3. Chapter 3

May 31, 2014 - Some of you are very happy for me to post every day. *sigh* What I must do for my fans.

Chapter 3

Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master of Pemberley, descended from his carriage with the air of a man happy to be home. His first duty, of course, was to greet his sister. Would she be any happier than when he left? He was very reluctant to leave her so soon after the affair at Ramsgate but it could not be helped. He was a man of many responsibilities and duties. Many times that meant he was called away from his beloved Pemberley. Pemberley, its warmth embraced him once again as he strode through its majestic hall. It needed a mistress, and soon. It had been without one for many years now, thus or henceforth the call for a new one became louder and louder every year. But who would she be? Darcy had looked, he could not avoid it, but no woman he met seemed to be the right one. He recalled his own dear mother. It was so evident how much in love she was with his father. He wanted a wife like that. One he could share his joys and sorrows with, not simply one who would plan his menus and join him occasionally in his bed. Alas, soon he must choose. Pemberley demanded it. There was still time to find someone he could love, but that time was running short. Two years, if he didn't find her in two years then he would have to begin to resign himself to a marriage of convenience. Two years could seem an eternity or they could rush by like the wind… Two years.

Darcy found Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley in the music room. He was surprised to find his sister practicing a light air. She had played nothing but dark, morose pieces since he had brought her back to Pemberley. He waited unnoticed until she was finished.

"Wonderfully played, Georgiana! I have not heard you play that particular piece before. Is it one of the new ones I gave you?"

Delighted to see her beloved brother again Georgiana went to meet him in the middle of the room. She surprised him with an unexpected embrace.

"Fitzwilliam! It is so good to see you. I have missed you very much. Yes, the piece I just played is a new one. I just started on it two days ago so I am very far from playing it as it should be played."

"You could have fooled me. How are you? You seem in much better spirits then when I left you a week ago."

"Yes, I believe I am. I have much to acquaint you with but I am afraid I need to go and speak to Mrs. Reynolds and cook about dinner tonight. I have planned for something special to celebrate your return. I hope you will not be disappointed."

"I am sure I will not! Go on then, it seems you have much to do."

After Georgiana left, Darcy turned to Mrs. Annesley. He was shocked, truly shocked at the change in his sister's behaviour. He wanted answers to the reasons for this transformation.

"Mrs. Annesley, may I have a few minutes of your time?"

"Mr. Darcy, you are my employer sir, my time is your time."

Pleased, he continued, "Mrs. Annesley, it would take a blind man to miss the change in my sister's disposition today. She has obviously come out of the deep sadness I left her in a week ago. How did you do it? What have you done to bring about such a sudden change? I had noticed that she was getting slowly better under your care before I left but now, good God, she is almost serene!"

Mrs. Annesley paused before she began to answer. She had anticipated this and struggled to come up with an answer that would be satisfactory to herself and now Mr. Darcy. Miss Darcy had shared things with her that she felt uncomfortable telling her brother. Fortunately this morning she had decided that there was only one way to answer the expected question. Boldly then, she proceeded.

"Mr. Darcy, as your sister said before she left, many things have happened in your absence. However, upon reflection, I believe that it is best if you let Miss Darcy tell you in her own way and in her own time."

At this she was silent. Fitzwilliam Darcy was not used to not getting his own way, especially in his own house! He was about to answer her with an angry retort demanding she be more explicit but stopped himself short. The woman standing before him had proved herself to be fiercely loyal to her mistress. There was no question that he owed her a debt of gratitude for her gentle handling of Georgiana since she had come into their service. Indeed, he sensed this quality in her the first time he had interviewed her. All of her references indicated this, and he had personally checked on them all. No it would not be fair to her. He saw, in her wisdom, she was right. He would have to wait on Georgiana.

"Mrs. Annesley, I see the wisdom in your answer. You are right. I need to let Georgiana tell me herself. But I wish to reserve the right to question you more on this matter after I have spoken to her."

"As you wish sir. Will that be all?"

"Yes, for now. Tell Georgiana that after I refresh myself I will be in my study if she is looking for me."

"Of course. Welcome home, sir."

"Thank you, madam."

An hour later Georgiana peeked her head into her brother's study.

"Fitzwilliam, are you busy? Oh, I did not know you were with your steward. I will come back when you are finished."

"Georgiana, wait! Mr. James and I were just finishing, Please come in and be seated for but a moment."

Without a word from his master, Mr. James quickly excused himself leaving brother and sister alone. Following his steward out, Darcy gave word to the footman that he was not to be disturbed. Returning to the room he then led his sister to another pair of chairs next to the window.

"It is a beautiful sight, Fitzwilliam. We are so blessed to live in a home where such views are to be seen from every window. To think that I almost threw it all away." With this last comment Georgiana dropped her gaze, fighting back the tears that had threatened to return once more.

