Page 26
Story: A New Beginning
"Charles, why did you not tell me you were planning to travel to Pemberley?
" Caroline asked, visibly irritated. "Caroline, could you please allow me to enjoy my breakfast in peace?
" "One of the maids informed me that your valet was packing your clothes.
I warn you, I shall not permit you to leave me here.
Do you not realise that Georgiana needs me?
" "Caroline, I despise it when you send your servants to spy on me.
I have told you before that I would much prefer you speak to me directly.
It spares us both unnecessary arguments.
If you must know, I plan to travel to Hertfordshire tomorrow.
" "I shall not allow you to do that, Charles!
What could you possibly want in that place?
" demanded Louisa, who had just entered the dining room and promptly sat beside her sister to support her.
"I intend to return to Netherfield and offer my support to the Bennet family.
It is the least I can do for them." "If you go back there, you will inevitably create expectations—expectations from which you will not easily escape," Caroline said, struggling to maintain her composure.
"Charles, you are being unreasonable. What will Mr. Darcy think when he learns you have returned to that dreadful place?
I thought you understood that Jane Bennet has no real interest in you.
In her current situation, she will hardly be in a position to refuse you.
It is obvious Mrs. Bennet will pressure her into accepting your offer.
You must not even consider resuming a friendship with the sister of your best friend's employee.
You would be tarnishing our family's name.
" Louisa noticed that Caroline remained silent and suspected she was already formulating a plan.
"If you have said all you needed to say, I ask that you allow me to finish my breakfast. Please do not waste any more time repeating yourselves.
Neither you nor Darcy will change my mind.
" Mr. Bingley resumed his breakfast while his sisters looked at him with disapproval.
After breakfast, Caroline asked Louisa to accompany her to her bedchamber for a private discussion.
"We need not worry just yet. For all we know, Jane Bennet is working who knows where.
When Charles arrives in Hertfordshire, Mrs. Bennet will surely tell him where her daughter is, and it will take him several days to locate her.
That gives us time to act." "You are correct; we do have time.
I shall ask Mr. Hurst to write to Mr. Darcy and inform him of what is happening.
He is the only one who can make Charles see reason.
" "Very well thought out, Louisa." The sisters continued devising their strategy to separate Mr. Bingley from Jane.
They would not allow that woman to ruin their plans to rise within the highest circles of society.
◆◆◆
Mr. Darcy had invited several neighbours to dinner to discuss the distribution of water among the local estates.
In a few weeks, workers were to resume construction of a dam and improvements to the irrigation canals.
As he had no hostess, he limited such gatherings to small, business-focused dinners with his closest neighbours.
Although he would have preferred that only the gentlemen attend, he could not be so impolite as to exclude their wives and daughters.
Mr. Baker, Mr. Ward, and Mr. Clarke—all married and older than Mr. Darcy—were in attendance.
Mr. and Mrs. Ward had brought their daughter, Miss Arabella Ward, who had just turned twenty.
Her parents hoped she might attract Mr. Darcy's attention.
Georgiana felt somewhat intimidated by the crowd and took a particular dislike to Miss Ward and her mother.
Though they made every effort to engage her in conversation, she could sense their interest was insincere, which made her uneasy.
Had Elizabeth not been at her side, offering encouragement, Georgiana would have found the situation unbearable.
Half an hour before dinner was served, Elizabeth and Georgiana performed the songs they had rehearsed over the past several days.
Seizing the opportunity, Miss Ward sat beside Mr. Darcy and began conversing with him.
"Mr. Darcy, your sister plays the piano beautifully.
My mother and I would be delighted to invite her for tea.
I hope she and I can become great friends.
" "Thank you, Miss Ward. Georgiana has practised diligently to offer you this small performance," Mr. Darcy replied.
Although she continued speaking, he scarcely heard her; his attention was wholly absorbed by Elizabeth and her lovely voice.
Colonel Fitzwilliam also enjoyed the music.
The other guests were discussing matters of little interest to him, so the presence of Georgiana and Elizabeth offered a welcome distraction.
Moreover, he observed with amusement how intently his cousin watched Miss Bennet.
When the performance ended, the guests applauded warmly.
Georgiana felt proud—she had played three pieces flawlessly before a crowd.
Yet the effort had given her a terrible headache.
"Lizzy, I believe I shall dine in my bedroom and rest. I am not feeling well," Georgiana said.
