Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Part 14 Posted on Saturday, 9 December 2000
"Through me you pass into the city of woe:
Through me you pass into eternal pain:
Through me among the people lost for aye.
Justice the founder of my fabric moved:
To rear me was the task of power divine,
Supremest wisdom, and primeval love.
Before me things create were none, save things
Eternal, and eternal I shall endure.
All hope abandon, ye who enter here."
-Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy
The Colonel had slept in, and was not ready to come to Georgiana yet. Georgiana sat at the table, embroidering a handkerchief, her back facing the door, so she did not see the doctor as he entered. He crept silently into the room; unseen, unheard.
Georgiana felt a cold tingle at the nape of her neck, and involuntarily shivered. She felt a curl being twisted, and was shocked as she realised it was not the breeze. She turned her head and absolutely started at the sight she beheld.
There stood Dr *Deaf as a... Interesting as a... Boring as a ... Stupid as a* Stonewall, dressed in his fine yet slightly Collins-reminiscent clothing, with his fingers on her neck.
"DR. STONEWALL!!!" she positively gasped, while trying to stand, and struggling for composure.
"Yes dearest Miss Darcy, 'tis I" he replied smilingly.
"W-wait a moment, I shall go and g-get the C-colonel."
"No, tarry a while here. There is something I would wish to say to you, and I can only do so while we are alone.
Georgiana was immediately struck with fear, combined with a sickening feeling. Good Lord, please don't let him....
"Do you not wish to hear what it is that I must say so secretly?"
No!!! "If it is a personal secret, I should not wish to hear it. It would surely be a breach of propriety. Indeed, there is a breach now, we are unchaperoned. I must fetch my cousin to rectify this."
"Miss Darcy, I pray you will do no such thing. If this is indecorous, it shall all be insignificant in a short while, as it will be of no matter when we no longer need to be supervised..."
Georgiana attempted to leave the room. To her dismay, the door was closed, and added to that it was blocked by the cumbersome figure of Dr *Deaf as a... Interesting as a... Boring as a ... Stupid as a* Stonewall, (otherwise known as Mr. Collins II).
"Miss Darcy, I regret being forceful, but you will stay here."
Georgiana found herself thrust across the room, reaching a corner, where she remained, dazed. There was no means of escape, as her imposer blocked the only way to freedom. Dr *Deaf as a... Interesting as a... Boring as a ... Stupid as a* Stonewall, walked over, and took Georgiana's shaking hand. Georgiana was bereft of speech and movement, she could do nothing.
He kissed it fleetingly. "Miss Darcy... Georgiana... my dearest Georgiana. Are you aware of how dear you are to me?? Yes?? No?? I will tell you then." He stepped forward. "You are so uniformly charming that I find you irresistible. I must have you, I must."
He released his firm grip on her hand, and she tried to shrink away. He moved closer, lifting his arms as if he were about to embrace her. Apparently he changed his mind, and instead moved his head closer to Georgiana's. He's going to kiss me. I don't want him to kiss me. Can I not do something to stop him? Quickly Georgiana turned her face sideways, and felt the most interesting (albeit not in the least pleasant) sensation of having her ear slurped on most passionately. Uggggggggh!!!!!!!!
The doctor's breathing was heavy. Georgiana wished she didn't have to hear it. "Georgiana" he said huskily, kissing her cheek as she squirmed, trying to loosen his hold "Marry me."
He was moving himself in the direction of her lips, but stopped in mild surprise as the gentle docile Georgiana became a little less so. "SIR!! Do let me GO! Release me I beg of you! Do STOP!" she cried anxiously, with a frightened tone. When there was no reply to her earnest entreaties, Georgiana decided she would have to try harder. "Dr. Stonewall, you had best release me and be gone from my presence immediately."
"But why my dear? I love you and wish to marry you. Do not be so heartless as to turn me out upon the street."
What a good idea!! "But I do not love you, sir. Rather, I believe, I feel quite the opposite! From the moment I first saw you I have felt nothing short of appalled at your behaviour. I repeat : GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME AND BE GONE!!!!"
"Why will you not marry me, my sweet?"
"Have I not already answered you sufficiently? Added to those reasons, I have no desire to marry at present - and to YOU, particularly. I am not even come out yet sir! Even if I WISHED to marry you, which I CERTAINLY DO *NOT*, I would not be permitted."
"But if I was to ask your brother...."
"He would NOT submit sir, and nor will I. I should think very ill indeed of him if he DID, but I know he WON'T. I pray you would LET ME GO!!!!" Georgiana was getting more annoyed by the moment.
"RELEASE ME!!!!!" she fairly screamed as Dr. Stonewall twisted her arm around her back.
"Let me go" she pleaded, tears beginning to glisten in her eyes.
But he would not. Instead, he kept his hold of Georgiana, picked her up and strode to the door.
Hope is the expectation that something outside of ourselves, something or someone external, is going to come to our rescue and we will live happily ever after.
~ Dr. Robert Anthony
Being tossed over the doctor's shoulder was NOT what Georgiana wanted to have done to her. Being alone with him was not where she wanted to be either. In an attempt to get Richard to hear her, Georgiana kicked and yelled as hard as she could. It certainly slowed the doctor's progress downstairs. I'm being abducted!!! Where is Richard?? Georgiana was close to being in hysterics.
Time seemed to stop. Georgiana couldn't say whether it had been several seconds or many minutes that she spent on Dr. Stonewall's shoulder. She was too distressed to know. Her distress lightened as she heard the footsteps of the one she had been waiting for. "Dr. Stonewall????????? Georgiana???????? WHAT THE ..........." was all he managed to say before running to Georgiana's aid. The housekeeper Mrs. Porter came upon the scene, and together she and the Colonel lifted Georgiana down, administered an ample amount of hartshorn to her, and took Dr. Stonewall to the nearest Charley, who would deal with him.
