“The lady has people looking out for her. However, if you recall I mentioned I may ask for assistance regarding an inheritancefrom her husband. It is possible Lord Carrington is trying to circumvent the law and steal the money left to her in her husband’s will. It may take one earl to counter another.”
Lord Matlock waved his fork in the air. “Yes. Yes. We cannot have our war heroes thinking their loved ones will not be safe and taken care of, if they never return. It will set an uncomfortable precedent. They might not wish to leave their families for the front lines, and we cannot have that, now can we? Let me know when you need my help. It will be dealt with.”
Dessert was finished, and Lord Matlock forwent the separation, and he and Darcy joined the ladies in the drawing room.
Lady Matlock had prepared tea for whomever wished it and turned to her niece. “Georgiana, I did want to discuss your coming out in more detail. I really think we must make more of a splash. You are a Fitzwilliam. It will be expected.”
“Aunt, I am a Fitzwilliam, but also a Darcy. I am firm in desiring a soft beginning. I wish to hold with Brother’s half-mourning, but as I agreed to, I shall be happy to attend a couple of dinners and a concert or two, and perhaps a play. I appreciate all your efforts, but I do not wish for my own coming out ball until Brother can dance the first set with me.”
Lady Matlock did not appear pleased, but the first discussion they had regarding Georgiana’s coming out had gotten heated. The Darcy siblings made their wishes very clear, and an ostentatious set of affairs was not on the list.
“I suppose we may discuss a ball when the mourning for Anne is over. Although, no one would look askance if we held it after the half year is up. After all, everyone will understand the importance for Fitzwilliam to seek a new bride.” Lady Matlock looked at her nephew to check his response. Seeing his lips tighten, she did not press. “We can discuss it at a later date, of course.”
“Of course.” Darcy offered his aunt a brief bow. “A ball at the right time is acceptable. We are all proud of Georgiana and want Society to know it.”
Feeling some relief, Lady Matlock was pleased she would be able to show off her niece at a grand formal affair. Even if it would be after the summer during the little season.
“Darcy,” Lord Matlock burst out loudly, “do you really concur to this paltry come out for Georgiana?”
“I do, but most importantly it is what my sister wants. And I trust her to know what is best for herself.”
Hesitant to ruffle feathers again, Lady Matlock made her first suggestion, “Excellent. There is a concert in two days’ time, and I know I shall have no trouble getting invitations for us. We can introduce Georgiana to our friends and let people know the Darcys are back in Town. Georgiana, it will be good for you to meet young people, both the ladies and the gentlemen. Fitzwilliam, it will not go amiss for you to engage with the ladies.”
“Aunt, I have no interest in being back on the marriage market. This is Georgie’s time.”
“Yes, yes, I understand.” She wafted a hand in the air, shooing away his words. “It will all be perfectly fine.”
~ / ~
Later that night, after her maid had assisted her and completed her service for the night, Georgiana sat down to write a letter to Elizabeth.
Darcy House
Grosvenor Street
Dear Elizabeth,
I was so pleased to receive your latest rendering of Alex. Your skills are much improved.
When I hold the sketches you have sent side by side it is clear to see how Alex has altered and grown.
We dined with our Matlock relations this evening and of course discussion turned to my coming out. I insisted on respecting Brother’s mourning, so far as a ball is concerned, but I will begin to attend some events. I am not as apprehensive about being introduced to Society as I had been a few years ago. Still, I dislike being the object ofattention. I am not so different from my brother in that, I imagine.
I am sorry your neighbours are still keeping their distance. Those outside a tragedy will never truly understand until they have borne one themselves. In the meantime, they point and whisper behind their hands, spreading gossip to whomever they can.
Your village is a small version of what goes on in the Ton. Sadly, I do not believe it will change any time soon.
We have not been in London a month yet and already I miss Pemberley. I am especially fond of my mother’s rose garden. There is one perfect spot, where my father built for her a shaded archway and bench. I do not have many memories of my mother, but it makes me feel close to her when I sit there.
Pray, let me know when you arrive and I will come to visit you and Alex.
Farewell for now, dear friend,
Georgiana
Chapter 12
A few days later, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam entered as Darcy and Georgiana were breaking their fast.
