Page 14

JILTED!

E lizabeth and Darcy burst out laughing as they stepped into the downstairs hallway. They were the first ones to arrive. They sat down on the bench to wait for the rest of the family. Once more, Darcy drew her into his arms. Their joy in each other’s company was everything that a young couple should have.

“I hope you are not going to try to show me up this afternoon, Lizzy,” Lydia pouted. “It would be just like you to make it about you.”

Elizabeth could hear the jealousy in Lydia’s voice. What her sister had to be jealous about, Elizabeth was not sure. Lydia was getting married that afternoon. That Elizabeth had gotten engaged to Darcy would not detract away from her sister. Elizabeth leant back into Darcy as his arms remained around her waist. She watched her sister fling herself into the chair opposite them and sit watching their behaviour. However, with someone now watching, Darcy adjusted so that they were sitting in a slightly less scandalous position. Elizabeth heard her mother, other sisters, and father making their way down the stairs. Within moments, everyone was ready to walk the few minutes it took to walk to the church.

Darcy refused to leave Elizabeth’s side as they walked to the church and then made their way up the aisle to the family’s pew. Being late meant that wagging tongues could not say much. However, both Elizabeth and Darcy could hear the odd speculative whispers as the service progressed. The Netherfield party sat in the pew opposite and the errant couple found themselves to be more self-conscious than they had thought they would be throughout the service.

Fortunately, the vicar kept the sermon short as the church needed to be prepared for the afternoon wedding, along with the entire wedding party needing to return home and rest for a couple of hours before returning to the church for the wedding. As soon as the small party assembled outside the church, Fitzwilliam and Bingley made their way to the sides of Jane and Kitty. However, Darcy noticed that Bingley took pains to include Mary in the conversation and pointed it out to Elizabeth, who agreed with him that it was odd for Mary to be included.

“Congratulations, Elizabeth,” Lady Lucas said interrupting their speculations. “I knew that you were destined to be with Mr Darcy.”

“I beg your pardon, Lady Lucas,” Elizabeth said, bewildered.

“Do not be coy. Your mother has told me all about your engagement with Mr Darcy,” Lady Lucas stated.

They both blushed. “What exactly did she tell you?” Darcy asked, concerned that the woman would tell everyone about his spending the night last night.

“Why she said you rode over early before church, in a hurry because you wanted her father’s permission to marry. She said that was why the whole family was late for church. Was she wrong?”

“No, she was not wrong. My eagerness to marry Elizabeth made quite a stir in the house.” Darcy knew he was stretching the truth there. However, he did not care.

Lady Lucas gave him a sideways glance. “You look very happy together and I hope that you will have many happy years.”

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said. They both felt a relief that her parents were covering up their scandal.

Elizabeth looked around concerned. Her sister Lydia was not amongst the parishioners who were gossiping and socialising before hurrying to their homes. Lydia stood to the side. Elizabeth wondered what was going through her head. Today would be her day, but the girl looked more like she was going to the gallows than she did a happy bride-to-be. Elizabeth drew Darcy’s attention to her sister before the couple made their way over to Lydia.

“What is wrong, Lydia? Today should be a happy one for you,” Elizabeth asked her sister.

“I know. I have received so many congratulations from our neighbours, and well wishes for the day, but….” Lydia could not finish her sentence. She burst into tears instead. Elizabeth drew the girl into a fierce hug. It was a good five minutes before her crying calmed down. “Oh, Lizzy,” she finally said. “It was seeing your happiness this morning with Mr Darcy. I realised that it was never like that with Mr Wickham and myself. Lizzy, it is always as if he holds himself back and doesn’t give me everything he can.”

“Lydia, everyone’s relationship is different because we are all so different. Do you love Mr Wickham?” Elizabeth asked.

Lydia nodded.

“Then dry your eyes, and we will make an excuse to get you home and ready for your big day,” Elizabeth said.