Georgiana sat down with Mrs. Porter, who was still kindheartedly offering salts, and burst into tears. She was traumatized by what had occurred, but was very grateful to have been saved with no harm done, save the exception of some very shaken nerves. I'll wager even Mrs. Bennet's nerves aren't nearly so hard done by as mine today! Georgiana sniffed and smiled at the thought, then continued crying.
By the time the Colonel returned, Georgiana's tears had not subsisted, but she had changed her location, having gone back into her room. She was jumpy whenever anyone entered though.
"Georgiana? Are you alright?" he asked in concern.
"I t-think so. I'm just surprised. I was so frightened he was g-going to.... thank you for s-saving me."
"Don't think of it. I won't ask you what he was doing - I will not force a confidence from you, eveen though I am your guardian.
"What will we say to my brother?"
"I haven't the foggiest. What do you think?"
"He won't trust me out of his sight if he hears all that has happened! How different it has been at your place than what I had expected. But I know it was not in the least your fault."
"It has certainly been eventful for you, though I think we should have preferred it had none of this happened."
"Indeed" Georgiana agreed. "But I think I will be well able to say I shan't forget it in a while."
"I hope though, that not all your memories would be unpleasant?"
"No they will not!! I have had many a wonderful time in between the rest... Thank you for being there when I needed you."
The Colonel had to leave soon after, because he had work to do, leaving Georgiana to ponder what had just happened.
She had been proposed to. Unwittingly she had drawn the affection of another and in such a short time too! He mustn't have been serious - he could not. This would-be beau then attempted to abduct her, upon her refusal. What would have happened had not Richard saved her? Georgiana decided that if she could help it, she would tell no one of what happened. Or, if she did, she would tell at most only Christy and Anne. She was worried about what her brother would say if she told him, or if he found out.
She also seriously considered deferring her coming out and entrance to the world; if it were likely such men as Dr. Stonewall would be prospective husbands. Georgiana's wealth would make her a valuable asset and target, which was not what she wanted. But then, on consideration, Georgiana thought that her brother, the Colonel and Christy could guide her, and keep her from harm's way.
Georgiana sighed. A few days more and she would be on the road to Pemberley, to be reunited with her brother and his wife. How odd that sounded his wife. Georgiana's visit had been vastly different to how she had imagined it would be. She had fallen ill, forgotten her name, been carried by the Colonel (now if only she could recall how it felt!), been proposed to, abducted, carried by the doctor (she could recall what that felt like, and wished she couldn't), kissed in the ear (another memory best left forgotten), and learnt more about Shakespearian tragedies than she had before. She also learnt that the Colonel could keep his house tidy when he had guests.
Hope is the last thing that dies in man; and though it be exceedingly deceitful, yet it is of this good use to us, that while we are traveling through life it conducts us in an easier and more pleasant way to our journey's end.
~ Francois De La Rochefoucauld
"Three weeks! Imagine!" It had been three weeks since the wedding, though at times it had seemed like more, and at others less. Georgiana sat back in the Darcy barouche, which had come to London to take Colonel Fitzwilliam and herself to Pemberley. The Colonel was only staying overnight, before journeying to be with his parents at Matlock.
"I wonder how they are. And the Bingleys too."
"How who are?"
"Why, Elizabeth and William."
"I daresay they will be coping admirably with married life."
"I imagine so."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Sure?"
"Of course."
"Definitely?"
"Indeed!"
"Why?"
"Because."
"Oh?"
"What are you trying to get me to say Richard?"
"Ha!"
"What?"
"Oh dear."
"Why?"
"One."
"One what?"
"Two."
Right. Richard is getting me to answer with one or two word answers. Well, I think I can keep going with that....
"Oh."
"Oh?"
"Dear."
"Oh dear?"
"Yes."
"Oh."
"Oh?"
"Oh, I see."
"See what?"
"Your...."
"My?"
"Point."
"My point?"
"Yes."
"Which is?"
"Um."
"Um?"
"Don't..."
"Know?"
"Yes."
"Oh."
"Georgiana, this is getting..."
"Four!"
"Yes, four"
"No, two."
Alright, two."
"Correct."
"Do you think..."
"Three!"
"Really..."
"Yes, really it's three!"
"Four..."
"One."
"Eighty-nine."
"Eighty-nine???"
"No."
"No?"
"One."
"Oh! You just did that to...."
"Six!"
"Truce?"
"Thought you'd..."
"Hmmm?"
"Never ask?"
"Yes."
"One!"
"Oh please! Can we stop that? I think I'm going insane!"
"At least you'll be in good company."
"In Bedlam?"
"No, with me."
"You?"
"Yes."
"Really?"
"Well no, not quite, but maybe."
"Oh."
"Oh?"
"Oh, I see."
"Alright, we ought to put an end to this ridiculous conversation."
"Ridiculous?"
"Yes."
"Really?"
"Please! I beg you to stop! I think that kind of got out of hand."
"It did?"
"Argh! How does your family live with you?"
"How does your family live with you?"
"They don't."
"Oh yeah. I forgot."
"Oh yeah???"
"Oh, do pardon me. I have forgotten my manners. I ought to have said 'Yes, that is correct. I do apologise, I forgot.'"
"Too many to count."
"It was three-and-twenty."
"Twenty-three?"
"Precisely. Neither more nor less."
"How did you manage to count them all?"
"Quite a feat, one would imagine, but I don't find it difficult doing two things at once, like some would."
"Mr. Collins?"
"Exactly the example I had in mind."
"I'm just too good."
"And modest, I see."
"Excessively."
"Really?"
"Of course!"
"I'm not sure...."
"You should be."
"Why?"
"Because I am."
"What?"
"Modest."
"And virtuous too, I suppose."
"Let's not enter into that."
"Why?"
"Because."
"What kind of an excuse is that?"
"It worked before..."
"But not now. Why?"
"Why what?"
"I'm confuzzled."
"You're not alone."
"Really?"
"I wouldn't have said it if I did not mean it. I'm not the insane one."
"Are you accusing me?"
"Would I do that?"
"That's why I asked."
"Now you're accusing me!"
