“Our poor young ward is greatly lacking in female companionship. Lady Catherine promotes her daughter as a friend, but I would hate for Georgiana to take on any ofhermannerisms or views.”
“On that, we agree.” Darcy took a large mouthful of wine. Anne de Bourgh was disagreeable, sour, ignorant, and worse. After another sip of his drink, Darcy said, “In her last letter, Georgiana said her spirits are improving. She sounded cheerful enough, I suppose. What does your mother say? I have not heard from her in above a week.”
As soon as Darcy had learnt of his sister’s intention to elope with George Wickham, the reprobate, he had separated the couple, written to Fitzwilliam, with whom he shared guardianship of his sister, and whisked her off to Lady Romsley. He had not known how else to assist his sister in overcoming her disappointment and embarrassment for almost making such a grievous error.
“My mother wrote to me the day before yesterday,” Fitzwilliam said. “She said Georgiana is doing very well, considering everything that has happened. Mother is delighted to have her, as you know, and feels quite as wretched about the whole affair as we do. You recall that she liked Mrs Younge and approved of the Ramsgate holiday.”
Darcy and Fitzwilliam often consulted the countess about Georgiana. As bachelors, they had no one else to turn to when they had questions. What did they know about helping a girl navigate the stormy waters between childhood and adulthood?
“Do not concern yourself with your sister at present, Darcy. Return to Bingley’s estate and amuse yourself in the country for another fortnight or however long you choose to stay. Who else is there, apart from his sister?”
“No one yet. I expect Mr and Mrs Hurst soon, and Bingley said they were inviting friends, but I have not asked whom. It is their house, and it is not for me to dictate their guests.” He would be glad when there were more people at Netherfield. Miss Bingley would not fuss over him as much when she had other people present to distract her.
“I know how much Georgiana’s situation has distressed you, and it would do you good to have some fun before you see her again.”
An image of Elizabeth Bennet appeared in his mind. “I expect my visit will be…agreeable.”
“Good! Take the opportunity to gather your strength. You will need it at Christmas. You know my father and mother will press you about choosing a bride, ensuring Georgiana has a sister before she enters society, to say nothing of being company and a guide for her until then.”
Fitzwilliam grinned broadly, and Darcy groaned and sunk low in his chair.
“Darcy, that cannot be a surprise to you. My father has talked of you marrying for two years now, and my mother is forever suggesting ladies to you, when, that is, she is not introducing them to Bramwell. I hope his romantic endeavours are successful, if only to alleviate my mother’s growing agitation about him settling down and taking on some of the earl’s responsibilities.
“But, back to you. Be glad they do not promote a match with our cousin Anne. Lady Catherine may still favour the idea, but Mother and Father recognise that the two of you do not like each other to such a degree that any union between you would be miserable, despite how eligible a match it would be otherwise.”
“I would marry, if I could meet a lady who had wealth, connexions, and enough beauty and intelligence to suit me,” Darcy admitted.
His cousin regarded him for a long moment before saying, “If I were you, I would think more about the last two than the former.Icannot afford to marry a lady without a sizeable fortune, but your situation is enviable. Find a woman you adore. Consider whether she would be a good sister to Georgiana, certainly, but be a little selfish, and take your desires into account. Georgiana may well be married in several years, whereas you and your wife will have a lifetime together.”
Darcy was not conscious of his expression changing, but it must have. Fitzwilliam let out a bark of laughter.
“What is this? You have already met such a lady. I am correct, am I not?”
Darcy spluttered and heat rushed up his neck. “No! I mean to say, I did recently meet an interesting young lady, but I hardly know her, and I amnotthinking of her in those terms.”
“Are you certain of that?”
The laughter in Fitzwilliam’s voice made Darcy want to follow Bramwell’s earlier example and kick him.
“I refuse to talk about it or tell you anything further about her. Really, Fitzwilliam, I have spent less than an hour in the lady’s company. Give it another hour, and I might decide she is insipid, as well as unsuitable. Her mother’s people are in trade.”
“Who really cares about that? The world is changing, and many men from our sphere are looking to prosperous tradesmen’s families for brides. Money is money, when you need it, and love is love, when you experience it.”
“Horses, sport, politics, literature—take your pick, and I shall happily discuss it. I willnotcontinue to talk about women with you.”
Darcy stood and went to look out of the window. He acted as though he had a purpose in doing so, but he doubted his cousin was fooled. Fitzwilliam excused himself, saying he would return in a few minutes. It provided Darcy with an opportunity to regain his composure and thrust Elizabeth Bennet from his mind. While he assured himself she was only in it because his cousins insisted on talking about ladies, she had often been in his thoughts. Darcy seldom met anyone, woman or man, with whom he could so readily speak and feel at ease.
But, he reminded himself sternly, no matter his cousin’s views, Miss Elizabeth was unsuited to the position of his wife. Fitzwilliam was correct that Darcy did not need a lady with a large fortune, although he would appreciate the added wealth. Connexions were more important, but not because of any ambitions he had, such as to take a seat in Parliament. Rather, it was about his future children and what they might one day need. No matter that Miss Elizabeth would be an excellent sister to Georgiana or that he found her more charming than any other lady he had ever met, he could never marry someone of her background.
Could he?
CHAPTERTWELVE
The question of whether Elizabeth Bennet was a possible wife remained with Darcy during his final days in town and the journey back to Hertfordshire. Once he arrived at Netherfield, he sat with the Bingleys in the drawing room, sipping tea and eating spice cake. After a few minutes of pleasantries, Darcy asked when Mr and Mrs Hurst would arrive.
“I am not sure exactly. My brother Hurst’s family adore Louisa, you know, and they keep insisting they delay their departure,” Miss Bingley said.
“Louisa is anxious to see Netherfield, and I am sure she will convince Hurst to come soon. After all, Netherfield is the first estate anyone in our family has occupied. Even though I have not purchased it, it is still an important event,” Bingley added.
