Chapter 14
FOURTEEN
Elizabeth was tempted to describe her first day residing at Grosvenor Square as perfect—or nearly so, given Mr Darcy’s confusing behaviour.
His amused frustration with Bramwell was…
Well, she did not know what to make of it.
She never would have expected him to display such good humour as she had witnessed lately.
The way he had leapt to her defence when he thought she might feel less than the others because of her parents’ actions had created such an odd sensation in her—almost a fluttering, but it was difficult to describe it, let alone discern its meaning.
Not that she had required his gallantry.
Yet, how Mr Darcy had acted added to her inability to understand him, which was becoming like a niggling itch which one could not find a cure for.
His behaviour then was so different from how he acted towards her in Hertfordshire, when she was Elizabeth Bennet, not Elizabeth Sterling.
Here, too, they were with his family, people with whom he was easy.
Away from Miss Bingley’s constant attention, and if I am honest, people always talking about his wealth and position in life.
Might that have added to his rudeness when they first met? Would it be enough to excuse him?
Her bedchamber was comfortable and warm, and she rather liked Herriot. How Kitty and Lydia would envy her having her own lady’s maid! Thinking of them made Elizabeth chuckle fondly.
The morning after her removal, she was in her chamber, preparing to join Lady Romsley in the drawing room to receive callers.
Regarding herself in the mirror, she thought, My aunt the countess.
My uncle the earl! Can it truly be possible?
The notion boggled her and would continue doing so for some time to come.
As her new family had predicted at breakfast, they received many people.
Mrs and Miss Darcy were amongst the first, and Elizabeth appreciated the opportunity to speak to Miss Darcy further, especially knowing of the countess’s and Bramwell’s hopes.
The ladies remained for no more than a quarter of an hour, giving way to a steady stream of other callers.
Still, Elizabeth appreciated what she saw of Rebecca and believed they would become friends.
Everyone was curious to meet the countess’s niece. Several people mentioned her father and the elopement—some more subtly than others—but Lady Romsley deftly made it known that she refused to be ashamed by her late brother’s actions or allow it to blemish Elizabeth.
“I cannot tell you how pleased both my brother Robert and I are that our niece has returned to us,” she said more than once, her affectionate tone making it impossible for her to be disbelieved. “Thomas is lost to us forever, but we have his daughter, and for that, our entire family rejoices.”
About an hour after the first caller arrived, Mr Darcy brought his sister to join them.
To Elizabeth, he explained, “Georgiana is not yet out, but our aunts and her companion—Mrs Annesley, who has gone to see her family for Christmas—agree it would do her good to practise receiving visitors. She is exceedingly shy, as you must have noticed.” He had taken a seat by Elizabeth after telling the countess he would stay only a few minutes.
“I did,” she said. “But she is young, and exposing her to more people, as you are doing, will surely help.”
Mr Darcy smiled, and it struck her that she had seen him regard her similarly in the past, although his expression at the time had been more guarded, as though he had been masking his feelings.
When he said, “I suspect being in your company, seeing how at ease you are with people, hearing how you engage them in conversation, is just what she needs,” her mouth went dry and her cheeks burnt.
It was a relief when he departed a moment later, yet, unaccountably, she immediately began to miss his strong presence.
As soon as he was gone and before the next callers arrived, Elizabeth gestured to his sister to come sit with her.
“I believe we have received a hundred or so ladies and gentlemen,” she said softly then chuckled.
“I suppose it only feels that way. The actual number is far lower.” Seeing the anxiety in the younger lady’s eyes, she added, “Do not be concerned. I am afraid they are mostly here to see the latest object of curiosity—me, that is—and you will not be called upon to say much more than the common greetings and farewells.”
“Do you not find it oppressive?” Georgiana whispered.
Elizabeth’s response was delayed for several minutes, because a lady and her two children were announced.
After being introduced and before being required to speak to the young people, she told Georgiana, “I believe the answer is both yes and no. I cannot say I enjoy it, but I also accept that it is natural. I must endure it, if I wish to claim my connexion to Lady Romsley, and that I most certainly do.”
“I am very happy for you and for my aunt,” Georgiana replied hastily.
Her cheeks turned bright pink, but whether that was from her statement—which was hardly cause for embarrassment—or because of the handsome young gentleman and his sister who took seats near them after exchanging a few words with Lady Romsley, Elizabeth did not know.
They received two more sets of callers before the countess glanced at the mantel clock and announced, “That is the end of it. For today!” She exhaled as one would after a great exertion—and although the last hours had not involved a physical exercise, they had taken effort.
She regarded Elizabeth and Georgiana, still sitting together on a brocade settee, and said, “I was a little surprised by the number of young gentlemen who accompanied their mothers, aunts, and was it one or two grandmothers? Upon reflection, I should not have been. There will be a great deal of interest in you”— she nodded at Elizabeth— “given your connexions. My husband, brother, and Mr Bennet are sorting out your fortune, as you know, and once that is all settled, it will add to your attractions.” Turning to her other niece, she smiled reassuringly.
