An Unlikely Duet

Lelia M. Silver

 

Pemberley was now Georgiana’s home; and the attachment of the sisters was exactly what Darcy had hoped to see. They were able to love each other, even as well as they intended. Georgiana had the highest opinion in the world of Elizabeth; though at first she often listened with an astonishment bordering on alarm at her lively, sportive manner of talking to her brother. He, who had always inspired in herself a respect which almost overcame her affection, she now saw the object of open pleasantry. Her mind received knowledge which had never before fallen in her way. By Elizabeth’s instructions she began to comprehend that a woman may take liberties with her husband, which a brother will not allow in a sister more than ten years younger than himself. –Pride and Prejudice

Prologue

I do not claim the talent of being able to converse easily with strangers. I do not have the easy wit and vivacity that my sister does. I cannot claim the attention of the room with a glance or gain the admiration of many with a comment. If I did, perhaps my emergence among the ton would not be so taxing. As it is, I would much rather spend my days here at Pemberley, among my family, than in the finest ballrooms of London. Perhaps if society could see me here, with those I love, they would not judge me so harshly.

Georgiana Darcy looked up from her journal as the sounds of laughter filtered through the open window. Rising from her desk, she moved to stand at the window, looking down at the gardens below. With a content smile, she watched as her brother frolicked on the lawn with his 4 year-old daughter, while Elizabeth looked on from her seat nearby, holding a sleeping, 8 month-old William Darcy. The five years since his marriage had seen Fitzwilliam Darcy become a different man than he once was.

Although Georgiana had always known her brother to be a caring, warm individual, he had blossomed into an openly affectionate man. Where he had once been somber and taciturn, he was now rarely without a smile on his face. Elizabeth had been good for him, as she had been for Georgiana.

Georgiana smiled as she remembered how Elizabeth had drawn her out, boosting her confidence with the local society and then making her laugh at the ridiculousness of the ton during her first season in London. Of course, even having Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam at her side had not made that first season, or any of the subsequent ones, easy. While she had been touted as one of the beauties of that first season, and her wealth had drawn several suitors, her shyness had led many to proclaim her to be proud and aloof. Among those who hadn’t been put off by her closed demeanor, most had been fortune hunters or rakes. None had managed to make it past her uneasiness among company to see the real woman underneath.

So, here she was, still unmarried at almost twenty-two, dreading the whispers and giggles that another season would bring. But that was still months away, and so Georgiana determinedly turned her thoughts back to the pleasant scene outside her window.

Returning to her desk, she closed the journal on the disconsolate thoughts it held, and went to join her brother and his wife in the gardens below.

Chapter 1

Elizabeth Darcy smiled at Georgiana as she settled into the chair the servants had placed next to her. “I see you’ve finally decided to join us. I’m amazed you were able to concentrate on your correspondence with all the noise your brother and Thea are making!”

Georgiana smiled back. “It did make it a little difficult, but once I was finished I couldn’t resist the chance to be a part of all the laughter.” She gestured to the sleeping baby on her sister’s lap. “I am surprised that little William here was able to sleep through it all!”

Elizabeth laughed. “He always has been able to sleep through anything!” She glanced up as her husband approached them, carrying a grinning Thea on his shoulders. “Your brother received a letter from Mr. Bingley this morning. I suspect he’s decided that there is no time like the present to share its contents with you.”

Darcy settled himself on a nearby bench, handing off his daughter to the waiting nurse. He grinned wryly at his wife. “You are indeed correct, my dear, although I’m shocked I was able to make out any of the message Bingley was trying to convey.”

Having seen a few of Bingley’s mangled missives, Georgiana and Elizabeth shared a smile.

“Thankfully, I also received a letter from Jane this morning that clarified a few of the points Charles was trying to make,” Elizabeth added. “They have invited us to come visit them for a few weeks at Chetborn.”

“Apparently Jane is missing her sister terribly and requires her presence,” Darcy teased. Sobering, he continued, “However, and this may affect our decision to accept or not, Caroline Crosby and her husband will also be visiting during that time frame.”

