The Gypsy Blessing (16 page)

“Do not worry, my boy. Although we like it about as much as you do, your uncle and I endure the passing along of gossip as well as we can. We have become accustomed to your hiding at windows whenever conversation turns to hearsay
.
” Lady Adelaide paused before continuing, “Inviting you without mentioning there would be other guests was a mistake, I see, and, of course, you would not wish to discuss what brought you to Town in company. Will you come to see me tomorrow before tea—alone?”

“Yes, of course; I was about to suggest the same.”

“Good.” She kissed his cheek and whispered, “Why do you not slip away as the others go in for dinner? I will make your excuses.”

“Thank you, Aunt.”

~%~

August 20, 1811

The following afternoon, after settling in at Matlock House, Darcy said, “It was a surprise to find you in London, Aunt. I had written to beg an invitation to Matlock so that we could discuss this matter.”

As Darcy often came to his Aunt Adelaide for advice concerning Georgiana, she made no effort at politeness and began to interrogate him directly. “Tell me what happened at Ramsgate to cause you to bring Georgiana home so soon.”

Darcy thought he had thoroughly braced himself to the subject, but he still cringed as he answered, “Do you remember George Wickham?”

“Wickham... the former steward at Pemberley?”

“I speak of his son, actually.”

“Ah—yes, I do remember him. I never understood why your father took him under his wing the way he did. He was unworthy of your parents’ attention from the very beginning. I have heard that he turned out even worse than I had expected.”

“Your information is correct,” he answered, wondering what she knew of him. “I am not aware by what means he came across the information that Georgiana was at Ramsgate, but I believe he went there on purpose, knowing that I was not with her.”

“The gall of that man! I hope Georgiana sent him on his way immediately.”

“She did not.” He sighed. “As I did not think she would ever see him again, I had not felt it necessary to blemish her innocent mind with tales of George Wickham’s misdeeds. She remembered him only as a favourite of my father’s and as my friend. After reminding her of happier times and gaining her trust, he then proposed that she elope with him.”

“Good heavens!” Her hand fluttered to her throat.

Darcy had never seen his aunt’s complexion pale as quickly as it did then. Because his stomach turned any time he thought on the subject himself, he imagined her pallor matched his own.

“If not for the intervention of the lady we met at Ramsgate, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and her aunt and sister, Georgiana admits she would be lost to us.”

Lady Adelaide gasped. “One hears of these things happening in other families but
never
one’s own!”

“Nothing did happen, Aunt, but I am sure I do not have to stress to
you
the importance of this subject never being mentioned to anyone else. They were chaperoned by Mrs. Younge at all times, except the few minutes it took him to make this offensive proposal. Georgiana insists he did nothing more than kiss her hand—probably playing the gentleman to attract her.” He closed his eyes.

“I happened to go to Ramsgate as a surprise and found Georgiana with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, who I now know were doing their best to distract her after Wickham broke her heart following Georgiana’s explanation of the condition on her dowry. After I had escorted them home, Georgie told me what had happened. The melancholy that came over her afterward frightened me more than did her condition during her bout with influenza. Miss Elizabeth helped her through it. Since her family was soon leaving Ramsgate, Miss Elizabeth stayed with us for several days until we reached London. She has been an excellent friend for your niece, Aunt—and to me, as well.”

If anyone else had said those words about a young lady, she would have discounted it as empty praise, but Darcy? She had rarely heard him say anything positive about a young lady—his ticking off a girl’s negative qualities always counteracted any positive traits he might have allowed her. That he did not do so now piqued her curiosity. Her suspicions rose at the way he looked away from her gaze and lowered his voice to almost a whisper when he had said she was a friend to him.

“Tell me more about Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Barely missing a beat but doing his best to seem disinterested, he stated, “She is a gentleman’s daughter... intelligent, witty, attractive, and well informed, as well as an excellent conversationalist.”

Lady Adelaide almost choked on her tea, but Darcy was too distracted to notice.
I must find out more about the lady who has bewitched both my nephew and niece!

“And her sister?”

This time, he hesitated for a few moments—seeming to his aunt that he had barely noticed her and was trying to remember. He had no trouble looking his aunt in the eye when he said, “Miss Jane Bennet is the eldest daughter. She is a beauty in the classic sense of the word, generous and courteous. I was not much in her company, but I came away from the experience thinking she would be a tolerable friend for Georgiana.” He hesitated again, tightening his eyes before saying, “Though she smiles too much and speaks so softly that one must exert himself to hear what she says.”

