Mr. Darcy's Little Sister (20 page)

Just before the first pair of dances began, she saw Lord St. George speaking with his mother. They were evidently talking about her because St. George glanced up and then began making his way through the crowd of bystanders.

He greeted Darcy, gave Elizabeth the briefest of nods when he was introduced, and bowed over Georgiana’s hand.

“My dear cousin Georgiana, how grown up you look! Have you a partner for the first dances?”

“No, Cousin, we just arrived.”

“Perhaps you will honour me with your hand for the first then?”

She gravely accepted his offer with a curtsey, took his proffered arm, and they made their way onto the dance floor. Although she had never liked her elder cousin, she had to admit that he was an excellent dancer and could be quite entertaining when he bothered to exert himself. At least a dance with her unloved cousin allowed her to metaphorically dip her toe into the society pond that was the ballroom, and also put her nerves in order. The conversation lagged a little during the middle of the set, and Georgiana asked Lord St. George, “Is your brother attending tonight? I have not seen him since church yesterday, but I thought from something your mother said that he would be here.”

“I have not the slightest idea if he is coming or not. He has been quite the will-o’-the-wisp since I arrived yesterday evening.”

Georgiana nodded and their turn came to go down the line.

When they finished their dances, St. George thanked her smoothly and she was claimed by the young man of the house for his two dances. She found that this gentleman was quite intelligent and interesting to talk to, in spite of his unpromising appearance, and she enjoyed their conversation as much as the dance.

After her second set, she was asked to dance by a handsome young man, this one, according to her aunt’s whisper in her ear, the eldest son of a viscount.

She smiled at him over her fan and said, “Thank you, Lord Wilshire, but I am very thirsty. Could we postpone our dance until I have had a glass of punch? If you like I will hold the next set for you.”

“I would be delighted to bring you a glass of punch, if you will allow me. I do not at all mind catching my breath for a few minutes.”

Georgiana smiled again and he left to do her bidding.

While she was waiting for Lord Wilshire to return, Georgiana looked around the room. She was astonished at the number of debutantes at the ball; there appeared to be almost fifty girls in all. She saw Catherine Freemont on the dance floor, and she nodded to her friend and went back to observing the crowd filling the room. She wanted to watch and see how many people spoke with her brother and sister, and she was pleased to see that there were several who greeted her brother and were introduced to Elizabeth. The cynical imp in the back of her mind told her that their friendliness was most likely because they had sons who needed wealthy wives, but she did not care what the reason was, as long as her sister was acknowledged.

Her partner returned with her punch and after she had finished sipping it they danced. Lord Wilshire was a good dancer and very polite but did not have much to say about anything but the ball. She mentally categorised him as “nice manners, but boring.”

***

Georgiana was in high spirits when they went home. She chattered about everyone with whom she had danced and with whom her friend Catherine had danced and was very pleased with the evening. Her pleasure was very much tinged with relief at the success of her first ball, but it was pleasure nonetheless. Kitty had also danced, but Georgiana finally noted that she did not say anything on the way home and eventually her silence dampened Georgiana’s effervescence. When they arrived at Ashbourne House, Georgiana retired to her room ahead of the others and to her bed but heard Elizabeth say to Kitty, “Come in here for a minute, please, Kitty.”

Kitty nodded and they disappeared into the drawing-room.

After closing the door, Elizabeth asked, “What is the matter, Kitty? Are you upset about something?”

“I was asked to dance only four times the entire evening!” Kitty said, her lower lip trembling.

“Dearest,” she said very gently, “you must realise that you are moving in a very different society than that in Hertfordshire. The parents of these young men probably know to a penny how much our father is worth, and they are not going to allow their sons to dance with someone who cannot bring them a dowry for fear that they will fall for you—and those with daughters do not want the competition.

“In addition, they are most likely surprised—if not shocked—at Mr. Darcy’s marriage to me, a woman of no standing in society, and are waiting to see if I will be accepted or if I will be branded a shameless fortune huntress who will drag my husband’s good name in the mud with my behaviour. I am sorry, my dear sister, but those are the facts of life. You must just be pleasant and enjoy the dances that you get, and when people know both of us better they may allow their sons to dance with you more. I think that you already know that if you were not with Georgiana, you would not have been asked to the ball at all, nor would I if I was not married to Mr. Darcy.”

Kitty’s eyes filled with tears at this recital of facts, but she hung her head and said, “I am sorry, Lizzy, I did not quite realise the position you are in. I will try to enjoy myself, but I must say that the militia in Hertfordshire was much more pleasant than London society.”

Elizabeth embraced her sister and they walked slowly upstairs together. She related this conversation to Darcy, who shook his head.

“I am sorry that she has had to face this. I had hoped that by attending with us Kitty would be accepted, in spite of the difficulties you have had. I will talk to Georgiana now that she has survived her first ball of the Season, and I am sure that she will be able to assist in some way.”

