Chapter 21
“This dreadful situation began this past summer when I spent a month in Ramsgate.” She paused for a moment, averted her eyes in shame, and sighed. “I forgot prudence and decorum and what I owed to my family. I forgot the consideration due to my brother and…I decided to elope…”
Elizabeth was prepared for the worst; hearing the girl’s confession, she almost sighed in relief. She immediately remembered her discussion with Mr Darcy in Hertfordshire. The name that had not even been mentioned sprung into her head, and rage built inside her.
“I am sure you are shocked and appalled, and I deserve your harshest judgment,” Georgiana said.
“I could never judge you. And I am not appalled. I am simply astonished. You are so young, and you are chaperoned all the time. I wonder at how you met someone and such a plan was formed.”
“It was… He was an old friend. I did not meet him there. I have known him my entire life. I spent my childhood with him, under my father’s protection.”
“I see…”
“I have always been fond of him. I always had very few friends. As a child, there was only one constant friend who was always by my side.”
“May I ask who he is?” Elizabeth asked, although she knew the answer.
“He was almost ten years my senior, and he was my father’s godson. We shared the same name.”
“George Wickham?”
Georgiana could barely utter the words. “Do you know him?”
“I met him when I was at Pemberley, ten years ago. I even had an argument with him. And I met him again recently.”
“I did not remember you meeting him as a child. But my brother told me he had joined the militia, in Meryton, so I assumed you knew him.”
“I do. And I must admit I had another argument with him.”
“My brother does not like George. He never did. Papa used to say Fitzwilliam was too good and responsible a man, and he expects perfection from himself and from others. He said he disapproved of George because he was too different from him. But Papa loved him.”
“I am more concerned about your well-being than George Wickham’s character now, my dear. Would you not tell me what happened in Ramsgate?”
“George happened to be there at the same time, and I was so happy when we met! He visited every day, he took me on long walks on the beach, we spoke of our childhood and of my father. He was so kind and so understanding, and it was so easy for me to talk to him. He always knew how to make me feel comfortable.”
Another pause challenged Elizabeth’s patience. George Wickham’s vicious plan was clear, but somehow, Georgiana seemed not to blame him still.
“I felt so happy with him, and he made my days joyful. I was grateful that he wasted his time keeping me company instead of joining his friends. I missed him when he was gone, and he used to write me little notes, to which I replied with eagerness,” the girl confessed with a sad little smile.
“I knew he had no career yet, and he told me my brother despised him for that, but many people struggle to find a profession that suits them. And…”
“Yes?”
“I felt so much affection for him, and he confessed he was in love with me. That he had wished for a chance to speak to me, but he knew my brother would not allow it. And he said the only chance for us to be together was to elope, because the fear of a scandal which would hurt his name and his family would convince Fitzwilliam to accept him.”
Georgiana’s voice became more and more agitated, and Elizabeth struggled to keep her composure. It was apparent that the young girl’s feelings had not subsided, and she held no grudge against Wickham, although the scoundrel’s scheme was all too transparent.
“May I ask, where did you two meet to carry on these conversations? How did your companion allow it?”
“Mrs Younge and George were good friends. I discovered that in Ramsgate.”
“How fortunate a coincidence for him,” Elizabeth replied with repressed anger. “May I assume you eloped and were caught?”
“We did not…” the girl replied, and Elizabeth frowned.
“My brother arrived unexpectedly a day prior to the elopement. He had missed me and came to see me. I could not go through with the elopement, knowing how much I would hurt him. I could not bear seeing him suffer and facing shame because of me. Therefore, I told him. I had to choose between betraying my friend and betraying my brother…”
Tears interrupted the confession, and Elizabeth embraced the girl to comfort her.
“I imagine your brother was upset,” Elizabeth said a while later.
“He was. Not with me, with George. He waited for him that evening, and they had a horrible fight. He dismissed Mrs Younge too. I thought I would die of pain…”
“My dear, I am so sorry for all the torment you had to suffer.”