Well, that was more like her nephew’s habit. At least she could be confident that he was not considering both Bennets! “What of their aunt?”

“I had been acquainted with both Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner before meeting them again at Ramsgate. Mrs. Gardiner’s father owned a shop at Lambton, and both my father and I thought highly of him. A few years ago, Mr. Gardiner found himself in need of my services as magistrate in his efforts to collect a few unpaid accounts at his father-in-law’s shop—which quite coincidentally included Wickham’s account. If we had met under different circumstances, I would have thought him a gentleman.” Knowing how much the next statement would tell her about the man, he looked her in the eye and stated quite firmly, “Mr. Gardiner has dined at Pemberley twice, and, in fact, Georgiana and I accepted an invitation to dine at their house at Ramsgate.”

“Ahhh!” She nodded. “Being raised at Lambton, one would think Mrs. Gardiner knew of Wickham.”

“Yes. As unfortunate as it is for Mrs. Gardiner to have known him, I must say it was a blessing for us, Aunt, and most kind of her to share that information with Georgiana as a warning.”

Here he was at it again—complimenting ladies! Surely, he was not in love with a married lady. But these compliments were nothing compared to those he had showered over the name of Miss Elizabeth. “And you approve of your sister’s acquaintance with these ladies?”

“Aunt, tell me, how can I not approve?”

“If a wash-woman at Pemberley had warned your sister away from Wickham, would you approve Georgiana’s becoming dear friends with her?”

Darcy straightened his back. “These ladies are not in the same class as servants, madam.”

Lady Adelaide pressed her lips together to keep from smiling as her nephew began to speak again.

“Mrs. Gardiner might be the daughter and wife of a tradesman, but again, I would have mistaken her for a lady if I had met her unaware of her station. Mr. Bennet is a gentleman—”

“From what you say, Mrs. Bennet’s brother is a tradesman. Who was Mrs. Bennet’s father? Does she have any other family?”

“I know nothing of her mother’s parents.” For a moment, Lady Adelaide was confused, but then she realized that the word
her
pertained to Miss Elizabeth. “The only other information I have is that Mrs. Bennet’s other brother is an attorney in a village close to their estate. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have five daughters.”

“Five daughters!” Lady Adelaide exclaimed. “Well, I suppose they kept trying for an heir.”

He chuckled. “My thoughts exactly.”

“Is it a large estate?”

“I do not think it is.”

“Oh, dear! Their dowries must not be sizable. Poor Mrs. Bennet—she must be beside herself with worry for her daughters’ futures and for herself should her husband pass before her. I hope Mr. Bennet is in good health!”

The things ladies think of!
“As I have met neither, I cannot answer.”

“I have heard nothing bad of them, Fitzwilliam. Actually, I have heard nothing at all.” She shook her head.

“It sounds to me as though the Bennets spend most of their time in Hertfordshire and visit London infrequently. I believe the daughters come only to stay with the Gardiners on occasion, in Gracechurch Street.”

“Has Miss Bennet been presented at court? Surely she has been in London for the Season.”

“I do not believe they have.”

“I did not say ‘they,’ Fitzwilliam. You said that Miss Jane Bennet is the eldest. It would not be proper for a younger sister to be out whilst the eldest remains unmarried.”

“Miss Elizabeth is out.”

“Are you certain?”

“Aunt, if I know nothing else about ladies, I know how to determine whether or not they are out.”

Lady Adelaide seemed a bit shocked. “How old is Miss Bennet?”

“I do not know exactly. Miss Elizabeth had mentioned that
she
is not yet one and twenty, but Miss Bennet cannot be much older.”

“I do not understand these Bennets. How do they expect their daughters to marry if they do not have a Season in London?”

He shook his head.

“Do the Bennets differ from the ladies you meet in London?”

“Miss Elizabeth is different from anyone I have ever met.”

Lady Adelaide bit back another smile. “I hope their manner does not approach the crassness one sometimes sees from those in trade.”

His back straightened further. “Definitely not.”

“Good—for you know it would not do to expose Georgiana to people of
that
quality.” Again stifling a smile, she watched his jaw muscles work as he ground his teeth—something she had often seen him do to prevent himself from saying something he knew he would regret. Lady Adelaide continued, “I think we have discussed the Bennets long enough for the present time. I will snoop to see if I can discover information on the family’s situation and inform you of any findings.

He nodded. “When they part ways, I will allow Georgiana to write to the Misses Bennet if she wishes, although I doubt she will see them again unless it is by design. We do not move within the same social sphere.”

