Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Chapter 4 ~ Kitty Arrives
November first dawned bright and clear, and Georgiana rose early. She wished she could sleep longer, for it would be evening before Kitty arrived in Derbyshire and she wanted to shorten the day. But she was too eager to sleep. She paced the chamber and the hall in her bedclothes, looking very much like her brother in attitude as she did so, thinking of ways to make the day go quickly by.
She rang the bell for Hannah and Mrs. Joel, who came to set her hair and help her with her gown. Her toilette took twice the usual time for she would not stop fidgeting.
She went down the stairs as quickly as decorum would allow, and found her brother and his wife at breakfast, nearly done. "Good morning!" she called out cheerfully as she entered the breakfast room and sat. "I will take coffee today, Sarah."
Both Elizabeth and Darcy understood this uncharacteristically robust greeting to be the result of excitement, and they exchanged bemused glances.
Georgiana tapped her foot under the table, making all their breakfasts quiver in the plates as she released excess energy. Her brother raised one eyebrow at her, and her foot immediately came to a halt.
"I am sorry, brother. But how am I to master my anticipation?" Georgiana cried, looking rather like she would like to start tapping both feet at once, and very hard.
"After your breakfast, you and I shall go out riding together. That will help to calm you," Darcy answered, laying down his fork. "And after that, you will spend an hour at the pianoforte, and after that, some form of study."
"Study! Oh, William, but I can hardly concentrate at all! And I am not in my studies any longer; I am out, now."
"And yet you shall study. I do not want you to get the idea that simply because you are no longer with a governess, you have no reason to improve your mind, or that because you have a visitor, you are on an extended holiday."
"So I shall be studying all the time she is with us?" a pout came into Georgiana's voice.
"Having company should be no impediment to your education, Georgiana, and education is never over."
"Kitty will join you in reading sometimes, I think," said Elizabeth, shaking her head at Mr. Darcy's incurably fatherish behavior toward his sister. He was especially irritable this morning, and Lizzy wondered what the matter was. She knew Georgiana was nervous to be receiving her guest. But what was William's apprehension? Elizabeth frowned. If he harbored some further feelings of unease about Kitty, he had hidden them very cleverly for the past week. She had only sensed his tension that first evening. But here he was, on edge again, even a bit sharp-tongued with his dear Georgiana. Lizzy took a deep breath and pushed back her chair. It was too late for reservations; Kitty was to arrive that afternoon. He would simply have to cure his jitters with a nice, long ride.
"I am going upstairs to supervise that Kitty's rooms are ready. Have a lovely turn about the park." Elizabeth took her leave of her family, and set about relieving her own mind by concentrating on her final preparations as hostess.
In her absence, William regarded his sister with a more tender eye. He did not mean to smother her with protection, though sometimes he could not help himself.
"I am sure you will have plenty of time aside from your lessons to be with your friend," he assured her. "I was reacting to you out of my own nervous feelings. Forgive me."
"And why should you be nervous, brother?"
Darcy looked about him. "Let us go on our ride," he said.
Georgiana understood that he desired to speak to her out of doors and out of hearing, though why she could not imagine. Curious, she dabbed her napkin to her mouth and declared her breakfast finished.
Together, she and her brother walked to the stables. They mounted their horses in silence, eager to get a distance between themselves and the house so they might speak freely of what troubled William. "Come, Andromeda," was Georgiana's only whisper, as she dug her heels into the horse.
Once a field's length away from the stables, Mr. and Miss Darcy slowed their horses.
"Georgiana, I wish to inquire after you. Are you perfectly easy about receiving Kitty?"
She was shocked. "Should I not be?"
"I only wish to know if... is there any particular reason you might be uncomfortable about the arrangements."
Georgiana was truly at a loss. She had no idea whatsoever he could be speaking of. Her face betrayed this, and her brother relented.
"You do not understand what I mean."
She shook her head. "I do not. Why should I be uncomfortable with Kitty? I am shy about receiving her, to be sure, but you know I am always shy with new people. What is this particular interest?"
Darcy considered. He did have a particular anxiety, but if Georgiana did not seem to feel it, he wondered whether introducing the idea to her mind was prudent. He decided it was not.
"It doesn't matter." He turned his horse east, but Georgiana did not budge.
"I am not going, William, until you tell me what the trouble is. I am your sister, I am seventeen years old, and I want you to confide in me."
He had never heard her sound so resolute.
"Dearest, I am only trying to protect you. If you are not worried, I do not want to make you so."
"I am tired of being protected."
The words had a sharp effect on Darcy. He paled and was quiet. It was what he had feared- she was growing up and would have to be allowed more information about the world. He wished he had not spoken at all, and heartily regretted bringing her out for this conversation.
"Very well, I will tell you," he said through gritted teeth. "Though I fear it will pain you."
"Thank you, William."
"It is about.... it is about a subject I do not wish to address. But I fear that Kitty might address it, being that she was somewhat involved. I wanted to be sure that you were prepared, in case it should come up. Can you guess what I am speaking of?"
It was Georgiana's turn to grow pale and quiet. "Mr. Wickham?" she asked in a very small voice.
"Yes," said her brother. "You know that he is married to Elizabeth's sister Lydia- we discussed it last year when the marriage was announced in the papers."
"I remember."
"Kitty was Lydia's closest sister. I worry that she will bring all this back to your attention, and I know that it cannot give you pleasure to think of it." Darcy paused, and tried to read his sister's expression.
"You are afraid that I will be upset if Kitty mentions Mr. Wickham in my presence?"
"Well... yes."
"Ah." Georgiana pulled her horse up alongside her brother's, and looked him in the eye. "Well you need not worry about me. Kitty may talk of her brother in law if she likes. I do not want you to hover over us and try to keep her from upsetting me. She is our sister now, and I want her to be my friend. I will be twice as nervous to receive her if I think that you are unhappy to have her at Pemberley." Georgiana drew herself up as straight as she could. "I am not a child, William."
Darcy nodded. "Very well," was all he said. He dug his heels into his horse, and rode on ahead.
