KaraLou's Index
Sharni's Index
Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy walked leisurely along the shore, gazing up at the massive stark white cliffs protruding out of the blue sea. Small white caps hurled themselves mercilessly at the sheer wall. And there, rigged to the dock, was the ship that would take them across the sea to the continent, where they would spend ten days in France.
Darcy’s coachman, Winston, had delivered them by carriage to Dover, on the eastern coast of England, where they now walked and were delighting in the White Cliffs and the Dover Castle, which loomed high above them. Elizabeth repeatedly voiced her delight in viewing this picturesque prospect. The ship, which was to take them across the English Channel to France for their wedding journey, was not to leave for another hour, so they leisurely took in the sights around this eastern port.
Elizabeth enjoyed breathing in the distinctive salty air that permeated the coast. She felt that she could not be happier; with her husband on her arm and the anticipation of spending the next ten days with him in Paris. She dug her arm more deeply into her husband’s at the mere thought of it.
A bit of a fog teased them, seemingly content to remain off shore, but occasionally stretching out one of its fingers to the mainland. The cool coastal breeze combined with the early morning chill brought a shiver to Elizabeth.
“Are you cold, my love?” asked Darcy, noticing her actions and pulling his arm out from hers and bringing it around her shoulder. “Would you care for my coat?”
“No, it actually feels quite refreshing,” laughed Elizabeth, “compared to what it has been like at home.” Back in Hertfordshire they had had some of the hottest days, especially on Jane and Charles’ wedding day. This was unquestionably an improvement.
“Would you care for something to eat before we board the ship?”
“I should like that very much,” answered Elizabeth.
They had stayed the night before in Darcy’s London townhome, and a small basket filled with foods was sent along with them. They found a bench to sit upon and Darcy looked in the basket, announcing to Elizabeth what had been provided for them to eat.
“It appears that we have some apples, breads and cheeses, and some sort of cake. Does anything sound to your liking?”
“I think I shall just have some bread and an apple.”
Darcy pulled out two linen napkins, placing one on Elizabeth’s lap and one on his. He handed Elizabeth her requested bread and fruit. Nestling her head against her husband’s large frame, and taking small bites of the food in front of her, she thought back to their wedding night.
*~*~*
Darcy had made arrangements for them to stay at a bungalow in the far south of Hertfordshire their first night as husband and wife. He would not yield to Bingley’s insistence that they stay at Netherfield. He politely but firmly declined. He did not wish to be anywhere near Netherfield or Longbourn! He wanted to be alone with his precious bride without any chance of being bothered.
They departed Netherfield in the late afternoon and arrived a little after dusk at a charming bungalow that Darcy had earlier secured for them. It was one of several which spread around the grounds that surrounded an inn. The bungalow had been meticulously prepared for their arrival with lit candles, flowers arranged around the room, (of course most of them were gardenias) and a plate of hors d’oeuvres and a selection of wines set out for them.
As their trunks were being carried in by Winston and Durnham, Elizabeth understandably felt a nervousness that compelled her to distract herself, and walked over to the plate of food that had been set out on a table. Without thought, she picked up one large, ripe strawberry from upon the plate. She found herself simply looking at it in her fingers, as she was really not very hungry. She could not determine whether it was lack of hunger or just plain nerves that caused her hesitancy to eat. Darcy happened to glance over at her and noticed her hesitancy as she brought the fruit up, and he continued to watch in stirring amusement as she toyed with it around her lips. Unaware that she was the object of his distraction, she began to take only small nibbles on it. When she raised her eyes up, she met Darcy’s amused stare. In a moment he was hastily walking toward her. Upon reaching her, he gently took hold of her wrist.
“If you do not wish to eat this, my dearest,” bringing up her hand that held the food, “I shall oblige and eat it for you. But if you do wish to consume it yourself, please do so quickly. I do not think I can endure watching you a moment longer.”
Elizabeth’s heart had pounded as she slowly brought the strawberry up to his lips, and he took it in one bite. His eyes did not leave Elizabeth’s face, until he abruptly remembered Winston and Durnham.
He turned to see that Winston had returned from taking their things into the bed chamber and was patiently awaiting further directions from him. Durnham remained in the room setting things out for the next day. Darcy quickly urged them both on. “That is good enough Winston. Durnham, I think that is all for the night. Thank you.”
“Shall I put...?” began the manservant.
“No, no that is all, thank you.”
Elizabeth nervously smiled at his apparent impatience. Darcy left Elizabeth’s side to walk the two men to the door, and her eyes were brought down to his hand. She smiled when she noticed it. His right hand was tightened into a fist and he was furiously rubbing his thumb and finger together. She had often noticed him doing that when he appeared nervous or impatient. Certainly he would not be nervous tonight; that was her role!
Winston and Durnham excused themselves, wishing them a good night and confirming that they would see them in the morning. Then the two men set off for the room inside the inn that Darcy had procured for them.
*~*~*
Now, looking out at the great blue sea, a brisk gust of wind whipped at them both, bringing her back to the present. They both finished their small snack, and stood up to begin walking again.
They had departed the townhouse very early that morning to arrive in plenty of time for the ship’s departure. As the sun had not even appeared when they had boarded the carriage hours earlier, Elizabeth had been content to quickly fall asleep in her husband’s arms once they were settled in and on their way.
Now, as they continued their walk along the coast, watching the luggage being loaded, Elizabeth let out a big yawn. She leaned her head more deeply against her husband and sighed. Her thoughts continued to return to the two previous nights. How many times was it, she wondered, that one of them awakened and effectively managed to awaken the other? She smiled. She was not sure if every night would be like the last two nights. If they were, she was sure they would both suffer greatly from lack of sleep.