"Of what?"
"It's going to sound ridiculous, but here goes. You're accusing me of accusing you of being insane, when in actuality you had previously informed me of that being a possibility."
"In hindsight, you're right. It does sound silly, but I think you yourself had previously implied that I was such."
"I did? I don't recall...."
"Neither do I. But that doesn't mean you didn't say it."
"It might!"
"But that is of no consequence."
"Why?"
"Not sure actually."
"Oh."
"Ah, back to one."
"But it's four!"
"No, three."
"Two."
"One."
"BLASTOFF!!!!!"
"What!?!?!?!?" Is that a military term?
Hope is a strange invention--
A Patent of the Heart--
In unremitting action
Yet never wearing out.
~ Emily Dickinson
"Ah, Pemberley at last!"
"At last?"
"I'm not getting into this."
"Are you glad to be rid of me?"
"Did I say that?"
"You implied it."
"Well, no, I don't mean I'm glad to be rid of you, but I am glad I'll be able to see William and Lizzy again."
"Oh, of course."
"Forgive me"
"Why?"
"For unintentionally implying I would feign be rid of you."
"If it was unintentional, you need not any forgiveness."
"Oh. Yes. I suppose you are right."
"I always am."
"Really?"
"We're doing it again...."
"Should we stop?"
"Yes."
"Alright then."
Georgiana gave a slight sigh of relief when the carriage stopped, as it meant that the conversation probably really would cease. They were greeted by Lizzy and Darcy, who both looked ecstatically happy (but really, would you expect otherwise?).
"Lizzy! William!" Georgiana cried with delight, eagerly approaching them.
The Colonel looked at the three with something resembling a grin. "Georgiana's so glad to be rid of me she's running from me.," he said in mock pity.
"Was he really that bad?" Darcy whispered to his sister.
"Of course not." she whispered back.
"Richard, I already told you that I was not keen to be rid of you, if you recall. And besides, the reason why I ran was because I needed to refresh myself after such a long and enduring carriage ride."
"It wasn't just the length of the journey that was enduring."
"Don't sound so hard done by. That conversation could not have lasted so long, had you not persisted in continuing."
"Was I not the one who called a truce?"
"I cannot recall. But that didn't stop you."
"Though nor did you."
"A truce?" Elizabeth asked, her tone as confused as her husband's looks.
"Yes, though neither abided by it. We had an unending conversation."
"It did end, or we'd still be going now."
"Are we not? Unless it has escaped your notice, and you are determined to fool me, I say we were still talking - we are - I am not mistaken - I never am."
"Oh look! We do continue on your virtues."
"Which are, of course, numerous."
"Please don't start with numbers again. I think I'm developing an adversity to them."
"Georgiana, that is unkind. Whatever did the poor defenceless things do to you?"
Rather than answering, Georgiana replied "Look at how my brother and Lizzy look at us. Really, with such looks, you'd expect we'd each grown a second head."
"Have we?"
"Really!"
"Back to one."
"No. No. No. I will not start again. At least at Pemberley I will not have such conversations."
"See, you do wish to be rid of me!"
"Richard! Oh Lizzy, do take me in! We've been like this almost since leaving London."
"I disagree. We used less syllables in the entire journey than we have used here just now."
"You are probably right, but that will not stop me from going in now. It has been months since I was at Pemberley, and I wish to see it again. In as close to silence as possible." she added pointedly.
"Georgiana," Lizzy confided in her later while walking down the main hallway "What has the Colonel done to you?"
"The Colonel?" Georgiana asked in astonishment, though not without trepidation.
"Yes, the Colonel. You are so changed from when I first knew you."
"I am???"
"Mmmm. I have not ever heard you speak so much as you did when you arrived."
"Really?" Is this so? Am I speaking more frequently?
"Yes, for sure. And there is something in you, too. Has anything.... particular happened?
I can't tell you that!! "Well, I was a bit... ill after we got to London."
"How? Are you all right? Were you fit to travel? I suppose you must be, for you are here..."
"I fainted and hit my head. I got a slight bruise, but that was .... basically it." Well, some of it at least
"Did you see a doctor about it?"
Yes, and would that I had never seen him! Simply awful, he was. "Yes" she answered tersely, firmly deciding that not another word on that topic was to be said.
"Oh." Lizzy apparently saw Georgiana's resolve, and forbore from questioning her. "It is nice to hear you more keen to speak."
"You will find, I think, that when in the company of family, I am more wont to speak than I am in front of strangers."
"I see. So have you had a pleasant time since we saw you last?"
Well, pleasant is perhaps not the right word..... "It was certainly different to how it would have been at Pemberley."
"Different certainly seems to be the word to describe things lately. I should never have thought being married could be so .... fulfilling. I am getting to know your brother even better, and these past few weeks have been magical. But I think managing Pemberley, and learning all the servant's names is going to be time consuming. I scarce know how or where to begin! And then Pemberley itself is so large I fear I will get lost. Imagine how embarrassing that would be! I durst not think of it."
"It would hardly be that bad, surely. But you haven't been lost yet, correct?"
Yes, but I have hardly left William's side."
"I am sorry, I'm deterring you from being near him - I had not meant to. Please let's go and find him now." Because it is highly likely wherever William is, Richard is too.
Darcy and the Colonel were found in the dining room. Darcy greeted them with a smile, and the Colonel bowed to Lizzy and teased Georgiana. "Why are you so late? Fitz and I were just about to starve to death."
"You don't look as though you are on death's door! And one day, you must try changing from your travelling dress into an evening gown with all the additionals like having your hair redone, in a short period of time. It does take time you know!"
"Do pardon me. I shall have to keep that in mind if ever I am made by you to do such a thing."
"By me! How indecorous!"
"You, my dear, are the epitome of indecorous behavior."
"Poppycock. What planet do you come from? Mars?"
"Er...... Fitz.... Just what kind of books did you say Georgiana was reading?"
Uh... Fitz...." Darcy replied "She's just as much responsibility as mine. A young woman's education just isn't what it used to be, and who knows what they might be reading?"