Georgiana watched him, worried that she had been too forward. She did not mean to hurt him, for he had been the best brother in the world, and she was truly grateful for his guardianship. He must understand however that the time had come to step away and trust her, and she must make him see that she was ready. No matter what Kitty says to me, I will not run to my brother, she thought. It might pain her, but she felt she was old enough to face the things that gave her displeasure.
Across the field, Darcy had turned back his horse and was gesturing for her to join him in the ride. Apparently he was not much disturbed any longer, for he was smiling at her. Georgiana kicked her horse into a gallop, pleased that her brother did not seem discouraged by their conversation. She joined him swiftly, and Mr. Darcy and his sister spent the rest of the morning together without any further reference to George Wickham.
* * *
The carriage came to a halt and rather jostled Kitty awake. She groaned, and stretched her neck from side to side. What a long journey! Where was she? What time was it? Far off, she heard bells chiming. Already ten o'clock! Kitty slumped back in her seat and sighed. Would they never get to Pemberley?
"Pemberley, Miss," called the driver, at that moment.
Kitty sprang awake. Hurrah! She hurriedly stepped out of the carriage with the help of a footman, and was afforded her first glimpse of the heaven her sister called home.
The grounds of Pemberley were dark; she paid them no mind. But the house! Kitty's mouth fell wide open as she ogled the grand front steps. Many of the windows were alight with candles, and torches had been lit around the outside of the house. Pemberley seemed to rise up out of the night like a great palace, and Kitty could not believe she was to stay in such a place for three full months.
Elizabeth and William watched her from the top of the stairs, and Lizzy smiled with pleasure when she saw the open admiration and awe on Kitty's face.
"I remember my first view of Pemberley," she murmured to her husband.
"As do I," he returned mischievously. Lizzy shook her head.
"I mean my very first glimpse. Before you came along unexpectedly and disarmed me completely."
Darcy grinned. "And what did you feel upon your first glimpse?"
"I felt I may have been hasty in refusing you your first proposal," she giggled.
"Indeed. So you married me for my money after all?" he teased.
"Never," she said seriously, taking his hand. "When I saw this estate, I knew at once that you must be an excellent man to be able to manage it so beautifully. Pemberley was the first proof that I had grossly misjudged you."
Darcy beamed, for his wife's praise was sweeter to him than anything, and he felt a sudden rush of generosity toward all Bennets everywhere.
"Good evening, Miss Bennet," he called down to Kitty. She was completely absorbed in Pemberley, however, and did not remember to greet him properly.
"What a massive house!" she cried. Darcy smiled, a little tightly. This was not an excellent first impression.
"Wait till tomorrow- it is more beautiful by day," called Lizzy.
"Lizzy!" With no effort at decorum, Kitty lifted her skirts and ran up the steps to her sister, unaware of Mr. Darcy's expression. "Lizzy, this is magnificent! You are beautiful! I cannot believe all this!"
"I know. I felt just the same a year ago. It is too much." Lizzy embraced her sister, happy to be near her. Then she pulled away and looked at her closely.
Kitty was much changed since the year before. Her face was prettier, and her figure fuller. Her hair was very tastefully done, and her gown was more modest than the ones she had used to wear when Lydia was at home. Actually, she looked surprisingly like their mother, who had been a great beauty in her prime. Elizabeth wondered if Kitty realized the changes that had taken place, and wanted to fawn over her right away. But Kitty stopped her with a wide yawn that she did nothing to cover. Darcy frowned at her, but again, she did not notice.
"What a long journey we had!" she exclaimed. "I thought we should never arrive. What were those bells I heard? They woke me."
"The church bells at Lambton," Lizzy replied. "You certainly must be tired. Let us get you straight to your chambers."
Kitty nodded. "But," she said, "is Miss Darcy awake? I should so like to see her." Lizzy said she was, and they all moved into the sitting room, where Georgiana was waiting anxiously to receive her guest.
"Good evening, Miss Bennet," said the young hostess shyly after they had dropped curtsies to one another. "I hope you found your journey a pleasant one." Georgiana took great pains to offer her guest the utmost hospitality. "Shall we go inside at once? I will show you your rooms, and ring Mrs. Reynolds for tea, for I imagine you are cold as well as tired."
Kitty nodded emphatically. "I am, thank you." She began to walk inside after her.
Suddenly, Kitty whirled back around, startling Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, who were right behind her. "Lord!" she burst out. "Papa said I was to show absolute decorum, and I have already forgotten to thank you both for bringing me. Mr. Darcy, I hope I will be a pleasant guest. Lizzy, you are too good to let me come escape from Mary and Mama. Thank you both."
Though her thanks were not entirely graceful and came a moment after good breeding required, Mr. Darcy was pleased that they had come at all. Perhaps Kitty would not be the renegade he had anticipated. She seemed willing to please them, and to understand that she must work within the bonds of propriety. They would simply have to set her a fine example, for she had had none. He bowed slightly to his young in-law.
"You are welcome, Miss Bennet. I hope you will be comfortable here at Pemberley." He looked around to his sister. "Georgiana will take you upstairs and introduce you to Mrs. Reynolds. She can help you with whatever you require." He then turned to his wife. "I think we shall say goodnight?"
"You go up, William. I need another moment with Kitty."
Darcy nodded, and kissed Elizabeth. "Good night, Georgiana. Miss Bennet." He retreated to his bedchamber.
"Well he is very changed since I knew him last!" said Kitty rather too loudly as Mr. Darcy was ascending the stairs. He stopped cold, his mouth open in dread. Would Kitty bring his abominable behavior of last spring to everyone's attention before she had been in the house a quarter of an hour? He grimaced and listened for a reply, which came immediately from his wife.
"He has always been as warm and considerate as you see him now. You will know him for what he truly is, now that you are come." Darcy's heart swelled. He should have known by now that Elizabeth could intercept folly at once, and turn it to her advantage. But this was not the end of the conversation.
"Was my brother very different at Meryton?" queried Georgiana innocently. Her brother, who had always done his utmost to shield her from the knowledge of his blunders, almost ran back down the hall to stop Kitty's mouth before she could answer. But again the answer came from Elizabeth, and in a hurry.
