. I cannot help but think the timing is right for me to leave.”
“I am terribly sorry to hear that. I have learned considerably under your instruction this past year.”
“Yes, my dear, but there is so much more that I have not been able to do.” She rose and walked over to Georgiana, taking her hand. “Once your brother returns, I will talk with him about my leaving and will only remain until he finds someone to replace me. That is, if he even wishes to find a new companion for you. He may feel you do not need one anymore.”
Georgiana squeezed her hand, and felt her eyes well up with tears. “I shall miss you, you know that.”
“That is sweet of you to say, Georgiana. I shall miss you also. But I also am very anxious to live close to my son and his wife as my first grandchild is born.” As a single tear escaped and ran down her face, she stood up and excused herself. “I think I shall retire now, Georgiana. Good night.”
“Good night, Mrs. Annesley.” Georgiana sat in the large room, her brows furrowing as she contemplated the news. She would indeed miss Mrs. Annesley. She had been her companion for a little over a year. She felt as though she had finally begun to feel comfortable enough around her to easily converse with her.
She knew that if her brother insisted on employing someone else, it would be difficult for her, as it always took her time to warm up to new people. Oh how I hope he does not insist on hiring someone else, she thought to herself. She curled up in her chair, contemplating what she could tell her brother to convince him she did not need another companion. Most of her studies were completed, and if there was anything else she needed to learn, he might allow her to learn from Elizabeth. Certainly he would agree to that!
At length, Georgiana retired to her room. After readying herself, she crawled in her own bed. How nice it felt! She was glad to be home, but in her mind knew she would be counting the days until her brother and his wife returned. She blew out the candle on the table next to her bed and was soon fast asleep.
*~*~*
Georgiana slept well that night and she spent the next morning going over some studies with Mrs. Annesley. Both felt the weight of the awareness that there would be but a few more times they would spend like this. Neither seemed really able to concentrate, and finally Mrs. Annesley made a suggestion.
“It is such a fine day, Georgiana. What do you say we have Lawson take us in the carriage to Lambton?”
“I should like that very much!” Georgiana exclaimed enthusiastically. “What shall we do there?”
“There are a few things I need to purchase. We could also stop by and see how the Franks are doing.”
“That is a wonderful idea! It has been over a month since we have seen them. Let us do just that!”
Mrs. Annesley smiled. How grateful she was for Georgiana’s tender, compassionate heart.
After eating a light meal, they set out in the carriage. Mrs. Annesley seemed to appreciate today’s drive through the grounds, realizing she would not have the enjoyment of seeing them for but a few more weeks. How many times, she wondered, had she driven through them recently and not really noticed them anymore? She had been most impressed with them on her very first visit here. Now she knew she would most certainly miss them.
They came into Lambton and Mrs. Annesley purchased some itmes that she needed. Georgiana simply looked at the merchandise on the shelves, not really interested in buying anything for herself. She did, however, find a small doll and thought it would be a nice gift to bring to Eleanor, the four year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank, who was deaf.
Georgiana had them wrap it in a simple paper and bow, one that she would easily be able to open. Mrs. Annesley took great delight in this act of thoughtfulness on Georgiana’s part.
They made the short trip to the Franks, where they were greeted most warmly. Mr. Frank was still at Pemberley. He was the head stableman there. Mrs. Frank invited them in, and offered them some tea.
They came into the small front room, where Eleanor usually played. As she did not hear them come in, she was startled when Georgiana reached down and touched her shoulder. A huge smile came across her face.
Georgiana took the girl’s hand and waved for her to come over with her to a chair. Georgiana sat down and handed her the wrapped gift. Eleanor took it eagerly, obviously knowing that a wrapped gift contains some precious treasure inside and that the paper and bow are there only to tear through quickly.
“Miss Darcy, you need not have brought her anything.”
“Oh, but I am so fond of her. I saw this and I just had get it for her.”
Eleanor pulled out the doll and instantly brought it up to her and hugged it. She had such a smile on her face that the three ladies in the room smiled back at her and one another.
“Miss Darcy, Mrs. Annesley, I must show you something.” Mrs. Frank got down on the floor and brought Eleanor’s face to look toward her. She began making some movements with her hands and the two guests watched in amazement as Eleanor responded by making some signs herself. She suddenly put her doll down and ran out of the room.
“Mrs. Frank, what just happened?”
“I asked her to bring in the plate of cookies...in sign language. She answered that she would.”
Georgiana’s eyes widened in amazement. “You and Eleanor have been learning to talk with signs?”
“Yes, the information Mr. Darcy brought us has some very basic instruction. We have somewhat adapted it for our use and Eleanor seems to come up with some signs on her own. I believe she is a quick learner.”
Eleanor came back with the plate of cookies, a proud look across her face. She handed the plate to Georgiana and immediately picked up her new doll.
“How do you say ‘thank you’?” asked Georgiana.
