Chapter Fifty-One
Georgiana decided to put Anne’s idea of having George be invited to tea into action immediately. Surely Miss Bingley could be of use, since she had decided to be Netherfield’s hostess.
“Miss Bingley, I wondered if I might have a moment of your time.”
“Of course, Miss Darcy.”
“I have a …a friend who is here in Meryton, and I would like to invite him to tea.”
“Him? A man?”
“He is in the militia, actually, but he and I grew up together.”
“I am not certain that I understand, Miss Darcy,” Miss Bingley said, blankly. “You wish to have a militiaman come to tea? Likely his commander would not even permit it! And does Mr. Darcy know of your desire to have him come here?”
Georgiana had a sudden feeling that involving Miss Bingley had not been such a good idea after all, but she pushed on, determinedly. “Well, that is the difficulty, Miss Bingley. He and my brother had a falling out, and I am trying to mend fences.”
Miss Bingley said, “I see. Well, I will seek Mr. Darcy’s permission before proceeding.”
“No, no, that is the problem! My brother will not consent, and so the fences will never be mended!”
“You seem greatly agitated, Miss Darcy. I truly do wish to be of help to you, but you must see that I do not wish to cross your brother. He is your guardian, after all. I tell you what I shall do, then; I will ask my own brother’s opinion of the matter. Will that satisfy you?”
Georgiana saw no choice; she agreed.
***
“She wants what?” Mr. Bingley actually yelled at his sister.
Caroline backed up two paces. “She only wants to invite the man to tea, in the hopes that he and Mr. Darcy will –“
He interrupted her. “No. Absolutely not. Never, ever, under any circumstances whatsoever, and most certainly not when Miss Darcy is present.”
Miss Bingley bowed her head. “Charles, I had no idea –“
“I know you did not. I apologise for raising my voice, Caroline. But you must tell Miss Darcy that it is completely impossible.”
***
“I feared as much,” a crestfallen Georgiana said, when Miss Bingley reported the conversation to her. “I see that my brother has already prejudiced Mr. Bingley against Mr. Wickham. But I thank you for making the effort.”
***
Dear Anne,
I raised the idea of having Mr. Wickham come to tea with Miss Bingley, and she said that she would have to tell Brother. I begged her not to, and then she said that she would speak to her own brother about it. But it seems that Brother had already biased Mr. Bingley against my poor George.
I did not think the idea would work, and I was right.
Mr. Bingley said Mr. Wickham was never to come to Netherfield.
I suppose the only way I will be able to see him is to go to Meryton.
Of course, I cannot go to the encampment, but it seems that George spends a good deal of time in town; with any luck at all, I will see him there again!
Your loving cousin,
Georgiana