Page 16 of Chivalry & Chauvinism (The Victorian Vagaries #2)

The journey was not long, and they reached Windmere after luncheon, apologising to Mrs George for arriving unannounced. The housekeeper told them she was glad they had come, because Mr Fitzwilliam had been in a bad way. When Georgiana professed concern, the housekeeper amended that Richard had not been ill, although he looked it, but he had been clearly out of spirits and drinking far too much than was good for him. She suggested perhaps she would show Miss Darcy to a room until Mr Darcy made Mr Fitzwilliam presentable, since he was currently in a lamentable state. Darcy declined. He agreed with Elizabeth, that if they wanted Georgiana to be an equal among them when she was grown, they must begin to treat her as such now that she was nearly so. He asked Mrs George to have rooms prepared for them and a bath prepared for Richard before the two entered the study.

Richard was passed out in a chair. Darcy had Georgie stand back and poured a glass of water over his head. He jumped in front of Georgie as Richard raged and sputtered. When he was awake and understood what was happening about him he rasped, “For God’s sake Darcy, what are you doing here, and why would you bring Georgiana?”

“He brought me because I have demanded to see my guardian. My brother has no right to stand in my way, to which I am sure you would agree!” exclaimed Georgiana. “I am here because I care! Look at you; so drunk you can barely stand! You smell like a drunken beggar, and look positively ill! I have had enough! You are miserable, and you are making Mary miserable, and causing everyone who cares for you to worry. This is selfish, and stupid. Either you go upstairs now and bathe before returning to talk with us over a proper meal, or I shall box your ears!”

“Now see here, young lady!” roared Richard so loudly that even Darcy jumped in surprise. Richard had never spoken so to Georgiana, not even after the matter with Wickham, but Georgiana did not cower.

“Do not young lady me! You are my guardian, and you should be upright, and steadfast, and making a good example for me, and instead you are falling down drunk, and have bile upon your shirt! You are a disgrace, and you will go and bathe, and then have a proper conversation like a rational person!”

When Richard began to argue again, Georgiana went right up to him and, to Darcy’s amazement, reached up and took Richard by the ear, twisted it firmly until he yelped, and marched him to the door of the study, pushing him through to the hall, shutting the door firmly behind him, then turned to Darcy, who was laughing desperately.

“I do not see anything amusing, Brother,” Georgiana said, glowering at him.

“Oh I do! I have not been this entertained since Richard got his trousers caught upon a limb while climbing a tree, and had to dangle there for a half hour until our fathers arrived to fetch him down!” Darcy roared with laughter when Georgiana crossed her arms and glared at him sternly.

When Richard returned downstairs, he insisted his stomach was too sour to eat. Georgiana refused to listen, and had already sent to the kitchens herself, and the servants had just returned with trays of pastina and egg with thick crusty slabs of bread and butter for the three of them. She returned with the footmen carrying the trays behind her. Georgiana moved them into the drawing room, stating that the study stank of brandy, and Richard’s body odour. As she left, she asked the footmen to have the study thoroughly cleaned and aired. “I certainly hope that smell will not be permanent, Cousin. Elizabeth shall not thank you if she has to strip the room and install new rugs and wall coverings. And I certainly hope you are finished wallowing in your despair. You look ghastly. It is time you attended to your health.”

Taking pity on Richard, his cousins spoke little as they ate. Richard’s head must be certainly pounding, and Georgiana was correct, he looked quite ill. Darcy reckoned he must not have stopped drinking since arriving at Windmere. However, Georgiana was determined to drive her point home while Richard was still feeling under the weather, rather than let him get some sleep and have his wits about him. She had no desire to wrestle his blockheaded nature when he had all his wits and strength.

As soon as he had finished eating and had a strong cup of coffee, Georgiana spoke primly. “So, tell me Cousin, when exactly you will be accompanying us to Brighton, where you will render your most sincere apology to Mary for your pigheaded ways, and court her in the manner she deserves? I presume you shall need a day or two to set affairs in order at Rosings before you depart.”

Richard looked warily at his young ward, who had somehow grown quite mature and confident, then replied, “Georgie, I know you do not understand. I cannot return to court Mary again. I have behaved quite abominably and I have no right to impose myself upon her again.”

