Chapter One Hundred and Five
Georgiana understood what Elizabeth had explained, of course.
What George had done to her was not, in any way, an act of love; surely it could not be compared to what passed between a happily married couple such as Brother and Lizzy.
This is what Mrs. Bennet had said as well.
There; that made a good deal of sense. Surely now that she understood the situation better, she would begin to feel more her old self!
She received a letter from Anne about the ball at Rosings Park.
Dear Georgiana,
We had the ball, and it was a good deal of fun! I danced every dance, and did not fall down or embarrass myself even once! The next day, the house was full of callers. Every gentleman I danced with came and brought me little posies!
I told Mother that I am ready for a London Season now, and it turns out that she never had any intention of giving me one! No, she wished me to choose one of the local gentlemen instead! Have you ever heard anything so dreadful? I am so angry that I could just – spit!
I think of writing to Aunt Eleanor to get her support. What do you think? Would she not agree with me?
And might you not have your come-out now as well? We could go to balls and teas and musical evenings together! Would that not be wonderful?
Your loving cousin,
Anne
It seemed that Anne had had a splendid time, so much so that she was now thinking of going to London! Who would ever have imagined Aunt Catherine hosting a ball?! And who could ever have imagined shy Anne de Bourgh wanting a Season? She would reply to Anne at once.
Dear Anne,
The ball sounded ever so exciting! I wish we could have attended, but Brother says we have been gone from Pemberley too long already. I suppose that is true, for he left for Netherfield Park in September, and we returned in January. I am glad, of course, because now we have Lizzy here with us.
Lizzy has been wonderful! I know Mrs. Reynolds is entirely pleased to have someone to share the burden of household responsibilities, and she praises “the new Mrs. Darcy,” as she continues to call Lizzy, to the very skies.
Lizzy learnt how to be the mistress of an estate from her mother but, of course, Longbourn is nothing to Pemberley, and she finds herself occupied nearly all day long with her tasks.
Still, she and Brother seem to find time to be together. I have never seen Brother so happy! I am, of course, delighted for them both.
Georgiana paused. This was not entirely true, she thought. She was happy to have Lizzy at Pemberley, of course, but how was it fair that Brother was happier than he had ever been before, while Georgiana was…she pushed the thought away and returned to her paper.
I do hope you will write and tell me more about the ball! Who did you dance with? Did you like any of the gentlemen present? Did anyone call on you later, after that first day? I have a hundred questions!
And yes, I think you should write to Aunt Eleanor! I do not doubt that she would be happy to host you. As for myself, though, I do not think I am quite ready for a Season.
Your loving cousin,
Georgiana
Georgiana closed her eyes and imagined herself in London. There would be a good many shopping trips, and endless heaps of new clothes, and dancing –
Her eyes snapped open. Dancing! Being touched by men! Hands held…hands held down, rocks underneath her! She shook her head violently and threw herself face down on her bed.