Tenderly Darcy moved to kneel in front of her and took her hands in his. "Dearest, please do not distress yourself. You are not to blame for what almost happened."

"But I am the one who believed Wickham's words of love. I did not see him for what he really is. I allowed myself to be carried away by foolish, immature romantic notions."

"Please stop believing this! If either of us is to blame, it is I. I did not thoroughly check Mrs. Younge's background and I certainly should never have allowed you to go to Ramsgate without me, or Richard at least. No, I should have taken better care of you."

He continued, "If anyone is truly to blame it is Wickham. Damn him! Sorry Georgiana, when I think about how much trouble and pain he has caused this family I lose my control. He is a manipulative rake in the worst sense of the word. And you are not the only young girl he has tried to impose himself upon."

"You mean there are others?"

"Yes, and few of them are as fortunate as yourself."

"Oh!"

He waited for her to digest this new information.

"Was I right to say such things to you?" he asked with dread.

"Yes, I needed to hear it. It does make me feel less ashamed of myself to know that I am not alone. Do you, do you think he will try it again?"

"Unfortunately, yes I do, but I know not how to stop him without bringing shame and scandal upon us and I refuse to do so."

"But?"

"No buts, Georgiana. I will not chance ruin on your reputation for the sake of revenge. I will, however, look for situations in the future to bring him the justice he deserves."

Strangely comforted by his words, Georgiana's spirits began to rise.

"Fitzwilliam, please get off your knees and sit next to me again. If a stranger were to walk in right now they would think you offer me marriage!"

Whatever Darcy thought her response would be he would never have imagined this. After the initial shock wore off he threw back his head and laughed!

"What do you find so amusing, brother?" Georgiana teased.

"Who are you and what have you done with my sister!" he mockingly replied. "Truly dear, that was the last response I would have expected, not that I am displeased. It is obvious that there has been a change around here since I left. Will you tell me about it?"

Much relieved over her brother's acceptance of her teasing, Georgiana began to acquaint him with her meetings with Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth Bennet.

"You say Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are little Nicolas Clark's godparents?"

"Yes, they are delightful people and their niece Elizabeth is a wonderful young lady."

"Elizabeth is it?"

"Mrs. Reynolds said the exact same thing!" Georgiana grinned. "I asked Elizabeth to call me Georgiana and she said only on the condition I call her Elizabeth." She then told him of her two visits. "I asked her to write to me. She said she would as soon as she was home to let me know she had arrived safely. They left Lambton for Hertfordshire yesterday morning. Oh brother, I wish she did not live so far away."

"Miss Bennet certain sounds like a nice young lady. I suppose it would be good for you to have a correspondent closer to your age."

"Thank you, brother. I hope to meet her again someday. I am sure you would like her, too."

"If it will make you happy, I am sure I would like to meet her. Now run along and get ready for dinner. I cannot wait to see what surprises you have in store for me."

"Dinner will be ready in an hour Fitzwilliam."

Darcy escorted his sister to her room and then headed straight for his housekeeper's study.

"Mrs. Reynolds, may I have a few minutes of your time? I know it is nearly time for dinner but I have a matter to discuss with you that cannot wait."

"I have been expecting you."

"You have?"

"I received a letter from Mary today. Actually, it arrived express in response to the express I sent her. She enclosed a letter for you as well. Why don't you read it first and then we can talk?"

Dear William,

As soon as I read my mother's letter I sat down at once to answer her and to write this to you. Mama had a distinct feeling that once you became aware of Georgiana's association with Miss Elizabeth that you would fall into the overprotective, overbearing Darcy Mode. Don't forget that we grew up together and I know you almost as well as my mother.

About Miss Elizabeth Bennet's Aunt and Uncle. I may have grown up with you but you do not know of the children who were my friends in Lambton. My best friend, though several years older was Madeline Gardiner (nee Simpson). After I married Edmund and settled in London the Gardiners became some of our closest friends. Indeed, they are little Nicolas' godparents. Through the past 8 years I have come into contact with their eldest two nieces, Jane and Elizabeth, quite frequently. Jane is a sweet woman but Elizabeth is our favorite. She has shown herself to be a dependable, thoughtful, intelligent, and lively young woman. She has little Nicolas wrapped around her finger. Truly, I would be thrilled if he would find such a young lady to marry, in about 20 years!

I had a feeling she and Georgiana would become good friends once acquainted with each other. Indeed I truly believe that Elizabeth will prove to be a fiercely loyal friend for Georgiana and will not be afraid to challenge even you in her defense of your sister. Trust me, William, you could not find a better friend for Georgiana.