“I understand that you are a great blockhead,” said Georgiana coolly. “I quite agree that Mary deserves far better than your bumbling attempts at courtship, Cousin. Sadly, Mary has been pining for you.”

“That was rather cruel, Georgie. I did not know you had that in you,” retorted Richard. “Darcy, you said Mary was being courted by Rutherford.”

“I did not know you had it in you to break a kind and gentle lady’s heart. If someone had told me this a year ago, I would have wept for days with grief. I never thought you capable of this,” she wrinkled her nose and gestured at him with distaste with one hand, looking down her nose and reminding Darcy greatly of their grandmother giving a well deserved set down. “And just because she is being courted by Lord Rutherford, does not mean Mary wishes to be courted by him. That is what saddens me the most. Mary is the victim in all this. She has had no choice at all. She was taken advantage of, and then while the rest was happening, she was unconscious, for heaven’s sake, and even now that it is long over, she still has no say in how it has affected her life. Everyone is making all the decisions for her. Who are you to decide she would be better off with Lord Rutherford? You did not even let her decide if she preferred him to you. How could you just leave her to him as if she meant nothing to you? I can see why these marriage settlements everyone is arguing over are so necessary. I am looking forward to having my own signed, and then having a say in my own life.”

“I believe you have grown quite enough to have a say in your life already, Georgiana,” said her brother encouragingly.

“I have always thought you were both so splendid. It is strange to view the two of you as human, now that I am nearly grown. I never dreamed either of you would be so terrible at courting. Lord Rutherford seems like an exceedingly acceptable gentleman, if rather dull, but are you truly going to let him show you up at courting your lady? You have not acquitted yourself well, I admit. But that does not mean it is too late to prove yourself worthy. Mary has no wish for any of this. It is far past time that you go and open your heart to her. You shall return because I won’t have it said that my dashing and amiable cousin, a decorated war hero and flatterer of women near and far, has been out-courted by the reclusive and awkward Lord Rutherford. He is a nice enough man, but I am told no one even knew could dance, let alone speak to a woman about anything interesting until now. So it is up to you, Richard. You may return with us in two days, or you may return with us in three. But I insist that you will come with us to Brighton. Now, I am going to let the two of you settle whatever affairs here must be managed while I go to my room and refresh myself after our travels. You may tell me when we are all departing Windmere together at dinner.” Georgiana stood, shook out her skirts, and made her way out the door, which she closed firmly behind her.

Richard stared after her open-mouthed. “Who was that?”

“She actually reminds me a great deal of my mother lately. Mama had that calm, elegant strength about her,” answered Darcy. “Mama had the ability to make you feel ghastly when she was disappointed. I felt like that again for the first time in many years when Georgie was disappointed in my conduct toward Elizabeth.”

Richard looked at Darcy, “Is Mary suffering?”

“She hides it, but not very well,” stated Darcy. “All of us who live with her can see it. She likes Rutherford, even has many interests in common with him. It is possible that she may marry him eventually if you do not return. But we can all see that her heart does not want him. She would do far better to keep him as a cherished friend. However, she seems very brittle, and no one dares mention your name in her presence. She is obviously unhappy, and it pains us all to see it. I will not lie Richard, if it were not for the evidence of your own pain, I would beat you senseless for doing this to her. I believe she ought to have the right to decide for herself whom she wishes to marry, unless you have decided you no longer care for her. Even so, you must tell her yourself, and not just run away. Georgiana is right. We cannot continue to allow such ungentlemanly and dishonourable conduct in the family. If you will not return with me, I shall return Georgiana to Brighton, and send for your mother and father.”

Richard cleared his throat and stood. “I am going out for a walk to clear my head. I may return for tea.”

Darcy sent a note to Georgiana, informing her of his plans for the afternoon, before going to the stables to saddle his horse and riding to Rosings to check on the progress on the house. Richard planned to return for tea; however, he met Darcy at Rosings, where they remained for another few hours to see the progress, then speak with the foreman and give directions for the time he would be away. He did not confirm or deny to Darcy that he would accompany them back to Brighton, but he did not contradict him when Darcy gave the orders either.

