Mr. Darcy went on. “His daughter, Emily, has a little girl, about four years old, and that little girl is George Wickham’s daughter. Wickham refused to marry the girl, of course, so I arranged a dowry for Emily Hatton so that she might marry and retain her reputation. She was sixteen when she bore his child. There is more; do you want to hear it? All in all, I am supporting six of his bastard children. In addition, I have collected over three thousand pounds of his debts, as I did not want to see Lambton’s merchants suffer when he could not pay for his purchases. Now that you know who he truly is, shall we set the date for your wedding?” His tone was acid.
Georgiana staggered to her feet and lurched toward the door.
“One more thing, Georgiana.”
She stopped, staring at the door.
Mr. Darcy’s voice was now soft, but firm. “I do not blame you in the slightest for falling for his tricks, as he is a practiced seducer. But I will tell the gardeners that he is to be shot on sight for trespassing if he is seen on Pemberley grounds again.”
She nodded without looking back and stumbled out into the hallway. Mrs. Annesley caught up with her immediately and put a supporting arm around the girl as they walked together.
Elizabeth sat back in her chair, eyes wide with shock as she stared at her husband. “My God, I hardly know what to say, William. You were rather harsh, do you not think?”
“He is the worst man I know, Elizabeth, and I am certain that his interest in Georgiana is focused entirely on her thirty thousand pound dowry.” He sat down in his chair, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands. “She will hate me, I think. I know I lost control of my temper. If I loved her less or hated him less, I might have been more composed.”
“She will more likely be angry with herself for falling for him. Mrs. Annesley will bring her ‘round.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
July 1812
It was a full week before Georgiana and her brother were able to speak to each other as before. He was patient with her, knowing she had been deeply hurt by the revelation of Wickham’s failings, as well as by his own rough speech. Word came from the head gardener that Wickham had indeed been seen on Pemberley grounds, and a warning shot had been fired over his head. He had scampered away and had not been seen since.
Lady Anne joined the family at meals more frequently. Her behaviour toward Elizabeth, while hardly warm, was less vituperative; her children were delighted to see her making such an effort, but Elizabeth preferred to reserve judgement. There was something in the woman’s eyes that told Elizabeth trouble was brewing.
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth had decided to make Master Bianchi’s upcoming visit a birthday gift for Georgiana, who would turn sixteen the week before his arrival. A birthday celebration was arranged for the girl, which Lady Anne attended. Georgiana was given the entire day to herself, with no lessons with Mrs. Annesley. Dinner was comprised of all her favorite foods, and a large cake was presented to her at the end of the meal, compliments of Mrs. Thurston and the kitchen staff.
She beamed at everyone throughout the meal and demanded a “Very large, thank you!” slice of cake. Finally replete, she sat back and said, “Sixteen! I am very grown up now, am I not?”
Mrs. Annesley replied, “Very grown up indeed; now that we have made a start on French, and continued your lessons on geography and history, we must add etiquette to your studies.”
Georgiana made a face.
Lady Anne said, “I will sit in on some of those lessons. I am the daughter of an Earl and know everything about what is acceptable in polite society and so will correct your errors.”
There was a brief silence; then Mr. Darcy cleared his throat and said, “Elizabeth and I have a special gift for you. Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth could hardly speak for smiling. “Your brother has arranged for Master Bianchi to come to Pemberley for a week. He will arrive Monday next.”
Georgiana went pale, and her hand went to her throat. “Master Bianchi? Coming here?”
“Yes; and you will have him here for a week.”
“But – but how?”
“Your brother made him a very generous offer.”
“Oh, Brother!” Georgiana leapt from her chair, ran to Mr. Darcy, and threw her arms around his neck.
Elizabeth saw Mrs. Annesley open her mouth to reprove her charge for her manners, but then clearly changed her mind and sat back with a smile on her face.
“It was Elizabeth’s idea,” Mr. Darcy said, voice muffled by his sister’s embrace.
“Lizzy!” Georgiana flew to Elizabeth and enveloped her in a hug. Then she straightened, a look of consternation on her face. “But, oh! I must practice and practice so that he is not disappointed to have come all this way! Mrs. Annesley, I must be allowed practice time!”
“We will adjust your schedule to suit, Miss Darcy. Come now and sit back down.”
***