“Are you fatigued my dear? Is there anything you need?” asked Darcy.
“Nothing that a nice comfortable bed will not remedy.”
Darcy raised his eyebrows in surprise and turned to look at her, noticing her already coloured cheeks. He lowered his lips to her ear and whispered, “Is that sleep you desire, my love, or could it be something else?” The teasing look in his eyes was mixed with an earnest passion.
“Sleep does actually sound quite appealing as I am quite tired. I think I shall attempt to get a little rest once on board the ship.” Now she met his eyes with an enticing look. “Consequently, by this evening I will most likely no longer be tired and I think I shall have to find some diversion to occupy my... I mean, our... time.”
“I believe, according to the itinerary I have, that this evening does hold some free time available for... uh... such a diversion.”
Elizabeth shivered again, but most likely not from the cool air that was surrounding her. They continued to walk along the coast at Dover with his arm securely around her and she felt the same unmistakable assurance and unfathomable comprehension that Darcy loved her very deeply and unselfishly. That she was the object of his affection never ceased to amaze her. Recollecting that she almost threw his love away grieved her. But what had happened between them brought about for her a deeper regard for this man who had continued to pursue her, even when she had given him every indication that she wanted nothing to do with him.
At length it was time for the passengers to embark the ship. Darcy and Elizabeth walked back over to Winston to bid him farewell. “Goodbye, Winston. I trust you will take good care of Georgiana as you return to Pemberley.”
“I most certainly will. Goodbye, Sir. Goodbye, Mrs. Darcy. A pleasant journey to you both.”
“Goodbye, Mr. Winston. Thank you so much for everything.”
“We shall see you in ten days, then.” Darcy turned, and taking his wife’s arm, walked alongside her toward the ship.
As the two departed, Winston could not but feel that this was a good thing for his master. From the moment he met Elizabeth, not more than four months ago, he had been convinced of her sweet, pleasant, and lively character. He could tell she was a woman of integrity and compassion, especially noticed in the interaction between herself and his master’s sister. When she had first come to Pemberley, Darcy was unconscious from a carriage accident. The engaging way in which she handled herself had been noticed by all the household staff. They knew there was some sort of history between Darcy and this young lady, but they knew not what. Little did they know that in a few month’s time she would become the Mistress of Pemberley. They had gave their hearty approval when it was announced..
Once on board the ship, Elizabeth and Darcy stood together at the rail, as it slowly sailed away from the dock. They took in the sights and watched as it sailed past the white cliffs. The breeze over the open waters was brisker and therefore it was cooler out here.
“If the winds continue in our favour, we shall be in France by dusk. Because of the fog, we most likely will not see the coast of France for some time. Shall we go inside where it is warmer, Lizbeth?”
“Oh, Will, let us stay outside as long as we can. The cliffs are too majestic a sight to not view from the deck.” Suddenly there was a great sound from up above them as all the sails were unfurled and immediately the wind caught in them. The ship responded by picking up some speed. Elizabeth watched with great excitement. “Did you see that? Look at how beautiful those sails are!”
Darcy glanced up at the sails, but returned his gaze to his wife, as he felt she was more beautiful to look upon than any sail. He especially loved it when something delighted her. She found great pleasure and enjoyment in many things, even the simplest things, and he had come to delight in her more so because of that.
The wind, beating against them, increased in intensity as the ship picked up speed. It somehow caught Darcy’s neckcloth, loosening its knot. Elizabeth turned to him and began to repair it, pulling out the pin, and reinserting it back in its intricate fold so it would hold. When she finished, she slowly brought her fingers down, pausing ever so slightly as she touched the buttons of his waistcoat.
Darcy had been watching Elizabeth, and as she peered up to him through her lashes, her thoughts returned again to two nights ago. The smile that came across her face in remembrance matched that of her husband’s and she somehow knew that he was thinking back to that night as she was.
*~*~*
After Winston and Durnham left that night, Elizabeth changed in the dressing room into her silk gown. When she finished, she came out to meet her husband. He had removed his overcoat, vest, and neck cloth; the top two buttons on his shirt unbuttoned. He was sitting, in the process of removing his boots, when she stepped into the room to join him.
He immediately stood up and gazed upon her with complete abandon. As he took two large strides to meet her in the middle of the room, Elizabeth’s eyes remained transfixed on his chest. Her mind went back to the night at Pemberley when she had clumsily struggled to unbutton his nightshirt because of his fever. Her attempts to do a simple task as unbuttoning a button had caused her much consternation.
Darcy had put his finger under her chin and lifted her face up so she would look at him. He assumed she was feeling rather shy and that was why she was unable to meet his eyes. But when her eyes came up, they were filled with much amusement. Darcy furrowed his brows in an attempt to discern what was causing this.
“What is going on inside that little head of yours, Lizbeth?”
She looked back down to his chest and timidly brought her fingers up to the next button of his shirt, which he had not yet undone. “Just a memory.”
“Pray tell, of what?”
“Of the first time I did this,” she answered as she nimbly took the button in her fingers and unbuttoned it.
Elizabeth noticed the abrupt change in his breathing as he struggled to say, “Sorry? You did what?”
She very softly answered, “Unbuttoned your shirt.”
Darcy drew in a sharp breath as Elizabeth proceeded down to the next. “My dearest Lizbeth.” He paused, making a vain attempt at self-control. “If you had ever engaged in this type of activity with me, be assured I would have a vivid memory of it.”
