Page 51 of Suddenly Married

Lydia and Kitty were in the drawing room, discussing all the arrangements for the surprise birthday party they were planning for their mother.

Mrs. Bennet was napping, which allowed them to speak freely.

The whole family was to gather to celebrate Mrs. Bennet, including Elizabeth.

Thus, when Mr. Hill announced a visitor, they were surprised, for they expected no one.

“Good afternoon, Miss Lydia, Miss Catherine. I hope the invitation you extended to me some time ago still stands. I truly wish to become better acquainted with you, and that is why I decided to call. I know I ought to have sent notice, so please let me know if my visit is inopportune.”

Georgiana was very nervous, though she did not regret coming to Meryton. She would do all she could to help her brother and Elizabeth resolve their differences. She longed to assist them, but she could accomplish nothing while remaining at Pemberley.

“Of course, you are welcome, Miss Darcy. Lizzy has spoken much of you, and we look forward to knowing you better,” Kitty answered sincerely.

“What a joy! We shall have a delightful time now that you are here with us. Meryton is quite dull, so new friends are always welcome. But perhaps we ought to call each other by our given names?” added Lydia enthusiastically.

Georgiana had left Pemberley a few days earlier and travelled to Meryton with her maid, the coachman, and Mr. Jackson.

She knew her brother would be greatly displeased when he discovered her absence, yet she did not care.

It was his conduct that had created so many misunderstandings, and she was determined to do her part in repairing them.

When Mrs. Bennet learned that Georgiana Darcy was her guest, she was immensely gratified that so distinguished a young lady had come to visit them.

“Miss Darcy, we are honoured to have you in our home.”

“I am delighted to meet you, Mrs. Bennet,” Georgiana replied, embracing her. She felt sorrow to see Mrs. Bennet striving to make her feel welcome despite her frail health.

To celebrate Georgiana, Mrs. Bennet hosted a dinner party and invited the Phillipses and the Lucases.

After dinner, they played cards and conversed about life in Meryton.

When it was discovered that Georgiana played the pianoforte so well, everyone rejoiced, for it meant there could be dancing at the next gathering at Lucas Lodge.

Within two days of her arrival, Georgiana was entirely settled at the Bennet home.

She found great joy in a household with girls of her own age and a maternal figure, though somewhat talkative and excitable, in Mrs. Bennet.

A guest room had been prepared for her, but she usually chose to sleep in Kitty’s room, for they would remain chatting until very late.

Neither Georgiana nor Kitty had ever had a close friend, so forming such an attachment delighted them both.

Yet Georgiana had come not merely to enjoy the company of Elizabeth’s sisters and mother, but also to campaign on her brother’s behalf.

She seized every opportunity to speak of Mr. Darcy, gradually altering Kitty and Lydia’s opinion of him.

She explained the weight of responsibility that had fallen upon him from a very young age, including the duty of caring for her.

She told them how many sought his favour for selfish gain, and how such treatment had made him introverted and insecure, concealing it under a mask of indifference and pride.

“My brother is an honourable gentleman, who has made many mistakes, but he truly loves Lizzy. If only you could see how he smiles whenever she speaks, or how his eyes sparkle with excitement when she sings.”

“You are right, Georgiana. We hardly know your brother,” said Kitty.

“And what little we do know of him, we have not liked,” added Lydia.

“But we are willing to give him a chance,” Kitty assured her friend.

“We shall do it for you, Georgiana,” concluded Lydia with a smile.

“I am sincerely grateful, and I promise that when you come to know the real Fitzwilliam, you will value him as I do.” Georgiana was hopeful and happy to have come to Meryton.

Lydia and Kitty promised Georgiana that, if Mr. Darcy wished to approach them, they would give him a chance if Elizabeth agreed. Georgiana rejoiced at the news and dreamed that, one day, they might all be united as one family.

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“I am well, Lawrence. You are exaggerating once again,” Jane said to her husband with a smile.

“I am sorry, Mrs. Clark. The doctor insisted that you must rest for a few days, and so you shall. Remember that you must take care not only of yourself but also of our child.”

