Page 16 of The Marriage Game
The Countess had received a note from Lady Amelia, mother to the Earl of Westmoreland, stating that she hoped to visit Matlock House the following afternoon, and asked that Miss Darcy be invited as well.
The Countess was surprised at this request, but assumed it had something to do with the attention that Lord Fane was paying to Georgiana! She immediately sent a message to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth,
Lady Amelia is coming to tea tomorrow and asks that Georgiana be present. We can have no doubt of the reason for her request. Of course, you must come as well to support Georgiana. Lady Amelia can be a bit of a dragon.
Aunt Eleanor
Georgiana was puzzled when shown the message. “No doubt of the reason? What can she mean?”
“She wants another look at you,” Elizabeth said. “She knows her son is interested in you and she will decide if she will encourage the match or not.”
“Can she really stop him if he wants to marry me?”
“Probably not, but she can make things rather difficult.”
Georgiana shook her head. “I do not want to go, Lizzy.”
“I understand completely, but it would be very poor manners to refuse.”
“Might Brother come as well?” she asked, piteously.
“Perhaps.”
Elizabeth sent a message to Matlock House.
Dear Aunt Eleanor,
Georgiana is quite nervous about this tea. Might William come to help support her?
Elizabeth
A return message came within the hour. It said, simply:
I think not.
***
The Countess was perfectly attired and coiffed when her guests arrived, and offered them tea and small cakes. Georgiana’s hands shook as she accepted her cup. Pleasantries about the weather, the Season, and the latest scandals were traded. Georgiana had little to contribute to the conversation, and Elizabeth could see that Georgiana’s silence was becoming a problem. Lady Amelia’s face had been perfectly composed at first, but she was now beginning to frown at Georgiana, making the girl even more frightened.
The Countess of Matlock stepped in. “Georgiana, how are you enjoying the Season thus far?”
“Quite well, thank you, Aunt.”
Elizabeth took her turn. “What do you most enjoy, Georgiana?”
“Oh, quiet things, I think. Afternoons with my friends.” She looked at the floor.
Lady Amelia said, “And driving in the park?”
Georgiana answered, softly, “I do enjoy driving with Lord Fane and Agatha.”
“What else do you enjoy, Georgiana?” Elizabeth prompted her.
“Playing my piano, of course.”
When it became evident that the girl would not be drawn out, Elizabeth pleaded a headache and took her home.
After Elizabeth and Georgiana left, Lady Amelia set her cup down and said, “Eleanor, I am concerned that my son is forming an attachment that will not serve him well.”
“Oh?”
“Yes; to your niece.”
The Countess made no attempt to mask her irritation. “And what, pray tell, makes that attachment inappropriate in any way?”
“Please do not misunderstand me. I asked to be here today so that I might evaluate her suitability to be my son’s wife.
When I met her at Mrs. Darcy’s tea party, I found her to be pretty enough – not one of the diamonds, you understand, but pretty enough – but rather shy.
Today I find that I completely underestimated just how very shy she is; why, she could scarcely look me in the face! Surely you of all people understand what is required of the wife of a peer.
She would have to entertain lavishly, learn to say the right things to the right people, be seen and be criticised by those who are bitter or jealous.
She would need to sponsor at least one charity, as well as several artists. My impression of young Miss Darcy is that she does not have the temperament to be an Earl’s wife. I intend no offense to your family, of course.”
The Countess sat back and considered this. “I cannot deny that she is a shy creature,” she responded, slowly. “We have always believed that she would grow out of it.”
“And well she might; but what if she does not? Would it be fair to the poor child to subject her to a life that will bring her a good deal of anxiety? And how is she to be an asset to my son?”
“Amelia, not all countesses are political and social, you know. The Countess of Carlisle has not been seen in London for years, and the Countess of Shaftesbury is only seen with her closest friends. Must your son’s wife be a political asset? Is he so inclined?”
“He is not so inclined yet, but he is young. I expect him to be a worthy successor to his father, and his wife – whoever she may be – must help him fulfill his potential. I will speak to him and advise that he see no more of Miss Darcy.”
“Amelia, you know full well that if you warn your son away from my niece, you will simply push him towards her. You know how boys are!”