“You need not worry overmuch about it just yet, Georgiana, but I know you are aware how many men will want to earn your favour, given your position in life. Both of you will have to be careful and allow your relations to guide you regarding which suitors are worthy of you.”
For some reason, Georgiana hung her head and said, her words barely audible, “Yes, Aunt.”
Lady Romsley stood. “I shall leave you two to become better acquainted. I believe your brother will return to collect you in about half an hour.” She patted Georgiana’s cheek and said gently, “You are a good girl, and you know we all love you very much.”
With that, she left the drawing room.
Georgiana appeared mortified; Elizabeth did not understand why. The young lady’s chin was so low it touched her chest, and her countenance was pale.
Attempting to lighten the heavy atmosphere, Elizabeth adopted a light tone and said, “I hate to comment on what other people wear, but did you see how elaborate and large Mr Crone’s cravat was?
I am surprised he could breathe properly, but evidently he can, given how loquacious he was. ” She laughed.
Although Georgiana peeked at her, she did not lift her chin. Elizabeth struggled with what to say next, but before she could decide, her companion spoke, her voice so soft that Elizabeth had to lean towards her to catch the words.
“You must wonder at what my aunt said. I-I nearly made a very silly mistake last summer, one that would have had horrible consequences for me and my family.” Again, she glanced at Elizabeth.
“I almost did what your mother and father did, but he was not in love with me, although I believed he was. His only interest was my fortune, and he hates my brother, so marrying me would have been revenge, I suppose. Though my brother has done nothing wrong,” she added insistently.
“He is so good, to me especially. Everyone who knows of my stupidity has been forgiving, more than I deserve.”
To say Elizabeth was shocked would not adequately capture what she felt.
Georgiana was hardly more than a child! How had the scoundrel been able to approach her, let alone almost convince her to elope?
She should be surprised at how wicked people could be, but she was not.
Georgiana’s example showed the importance of arming young women against the dangers they might encounter.
Briefly, Elizabeth’s thoughts went to her cousins at Longbourn, especially the youngest two, who might easily be swayed by a handsome countenance and insincere flattery.
At the moment, however, her attention should be on reassuring Georgiana, and Elizabeth did exactly that for the next while.
Slowly, the younger lady explained the circumstances—her stay in Ramsgate and a companion who was in league with the man, whom Georgiana had known all her life.
The tale helped Elizabeth understand that Mr Darcy, Fitzwilliam, and the remainder of their family had not been negligent in caring for Georgiana, which was a relief.
“Thank you for telling me,” Elizabeth said, her hand lightly resting on Georgiana’s hands, clasped in her lap. “How awful it must have been for you! To be deceived in such a fashion. I thank God you did not go to Scotland with him.”
Shyly, Georgiana looked at her. “I-I thought you should know. Not everyone in my family does, but the earl and countess and Bramwell do, as well as my aunt and uncle Darcy and Rebecca. They, along with my brother and Fitzwilliam, have taught me not to hate myself too much.” Her eyes widened and filled with concern.
“You are staying, are you not? With Lady Romsley, I mean. Or are you going back to your mother’s people? ”
In an attempt to brighten the mood after their distressing conversation, Elizabeth adopted a cheerful tone.
“Your brother did not tell you? I was certain he knows that I have promised to go to Hillsdale in January. I am anxious to do so. I want to meet my uncle Sterling and his family and see where my father lived. After that, the countess has invited me to go to Romsley Hall with them, and I have accepted. None of you are getting rid of me anytime soon!”
Smiling, Georgiana tentatively said, “I am glad. There are not so many young ladies in the family. N-Not that we are related.”
“Not by blood, perhaps,” Elizabeth agreed. “But we share a connexion, and since the Darcys and Fitzwilliams are on such intimate terms, we are as good as family.”
Her words evidently pleased Georgiana, and they were able to speak on easier topics—chiefly her impressions of Romsley Hall—for the few minutes they had before Mr Darcy came to collect his sister.
Given the hour, the brother and sister did not remain, giving them all adequate time to prepare for the dinner at Mr and Mrs Frederick Darcy’s house.
Returning to her apartment, Elizabeth reflected on what Georgiana had told her.
It was an odd coincidence that she had nearly eloped, just as Elizabeth’s parents had.
Only a single generation apart, there had been two elopements—one fortunately thwarted—in the same family.
There might even be more she did not know about.
I wonder how common it is for couples to decide to marry in such a fashion.
Had Georgiana’s situation possibly made it easier for everyone to overlook what Elizabeth’s parents had done?
Whatever had made them so ready to accept her, she once again gave her thanks.