Mrs. Frank signed out the words.
Georgiana then looked down to Eleanor and repeated the gesture. Eleanor grinned and Georgiana pulled her close and hugged her. She looked up to Mrs. Frank whose eyes were becoming glassy with tears. “This whole idea of communicating to her with signs has made such a difference in our lives. Our whole family is learning together and Eleanor seems so much more a part of us.”
“I am sure most families with deaf children would feel the same way,” put in Mrs. Annesley. “I think the idea of a school where people can learn to communicate with their deaf family members and friends is wonderful. And to think one shall be right here in Derbyshire! It is simply wonderful!”
“We could not agree more.”
Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley visited with Mrs. Frank for about an hour, telling her all about the wedding and of all the news that had happened in Lambton and the surrounding county of Derbyshire the past few weeks. When they left, Georgiana felt that she could not have spent the day in any other way that would have been more enjoyable.
Once they had left Lambton, before they drew again into the extensive grounds and lush woods of Pemberley, the road took them through a few other smaller private farms and property. At one such particular farm, Lawson, their coachman, noticed a young man stooped down on the side of the road, his tethered horse off to the side. He slowed the horses down and brought the carriage to a stop. He saw that the young man was struggling with a lamb that had apparently attempted to sneak out through a hole in a fence and had entangled itself.
Lawson jumped down to see if he could help and Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley looked out to see what the delay was. Georgiana could not see what was going on and curiosity prompted her to open the door to the carriage and step down. Mrs. Annesley followed.
Lawson was at the side of the young man and was giving some kind of assistance. The two ladies walked over and noticed the lamb. Georgiana gasped, as she watched the young man carefully untangle a bleeding lamb from the fence. They finally freed the lamb and the young man stood up slowly, cradling it in his arms. Georgiana’s eyes widened as she recognized David Bostwick, an under gardener from Pemberley. In his full stature, he towered above the three.
“Mr. Bostwick!” exclaimed Georgiana.
“Hello, Mr. Bostwick,” Miss Annesley said. “What happened?”
“Good day, Miss Darcy, Mrs. Annesley. I suppose this little fellow tried to escape through the hole in the fence and was caught. It looks like some makeshift wire was put here at some point to temporarily repair it. That is what cut up the lamb. I would not be surprised if some other sheep got out and he tried to follow. You know how dumb sheep can be, always following where they should not go.”
He continued to hold him and pulled out a handkerchief, pressing it against the one small laceration on the side of the lamb’s leg. He spoke soothingly to it, trying to calm it down. The lamb was squirming, but he held on to it firmly.
“You seem to have a way with him, Mr. Bostwick,” Mrs. Annesley commented.
A thought suddenly came to Georgiana and she declared it aloud before she realized what she was saying. “Just like David!” When everyone looked to her, she blushed and looked down.
“What was that, Miss Darcy?” David asked.
“I am sorry, I...you... are just like David.”
He shook his head and looked at her in a puzzled way. “I am David. David Bostwick.”
“No,” Georgiana softly replied. “David, in the Bible. David the Shepherd!”
“Ahhh, yes. My namesake, actually.”
“Is that so?” asked Lawson.
“My parents have often told me I am named for David in the Bible. I do not know whether my parents had meagre ambitions for me to become a shepherd or lofty ones for me to become a king.” He looked directly at Georgiana. “Do not forget that he was not just a shepherd, he was the shepherd who would become a king!”
Georgiana forced herself to up look into his face. He was smiling at her and Georgiana felt her face warm. Why does this always happen around him? she asked herself.
He continued, “I do not claim to be a shepherd even now, but do you think if I pursue this line of work that maybe in the future I should become a king?”
Mrs. Annesley then added, “Most likely not of England, Mr. Bostwick, but perhaps you could find some small country in need of a good king.”
Everyone laughed at their remarks and Georgiana blushed even more. David looked at Georgiana, as if expecting her to make an appropriate response, but she could not think of one thing to say. The smile he gave her only caused her to look down at her feet, wishing she could disappear.
She was relieved when everyone’s attention was drawn away from her and to Lawson. “Do you think the lamb is well enough to put back in the pasture? Has the bleeding stopped?”
“Yes, I think this is all pretty much stopped now. I will ride up to the Prestons’ house, though, and let them know what happened with their lamb and the fence.”
Georgiana took this opportunity to excuse herself and returned to the carriage. Mrs. Annesley remained out for a while and this gave Georgiana time to calm her nerves. The last time she had seen David Bostwick, they had taken a short walk together around Pemberley as he told her stories of her mother. She had enjoyed his company that day, but was not sure how to interpret these new feelings that she was experiencing when she found herself around him now that they were both grown up.