"Girls"- she cut in breathlessly, praying her husband was safely out of hearing- "this is not the time for conversation. It is very late, and Kitty is half asleep already."
"No, Lizzy, truly I"-
"Kitty."
Kitty recognized this last as an irrefutable end to the exchange. She gave an impatient little exhale, but surrendered.
"All right, Lizzy. Good night."
Darcy gave a sigh of relief and quickly continued to bed rather than be found eavesdropping by the woman who had just defended his character, while in the foyer, the young ladies said their adieus to her. Elizabeth left the two girls alone. Georgiana nervously twisted her hands and tried to make a conversation.
"I believe we met last winter at the wedding, Miss Bennet?"
"Oh yes," replied Kitty promptly, without any nerves at all. "But I should not remember anything about that. All I recall about Lizzy's wedding is that several of Mr. Darcy's friends there were fearful handsome. Did you not think so?" Kitty grinned at Georgiana expectantly.
"Of course not- that is...." Unsure of the proper response to this unexpected topic, Miss Darcy faltered. She could think of no answer, and so turned back to the formalities of receiving her guest. "Miss Bennet, if you would follow me." Georgiana turned and made her way awkwardly before Kitty. "Your rooms will be this way, near mine."
Aloof like her brother. What fun this will be, thought Kitty darkly, as she followed.
The two girls then continued in silence- Georgiana because she could not think of what to say; Kitty because she was out of humor. But Kitty's good spirits were quickly revived as they wound through the impressive proportions of Pemberley.
"Lord," she breathed as they passed the music room. "That is fine!"
Georgiana turned to her eagerly. "The pianoforte?" she asked, her eyes lighting up- for that was her favorite object in all the house.
"I have never seen one like that," Kitty admitted.
"Shall I show it to you, Miss Bennet?"
"Oh, yes!"
They went together toward the instrument and Georgiana's face was bright with pleasure, her inhibitions forgotten as Kitty admired the smooth ivory and slender gilded legs. "Do you play, Miss Bennet?"
"I do. Though not well, I think. But I have got better at it this past year. There has been nothing else for me to do," and Kitty heaved a great sigh as she came around to the music bench. "May I try?"
Georgiana nodded enthusiastically, and Kitty sat at the keys. She ran her fingers over them a moment before she began to play a light melody that Lizzy had always liked. Clear, effortless notes echoed through the empty room and down into the hallways. When she finished, Georgiana burst into applause.
"Oh, Miss Bennet, you play very well indeed!"
"Oh, no, I am only fair, " blushed Kitty, thrilled at the compliment. To own the truth, she had spent the better part of the last year practising at the pianoforte out of boredom and she had improved a good deal, but no one at Longbourn had ever noticed. She jumped up from the piano bench, feeling a new kinship with her friend. "Won't you play now?" she implored.
Georgiana quickly moved to the bench, eager to comply. Just as she had lifted her fingers over the keys, a voice rang out behind them.
"To bed, girls!" The voice belonged to Pemberley's housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds. Startled, Georgiana brought her fingers down in a crashed chord. Kitty giggled. Mrs. Reynolds tutted her tongue at both of them. "You will have plenty of time for your music when it is not the middle of the night. To bed," she insisted.
The girls exchanged guilty smiles, and Georgiana immediately led Kitty the rest of the way to her bedroom with Mrs. Reynolds bringing up the rear. When they arrived at the suite of rooms Kitty was to inhabit, Georgiana attempted to bid her goodnight quite formally, but Kitty stopped her, waving the words away intolerantly.
"Please no more Miss Bennets!" she cried. "I am only Kitty."
Georgiana hesitated, groaning inwardly. Few things were more difficult for her in early acquaintance than the intimacy of Christian names, however to please Kitty she concurred. "Then I am only Georgiana. After all, we are sisters," she offered solemnly, echoing Elizabeth's constant reminder to herself.
"True!"
"Pleasant dreams then-Kitty," she said, her tone uncertain.
"I'm sure I shall have, in that marvelous bed," replied Kitty, peeking into her room. "Good night, Georgiana."
Georgiana departed to her own rooms, feeling that this had been a successful evening in spite of its imperfections. Her new friend was very forward, but she liked music- that much they had in common- and the shy stiffness she had felt at first was quickly dissolving in Kitty's easy company. She retired at once, exhausted from the state of high drama she had lived in all day.
"There is tea on your bedside, Miss Catherine," said Mrs. Reynolds, once she was satisfied that Georgiana had truly gone to bed. "And your trunks were brought in as well. Let me show you."
Kitty followed the old housekeeper into the suite that had been prepared for her, and nearly fell over with surprise. The four poster bed gleamed in the candlelight. The rugs and tapestries were richer than anything she had ever beheld. The windows were enormous. Her trunks looked tiny, suddenly, and old.
"Here is a shawl, Miss," said Mrs. Reynolds, opening an armoire in the alcove. "And here are nightclothes. Mrs. Elizabeth thought you might be too tired to unpack you own things just now."
"Thank you; I am," agreed Kitty.
"Good night then, Miss Catherine."
"Good night, Mrs. Reynolds." The housekeeper left, and Kitty breathed an enormous sigh of relief as she carelessly threw her wrap on a chair. Lord, how rigid she felt from all this propriety, all these thank yous and misses! Normally she would not have modified her behavior at all under these circumstances. As a rule, Kitty did not care for other people's manners and was not frightened of their censure, but Mr. Darcy had a way of making her feel rather timid. She hoped her arrival had been proper and agreeable and all that. Georgiana was certainly a shy little thing, but Kitty did not mind so much now that she knew they would share music.... Kitty yawned again, unable to concentrate further. Excited as she was to explore every tiny corner of Pemberley, she could no longer support anything but the idea of sleep.
She threw off her gown, wrapped herself in the nightclothes Lizzy had thoughtfully arranged, and climbed into the considerable bed. "I can't believe this place is Lizzy's own house!" she whispered to herself. "Lord, it is vast." She took a sip of the tea Mrs. Reynolds had left her, noticing the china. "Better than what Mama uses for parties, and this is only bedtime!" she mused, putting it down again, and snuggling deep beneath the covers.