*****

When the men returned to Rosings, Georgiana was just returning from the kitchens. She learned that the servants had not all been taking their Sundays off each week, due to their concern for Richard. The assistant cook remained on duty, and at least one maid and footman, to ensure Richard had what he needed, or in case he decided to order a meal, even though he had not been eating regularly. Georgiana went downstairs to see to the preparation for a meal for the following day, Sunday, and assisted the kitchen staff with preparing something for this evening, considering that they had not been expected, and Richard had not been dining on schedule. Georgiana knew the kitchens did not truly need her help, but she enjoyed being useful and capable, and it gave her something to do besides play the pianoforte. She loved her music, but she would never again return to the bored and lonely girl who spent hours on end each day at the instrument for lack of any other productive activity. Her new sisters were positively industrious with their time, and Georgiana liked the sensation.

Elizabeth taught Georgiana and the other young ladies that a lady ought to have some knowledge of how each household task is performed, what is required for each household task to be completed successfully, how long it takes and how difficult the task is, so that she can manage her home efficiently, and also be able to lend a hand and assist her staff whenever necessary. Georgiana knew this to be true, because her father had insisted Will assist the staff and tenants in all of the work on the estate while growing up for the same reason, and she knew that when there were emergencies or problems, her brother often rolled up his sleeves and assisted his tenants and labourers. Darcy had spent his summers as a boy mucking out stables with the grooms, digging drainage ditches with the boys and labourers from the estate, and mending fences with the farmers. He was not above manual labour, and Georgiana took pride in not being above household skills. Society could have its rules, but Georgiana saw no virtue in being useless.

So once each week, Georgiana and the other young ladies of the house spent part of a day with a different servant. Sometimes she was dusting with the maids, and other times she might find herself polishing silver with the footmen. She had scoured pots in the scullery, and scrubbed her hands red in the laundry. But her favourite household chore was learning in the kitchen with Mrs Pottinger and Hazel. Elizabeth admitted that few ladies educated themselves in such a way, but Georgiana agreed with her that she now had a much better understanding of what was realistic in terms of expectations of the staff, and was grateful that if illness ever fell upon her household, she would not be helpless if she had to cook or clean or nurse a patient.

After changing, the small party met in the drawing room to await the meal. When they were seated in the dining room, and the footmen had withdrawn after serving the first course, Darcy informed his sister they would depart for Brighton on Monday morning, raising his eyebrow at Richard, who did not contradict him. Rather than strain their conversation and the mood at the table with more admonishments or advice, Georgiana filled the rest of the meal with chatter about her lessons, her sea bathing experiences, activities she had participated in with the other ladies of the house, and her impressions of Brighton and the bit of London society that she had seen recently.

Richard listened attentively, marvelling at the change in Georgiana’s demeanour since Darcy’s wedding. He observed that she was becoming more confident as she recovered from her illness, and later during her time in town, but it had taken him going away for several weeks to see how a bit of society in London, combined with the encouragement and support of Elizabeth, Mary, and Mrs Annesley, had shaped his ward’s address. Gone was the timid child, desperate to please, and in her place was a graceful, elegant lady with a firm resolve and a backbone of steel. As convenient as her previously timid ways might have been in the past, causing her to always do as she was told, ever worried about disappointing her brother and cousin, he could see how much better this new Georgie was.

Darcy was correct. Richard could see a great deal of Lady Anne in his cousin. His aunt had been nothing like her sister Catherine. She was gentle and kind, yet stern when crossed, and her gentle disappointment was something neither he nor Darcy could ever bear. Richard resolved himself to find a solution to his problem with Mary, if nothing else, to save him from meeting Georgiana’s eyes again if he failed. She was correct, he had ever been a hero in her eyes, and he could not bear that he had fallen from that place.

The following day they walked to church, and Georgiana invited the rector, previously the curate, to join them for luncheon. The gentleman was happy to see Lord Darcy and Miss Darcy at Windmere. He had been concerned for Mr Fitzwilliam’s well-being at Windmere the last weeks, but had not yet felt comfortable reaching out to the man. He was glad to see his family taking the matter in hand.