Being the son of the head gardener, he had often come to Pemberley as a young boy and he and his brother had played together with Georgiana around the grounds. But after seeing him when he returned from spending several years at trade school, she realized he had grown into quite a pleasing young man. Now she struggled with even the simplest conversation and feeling distress as a wave of colour would invariably wash over her every time she saw him.
Mrs. Annesley finally returned and joined her in the carriage. “Fine young man, that Mr. Bostwick.” She looked obscurely at Georgiana.
“Yes,” was Georgiana’s only reply.
Georgiana wondered if Mrs. Annesley had been aware of her blushing, just at her attempt to talk to him. She hoped not. She did not want to have to discuss it with her. Feeling a pang of guilt, she knew she would easily be able to talk about it with Elizabeth and wished at that moment that she was here with her.
Lawson returned and took his post in the driver’s seat. David came over, after putting the lamb back inside the fenced pasture. “I thank you, Lawson, for stopping to help. That little lamb thanks you, too. Good day.”
He walked to the window of the carriage and looked in. “Good afternoon, ladies. Have a pleasant day.”
The carriage moved away, and there was a silence inside that seemed to hang heavy. Georgiana felt as though Mrs. Annesley wanted to say something. She was grateful for the silence, however, as it gave her time to give full reign to her thoughts. What did it mean that she felt so disconcerted around him? And why did it have to happen when others were around to notice it? Why could things not be as they were when they were younger and were simply friends?
Finally, after a few moments, Mrs. Annesley spoke. “Georgiana, there is much I have tried to teach you this past year. And you have been an exemplary student, a most compassionate friend. I have attempted to give you an outlook in this world that goes beyond the family you were born in, the fortune that is your portion. You have a natural gift and ability to reach out to those less fortunate than yourself. You have a most caring, selfless demeanour.”
“It is because you have been a wonderful teacher and example to me, Mrs. Annesley. I could not have learned as much without you.”
“Yes, but I fear I may have let you down in one area. And I still am not quite sure how to address it.”
Georgiana looked at her, her heart beginning to pound nervously.
“When I came into your life a year ago, I was told only minimally what had transpired in your life while at Ramsgate.”
Georgiana responded by dropping her head, feeling the disgrace begin to rise up inside her again.
“Georgiana,” she began, reaching out her hand and taking Georgiana’s. “I do not mean to cause you shame by mentioning this. As a result of what I was told, I have spent this last year being content to keep you focused on other things, such as reaching out to the needs of others. When Mr. Darcy seemed disinclined to present you at court and bring you out for your first season, I happily concurred. I felt it would be best for you to postpone that a year or two. But now, I fear I may have done you a disservice.”
Georgiana looked up, finding it hard, though, to meet her eyes. “What do you mean by disservice?”
She turned and looked intently at Georgiana. “You are a very pretty, kind, and compassionate young lady, who also happens to have a great amount of money coming to you when you marry.”
She paused and Georgiana inwardly flinched.
“Dear Georgiana, you must make careful consideration of the young men for whom you develop a regard. You have an obligation to your family, to their name, and the wealth into which you were born. I am not sure if I am saying this in a way you will understand. While Mr. Bostwick is one of the nicest young men from around here, you must remember who he is and who you are.”
Her words brought Georgiana’s face up to meet her. Those were Elizabeth’s exact words to her when she had shared with her the confusion she felt whenever she encountered Mr. Bostwick. She made an attempt to smile. “I understand you completely, Mrs. Annesley. In fact, Elizabeth said to me the same thing.”
“Georgiana, it may not be easy, but there are just some things that have to be. I cannot say that I agree with all the rules of society by which we are bound, especially those unwritten rules, but I do know that sometimes it is for the best, especially in a situation such as yours. I am glad Mrs. Darcy shared that with you. I have much esteem for her.”
Georgiana could only nod and look down.
“I would imagine, then, that when you begin attending all the balls once you have been brought out, especially in London, and begin meeting the eligible young men who are more your equal in society, you will find that special someone from among them. I am quite certain of it.”
Georgiana contemplated her words. She knew most young girls her age would look forward to all the balls and all the young men out there to meet. But meeting new people was so difficult for her and if she felt unsettled around Mr. Bostwick, whom she had known most of her life, how would she ever handle introductions to other young men.
But she knew it was something that had to be. She reasoned that all her years of instruction had been to prepare her to be the wife of a well-bred man of excellent connections and equal fortune.
Yes, she had to remember who Mr. Bostwick was - simply a hired hand at Pemberley, the son - younger son at that - of Pemberley’s head gardener. Her mind, however, would not let it end there. He was kind, handsome, and tall, although not as tall as her brother. He had fair features and deep set blue eyes that matched her own. When he gave her one of his smiles, she would feel weak. She had to remember who she was - a young lady born into a wealthy family with a fortune that would entice any man. She knew she had an obligation to her family and her wealth to marry someone of equal standing.
Why was she suddenly wishing she were anyone other than Georgiana Anne Darcy of Pemberley?
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