"And to think, Mr. Darcy! I remember very well your saying once that every accomplished woman must add something substantial to the improvement of her mind by extensive reading." Elizabeth said with eyes twinkling.
"But who says I read it anyway?" Georgiana piped up. Her companions looked at her quizzically. "Just a thought." she backed off shyly.
"Er.... shall we eat? I fear the first course may be cold by now. Let's not ruin Mrs. Baker's cooking. By the by Darcy, how ever did you manage to find a cook named Baker?"
"Long story."
"Oh?"
"Richard" Georgiana said warningly, "Remember you said the meal was getting cold? Don't start another ceaseless conversation, please!"
"Of course not Georgiana" he said meekly, with a face so ridiculous it made Miss Darcy laugh.
Our hopes are but memories reversed.
~ Source Unknown
Following dinner came the customary separation of the ladies and the gentlemen, though it was exceptionally short-lived. While they were absent, Georgiana and Elizabeth spent their time getting to know each other, and Lizzy asked Georgiana little questions about her brother's earlier life.
Thus her time was spent in recounting memories and telling stories. One of her favourites was the one that took place one summer (when she was seven, in the year three).
Fourteen-year-old Christabel had been there, and together the cousins had played pranks on Darcy and the Fitzwilliam twins. To this day they were not aware that it was Christy that had nicked off with their clothing while they had been swimming (though they had their suspicions), and it was Georgiana that had let free the horses. This meant that they had had to run about, practically clothesless, calling the grooms and attempting to catch the restless horses. Then once they had found their (now incredibly dirty) clothes, the boys returned to their rooms to find that the dogs (or some other intruder) had been having pillow fights, while strewing clothes, bedsheets and cushions all around. As they discovered this, Mrs. Reynolds came upon them and gave them thoroughly proper scoldings, which especially mortified the Viscount when his father found out.
Initially the girls had been suspected, but when found in the library, with books scattered about them, that suggested they had been there all the time, the suspicions were lessened. As they were additionally sporting completely innocent looks (already Christabel was a master of deception), nobody could believe it was the darling girls that made the mess. Georgiana admitted to Lizzy that she could never have even thought of such a prank without Christy, who was an expert at making mischief but without being caught (the influence of two brothers).
"I must say I would love to become better acquainted with Lady Christabel, she seems quite a card."
"And we love her dearly. Anne and I especially, I think. I know you probably wouldn't have thought much of Anne, but she liked you and is actually the sweetest person. But Aunt Catherine........ No wonder Anne is like she is in front of her mother. But away from her, we are the best of friends, along with Christy."
"But I still find it unbelievable that you could play pranks. You are so innocent looking, one would never suspect it."
"Which makes it easier to get away with it when you do. I was always so afraid of being found out! But hush, hear come the Colonel and William, you mustn't let them know."
"Certainly not" Lizzy agreed.
"Ah ladies, so you shut up the minute we enter the room. That bodes ill."
Lizzy grinned and Georgiana smiled demurely. "You could have no conception of how ill it bodes."
"Good heavens!"
"Oh stop it. That sounds ridiculous, but then again, you are always being so, and succeed in making others believe that you are, so maybe you might as well just continue then."
"Many words used sufficing to say very little indeed, and even less of importance."
"But even if that is so, you must not own it."
"Own it? I don't own it. Georgiana, I am afraid your mind must be playing tricks on you again. Is this a relapse?"
Elizabeth laughed softly at the idea of Georgiana's 'playing tricks', while Darcy said "Relapse? From what?"
"Er..... nothing," Georgiana said hurriedly.
"Is this a private joke?"
"Uh, yes... something like that" Georgiana said desperately.
"Yes, yes, a joke. That's right, isn't it cousin?"
"Umm... I say, is that Mrs. Reynolds with the tea and coffee? It is indeed. Tea anyone?"
Phew.
"So Georgiana, how has your break been? From what I hear it was most interesting." Darcy said jovially.
Georgiana looked with distress from her brother to her cousin. She didn't know what to say, but was saved by the Colonel's saying "Ah yes. I was telling Fitz here about all the tragedies I made you listen to, and all the music I had to listen to of yours."
Georgiana was relieved but upset. "Do you mean you should have preferred it had I not played?"
"No dear, don't take it that way. Your playing is lovely."
"But?"
"What I meant was that we both enjoyed ourselves doing the things we like - that is all. No offence meant."
"Oh."
"Georgiana, I had no intention of upsetting you. Here, will you play for me now?"
"F..for y-you?" Oh my!
"Please, there is little I could enjoy more than listening to music, and there is something about yours which makes it even more enjoyable than others."
He has a .... preference for my music? Surely I must be mistaken. "Please?" he asked again "For I will not see you again for a while, you know."
Oh believe me, I know.
Of course, Georgiana could hardly refuse the Colonel, so she played Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. She particularly enjoyed these sonatas. And he knew it. Georgiana's performance was particularly moving that evening. Especially as she looked from the still moonlight mirrored on the lake, which could just be seen from her position - over to the face of the cousin she loved so well.
His face was indescribable, but it looked to Georgiana as though he enjoyed her performance, but maybe..... perhaps..... there seemed a hint of disappointment. At what? At me? My playing? His going? With such turbulent thoughts in her mind, Georgiana's sonata came to an end.
The warmth of congratulations offered her was such a contrast to the ostentatious but feigned appreciation of Miss Bingley, and Georgiana knew which was more welcome. Georgiana moved away from the instrument and sat with the others. She was pleased, and tried not to grin too profusely when the available spot was next to the Colonel.
"When will we have the pleasure of seeing you next?" Georgiana asked him after impatiently waiting for her brother or sister to ask.
"I don't really know. You will probably see Christy before you see me. But no doubt you should prefer her to me anyway."
Georgiana smiled, unwilling to let her feelings on the subject be known. She'd like both: because Christy was a dear friend, and the Colonel because ...... well, she didn't need a reason, did she? And if she did, it was because he was the Colonel. What other reason did she need?
