Chapter 12
Dear Brother,
I cannot express how astonished I was by the content of your last letter.
I confess I needed to think carefully because at first, I could not recollect anything in regard to such a girl. But then, some memories returned, but except for the name Lizzy, I could not remember much. I even asked Aunt, but she did not know much either.
I hope you do not mind, but I sent an express to Mrs Reynolds myself, asking her to tell me everything she knows about Miss Lizzy.
That you happened to meet her by pure chance is extraordinary indeed, and the notion that she still remembers me and has cared for me all these years is even more astounding.
Please do not think I doubt her words — or yours.
Quite the contrary, I am glad that you seem to approve of her.
Everything you have told me about the past, as well as your description of her in the present, sounds intriguing and captivating.
However, I wonder whether I deserve someone outside the family to have held me in regard for ten years without even seeing me.
If you do not object, I would certainly like to write to Miss Elizabeth; yet, I have to wonder if she will be disappointed in me. If she knew the entire truth in regard to my flaws, I am certain she will be.
From the little you have told me, it seems she has grown up to be a remarkable young lady, which cannot be compared to my silly weakness of character. Her seeming affection for me, which has lasted for ten years, might vanish if she comes to know me.
I am eagerly waiting for Mrs Reynolds’s reply. As for Miss Elizabeth’s request to write to me, I beg you to decide on my behalf. I trust you know best.
Your comments about her disliking you and your rudeness I shall take as a joke, as I doubt it truly happened. I cannot see anything wanting in you, and I doubt any lady would.
I thank you for always thinking of me, and I am sending you my sincere love and regards.
Yours,
G
Darcy read the letter several times, each with heartache and sorrow. He had expected that his sister, being only five at the time, would not recollect much of her friendship with Elizabeth, but the way Georgiana disrespected herself and considered herself unworthy of a friendship was unbearable.
However, her curiosity and interest in Elizabeth were obvious, and with the information from Mrs Reynolds, it would certainly increase. He could feel her interest in the tone of the letter — something she had completely lacked recently.
That she trusted him to decide in regard to Elizabeth was touching but equally painful, as it proved Georgiana’s distrust in her own judgment. His decision was made, and it seemed to be the only means to slightly lessen his sister’s sadness.
Putting the missive aside to consider later, he opened the letter from his cousin and read it in a hurry.
Darcy,
I usually refrain from advising you, as you have proved yourself capable of dealing with your own business and family matters remarkably well without anyone’s involvement.
However, I feel it is my right and my duty to express my opinion in regard to Georgiana, since I am her cousin and her guardian.
I visited her several days ago, and I have to say I am exceedingly worried about how pale and thin she looks. She has never been overly animated, but the little liveliness she possessed is now gone. She practises her instrument every day, but she avoids going out, even at my mother’s invitation.
Mrs Annesley confessed to me that she too is concerned about Georgiana’s lack of appetite and low spirits and that she has called for the doctor several times.
To be honest, I do not think Mrs Annesley is enough company for Georgiana.
I do admit she was an excellent choice, that she is honourable and educated and has formed a genuine attachment to Georgiana, but Mrs Annesley provides Georgiana with the same sort of companionship as my mother.
They are both like caring but much older aunts.
Georgiana has no friend, no one to speak to, no one to confide in.
My brother’s wife is closer in age but lacks the right temperament to become Georgiana’s friend and confidante.
I still believe that you are the closest person to Georgiana and the one she loves, admires, and trusts the most. I am not sure why you chose to stay in Hertfordshire instead of being in London with her, but I truly believe your presence would be useful to her, even if she does not admit it.
If I can help in any way, please let me know, and I shall do everything in my power.
RF
Although the letter did not tell Darcy anything new, it increased his distress. Colonel Fitzwilliam was not a man to become easily concerned, so his words had to be taken with utter seriousness, and Darcy threw back the rest of his drink while trying to gather the composure needed for dinner.
He understood his cousin’s puzzlement about him staying at Netherfield, and perhaps he was correct in suggesting he return to London.
Or perhaps he should maintain the distance for his sister’s comfort and instead introduce her to someone else who may be of more use to her.
Someone of the right age who also possessed the nature and manners to bond with her and the desire to comfort her.
Regardless, his stay in Hertfordshire must come to an end. He would prepare for his return and inform Bingley about it. But before he left, he wished to encourage Elizabeth to begin writing to his sister.
Also, should she happen to be in London, Elizabeth could visit Georgiana.
Her presence would certainly benefit Georgiana, of that he had no doubt.
Even without their prior acquaintance, he became more and more certain that Elizabeth could help his sister fight her turmoil, dislike, and disrespect for herself.
However, Darcy now faced a new obstacle that had to be removed.
The gentleman who had caused Georgiana’s grief and crushed her spirit was there, claiming a new career in the militia, and everyone apparently approved of him.
It was this matter that he needed to take care of first, without delay.
That required an immediate discussion with Elizabeth, and probably with Mr Bennet too, which he planned for the following morning.
He considered taking another early morning ride to Oakham Mount, hoping to meet Elizabeth, but he abandoned the idea.
The matter was too important to leave to chance.
After a dinner with no appetite and little patience for Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst’s irritating criticism of everybody in the neighbourhood, followed by a sleepless night filled with more disturbing dreams than rest, Darcy woke up at dawn realising the matter might be more urgent than he had previously estimated, and his sister in greater need of companionship, comfort, and protection than he had initially believed.
He was still in such a state of perturbation when he and Bingley called at Longbourn the next morning, immediately after breakfast.
***
“So, Lizzy, who is this Mr Wickham your sisters have talked about incessantly since yesterday? He sounds so perfect that he already irritates me,” Mr Bennet said.
“Besides, I find it puzzling that he chose to share his past misfortunes with your youngest sisters. That is enough to question his judgment.”
“Do not worry, Papa, he is far from being perfect. At least I believe so. I have heard varying reports of him, and I do not know him well enough to fix his character. I have some past knowledge of him and some recent observations to add to his own claims.”
“Past knowledge? Have you met him before?”
“I have. Ten years ago, when I stayed in Derbyshire with my aunt. As for his past dealings with Mr Darcy, in fact he started sharing it with me, and the others overheard it.”
“Did he remember meeting you before?”
“Not at all, Papa.”
“In that case, sharing his past with you was equally improper. To him, you were a stranger, no more trustworthy than Lydia or Kitty.”
“I agree. I admit being intrigued that Mr Darcy could hold a grudge against Mr Wickham without good reason. If you do not mind, I shall speak to Mr Darcy about Mr Wickham next time we meet.”
“If Mr Darcy agrees to speak to you, I shall certainly not oppose it. But are you sure it is appropriate for you to interfere?”
“I observed Mr Darcy was deeply affected by their meeting, but the gentlemen’s business is their own.
My concern is in regard to Miss Darcy. I felt uncomfortable about how Mr Wickham spoke of Georgiana.
He sounded resentful of her, and I cannot forget how he took advantage of her when we were young.
If only for all the benefits he gained from his connection to her family, he should mind his words about her. ”
“Dear Lizzy, I have to say this is too much drama for me, and it is giving me a headache. Do as you wish, as I intend to finish my book. By the by, I have already completed the one you brought me from Netherfield. I should return it to Mr Bingley.”
“You can do so now, Papa. I see Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley approaching. Oh dear, Mr Collins is already on the drive ready to greet them. Let us hope they will not run away when they see him,” she joked, trying to conceal her sudden blush and the baffling racing of her heart.
Elizabeth and her father entered the drawing room moments before the visitors were introduced.