Chapter 11 #2
“I do not,” the girl admitted, her eyes fixed on her own interweaved fingers. “Mind you, I admire the viscount and he is an excellent individual. My brother also approves of him since Hartington is devoted to the needs of the estate, far more than his older brother ever was.”
“It is unusual for the eldest son of a marquis to go to war,” Mr. Collins pointed out. “That is a typical path for younger sons.”
“I understand from Lord Hartington that his elder brother was the apple of his father’s eye, along with being army mad.
The Marquis was eventually convinced to buy his son a pair of colors.
My cousin Richard tells me that Viscount Samuel Hartington rose quickly through the ranks since he was an excellent officer who led his men bravely. He fell at Waterloo.”
There was a quiet moment at this; so many men, both English and French, had died during and in the aftermath of that terrible battle.
“Where did you meet the current Viscount Hartington?” Charlotte queried.
“In London at the house of my uncle, the Earl of Matlock, when I was staying there during the London Season earlier this year. My cousin Richard was staying with his parents for a time and introduced us. We had two or three pleasant conversations, and Lord Hartington asked me to dance every time we were at the same party and assembly. Then the viscount came to the house party here at Pemberley a few months ago, the one where Lady Catherine kicked up such a fuss.”
Mr. Collins wrinkled a thoughtful brow, “Is he dark haired and of middle height with a scar above his right eye?”
“Yes, he acquired that scar after falling off a horse in his youth.”
“I believe he enjoys fishing a great deal?”
“He does, along with hunting and riding. He is a sportsman.”
“Does he enjoy music?” Charlotte questioned, passing over her son to his father, who took the babe with pleasure.
“No, not at all. He finds music dull, though he does not mind that I enjoy it. He honors me for my dedication as a musician.”
“And now you believe he is going to offer for you?” Charlotte inquired.
“Yes. My brother tells me that ... yes, he will offer for me soon.”
“If you do not wish to marry him then you should not,” Mr. Collins declared.
Georgiana sighed, “Surely it is not as simple as that? He is a good man, and I must marry someone and soon. I worry that if I say no to a man who is kind and hardworking, I will regret giving up the opportunity later.”
“Why must you marry soon? Or indeed at all?” Mr. Collins demanded in confusion.
Georgiana gazed upon him in wonder, “Well, it is expected, is it not? In our society, to not marry is considered a failure of sorts, and I am the only daughter of George and Lady Anne Darcy. I know that my family assumes I will marry a wellborn man of wealth and distinction and bear children. Indeed, I do wish to marry someday, just not ... not yet, and not Viscount Hartington.”
“Are Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth pressuring you in any way?” Charlotte asked kindly.
“They want me to be happy,” Georgiana responded haltingly, “I know that. But as I said, my brother admires the viscount very much, and I know he would be pleased if I accepted his offer. My aunt Rachel Fitzwilliam, the Countess of Matlock, has also sent me letters urging me to accept the viscount. When the current Marquis passes on, my suitor will be nearly as wealthy as my brother, and of course he will have a title as well.”
“That is of no importance if you do not wish to marry the man,” Mr. Collins declared dismissively.
The girl blinked in astonishment, “You cannot believe that, sir. Does not propriety dictate that I act in accordance with the wishes of my brother, who is also my guardian?”
The clergyman frowned, “If Mr. Darcy insisted that you marry this Viscount Hartington, and if the man is indeed a good man, then perhaps one could argue that you should consider accepting his offer. But Mr. Darcy is not the kind of man or brother to insist on such a thing for his most beloved sister. In fact, it seems likely that Mr. Darcy would wish more for your happiness than for you to accept an offer from this viscount. If you do not wish to marry at this time, you should not.”
“The truth, dear Miss Darcy,” Charlotte continued, “is that marriage is a challenge even for compatible individuals, though of course it is also a blessing. You are gifted with a warm and loving family and sufficient financial support, so there is truly no good reason to leap into wedlock.”
The blonde felt her body relax and she smiled, “You truly believe that to be true?”
“I know it is true,” Charlotte declared. “Indeed, I am certain that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy would be horrified that you would even consider marrying when you do not wish to do so.”
The smile grew brighter and Georgiana’s eyes dimmed with tears, “Oh, thank you both. I do believe you are right that my brother would not wish me to be unhappy; indeed, I know he does not, but it is not a certain thing I would be miserable with the viscount. Nonetheless, I do not truly wish to marry him.”
“What do you wish to do?” Mr. Collins inquired shrewdly, his eyes fixed on her face.
She colored again but spoke readily, “I wish to compose music. At night, I hear melodies in my mind, and my hands and heart long to put notes on the page. But it seems impossible. I am a woman in a society which has no female composers.”
Husband and wife exchanged pensive glances and Mr. Collins leaned over to look intently into Miss Darcy’s blue eyes.
“Then it is time for our society to change.”