Her fingers went to the next button, coyly meeting his gaze. “I fear you were not in any condition to recollect.” She looked up at him and smiled. “It was when you had a fever and I had to open your nightshirt so I could wipe down your chest with cool cloths.”
He slowly shook his head and closed his eyes. “Lizbeth, it is perhaps best that I never knew this until tonight, as it would have been one more thought of you that would have incessantly tormented me.”
Elizabeth returned her focus to the next stubborn button, which upon release caused his shirt to fold down at the collar and revealed a pleasantly sculpted chest. Now it was Elizabeth’s turn to take a deep breath. “I hope you will not think me imprudent when I tell you how often I have thought back to that night.”
He pulled her close and suddenly her face was brushing up against him. She closed her eyes and could feel his heart pounding deep within. After a few moments he was able to whisper the words, “No, indeed I do not, Lizbeth. Indeed I do not.”
*~*~*
Elizabeth eyed the neckcloth, bringing her back to the present and was only partially satisfied with her attempt at salvaging its knot. Her abilities in this arena would not compare to the exquisite aptness of his manservant Durnham. Darcy had decided that for the time they were to stay in France, he could do without him. And he knew that at the inns they were to visit, they could avail themselves of menservants and maids as needed. So Durnham had stayed behind in London.
When they had sailed quite a distance from the England shore, the newlyweds went down below to the small sitting room that Darcy had secured for them. The room was simply furnished with only a small sofa and chair. The two chose to sit together on the sofa, Elizabeth leaning her head in the crux of her husband’s arm. The gentle rocking of the ship had increased some as they reached more open waters, but fortunately neither of them seemed unduly affected by it. And as the gentle rocking of the ship continued, Elizabeth and Darcy both succumbed to the relaxing movement and soon they both were fast asleep.
The two slept very soundly, waking only when some bells were rung above them. Upon waking, both required a few moments to realize where they were. Darcy stretched out his legs and one free arm in front of him.
Elizabeth stood with him and reached up to straighten her bonnet, only to discover that it had slid off and was lying against her back, held only by the ribbon around her chin. She reached back to pull it back up, but Darcy put his hand up to stop her.
“No, no, leave it down.”
“Down?”
“Yes, I like it better this way.” He cocked his head to one side, admiring her beauty.
Elizabeth reluctantly agreed, and looked in the small mirror that hung on the wall to check her hair. She repositioned some pins that had pulled loose and pulled up some errant strands of hair that had tried to sneak down.
They freshened up and ate a light snack that had been provided before going up. As they made their way back up the stairs to the deck, Elizabeth noticed a buzz of excitement coming from the crowd of people at the railing of the ship. When the Darcys made their way over to join the group, they could see land.
“Look, Will. There is France! I cannot believe it! This is so exciting!”
“Yes, I daresay I am all flutterings myself!” he said drolly.
Elizabeth laughed at his attempt at humour. “I shall not let you dampen my excitement about seeing France for the first time. I know you have been here before and it is all just a common, everyday experience for you.” She turned from him to the land they were approaching. “But this is brand new to me and I shall shout with glee at seeing the Notre Dame, taking a boat ride on the Seine River, and viewing Luxembourg Gardens and the Louvre.”
“Lizbeth, it does not matter to me where I am, as long you are by my side. I could be lost in the sands of the Sahara desert or the frozen wastelands of the north, but as long as I had you by my side, I would be happy.”
“Well, I am certainly glad, then, that Paris is where we are headed. You shall not have any doubt that I will enjoy every moment we are here!”
“Every moment? For that I am most pleasantly grateful!” He pulled her close, but did not look at her and see the askance glance she gave him. But he was indeed smiling.
As the ship approached land, the sun was just making its descent toward the western horizon, shining its gold and red rays out across the sea like little fingers below it and a watercolour picture above it. Elizabeth had never seen such a beautiful sight - the sun setting on the ocean. She folded her arms on the rail, intently watching and enjoying this memorable scene.
Darcy again took notice of her pleasure in the setting of the sun. “I hope you are pleased with the sunset. I ordered it especially for you tonight, my love.”
Elizabeth chuckled, “Yes, I like it very much! Did you order one for every night of our wedding journey?”
“Ahh, that I will not say. In that I will leave you to be surprised. We shall just have to make sure we venture out at dusk each night to check, shall we not?”
Elizabeth took his large hand in hers and squeezed it. He leaned over and nuzzled his nose into her hair, enjoying the freedom from its bonnet and her scent that was more pleasing to him than the salty air. He put his other arm lightly around her back and coarsely whispered, “What would you do if I pulled you into my arms right now and kissed you in front of all these people?”
Elizabeth felt a tingling down her spine, and forced herself to not lean in to her husband, but to straighten up. “Will, you would not truly do such a thing!” Her mock indignation amused him. Under her breath she added, “You may save it for later! When we are alone!”
With a smile tugging at his mouth, without her knowledge, he placed his lips on the top of her head and kissed her.
The ship came into port at Calais, and as everyone left the ship, Elizabeth held tightly onto Darcy’s arm. There was something both exciting, yet frightening about being in a foreign country. Suddenly almost everyone around them was speaking a foreign language. Elizabeth could speak a little French, but understood even less, especially when spoken by a native Frenchman. She suddenly realized how terrifying it would be to be here and not know the language. She was grateful that her husband was most proficient at speaking and understanding it.
They walked up to a line of waiting carriages, their drivers calling out in French and broken English that they were for hire. Darcy eyed the drivers and singled one out, a young man, and walked over to him. He spoke to him and introduced himself. It appeared to Elizabeth that her husband was making arrangements with him.
