Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice) (20 page)

“By August.”  Darcy ran his hand through his hair.  “She has been with Georgiana since she was eight, she helped her through Father’s death, taught her . . .I have relied on her care more than I can say.  I cannot blame her wish to aid her father and return to her family, in fact, she indicated to me several months ago that this may happen.  I cannot be everything to Georgiana that she is.”

“Why not hire a new governess?”

He sighed.  “Well, Richard and I have discussed sending her to a finishing school.  I thought that the exposure to other girls would be good for her.”

Lord Matlock nodded.  “There is merit in that.  Audrey attended for a year, but she was a little older than Georgiana is now.”

“Well she is far too young to have an establishment formed for her.  She needs more than simply a companion at this point, and honestly, I think that she would learn little from another governess.”

“Have you spoken to her about this?”

“No, she will do as she is told, of course.”

“Of course she will.”  He considered his nephew, not agreeing with his decision, and saw the worry etched in his face.  “We would still be willing to let her live with us.”

“I am afraid that she would see that as more objectionable than me sending her away to school.  That would seem like a personal rejection.”

“Hmm, possibly, but I believe that she already feels rejected by your being out every night.”

“What exactly am I supposed to do, Uncle?  I must be her brother, but find a wife.  I must care for Pemberley, but also play the game of society.  Father doted on her so she expects a great deal more attention than most children receive from their parents.  I cannot live up to his example and fulfil everything else at once!  I am just barely feeling confident in my duties now!”  Darcy stood and began pacing the room.  “Her behaviour of late has been increasingly upsetting to me as well.  I know that she is unhappy with my town hours and socializing.  I have hardly been happy with it either, but she does not understand that.  She does not understand the pressure . . .I am doing my best Uncle, but I should not be taken to task by a barely thirteen-year-old girl!”

“I agree, but are you correcting her behaviour or just letting it go?  Do your feelings of guilt for her losing your father and your fear of not measuring up to him translate into anything more than the gifts you constantly purchase for her?  Indulgence is not the way to correct her.  She needs parenting.”

“I am not her father!”

“Yes you are.”

Darcy hung his head and shook it.  “Then she will go to school.  She will be safe, she will learn, she will make friends.  I think that is what she needs above everything.  She is going to have to learn how to get along with ladies, and that can only be learned with girls of her own age.”  He stopped and nodded.  “Yes, I have made my decision.  Is Richard at home?”

“No, but I will speak to him when he returns.  When will you speak to Georgiana?”

“I must attend this damn ball at the Whitcomb’s tonight, tomorrow I have no engagements.  It will be as good a time as any to tell her the news.” 

Lord Matlock nodded and studied his nephew’s strained expression.  “I hope that you manage to repair your humour before you go to the ball, and for once go with an open mind.  A wife would be good for you and your sister.  Perhaps the pressure you speak of would be relieved.” 

Darcy’s hand slipped into his pocket and touched the book of sonnets, then slowly withdrew.  “I know what I must do.

Chapter 9

“R
ichard, please join your mother and me in the study.”  Lord Matlock sent him a pointed look.  Fitzwilliam handed his hat to the servant, and straightening his uniform, walked curiously into the room.  “Shut the door.”  He did as he was told and stood before his seated mother and pacing father.  “I did not break it, whatever it was.”  He smiled.

“This is not a moment for levity.”  His father barked.

“Then please inform me of my offence.” 

“It is not an offence, dear.”  Lady Matlock said then glanced at her husband.  “It is Darcy.”

“Darcy.” 

“What the devil is wrong with him?”  Lord Matlock exclaimed.  “Do you know that he intends to ship Georgiana off to school?”

“We had discussed it.  What is the problem?  Many girls start school at ages younger than Georgiana.  Aunt Catherine thought it was a sound idea.”

“And when exactly did you start listening to her?” 

“You disagree with your sister’s pronouncements?”  Richard laughed and saw his father’s glare.  “Forgive me; I just do not understand the problem.  My sister attended school until she was sixteen and you formed an establishment for her, why should Georgiana be any different?”

“Your sister had not just lost her father.  We are concerned that sending her away will make her feel even more alone at a time when she needs her family.”