Monday morning, the small party broke their fast early, and left at dawn, so they might arrive in Brighton by luncheon. Richard sent ahead and booked rooms for himself at an inn, not wishing Mary to feel ambushed by his presence. As they started out, Georgiana gave him a written list of behaviours he was to study and eradicate from his address permanently before they arrived in Brighton, or risk having his ears boxed by his ward publicly. Richard glanced at the list as he rode in the carriage.

No scowling at Mary.

No scowling at Lord Rutherford.

No scowling at ANY of Mary’s suitors.

No scowling at the clergy.

NO SCOWLING AT ALL!!!

No jealous or possessive behaviour.

No music or dancing on the Sabbath.

No presumption of attachment or future before proposal.

NO SCOWLING!

No discussion of the marriage contract or settlement.

No rudeness to or about Elizabeth or her activities.

NO SCOWLING!

No pressuring Mary to go against her sister.

No discussion or resentment of Sir Daniel Lewis or his fate.

NO SCOWLING!

NO SCOWLING!

NO SCOWLING!

Darcy also sent an express on Saturday evening to inform Elizabeth that Richard was returning, but somehow she could not find the words to tell Mary that he was coming until Monday morning. She did not wish to see Mary dreading the encounter all day on Sunday, but neither did she wish Mary to be taken unawares, so she slipped into her sister’s rooms Monday morning and dismissed Ethel.

Still unsure of the best way to tell her sister that Richard was coming, she rummaged through the wardrobe in search of Mary’s finest morning gown. Mary watched her sister warily. When Elizabeth was overly concerned about your attire, it was a sure sign that she was up to something, likely concerning a gentleman, or a surprise picnic, or both. Mary obediently dressed in the gown Elizabeth chose and waited quietly while her sister dressed her hair and avoided her eyes in the mirror.

“Out with it Lizzy. What are you about to tell me?” asked Mary.

Elizabeth blushed and said, “You know me too well, Sister. I wished for you to look your best today, because Richard is arriving with Darcy and Georgiana this afternoon.”

“I knew they were going to see him,” said Mary. “I wish they had not meddled. I have been quite well.”

“Darling, you have not been quite well since Richard left London. Besides, Georgiana did not go just for you. She went because Richard has been suffering as well. He has not responded to any of his family’s letters, and Aunt Eleanor is quite concerned. Darcy spoke with Richard before he left London, and is very concerned about his spirits as well,” answered Elizabeth.

Mary wished to say she did not care much for Richard’s spirits, but she knew in her heart it would be a falsehood. She had lost much sleep, her eyes shadowed, worrying if he was having nightmares about battle and losing his friends. She wanted to see him desperately, yet at the same time, she was apprehensive about his behaviour after his incivility in town. She decided then that she needed to see for certain whether Richard could amend his address, and when the carriage arrived, Mary was sitting in the garden with the curate, whom she had purposely asked Elizabeth to invite for luncheon. If Richard behaved possessively again, Mary would know that his temperament was not right for her, and she would end their understanding entirely.

Richard did not behave possessively. He stood under a tree, hat in hand, watching Mary with an expression so morose that she could do nothing but take her leave of the curate and go to him with all haste. “You have not been sleeping. Are you well?” Mary asked gently.

“You do not appear to be sleeping either. Your eyes are shadowed,” Richard observed. “It grieves me to know that is likely my fault.”

“I worried for you,” answered Mary shyly. The two continued in this vein for some minutes, testing the waters, struggling to capture their previous ease in one another’s company. At length they returned to the others who were in the garden and tried not to pay the couple too much attention. Aunt Josephine was cutting flowers in one corner of the rose garden while Margaret brought her atlas out to discuss which location on the map a charity mission to Africa might be visiting with the curate.

When the party returned indoors, everyone greeted each other before going to their rooms to refresh themselves before luncheon. The meal began awkwardly, but everyone quickly overcame the sensation, and were soon conversing energetically. Mary seated herself far away from Richard at the table, needing time to acclimate herself to his company again. Conversation was abundant as the family carried on several discussions across the table. Mary spoke to the curate regarding a pamphlet she had been given near the shops the day before.