A servant knocked on the door a moment later and asked if Young Miss Bennet would not like the candles put out? Young Miss Bennet, feeling very much like royalty, said she would. The candles were therefore extinguished, and Kitty lay back in all her pillows with a contented sigh, a list of blessings running through her mind in lieu of the prayers she was too weary to say. Pemberley...Lizzy and Georgiana.... parties, balls.... no more Mama... Three months seemed too short a time indeed.
Chapter 5 ~ Stirling Manor
The first morning, Kitty begged to be toured through Pemberley room by room, so Georgiana patiently took her everywhere, fielding a thousand admiring exclamations about portraits and heirlooms as her guest fluctuated between awe and envy. Georgiana in turn wanted to hear every detail of life in Meryton, especially what it was like to have sisters. Kitty tried to be enthusiastic as she described being the second youngest in a set of five girls who lived in the country and had no inheritance.
Next, Miss Bennet and Miss Darcy discussed the fashions of the season together, and compared their wardrobes. Kitty was enamored of Georgiana's clothing, almost bordering on jealousy as she regarded the dozens of little luxuries she had always done without- tiaras, real silk fans, ermine muffs, beaded shoes and lacy gloves. But Georgiana was so honest in her praise of Kitty's simple gowns (which did become her nice figure perfectly) that she was cheered, and promptly showed Miss Darcy how easily a bonnet could be pulled apart and rearranged to one's liking (which Georgiana had never learnt to do.)
Wednesday they discovered that they both liked to ride, and Kitty surprised Georgiana by having a very good seat. Apparently the open country was just as good for breeding excellent horsewomen as any private lessons could be. They jumped and ran together, and Georgiana showed her a half dozen glades around the property that were still quite beautiful, even as the frost of winter began to descend.
By Thursday, the girls took their meals, their exercise, and their music together as if it had always been their habit to do so. Without having to try at it any longer, they were truly growing much attached to one another's company.
Georgiana was not sure whether to be shocked by or enamored with Kitty. Through some of Kitty's statements were far too bold for her taste, she could not help but wish for a little of Kitty's forward spirit when her own was so retiring. Kitty did not flinch from strangers and was never at a loss for what to say next. Perhaps sometimes she did say too much, but Georgiana would rather have that fault, for once, than the humiliating defect of running out of words entirely. In Kitty's presence, Georgiana began to dare a little bit, though in such tiny increments that no one could notice the change take place.
Kitty herself was the happiest she had ever been since Lydia had gone, but in an entirely new way. With Lydia she had been entirely unchecked in her behavior, for now matter how improperly she would conduct herself, Lydia was sure to behave still worse. But at Pemberley, as Elizabeth had hoped, she felt the influence of her new friends sharply. She was aware that Georgiana's address and tone were different from hers, that Georgiana sat, stood, and ate differently, and that her ideas were much better tempered when they came through her mouth. Kitty also perceived how becoming all this could be in a young girl, and began to rise up to Georgiana in the same manner that she had used to lower herself to Lydia.
Elizabeth paid particular attention to Kitty's manner during this time, noting that it seemed quite harmless compared with what she had been alongside Lydia at Longbourn. Kitty was all politeness- a little rough around the edges, perhaps, but that would smooth in time- and Elizabeth felt a surge of pride at her sister's seeming new maturity. At the same time, she was distressed. William had been preoccupied with some inner unrest since Kitty's arrival. Elizabeth knew that this was no coincidence, but her husband was completely reticent on the subject, and she could get no answer to her questions.
Mr. Darcy scrutinized both girls whenever he had the opportunity to do so unseen. He wanted to honor his sister's request that he should not hover over them protectively, but he could not quite release her from his guard. Therefore, he watched and listened from hallways and adjoining rooms, feeling dishonest and very unlike himself. He had never had occasion to feel mistrust where Georgiana was concerned, but there had never been an energy in her life that he could not control, (save one- and he had learned that lesson well.) A week after Kitty's arrival, Darcy was still unsatisfied that his sister was out of danger. Though he said nothing to Elizabeth about his feelings, she could not help but observe his constant wariness, and she was deeply injured that he would not enlighten her as to his state of mind.
It was at the end of seven days that Mrs. Darcy proposed accepting a dinner invitation from Stirling Manor. Elizabeth did this expressly to discover the extent of her husband's trepidation. Did he not want Kitty to come out into society with them? She could not tell from his behaviour, and he would not answer her inquires about his feelings no matter how gently she phrased them. So she decided to test him. If William had any horror of Kitty it would certainly surface now, for Lord and Lady Stirling were among the inner circle of his family acquaintance and he would be loath to expose himself to ridicule before them. But Darcy surprised her by accommodating the invitation on the spot, and her heart eased greatly. Kitty did not discomfit him after all! Perhaps she had only dreamed the tension between them.
Lizzy was partly correct. Mr. Darcy was unembarrassed by the public Kitty, assured by now that she could behave herself well enough. He felt little hindrance, if any, at introducing Miss Bennet to his valued neighbors. It was his sister's welfare only that concerned him; Kitty was hazardous solely as an intimate influence on Georgiana. It was the possibility of subtle corruption, not unconcealed impropriety that plagued him. But Lizzy did not guess at this. She was happier believing that she had been entirely mistaken and gave up interrogating her husband on his feelings toward Kitty, to his great relief.
The evening after the invitation had arrived, all four were in high spirits as they climbed from the coach and regarded Stirling Manor, a large and very pretty estate. Kitty did not think it at all as nice as Pemberley, but she had a feeling that this ungenerous observation was best kept to herself as the party advanced to meet Lord and Lady Stirling.
"Mr. Darcy! Mrs. Darcy!" came Lord Stirling's sprightly greeting. "It has been an age since we last dined together."
"Indeed it has, Lord Stirling."