Darcy hurried away not just making the girls’ excuses, but his own as well. Soon the small group of three made their way through the lane that led back to the house. As soon as they entered the house, Lydia turned to Elizabeth. “Why would you be concerned about me? You have everything you wanted, standing there proudly with Mr Darcy. Your happiness is complete.”

“You are still my little sister and I will always be concerned for your well-being,” Elizabeth informed Lydia.

“Our happiness is not complete if any of our sisters are unhappy,” Darcy declared.

“Then you must be miserable,” Lydia said without thinking. “Miss Darcy has been walking around like she swallowed a lemon since she arrived.”

Darcy sighed. He had temporarily forgotten the mess that he had with his sister. “Lydia, what I am about to tell you….”

The front door opened and Mrs Bennet walked in followed by Fitzwilliam and Kitty, Mary, Bingley and Jane. “Oh, what a hullabaloo! Lydia, come child we must get you dressed and ready for the church. Everyone, we have very little time to get ready for the wedding. Your father was detained at the church over some last-minute thing or another. I apologise, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr Bingley, all my girls will need to be getting dressed to be ready for the wedding. Mr Darcy, Mr Bennet sent word that you may use his dressing room to freshen up if you need to.”

With that, the ladies of the house seemed to vanish. As they each disappeared to their rooms to change and get ready.

* * *

“W hat are you playing at, Darcy?” Fitzwilliam asked. “Did you stay here deliberately last night?”

“No, I did not deliberately miss the carriage, but…” he glanced at the floor before deciding the truth would be the only way to go, it would get out sooner or later. “I did decide to stay the night when you both left me here stranded and did not come back for me. I ended up staying the night in Elizabeth’s room.”

“You did what?! How are we supposed to reign in Georgiana now? She will take your behaviour as condoning hers.” Fitzwilliam paced the floor. “I would be surprised if we do not find out that she is pregnant, the way she is going! We should never have asked Wickham to play that ruse out. I saw him this morning out with his friends in Meryton. He looked miserable. I don’t think his heart is in this marriage he has contracted. He hasn’t been the same since we separated him from Georgiana,” Fitzwilliam grumbled. “Let’s face it, our ruse has failed miserably. Georgiana’s behaviour is no better and Wickham is miserable.”

“True, but there is no going back. He has promised to marry Lydia. She knows that there is something wrong between her and Wickham, but she does not know what it is and Georgiana has behaved deplorably. Lydia does not know about the preexisting engagement between Wickham and Georgiana. Without Lydia getting hurt, there is nothing we can do. This has to play out to its true conclusion,” Darcy insisted.

“That is beside the point. What kind of example has your behaviour been to your little sister? If this gets out, and remember the servants gossip, then you and not she has brought scandal on your name!” Fitzwilliam pointed out. “We will never correct her behaviour if she finds out about this. How could you do this?”

“I was desperate,” Darcy confessed. “I asked Mr Bennet’s blessing to marry Elizabeth last night and he laughed me out of his study. He told me that because I had been courting both Elizabeth and Kitty I was not serious enough about Elizabeth to warrant him blessing our engagement. Last night was a golden opportunity for me to prove how serious I am about her.”

“So you fucked her to prove a point,” Fitzwilliam crudely accused his cousin.

Darcy shook his head. “As tempted as I was last night, I have not taken her yet. We only slept in the same bed.”

“Come off it, Fitz. You don’t expect us to believe that, do you?” Bingley laughed.

Darcy shrugged. “Believe what you will. I have told you the truth. I have to await her father’s return and we are to sort out the fine details after the wedding this afternoon.”

Fitzwilliam and Bingley shrugged. It was not for them to question Darcy’s behaviour. Darcy made his way upstairs to Mr Bennet’s dressing room, where he discovered the older gentleman’s valet waiting for him. Darcy was very grateful for the warm water and the offer of a fresh shirt and breeches.