Darcy and the driver walked over to where they were unloading the passenger’s luggage and Darcy pointed theirs out to them. He brought it over and the young man loaded it on the carriage.
Darcy introduced the coachman to Elizabeth. “Elizabeth, this is Jacques. Jacques, this is my wife, Mrs. Darcy.”
Jacques smiled and uttered some words in French. Elizabeth understood him to say pleasant... beautiful... and wife. Elizabeth returned his smile, knowing that whatever he had said, it would have sounded most lovely to her ears. The French words seem to pour like honey from his lips.
Elizabeth tried her hand at French in returning thanks for the apparent compliment. “Merci beaucoup.”
Jacques smiled and helped the two on board. He seemed impressed with his patron’s choice of accommodations and knew that if he handled things right, he would get a big tip. And possibly an extended hire.
Before he closed the door, he spoke. “If you go on to Paris tomorrow, I would be most happy to oblige you with trip. If you just tell me what time to be at hotel, I be there. I know Paris well and could tell you all best places to see. You probably know most famous places to go, but I know places that most tourists not aware of,” he said in his broken English. “I have aunt there I can stay with so you not need worry about where I stay.”
He did not wait for an answer, but closed the door, hoping to give the gentleman a chance to consider his offer.
Jacques drove very carefully through the streets of Calais. He concentrated on getting his patrons to the hotel without any discomfort or difficulty so they might think favourably on his offer. Inside the carriage, Darcy and Elizabeth had quite forgotten the young man’s request, as Darcy had pulled Elizabeth close to him, wrapped his arms around her and lost himself in the scent of her hair. He began to slowly pull out the pins that had been holding it up. She was mindful that he was playing with her hair, but was not aware, until suddenly some of it came cascading down, what he had done.
“William!” She grabbed at her hair that had come loose. “Look what you have done! What will everyone think?”
“My dear, here in France they do not worry about what others think and neither should you. They enjoy life. They will look at you and see a beautiful lady who is with her husband who admires her.” And with that he continued to pull out the pins until her hair was loose around her shoulders. When it was completely down, he took his fingers and ran them through her hair, loosening it from the hold that the pins had on it. Elizabeth silently admitted to herself that it felt much better down, but was not sure she was ready to go out in public with it like this, even if it was France.
The carriage travelled across the small city of Calais; the sights and sounds of this bustling port town going unnoticed by Jacque’s patrons.
The carriage pulled up in front of a large inn, the Calais Magnifique. Jacques reined in the horses, and brought them and the carriage to a stop, instantly hopping down to open the door. He inwardly berated himself for his promptness as he discovered the couple in a very fervent embrace, completely oblivious to the fact that they had stopped and the door had opened.
He discreetly cleared his throat, but Elizabeth had already just become aware of the carriage stopping and the subsequent opening of the door, and she was prudently trying to disengage herself from her husband’s arms.
Jacques stood off to the side, politely averting his eyes, as Darcy sighed and slowly pulled himself away. When Darcy emerged from the carriage, he straightened himself up and smoothed out his clothes. He reached in for Elizabeth’s hand and helped her out. Jacques looked at her and smiled, noting her change in hairstyle but being discreet enough not to mention it.
Jacques went around to the back to remove the luggage and carried it inside the inn. They walked toward the front desk, admiring the elegant room with its ornamental gilding and fine polished brass. Jacques followed them with their luggage. When Darcy procured the key, they made their way to their room.
Upon reaching the room, Darcy opened the door, and Jacques brought the luggage in and set it down. “Is there anything else you need, Sir?”
“Jacques,” Darcy began. “If you would be so kind as to remain down at your carriage while we get settled. Then, would you take us to the very best restaurant in town? We are quite hungry and would like to eat some place that has the finest food and a pleasant atmosphere.”
“Sir,” Jacques replied. “I be most happy to convey you in my carriage to best restaurant. But as it is located just across street, I must decline. I believe you can walk across easily.” With that he bowed.
Darcy pulled out some money and handed it to the young man. “Thank you. Now, can you be here at eight in the morning?”
“Sir?”
“You said you would be willing to take us to Paris and remain there as our driver?”
“Oui! Yes!”
“Then be here at eight in the morning.”
“Merci, Sir, thank you very much! And may I wish you and your beautiful wife to have wonderful night!”
Darcy looked from him to Elizabeth and then back. “Thank you, Jacques. And perhaps you should make it nine.”
Jacques politely bowed, and with a lighter gait exited the room and closed the door.
Elizabeth looked at her husband. “What was that all about?”
“I knew that the best place to eat here was at LeMieux, and it is situated just across the street. I was giving him a little test to see what he would do. Since he did not insist in driving us somewhere else, I figured he was good and honest, and we could hire him and his carriage to convey us to Paris and take us around while we are there.”
Darcy brought his arms around Elizabeth. “Now, my dear, as much as I would like to continue where we left off in the carriage, I fear my stomach is making some very loud demands. Are you hungry?”
“Yes, very.”
“Then let us go eat.” He reached down and gently kissed her, bringing both his hands up and letting his fingers saunter through her long hair. “But then again...”
Elizabeth gently pushed him away. “First I think we must eat.”
Darcy slipped his hand around Elizabeth’s arm and they walked out. As they passed once more through the entryway, Elizabeth marvelled again at the grandeur of it. A huge chandelier hung from the centre, its hundreds of candles flickering their light around the room. The wooden floors throughout the lobby were graced with area rugs that looked as though they had come from Asia, with very intricate woven patterns. Chairs and sofas had been placed around upon which guests could lounge.