She was pale. "I understand, my dear. Sit next to the Colonel—I shall speak with your brother.
" Elizabeth approached Mr. Darcy discreetly.
"Excuse me, sir, but Miss Darcy is not feeling well.
I believe she should rest. Singing before so many people was a valuable experience for her, but she still needs time to overcome her fears and feel at ease with strangers.
" "I understand, and I agree. Do not worry, Miss Bennet—I shall explain her absence to the guests.
" Mr. Darcy felt proud of his sister and knew the remainder of the evening would be tedious for her.
Elizabeth curtsied and thanked him before returning to Georgiana's side.
She informed her that she would accompany her to her bedchamber.
While Mr. Darcy informed his guests of his sister's departure, Richard spoke to Georgiana and Elizabeth.
"I hope you feel better soon, Georgie. Remember, I must leave after breakfast tomorrow, and I would like to say goodbye.
" "Do not worry, Richard. I am sure I shall feel better after some sleep," Georgiana replied.
"I imagine you will dine with us, Miss Bennet?
You cannot leave me to endure these boring people alone," Richard said playfully, making both ladies smile.
"I am sorry, Colonel, but it would not be appropriate for me to dine with Mr. Darcy's guests if Miss Darcy is not present," Elizabeth replied.
"I disagree, but I understand," he said.
After bidding the guests good night, Elizabeth helped Georgiana to bed and asked Molly to bring her dinner.
After eating, Georgiana felt better, and Elizabeth read poetry to her until she fell asleep.
Elizabeth felt deeply sorry for the girl—so timid and anxious, she was unable to enjoy all that life had to offer.
"Dear friends, please join me in the dining room—dinner is served," Mr. Darcy announced.
As he and Richard walked toward the dining room, he said in a low voice, "You may ask Mrs. Reynolds to inform Miss Bennet that dinner is ready.
" "She will not be joining us," Richard replied.
"I asked her to come, but she declined." "We shall speak of this later, Fitzwilliam," Mr. Darcy said coldly.
He was certain his cousin was somehow responsible for Elizabeth's absence.
He still remembered the incident in the morning and suspected it had influenced her decision to remain in her bedchamber.
Elizabeth was exhausted and had not eaten since luncheon.
Georgiana's maid had gone to bed, and Elizabeth did not wish to disturb her.
Hoping to find something light to eat, she went to the kitchen.
To her surprise, she found Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. Turner, and the cook dining together.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Reynolds, I have not eaten since noon.
I wondered if there might be something—" "Do not worry, Miss Bennet.
I shall prepare a tray and have it sent to your room," Mrs. Reynolds offered.
"That is not necessary, I can—" "Why not stay and dine with us, Miss Bennet?
" Mr. Turner asked. He felt sorry for her—she always seemed so alone.
"I would love to, if I am not intruding…
" "Of course, you are not intruding," said the cook warmly.
Elizabeth took a seat and was served a bowl of stew with freshly baked bread.
As the conversation flowed around her, she soon found herself laughing and participating.
For the first time in days, she felt truly at ease—among people who did not judge her.
Dining with Pemberley's staff made her feel less alone and gave her renewed strength to carry on.
Moreover, in a few days, she would travel to London and be closer to her family.
◆◆◆
"I thought they were never going to leave…
If I had known I would be forced to spend an evening with such company, I would have departed this morning," Richard said, jesting.
Then, pouring himself a glass of brandy, he added, "I deserve every drop of this.
If it were not for me, you would not have escaped Miss Ward's company.
You owe me that, cousin." "I have never had trouble making a lady understand that I am not interested in her.
I do not require your assistance for that, Fitzwilliam.
" "You are quite right, cousin. Whenever I see Caroline Bingley in your presence, it is plain she knows she shall never be Mrs. Darcy.
When the Bingleys next come to Pemberley, you should invite Miss Ward as well—I would pay handsomely to see those two women vying for your attention," Richard said, laughing heartily.
Mr. Darcy remained unmoved by his cousin's jests; his thoughts were elsewhere.
"Fitzwilliam, what did you say to Miss Bennet in the woods this morning?
" "What?" "I believe you heard me perfectly.
" "Yes, but I did not quite understand your question.
" "Then I shall ask again: what did you say to Miss Bennet this morning?
" Richard set his glass of brandy on the table and looked steadily at his cousin.
"Darcy, I shall answer your question—but I warn you, you may not like what I have to say. "
Table of Contents
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- Page 26 (Reading here)
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