Once he had freshened up and changed, Darcy went to find Elizabeth who was sitting at her dressing table while Sarah dressed her hair.

“You look beautiful, Elizabeth,” he said, as he sat on the bed.

“Thank you.”

Darcy watched as the finishing touches were applied to Elizabeth’s appearance before Sarah disappeared to aid her sisters. Once Sarah was gone, Elizabeth sat next to him and they quietly discussed the wedding and began to make plans for their own. They had no taste for the pomp and ceremony that so many of their class deemed necessary, but they knew they would have to do things the right way.

“Lizzy,” Mrs Bennet interrupted their quiet tête-à-tête. “Your father needs to speak with Mr Darcy before we leave for the church.”

Darcy gave Elizabeth a quick kiss before heading, once more, to Mr Bennet’s room. Nerves sat like a hard ball in his stomach. The last time he had been in the elder gentleman’s company, their conversation had resulted in a challenge from Mr Bennet to prove he was serious about Elizabeth. Darcy was unsure of what the conversation would hold. However, he straightened his shoulders and knocked on Mr Bennet’s door.

“Come in,” Mr Bennet called.

Darcy quietly entered Mr Bennet’s darkened room. “You wished to see me?”

“I did indeed,” Mr Bennet answered. “As you know I was held up at the church due to some last-minute details that needed to be sorted out in regards to Lydia’s wedding.”

“I was aware,” Darcy solemnly replied.

“No need to look so glum, there is good news to be had. I was able to secure an audience with the vicar this afternoon before the wedding itself takes place so that if you do desire, you can make your affidavit. I also have a draft of the settlement we made for Wickham the details of which you may alter as befits your situation and my brother, Phillips, should be able to have a settlement for you and I to sign within the week.”

Darcy looked at Mr Bennet, surprised. “I do not know what to say, sir. I am grateful for your assistance and will happily do these things. If I could I would marry Elizabeth today.”

“You need at least a good settlement,” Mr Bennet grouchily told him.

“We do and I will happily go through the details with you tonight. Although my situation is, of necessity, more complicated than Wickham’s. I know the basic settlement he and Lydia have is good and will serve as a good beginning for my own,” Darcy agreed.

“I am depending on your good faith, the good name of my daughter and my family rests on your shoulders. Your behaviour last night, while understandable, has left my daughter open to some very nasty rumours. My wife and I managed to give out a more respectable explanation of your being with Lizzy this morning and making us late for church, but we have not had time to make sure that the servants’ chatter matched our own. Without your cooperation, this will fall like a house of cards.”

* * *

D arcy stood looking at the church door. He had left Mr Bennet and gone straight to the church. He nervously made his way into the church, where the vicar was waiting. Nerves assaulted his stomach as the vicar showed him into the office. Darcy hoped Elizabeth would forgive him for his precipitate action. The meeting did not take very long and Darcy found himself waiting in an empty church for the rest of the wedding guests to arrive. The time had come when the guests would begin to make their way in.

It was not long before guests began to make their way into the church. He left his seat and paced anxiously outside waiting for Elizabeth and her sisters to arrive.

“You couldn’t look more nervous if it was you getting married,” Bingley joked as he and Fitzwilliam arrived.

Darcy looked beyond them, “Where is Georgiana?”

“She is back at Netherfield with Mrs Annesley. She claimed she had a headache, but honestly, I doubt she wishes to see Wickham marry,” Fitzwilliam said.

Darcy rolled his eyes. His sister was a problem he would deal with later on. Mrs Annesley had been good for her, but he was still concerned about her behaviour. “Was Elizabeth too unhappy that I disappeared?”

Now it was Fitzwilliam’s turn to roll his eyes. “As soon as her father told her what you were about, she was almost dancing around the room. You do not need to worry.”