“Georgiana is your sister and your responsibility, Fitzwilliam.” Lady Adelaide reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. “But I do not understand why you will allow Georgiana to correspond with them if you believe they will never see each other again.”

“Georgie has made me painfully aware that, up until now, she has had no friends other than Anne. I am hoping that this time spent with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth will bolster her confidence enough to make her welcome new connexions when she comes out.”

His aunt raised her eyebrows.

“I think you misunderstand—I will
not
forbid her from seeing them, either.”
Although I might discourage it in the near future, until my heart has hardened towards Miss Elizabeth.

Lady Adelaide examined his countenance for several moments, waiting for the clock’s chiming to end before saying, “We shall speak of this again soon, but for now, I must ask you to leave—unless you would rather stay for my ladies’ tea this afternoon?”

Darcy stood quickly and kissed his aunt on the cheek. “I do not believe so.”

He took a step towards the door and turned back. “Aunt Adelaide, I thank you for your faith in me, but... do you honestly think I am correct in allowing these friendships for Georgiana?”

“I trust your judgment of the goodness of these people most of all, Fitzwilliam. Your opinion of those in your acquaintance generally tends to be more severe than their behaviour warrants. If
you
think they are worthy, I will not disagree.” Lady Adelaide hesitated before adding, “Before you go, I should inform you that my coming to London for a few weeks served to shorten the journey to Ramsgate. Your uncle prefers London at any time of year, but the city is too uncomfortable for me in summer. I shall be leaving for Matlock on Monday. Of course, you and Georgiana are welcome to join us for a visit.”

“I shall think on it and send a note around in the morning.”

The front door bell rang, and Darcy stiffened. If he were in the room when his aunt’s guests entered, he would be required to stay for a little while, and he could not imagine being the only gentleman among a roomful of women. If he were already in the entry hall whilst they were taking off their wraps, he could make his excuses and leave quickly.

“Enjoy your party.” He bowed and left the house as swiftly as possible.

Chapter 10

August 20, 1811 ~ London

Darcy looked out the window, wondering why his coach had stopped at the curb between Darcy House and the house next door. When the footman opened the coach door, Darcy asked, “Is there a carriage in front of the house, Rupert?”

“Yes, sir. Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are visiting with Miss Darcy.”

His heart fluttered at the mention of Elizabeth’s name. Darcy remained seated, looking up to the bank of parlour windows on the second floor, where Georgiana would most likely be entertaining her guests. The curtains billowed in the breeze of the open windows.
They must have heard the coach—it would be rude to leave again now.
He removed from the coach and entered the house, and the footman took his hat and cane.

“I assume the ladies are in the front parlour?” He could not keep his eyes from moving towards the stairs—only a few paces more were separating him from Elizabeth.

“Miss Darcy entertains in the music room this afternoon, sir,” Rupert replied.

“Inform Mrs. Martin I shall visit with my sister and her guests.”

The sound of music drifted down to him once he reached the second floor landing. Darcy distinguished Georgiana’s excellent fingering on the pianoforte accompanied by Elizabeth’s song. A powerful wave of anticipation coursed through him. As his footfalls reverberated down the staircase, he consciously slowed his ascent lest the footmen stationed in the hallways become aware of his eager enthusiasm to meet with these ladies. As one footman turned the door handle, Darcy placed his finger to his lips to indicate he should not be announced. The door opened slowly.

As he entered the room, Elizabeth’s gaze met his, her eyes smiling in greeting as she continued her song, drawing him to her. He stepped forward and then, recognizing the Italian love song, halted. Filling his lungs fully, he thought,
It is not possible that she understands what she says as she looks at me!
Elizabeth blushed and broke the connection.
Or perhaps she does.
He blinked several times and then directed his gaze at Georgiana. His sister’s sly smile brought him back to his senses, and he turned to find Mrs. Gardiner’s and Jane’s eyes upon him, as well.

He bowed his head to them both before making his way to an empty chair behind them, where he remained until the performance had ended. Phrases that had been used to refer to the relationship between Miss Muriel Ramsey and his friend, Lord Alcock, the night before echoed through his mind, “Ladybird” and “Gulled cully” among them.
I must remove myself from the chance of seeing Elizabeth until I have become immune to her influence!

Georgiana turned to Elizabeth. “Will you not sing again, Lizzy?”

“I am sorry,” Mrs. Gardiner answered for Elizabeth, “but we are expected at home.”

“Are you able to come again one afternoon later in the week?” Georgiana asked with anticipation.

Mrs. Gardiner shook her head. “Tomorrow week, perhaps?”