Elizabeth seated herself at Darcy’s right in order to speak more closely after being parted for two nights, and Georgiana and Richard entertained themselves telling Diane amusing stories of Georgie’s childhood at Pemberley, promising to escort her on similar adventures. Charlotte and Aunt Josephine discussed flower arrangements while Kitty, Lydia, Marianne, and Maria discussed Georgiana’s and Kitty’s presentation gowns, which they had begun fittings for before leaving town. Overall, the meal was pleasant, and everyone enjoyed the company.

After the meal the curate took his leave. Later, they were all gathered in the drawing room when Lord Rutherford was announced. He had not been expected, and everyone looked to Richard to see if he would react to the man’s presence. Richard saw Georgiana narrowing her eyes at him, saw her fingers flex, and knew she was preparing to box his ears. Knowing if he did not swallow his pride and make an effort for Mary, he would lose her, Richard made an instantaneous decision to let go of his resentment, and stood to greet the man. “Rutherford! Just the man! I am glad to see you. I never had the opportunity in town to thank you on behalf of my family for the service you rendered on the night of my mother’s ball.”

Lord Rutherford looked at Richard disbelievingly and replied, “Of course, it was my privilege to be of service to your mother and your family, Fitzwilliam. I hear you have been seeing to the rebuilding of Rosings Park. How is the work coming?” The two gentlemen spoke of the fire and the reconstruction that was taking place in Hunsford for a moment, and then Richard then took the opportunity to remove Mary from his rival’s proximity. “Miss Bennet, I declare I am exceedingly pleased to be in Brighton, and fancy that this afternoon would be a superior day for a walk on the beach. Would you care to join me?”

“Thank you, Mr Fitzwilliam, I will,” answered Mary. Kitty and Lydia clamoured to go with them, with Kitty expressing a wish to sketch the shoreline. Lydia did not prefer to sketch landscapes, but she would sketch ideas for gowns, and keep Kitty company. She had been obsessively planning ideas for her debut wardrobe after seeing Mary’s new wardrobe from London. Elizabeth’s youngest sister was all anticipation for hers and Maria’s turn to accompany the older girls to town the following year. Elizabeth had brought all of the newest fashion plates that she could find from London, for she knew Lydia would have a great interest in them.

Darcy challenged Rutherford to a game of chess while the young ladies collected their parasols and followed Richard out of doors. As they sat by the window Rutherford observed Mary taking Richard’s arm as the company departed, and remarked to Darcy, “So that is the way the wind blows then?” nodding out the window.

“It has seemed that way since last summer, although it has never been certain,” replied Darcy candidly. “They have taken a great deal of time to know their minds, which we encouraged, because Lady Darcy will not approve a match before Mary’s majority. Although the family has hopes, it is still uncertain. All we can do is to encourage Mary to take the time she needs to make her choice, and impress upon her that the right gentleman will give her all the time she requires to know her heart. I am certain she will do so before long, for her majority is approaching. You have certainly given him a great deal of competition. I hope you know that as much as I esteem my cousin, you have my respect as well, and if you happen to be Mary’s choice, I will be just as happy to welcome you as a brother as I would Fitzwilliam.” Rutherford thanked Darcy for his candour, checked his opponent in a trice, then thanked the family for their company, and departed.

When Richard and Mary stepped onto the beach, Kitty and Lydia found a place to sit and sketch and bade the couple to walk to their heart’s content, the girls being able to observe them at quite a distance from their vantage point. As they strolled slowly along the beach, Richard apologised to Mary again for causing her to worry for him and lose sleep, when Mary interrupted him impatiently. “Richard, I hoped you came out here to talk this out, but if not, I shall return to the house.”

When Richard gaped at her, she continued, “After the Montclair’s ball, my brother told Elizabeth and I that you confided in him, and that he believed if you would only do so with me, that all might be mended. If you are ready to do so, I am ready to listen. If you are not, then I shall return to my sisters,” she said firmly.

Once Richard began speaking, it all came tumbling out. The madness that possessed him over Rutherford protecting her when Richard could not, the nightmares, which now featured Mary as well as all of his fallen comrades, his desperation to hide away with her at Rosings where he could ensure her safety. He was barely coherent, indeed Mary could barely comprehend five words in ten of what he said, but she felt all of his fears and heard the desolation in his voice. Ever compassionate, she took his hands and held them. Eventually he trailed off, not knowing what more to say.