“Fitzwilliam said some hurtful things about George, and he implied it was only a scheme to benefit from my dowry. He must have been right. After all, why else would George love someone so plain and dull as me?”
“While I cannot say your brother was wrong, I must dismiss your question. You are one of the most accomplished women I have ever known. You are beautiful, well educated, kind, with a sweet and generous nature. Everyone who knows you adores you!” Elizabeth said with all honesty, which made her voice a little too loud.
The girl shook her head in doubt, so she continued.
“But even if his affection for you was genuine, for a man of that age to convince a girl ten years his junior, almost a child yet, to elope with him — that is unacceptable! Instead of making a living, proving himself worthy of you and capable of supporting a wife, Mr Wickham tried to take the easiest road, to gain a comfortable position for himself without much trouble! Just as he always has!” Elizabeth burst out without much consideration for her words.
“As he always has? What do you mean, Lizzy?”
“My dear, I do not wish to pain you more, but you probably do not remember, and perhaps it is better to know the truth. I mentioned an argument I had with George Wickham when I was at Pemberley. I caught him asking you to give him some money and to steal something for him. And you were only a child of five then! I am sure he did that many times.”
The girl’s eyes opened wider, and a sigh escaped from her lips. “That was not… I know he meant no harm. They were only small things that no one missed around the house. George had very little money. His father earned a good wage, but Papa said his mother spent too much. I helped him…”
Elizabeth gently stroked her hair. “Your entire family helped him, my dear. I believe that was the problem. He always obtained what he wanted by deceiving others. When I confronted him, he claimed nobody would believe me because his godfather loved him and trusted him.”
“Oh…”
“I am sure he did the same with your brother too. I understand Mr Wickham was given a good education. But to no avail, since he chose not to use it to further himself.”
“My father told me to take care of George when he was gone. He said Fitzwilliam demanded more than George could give, and that was why they were always in disagreement.”
Elizabeth struggled to repress an eye roll, as she did not want to upset the girl even more.
“Georgiana, please help me understand. The elopement did not occur. Your brother settled things with Mr Wickham in some way. Then why all this turmoil and suffering? Why do you believe you will hurt your brother and your family? What scandal do you fear? It is all over now. Mr Wickham is forced to keep the secret. He cannot reveal his plan to elope with you! That would be devastating for what is left of his reputation. I hope he will work to be worthy of his new career as an officer.”
Georgiana gazed at Elizabeth, and the pain in her eyes was heart-breaking.
“There is something that nobody knows…except for George and Mrs Younge. I told nobody else…”
“Would you not tell me, please? If there is more, I am here to help.”
“You cannot help me, Lizzy… It is so shameful that nobody can…”
“Still, I am begging you to tell me.”
Several long moments passed until the girl could continue.
“A few days prior to the engagement, we dined together. Me and George and Mrs Younge. We had such a wonderful time. I played the pianoforte, and George turned the pages for me…then I felt suddenly dizzy, I could not stand or sit… I had to go to sleep, and I do not remember how I got to my room, but I woke up the next morning…and…George was there, in my bed…” she whispered with the last of her strength.
“Oh!” Elizabeth gasped against her will.
“Yes… George told me I insisted on him staying with me. That he agreed because he knew we would be married soon. I did not remember anything at all… Not a single moment. Mrs Younge knew too. She said she would not be surprised if I were to be with child after that night. And that it was good that we would be married so soon before anyone noticed. Then my brother came the next day and…” Georgiana started to cry again, all her pain coming out in her tears.
Elizabeth was left helpless and speechless, lost as to what she could say.
“And are you with child?” she dared whisper.
“I believe so. I must be. I feel ill all the time and cannot eat anything. And I am always dizzy. I know a little about how women feel… Mrs Annesley told me that her niece was very ill when she was with child.”
“Does Mrs Annesley know?”
“Oh no! She received a letter from her sister some time ago, and I asked for details.”
“And the doctor could not be certain of your…situation? I know he examined you several times.”