Darcy turned to her. Noticing the look of admiration on her face, he asked, “Are you pleased with it?”
“Yes, very much. I am not quite sure I will want to leave this place tomorrow morning.”
“I am quite certain, my dear, that you will be just as happy with our accommodations in Paris. Besides, we shall come back here and stay one night before our return to England.”
Darcy and Elizabeth then proceeded across the street to eat. The little restaurant was dimly lit with dark furnishings and fine linens gracing each table. A trio of men played romantic melodies on violins as the diners ate. The air was filled with the aromas of different foods, causing the two of them to realize just how hungry they were. The menus were brought to both of them and Darcy conversed with the waiter in French. He then returned the menus.
“What did you order us? I only understood the word potato.”
Darcy laughed. “That is exactly what I ordered for you -- a potato.” He shrugged his shoulders.
Elizabeth smiled at her husband’s attempt at humour. For most of the months that she had been acquainted with this man, he had seemed aloof, sombre and acutely arrogant. To now see him tease, smile, and laugh warmed her heart. She could not help but return his smile.
He took her hand in his, and wrapped his other hand around them both, inattentively rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb. She smiled softly, as she thought back to Jane’s wedding, and how this little nervous action of his drove her to distraction.
“What do you find so amusing, Lizbeth?”
“Just enjoying being with you, that is all, and enjoying all your idiosyncrasies.”
“Sorry? What idiosyncrasies would you be referring to?”
“Why that you always rub your thumb and fingers together when you are anxious about something. But, if my hand happens to be in the way...” Elizabeth glanced down at it, “...as it is now, your thumb rubs my hand. I believe you are not even aware of it!”
Darcy looked down at his hand and shook his head in disagreement. “I do no such thing! Perhaps I just like the touch of your hand.”
Now it was Elizabeth’s turn to laugh. “I have been watching you do it all evening, but I will give you the benefit of the doubt tonight. I shall let you think whatever you like about why you do it.”
“Thank you.” Darcy looked at Elizabeth and smiled, making a mental note that she was a most observant and precise studier of persons and she knew him, oh too well. He had to admit to himself that she was right. He was anxious. Although it was an eager anxiousness, he did not know how long it would be before he did not feel the butterflies and anxious anticipation of their nights together. But then, he hoped he would never get to the point of feeling impassive about it.
Georgiana Darcy opened her eyes slowly and quickly snapped them back closed as the bright sun coming through the window assailed them. She waited momentarily, this time burying her head into her pillow before opening them again. Rubbing her eyes with her hands, she slowly lifted her head to look at the room about her. She was in one of the rooms at Netherfield, a guest of Charles and Jane, and as her mind wandered back to the previous day, she smiled, as she recollected her brother’s and Elizabeth’s wedding. To this young sixteen-year-old girl who idolized her older brother, it had seemed the most perfect wedding. She could not be happier with his choice for a wife and the woman who would henceforth be her sister.
It had been a busy day and a late night, and she wondered if anyone else would have yet arisen. She glanced over to the small clock on the mantel above the hearth and saw that it was eight thirty. Certainly someone would be up. She sat her tall, but slender form up, dislodging herself from the light blanket that covered her this warm summer morning. She knew she could call for a maid to help her dress, but wanted some time alone, so she went to the chair that was placed in front of a small dresser and mirror, and sat down in front of it. She picked up her brush and began brushing her straight, blond hair, then proceeded to put it up with a few strategically placed pins.
She poured water from a blue porcelain pitcher into its matching bowl and rinsed her face and hands. It felt refreshing and soothing and helped her shake off the effects of sleep. She went into the dressing room, selected a canary yellow polished cotton dress, and made herself ready to present herself downstairs.
Quietly making her way down the long, wooden staircase, she turned toward the dining room. She passed the large ballroom; empty now, save for remnants of ribbons and flowers that had decorated the room the day prior. She took in a deep breath as she saw the gardenias, savouring the scent of those flowers so special to her, her brother, his wife, and, as she recently found out, her late mother.
The newlyweds departed in the evening and it was decided that Georgiana would remain on at Netherfield for a few additional days. The young lady eagerly looked forward to remaining here a few additional days, hoping to form a better acquaintance with Elizabeth’s three younger sisters, with whom she had spent very little time since arriving in Hertfordshire just a month earlier.
She tiptoed across the hall downstairs, crossing over toward the closed door to the dining room. She thought she heard voices coming from inside and hoped that it was Charles or Jane. As she drew closer, she realized most likely that neither were there, due to the direction the discourse was going.
“Louisa, I cannot bear to remain here any longer! Now that these tedious weddings are over, I must be on my way! We must consider leaving this very morning!”
“Caroline, it would appear so sudden. What would Charles think?”
“I really do not care! I have remained here long enough! I do not think I can bear this insipid country village any longer. I am in need of some pleasant distractions, which the society of Hertfordshire cannot satisfy. We can go to your townhome in London until I decide what to do.”
“You are more than welcome to travel with us to our home, Caroline. But are you sure you wish to leave Netherfield today?”
“The sooner the better! Charles has his little wife to help him out with the place here. All the guests here now are inconsequential to me, being solely Mr. Darcy’s family and acquaintances. Most of them are staying another day or two. We must take our leave today!”
Georgiana easily heard Miss Bingley’s sarcastic tone as her brother’s name was mentioned.
“If you are certain, we can make every effort to leave some time today. Do you think we could somehow manage that, dear?”
Georgiana stood outside the door and continued to listen, but did not hear the reply. She believed she only heard a grunt.