Yours,

Mary

PS. Ask mama how she liked her surprise!

Looking up at his housekeeper with admiration in his eyes he said softly, "Kate, you always seem to know what is best for the Darcys. How can I ever thank you?"

"You know I just want to see the two of you happy, William"

"Yes, I know. Tell me more about Miss Bennet. It seems that if she is to be Georgiana's friend I should get to know as much about her as possible."

Mrs. Reynolds spent the next little while telling Darcy all she had observed.

"So you approve of her then?"

"Truly sir, I believe that there are few who would not. After all, if she is good enough for Nicolas how could I not approve?"

"Then I am sorry I missed making her acquaintance."

"So am I."

Darcy shot his housekeeper a quick look, but Mrs. Reynolds managed to maintain an even countenance.

'You two would do very well together William. But would your devotion to duty get in the way of seeing the prize before you?' she thought to herself. 'I hope not. Miss Bennet's very presence appeared as if she belonged here… at Pemberley. I was sorry to see her go,' she mused.

"William, I know you are the master of this house, but I must get back to my duties or you will be in danger of a cold supper. I would not venture to incur your sister's displeasure tonight. She worked very hard putting the menu together."

"And what would that menu be?"

"Oh no sir! Miss Darcy would never forgive me if I spoiled her surprise!"

"Point taken! Again I thank you."

"Now, be off with you."

"I forgot to ask you about your surprise!"

"Later, sir. I have work to be done and you have to make yourself ready to arrive on time for dinner. "

"I shall expect a visit in my study then tomorrow morning madam!"

"As you wish."

Darcy arranged to speak to Mrs. Annesley the next afternoon.

"Tell me your impressions of Miss Bennet."

"Well sir, the first opportunity I had to meet Miss Bennet occurred on her second visit. I was feeling unwell the day before when her Aunt and Uncle came so I was not there on the two occasions Miss Darcy first had to interact with her. However, I was with Miss Darcy when Miss Bennet came that second day. I was astonished at the rapidity with which Miss Bennet was able to draw out Miss Darcy. To be perfectly honest, I was a bit jealous of the young lady. She was able to compliment Miss Darcy in a most unaffected way as to not make her too uncomfortable and to be able to instill some self-confidence in her. I was impressed. She tactfully pushed Miss Darcy to emerge from her shy exterior, but never harshly or with any meanness of manner. She seemed to naturally understand how and when to stop. I would certainly never wish to cross verbal swords with that lady for I fear she would make quick work of me, but in such a sweet manner that she would fail to offend!"

Darcy was curious. What kind of woman was this Miss Bennet? He knew Mrs. Annesley was at the end of what she felt she could impart. Perhaps a few well-chosen words would elicit what she wanted to say, but was afraid would harm her relationship with Georgiana.

"Mrs. Annesley, I appreciate the fact that I am placing you in an awkward position. I pay your salary but it is Georgiana with whom you have to maintain a trust. You now know her disappointments, especially the Ramsgate affair. It is obvious that she has taken you into her confidence. I would not wish to force anything from you that could damage the bonds that you have so carefully cultivated. Is there anything else about Miss Bennet's relationship with Miss Darcy that you can, in good conscience, tell me?

Darcy waited patiently as the woman before him weighed her words.

"Mr. Darcy, It is true that I have spoken often with Miss Darcy over the last several days about Miss Bennet. It is obvious that Miss Darcy holds her in the highest regard and has developed a deep affection for her. Naturally I would be concerned about this because of the incident at Ramsgate, which you have mentioned. However, from what Miss Darcy and Mrs. Reynolds have told me, as well as my own observations, I believe every effort to develop this friendship has been initiated by Miss Darcy from the beginning. In no way has Miss Bennet tried to ingratiate herself into Miss Darcy's life. That is not to say she has been indifferent. She accepted Miss Darcy's overtures with joy and sincere pleasure. In conclusion, I must say I believe Miss Bennet to be a remarkable young woman and I do not believe I could have chosen anyone better to be Miss Darcy's friend."

"Thank you for your candor Mrs. I appreciate your efforts to protect my sister. I shall take what you have said into consideration on this matter. Good afternoon, Madam."

With that Darcy dismissed his sister's companion and once again sought out his Housekeeper.

"Mrs. Reynolds, remind me not to doubt your judgment ever again!"

"Has Mrs. Annesley convinced you then?"

"As much as is possible under the circumstances. Send my best wishes and my thanks to Mary in your next letter."

"I already have."

They both smiled and then went to fulfill their own obligations.

Yeah, I know you wanted to see them meet. Patience, Grasshopper(s). Tis too soon for Fitzwilliam Darcy to meet Elizabeth Bennet. He needs some working on first so he doesn't blow it.