The men headed back into the church and waited for the bridal party to arrive. It was not long before the bride and her family arrived at the church, but the groom was absent. The time for the wedding arrived but Wickham was nowhere to be seen. Darcy made his way to the back of the church, where the bride was anxiously waiting with her family. Lydia’s face went from happy expectation to nervous apprehension. Half an hour passed and still no sign of the groom.

Darcy left the room where the bride was waiting and spoke to the vicar. It was agreed that if the groom did not arrive soon then Darcy and Elizabeth could marry. Darcy stopped at the pew where his cousins and friend were sitting. He asked Fitzwilliam to go back to Netherfield and bring Georgiana to the church. In a low voice, he explained the situation and the agreements that he had just made with the vicar. Fitzwilliam almost immediately left the church to collect Georgiana.

* * *

F itzwilliam angrily made his way inside the house. “Georgiana! You had better be dressed and ready to leave!” He shouted, using his colonel’s voice, as he entered the Netherfield parlour.

“What is the urgency? Nobody’s getting married,” she said with a cool assertion. “The groom did not arrive at the church.”

Fitzwilliam turned around and now saw Wickham sitting in an armchair. His head in his hands. “Explain what is going on here.”

“I could not go through with it,” Wickham said. “Your ruse got out of hand. I paid too much attention to Lydia because I was trying to deny what I was feeling. Once I realised that her heart had been engaged I felt it a matter of honour to marry her, but I could not forget Georgiana. I felt guilty that I could not give Lydia the love she deserved and found that Georgiana truly held my heart. I will agree to the long engagement. I will agree to leave her alone for two years. However, I cannot agree to pretend we are not engaged. Please ask Lydia to forgive me. I cannot marry her, I simply cannot,” Wickham declared.

Fitzwilliam’s heart broke a little as he saw how truly devastated Wickham was by the situation. He thought about what it would be like if Catherine’s father did that to him too and his heart broke further. Being divided from Catherine would break him completely. He raked his hand through his hair. “Georgiana, you have to come to the church because your brother has arranged to marry Elizabeth since Wickham is not going to marry Lydia.”

“HE IS DOING WHAT ?!” Georgiana screamed. “He has not been here in the last twenty-four hours and you tell me he is getting married at short notice? He is either a hypocrite or has gone mad. I will not watch him marry her.”

“Georgie, please forgive your brother. We were all involved in this debacle, go and support your brother on the happiest day of his life. I will wait for you here.” Wickham’s behaviour was more forgiving than Fitzwilliam had given him credit for being. “I need to go and explain things to Lydia.”

“Later, make your way to the wedding breakfast afterwards. Let Darcy and Elizabeth have their moment now and I will endeavour to find a way for you to explain yourself to Lydia later on. Right now we need to provide a united family presence,” Fitzwilliam advised.

Wickham nodded and agreed to meet them at Longbourn later in the day.

Fitzwilliam and Georgiana hurried out of Netherfield and into the Bingley carriage that was waiting. However, before they left Fitzwilliam gave orders for the Darcy carriage to be sent to Longbourn for after the wedding breakfast. Georgiana was quiet and reserved. She was by no means happy with or for her brother. However, she acquiesced with as much grace as she could and fifteen minutes later she made her way into the church with her head held proudly as if she was not the instrument of another young lady’s heartbreak. Fitzwilliam made his way to the front of the church and informed Darcy of the situation as best he could. Darcy nodded, and Fitzwilliam sat down. The change in brides had happened easily enough and Fitzwilliam noticed that Elizabeth and Lydia had swapped dresses. Traces of tears were seen on Lydia’s face, but she proudly stood up next to her sister and pretended as if everything was well in her world. Everything was ready and the substitute bride walked down the aisle her face wreathed in smiles. It was not Elizabeth who held Fitzwilliam’s attention, but her sister. Catherine looked resplendent in her wedding finery. Young and full of life, Catherine was the epitome of what Fitzwilliam was seeking in a wife. He regretted that he had not been as courageous as either Wickham or Darcy, however, unlike either of those he had doubted whether he could be faithful to just one woman. It was time now for him to make a decision. No, that was not true. It was time for him to act on the decision that he had made.

