Chapter 44 Mr. Darcy Leaves Hertfordshire #2
“Mr. Darcy, sir, would you permit Georgiana to stay with us a few days each week? She may sleep in Mary’s room.
Then we may sew together in the evenings, and Lizzy can teach her how to set sleeves and collars.
We can take turns reading to one another, and in the morning, when we visit the tenants, she will accompany us.
There will be no need for Papa to send a carriage to collect her. ”
“Fitzwilliam, that would be a dream come true. Please, may I stay with the Bennets?”
Both girls looked at him, waiting for his answer.
“And what does Mr. Bennet say about this?”
Kitty looked down at her hands.
“I have not asked him, sir, but if you can wait a few minutes longer, I will run and ask his permission. He likes Miss Georgiana very well and says that he has rarely met a better-behaved young lady.”
“Very well. If he is agreeable, then I shall permit Georgiana to be your houseguest. Let us go and speak with your father now.”
The three returned to the house. When they entered, he was shown into the drawing room where Elizabeth sat sewing what appeared to be an infant’s garment.
She rose when he entered.
“Please be seated, sir.”
He remained standing.
“I await an audience with your father, Miss Elizabeth. Miss Kitty and Georgiana have devised a plan for my sister to become a houseguest at Longbourn for several days each week. It appears that she wishes to visit tenants, learn the management of a household, and sew garments for infants, with you serving as her principal instructor in all these pursuits.”
Elizabeth smiled.
“I see, sir. Did Kitty run to fetch my father?”
“She did.”
Mrs. Hill entered and said, “Mr. Bennet is in his study, sir.”
Mr. Darcy followed the housekeeper toward the back of the house.
Kitty and Georgiana hurried into the drawing room.
“Papa says that she may remain with us so long as her brother agrees. He says that he must first know the rules under which Georgiana is to conduct herself.”
“Is that so? Georgiana, does your brother have many rules to guide your conduct?”
Georgiana grinned.
“He does, Lizzy. Yet at times I believe that he might benefit from rules of deportment himself.”
All three young women laughed, but Lizzy said, “Let us not say or do anything that might vex him, or he may pack you up and carry you away with him to the north.”
“I do not believe there is any danger of that, Lizzy, for he does wish me to be happy, and he knows that I long to remain here with your family above all others.”
Kitty took the younger girl’s hand within her own. They turned toward the entrance when they heard footsteps.
Both gentlemen entered.
Darcy said, “Very well, my dear. You may remain here with your friends for two complete months. I shall collect you when I return from Derbyshire, and Charles will place himself at your service while I am gone. Let us return now so that you may pack. I shall leave you here when I depart.”
He turned to Mr. Bennet.
“I shall return with her no later than three o’clock, sir.”
He bowed to the two women, and the Darcys left the house.
Mr. Bennet caught Elizabeth’s gaze and raised his brows. She returned his look and inclined her head to show that all was well.
That afternoon, the Darcy carriage stood at the entrance of Netherfield Park, the trunks strapped in place, and Ares stood saddled. Darcy and Georgiana entered the drawing room to take leave of their friends.
When Darcy’s eyes settled upon Allen, he started.
Allen gave a curt nod and walked out through the front entrance. Darcy watched until the man passed from his sight.
“Darcy, Allen will remain my guest for the next month. He wishes to pursue a closer acquaintance with my sister-in-law.”
“I see. I wish her every happiness.” Darcy turned to his sister. “Come, Georgiana, the Bennets are waiting for you.”
The Darcys made their farewells, and the Bingleys accompanied them to the carriage.
Caroline asked, “Mr. Darcy, shall we see you in London for the Season?”
“Yes, I shall return in late December.”
Then he mounted his horse and rode towards Longbourn.
Bingley turned to Caroline.
“Darcy remained beneath our roof for several months, Caroline, and nothing came of it. It is time that you accept the truth. He will never offer for you. Hurst has agreed to have you reside with them over the winter. Should you remain unmarried by the close of the season, you shall go to our Aunt Tabitha in Yorkshire, for I intend to remain here, learning how to manage my estate and how best to please my wife. You will leave with the Hursts at the end of the week.”
Caroline listened to this speech in silence and offered no protest.
“Very well, Charles. You did your best to help me secure Mr. Darcy. I have not lost all hope, for he did not fall to that vixen. Your sister-in-law would have trapped him if he had permitted it, yet he knows his own worth and would never stoop to her level.”
She cast her brother a sly look. Since she still hoped to secure Mr. Darcy, she held her tongue and said no more. The scene that had unfolded the night before had given her hope, for she believed herself more beautiful than Elizabeth Bennet, and she commanded a large dowry.
Caroline excused herself.
“I shall go and speak with Louisa and begin my packing.”
Bingley watched his sister as she entered the house and silently thanked Providence that she had not argued with him or attempted to extend her stay. He whistled a cheerful tune and made his way toward the study.
Jane would be very pleased with him if a connection between Allen and Elizabeth resulted from his invitation to his friend. Everything appeared to be moving in his favor, and satisfied with himself, he entered his study to attend to his ledgers.