Chapter 16
With her sisters as bridesmaids, Jane walked down the aisle of St. George’s Church dressed in her best gown—pale blue silk draped over a white petticoat tiered with lace. A cascade of curls topped her head, white roses woven through them like a tiara.
Lizzy’s heart fluttered as Jane took her place next to Bingley. Standing up with him, Darcy and Hurst wore black wool and white linen.
With a thrill in her stomach, Lizzy met Darcy’s eye. She looked away as a faint flush of heat washed over her cheekbones. He looked unbearably handsome, his face enlivened by real happiness. Would the two of them be in this position a few weeks hence?
Despite the understanding between them, it would be foolish to take him for granted. She ought to do more to express her appreciation. No suitor could be expected to go to the lengths he had.
His efforts to restore Jane’s good name had proven his devotion. Lizzy must do something in return. But what?
The bridal couple exchanged their vows and signed the register. Before Lizzy could even comprehend it, the ceremony was over. Jane was married!
Wickham hadn’t shown his face, and Caroline had done nothing to prevent the proceedings. Was that it, then? They’d given up, and all their scheming had come to nought?
Somehow, Lizzy couldn’t believe that.
Wickham still wanted to ruin Darcy. Caroline still wanted Darcy for herself. If they were working together, they might have some other plot underway.
A shudder ran down her spine. If Caroline saw Lizzy as a rival, might she not scheme against her? Lizzy didn’t fear the loss of her reputation or of Darcy’s esteem. He knew better than to believe whatever nonsense Caroline and Wickham could concoct.
A greater fear was for her safety, should Wickham turn desperate. She must be ready for anything. The extra footmen her uncle had hired had accompanied the Bennet sisters to the church. But what would happen now that Jane was married?
Before Lizzy could follow that train of thought, Darcy came to her side. On his arm was a tall, pretty girl of about Lydia’s age.
The girl must be his sister, for the family resemblance was remarkable. She was blonde, her face heart-shaped rather than square-jawed—but all her other features were a softer, more feminine version of Darcy.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” he said, “may I present Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
They curtseyed and expressed their delight in meeting at last. Their words spilled out so freely they couldn’t help talking over each other.
Georgiana introduced her companion, Mrs. Annesley. The woman was younger than Lizzy expected—about Darcy’s age. She was dressed simply but stylishly. The ivory tones of her dress complemented her warm brown complexion.
Mrs. Annesley was so welcoming and pretty, Lizzy felt a brief pang of jealousy. This woman lived with Darcy, shared meals with him. But of course Darcy wouldn’t dally with someone in his employ. Lizzy pushed the thought from her mind.
She rode with them to Darcy House, where the wedding breakfast would be held. As they settled into the carriage, Georgiana took the place next to Mrs. Annesley. That meant Darcy sat next to Lizzy. She had no complaints about that. She settled comfortably into the buff leather squabs.
Georgiana said, “I look forward to getting to know Miss Bennet—that is, Mrs. Bingley! I wish I could have met her before today. I’ve known Mr. Bingley since I was nine or ten, and he’s like a brother to me.”
“Jane will be happy to know you better,” Lizzy replied. “As will I. Your brother speaks of you constantly.”
She blushed. “I can’t imagine why. There is not much to talk about.”
“Georgiana,” Darcy said. “I’m responsible for your happiness. I’d be remiss in my duties if I didn’t keep your well-being foremost in my mind.”
“What he means to say,” Lizzy added, “is that he loves you very much.”
The two Darcys blushed at that, whilst Mrs. Annesley gave Lizzy a knowing smile.
Lizzy said to the older woman, “How long have you been with Miss Darcy?”
“Nearly a year. Her cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, was my late husband’s commanding officer. After I lost Mr. Annesley on the Peninsula, the colonel thought I might suit as Miss Darcy’s new companion.”
“She’s the best companion I could hope for!” Georgiana declared. “More friend than governess.”
“Miss Darcy requires little governing.” Mrs. Annesley smiled affectionately. “She enjoys her studies. She has no rebellion in her—she’s curious but cautious.”
Her words took Lizzy aback. Surely the plan to elope with Wickham had shown some hint of rebellion. But then, had not Wickham told her he’d secured her brother’s permission? That showed gullibility, perhaps, but not a rebellious spirit. Quite the opposite, even.
Georgiana shook her head. “Mrs. Annesley exaggerates. I’m not as good as she suggests. When I was with Mrs. Younge, I was much more contrary.”
