Page 10 of Regrets

Anne understood at once. “His allusion to us becoming more closely related? That is my mother’s nonsense, you must know. She has been talking for ages about how she and your mother planned for their children to marry.”

“Is that what you want, though, Anne? To marry William?”

“Heavens, no! Oh, no, Georgiana, I mean no insult to your brother. He is in every way a worthy gentleman, but I can never feel anything but cousinly affection for him.”

Georgiana sighed in relief. “I am so glad to hear it! He has always said that there had never been any such discussion between our mother and Aunt Catherine, but that he did not wish to hurt your feelings.”

“He will not injure me; even were he to offer, I would say no.” Anne hesitated. “Have you ever met anyone you wished to marry?”

Georgiana sighed. “No, but I have his image in my mind.”

“Really?! Tell me!” Anne leant forward, her eyes wide with excitement.

“Well, he is blond and blue-eyed; his hair curls at the ends. He has dimples, one in each cheek. He laughs and smiles a good deal.” Georgiana’s voice had become soft and dreamy.

“Heavens, Georgiana! It sounds as if you really have met him!”

Georgiana hesitated. “Well, not him, exactly, but…”

“Go on, tell me,” Anne urged.

“There was a boy when I was growing up…” she trailed off.

“A boy? What boy?”

“Our steward’s son. His name was George Wickham. He was ever so kind to me, Anne, even though I was just a young child and probably little more than a nuisance. But I always remembered him with a good deal of fondness.”

“You cannot marry a steward’s son, Georgiana,” Anne sounded concerned.

“I know that, of course, Anne.” Georgiana certainly could not marry a steward’s son! But it was a shame, as he had been ever so handsome and kind...

***

The next day, Georgiana wrote to her brother.

Dear Brother,

I am quite well, and seem to be adjusting to living at Rosings Park. The dinners are still endless, and Mrs. Jenkinson still too officious and meddling, but Anne and Aunt Catherine have been everything kind and welcoming.

Anne is progressing nicely on the pianoforte, though of course she should have started learning fifteen years ago!

I was quite shocked yesterday when Aunt’s parson came to visit and told her, quite proudly, that he had spied upon one of his parishioners in order to confirm her suspicions that the family had more food than was strictly necessary, and she need not extend her charity to them! Have you ever heard of such a thing?? Surely that is not right.

And you should know that he has evidently been told that you and Anne are betrothed, for he referenced it quite boldly! I spoke to Anne about it later, and while she likes you very much as a cousin, she has no wish to marry you, so you need not be concerned about injuring her feelings.

I am forcing Anne out of doors every day, and we walk around the garden. Last week we walked for ten minutes, this week for fifteen, and next week, I will encourage her to walk for twenty minutes. She already looks a good deal better. I do not think she is as ill as her mother thinks.

I miss you, of course, but am healthy and happy, so you need not be concerned!

Your loving sister,

Georgiana

Chapter Ten

Despite being inexperienced in matters of estates, Mr. Bingley was far from inexperienced in matters of business, as Mr. Stanley soon learnt. Mr. Bingley asked a number of relevant questions, and then asked if Mr. Stanley would be willing to journey with him to see the property.

Mr. Stanley agreed with alacrity, adding that Mr. Darcy had already requested it.