Author's Note: This should be respectfully dedicated to Shemmelle, who, in the midst of undergoing an identity crisis, had a bit of a cameo thingy here, only she swears she appears more like Mrs. Jennings than herself. Hmm.....
He who has help has hope, & he who has hope has everything.
~Arab proverb
Daylight streamed in through the recently opened curtains of Georgiana's chamber. She glanced over at the mantle, to see the time. Seven-thirty. If she hurried with her morning preparations, she might make it in time to see the Colonel off. She found, by asking the servants that the Colonel was by no means ready to depart. There is yet hope!
Miss Georgiana Darcy was, one could say, infatuated with the Colonel. A true romantic of the era at times, it was despair when her object was gone, and she would mourn him with a passion till he returned, whereupon she would welcome him with vigourous glee. And whilever he was around, she longed to just be with him .... talking to him..... playing for him..... listening to him..... admiring him.
But the available time for this was dwindling to an end.
Georgiana turned away. The horse which carried the Colonel off had disappeared from view. She did not cry, and maintained cheerfulness to the end. Now, the result of that was an ache, beginning to ebb unwelcome in her head, and she needed to be alone.
As she (Georgiana) turned back, she heard a noise. A most irregular noise. A noise not commonly heard out in the Derbyshire county - it was certainly not natural. And it was noisy. Georgiana was seized with curiosity. What is it?
She strayed from the path, moving in the direction of the noise, past some heavy coniferous plants, until she came to a clearing. And she saw what had made the noise - a figure. The noise was a woman ..... singing? I thought it would be an animal in distress. Or, at least that's what it sounded like. Georgiana had first only seen the lady's back, but she turned and then saw Miss Darcy.
"Oh! Hellooooo!" she cried, and started running.
"Uh.. good morning," Georgiana replied, nervously.
"La! Fancy meeting you here! I mean, I didn't even know of your existence, so it is quite surprising that we should meet, is it not? Yes indeed. But the questions remain, who are you, and why are you trespassing on this property?"
"I am from hereabouts, and I did not intend to trespass - at least, not if I knew I was trespassing, for then I should surely know." What am I saying?
"Hereabouts, you say? Fancy, I've never heard of that estate. Is it very new? But then, I'm rather new to the area."
"No, our estate is definitely not new, and nor is it titled 'Hereabouts'. Where do you come from?"
"Ryde."
"Just Ryde?"
"West Ryde to be precise."
"Oh.. but.. your property?"
"Ryde Grove, a few miles from Lambton."
"I have heard of it before. So you must be Miss...?"
"Nah, none of that Miss stuff. Gave that up long ago. I'm a Lady now (though don't you believe it!). My husband made me Lady Shellwood."
Lady Shellwood hardly looked as though she had been married for a long time. She appeared too old for a girl, but too young for a woman. She really did look no older than seventeen at the most. She was rather short (but then Georgiana was too), and had brown hair.
"I am Miss Darcy, of Pemberley."
"Pemberley!? Gracious heavens above! All the time I'm hearing, at Pemberley, they do this, at Pemberley the undergardener does that, and at Pemberley, the master loves to... oops"
"He loves to what?" Georgiana probed.
"Er.. go for splashes in the pond and turn up remarkably drenched in front of ladies that will end up marrying him."
"You make it sound as though it were a regular habit of his!" But I don't like it that others find out about such things...
"Is it not a regular habit?"
"Well, marrying isn't. I know he hasn't gone and become bigamous. But I can't definitely say that was the last time he will have ever swum in the pond."
"Do you swim Miss Darcy?"
"Do ladies of respectability ever swim?"
"Yup"
"Yup?"
"Yep"
"Uh.. does that mean yes?"
"Yup. It does. I have, and I'm respectable. But I can see you are unfamiliar with the way I speak. Well, let me tell you about myself, and you will find why I am what I am.
I was born, sixteen years back, out in Sydney Cove. Well, not in, for it was not in the water, but rather at."
"Where is that?"
"Australia."
"Are you from the colony?"
"Yeah, but I'm not a criminal or anything. My parents were pioneers, not convicts. I'm their only child, and I was sent to England to further my education, but before I really could I met my Matty."
"How long have you been married?"
"Aw shoot. I'm never good at remembering things that aren't really significant after they've happened. But we were married in 1812, almost a year and a half ago."
"And yet no children?"
"Oh please spare me! I'd like to go to a few more assemblies and balls before I am restricted to the nursery! I've only been out of there for a few years!"
"Surely it's not that bad." But how am I ever to hold a baby if no one near me has one? Where do babies come from anyway?
"Uhh.... Miss Darcy, do you happen to know where we are?" Lady Shellwood asked.
"To be perfectly frank, not entirely - though I have an idea. It is miles and miles from Ryde Grove ~ what a walker you must be!"
"Oh, not really. I jumped the entire way, playing leap-frog with myself" she confessed, without the slightest discomfort.
"That must have been ...er.... fun," the terribly-boring-when-it-came-to-game-playing Georgiana replied.
"I assure you it's so much more fun when Matty plays. He's such a loon!"
And methinks he might not be the only one...
"Oh look! Dear me! It's snowing! How shall we get home?" Georgian cried, but all Lady Shellwood had to say in response was "How jolly! I can make a snowman. Pity I haven't any carrots on me."
"Jolly? Snow isn't jolly!"
"I know. It's cold. But it's also jolly fun stuff when you've been brought up in a climate that will very rarely (if ever) snow."
"Is Australia hot then?"
"Some of it, but where I live not always. But at least it doesn't pour so commonly as here."
"Pour?"
"Rain."
"Oh yes, England always rains, doesn't it?"
"You've been here much longer than I, and should know the weather patterns better."
"True, but can we at least start walking towards home before we catch our death of cold? My thin shoes are starting to be affected"
"Fashion! It makes you wear all types of things that you'd never dream of wearing in a few years time. I had this dress in Australia, but perhaps I won't continue... let us be off then!"