"Too long," agreed Elizabeth, her arm linked comfortably with her husband's. Lizzy enjoyed the company at Stirling Manor, for the Lord and Lady shared a union of love and confidence which had lasted into their old age, and it gave her faith in the endurance of her own marriage.
"And can this be Miss Georgiana? You are handsomer each time we meet!"
Georgiana blushed. "Thank you, Lord Stirling."
"And will you introduce us to this young lady?" asked Lady Stirling quietly, nodding her silver head at Kitty.
"This is my youngest sister but one, ma'am," replied Lizzy. "Miss Catherine Bennet."
"Well we are pleased to have you here, Miss Bennet!" Lord Stirling twinkled his wizened eyes at her. "I dare say, Mr. Darcy, you have your hands full bringing these fine young ladies into society!"
Darcy chuckled. "I believe I do, sir."
"There is one more in our party who claims an acquaintance with you, Mr. Darcy. May I introduce our grandson, Arthur Stirling, to your wife and her sister?" asked the Lady.
Arthur Stirling came forward, and two young hearts skipped beneath two fashionable bodices. Even Lizzy could not help but notice with approval the young man who extended his greeting to her.
"It is indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Darcy; Miss Bennet," said young Mr. Stirling, bowing to each of them, which made Kitty's pulse race. "My grandparents have spoken very highly of Mr. Darcy's fortunate choice of wife." He raised an eyebrow in Darcy's direction.
"I thank you, Mr. Stirling," replied Lizzy. "I think we are both fortunate."
"And Mr. Darcy!"
"Mr. Stirling." The gentlemen bowed to each other. "You are looking well, and quite grown. You have finished Cambridge, I expect?"
"Yes, and it seems I am grown, though you would never know it. Being in Derbyshire shall always make me feel like a lad of thirteen," replied the young man of three and twenty.
"It has the same effect on me!" cried old Lord Stirling, with a nimble little bounce that make them all laugh. "Now, now, we are all acquainted!"
"Not quite all, Grandfather. Miss Darcy, I hope you remember me?" He bowed, looking at her with unmistakable eyes. The last time he had seen her, she had been twelve years old, and he had hardly taken notice. But the difference between twelve and seventeen is everything, and the charming little girl had vanished, leaving in her place a fully formed woman. He was riveted, and Georgiana was at a loss.
"I remember...of course," she stammered quietly. "It is...a pleasure...to see you again."
Kitty narrowed her eyes at her friend's awkwardness, unsure of what she perceived there and hoping it was noting but Georgiana's usual bashful manner.
"There; now we are finished with formalities! Let us all come in and be settled!" Lord Stirling took his Lady by the arm and proceeded to the dining room, where it was established the Mr. Stirling would sit between Miss Darcy and Miss Bennet, across from the Darcys. Elizabeth observed amusedly to herself that the handsome young man was in a fair way to be admired from all angles. The young ladies glowed with pleasure at the arrangement, each already wishing for an hour alone with the other that they might discuss Mr. Stirling's admirable qualities. That they did not know enough about him to fill an hour would make no difference.
Halfway through supper, however, the happy mood began to take a turn for the young lady on the right, for his head was almost always turned to the left, attempting to engage the attentions of Georgiana.
Poor Kitty had already learned to endure the difficulty of being second best among men's attentions, for Lydia had always taken first with them. To be sure, Lydia's dazzle had been all forward flirtation, whereas Georgiana's attractions were her own modest graces, but what did that matter to Kitty? Being slighted feels the same under any circumstance, and her appetite was suddenly spoilt. She threw down her fork in distaste.
Thankfully, the small clatter did nothing but alert Elizabeth. Lizzy looked from one young person to the other, apprising herself of the situation. She understood the nature of her sister's pettish countenance and instantly felt disquieted, for as much as it pained her to admit it, she was as wary of Kitty's manners as Mr. Darcy. She began to listen carefully to the conversation.
"I have heard such praise of improvements to Pemberley, Miss Darcy. Is it all in earnest?"
"I....I believe so, sir," was Georgiana's faltering reply as she gazed down at her plate.
Kitty seized this thread. "Pemberley is certainly all you have heard, Mr. Stirling, though I do not know of the improvements. I am sure, now you are come here to Derbyshire, that you shall have to come and pay a call!"
"I should very much like that," came his serious reply. But it was aimed entirely at Miss Darcy. Georgiana obligingly turned pink, while Kitty huffed and let her posture fall into a pout. He was not taking any notice of her at all! This was most disagreeable, for she was wearing her best dress in the exact shade of green that became her hazel eyes, and still he preferred all that blue on his other side. Perhaps she was not as well made as her companion, but she was no simp! Georgiana's stammering was becoming truly irritating. Kitty consoled herself that at lest she could form full sentences in the midst of her attraction. She was about to exhibit this talent less than politely when Elizabeth interrupted in a rather choked voice, as if she had swallowed rather too hastily-
"I understand you are lately come home from abroad, Mr. Stirling?"
If Mr. Stirling felt surprise at this interjection, he did not show it. "I am just back from the continent, Mrs. Darcy," he replied, forcing his eyes away from Georgiana.
"And where were you most recently?"
"In the arms of the enemy; France!"
"France!" sighed Kitty loudly toward the object of her admiration. "I'm sure I should love to go to Paris!" She waited for his answer, but none came.
"My studies took me all across Europe, Mrs. Darcy. I have a great deal of interest in painting, and there was much I wanted to see."
Her sigh ignored, Kitty positively sulked. She resolved within herself to speak no more to either Mr. Stirling or anybody else for the remainder of the evening.
"And of course, Miss Bennet," he continued a moment later, "I think you should take any opportunity of travelling. You are very lively; you should like it well."
Kitty broke her resolve at once. "I daresay I shall go someday. Tell me- what did you like best about your travels, Mr. Stirling?"
He paused. "Coming home, I should think," he said quietly, in Georgiana's direction.
This was the last straw on Kitty's patience, and Elizabeth saw it. Kitty turned in her seat to fix an open glare on her companion, and looked as though she would speak very recklessly in another moment. Georgiana felt this, and shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
"That was an excellent supper, Lady Stirling," exclaimed Mr. Darcy with more than his usual energy, giving his wife's hand a meaningful squeeze. She turned quickly to see that he had also perceived the scene across the table, and sighed gratefully for his interruption.