“Maybe that had more to do with Mrs. Younge than with you,” Lizzy gently suggested. “From what your brother has told me, she wasn’t as devoted to your welfare as she should have been.”
Darcy let out a guttural sound, almost a growl. “She was not.”
Georgiana’s eyes widened. “Oh.” She gazed at Lizzy. Her eyes shone with tears.
Mrs. Annesley said nothing, but her lips set into a grim line. Apparently, she was privy to what had happened under Mrs. Younge’s watch.
Lizzy reached across the carriage and placed her hand atop Georgiana’s. “Please don’t distress yourself. A man you trusted victimised you. You’re not to blame. And I shan’t tell another soul without permission from you and your brother.”
Georgiana turned to Darcy. “You trust her, then.”
“I do.”
His words, despite their terseness, made Lizzy feel as if she were flying. Being ensconced in this little family felt right. She could envision this as her future.
They reached Darcy House, near Berkeley Square, and Lizzy stood in awe.
The large greystone structure was about twice as wide as most town houses.
Inside, the Neoclassical design gave it a grand appearance.
Yet the colourful paintings, the warm mahogany, the floral upholstery—they imparted a comforting feel.
Darcy introduced her to his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who led her into the dining room for the meal. The colonel was a tall, stocky man, though not as tall as Darcy. His erect bearing showed him every inch an earl’s son and army officer.
Lizzy sat at his left side, and Georgiana at his right. Darcy took the other seat next to his sister, at the head of the table. It wouldn’t be strictly proper, were Georgiana out. But as she was not, Lizzy appreciated seeing the girl protected by two stalwart males.
Her pleasure faded when Caroline sat across from them. She said to Fitzwilliam, “Why Colonel, how good to see you here. What is the news from the Peninsula?”
He shook his head, resignation in his features. Grimly, he said, “Valencia is still under siege. I’m afraid there’s little hope there.”
Caroline gave him a half confused, half sour look. As if she’d expected him to say the war was going along swimmingly. She turned to Georgiana. “My dear, how lovely you look. I hope your presence here means you’ll soon make your curtsey to the queen.”
“Not for the foreseeable future,” Darcy said.
Caroline tutted. “Your brother is protective. It’s an admirable quality. If he had a wife, she might convince him that young ladies ought to take their rightful place in society.”
Lizzy said, “Or she might trust Mr. Darcy’s judgment about matters relating to his sister.”
Caroline blinked rapidly. “Why Miss Bennet, I’m surprised to hear that from you. Your younger sisters all came out before the older ones had married. As I understand it, Miss Lydia is not even sixteen.”
With a napkin, Lizzy patted her lips before speaking.
“What my family has chosen for my sisters has no bearing on what is right for Miss Darcy. A young lady may have reasons for wishing to wait to make her come-out until she’s eighteen or nineteen.
” Lizzy looked towards Georgiana. “Miss Darcy, what do you think?”
“I very much wish to continue my studies. I’m determined to read The Odyssey in the original Greek, and I’ve just started learning the harp.”
Caroline gave her a feline smile. “But would you not like to attend parties?” she pressed.
“I do attend some parties,” Georgiana maintained. “Not balls or soirees, of course. But I’m content to go to afternoon affairs on my brother’s arm.”
“I’m of the same mind,” Darcy said abruptly. “The current arrangement suits me well. Georgiana will come out when she’s ready, not when society ladies believe it’s time.”
Once the meal ended, Jane and Bingley left for Netherfield. They would honeymoon there whilst Caroline and the Hursts remained in London for a week or two. The newlyweds didn’t wish to travel farther so close to Christmas. They would take a longer trip come spring.
The festivities continued after the happy couple had gone. Dancing commenced in the ballroom. Between sets, Lizzy noted Georgiana looking towards Caroline, wearing a perplexed expression. But when Caroline turned in her direction, Georgiana looked away.
Lizzy took Georgiana’s arm and led her to a window seat away from the crowd. As they sat, Lizzy asked, “Is something troubling you?”
“I shouldn’t say,” Georgiana replied, but continued to look confused and unhappy.
“I won’t judge you, nor will I repeat anything you say to me. Not even to your brother, unless I believe your safety depends on it.”
Georgiana smoothed her skirts. “I was surprised by Miss Bingley today. She has always been kind to me. But she seemed rude to you, and overbearing towards my brother. I don’t mean to be harsh. Perhaps I imagined it.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t believe you imagined anything.” Lizzy wanted to say more, but it wasn’t her place. “I’m sorry you’re feeling troubled. Talk to your brother. He can advise you about your friendship with Miss Bingley.”