Chapter Text
Darcy looked at Georgiana worriedly, her pale form staring listlessly out the carriage window. It had only been a few short months since the unfortunate incident at Ramsgate and Darcy was still concerned for her. Georgiana had never been an outgoing child, similar to him in that respect. The death of their mother shortly after her birth and their father five years before had cut her deeply. Their society was quite limited as their family was scattered about the country. Unfortunately, Darcy wasn’t the easy, aimable sort of man to have a large group of friends for her to mix with their sisters and wives, so she’d had few people to talk to. But she had always spoken to him. Despite the age difference of nearly twelve years, they had always been very close, first as siblings and then as he had taken on more of a fatherly role.
Since the incident she barely spoke, especially to Darcy. He would gladly endure her shouting at him or crying if only she would let him in, but unfortunately all he was met with was silence. He didn’t know what to do. He tried to ensure that man’s name was never spoken in Georgiana’s presence and that she never felt the need to speak of him or what happened once he’d ensured her continued innocence. He worried that she resented the interference in her life, but he could not let Georgie marry that man. He was a scoundrel and a rake and would have made her life miserable in revenge against Darcy.
She seemed to find some slight comfort in company of her new companion, Mrs. Annesley. Mrs. Annesley had come well recommended from his Aunt Matlock and she seemed respectable when they met. However, he had been fooled before so he’d been obsessively diligent in checking her references. Thankfully the reports had all been glowing and Georgiana liked her. Wanting to give his sister space, he’d left them in their London home when he came to Netherfield. Unfortunately, Mrs. Annesley’s sister had fallen gravely ill and needed her aid. Finding a new companion was out of the question on such short notice, as was leaving Georgiana in London or sending her home to Pemberley alone. He’d been tempted to leave Netherfield, but Bingley still needed his assistance in learning estate management and he did not want to break a promise to his friend, though Bingley would have understood. It left the only option of bringing Georgiana to Netherfield. He ridden to London two days ago to bring her back to Hertfordshire.
So here they were, at a stalemate, neither truly speaking to each other.
Pulling up to Netherfield, Darcy stepped out of the carriage. While nothing to Pemberley, Netherfield was a good, solid house and the lands seemed fertile enough to support Bingley. In the month Darcy had already been there, the neighbourhood had little impressed him. Bingley seemed to enjoy it nonetheless. Turning back to the carriage, he helped the silent Georgiana out as Bingley emerged from the house, grinning and welcoming them effusively.
“Happy to have you back Darcy. Welcome to Netherfield Miss Darcy.” Georgiana smiled weakly at him, whispering words of thanks for allowing her to come. “It is nothing at all Miss Darcy. My sisters are very happy to have you here, as am I.”
Darcy held in his grimace. The presence of Mr. Bingley’s sisters had been a consideration in bringing Georgiana here. Miss Bingley was not as subtle as she thought she was in her desire to catch him. He worried she would be overly effusive to Georgiana in an effort to please him, who would likely feel overwhelmed by the attention. Since reaching marrying age, it baffled Darcy the actions taken by most young women he met or their matchmaking mothers. At 27, Darcy did not know what he wanted in a wife, but it was becoming increasingly clear what he did not want. A voice in the back of his mind piped up that he had found a woman worth wanting in this rustic neighbourhood. Pushing down the thought, he addressed his friend, “thank you Bingley. I’m sure Georgiana would like to rest after our long day of travelling.”
“Of course. Caroline and Louisa must wait until dinner. I hope you shall find enjoyment in the neighbourhood, as you shall meet the first member of it tomorrow,” Bingley said, the dreamy cadence of his voice and besotted look revealed the guest before he even spoke. “My sisters invited the enchanting Miss Bennet for luncheon. Darcy, myself and Hurst are having lunch with the officers, you are welcome to join or stay.”
Darcy hesitated – to sup with all the ladies and have no other gentlemen present would be a trial, but to leave Georgiana alone betrayed his brotherly sensibilities. Georgiana’s quiet voice made his decision, “you should go Brother.”
“If you’re sure Georgiana.”
~~~
He handed his gloves and hat to the butler at Netherfield along with the other men. Lunch had been a pleasant enough affair; at least there had been no ladies present. Bingley was such an easy conversationalist that he took most of the pressure off Darcy. And having spent so much time over the years with his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy was comfortable enough discussing issues of the militia and current conflicts. He was happy to be home though, his temporary home at least.
Georgiana joined them in the foyer. Darcy could see the tension she wore, the tightness around her eyes. Lunch must have been a chore. He should not have left her alone.
“Hello Miss Darcy, how was your afternoon?” Bingley asked exuberantly, wanting news of his dear Miss Bennet. Darcy had seen Bingley in love many times. He was quick to admire in whatever society he was in, each new young lady the most beautiful, the most accomplished. However, this time his admiration seemed more lasting. Darcy did not have any notable criticisms of Miss Bennet. She was too friendly in his opinion, all positive feelings and little discernment – well suited to Bingley though as they were similar in that regard. In that she was the daughter of a gentleman, it appeared a suitable match. Bingley’s fortune had been made in trade, though the current generation lived more like gentry. Their history deterred many of the society mamas from thinking him worthy, despite his wealth. Here in the country though, the pairing of a gentleman’s daughter and a wealthy tradesman was accepted and would benefit both.
