Page 1 of Regrets

Chapter One

Here are four more letters,” Mr. Darcy said. “I have read them, and am rather discouraged.”

“Let me see them,” his younger sister, Georgiana, suggested, taking them from his hand and reading them aloud.

My name is Mrs. Elliot. I have taught at a school for young ladies for most of my life, and have only recently chosen to seek other work. I believe that discipline and routine are the most important aspects of a young lady’s upbringing, and I will be delighted to incorporate these into your young sister’s daily life.

Enclosed you will find references, though the school that recently employed me has not yet had occasion to write one.

“Absolutely not,” Georgiana said, shuddering. “Discipline and routine! Did I not have enough of that at school? And chosen to seek other work likely means she was let go from her position, particularly since that school has not provided a reference.” She threw the offending letter onto the floor and turned her attention to the next one.

I have just learnt that I must make my own way in lyfe. I was married but were not blesd with child and so my husbend lyft me to find another wyfe. This is quite rong, I think, but I must urn my bred, so would like to have this posytion. I have no rferneces but I no I can do a good job.

“I feel quite sad for her, but I cannot have a companion who cannot spell,” Georgiana said, sadly. This letter, too, found its way to the floor. Georgiana looked at the third letter.

Derbyshire! What fun! I have always loved that county! And I believe it loves me as well, and would welcome me with open arms! I hope we will do a good deal of traveling around Derbyshire, as well as nearby counties of Cheshire and Staffordshire, for I am an excellent traveler and am never ill! Attached find references from my fellow travelers!

“I do not think she truly understands the position,” Georgiana declared. That letter, too, was consigned to the floor. She then picked up the last letter.

My name is Mrs. Younge. I am the daughter of a parson, so my upbringing is unexceptional. I was married, but my husband died in battle, my parents are deceased, and I have no children. Thus, I find myself quite alone in the world and would very much like to have companionship as well as provide it. While I do understand that a young lady must improve her accomplishments, it is also important that she have rest, exercise, and amusement. Enclosed you will find references from a number of fine families who I have had the great honour to serve.

I do look forward to hearing from you.

Mrs. Younge

“Perfect!” Georgiana pronounced, smiling widely. She had been at school for the past three years, and had just recently returned home. She and her brother had agreed that she was too old for a governess and instead needed a companion, given that her much older brother, the master of an enormous estate, could hardly serve as a companion for a fifteen year old girl.

For Georgiana, the idea of a companion, someone who could be a friend, rather than a teacher, was very appealing. She very much looked forward to meeting Mrs. Younge.

Chapter Two

All false references!” Mr. Darcy exclaimed in irritation, throwing papers down on his desk.

“Mrs. Younge?” Georgiana asked in alarm.

“Yes; so far, none of the applicants for the post of your companion appear appropriate. I am sorry, Georgiana; I know you were looking forward to having someone here with you.”

Georgiana sighed in disappointment. “Truly? False references? But her letter sounded so very agreeable!”

“It did, yes, and I was ready to offer her the post until I checked the names of her references against Debretts and learnt that none of the people who had signed her references actually existed.” Mr. Darcy’s tone was wry. “I can only wonder who she really is and what she really wanted.”

“I suppose she just wanted employment,” Georgiana said, flatly. “And all the other applicants sounded awful, and there were not very many of them, at that!”

“I am sorry, dear. I suppose not many people want to live out of the way in Derbyshire.”

“Then I suppose I will spend the summer by myself,” Georgiana said. “It is not so bad, after all, if there is no one about to trouble me.”

This is precisely what Mr. Darcy had not wanted for his sister. She was shy, even shyer now than before she had gone to school. He had hoped that school would give her some confidence, but it seemed the exact opposite had happened.

He could not know the particulars, as his sister had never confided in him, but Georgiana had not had a pleasant experience at school. Many of her schoolmates had been the daughters of peers, with a good deal of self-importance and pride. The Darcy family was wealthy and, in many cases, far wealthier than the titled families, but wealth was not as important as a title.

Thus, Georgiana was considered unimportant. No one made the effort to befriend her; and, as she was not naturally gregarious, she did not make the effort to reach out to those girls who were in a position similar to her own and might have been her friends.

But though he did not know of her school experience, Mr. Darcy did not wish her to be so solitary. “No, I do not want you to be on your own all summer,” Mr. Darcy said, firmly. “The Matlocks have already left London for the summer, but you might go to Kent to see Anne.”

Georgiana considered this. She had not seen her cousin in several years. As she thought back, Anne had never been a very gregarious individual, but she was certainly not mean or nasty, like the girls at school. Yes, perhaps they would become friends. It was likely better than being alone. And though Aunt Catherine was sometimes rather fearsome, Georgiana had always felt that her aunt liked her. She nodded. “I would love to visit with Anne. Thank you, Brother.”

Mr. Darcy hesitated, looking with concern at his young sister. “I am sorry, Georgiana; I wish I could be more company for you.”