"To Pemberley!"
"Pemberley?"
"Yes, you can go home in a coach from there. That's safer than walking. If the roads are fit to be traveled on, that is."
"Should we run?"
"No, I don't think that is necessary. I only run if it is imperative"
"Shall we skip then?"
"If we skip, no doubt we'll slip"
"And if you slip, I'll probably trip"
"What fun will that be?"
"No more for you than it is for me"
"Enough of this rhyming"
"I can't do it with timing"
"Would you like me to start whining?"
"If you were at home you could be dining"
And then for the Colonel I'd be pining.... Oh stop it!!
Are you not bored with all this silence?" Lady Shellwood asked after a moment.
"No. I revel in solitude."
"Really? How singular. Well I think I'm just going to have to sing."
Please not a ballad! And if it's a love song, then I think I might burst into tears!
But it was not. Lady Shellwood began with her renditions
Where is Thumbkin?
Where is Thumbkin?
Here I am, here I am!
How are you today, Sir,
Very well I thank you.
Run Away. Run Away.
"What was that????" Georgiana asked with as much politeness as she could muster. The action, using fingers, was a bit on the ridiculous side ~ in fact, the whole song was.
"There are several more verses! But did you not like it? Shall I try with something else then?"
And so she did, but with no better a tune.
Eensy Weensy spider,
Ran up the water spout.
Down came the rain,
And washed poor Eensy out.
But up came the sun-shine
That poured out all the rain,
And Eensy Weensy spider
Went up the spout again.
"And not that one either? How about my favorite?"
Oh the grand old Duke of York,
He had ten thousand men,
He marched them up to the top of the hill,
And he marched them down again
And when they were up they were up,
And when they were down they were down,
And when they were only half way up
They were neither up nor down.
Georgiana decided the cold must have got to her, because when the two finally arrived at Pemberley, they were singing that tune in melodious unity, despite the fact that, as Georgiana had already discovered, Lady Shellwood sounded like a bullfrog.
The winds of Change, against the sands of time. ~ Shem's Matty, aka Sir Matthew Shellwood aka Matthew Clark
The servants that met the girls in the foyer obviously thought Miss Georgiana had gone nutters. Within moments, the Darcy's were in the hallway, hugging and scolding their dear Georgie, who should have known it was going to snow, and that her poor sister would be worried half to death about her. "My nerves!" Lizzy exclaimed, in an almost perfect imitation of her mother, which caused Georgiana to laugh, and her brother to wince.
Lizzy was about to send Georgiana off for a bath when she noticed that she was not alone. "Better make that two baths!" she called to the servant.
"Oh, this poor lady was lost when I found her, and it was closer to Pemberley than her home" Georgiana explained.
"Welcome, Miss........?"
"Lady S-sshellwood, ma'am" the shivering girl responded, teeth chattering.
"Look how cold you are! Do come and warm up!"
"Thank you" Lady Shellwood replied, as she was led to a guest bathroom.
The ladies were now warming themselves beside the fire in Georgiana's sitting room.
"I don't believe you'll be able to home today. It hasn't yet stopped snowing. Is your husband alone at Ryde?"
"Well, there are all the servants, but we have no guests at present. But do you know what?"
"Of course I don't. You'll have to tell me."
"Matty and I are having a ball! So thrilling. And of course you must come."
"But I'm not out!"
"Hah! Neither am I, and I'm married!" Lady Shellwood promptly began sneezing "Oh dear - I do believe I might have a cold! Such a calamity!"
"You'll have to stay here until you are better. I'm sure William and Elizabeth won't mind."
"How long have they been married?"
"Just above three weeks."
"Then I think they will mind!"
"Why?"
"Oh, you naive little thing! How delightfully green you are!"
"I take it you won't tell me?"
"Nup, I don't think your brother would like me to. Atchoooo! oh, this blasted cold! What am I to do?"
"Go to bed. Here, I'll show you your room."
"Excellent notion."
Georgiana knocked timidly at the door to the drawing room, where she knew both the Darcys were. She entered, and asked them if they minded terribly that she had invited Lady Shellwood to stay until her cold was better.
"Of course we don't mind! But where does Lady Shellwood live? We will have to let her parent's know she is safe."
"I don't think you need tell them - they're in Australia."
Lizzy gasped. "Convicts?"
"No! Why does everyone assume if you are an Australian, that your relations were or are convicts? But you'd best send a message to her husband, at Ryde Grove."
"A husband... you know, soon we'll be seeing Georgiana settled with a husband."
"A husband? But she's not even out yet!" Darcy spluttered.
Georgiana just blushed lightly. Lizzy winked at her "Should you like to come out, Georgiana?"
Georgiana's immediate thoughts were "But then I'd have to talk to people! I'd much rather not." But she had aged since the incident involving Mr. Wickham, and she was mature enough to be a debutante, even if she didn't want to that much. But how was she to lose her shyness if she did not venture out of her cocoon?
"Maybe.." Georgiana answered, after pondering the question for a short while. "Maybe it might be.... fun."
The next morning found Georgiana in the company of her newfound friend. The weather had not changed, and the ground was covered in snow, while the trees were draped with icicles. Despite the fact that she had seen it times before, Pemberley in winter held a special charm for Miss Darcy. But then, so did Pemberley in summer, spring and autumn.
"It's beautiful." Lady Shellwood breathed, looking out the window. "How I wish I was not ill. I should have loved a snowball fight. Matty's such an easy target because he's so tall. You should see us together - I so short, and he so tall, like a Lilliputian against Gulliver. 'Cept I wouldn't tie him down with string - what's the point?"
Tying down your husband with string did not sound like something Georgiana would do. Lady Shellwood really did appear quite a character. But she must be resilient, because even though she had been outdoors in the snow barefoot, she only received a sniffly cold, almost gone already.
"We sent an express last night to your husband. Hopefully it will have got there."