Colonel Fitzwilliam was amazed. Despite the wedding having originally been planned for a different couple, it fitted the couple getting married. With very few extras in the ceremony or afterwards at the reception, it was almost exactly the low-fuss ceremony that they wanted. There seemed to be very little to worry about — except for the Wickham debacle. Fitzwilliam became worried that once the truth about why Wickham had left Lydia at the altar became known, he would be banned from ever seeing Catherine again.

He had no more time to dwell on the situation because Wickham had arrived at the wedding reception.

* * *

“N ever tell me what to do again!” Georgiana huffed at her brother. “You took advantage of Lydia’s heartbreak to marry Elizabeth. If you expect me to respect you after you stayed the night here last night and then took advantage of another’s heartbreak, then you are mistaken. I will not respect anyone who takes advantage like that.”

Darcy closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His sister was both right and wrong. “Georgiana, my wedding was not planned to be today, it is true. It is also true that I stayed here last night. Elizabeth’s father, however, intervened to guarantee our marriage when Wickham failed to appear at the church. He would not allow for us to argue nor for us to refuse to marry.”

Georgiana snorted. “You have been telling me off for my behaviour and yet yours has been as bad, if not worse than mine! You could have refused. You could have respected Lydia’s feelings.”

“He did respect my feelings!” Lydia told Georgiana. “Both he and Lizzy objected when papa suggested that they marry instead. I was happy to see Lizzy take my place. I knew that something was wrong before we even went to the church. While I did not suggest the switch, I was happy for it to happen. Today will always have happy memories for me and I can forget that it should have been my wedding. I know I’ve congratulated you already, Lizzy. I am truly happy for you.” Lydia pulled both Elizabeth and Darcy into a hug. “I’m happy to call you brother,” she told Darcy, giving him a quick kiss on his cheek.

Darcy flushed slightly. “Thank you, Lydia. However, my sister is looking for an excuse to despise me.” Turning to Georgiana he continued, “Georgiana, whether you like it or not, our father left Fitzwilliam and I in charge of you. Whether you respect me or not is immaterial. Fitzwilliam and I must look to your wellbeing and at times that will mean that I have to tell you what to do and how to behave.”

“Well don’t expect me to listen to you!” She huffed.

“ You will listen !” Elizabeth warned her. The threat in Elizabeth’s voice was clear. “Today is one of celebration for your brother and me. However, do not think that your behaviour will be tolerated any longer. It is clear that you will not listen to your guardians nor myself and Kitty.” She glanced at Darcy, who nodded. “Therefore, we have concluded that you are to visit with Lady Catherine while your brother and I take a short wedding trip.”

“Ooh, where are you going?” Georgiana asked. “I should dearly like to visit Ramsgate again.”

Darcy laughed. “ You are going to visit our aunt, Lady Catherine, at Rosings. She will decide on the best way to deal with you while you are there. However, remember that Anne is not very well, so it is likely that you will not be going anywhere at all while you are with our aunt.”

Georgiana’s eyes went wide. “You would not abandon me to Lady Catherine! You wouldn’t go anywhere near Rosings. You know how she will react to the news of your marriage.”

Darcy crossed his arms. “I need to take that chance! I will not lose you, Georgie. Your behaviour threatens not only our reputation, but your very safety. You, my dear sister, frighten Fitzwilliam and me.”

Georgiana crossed her arms. “What makes you think you have not already lost me?”

“You are standing here arguing with me,” Darcy stated bluntly. “Go and socialise. We leave for Rosings tomorrow.”

Georgiana shrugged and flounced across the Longbourn lawn making her way straight to a group of young men.