Lady Amelia laughed. “You are quite right. Might you speak with your niece and suggest that she not encourage him?”
“Let me think on it, Amelia. I will not interfere in a love match, but perhaps the attachment might be nipped in the bud, as it were.”
The two then spoke of more mundane matters for another quarter of an hour.
When Lady Amelia departed, the Countess leaned back and closed her eyes, wondering how best to approach this situation. She would very much like to have Georgiana wed to Lord Fane, who was certainly one of the most eligible gentlemen this Season, but she did not want the girl to be unhappy in her marriage.
Doubtless it was time to speak with Darcy and Elizabeth.
***
Mr. Darcy read the note again.
Dear Nephew,
I must speak with you and your wife on a matter of some importance; please come to Matlock House tomorrow afternoon. Georgiana should not be included.
Aunt Eleanor
Sighing, he brought it to his wife.
“Doubtless this has to do with that wretched tea party,” Elizabeth sighed.
***
The following afternoon saw Mr. and Mrs. Darcy walking through the front door of Matlock House. It was a cold day, and Elizabeth would have preferred to stay at home. Happily, there was a fire blazing in the Countess’ drawing room, and hot tea was at hand.
Once cups had been handed around, the Countess began. “Lady Amelia warned me that she did not think Georgiana a suitable match for her son.”
Elizabeth bristled. “And what possible reason did she have for such an opinion?” Her tone was tart, though she had rather expected this.
“Smooth your ruffled feathers, Elizabeth. She is not wrong. She pointed out that the wife of Lord Fane would have a good many obligations, many of which Georgiana might find distasteful. You know how hard the Earl and I work to fulfill our responsibilities.”
Mr. Darcy nodded. “She would have to entertain a good deal, if Lord Fane intends to become political. And she would be in the public eye more than she would like.”
Elizabeth said, “But surely not every Countess must be like you, Aunt Eleanor! Are there not some who prefer a quieter life?”
“Yes, but Lady Amelia seems convinced that Lord Fane will become a political force, following in the footsteps of his father,” the Countess explained.
Elizabeth sighed. “Very well. If that is truly the case, then I see her point. Georgiana is still shy and uncertain; I do not think she would enjoy the duties that would fall to her as Lady Fane.”
“You will warn her away from him? Elizabeth?” Mr. Darcy asked.
“Not precisely, no,” Elizabeth said. “I will simply tell her what is expected of the wife of an Earl.”
***
Georgiana’s face grew pale. “Entertain? Politics?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth said, solemnly. “You would be in the public eye a good deal, so your every move would be noticed.”
“I do not think I would like that.”
“No, Georgiana, I do not think you would either.”
“But we always have so much to talk about! And he is so very kind! And handsome!”
“He is, yes.” Elizabeth thought there was no point in arguing the facts.
“I just do not know,” the girl sighed. “I can manage an estate, thanks to you and Mrs. Annesley, but I would dislike being – well, watched. And having to meet a good many people and give grand, stately dinners! I do not know if I would like all of that.”
Elizabeth agreed, “I am very glad to be the wife of a simple country farmer.”
Georgiana had to giggle at the idea of Fitzwilliam being a simple country farmer, but her face soon became thoughtful. “Perhaps I could grow accustomed to it,” she said.
“Accustomed to…?”
“Being watched. Giving dinners. After all, my great-aunt, the Countess, would be here to help me.”
Elizabeth sighed, but did not reply. Evidently Georgiana really liked Lord Fane.
***
Later that night, Mr. Darcy whispered to his wife. “And there is another thing…”
“About what?”
“Georgiana. Should she marry an earl, her past would doubtless come to light.”
In the darkness, Elizabeth’s face grew pale. “Wickham?” she whispered.
“Doubtless; can you imagine him remaining silent under such a temptation to cause trouble for us?”
“No, I cannot. So she must make a good marriage, but not a remarkable one?”
“Exactly. It had not occurred to me until talking with Aunt Eleanor today.”
“Will you tell her this?” Elizabeth asked.
“I had rather not; she has had enough difficulty with her self-confidence. Being reminded of Ramsgate will do her no favours.”
“So she must be gently steered,” Elizabeth surmised.
“Yes.” And then he took his wife in his arms and there was no more discussion that night.