Lawrence was still uneasy. Jane had suffered a minor domestic accident, and the doctor had prescribed rest to avoid complications. After three days in bed, that morning was the first she had risen to take breakfast with her family.

“But Lawrence, today Lizzy and I must go to the jeweller’s to collect the brooch we ordered as a present for our mother. I do not wish Lizzy to go alone.”

“I do not mind going alone, Jane. I agree with Lawrence that you should not exert yourself,” Elizabeth added.

“Well said, Lizzy. But do not worry, Jane; I shall accompany Elizabeth. I have little to occupy me today, so if you do not object to my company, we may go together. What say you?” Lawrence asked Elizabeth.

“Wonderful, my dear Mr. Clark,” Elizabeth replied in the same tone. “Mary, why do you not join us?”

“I am sorry, Lizzy, but Admiral Walker is in London, and we shall have luncheon with him. Also, Anna will accompany me in the afternoon to collect my new gown. Remember, tomorrow we are invited to a dinner in honour of my father-in-law,” Mary explained.

“Yes, I had forgotten that, Mary. It is a significant occasion for your husband and his family,” Elizabeth said.

The last few days had been much improved for Elizabeth.

She felt less weary, and her spirits were revived.

The company of Jane and Mary had been a great comfort, and she was equally delighted with her brothers-in-law.

To see her sisters so happy in their marriages gave her joy.

Lawrence was very like herself in disposition, and she took pleasure in conversing with him.

Roland was more serious, but he was a gentleman who had travelled widely since his youth; speaking with him was like consulting an encyclopedia.

Elizabeth had always been passionate about geography and other cultures, and Roland could discourse for hours on any subject she chose, provided Mary was seated beside him.

Roland had risen very early to go to the port to oversee matters concerning his ship, after which he was to take his wife to luncheon with his father.

Admiral Walker had great esteem for both his daughters-in-law.

Anna was admirable, with infinite patience for Frederick’s ill humour.

But Mary especially reminded him of his late wife.

His beloved Doris had been like Mary—quiet and studious—and for that reason, he well understood his son’s devotion to her, having once felt the same.

“I hope you enjoy your dinner with your father-in-law tomorrow. How proud you must be to have a hero like Admiral Walker in your family, Mary,” Elizabeth told her sister.

“I always take pleasure in my father-in-law’s company, but I shall not deceive you, Lizzy; you know me too well. I am not as sociable as you are, and I would rather remain at home. Yet I know I must accompany my husband, and I shall,” Mary said with a resigned smile.

When breakfast concluded, Mary accompanied Jane back to her chamber, while Elizabeth prepared to go with Lawrence to the jeweller’s.

An hour later, Elizabeth entered one of the most exclusive establishments in London on Lawrence’s arm. The shop clerk presented them with the brooch Jane had commissioned for Mrs. Bennet. After examining it, they were both satisfied with the result.

Before they departed, Lawrence asked Elizabeth for a favour.

“Lizzy, since we are here, I wish for your help in selecting something for Jane. I have long intended to present her with a gift since I learnt of our child, but I have been too occupied to choose anything worthy. I wish to give her a beautiful ring.”

“It is an excellent idea, Lawrence. Today, you are fortunate indeed, for Jane and I wear the same ring size. I can try it on, so you may be assured that it will fit her.”

“I am fortunate indeed!” he exclaimed.

Lawrence requested that the clerk display a special collection of rings. After viewing several, he chose a gold ring set with a delicate diamond. He asked Elizabeth to try it on, and both agreed that it was perfect.

What neither Elizabeth nor Lawrence knew was that one of the most notorious gossips in London, Mrs. Peterson, was in the shop at the same time.

She observed Mr. Clark bestow a costly diamond ring upon a beautiful brunette with hazel eyes and a graceful figure.

Within twenty-four hours, the rumour had spread through every drawing-room of the Ton.

Even Lady Isabella expressed a desire to meet the woman who had rendered her the laughingstock of London society.

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