Darcy and Elizabeth looked on in horror as Georgiana not only rudely interrupted the young men’s conversation, but proceeded to flirt with every single one of them, indiscriminately. It was clear for all to see that she had lost all sense of decorum and dignity. “I am sorry, Elizabeth,” Darcy muttered, embarrassed.

“Watch out,” Fitzwilliam teased, joining the couple. “Wickham has just arrived. He wants to apologise to Lydia.”

Lydia turned around and glared at Fitzwilliam. “What do you mean he wants to apologise? Do you truly think that I want to hear anything that he might have to say?”

Fitzwilliam held his hands up in mock surrender. “No, I do not believe that you do. However, I do not think that you should refuse to let him explain himself. The story will not paint Fitz or myself in a good light. We have certainly made a lot of mistakes.”

“Very well, I will listen, but I do not believe that he can change my mind or my opinion,” Lydia said. She moved away and quietly began to talk to Maria Lucas.

The quiet dignity that Lydia showed seemed to contrast both with her past behaviour, but also with Georgiana’s behaviour. Neither Elizabeth nor Darcy quite knew how to react to this new Lydia. It was quite simply too dramatic a change in the young girl.

“Congratulations, Lizzy,” Jane called coming to join the couple. “Mama wanted me to tell you that your wedding breakfast will be delayed. Lydia and Wickham had picked out something for the breakfast that has gone bad. Mama and Hill are working with cook to fix the situation.”

Darcy wrapped his arms around his wife’s waist. “Thank you, Jane. We are in no hurry. Although, Elizabeth will need to pack a trunk for travel sooner rather than later. We need to take my sister to visit my aunt in Kent.”

Jane giggled. “That reminds me. Papa wanted to tell you that our cousin has written. He is to visit us in November. Apparently, he has taken orders and has been gifted a living, somewhere in Kent. I think papa said it was Hunsford.”

Darcy groaned in Elizabeth’s ear. “Lady Catherine wrote to inform Fitzwilliam and me that she had a new parson. What is your cousin’s name?”

“Mr Collins,” Jane told him.

“That’s the man. We’ll have to meet him while we’re there,” Darcy confirmed. “Jane, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is my aunt.”

Elizabeth glanced over to where Georgiana continued to flirt with the young gentlemen. “That is not going to end well,” she murmured and nodded towards Wickham, who stood close by with his eyes fixed on Georgiana.

Darcy followed Elizabeth’s gaze. “Come with me,” he begged her. “I don’t know how this is going to go, but judging by the look on Wickham’s face there’s nothing good going to come of this.” The couple walked over to the lieutenant. “Wickham, how are you?” Darcy asked quietly.

Wickham turned to Darcy with glazed eyes. “I should not have come. I came to explain to Lydia why I could not marry her, but found that it is my heart that is to be broken.”

“I am sorry,” Darcy told him. “I did not wish for this to be the outcome.”

“It is my own fault, Fitz. You lost all respect for me, understandably so. I lost all respect for myself for a while if I’m completely honest. You want the best for Georgiana and she could do so much better than me,” Wickham sadly admitted.

Darcy chuckled. “No, I was wrong. So was Fitzwilliam. We did not see. We did not understand. The way Georgiana is acting, she will not attract anyone. I’m going to take her to Lady Catherine, who we are hoping will be able to reach her – where we cannot.”

Sympathy crossed Wickham’s face briefly before he closed off all signs of emotion. “You know how she’s going to react to your marriage.”

“If a breach must come, then let it come between myself and Lady Catherine. I cannot believe that she would leave her sister’s daughter to become completely lost,” Darcy announced.

“She may not approve of your marrying anyone other than Anne, but she always did love her extended family,” Wickham remembered. “Who knows, she might surprise all of us.”

“I doubt it! I haven’t met him yet, but from the reports from Lady Catherine and Anne, their new vicar is just as bad as all the others she has gifted the living to,” Darcy laughed.

“How many have saved up, purchased a different living, and resigned that one?” Wickham asked.