“Uncle George died over a year and a half ago.  I think that if we continue to mollycoddle her, it will do more damage than good.”  He saw his parents exchange glances with his harsh words and he sighed with frustration.  “Well what do you suggest Father?  I assume that Mrs. Somers has informed Darcy of her departure date?”  He saw the nod and continued. “I see.  Well, what do you expect of the man?  Can you not see how utterly overwhelmed he is?   He is working so hard to satisfy the requirements that have been showered on him to operate Pemberley and the townhouse, he has Georgiana, and on top of that he has you two pushing him out in the marriage mart every night!  He is so concerned about doing his duty that he is not taking time to consider the consequences of the methods he uses, and on top of that, he is so afraid of making a mistake.  Everywhere he turns it is another person demanding his attention, no wonder he chose Bingley as a friend.”

“What do you mean?”

“Bingley is grateful for his help and makes it clear.  He is guileless and undemanding.  Darcy is willing to overlook his ties to trade and from what I hear, an abominable family, just for the safe harbour of his friendship.  And then when it comes to marriage . . .” Richard stopped.  He would not betray Darcy’s fascination with Miss Bennet.

“Yes?”  Lady Matlock pressed.  “Richard, he has been absolutely unwelcoming to every woman . . .”

“Every woman you have pushed at him.”  Fitzwilliam laughed.  “He is clearly not interested in the game; he has too much on his plate.  I asked him to look carefully at the ladies, but I am relieved he has not made some rash move to achieve peace.”

“A wife would solve his problems with Georgiana.”

“You would expect his wife to teach her?” Richard sat down and crossed his legs.   “I would like to see a woman’s reaction to that idea.  A lady of the
ton
would not be marrying Darcy to become a governess.  If anything, the future Mrs. Darcy would expect a whirlwind of activity, glittering social engagements and appearances with her prize on her arm.”  He shook his head.  “Darcy hates his life now; I cannot imagine how dour his visage will become after marriage.  I pity the man.”

Lord Matlock looked at his wife who had closed her eyes.  “Perhaps we have been pushing too hard.”

Lady Matlock nodded.  “I have.  I just see him as so alone, Richard.  I know that a wife would relieve his burdens.”

“Not the ladies I have seen you thrusting at him.  Really Mother, what would some little girl do for him?  Or the widows or even the older women who are not taken yet.  Leave him alone; take this pressure away from him for awhile.  He is so changed from what he was before Uncle died, I fear what might happen if this pace is allowed to continue.  I fear that he will start believing all of the people petting his ego.  He will grow disgusted with it, but it cannot help but influence him.”

“Yes, he is clearly a changed man.  I cannot remember the last time he had a genuine smile on his face, and his father specifically told me that he hoped Darcy would be happy.”  Lord Matlock looked at his wife.  “Do not press him tonight and I will tell him that if he is finished with the Season, we will understand.”

“He would appreciate that, I think.”  Fitzwilliam agreed.  “What of Georgiana?”

“I would be happy to have her come here for a visit, and give him a reprieve.  If we are not marrying him off, then perhaps we can give her some attention while he relaxes.  And then we can speak about school for her.”  Lady Matlock suggested. 

“Fine, I will suggest that to him tomorrow when I see him.  I will be out tonight with members of my regiment.  I need to catch up with the news before I return to duty.”   He stood and paused.  “If you leave Darcy alone, he just might find precisely the woman he needs on his own.”  Fitzwilliam smiled at their confused faces and left the room before they could ask for more.

BINGLEY STEPPED OUT OF HIS CARRIAGE and looked at the Gardiner’s townhouse, and chuckled to himself.  “If this was any other tradesman’s house, Darcy would be dressing me down, but since this is the home of Miss Elizabeth . . .” He smiled; there was no doubt in his mind that his powerful friend was smitten with her.  How it had happened was a mystery, but he was determined to further it along.  It was the least he could do to repay Darcy’s kindness to him.  He handed his card to the housekeeper and while waiting, he briefly entertained the idea that Darcy would not appreciate his interference, and brushed it aside, remembering how his face shone with hope when Miss Elizabeth was mentioned.  Soon he was shown into a drawing room.  “Good morning, ladies!” 

“Mr. Bingley, this is a pleasant surprise!”  Mrs. Gardiner showed him to a chair between the girls.   “My nieces told me of their meeting you in the bookshop.”