"So it was," agreed Lord Stirling. "Most enjoyable. Let us see here. Do not you play at the pianoforte, Miss Darcy? For I seem to recall your having quite a knack for it."
"I should love to hear that," supported Mr. Stirling. Kitty glowered at him.
"I...I do play," said Georgiana, in the timid voice Kitty was quickly coming to despise. "But so does Miss Bennet! Very well, too- indeed, you must hear her!"
"Do you, Miss Bennet? Then we must be allowed to hear you both," insisted Mr. Stirling.
"Then the thing is settled! We shall be entertained, if you ladies will honor us with your talents." Lord Stirling clapped his hands together.
Kitty's face had relaxed considerably. What a kind friend Georgiana was to speak so kindly of her talents to Mr. Stirling! She felt a pang of regret for her resentments. Let Mr. Stirling do as he pleased; she would not think ill of Georgiana ever again!
Lizzy gave Darcy a look full of relieved understanding as all departed from the supper table. His own look had displeasure in it, which his wife attempted to appease.
"It seems your sister finds it easier to speak up for the benefit of her friends," she observed softly. "She loses her bashfulness there."
"I am only sorry that her friends must provoke her into it," snapped Darcy harshly. It was out before he could retrieve it, and Elizabeth was stung, both by his words and his tone. She withdrew her arm from his as quickly as if it were on fire, and found her way to a small sofa with Lady Stirling, in order that he could not sit beside her. Provoked! Elizabeth knew it was true. But his comment confirmed her earlier suspicions. William was not happy with her sister, and he had kept it from her.
Darcy wished he had bitten his tongue. What on earth could such a spiteful comment accomplish? He searched for Elizabeth's eyes across the room, but she would engage herself entirely with Lady Stirling's conversation and have none of him. He was most unhappily reminded of a scene in a music room at Netherfield long ago, before Elizabeth had learned to love him, and he felt sick at the memory. But he was being honest with his wife, as she had begged him to do for the past fortnight. Kitty had nearly upset the whole evening, he felt sure. Thus comforted that he had rescued the visit from a nasty snag, he turned his mind over to more amiable contemplations, and listened to Georgiana play.
After she had played two very pretty pieces, Georgiana was prepared to relinquish her post as musician. She rose gracefully, and Kitty eagerly went to take her place.
"But shall you not play another, Miss Darcy?" implored Mr. Stirling. "Are we not to hear you sing?"
Georgiana looked to Elizabeth for an excuse. Lizzy had more than once helped Miss Darcy to graciously avoid having to sing before company, for it truly terrified her. But her sister-in-law was not inclined to plead Georgiana's case at present, and took no notice of her anxiety.
Left to her own devices, Georgiana literally wrung her hands. "I do not...sing...so well as I should wish to."
"Oh, I cannot believe that with such an ear for music, you are not also a talented singer, Miss Darcy. Pray, sing for us," encouraged her would-be suitor. She reddened and shot a painful glance at Kitty.
Kitty herself was standing in a most awkward way between her seat and the pianoforte, angrily considering Mr. Stirling. It was enough that he had overlooked her at dinner- must he embarrass her, too? For it was plain that she had gotten up to play, and equally as plain that he cared for no one's playing but Miss Darcy's. It struck Kitty that there was no need for her to be civil if he would not be courteous.
"Let Miss Darcy rest," she said in a tight voice, "and if you are so very fond of singing, perhaps you will let me do it!" Georgiana quickly made way for Kitty at the bench, looking very grateful. But Kitty had volleyed back to despite, and had forgotten her resolution never to think ill of her friend. She would not look at her.
Mr. Stirling did not seem to notice her cold manner. He simply sighed. "Very well, but Miss Darcy, you must promise me to sing another"- but Kitty had loudly cut him off with a run of very bright chords, and Mr. Stirling was forced to close his mouth and sit speechless near his muse. Kitty gained her aim now, for he was finally staring at her with sharp attention- but it was a look she would not at all have liked. Thankfully, Miss Bennet was too occupied with the music to notice this, for there were only shreds of self-control left at her command. As it was, she played and sang unimpeded for a quarter of an hour.
Lord and Lady Stirling had not noticed a strain on any of their young guests throughout the evening, and they did not perceive it now, but the Darcys did. Elizabeth watched Kitty ruin the end of Mr. Stirling's conversation with her strident playing, and prayed her husband had not seen it. She spent the remainder of the musical interlude trying to devise an excuse that would allow them to leave early, before anything else was said or spoiled. Mr. Darcy was aware of Kitty's misstep, and he faulted her for it, however he was so distracted by Mr. Stirling's intense pursuit of his sister that he hardly knew where to concentrate his irritation. Neither of them heard a note of Kitty's song.
It was a lovely piece, and everyone expressed that Miss Bennet had performed it admirably. No one's applause was fulsome as Georgiana's, who finally caught her friend's eye and mouthed her thanks. Kitty only tossed her head haughtily. She took not notice of Mr. Stirling or his preferred lady, but swept past them both toward her sister on the sofa.
Elizabeth found the excuse she searched for as, all of a sudden, her head began to throb quite seriously. She winced in pain, putting her fingertips to both temples. Both Kitty and Lady Stirling inquired after her at once, and the evening came to an early close, much to the disappointment of Mr. Stirling, who had hoped to gain another hour of Georgiana's individual attention. After many warm good-byes and invitations from both houses, he managed to escort Miss Darcy outside, paying her a particular adieu as the families parted. He also bowed to Miss Bennet, but she looked directly beyond him, and the coach pulled away.
No one was in a humour for speaking, at first. Both Elizabeth and William longed to be out of the carriage and away from their young charges where they could have a private battle. Each was silently weighing up the arguments to be made in his or her favor when the opportunity arose for their debate. Neither could believe they were preparing to fight, nor did they want to be the first to make it up.