“Thank you, my love. That will probably help. I do not want to push that responsibility onto Georgiana when she has so many other things to think about, but if she realises how Kitty is feeling I have no doubt that she will do what she can. She is an unselfish girl.”

***

Upstairs, Georgiana was finishing her entry in her diary.

10 April: The ball was very enjoyable tonight, although I was disappointed that I did not see the colonel. I had to make do with his brother as a dancing partner (and I must confess he is an excellent dancer), but I know him too well to be charmed by his pretty lies. Since my rescue by my cousin Fitzwilliam I cannot but feel that I should make up for the way I misjudged him for so many years and, most particularly, for my nasty and spiteful tongue during the past few months. He truly does feel strongly about some things, including his duties towards his ward.

She tapped the end of the pen on her lower lip, thinking about her entry. Finally, she dipped her pen in the inkwell and quickly scrawled,

I wonder how he feels about the girl herself.

She tossed down her pen and sanded the page before she slammed the book shut. After she had climbed into bed, she tried to sleep, but she could not stop thinking about that last comment. You might as well admit to yourself that you love him, Georgiana. Even if you tell no one else, you should be honest with yourself. She thought back to the day of her rescue and the shock she received when her easygoing cousin burst into her prison to save her. He had looked like a hero of old, ready to battle dragons to save his lady-love. Except, of course, that she was not his lady-love. She was his ward—a backwards and ill-humoured child whom he loved only as a sister. She turned irritably onto her back and stared up into the darkness, pondering whether she truly loved him or if she was merely showing the effects of her gratitude and a strong case of hero-worship over the man who had figured in that dramatic rescue scene. Of one thing she was certain, hero-worship or not, she certainly did not feel for him now as a sister should.

Lord what fools these mortals be!

—William Shakespeare,
A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The day came for the Bingleys’ arrival, and they called on the Darcy household after settling into the house they had leased near Berkeley Square for the Season. Elizabeth had confided to Georgiana that morning that she wondered where Miss Bingley would stay during the Season: with her sister, Mrs. Hurst, or with her brother Charles and Jane. Caroline and Mrs. Hurst had made up after the differences which had separated them at Christmas, and they both enjoyed the pleasures of ridiculing all of their “friends” in private after meeting them at social events. But on the other hand, their brother had a much better fortune than Mr. Hurst and so could afford more of the expensive pleasures of London.

“I hope she chooses to stay with the Hursts so Jane will not have to listen to Caroline’s unkind chatter,” she confided to Georgiana.

Georgiana emphatically agreed.

Elizabeth and Jane met affectionately at Ashbourne House, and Georgiana and Kitty were almost as delighted to see Jane as was Elizabeth. They had planned an enjoyable afternoon visiting together while Darcy and Bingley went out to their club, and Jane looked in as excellent health as she had at Christmas, in spite of looking a little tired after the move of their household. She seemed a trifle flustered as they caught up on the news from Hertfordshire, fidgeting with her handkerchief and teacup. Georgiana was surprised at Jane’s lack of composure, which was quite unlike her usual demeanour. When they had caught up on the London news, Jane glanced around at her sisters and Georgiana, her cheeks slightly flushed, and said, “My dears, I have something that I want to tell you. I have known for several weeks, but I wanted to tell you in person, so I did not mention it in my letters. I am going to have a child.”

They all gasped in surprise and embraced her. Elizabeth was the last to embrace her and she held her for a long time, exclaiming, “I am so happy for you, my dearest sister! I should have known from just looking at you; you look even more lovely than usual! I cannot believe that you could keep this a secret! Do our parents know?”

“I have not told them yet. I wanted you to be the first among our relations to know…” She hesitated for a moment and then added to Elizabeth with a sigh, “I have one other piece of family news to relate, Lizzy. Our mother received a letter from our sister Lydia before our departure from Netherfield. She, too, is expecting a child. Our mother’s transports of delight were quite overwhelming, so Bingley and I decided to tell them about our happy news in a letter while we are here.”

Elizabeth laughed at the expression of chagrin on Jane’s face as she said this and agreed that her plan was sound but shook her head over their sister Lydia’s condition.

“This is most unfortunate. Lydia is in no way mature enough to care for a child, and the Wickhams will fall even further into debt with the additional expenses. But let us put aside these distressing thoughts. We cannot change the situation and we have happy subjects to talk about.”

They spent the afternoon in chatter about the baby linens Jane was having made and about how soon the baby was due to arrive. Jane expected her confinement to be around mid-September, and now that she had told them she relaxed and enjoyed the visit.

That evening the Bingleys dined with them and the Darcys had avoided any outside social engagements this one night so that they could spend the evening with the Bingleys before they continued the round of parties. The evening was one of quiet pleasure, and Georgiana tried to just relax and enjoy this rare respite.