"Poor Matty." Lady Shellwood responded. "He's such a darling. I wonder what I'd do if I had never met him."
"Wouldn't you be Miss ______, diligent student, whose allowance was spent on posting letters to Australia."
"What a life! I probably would be something like that! I was due to come out next season, and after that I was meant to come out."
"But not all plans come to fruition just as you plan them."
"Precisely. I feel we are to be good friends - we'd better, at least, for as far as I can discover, there are none others our age living around here - don't you think?"
"Certainly, Lady Shellwood."
"Please, Cherie."
"Dear? I am dear to you already?"
"I meant my name was Cherie. At least you didn't mistake it for Cherry, which is worse than anything, I assure you!"
"Oh! Beg pardon! I'm Georgiana, but you probably already knew that."
"Yes. And you are the.... youngest Darcy, only sister of Mr. Darcy, am I right?"
"Indeed. My brother is only very recently married, so I have just gained a sister. Do you have any siblings?"
"I had a sister that was stillborn, and my poor mama was unable to have more. I had cousins though, down under, so I was not wholly alone. I'm a currency lass, and I played with many of the others as I grew."
"What's a currency lass?"
"A girl born in the colony to a pioneer family - in other words, not convicts."
"Oh, I see. And Matthew... Matty.... is English?"
"Born and bred."
"What is he like?"
"In a word, unique. he's a very silly, loony chap, who would rule the world if he could, but I love him. And his accent is so sweet! Surely there is no accent nicer than that of an English gentleman. He went to Oxford, and when his uncle died, he was left Ryde Grove.
Georgiana was silent for a moment. "Do you like playing?"
"Oh yes. I loved tip and hopscotch, but now I play whist. I've only recently learnt it, and you know what? It's terribly addictive."
That's not quite what I meant.... "What about musically?"
"I don't play, or sing, because my proficiency at both is non-existent. Matty plays the violin, I think, or at least that's what he calls it."
"You seem to talk about him."
"Aye, and am probably boring you stiff! It's so very strange, but I can never tire of speaking about him. He's such a silly goose. I wonder how he is."
"I very much would like to meet your Matty."
"Of course you shall. I'll make sure you do. Then we can teach you to play hopscotch."
My hopes are not always realized, but still I hope.
~ Ovid
Lady Shellwood stayed overnight, and was not an early riser, but then neither was Georgiana, if she could help it. They breakfasted late, and Georgiana was shocked to find that neither Lizzy nor William were up yet. What on earth are they up to?? Georgiana didn't voice her question aloud, though it was highly likely Cherie would know the answer.
"What a lovely house you have here! I'll bet you have heaps of fun riding down all the stairways! or sliding in the ballroom. I haven't tried that at Ryde yet. Do you climb any of Pemberley's trees?"
"No, never."
"Then you don't know what you're missing out on, you poor dear! How sad."
"To own the truth, I've never had the inclination. I'm very much an 'indoors' person."
"But you walked so far to that grove. That was quite a while away."
"True, but I was...... distracted."
"Ah! Troubles with love! I sensed that ere I saw you! I'll not try to winkle his name out of you yet."
How on earth did she know?!?!?!?!?!? Am I so exceedingly transparent???
"I see your surprise, nay, horror, my dear. Don't fret. I'll not spread your secret, especially not to your brother, because I can see you don't want him to know."
"How.....??????? This is....... "
"Freaky?"
"Gracious, you took the word right out of my mouth! are you a mind reader? There can be no other explanation!"
"You don't need to be a mind reader if there is enough information to be deduced from simple enough evidence. Quite elementary, my dear Georgiana."
"How so?"
"Yesterday, when you were walking, and met me, I could see you were a bit upset. perhaps perturbed. Also, walking out in the snow miles from home is not something someone who is free from trouble will do, unless they're me. You must have lost track of time. Given your apparent age, and that you are by no means ugly, love was a probable factor.
When meeting with your brother and sister, you were hiding something. I assumed this would be associated with what had driven you out for a walk - away from them and their happy state, different from your own solitary one."
"How can you know this? And what was your reason for being alone miles away from home?"
"I am an unusual case. I don't take offence at being called insane or loony, because it is probably not far from the truth. But don't you go telling anyone, as I'm not ripe for Bedlam, and there I'd be separated from my darling Matty. It's better then to just call me a little on the unusual side."
"That you must be. I really don't know anyone else that could read my thoughts with such accuracy!"
"It was not very difficult. You should conceal some of your thoughts a bit more. Concealment of some things you appear to be the expert in, but in others you lack any disguise."
Oh good Lord! that is Exactly what the Colonel said before I fainted!!!! This is stranger than fiction, and more frightening than I can allow for. It is - truly - amazing!! Georgiana was overcome with shock, but didn't faint this time. her companion could see she was more than exceedingly surprised. Georgiana apologised, saying that someone else had said those very same words to her not a few weeks before.
"Ah.. that someone. I should not mind meeting this gentleman. He really has taken your heart. But enough said, I think. Have your brother and his wife had many visitors since their marriage?"
"None that I know of." Georgiana answered. Except him....... "But Lizzy's aunt and uncle are expected before Christmas."
"That's not far off. You'll want me out before then."
Georgiana disclaimed. "Really, I don't mind your company. I have so few friends."
"I actually don't have that many here in England. I think I must have scared them off."
Georgiana smiled, but had to admit she wouldn't be surprised.
Lady Shellwood was able to go home to Ryde the next day. She elicited a promise from Georgiana to visit, and thanked the Darcy's for their hospitality. Georgiana turned away and walked back into the house, tracing the path she had walked just a few days ago when the Colonel left. He would be in Matlock now.....
"Well, the Gardiners will be here before we know it!" Elizabeth commented.
"That will be nice" Georgiana said. "They were so kind during their time at Pemberley in the summer. And the children? They have some, I recollect?"
"Four. Emily - eight, Kate - six, Robert - four, and Henry - two. They are absolutely adorable."