Her family though, there his criticisms lay. It had little to do with their connections, though low on the mother’s side, but nothing to be concerned at from Bingley’s point of view. Though he had been in their company but a handful of times, it was their behaviour that gave him pause. The youngest two were wild, far too young to be out in society – slightly older and younger than Georgiana with none of her refined behaviour. The middle daughter, he had no opinion on – she rarely spoke in company, whether by choice or inability with such expressive younger siblings, and when she did, it was to sermonize. In the parents, he was most concerned. Mr. Bennet seem to do nothing to check the behaviour of his daughters, seeming to find pleasure in mocking them. Mrs. Bennet sought little more than to marry off her daughters and did not disguise that wish. Darcy worried that she would push Miss Bennet to marry Bingley without consideration of her feelings. While friendly, Darcy could not detect any marks of love on her. While many marriages were entered into without love, he hoped his friend would avoid that – Bingley was too open hearted not to marry for love. Darcy would remain vigilant and advise his friend as needed.
Miss Elizabeth on the other hand, frustrated him for other reasons. When he first met her at the Meryton Assembly a month earlier, he had not been impressed. He could admit to himself that he had been less than gentlemanly in his comments to Bingley about her. “Not handsome enough to tempt me,” how untrue those words were. He had been in a sour mood that night upon leaving Georgiana in London, uninclined to think well of anyone, and the immediate attention to his wealth and unmarried status soured it more. On second glance, he’d recognized his error. Elizabeth wasn’t a classic beauty like her elder sister, her beauty was much rawer and it affected him greatly. In the dark of the night when his guard was down, he dreamt of her mahogany brown curls that he longed to see released from their confines; dreamt of her dark eyes that he often got lost in.
It was not just her beauty though. She was clever and impertinent, not one to treat him differently because of his status. Darcy had never been drawn to a woman like her, he had never met a woman like her. Deference and admiration were more commonplace in his interactions with women and that had never affected him the way Elizabeth’s pert comments and assessing eyes did. Since his father’s death, he had not really been attracted to anyone. The weight of his responsibility for Georgiana and Pemberley had suppressed many of his more youthful aspirations, and still duty weighed on him heavily. His marriage had to ensure Georgiana’s prospects and bring benefits to his estate, either in wealth, position or preferably both. He could not throw himself away on a country miss with poor contacts and a minimal dowry, no matter how teasing her smile.
Directing his attention back to his sister and away from the distracting thoughts, he heard her say, “unfortunately Miss Bennet was caught in the rain on her way here and took ill during lunch. Your sisters settled her in a guest room and sent a note home that she will be staying her tonight.”
Bingley blanched, “heavens, poor Miss Bennet. We must call for the apothecary.”
“No need Brother,” Miss Bingley came down the stairs with Mrs. Hurst. “Miss Bennet wouldn’t hear of calling the apothecary and is resting peacefully now. If she is still doing poorly in the morning, we’ll send for him them.” Miss Bingley led them all to the drawing room, “you know, I adore Jane but what was she thinking coming on horseback. It was evident it would rain.”
Mrs. Hurst scoffed, “it was probably the mother. I’m sure she is thrilled that Miss Bennet is stuck here.” The sisters laughed viciously.
Darcy saw Georgiana flinch at their cruelty, his sister’s sweet nature not adept at slander, especially behind someone’s back. Bingley seemed too distracted to scold them. It was going to be a long night.
~~~
Darcy rubbed the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache already building despite the early morning. They had only been sat for breakfast for quarter of an hour, but Miss Bingley had been relentless in her attention to him and her complaints of the neighbourhood. Thankfully the weather had dawned bright and sunny, so he was anxious to escape with Bingley into the fields. Again, he felt guilt at abandoning his sister, but staying in Miss Bingley’s presence was unpalatable. He began to count down the minutes until escape was possible. He hoped it was before the apothecary arrived – Miss Bennet had not improved overnight so he had been sent for. Bingley was excessively anxious and would be apt to hover around the apothecary, like a moth to a flame.
The butler entered the breakfast room, silencing the occupants with surprise. No guests were expected and it was far too early for casual drop-ins. “May I present Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” She entered, a hint of discomfort in her gaze though she kept her head high, and curtsied.
Darcy was struck dumb, though he held his countenance steady. She was glorious – her cheeks a pleasing pink from the sun, her eyes brightened by the exercise and her hair loosened, curls escaping their place. Yes, her dress was of poorer quality than his sister would wear and the hem was six inches deep in mud, unsurprising given the rain and distance between the estates. Neither factor deterred his admiration – he was in trouble.
Mr. Bingley rose to greet her, “welcome Miss Elizabeth.”
“I’m sorry to call so early. I was worried for my sister. May I see her?”
“Of course.” Bingley gestured to Miss Bingley to escort her. “Before you go, may I introduce you to the only member of our party you have not yet met. This is Mr. Darcy’s sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Miss Darcy, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Darcy noted the surprise flash briefly across Elizabeth’s face. Miss Elizabeth, you fool. Georgiana’s arrival must not have passed through the channels of gossip yet to the village.
“It’s nice to meet you Miss Darcy,” Miss Elizabeth greeted her.
“You as well,” Georgiana whispered. Darcy could feel her shyness and discomfort.
“Come Miss Elizabeth. Let me take you to your sister. The apothecary is on his way to check on her.” Miss Bingley led her out of the room, leaving Darcy an uncomfortable feeling of longing in the pit of his stomach.