Page 27 of Obligation and Redemption
“How can you ask us to abide by your decision? You expect us to tolerate her as a member of our family just because you choose to overlook her connections? Well, I, for one, shall not. The betrothal has not yet been announced, nor has a settlement been signed; you have time to change your mind, and you will,” his uncle emphatically stated.
“Please, dear, you must listen to your uncle, for Georgiana’s sake if not your own. She will be coming out in two years. You will need a wife who can add to your connections, not diminish them. Surely, you would not wish to harm her prospects.”
“Please, I have thought through all that you could possibly say to dissuade me, and I am determined that this is the proper course. I would greatly desire your acquiescence, but regardless of your support, I will not change my mind.” Darcy looked directly at each of them with determination.
“If you will excuse me, I would like to speak to Georgiana now.”
“Is there nothing we can say then?”
“You are assuming that by my marrying the lady that I will be going against some moral sanction. She is a gentleman’s daughter and I, a gentleman. Once we are married, she will learn what it means to be a Darcy and the niece of an earl. I beg of you, accept my decision.”
“Well, I know that I cannot, but your aunt will likely give in. She always had a soft spot when it comes to you.”
Darcy looked to his aunt who smiled fleetingly at him and looked away. “I will write to you after I return to London with Miss Bennet, before the announcement is made in the papers. You should expect us in a fortnight.”
“So soon, but why?”
“The sooner I am able to leave Hertfordshire, the better. Delaying will do nothing to ease the transition ahead. The decision is made, so I would like to quench the scandal before Georgiana hears or is affected by it. If you would be so kind, I would like to ask that you keep Georgiana here indefinitely. The first month of marriage would be trying in any circumstance, but I feel that we will need time to get to know one another without interruption. I will come visit Georgiana often while Miss Bennet and I reside at Darcy House, but I think that Georgiana will also need time to become accustomed to having a new sister. Introducing her slowly to Miss Bennet will be the best course, I believe. Maybe by Christmas I will be able to make the introductions to all of my family, and perhaps when we return to Pemberley, Georgiana will be ready to join us. I will not be able to tell James about my engagement in person. I have written to him, though, so that he is not taken by surprise. Since you may see him before I, could you tell him about my plans for after the wedding? He would want to know.” After a pause and nods of consent, he continued, “I will leave you now to find Georgiana.” And with sincerity continued, “Thank you for taking her into your home.” He made a quick bow and left his aunt and uncle dumbfounded and desirous to intervene .
Georgiana was practising fervently on the pianoforte and did not hear his arrival.
The music was soothing to his soul and gave him the respite he needed, so he sat to listen to her skilful execution of Bach’s Prelude in C Major.
Georgiana always played with sensitivity, not often heard by the ladies who attempted to garner his favour in their overt displays to impress.
He listened patiently, closing his eyes and taking in the melody.
Darcy considered how far his sister had come in the short months following her near ruin.
He had failed to protect her from the schemes of a scoundrel and only saved her from misery by luck.
Had he arrived to Ramsgate a day later, Georgiana would have been irreparably injured, even if she had later been found.
Darcy lived with the guilt that weighed heavily upon his soul and only wanted to foster her recovery of spirit, but instead, in sharing his plans, he might possibly give his sister more sorrow to add to her shame if she were to know the truth.
Darcy started when he heard Georgiana speak. “Brother, I did not know you had entered. I have been practising most diligently since arriving here. I know that it pleases you when I strive to do my best with my accomplishments.”
With a sincere smile, he said, “I am always delighted with your efforts, dear sister, and on this particular occasion, I am gratified that you have excelled, as your playing just now has given me a respite from what preoccupies me.”
She rushed over to him, concern written upon her face, “Oh, Brother, if I can do anything to soothe you, please know that I would.”
He reached for her hand and squeezed it gently, “You are a good girl. I am just attempting to decide the best way to tell you some news which may surprise you, but I hope will delight you.” At her puzzled look, he continued, “Georgiana, I am to be married.” Her eyes widened and she opened her mouth to speak, but he continued, “Her name is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and she currently resides at an estate in Hertfordshire a few miles from Mr. Bingley’s new establishment. ”
“But you have only been gone three weeks. How could you have fallen in love so quickly?”
“Many people marry after a short period of courting. In fact many marry when they do not even know their future spouse. Do not let the length of our attachment cause you concern.”
She sat quietly for a few moments trying to work out the validity of his statements in her mind. Did he not just this summer chastise her for trusting a man she hardly knew, one who ultimately wished to use her for his own gain? “Do you love her?”
Darcy would not lie to her, but nor did he wish for her to know the truth of the matter.
Of course, her learning of his subterfuge later could be equally harmful.
He would have to be careful in his responses.
“People marry for reasons other than love, but within time, affection blossoms. It was this way with our parents you know, but my memory of them is that only of the deepest devotion.”
“If you do not love her, she must have other admirable qualities. Tell me about her.” Georgiana silently worried about the type of wife her brother would find. The bride of Fitzwilliam Darcy could destroy or flourish her own existence.
Darcy thought for a few moments. “Well, she is about your height, with chestnut hair, her eyes are the colour of… um, well I do not know the colour of her eyes.”
“William, you do not know her eye colour? How much time exactly have you spent in her company?”
“I was in Hertfordshire for these three weeks. I do not notice such details; I am no poet.”
“But surely you would have looked into her eyes to mark their colour.”
He responded playfully trying to change the subject, “You, my dear, read too many novels. She has four sisters and is the daughter of a gentleman.”
“I will have five sisters?” she said in astonishment.
“I do not see that you will be much in their company, Georgiana, but yes, five, the youngest about your age.”
“Why would I not see them much? Hertfordshire is not far from town. Surely they would come visit us or we them once you are married.”
“Her father does not prefer society, so the family rarely comes to London. Perhaps one day we could invite them to Pemberley for a visit.” He looked away from her.
“You are not telling me everything. What was it that led you to offer for her, Brother? You have been around scores of women trying to gain your approbation for years, then you leave to visit your friend in the country and come back engaged to a woman you cannot even sufficiently describe to me. You can confide in me, dear William.”
He stood quickly and walked over to the hearth, leaning onto his arm.
This was not going as he had hoped. Georgiana was becoming too perceptive for her own good.
“The circumstances surrounding our engagement are complicated.” He paused; she waited patiently.
He despised distressing her after her trying summer and autumn.
“I offered for her to save her family from a ruinous scandal. She is a lady, despite her family’s lack of fortune and connections.
Once we marry, she will improve her standing in society, and hopefully after some time will be ready to help you with your coming out. ”
“But why sacrifice yourself and your happiness for a family so unrelated to you? You cannot!”
“Georgiana, you must calm yourself. What is done, is done, and I do not regret my decision to offer for her.”
“Just explain to me why, please; I must know.”
Realising that she would likely find out the assumed particulars from others who delighted in spreading a good tale if he did not relate the truth, he decided to tell her all, minimising the incriminating details, so as not to prejudice her against his bride-to-be.
He told her the same information that he relayed to his aunt and uncle ending with the rumours of a compromise, which made him bound to ask for Miss Bennet’s hand.
“Did she take advantage of the situation and spread the gossip herself in order to secure you? Could anyone be so cruel? ”
“I am not sure how the rumours began, but it would seem that her mother was the first to tell enough of the truth to make escaping the effects impossible.”
“That conniver!”