"I spent a wonderful evening with them at Gracechurch Street." Darcy added. "I was even asked by them to read the Lizzy Book, and to see their dolls and soldiers."
"The Lizzy Book!" Lizzy laughed. "Oh, they didn't make you read that did they?" she asked.
"I did start it, but gave up trying to continue, because they were too busy telling me I should be your handsome prince."
"Oh dear." Lizzy said, but her face displayed her true amusement. Even Georgiana was smiling, though she had not the faintest idea what the Lizzy Book was.
The Gardiner's arrived in punctual time, and Georgiana met the Misses and Masters Gardiner. Emily was a perceptive little thing, much like Jane in temperament. Kate was the miniature Elizabeth, and Robert was a youngster who lived for play. Additionally he was a picky eater, and bickered with his siblings, but they were adept at returning the favour if deemed necessary, as all children do. Henry was just as two-year-old boys usually are, devilish cute, but hiding a devil within.
Georgiana thought the children lovely, but she was surprised at the way they quarreled and fought. Being brought up in a way not dissimilar to that of an only child, and respecting her brother meekly, without even the most remote thought of arguing, added to his being at Eton for most of her childhood years, meant that she had never been given the opportunity freely available to those families with multiple children of similar age. Inexperience occasioned in shock, but it was obvious no one else seemed nearly so surprised. indeed, Lizzy confided that Lydia and Kitty were sometimes worse.
Having a brother that was more than ten years older than herself made Georgiana feel that they had had separate childhoods, and effectually it was not until Elizabeth's coming that Georgiana was able to discern what liberties she could take without ruining herself, like she had been so close to doing a year and a half ago.
Elizabeth spoke to Fitzwilliam in a very lively, sportive manner, which for the first few days totally shocked the sheltered Miss Darcy. Georgiana would never dare speak to her brother in such a way, but it was acceptable to a husband. Georgiana began to see that you may take liberties with a husband that an elder brother wouldn't endorse to be done to him. And with regard to liberties - why, they shared a bed! Georgiana couldn't fathom why. After all, she was young and single, and what married people did was entirely a mystery. It seemed to make them happy, and the happiness of her brother and his wife was something Georgiana wanted to promote, as best she could.
Georgiana Darcy would remember this Christmas forever. The addition of Elizabeth Darcy rendered Fitzwilliam insupportably blissful, and Georgiana scarcely less so. The Gardiner's with their gleeful children made this Christmas the first family Christmas that Georgiana had experienced in many, many years. And it was the first Christmas that she had ever had that involved a mother (in this case Mrs. Gardiner). It made Georgiana blink back tears in memory of the mother she never knew.
William's wistful note betrayed his similar thoughts, but the intoxication of Lizzy cured his mournful state. But Georgiana had no such entrancing partner, and as she saw it, nor was she like to. Despite that unhappy note, the day was delightful. One might even say surreal. And it ended far too soon.
Georgiana had purchased little toys for each of the children, Mr. Gardiner a pipe, and Mrs. Gardiner received some gorgeous out-of-season blooms. For William she had a gift she had made herself, and Lizzy she presented with a bracelet. Georgiana was especially fond of bracelets, and her latest acquisition had been found while in London with the Colonel.
Georgiana adored the embroidered gifts the Gardiner's gave her, but even they could not surpass the elegance and sweetness of the Darcy's gift. A complete bound edition of the works of Cowper, Shelley and Pope (or at least all that had been written up till that date). Also there were some new sheets of music, but even more delightful was the fine gold necklace with it, which had a pendant that encased an emerald.
Georgiana nearly dropped it in surprise. Emerald was her birthstone, and as it was green, it would go with much of her clothing, as well as being striking against her blonde hair. her brother and sister were too good - far too good for her. She held back her tears, and could hardly express a fraction of the gratitude she felt.
The Gardiners left Pemberley after New Year, but not before Mrs. Gardiner went around the park in a phaeton with ponies - a darling wish of hers. Not much happened during those cold weeks surrounding Christmas. Rarely did anything ever happen around then, actually. Most sensible people stayed indoors, which was why Lady Shellwood walked over for a visit. It was surprising, actually, as Lady Shellwood appeared the sort of person that wouldn't go outdoors if she could help it.
And then there was Lizzy. Goodness! Georgiana had to confess, she had been living with her sister for a while now, and she could still hardly fathom her. It wasn't anything about Lizzy was raised her concern, but her way of speaking with William was.... well.... she'd never dare try it herself! Lizzy spoke to William and teased him, as well as laughing with him. It was too lively, and Georgiana could not help but exhibit astonishment bordering on alarm at it.
And the thing was, Darcy liked it!!
Georgiana had to learn to adapt to living with a young happily married couple, rather than sharing a house with a morose bachelor. And there was more than a change in population - it was close to completely different. But one thing was for sure, everyone was happier this way. And if people were happier, Georgiana thought it might be prudent to watch, listen and learn. After all, God willing, she wanted to be a bride, she just wasn't ready quite yet.
Under Elizabeth's instruction, Georgiana began to comprehend things that Darcy hadn't been able to tell her, himself not being a woman. Dear Mrs. Annesley had given a different sort of knowledge. That was another difference, no Mrs. Annesley. Upon her master's marriage, and Georgiana's subsequently making Pemberley her home, Mrs. Annesley was no longer required, and so she went to assist her daughter's lying-in, and following that became the companion of a young lady named Dashwood, and her widowed mother.
January came and went, without a word from Lady Catherine. This was the first time in many years Georgiana had not gone to Rosings in January, and she could not but feel that she missed the place, even if she was in the tyrannical presence of her aunt. But Anne was always there, dear Anne!
The success of smuggled letters had not been quite noticeable, but there was one missive Christy had been able to take from Rosings and send to Pemberley. Christy had sent a note saying she hoped Georgiana was coming into London for the Season, and gave an invitation for her to stay with the Fitzwilliams at their residence.
She'd have to think it over. To stay with Lizzy & William, or with Christy and the Colonel?
© 2000, 2001 Copyright held by the author.