Kitty and Georgiana were each privately, briefly concerned for the married couple, but their thoughts returned quickly to themselves. Georgiana's heart was wounded by her companion's earlier snub, while Kitty's blood burned with jealousy over Mr. Stirling's attentions. This emotion got the better of her as they rode home to Pemberley, and she could not stop herself from speaking.
"I certainly liked the Stirlings, Georgiana. Have you always known them?"
"Since my childhood, yes," she replied, in a low voice.
"And- Arthur Stirling?"
All three Darcys simultaneously turned a warning eye on Kitty, but she was too keyed up for it to take effect.
"Also since my childhood."
"When did he last see you?"
"I believe it was... perhaps five years ago? Is that right, William?" she solicited, thinking her brother's participation in the conversation might inhibit Kitty's questions.
"It is five years."
"What, not since you were twelve? Lord, what a shock he must have got!" Kitty giggled crudely. "I dare say he wasn't expecting to see you so well grown."
Georgiana was crimson. "I do not"- she began to protest.
"And he is fearful handsome, too- I saw you thinking it."
"Kitty," cautioned Elizabeth under her breath. But Kitty was not to be halted.
"I expect you are both violently in love together!"
This was a favorite phrase that Kitty had used to pass casually back and forth with Lydia, but Georgiana was scandalized- especially to hear such a thing in the company of her brother. The last time he had seen her "violently in love" it had been a monstrosity, causing them both great pain. She looked at William, expecting to see him mortified.
William, however, wore a look very much like triumph as he whipped around to face his wife. Elizabeth miserably stared out of the window, her head in pieces, her stomach lurching along with the carriage. Kitty had lost her the argument before it had even begun. But she was still determined he would hear her out, and thoroughly.
Georgiana turned her back on Kitty. "I have no idea what you mean," she whispered icily.
Kitty did not care. She folded her arms across her chest and told herself how juvenile Miss Darcy behaved, to take offense at such a little teasing.
Not one member of the party breathed another word for the duration of the ride. Each went his own way upon arriving home. Four doors were slammed viciously at Pemberley that evening, and the servants duly wondered if all the family were quite well.
Chapter 6 ~ First Argument
"Elizabeth." The voice from the other side of the door was her husband's.
She paused in her pacing. "What is it?"
"We must speak with one another now, before this goes any further."
"Must we indeed, Mr. Darcy?"
"So it is back to 'Mr. Darcy' then?"
"It is fitting."
"Very well, Miss Bennet. Let me in."
Elizabeth composed herself by bringing back to mind the time when Mr. Darcy had meant nothing to her, when she had jousted with him easily and won. When she was calm enough, she opened the door. "What do you mean, sir, by coming in all this state to see me so late at night?"
"What occasion does a husband need to come to his wife late at night?"
'Husbands in general, sir, should think better of their liberty before they abuse it. You would not expect to be received by me a year ago today." Elizabeth sat in a large armchair with great self-possession, and looked at him steadily.
Darcy began to pace in her stead. "I see. So I am always and forever to be courting you?"
"What is it that you find so different between the courting and this moment, Mr. Darcy?"
"I should be able to be completely honest with my wife without fear of repercussion."
"And were you not so honest with your fiancée? Truly, sir, one is surprised to hear it from the man who claimed to find disguise of every kind so abhorrent. Do you not remember saying that?" Elizabeth was warming to the match now, remembering her old skill.
"I do." He had said that to her the afternoon of his botched proposal. She was fighting with fire. She had better be careful.
"What then is the difficulty, Mr. Darcy? Do you have something you feel you must conceal from me, or face 'repercussion'?"
Darcy looked at her evenly. "I do."
"Pray, reveal the secret. I am sure you are not afraid of me."
Afraid? Darcy's eyes flashed. "I am uncomfortable with Catherine."
"How shocking. Precisely why?"
"I cannot believe you did not observe my reasons. She showed immodest manners at the home of our friends, allowing her unabashed jealousy of my sister to inform her behavior."
The silence was ominous. "You are very forthcoming now, Mr. Darcy."
"You leave me no choice, Miss Bennet."
"Perhaps if Mr. Stirling had been more appropriate in his attentions to Georgiana, there would have been no cause for anger."
"Mr. Stirling has known my sister all her life, and it is right that he should take some interest in her after not seeing her these five years," retorted Darcy hotly.
"Some!" cried Lizzy. "Are you going to pretend that his interest was only 'some'? Indeed, I do not blame Kitty for her feelings. Arthur Stirling is a very forward young man."
"Which is no fault of Georgiana's, or my own!"
"I only marvel you did not jump in to protect her."
"At least I did not have to. I trust my sister to act in accordance with the requirements of the moment. I do not have to be always jumping in to shield her from embarrassing herself."
"That is quite enough," said Elizabeth in a very low voice.
"I wish it were. You call me dishonest for hiding my feelings these last two weeks, but you cannot bear to hear the truth when I tell it."
"What I cannot bear is that my husband is exactly as proud as he ever was, and has harbored such revulsion for my family all this time. To think I ever assured my father that you have no improper pride!"
"You used to show some dislike of your family yourself!" Darcy shouted. "What is all this sudden loyalty?"
"I love my family, Mr. Darcy, though I see their faults. I only hope to help improve Kitty by having her with us. It is a compliment to Georgiana, though you will not see it."
"No, I will not. There is no compliment in exposing my sister to immodesty and impropriety," burst Darcy. "I am very seriously displeased with this whole business!"
"You sound exactly like Lady Catherine DeBourgh!"
Darcy bucked in livid astonishment, then aimed a serious counterblow. "I always considered you to be a reasonable woman, Elizabeth. I had thought you were more influenced by your father. It seems I was mistaken."
Elizabeth flushed with rage. To be compared to her mother in terms of sense! She tried to strike back, but found she was quite unable to reply, for her eyes were filled with tears and her throat constricted. He had never insulted her this way- her family, her connections- but never herself. But she would not cry. She stood and turned away from him completely as she tried in vain to master her emotion, furious that her tears would fall before him! He did not even come to comfort her, but stood staunchly across the room.