“I’m not sure. The last two died within months of taking the living,” Darcy told him. “Each of their journals showed how unpleasant it was to work around my aunt.” He shrugged. “I guess that time only will tell how this one will turn out.”

Wickham turned his gaze back to Georgiana. “Fitz, I’ve made such a mess. While Georgiana’s behaviour was questionable in Ramsgate, it was not as bad as it is now. If it had been, she would not have won my good opinion. I am sorry. I have tried to tell her that her behaviour is not acceptable. I know that I am not in a position to criticise, my behaviour has not been acceptable in the past. However, as I improve, it appears that she gets worse. The worse she gets, the more I realise how much I needed to improve.” He took a deep breath. “Fitz, I….”

“Don’t just stand there,” Georgiana called. “Come and join our merry group.”

Darcy’s mouth dropped open at the common display from his sister.

°No, Georgiana. I have no wish to join your group,” Wickham snapped. “I do not wish to partake in such a disgusting show. You have changed and not for the better.”

Georgiana gaped at Wickham. “We are to be married and you tell me that?”

“We will not be married! I have been entirely deceived about you and do not wish to give you my name. Nor will I give protection to a young lady who wishes to behave like a common flirt! You are destined for a bordello house! I want a young lady who will be an asset to my name!” Wickham retorted. “I am sorry, Fitz! That was what I was trying to tell you, just now. I am withdrawing my suit for Georgiana.”

“I understand,” Darcy sadly informed Wickham.

Georgiana turned on her brother. “This is your doing, Fitz!”

“It is not Fitz’s fault! I have made this decision for myself. Your brother and cousin would have eventually allowed our marriage. However, they did warn me about your behaviour,” Wickham angrily informed her.

“Then ultimately it is my brother’s fault,” Georgiana insisted. “Fitz, I will never forgive you for this. Your hypocrisy and your interference in my happiness have left me thinking that you do not care about me! You want me around only so that you can control me!”

Fitzwilliam stormed over to Georgiana and grabbed her by the arm. “That is enough! You are going back to Netherfield with me. Mrs Annesley, you are welcome to stay for the afternoon if you wish. I will take Georgiana home. You should not suffer for my ward’s disrespectful behaviour. Fitz, enjoy your wedding breakfast. We will see you both later.”

Darcy sucked in his breath. He had not discussed their wedding night with Elizabeth. He blushed as he realised their predicament. “I will defer to Elizabeth as to where we spend tonight. Whether or not we return to Netherfield, we will be leaving from Netherfield at five tomorrow morning! I want to be at Rosings as soon as possible. Perhaps, Lady Catherine can reach Georgiana. I only hope it is not too late.”

“Let go of me! I do not wish to go to Rosings! I will not go!” Georgiana screamed.

Darcy stood in front of his sister. “Georgiana Darcy, you are fifteen almost sixteen and you stand here behaving like a toddler that belongs in leading strings! Our parents would be ashamed! I have had enough of your behaviour! You are going to Rosings tomorrow with us and that is final! No more arguments!”

Elizabeth placed her hand on Darcy’s arm, before turning to her sister-in-law. “Fitzwilliam, I believe that Georgiana should stay here. I believe that she needs a good example of those around her. Also, I think we need to leave for Rosings from the wedding breakfast. I will not insult my mother by leaving before we eat. If you will excuse me for a moment, Sarah knows what to pack for me. I will give the order to pack my trunk.”

Darcy watched his wife disappear with disappointment. He knew that Elizabeth was right. He also knew that they were in for a deal of trouble from Georgiana.

Fitzwilliam loosened his grip on Georgiana’s arm. “Regardless of what Elizabeth says, if you embarrass us again, I am going to take you back to Netherfield. You will take your seat near to Darcy and you will behave yourself. You have spoilt their wedding, no need to further wreck their wedding breakfast.”

Georgiana flounced over to the main table and sat down, a scowl on her face.