I am now convinced—we shall go to Matlock. If I am ever going to harden my heart to these feelings for Elizabeth, I must not risk another meeting so soon!
Darcy thought, and then said aloud, “I am afraid I have just agreed to escort my aunt to her estate in Derbyshire. Georgiana and I depart London on Monday.”

“Oh.” Georgiana’s disappointment was written plainly across her features.

“We shall be travelling home to Longbourn at the end of next week, as well.” Elizabeth took Georgiana’s hand and gave it a light squeeze. “My aunt is at home for callers on Wednesday and Thursday. You would be very welcome.”

~%~

August 26, 1811 ~ On the road to Matlock

Since they had left London, the almost constant chattering of his aunt and sister was making it impossible to concentrate on his book—especially considering their chosen subject.
This will not do!
Why is Aunt Adelaide trying to learn all she can of the Bennets?

At the next pause in their conversation, Darcy cleared his throat. “Ladies, I must point out that Hertfordshire is quite a distance from Derbyshire, and the Bennets rarely visit their relations in London. Given their connexions, it is highly unlikely we shall receive the same invitations as the Gardiners or the Bennets. In fact, Georgiana, you should not expect more from the acquaintance than the exchange of a few letters. I doubt you will meet with them again.”

Georgiana’s smile disappeared along with the colour from her cheeks. Lady Adelaide reached across the bench and took her niece’s hand in hers.

“Worry not, Georgiana; your brother’s distaste for travelling has him out of sorts. I found them charming and will extend an invitation for tea at Matlock House the next time they are in Town. Of course, you will be invited.”

Darcy closed his book. “I thought you did not know them, Aunt?”

“Knowing Georgiana was leaving Town, Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, and Miss Elizabeth came to take their leave while I paid a morning call on my niece on Friday.”

“Do you not remember, Fitzwilliam? I told you they called—”

“Yes, you did. I did not know Aunt Adelaide was there at the time,” Darcy responded.
Though you may have told me and I was too distracted at hearing that I had missed my last opportunity at glimpsing Elizabeth...

“Well, I was, and I cannot tell you how pleased I was with their manners,” Lady Adelaide said with a smile. “I should like to know them better.”

I cannot recover from this infatuation if my aunt continues encouraging Georgiana to speak of Elizabeth. Perhaps we shall remove to Pemberley sooner than expected.

~%~

August 30, 1811~ Longbourn

Jane took a gown from her sister’s trunk and shook it out before hanging it in the closet. Turning back to Elizabeth, she said, “Lizzy, I have been thinking. How long has it been?”

Elizabeth furrowed her brow. “Since what?”

“Since you received a drawing?”

“Oh.” Elizabeth looked down at the shawl she was folding, and then placed it in her dresser, using a little too much force to close the drawer. “Monday, it will be four weeks.” After a few minutes, Elizabeth broke the silence that had fallen over them, “It is possible that as the drawings led to our helping Georgiana, I will not receive another.”

“But Lizzy—the gypsies promised
your
happiness, not Georgiana’s.”

“I assure you that I
am
happy,” Elizabeth answered without looking up from her chore. “We have a new friend in Georgiana, and she is now safe from Mr. Wickham.”

Jane sat on the edge of the bed. “Lizzy, you know I did not mean to say that you would not be happy about that circumstance. But what of Mr. Da—”

“Jane... I honestly do not know,” Elizabeth interrupted.

“You are disappointed.”

Elizabeth closed the lid of the trunk with a bang, startling them both. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and looked at her sister with a forced smile. “Now that we are finished unpacking, I am eager to begin my walk. I have missed observing the changes summer brings to the grounds of Longbourn.” She walked over to the closet, donned a lightweight spencer, and fled the room—though she could not escape her own thoughts.

~%~

September 3, 1811 ~ Matlock

“Come in,” Lady Adelaide called out from her seat at the writing desk in her private sitting room. “Good morning, Fitzwilliam.” She rose and took a more comfortable seat, gesturing for him to do the same.

“Aunt, I have a favour to ask of you.” Darcy settled into the chair across from her and held up a letter. “This was forwarded from my home in London. Do you remember Charles Bingley?”

“Yes, I do. I hope you will not ask me to invite him and his sisters to Matlock, nephew. I would be happy to entertain Mr. Bingley, but his sisters are quite another story.”

Darcy chuckled. “It seems that
I
shall be spending quite a bit of time with them in the near future. Before purchasing an estate as his father intended, Charles has taken a lease on a small property. I had promised to help him learn how to manage it.”

