Mrs. Annesley laughed. “Making a suitable match in the Season is like a game; I call it the Marriage Game. If you know the rules and play by them, your chances of success are good. Learn the rules, play the game, win the prize.”
“You make it sound easy, Mrs. Annesley!” Georgiana said.
“For you, Miss Darcy, it will be. You have the right disposition, you have the financial wherewithal to live at the right address and wear the right clothes, you have the unconditional support of your brother and sister, you have the Countess of Matlock at your side, and you haveme!” Mrs. Annesley laughed at herself.
“Do all young ladies have to learn these rules?” Georgiana asked.
“Those who were brought up in London Society already know them; you do not have that advantage. But do not fear; quite soon you will be – what was John Poole’s line? – ah yes, up to snuff!”
“What does winning look like in this Marriage Game?” Georgiana asked.
“Receiving and accepting a marriage proposal from a suitable gentleman. Suitable means he is kind, gentle, honourable, and able to support you and your children without difficulty.”
Elizabeth added, “And the two of you love one another!”
Mrs. Annesley replied, “That would be ideal, but of course many matches are made that do not include love.”
Elizabeth shook her head decisively. “That will not be Georgiana’s fate. Georgiana, you must promise me that even if a duke offers for you, you will not accept him unless the two of you love one another! All the strawberry leaves in the world mean nothing if you are tied for life to a man you do not love.”
Mrs. Annesley said, “You may have to remind her of this, Mrs. Darcy. The young ladies become fiercely competitive during the Season, and more than one young lady has triumphed over her fellows by securing the best title and fortune, and then lived to regret her choice.”
Georgiana looked down for a minute, and then asked, quietly, “And what doeslosinglook like in the Marriage Game?”
Mrs. Annesley was silent for a moment before replying. “Some young ladies simply do not ‘take,’ as they say, which usually means they are not pretty or wealthy enough, or are not considered lady-like. It is unlikely that you will not ‘take,’ Miss Darcy, as you are both pretty and wealthy. Between us, we will make certain that there is nothing lacking in your behaviour and manners.”
Elizabeth added, “And it is behaviour and manners that are lacking for Caroline Bingley, as she is pretty enough, if you like that sort of sharp feature, and she has her twenty thousand pounds, as she continually reminds us.”
Chapter Four
The weeks flew by as the Darcys prepared to leave Pemberley. There was much to be done and their days were busy, but they finally arrived at Darcy House on an icy January day.
They were greeted by Mr. Taggart, the butler. “Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy, Miss Darcy, Mrs. Annesley, welcome home. There is a fire in the drawing room and a tea service will be ready in mere minutes.”
“Is Daisy here?” Elizabeth asked. “And Cathy and Hendersen?” The personal servants had been sent on ahead, along with a good number of trunks.
“They arrived about two hours ago, Mrs. Darcy.”
The housekeeper, Mrs. Jenkins, appeared and curtsied, a smile on her face. “Welcome! Your trunks are even now being unpacked, and there are fires in your bedrooms as well, of course.”
“Good,” Mr. Darcy said, handing Taggart his overcoat and hat. “A warm fire and tea would be very welcome.”
The party moved into the drawing room and sat as close to the fire as possible. A tea tray arrived, and Mrs. Annesley had Georgiana pour for everyone. It was good for her to practice, as she might well be pouring tea for her suitors before long!
Mr. Taggart entered the room; bowing, he proffered a silver tray to Elizabeth. “This just arrived for you, Mrs. Darcy.”
“Heavens! Already?” Elizabeth exclaimed. Opening it, she read:
Dearest Sister,
We just arrived at Bingley House. Do let me know when you are in Town!
Jane
Elizabeth moved to the small writing desk that was tucked into the corner of the drawing room and composed a reply.
Dear Jane,
We have just this minute walked into Darcy House. Everyone is exhausted! Perhaps you could visit with us tomorrow?
