Chapter Fifty-Two
Mr. Darcy stood at the entrance to the drawing room, listening to his sister and Miss Bingley at the pianoforte.
They were, evidently, working out a tricky fingering problem.
Mr. Darcy shook his head in amazement; he would never have imagined a world in which Miss Bingley and Georgiana were good friends!
This trip to Hertfordshire had proven to be the best possible choice for his sister’s well-being.
He very much feared that telling Georgiana that George Wickham was dead would bring all the memories back, undoing the good that had been done these past weeks. But Richard was right; hearing the news in a public environment would be far worse.
He became aware that the music had stopped and the two pianists were looking at him. “Brother? Are you well?” Georgiana’s voice was anxious.
“I am, yes.”
“You look worried.”
“Oh! No, not at all. I had hoped for a minute of your time, Georgiana.”
“Of course. Caroline, might we resume our work together later today?”
“Certainly, Georgiana.”
The two were on a first-name basis! Truly, it was astonishing. Mr. Darcy led his sister upstairs. By the time they reached Georgiana’s room, she was concerned.
“Something is clearly wrong, William,” Georgiana said, her voice tense. “Tell me what it is at once, please.”
“I think something is actually right instead of wrong. Georgiana, this may be a bit of a shock, but I will just say it.” He stopped and swallowed before continuing. “Wickham is dead.”
Georgiana’s face went white and she swayed on her feet. Mr. Darcy led her to a chair and sat her down.
“Was it you?” she whispered, staring up at him.
“It was not, though I rather wish it had been.”
“Richard?”
“Yes.”
For a moment, Georgiana thought she might faint with shock. But then, unexpectedly, she imagined what Lydia would do just now. With her friend in mind, she found herself sitting upright, and saying, quite firmly, “Good.”
“Good?” Mr. Darcy was stupefied.
Georgiana squared her slim shoulders. “Yes, of course. George will not be able to whisper about me now, will he! And it is only what he deserves.”
Mr. Darcy hardly knew what to think. He had anticipated tears, perhaps even hysterics, but this calm, cool acceptance – nay, approbation!
– was most unexpected. He recalled, suddenly, Miss Elizabeth saying that women could be rational creatures, and he found himself nodding.
Georgiana’s reaction was certainly rational.
Then he told her, “Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary happened upon them, just after – well, just after.”
Georgiana’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, heavens!”
“Yes; evidently Miss Mary recognised the Colonel, despite his disguise, and clapped her hand over her sister’s mouth to prevent a scream. And then they intercepted some people walking down the street so that Richard would have time to make his escape.”
“They can be trusted, Brother, I am certain.”
Mr. Darcy nodded in agreement. “You will doubtless hear talk about a Lieutenant George Wickham found dead in an alley, Georgiana. We will show a normal amount of concern and curiousity, but nothing more.”
“I understand, Brother.” She hesitated. “What of Mrs. Younge?”
“Richard was able to learn her whereabouts before…before.”
“What will you do?”
“I do not yet know,” Mr. Darcy said. “I can hardly tell Richard to put a knife through her gut.”
“Where is she?”
“In a boarding house in Spitalfield, evidently.”
“Will you tell me what you decide to do about her?”
“If you wish it, certainly.”
“Thank you, William. I will rejoin Caroline, I think.”
Mr. Darcy watched his sister pat down her skirts and then walk briskly out of the room. She was becoming quite the grown-up young lady!
Mr. Darcy followed his sister downstairs and found Mr. Bingley awaiting him.
“Will you come into the drawing room with me, Darcy?”
“Of course.” Mr. Darcy followed his friend into the drawing room to find Miss Bingley and the Hursts already there. Mr. Bingley was evidently about to make a proclamation of some sort, so Mr. Darcy sat in a chair to await events.
“I have waited long enough!” he declared.
“Very well,” Mr. Hurst said. “For what?”
“To ask Miss Bennet to marry me! If there are any family objections, you may voice them now, but I warn you that I will not be deterred from my aim.” He looked around the room, his stance almost aggressive.
Mrs. Hurst spoke first. “Jane Bennet would be very welcome.”
Mr. Hurst nodded his agreement.
All eyes turned to Miss Bingley.
She smiled at her brother and said, “If you are happy, then so am I.”
“So – no objection to the match?” Mr. Bingley’s surprise was evident.
“Of course not. She is a perfectly lovely person, and I will be happy to call her my sister.”
There was a minute of silence, as everyone absorbed this unexpected show of support.
Mr. Bingley straightened up and said, “Right! I am off at once to speak with Mr. Bennet!”
“I will come with – “ Mr. Darcy stopped himself. Had he actually about to say that he would come with Bingley to speak with Mr. Bennet as well, asking permission to marry Miss Elizabeth?!
“Darcy?” Mr. Bingley turned to look at him.
“Never mind, Bingley. Good luck!”