Lady Adelaide replied, “A wise decision—and you are the perfect example.”

He nodded his thanks and gestured to the letter in his hand. “I just learned that he takes possession on Michaelmas. There are too many in the area surrounding Pemberley who are willing to give Wickham another chance. It is too risky to have Georgiana stay there alone. Bingley invites Georgiana, as well, but I shall not be able to spend much time with her at first—”

“You do not wish to leave her alone with those two harpies Mr. Bingley is unfortunate enough to call sisters. I understand, Fitzwilliam. Georgiana is such a delightful companion; I would enjoy her staying on with me at Matlock. Richard shall join us later in the month—he will keep Georgiana well entertained.”

“Thank you, Aunt.” He rose from his seat and planted a kiss on her cheek. “I shall speak to Georgie directly.”

“Oh, Fitzwilliam—what property has Mr. Bingley taken?”

He scanned the letter and answered, “Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire.”

Lady Adelaide raised her eyebrows, curious at how he would respond to her next question. “Hertfordshire?”

Darcy blushed slightly in spite of himself. “It is a large county, Aunt, and it is unlikely I should meet with them.” He bowed and left the room.

Lady Adelaide stared after him. Following his glowing description of Elizabeth Bennet, she had paid close attention to his reactions every time Georgiana had mentioned her, and she was quite certain Darcy was enamoured with her. Her nephew had consistently hinted at the inferiority of the Bennet family’s connexions, causing her suspicion to deepen. To her, it sounded as if he were trying to convince himself instead of his sister that the lady’s situation was lacking.

He has no desire for a title and has no reason to require a marriage only to add to his wealth or consequence. Why should he not wed the daughter of a country gentleman if he prefers her over any other lady?

She sighed. Duty to family was a high priority to Darcy, as it was to all of Fitzwilliam blood. She had already hinted at her approval of the lady, and Darcy should know that if she approved, her husband surely would stand behind the match.

~%~

September 13, 1811~ Longbourn

Elizabeth was sitting in the window seat of her room when she heard a knock on the door. Quickly hiding the page she was holding behind a pillow and lifting another, she beckoned, “Enter.”

Jane slipped in and closed the door behind her. “Was it a drawing, Lizzy?” Jane asked expectantly.

“I believe this is from Georgiana,” Elizabeth answered as she broke the seal on the letter in her lap and unfolded it.

“Oh. Seeing your expression when Hill brought the letters, I was sure that the gypsies had resumed their correspondence.”

Elizabeth smiled politely and asked, “Would you like to know what Georgiana says?”

“Yes, please.” Jane sat in the chair at the dressing table.

“Lady Matlock’s spaniel has birthed the puppies, and Georgiana will have her pick of the litter! Two caught her fancy, a blonde and a black, and she cannot decide between them.” Elizabeth paused as she read ahead. “Her uncle, the earl, has now joined them, as well as her cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam—that is the gentleman wearing regimentals in one of the drawings. The colonel is on leave and will visit at Matlock for a few weeks.” Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. “Mr. Darcy will be leaving soon to visit a friend who has taken an estate. Georgie enjoys the gentleman’s company, as well, and had almost decided to go along with her brother, but... oh—she does not say as much directly, but I believe she prefers to avoid the gentleman’s sisters. She will remain with her aunt and cousin instead.” Elizabeth attempted to contain a smile.

“What is it, Lizzy?”

Elizabeth’s eyes opened a little wider. “Hmmm?”

“Why are you smiling?”

“I umm...” Elizabeth blushed and ran her finger down the letter. “Oh, here it is, Georgiana said that her uncle has offered both puppies, and her brother has agreed.”

Jane’s countenance brightened. “That is very generous of them.”

“Yes, it is happy news.”

A knock sounded out. Jane answered the door to find Mrs. Hill standing there. “Miss Jane, you are wanted in the sitting room.”

Jane replied, “Thank you, Hill; I will be there in a moment.”

The housekeeper curtsied and left them. “Excuse me, Lizzy.”

Waiting until she heard Jane’s footsteps on the staircase to make certain she would not return, Elizabeth reached behind the pillow to retrieve the drawing she had hidden before Jane came in. “I am sorry, Jane, but I do not believe you were meant to see this one.”

Although it was not at all uncommon to see a gentleman moon-eyed over her beautiful sister, it
was
a novelty to see Jane gazing at him in a similar fashion. A smile spread across Elizabeth’s face as she bowed her head to the gentleman and said, “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bingley. Georgiana has spoken highly of you.”