“It was a fortuitous event, Mrs. Gardiner.  I am rarely in bookshops and I desperately needed aid, and there like an angel was Miss Elizabeth to rescue me.”  He laughed and she smiled.

“To trip over you, I think is the correct story, sir.”  Elizabeth tilted her head and he shook his. 

“You make it sound so dull that way.”

“Very well then, I shall revert to your version, I was a ray of hope during your search.”  She laughed and he joined her.

“Indeed, and the gift was received very well, so your assistance was most successful.”

“Your advisor liked it?”  She said softly.

“Indeed he did, and he was particularly pleased knowing that it was chosen by a person who was so knowledgeable of books.  He said he would treasure it, and it remained tightly gripped in his hands for the remainder of my visit.”

“oh.”  Elizabeth whispered and looked into Bingley’s warm and sincere gaze, while he smiled and nodded.  A small smile lit her face, and she fell into her own thoughts.  Bingley felt completely satisfied with the message he had delivered for his friend.

Mrs. Gardiner watched the exchange and sent a curious glance to Jane who shrugged.  “Mr. Bingley, may I offer you some tea?”

He startled back and smiled widely.  “Oh madam, I would not wish to put you out, I am afraid that I have already nearly overstayed my fifteen minutes.”

“We have no other visitors, sir; you are welcome to remain as long as you are able.”  She smiled and he laughed. 

“Well then, prepare for a siege!  I have nowhere to be for another hour.”  He turned to Jane.  “Miss Bennet, was your shopping trip a success?”

“Yes sir, my aunt is wearing the result.”  She indicated the broach on her dress.

“Ah, jewellery, always a favourite of my sisters’.” 

“How do they enjoy the Season?”  Mrs. Gardiner asked as she poured out the tea and nudged Elizabeth to hand around the biscuits.

“Well enough, I suppose.  There is certainly plenty of activity to occupy them.  We enjoyed a stroll in Kensington Gardens recently, if you have the opportunity you must go.”

“Oh we did, sir, Sunday last.”

“Really?  That is when we were there!  It is a pity that we did not meet.”  He looked to Elizabeth and she was smiling warmly at him.  “Or did you happen to spot us?”

“I did, sir, I recognized everyone in your party, and would have approached to greet you, but you were too far away.”

“That is a shame, Miss Elizabeth.  I believe that everyone would have been delighted to meet you.”  Their eyes held and he saw hers light up with the confirmation of Darcy’s admiration.

“Well then, the next time I spot you, I will not hesitate.”

“Please do not.”  He turned back to the other ladies.  “Do you have plans to attend any other events?”

“My husband is trying to secure tickets for a performance, and we have a dinner to attend tomorrow night.”

“Hmm, do you grow weary of all of the activity?  I confess it is rather overwhelming at times.  Miss Bennet, do you enjoy the theatre or prefer balls?”  He raised his brow and studied her beautiful face.

“I think that I enjoy them equally, sir.”  She smiled at him and he smiled back.  It was a safe answer.

He returned to Elizabeth.  “And you, Miss Elizabeth?”

“There is merit in them both.  I enjoy the theatre because it is an opportunity to see something that I have read and imagined come to life, but I enjoy balls because there are so many people to meet and observe, and what lady does not enjoy a dance with a skilled gentleman?”

“I hope that I qualify as skilled in your mind?”

“You did as you promised sir, my toes remained intact.”

Bingley laughed at her dancing eyes and looked back to see Jane’s demurely cast down, and tilted his head.  “Well, I really should be on my way if I mean to appear at my appointment on time.” He stood up and the ladies did as well. “I thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Gardiner.”

“It was my pleasure, Mr. Bingley.  Lizzy, would you see him to the door?”  She raised her brows and Elizabeth smiled at her aunt the matchmaker.  They walked down the hallway and the maid handed him his gloves and hat. 

“Mr. Bingley, I must thank you so very much for telling me of Mr. Darcy, I must ask, he knows me?  He knows my name?”

“Yes, Miss Elizabeth.  I do not know how he did, it seemed to hit him like a thunderbolt when I told him of meeting you at the dance, and he became as flustered as a schoolboy, and when I told him that you had chosen the book, the expression on his face would melt your heart.  May I ask how you met?”