***

A few days later, Georgiana had the final fitting of her court dress. When Lady Whitwell went downstairs for a moment and she had a few moments alone with Elizabeth, she confided to her that she was less nervous about her presentation than about Lady Whitwell’s ball.

“My aunt is planning to invite a great number of people, and everyone of importance will be there. Both of my cousins will attend, of course, as well as all of the other eligible young men that she can find.” She paused and then changed the subject abruptly. “You
will
help me dress for my aunt’s ball, won’t you, Elizabeth?”

“Of course, dearest. Lady Whitwell will be busy with the ball, and Lambert and I will help Durand dress you. Your gown is lovely; they delivered it this morning. I had forgotten about it until this moment, but I have it at the house, ready for you.”

“My gown for the ball will, I hope, be much better than this presentation gown,” she said as she looked down in dismay. The wide hoops of the skirt, so eighteenth century, did indeed look rather silly, but the seamstress had done her job well and it fitted perfectly. The gown was white and the bodice was low cut and off the shoulder, as required for court dress. The sleeves were a mere suggestion of a wisp of gauzy silk and the long train, fastened to the gown just behind the shoulders with silk rosettes, was of soft white silk that flowed behind her like cream when she moved. The rest of her gown was encrusted with seed pearls and embroidery, all in white, and just the tip of her satin slippers peeped out from under the stiff hem. The tall white ostrich plume for her head was tightly sewn onto a small brooch, which they would pin securely to the back of her upswept hair. Georgiana sank into her deep curtsey and rose in one fluid motion and then Elizabeth lifted her train and spread it gracefully over her left arm so that she could back out of the room. She was ready.

***

The next morning Darcy and Elizabeth were at Longford House very early. They had a leisurely breakfast, which Georgiana could barely touch. Lady Whitwell encouraged her to eat something.

“We would not want you to faint from hunger while you are awaiting your turn, my dear,” Lady Whitwell said gently. “We may have to wait hours at the palace.”

“I know,” Georgiana sighed. “Perhaps I can get a piece of toast down. Where is Colonel Fitzwilliam? I thought he was going to come over this morning so he could see my gown.”

“I am sure he will be here soon,” her aunt reassured her. “Now eat your breakfast, dear girl.”

Georgiana was sure she appeared as wan and lifeless as she felt, but she forced herself to sit up straighter and to eat the toast and drink a cup of chocolate. When she had finished, the ladies retired to Georgiana’s room upstairs to help her dress while the gentlemen tried to relax over their tea and read the morning newspapers.

The footman had just poured them each a second cup of tea when Lord Whitwell choked on a sip and put down his paper, coughing.

“Are you all right, Uncle?” Darcy asked with concern.

His uncle shook his head and pointed to a notice in the paper. Darcy took it and read aloud:

“Sir Robert Blake announces the engagement of his sister, Miss Emily Blake, to Mr. Jonathan Walker. The couple plan a quiet wedding in the country.”

Darcy dropped the paper and stared in shock at his uncle. When he could speak, he said hoarsely, “The man has no shame. Does he think he is so invulnerable that we will stand by and allow him to marry a young lady of our acquaintance?”

“Apparently he does.”

A footman entered to announce the arrival of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who came in with his eyes flashing in excitement. He was slightly out of breath and threw himself down in a chair without ceremony, barely managing to keep the scabbard of his sword from hitting the chair as he did so.

“Have you heard the news?”

“Yes. I cannot believe that he thinks he can get away with this.”

The colonel gave his cousin an odd look.

“What are you talking about, Darcy? I am referring to the news that Napoleon has finally abdicated. He is to go into exile on Elba and the entire palace is in an uproar.”

Darcy silently pointed to the engagement announcements in the paper. Fitzwilliam stood to lean over the table so he could read the item above his cousin’s finger. As he read the short article, his face blanched and he glared at his cousin before throwing the paper onto the table.

“The scoundrel thinks he has us by the b—,” he glanced quickly at his father and finished, “throat and that we will not dare call him out.”

Darcy nodded grimly. “He apparently has an endless supply of gall.”

“What are we going to do?”

“I would say the first thing is to talk to Sir Robert in confidence. I think that we can safely trust his discretion, and I am sure he would wish to know this about his sister’s fiancé.”

“Yes, do that.” Fitzwilliam stood up abruptly. “Apologise to Georgiana for me, and give her my best wishes for her presentation, will you? I cannot sit here and make cheerful conversation while that blackguard tries to victimise another young lady. I have work to do, and it may help take the bitter taste out of my mouth while I consider our options in the matter.”

Both agreed and he left. A moment later, Elizabeth came into the breakfast-parlour.