“Good!” was Caroline’s reply. “There is nothing left for me to do here! I just wish... Oh, why do things never turn out like you wish them to?”
Georgiana heard the forceful meeting of a piece of silverware against a plate. The sudden sound of a chair being abruptly pushed back startled her and she stepped away from the door a few steps. As the sound of angry footsteps drew closer, she began walking toward the door, as if she had just come down.
“Why dear Georgiana,” cried Caroline with an artificial smile. “If you will please excuse me, I am sorry but I shall not be able to dine with you this morning. You see, the Hursts have invited me to stay with them at their townhome for a while and I must get ready as we are to leave this very day.”
Caroline quickly moved past her and Georgiana thought back to all the times Caroline would simply hover about her, unduly praising her, trying to flatter her, and incessantly referring to herself as her close friend. It was interesting that all that now seemed to have changed. She smiled to herself, with an inaudible Thank goodness!
Walking into the dining room, Georgiana found the Hursts still dining. Mr. Hurst was devouring what was still left on his plate in a most ungentlemanlike manner. Mrs. Hurst seemed to be just picking at her food.
“Good morning,” Georgiana said politely.
“Oh, good morning, Georgiana. How are you this fine morning?” Mrs. Hurst at least seemed civil towards her.
“I am well. And you?”
Mr. Hurst grunted in between bites and Louisa Hurst replied to her that they were both well. Georgiana took a seat at the end of the table and hoped that Charles and Jane would come down soon. As much as she admired Charles and Jane, it was the company of his sisters that heightened her reserve. Whereas she flourished in the presence of Elizabeth, she floundered in the presence of Caroline and Louisa.
“Miss Bingley informs me that you all are leaving,” she spoke quietly and with great effort.
“Yes, my dear. We will be leaving as soon as everything is readied. We do not want to overextend our welcome here. We believe Charles and Jane would wish a little peace and quiet and some privacy. They have had little of either since returning from their wedding journey.”
“Yes.” It was true that Charles and Jane, having married three weeks prior, left on a ten day journey, only to return in the midst of final arrangements for Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s wedding. There was little Charles and Jane had to do, as most of the details were already taken care of, but as the wedding breakfast was at Netherfield, and most of Darcy’s guests invited to stay there, it had been unusually hectic.
Georgiana looked at the selection of foods in front of her on the table and decided she would enjoy eating right now more than conversing. She helped herself to some fruit and bread.
After a few minutes of eating in silence, Charles and Jane came down and joined Georgiana and the Hursts. Georgiana’s face lit up as they entered the room. She had greatly enjoyed getting to know her new sister-in-law and was grateful that she also felt very comfortable in her presence. She discovered that Jane’s quiet demeanour was very complementary to her own.
“Good morning, Georgiana!” beamed a smiling Charles. “Good morning Louisa, good morning, Hurst.”
He was rewarded with another grunt from Hurst, and a good morning from Louisa.
Jane came to Georgiana, putting her arms around her. “Good morning, Georgiana. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Charles and Jane took their seats at the table. Charles looked at the young girl and said to her, “Jane tells me that you are going to be visiting Longbourn today to spend some time with your other new sisters.”
“Yes, I am looking forward to being with Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. Since coming here, I have had little opportunity to spend time alone with them.”
“Now, Georgiana, just remember that they are nothing like my angel, Jane, nor are they like Elizabeth.” He laughed as he gave her this admonition and brought his arm around his wife, patting her on the shoulder.
Jane took the young girl’s hand in hers and smiled. “Do not pay any attention to my husband. He likes to tease so. They are all very sweet girls.”
“I shall enjoy my time with them, I am quite sure.”
Louisa had finished all she was eating and set down her fork. “Charles, Caroline and I have talked, and we shall all be leaving this morning. She would like to go back to town for a while, so she will be staying with us. She is upstairs getting ready to leave, as we speak.”
“I hope you do not feel as though you have to leave. You are welcome to remain here as long as you wish.” Bingley assured her.
“Charles, you are too kind, but I fear country life is beginning to wear on Caroline. I do not believe she is suited to life here.”
“But...” Charles began.
Jane put her hand out and placed it on Charles’ hand, patting it gently. “Charles, not everyone enjoys being so removed from city life. I can understand her wanting a change.”
“So, you are all leaving this morning?”
“Yes, we talked about it last night and then again this morning. It is settled.”
“I shall inform Metcalf, then, that you are leaving and to make the proper arrangements.”
As soon as Georgiana heard this, she breathed a sigh of relief. She was hoping Charles would not talk them out of leaving. She would feel much more comfortable here without Caroline’s presence looming over the place.
The Hursts and Caroline were quickly packed and had left Netherfield by eleven that morning. Georgiana spent that time talking with Jane and Mrs. Annesley, her governess. In the afternoon, she was taken, along with Jane, by carriage to Longbourn, where she was to spend the rest of the day in companionship with her new sisters.
As she and Jane entered the modest Bennet home, she was greeted effusively by Mrs. Bennet.
“Come in, dear Jane. Come in dearest Georgiana. Was that not the most beautiful wedding yesterday? I dare say that I have not seen a finer one, excepting of course, yours and Charles’, Jane. But the flowers yesterday, were not the gardenias most heavenly? They had the most beautiful scent! And Mr. Darcy, is he not the finest husband for our Lizzy?”
Georgiana was grateful that Mrs. Bennet did not allow enough time between all her questions to require an answer. She simply nodded as Jane gently took her mother’s arm. “Mamma, I believe Georgiana would like to spend some time with the girls. Do you know where they are?”
“Of course! They are all in the sitting room. Hill, will you show Miss Darcy the way.”