“I did not tell the doctor either! How could I? He would have told Fitzwilliam! He only listened to my heart and took some blood and gave me some tinctures. Even George told me I looked different, so it was probably apparent to him.”
“George Wickham? Did you see him again?”
“Yes, several times, while I walked with Mrs Annesley in Hyde Park. He barely said a few words to me, as Mrs Annesley did not know who he was. I told her he was an old acquaintance. Then I avoided going to Hyde Park entirely.”
“Does your brother know that?”
“He does not. Why would he? I am sure it was a mere coincidence. There are always hundreds of people in Hyde Park! Once he was alone, once with some friends, once with Mrs Younge. But that was a few months ago, at the end of the summer.”
Elizabeth stood up impatiently, taking a few steps while she tried to put her thoughts together. She did not believe such meetings could be a coincidence, but what concerned her more was Georgiana’s grief and the best way to soothe it.
She looked at the girl, then took a few steps, rubbing her forehead with her fingers. If Georgiana was with child, there was no other way than to inform Mr Darcy. Such a secret could not be buried.
“I understand your distress, Lizzy, but I am still happy that I told you. I know it is difficult for you to be near me now, and I promise I understand if you wish to leave.”
“Leaving you is the furthest thing from my mind, my dear. I am trying to think what the best way forwards might be. I cannot allow you to suffer another moment longer. Even if you are with a child, there must be a solution.”
She stopped and looked at the girl, who was sitting up in bed, her head leaning against the pillows.
“My dear, you were in Ramsgate in July? Four months ago?”
“At the end of June. Five months ago. There are four more months until…”
“You cannot suffer such distress for four more months! I know little about such things, but I remember my mother and my aunt Gardiner when they were with child. You certainly do not look as they did.”
“I do not know much either, Lizzy. I have been so unwell since then. I have all the signs… I avoided my uncle and aunt so they would not notice. And Lady Catherine. If she finds out…”
“Let us calm ourselves for a moment. I understand you do not wish to speak to your relatives. But would you not want to talk to someone knowledgeable and trustworthy who cares for you and will respect your need for secrecy? Someone who may know the truth?”
“I would… That would be the physician, but he has been in our family service for many years. I would die of shame if he knew.”
“I am not talking about the physician but of my aunt Gardiner. The one who brought me to Pemberley and who was so fond of your mother!”
Georgiana’s astonishment was now complete. “Mrs Gardiner? But—”
“My aunt has four healthy children. She would know. If only you can trust her enough to give her all the details, she might know better than a doctor. Once we know the true situation, we can decide what to do next.”
“Lizzy, I do not know… How could I reveal something so horrible to a stranger? I would always be ashamed in her presence. And she might demand you leave me immediately, in order to distance yourself from the scandal.”
“My dear, I am starting to become so annoyed with you for repeating this nonsense that I truly might leave you!” Elizabeth said with determination and a trace of jest. “Enough of this! Please consider carefully whether you are able to speak to my aunt. If you are, I shall write to her and ask her to come and visit shortly. All will be done with the utmost discretion, and I trust we shall put an end to the misery, doubts, and speculations.”
Elizabeth resumed her place on the bed, while Georgiana fell into silent thoughtfulness. They were suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door, and Mr Darcy entered. Seeing him, Georgiana turned pale. Elizabeth became uncomfortable also, which only drew his attention to her.
With unease, he greeted them again and said, “Miss Bennet, your father has just arrived. Mr and Mrs Gardiner are with him too. They are expecting you whenever you wish to come downstairs.”
Georgiana gasped, then suddenly covered her mouth with her palm. Elizabeth caught her breath for an instant and then held Darcy’s gaze.
“Thank you, sir. I shall be down immediately. If Georgiana agrees, I might bring my aunt to greet her. She has longed for an opportunity to see Miss Darcy again.”
Mr Darcy bowed and left, leaving the two ladies alone again, staring at each other.
“I do not wish to hurry you, Georgiana. I can ask her to call another day.”
The young lady breathed so deeply that it sounded like another sigh.
“Do whatever you think is best, Lizzy. I trust your judgment more than mine.”