Chapter 35 #2
George remained resolute about not pursuing another marriage.
His experiences with Lady Arabella had undoubtedly left their mark, but what had a more profound impact was his exposure to the materialistic and self-serving women of the ton during his time in London.
George held a deep affection for his mother and recognised her exceptional qualities, but witnessing the love between his brother and Elizabeth made it abundantly clear he aspired to a marriage of genuine affection and compatibility.
As the Master of Pemberley and now a marquess, George found himself pursued more aggressively than ever.
Eager mothers who sought to match their daughters with his title and wealth frequently orchestrated attempts to ensnare him.
There were even instances where he had to deftly evade young ladies who seemed to stumble or were surreptitiously pushed into his path, all part of a scheme to compromise him.
Regardless of the age of these prospective brides, At 33, George had little interest in entering into a union with someone barely out of girlhood at 17, regardless of her status as ‘out’.
His determination to protect his heart and find a love like his brother’s remained resolute despite the matchmaking mothers who sought to change his mind.
During their time in town, Lady Anne and all her daughters, including Elizabeth, frequently met with Mrs. Gardiner and Mary to work on their charitable pursuits.
Elizabeth had assisted her aunt when she was in town before her marriage but had not spent enough time in town in the last year to do much.
However, she did much for the tenants of their estate by sewing clothes and brought with her quite a few things she had prepared to share with the poor in London.
The younger girls had engaged in some sewing projects for the benefit of the less fortunate near Pemberley.
However, this marked the first occasion when they were permitted to accompany their mother and elder sister on visits to some of the poorer sections of London.
Since Mary had relocated to town with her aunt and uncle, she had frequently participated in such charitable endeavours with her aunt.
Now, at the age of 18, she was able to take on an even more significant role.
In approaching her seventeenth birthday, Kitty was afforded more responsibility compared to the two youngest girls, who were merely 15 years old and, on occasion, were left behind while the others ventured out.
George occasionally visited these places with the ladies to gain insight into his pet project. He hoped to introduce legislation to alleviate some of his concerns, and he and his mother often spoke to others about their charitable work to gain donations or assistance for their projects.
At one of these orphanages, George often found himself in the company of a woman he generally enjoyed speaking with.
She was known as Mrs. Hannah, the name the residents used to address her.
She was typically dressed in black, hinting at her possible widowhood or perhaps a perpetual state of mourning.
Despite her cultured accent marking her as a gentlewoman, Mrs. Hannah never flaunted her social standing.
Though of good quality, her attire was modest, avoiding any ostentatious display of wealth.
His mother and sisters adhered to a similar practice, opting for older, less fashionable clothing to downplay their affluence and status when they visited.
George estimated she was in her late twenties and found her enchanting but thought her too low for the wife of a marquess.
One afternoon, George stood in the dimly lit common room of the orphanage, surrounded by a group of children of various ages.
The air was filled with laughter and the echoing sounds of youthful voices as the orphans played together with a few worn-out toys.
As he observed the scene, Mrs. Hannah approached him.
“My Lord,” she began, her kind eyes meeting his, “is it not remarkable how these children find joy in such simplicity.”
He nodded with a warm smile. “Indeed, Mrs. Hannah. Their resilience and ability to cherish small moments are truly inspiring.”
The room buzzed with the children’s energy, and George couldn’t help but be drawn into their world. He bent down to talk to a girl with tousled hair playing with a ragged doll. “What’s your name, dear?”
She looked up at him, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Lily, m’lord.”
“Lily, that is a beautiful name,” he said kindly. “My name is George, and I have a daughter a mite younger than you. Do you like playing with your doll?”
Lily’s face lit up. “Oh, yes! She’s my best friend. I made ‘er a new dress, see?” She proudly showed him a small piece of cloth she had fashioned into a makeshift dress for the doll.
“Very impressive, Lily,” George praised her. “Your sewing skills are remarkable.”
As the orphans continued their games and laughter, Mrs. Hannah and George strolled to a quieter corner of the room.
“My Lord,” she began, “I applaud your efforts on behalf of this orphanage, but what are you doing to aid these efforts outside of your occasional visits? As a Member of Parliament, you have a significant opportunity to make changes to benefit these children. There are too many children who are out on the streets because we do not have enough places like this to house them.”
“I am well aware, madam,” George responded with a degree of formality at the unexpected censure.
“My mother and sisters are quite active in soliciting donations, visiting the poor, and even sewing clothing for those in need. As for myself, I am diligently working to rally support in parliament for our cause. Unfortunately, too many Lords are preoccupied with self-preservation rather than aiding those who are less fortunate. It is truly disheartening. Yet, I have held my title for a short time, and there are limits to what one can achieve in such a brief period.”
Mrs. Hannah sniffed. “We need significant changes. It is ‘fashionable’ for women to do as the women of your family do, but those small endeavours are not enough. We need more orphanages for the children on the street, ways to provide food and education for them, and so many other things that cannot be done with such insignificant efforts.”
“Madam, as I have said, I am doing what I can,” he said, his voice now icy. “These ‘insignificant efforts’ are making some small difference, and while I wish it were more, it is what we can do now. Do you recommend the members of parliament all turn over their houses to these people?”
“It would be something and would prevent many children from dying on the streets,” she countered.
“I must respectfully disagree,” George responded.
“Although there is always room for improvement, my family’s efforts, in the grand scheme of things, may be perceived as modest by some.
” His mother signalled for him to join her.
“Mrs. Hannah, as always, conversing with you has been a pleasure. Good day.” With a courteous bow, he left her side and moved on to join Lady Anne by the door, and he escorted her and the rest of his family outside to their carriage.
The Darcy family continued to support this orphanage and others.
George and Fitzwilliam made investments with Gardiner that would provide funds to support several orphanages and established a second fund to solicit donations from others to build or purchase additional land to build orphanages outside of town.
Gardiner identified several potential properties that could be used as schools though they would need work to make them homes for these children.
Soon, summer came, and it was time for the Darcys to depart to their estates.
Mary was to go with Elizabeth to spend some time in the country, and the Gardiners would collect her in August. Elizabeth had shared the happy news she was expecting again by the end of the year, which made Fitzwilliam push for an earlier departure from town.
At the end of the year, she and Fitzwilliam welcomed a baby girl into the world, whom they named Anne Elizabeth Darcy after her mother and grandmother.