“Thank you,” replied Georgiana.
Georgiana was grateful for this opportunity to talk with her new sisters and was hoping she would find a bonding friendship with one of the younger girls more her age. Georgiana came to the sitting room where Mary was reading and Lydia was working with some ribbons and flowers to decorate a bonnet. Kitty was sitting forlornly at one of the windows looking out.
“Georgiana!” cried Lydia, even before she was announced.
Georgiana smiled timidly as the youngest of the sisters came running up to her. “Good afternoon Lydia.” She looked to the others sisters and greeted them also. By the expression on their faces, it appeared to Georgiana that Mary was inwardly berating Lydia, and that Kitty was upset about something. Obviously, something had just transpired before she arrived that elated Lydia but was not as agreeable to the other two girls.
She soon found out what it was.
“Georgiana, I have the most exciting news to tell you!” Lydia grabbed Georgiana’s hand and pulled her over to a chair where she motioned for her to sit. “I am to go to Brighton!” She looked over to Kitty as if in triumph. “As the particular guest of the Forsters!”
Georgiana looked a little puzzled. “Brighton?”
“Yes, where the ____militia went to! They had been here in Meryton, and we got to know so many of the officers. I was so distressed when they left! But now I shall see all those handsome officers again! Denny! Wickham! Chamberlayne!”
Georgiana’s heart began pounding and she reactively brought her hands up to her now warm face, covering her mouth. She recalled Lydia’s outburst the evening they dined at Longbourn about how handsome Wickham was, and realized the youngest Bennet sister had no inclination of his true character.
Mary, seeing Georgiana’s reaction, began to comment. “I can see from Miss Darcy’s response, that she, too, must be appalled at this very impolitic course of action. A woman must be very careful with...”
“Oh, Mary! Georgiana is just envious! As Kitty is!” interrupted Lydia.
Kitty looked at her in anger. “Lydia, I am not envious. I would not be interested in going with you even if they had asked me.” Tears came to her eyes and she looked away.
“Ah ha! I hardly believe that!” Lydia beamed at her and turned back to Georgiana. “I shall be leaving on the morrow! Mamma is so happy for me as well!”
Georgiana felt a dread rise up in her and she knew, as distressing as this was going to be to her, she needed to talk to Lydia -- alone!
Georgiana did not want to draw attention to her going off alone with Lydia, so she searched for a way to secure some time by herself with her. She quickly came up with an idea.
“I only have a little bit of time today to spend with the three of you, and I would take much pleasure in getting to know each of you a little better. Do you suppose that I could have some time alone with each of you, and then we can all visit together after that?”
Lydia squealed that it seemed like a fine idea. She was so looking forward to telling her all about her plans and was more than happy to do it without the sermonic platitudes of Mary, nor the whining objections of Kitty. She wrapped her arm around Georgiana’s and looked to the other girls and announced, “I am first!”
The two decided to walk outside, and Georgiana prayed for the words to say and the courage to say them. Georgiana’s heart was pounding as she knew what she had to say would not make Lydia happy and would cause herself much shame. She remembered Elizabeth’s words to her that she should not worry about what others thought when she had something to say. And she knew that this was something she had to say for Lydia’s own good.
Georgiana did not want to appear that this was the only thing she wanted to talk to Lydia about, so at first they discussed Lydia’s interests and accomplishments. Lydia had never learned to play an instrument; only Jane, Elizabeth and Mary had been given lessons. By the time Kitty and Lydia came along, things had become somewhat lax around the Bennet household and they were never encouraged, nor expected, to take any musical lessons.
Georgiana did find out that she enjoyed decorating bonnets, embellishing them, as well as embellishing the dresses that were bought or made for her, or handed down from one of her elder sisters. No, she did not sew herself. She did a small bit of needlework and read even less. Georgiana was soon under the impression that Lydia’s main interests were officers. As much as she tried to steer her away from talking about them, Lydia always found a way to go back to the subject of handsome men in redcoats.
“Oh, I have been so bored these past few months with the militia gone. To be sure the weddings were nice and all, but they would have been so much better if the men in their redcoats were there. Do you not think they would have been just what was needed to liven things up a bit?”
Georgiana weakly smiled, not even knowing how to begin to break into her exuberance.
Lydia tightened her grip on Georgiana’s arm. “I think those men in the militia can dance so much better than anyone else here, everything would have been so much more fun!”
“I...uh...” Georgiana stopped walking and turned to look at Lydia. “Lydia, there is something I need to tell you before you leave for Brighton.”
Lydia cocked her head at the seriousness of Georgiana’s tone and noticed that her face grew flushed. She felt a wave of fear course through her, wondering whether Georgiana would be of the same mind and disposition as Mary and would begin giving her sermonic platitudes against it.
“What is it?” Lydia asked cautiously.
“I must tell you...warn you...about one particular officer.” She looked down, but then forced herself to look back up. “Mr. Wickham.”
“Mr. Wickham! What is there to warn me about him?”
Georgiana swallowed, her mouth turning very dry. “He is not what you think. He is not what he appears.”
“But we all know Wickham is friendly, and fun, and...”
“Lydia, I have known him all my life. He grew up with our family.” She turned her eyes to the ground again, as she tried to summon the strength to continue. “Last year, he deceived me and tried to talk me into eloping with him. I am ashamed to admit that I agreed. I was only fifteen. If my brother had not come when he did, I would have made a terrible mistake. He only wanted to marry me so he could inherit my fortune and have revenge on my brother.” Here she looked back up at Lydia. “If he had married me at all.”