“I saw the colonel rushing off. Is there something the matter?” she asked in confusion.

They explained Napoleon’s exile and the colonel’s duty at the palace, and her eyes grew very large.

“So the war with Napoleon is definitely over. I can hardly believe it is true. I will tell Lady Whitwell and Georgiana.”

Before she could leave, Lord Whitwell interjected, “Are you sure that you should tell Georgiana? I would not want her composure to be overstrained on such an important day.”

Elizabeth smiled and gently said, “My lord, Georgiana is not a child and she is not a simpleton. You cannot hide a piece of news such as this, and she will not thank you if you try.”

“I suppose that you are right, my dear; I am being an old fool. She must know sometime and will wonder why there is so much activity at the palace.”

Elizabeth walked over and patted his hand, her eyes twinkling. “‘Old’ and ‘fool’ are the last words that I would think of associating with you, my lord.”

He lifted her hand and kissed it and she ran back upstairs, her errand downstairs forgotten for the moment. Darcy stared at his uncle in surprise at his gallantry, and his lordship cleared his throat and turned back to his newspaper. Darcy picked up his paper and hid a smile behind its pages, Walker forgotten for a brief moment.

Georgiana was disappointed that the colonel could not stay but said, “He was, of course, needed more at the palace! So the war is finally over.” Her eyes sparkled as she continued to dress. “My presentation is hardly of the magnitude of importance of Napoleon’s final defeat, although it will be an interesting story to tell my children someday.” She grinned at Elizabeth and her aunt.

They finished their preparations and she swept downstairs to show her uncle and her brother her costume, curtseying to them both. Then she and her aunt left for the palace, Georgiana’s hoop skirt barely fitting into the carriage. The day was, fortunately, sunny and fairly warm, so she would not be too chilly after leaving her cloak in the carriage and entering the palace.

Elizabeth and Darcy returned to Ashbourne House and spent the rest of the day discussing the news about Napoleon and awaiting Georgiana’s return. Kitty sat with them for a while but Darcy’s tension made her nervous, and eventually she excused herself and escaped upstairs to entertain Lucky while his mistress was gone. Darcy was ultimately reduced to pacing the floor of the drawing-room after abandoning all attempts to divert himself. Georgiana finally arrived home at about four o’clock, looking exhausted and relieved. Elizabeth and Darcy both kissed her affectionately when they met her in the hall.

“I don’t need to ask how it went,” Elizabeth said. “I can see that it went well.”

Georgiana sighed and sat carefully down on the sofa in her hooped skirt. “It went perfectly fine, but I feel like a limp piece of rag. What a day! There were more than a hundred women and girls to be presented and they kept interrupting the line when messengers came for the Prince Regent… Well, it is done and I survived without tripping on my hem or falling over during my curtsey or having my plume fall out of my hair. And, I need never do it again!” She smiled in exhausted contentment.

“Why don’t you go and find Kitty and tell her about it,” Elizabeth suggested. “She has been waiting eagerly for your return.”

Georgiana nodded and took herself upstairs. Elizabeth heard Kitty meet her on the way through the hall and smiled at their laughter as they went up together. Darcy sat on the sofa with his head resting on the back, gave a sigh of relief, and commented, “I feel as though I have been through a battle—and lost!”

Elizabeth smiled and said, “My poor, dear husband! Now that Georgiana’s presentation is over you can relax. I have no doubt now that her first Season will be a success.”

“I thank heaven for that…! Elizabeth?”

“Yes?” She looked at him in surprise at his grim tone.

“I need to talk to both you and Georgiana about something when she has changed and rested a little from her ordeal.”

She stared at him for a brief moment. “I thought there was something else worrying you. I will go up and see what Georgiana is doing.”

The two ladies were back downstairs within fifteen minutes. Darcy took them into his library where they would not be disturbed and they all sat down, Elizabeth and Georgiana staring at him with large eyes. As he paused to choose his words, Georgiana finally said, “What is it, Brother?”

“I suppose there is no gentle or easy way to say this. This morning’s paper had an engagement announcement for Mr. Jonathan Walker and Miss Emily Blake.”

“No!” Georgiana put her hand to her mouth.

“I am afraid so.”

“We cannot allow him to marry her!” she said in agitation.

“We will not, but we want to proceed carefully so Walker does not realise we are moving against him. We do not want him to spread the story of your kidnapping in revenge.”

“If it is a choice of damaging my reputation versus letting a young woman we know marry that evil man, I will risk my reputation,” she returned grimly. “I will not let that man ruin a friend’s life—not if I can prevent it.”

“I am hoping it will not come to that choice. The colonel and Lord Whitwell know about this, but say nothing to anyone else. I am going out to my club. Sir Robert is a member and I am hoping that I will see him. I do not want to risk going to him at his home since Walker is staying with them.”