Finally, he remembered Georgiana’s advice to him just before they had arrived in the carriage. Do not seem too sure of her answer. There is no certainty she will accept you. You have much to atone for. He took a breath and said, “Miss Bennet, I know that my manner has been uncivil and my behaviour less than gentlemanly. I wish to prove myself worthy of your affection. Do you believe that it is possible that I might earn your good opinion?”

Mary looked at him and as much as she wished to throw her arms about his neck and assure him of her affection, she knew that she must be firm if she wanted to make it clear that she would never accept such treatment again. “You have always had my good opinion, Richard. What remains to be seen is if you are capable of behaving like a gentleman, and treating me like a lady.”

“I wish to call on you at Seaside Cottage, and court you as you deserve. Would that be acceptable to you?” Richard begged. Mary acquiesced and at length, they made their way back to Kitty and Lydia. It took longer than they expected, for they had walked much farther than they planned. When they returned, the young ladies teased them that they had walked so far that they had been mere specks on the beach, and if they had gone any farther they would have had to consider themselves compromised.

Upon their return to the cottage, Richard spoke with Darcy in his study, and made him aware of how the conversation had gone. Darcy admonished him that now he had made a beginning, that he would be expected to see it through like a gentleman. “Mary is my sister now, Richard, I cannot have you coming and going in a temper or behaving like a bull with a bee sting upon his snout. You must treat her with all the consideration you would expect of a suitor to Georgie. And as far as your recent aversion to Lady Darcy-”

“I shall make a full apology to Elizabeth at the earliest convenience, Cousin,” Richard assured, then left the study in search of Elizabeth in order to do just that. He found her in the gardens with Mrs Carmichael and Margaret, assisting in Margaret’s fencing lesson. At his request she took his arm, picked up her flower basket, and walked with him in the garden. “I owe you an apology, Elizabeth,” Richard began as he took her basket.

She looked at him hesitantly as they strolled among the roses, “I am certain that I am content to know that you are no longer angry with me, Richard.”

“I was never angry with you. I was angry with Lewis, and you bore the brunt of it. You were right to get him away before I could do anything. I might have murdered the man,” Richard responded. “I was unjust. You were correct. I agreed to leave Mary unencumbered for her season. You and she explained the situation with your father, and I agreed not to ask for her. If I had made a scene about it in society protecting her honour, I would have tarnished her reputation. It was not yet my place. You have been a good friend to me, and I have always endeavoured to be a good friend to you as well. My reaction and subsequent behaviour was unfair, and aside from our family connection, Elizabeth, it grieves me to know that I may have damaged our friendship.”

“Our friendship would not be worth much if it could not overcome a slight mishap such as this.” Elizabeth smiled as she bent and clipped a flower to add to her basket. “As long as you do not trifle with my sister any longer, our friendship will be safe. If you do not return tomorrow, we shall know you have changed your mind, and help Mary move on, but the coming and going without taking leave of the lady you are courting must cease.”

“I assure you that I shall be here tomorrow wearing bells, and that I shall be courting in earnest this time,” Richard promised. “I shall be thinking of some exciting excursions to invite Mary and the rest of you on. I may ask for Georgie’s advice. I have never courted a lady seriously before. Georgie will know what Mary has done since she has arrived here, and what activities she might enjoy most.”

“My sister deserves no less. In that case, you may join us for dinner tonight, and each night that we remain in Brighton. And please, make use of the carriages for your excursions as much as you like. We have no shortage of them here; it is senseless for you to hire one,” Elizabeth insisted, eager to help in Richard’s suit in any way she could.

Richard excused himself to go to the inn, promising to return for dinner. When he returned, he informed him he had hired a box at the Theatre Royale for the following week, and invited them all to join him there. They had participated in very little society since arriving in Brighton, for Elizabeth had enough during the Season, but she had no objection to attending. Indeed, even the theatre was less crowded than it had been in years past. Brighton had become a quieter town since Her Majesty sold her uncle’s Royal Pavilion.