Page 28 of Obligation and Redemption
“Georgiana, hold your tongue! You may not approve of my decision or my choice of wife, but you will be respectful.” Tears sprang to her eyes, as she turned away.
Darcy immediately regretted his outburst, especially as he saw his own words reflected in her own.
This could not be easy for his sister; Georgiana had always hoped to gain a sister she could love and respect.
“Forgive me. This has not been easy for me, and I see that it will be difficult for you as well. I had hoped to spare you from this pain, but you would know all.” He reached for her and held her close.
“Thank you for caring enough to be upset. You are one of few in my life who truly cares about me. Sometimes I find it difficult to discern those who genuinely enjoy my company versus those who only care about my fortune. I fear there will be many more who are upset, but for likely different reasons than you display. Many mamas and daughters will regret my leaving the marriage mart. I confess that is one thing I will not miss.” He was attempting to ease her pain but with little success.
She adored him and an affront to him was provocation for her as well.
“When will I meet the woman?”
He sighed. “That woman will soon be your sister. Please, help me, dear sister. I need your support, not your censure.”
With sadness in her eyes, she softly responded, “I will try.”
“We will marry in a fortnight at her family home and then come to London. You will be staying on here at Tromwell House while I am gone for the wedding and then for the following month or so. We will remain in London through the festive season, and hopefully by then you, Miss Bennet and I can travel to Pemberley.”
“I will not be staying at Darcy House with you? Why ever not?”
“I believe that Miss Bennet and I will need time to become better acquainted without the influence of others.” At her look of displeasure, he continued, “This will all be quite new to her. I would like to give her an opportunity to become adjusted to her new role… and to me. I promise that I will come to see you often, though. Perhaps at Christmas Miss Bennet and I could join the family, and you could meet her then.”
The seed of resentment had been planted within Georgiana, and she was already determining that the future Mrs. Darcy would never be someone with whom she would choose a relationship.
Like the despicable Mr. Wickham, this woman had selfishly manipulated her brother’s good name and honour for her benefit.
Her brother, who meant more to her than any jewels or land ever could, was being used by this woman, completely unknown to him, in order to raise her position in society, while removing him from his sister, who looked up to him and depended upon him like a father.
“Whatever pleases you, Brother,” she said while trying to regulate her emotions and hiding her internal thoughts.
Darcy could not see that his efforts to protect Georgiana from the negative influences of Elizabeth and her family would actually cause a schism not easily healed.
He knew that the best plan was to keep Georgiana in ignorance to the truth of the match, but Georgiana was too perceptive.
Like her brother, though generous and active in providing relief to her subordinates, her temper was what might be called resentful; once her good opinion was lost, it was lost forever.
Darcy bade his sister a subdued farewell, promising to return later in the evening for dinner, then headed to the home of Lord Cunningham.
This was the one interview that he dreaded most. Darcy had known that he must choose a bride from amongst the ton , preferably a woman of noble birth, and she must bring a sizeable dowry as was fitting a man of his station.
His family’s wealth and long history along with connections to nobility made him a highly sought after mate, so his choices were plenty.
Due to his determination to make a connection before Georgiana’s entrance into society, Darcy had contemplated beginning a courtship with Lady Annette Croxley, who was the younger sister of an acquaintance of his from Cambridge, Cecil Croxley – Viscount Wexley.
Their family estate was in a county neighbouring Derbyshire, where she had spent the majority of her time, away from the prattle of the ladies and the advances of the gentlemen residing in London.
She had met all of his criteria for an accomplished woman who could manage his households with grace.
She also had two younger sisters, the younger being Georgiana’s age, who would likely welcome his young sister into their own family, giving Georgiana the friendship and sense of belonging for which she yearned.
During the previous Spring Season, Darcy had made Lady Annette’s acquaintance at a private dinner party hosted by his cousin, Viscount Langston, while she was in the midst of her first Season.
Her brother resembled Darcy in his reserve and his tenacious hold to tradition and chaperoned his sister while their father was at their country estate.
Lady Annette had waited until she was nineteen before making her debut, and as such, she had a maturity about her that was lacking in many of the debutantes, which Darcy found pleasing.
Lady Annette displayed her physical attributes to perfection with a presumed modesty that held much promise.
Her dowry of forty thousand only added to her many charms.
Darcy had begun paying Lady Annette special attention as the summer progressed, before the urgent matter with his sister had distracted him.
Unusual to Darcy’s wont, he had singled her out at several private balls requesting her hand for a set to either open or close the ball.
Darcy had invited her and her family to Darcy House on two occasions to dine and had thought that he would make his interest public; however, with Georgiana’s near ruin, he determined to devote his time to his sister until he could be assured of the secrecy of her shame.
After his return to London from Netherfield, he had planned to secure Lady Annette’s hand and fulfil his duty to his family.
Of course, he did not love Lady Annette; that would perhaps come with time, but he knew that he could reside with her with equanimity and confidence in her upholding the dignity of the Darcy name.
Her conversation was pleasing, if not stimulating, but Lady Annette always kept her opinions respectable, rarely disagreeing with him, but also not fawning over him with undesired attention, as so many others had.
If her opinion was discordant with his own, she held her tongue, rather than practise the deceit of agreeing when she in fact did not.
Darcy had been anxious to make his desires known before someone else acquired a commitment.
He would have spoken to her father, Lord Cunningham, before his trip to assist Bingley; however, her father had travelled to his estate in the north, not due to return until after the harvest. He had been fairly confident there was no one else who had garnered her approval, and Darcy was quite certain she had been without doubt as to his intentions.
Having his own plans shattered had been bad enough, but knowing he was to cause this family, whom he admired, disappointment left Darcy full of remorse.
Darcy’s relations had responded as expected, but he could not predict the scene to come. His coach pulled up to the affluent residence; he thought he discerned Lady Annette looking out a window on the third floor, quickly dropping the drapery back to avoid notice.
Darcy stepped out and walked to the large front door, knocking, and was promptly admitted.
He requested a meeting with Lord Cunningham, but was told that he remained in the North.
Not wanting to leave without resolving matters, he asked for Lord Cunningham’s son, Lord Wexley, and was soon led to the study.
Wexley stood and gave a cursory bow to Darcy, who returned the courtesy.
“Darcy, now this is a surprise. I thought you to be in Hertfordshire with your friend, the one from trade. From what the papers report, you are in much demand there.”
He gets straight to the point. Darcy could appreciate a man who did not mince words, but was not used to being on the receiving end of such discord.
After directed to sit, he began, “I had hoped that my friends would not heed everything they read, especially something that would call into question my integrity.” The man from behind the desk stared at him, apparently waiting for him to elaborate.
“I wanted to come and speak with you in person, hoping that you had not seen the reports in the paper, but ready to explain either way.”
“I cannot pretend to know why you would make the effort to come see me; surely you have many friends of closer acquaintance whom you might feel more interested in your tale.”
“You obviously wish to make this difficult for me, Wexley. I cannot say I blame you, but you must know that my being here purports my feelings of deep regret that you and your family might have been injured by the reports which are not completely based on facts.”
“Perhaps you can explain what the facts are.”