Lydia, for one time in her life, stood speechless. “I cannot believe it!”
“Oh, please do believe it! He is not to be trusted! He says one thing but does another. He is only looking for an easy way to make a fortune. He lives his life by gambling and building up debts. And he has spent his adult life looking for some young, wealthy girl to marry, solely for her fortune.”
Lydia laughed. “Well, I guess that would certainly leave me out, then!”
Georgiana took her hand. “Except for the fact that you are now my brother’s sister. Mr. Wickham may try something deceitful through you to extort money from him. There are many reasons he may still seek revenge against my brother. Please be careful Lydia. Do not trust him. No matter what he says.”
Lydia saw the earnestness in her eyes and promised she would. They walked back to the house, and talked of other things. Just before they walked in, Georgiana stopped her. “Lydia, I know you will have a good time with your friends. But please, do not share with anyone what I have shared with you unless you really need to. As you can imagine, I am quite ashamed of what I almost did. I only shared it with you because I felt it was so important for you to realize what Mr. Wickham is really like.”
Lydia promised that her secret was safe with her.
They went inside and Georgiana asked Mary to join her next. Instead of going for a walk with her, they went up to her room. Mary showed Georgiana her library of sermon books, philosophy books, and doctrinal commentaries. She had a miniature library in her own room! Georgiana now understood a little bit more about her just by looking at the books she surrounded herself with.
“Mary, have you read all these books?” asked Georgiana.
“Not all of them all the way through. But I have made it a practice to read something from one of these books every day and make a practical application of it to my life.”
“That is quite an achievement.”
“Thank you.” Mary smiled. “I do not believe one can go through life without basing it on some fundamental principle of truth. Do you not agree?”
Georgiana smiled as she knew she could agree with her on that point, but was hoping she would not engage her in a conversation that was so philosophically deep that she would be lost. Georgiana answered her. “I think it is very prudent to know what truths guide your life, the decisions you make, and the actions you take. Yes I do agree.”
“I thought so.” Mary said triumphantly. “I see so little of that these days. People say and do things just on the whim of the moment. That is why there is so much inconstancy.”
“Mary, do you like to do anything else besides read?” Georgiana tried to change the subject.
“I love my music. I love to play the piano and sing.”
Georgiana nodded as she recalled hearing of her less than proficient musical abilities. “Someday you must play and sing for me.”
“I would be most happy to.”
They talked for some time on their preferences of music. They actually both liked similar music, mostly classical, although Mary’s favourites extended more toward the intense and melancholy tunes. Georgiana encouraged her to faithfully practice and discovered that one of the reasons Mary was not proficient on the pianoforte was that she was always trying a new piece of music out before she had mastered the ones she should have been practicing.
At length, Georgiana thanked Mary for the time spent with her. Mary stood up with her and they proceeded back to the sitting room where Kitty was still in a deep despondency. When Kitty saw them walk in, her face brightened, and she asked if she could take her time with Georgiana outside.
Georgiana heartily agreed.
They walked deep into the yard and sat down together on a bench. There was silence between the two. Georgiana was at a loss as to what to say. Kitty did not speak as she was still quite despondent over the matter of Lydia leaving.
Finally Georgiana broke the silence. “Are you particularly unhappy about not being able to go to Brighton, Kitty?”
“It is not merely that.” Kitty took in a deep breath and shook her head. “It is just that so much has happened this past month. Both my elder sisters are married and gone. Lydia will be away most likely for the remainder of the summer. That will leave me with Mary. I am just dreadfully anticipating being here and being very lonely.”
Georgiana looked up at her and smiled. “I believe I know a little how you feel. You have been very fortunate to have four sisters. What fun you must have had growing up. For most of my life I have only had my brother, and he is so much older, and was often gone, so I know what it is to feel lonely.” Georgiana turned her eyes off to the distance as she continued. “As much as I love your sister Elizabeth, and look forward to her being my sister, I know that things will be different from now on between my brother and myself. I know that the two of them will need their time alone, and I wonder if I might at times feel somewhat in the way.” She turned back to look at her. “Kitty, I should very much like it if you and I could correspond with each other. I believe we could help each other get through these next few weeks.”
Kitty allowed a smile to grace her face. “Oh, Georgiana. I think that is a wonderful idea! I should enjoy that very much! Lydia has told me that she would write, but I really doubt that she will take the time to do it.”
“I shall make every effort to be faithful in writing you, Kitty.”
Georgiana was pleased with Kitty’s eagerness and willingness to be her friend. She had sensed in the days since arriving in Hertfordshire that she and Kitty were very compatible. She noticed that Kitty often followed Lydia, but in her heart felt that she just needed some gentle prodding in the right direction. She wanted to be a friend who could do that.
They sat and talked of other things for quite a while. Kitty was drawn by her quiet, but caring nature. There was something about her that touched her, and although Georgiana was not as lively as Lydia, Kitty felt they could be good friends. She looked forward to writing to her.
Just as they were about to join the others, Georgiana made the hopeful suggestion that Kitty might possibly be able to come to Pemberley some time and visit. She would have to wait to talk to her brother and Elizabeth about it, but hoped they would agree to her scheme. This pleased Kitty to no end, and she was actually pleasant for the rest of the day.
When their visit was over, and Jane and Georgiana returned to Netherfield, the young girl shared with Jane about her talk with Lydia.
“Oh, Georgiana, I was so concerned when Mamma told me what Lydia was doing. I know it was not easy for you to do, but I trust that knowing the truth about Mr. Wickham will hopefully keep Lydia out of trouble.”
“I hope so, Jane. I truly hope so.”
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