The knock on the door was most unwelcome.
"Who is it?" he barked.
"Mrs. Reynolds, Master. I have a letter for you, and one for Mrs. Elizabeth. They arrived express while you were at Stirling."
Darcy retrieved the letters and dismissed his housekeeper. He laid Elizabeth's on the table at her elbow. "It is from Mrs. Bingley," he informed her. He knew what the letters contained. It had been two weeks since Mr. Bingley had purchased Glenstead, and this express must mean that he and Jane had arrived in their new home today. I must speak to Bingley at once, he thought, for Charles shared his in-laws and therefore some of his frustrations. He had already written to him once to vent his aggravation; perhaps a visit to Glenstead could give him some relief.
"Jane," whispered Lizzy, touching the letter.
"Yes. You will want your privacy, I think." She nodded, keeping her back to him. There was a pause as each waited for the other to speak. Neither party was inclined to make any apology. A moment later, Elizabeth heard him open the door. "Goodnight," he said flatly. The door shut.
"Oh, Jane!" moaned Lizzy quietly, sinking back into the chair. Feeling the letter could never console her, she listlessly tore the seal apart.
"November 8, 18___
Dearest Lizzy,
I have such wonderful news- you will scarce believe it! Charles kept it secret from me until two weeks ago, as your own husband has been keeping it secret from you. But now I may tell you everything.
Oh, Lizzy, we have moved to a new home in Nottinghamshire, not thirty miles from Pemberley! Can you imagine- we are neighbours!"
Elizabeth gave a little cry of happiness. The news could not have been more perfectly timed.
"The estate is called Glenstead, and I love it already, though we have only just arrived. However, I am preparing to leave it immediately to see you, dear Lizzy! My husband has urged me not to travel anymore, but Little Charles and I cannot wait another moment. I shall arrive tomorrow, with my son.
Charles must stay here for another fortnight to attend to the business of settling in. You will see him as soon as all is arranged, for we want you and Mr. Darcy as our first visitors. It will be such a happy house!
I have truly suffered these past months without your company, Lizzy. It gives me so much joy to know that I will be seeing you in just another day. Give my love to Kitty, Georgiana, and my brother-in-law. I shall be with you almost as soon as you read this!
Your loving sister,
Jane"
Elizabeth sent up her thanks to God when she had finished Jane's welcome missive. She had never needed her sister's wisdom and temperance more in her life. She fell into an exhausted sleep that night, thinking only of the comfort of Jane.
* * *
The next day at breakfast, Elizabeth broke the happy news to her solemn family. Both Kitty and Georgiana were glad to hear of Jane's coming, but there was no rejoicing between them for they were still feeling quite at odds with one another. Mr. Darcy merely continued eating his breakfast. When he had finished, he cleared his throat.
"Elizabeth, may I speak with you for a moment?"
She assented, and they went together out of the breakfast room
"I hope I may at least receive Jane with your approval," challenged Lizzy once they had reached the privacy of the writing room, but in truth she had no spirit for another quarrel.
Darcy was also tired. "You know I have no issue with Jane."
"I know only what you choose to tell me." Suddenly it occurred to Elizabeth that there was information of vital importance to their family that she had chosen not to tell. Guiltily, she lay her hand flat against her abdomen, trying to sense something there. Yes, it was certain. All that remained was to consult a doctor. But now was not a moment for happy revelations.
"Elizabeth...." Darcy searched for words. "I came to a decision last night. It seems that Charles Bingley will be staying behind at Glenstead for another fortnight. I know what trouble it can be to attend to the business he has there- it must be very difficult. And since he is new to the county- perhaps..."
Elizabeth understood, and felt an ache in her heart. She spoke slowly. "You would like to go and help him to complete his business there."
"I would."
"I imagine your trunks are already in the carriage."
"They are."
The Darcys did not look at one another. Lizzy made herself speak only when she could not bear her emotion a moment longer. "Give Mr. Bingley my warmest regards. Send word when you will come back again." She could no longer trust her voice, not even to say goodbye, and she left him there without another word.
When she had gone, Darcy fumbled for a chair, a table, any support. He would never have believed that he would willingly separate from Elizabeth. This was folly and he knew it.
He looked around him in the room for comfort. The early sun splashed across the furnishings and Darcy had an overwhelming sensation that his mother was near him. This had been her favorite room in the house; she had written her letters here each morning. Elizabeth did this, too. How often had he seen each of them here, in just this light? It all looked remarkably unaltered, considering the passage of time.
He found himself sitting at his mother's writing table, marvelling that it was just as it had been when he had hidden beneath it in games with her, years ago. Gently he touched the little drawers and knobs of the desk she had used so well.
It struck him that his mother would neither approve of this dispute, nor endorse his pending departure. She had not raised him to fly from his troubles. Darcy shut his eyes. He would apologize. All this childishness would be over in a moment. They would forgive each other.
But how should he begin? Darcy swatted at one of the little white doors in the desk with his finger as he deliberated.
Abruptly, the little door sprang open at his touch, and a slice of paper peeked out. Lost in thought, Darcy did not check himself, but stared at the writing unconsciously until it permeated the fog of his preoccupation and became clear to him. He could only read a few lines of the paper, and did so without meaning to do it.
"...and of course I will not say a word of Wickham to Miss Darcy while I am there, Lizzy! I would not dare Mr. Darcy's anger. I thank you for your confidence in me, and I will not break my word..."
Darcy shot up from the chair as though it had thrown him. Elizabeth had informed Kitty of Georgiana's trouble with Wickham. It was evident. Here was proof.
The tender spell cast by his mother's memory was destroyed. Feeling ill, Fitzwilliam Darcy snapped shut the offending door, hiding once again the letter that had brought him back to his senses. If Elizabeth was capable of divulging his family's secrets without so much as consulting them, then he was certainly permitted a fortnight with Bingley. One was not half so terrible as the other.
Darcy strode out of the writing room, grimly determined to escape as quickly as possible. He called a servant for his coat, and only stopped to direct a brief note of explanation to Georgiana before setting off for Glenstead.