He looked at his wife. “I realize you and Caroline have not always been on the best of terms, but I know you, too, have been missing your sister. The real question is: are we willing to put up with her company in order to be able to enjoy the Bingleys’? Her husband, Mr. Crosby, really isn’t a bad sort of chap. He may have only married her for her money and to have a trophy on his arm, but he’s an intelligent man, who cares for his tenants. I believe I would enjoy the chance to get to know him better. But in the end, I would never want you to feel uncomfortable, my dear.”

Elizabeth leaned back in her seat and gently rubbed her son’s back as he started to stir on her lap. She pondered her husband’s words for a few moments, and then spoke decidedly, “I think I can handle Caroline in exchange for the chance to see Jane again. It has been far too long.” She turned her attention to Georgiana. “What do you think, dear? Would you be terribly uncomfortable if Caroline were to be in attendance?”

Georgiana hesitated, remembering a few of her run-ins with the legendary Caroline Bingley, and a few of the stories Elizabeth had shared with her. “I would never want to separate Elizabeth from her sister.” She glanced at her brother. “And as most of Caroline’s scorn is directed toward Elizabeth, and not toward me, I cannot say that I am opposed to the idea of a visit. In fact, I believe I would enjoy seeing little Geoffrey again.”

Elizabeth and Darcy both smiled at the thought of their precocious nephew. He was going to give Charles and Jane a run for their money, especially as they tended to dote upon their only child. Being not a little spoilt, and entirely too adorable for his own good, he had the entire household wrapped around his little finger.

“Jane’s letter mentioned that he had been up to some mischief,” Elizabeth said. “Apparently, something involving a missing feather duster and a bust of Charles’ late father. It has been rather bad of me to leave her for so long. You know neither she nor Charles have the disposition to guide young Geoffrey. They are entirely too kind and laid-back for their own well-being.”

Elizabeth glanced down at the quiet baby on her lap, who was trying unsuccessfully to cram his toes into his mouth, and laughed before continuing ruefully, “I always thought we would be the ones with the wild, uncontrollable children, while Jane and Charles’ children would be well-mannered and orderly. I dare say had they known what was in store they might not have wanted children at all!”

The three adults shared a laugh, but Elizabeth’s smile was tinged with sadness. Unlike the others, she knew that while Jane loved the son she did have, she desperately wished for another child. When Jane and Charles had visited after young Will had been born, Jane had stared longingly at the baby. When her sister pressed her, she admitted that she and Charles had been trying unsuccessfully to have another child. Elizabeth hoped that this visit wouldn’t be a painful reminder to Jane of what she didn’t have.

She turned her attention back to her husband as he rose.

He stretched, and then said, “I’ll write to Charles and let him know when to expect us. Would one week from today be sufficient for all your preparations?”

Elizabeth nodded. “That should give me enough time to talk to Mrs. Reynolds and get everything together for the children.”

Darcy turned to his sister. “Will that work for you as well, Georgiana?”

Georgiana tilted her head and answered with a smile, “As my affairs are much less difficult to arrange than Elizabeth’s, I’d say that a week will be more than sufficient.”

Darcy rubbed his hands together, pleased. “Excellent.” He bent over to kiss his wife’s cheek, and then continued, “Now, I have some business with my steward that I’ve been neglecting this morning, so I will leave you ladies to your own devices. I probably won’t be able to wrap this up before supper, so don’t expect me for tea.”

With that, he strode off toward the house. Georgiana tilted her head back, basking in the warmth of the sun’s rays on her face.

“You know what your Aunt Catherine would say about sitting out here in the sun like that,” Elizabeth teased.

Georgiana smiled, and without opening her eyes replied, “You should know by now that I’ve never had any interest in my Aunt’s opinions, as free with them as she is. I’d much rather enjoy the warmth of the sun with those I love than sit in a dreary drawing room by myself.”

She opened her eyes and grinned mischievously. “I daresay if Aunt Catherine would take my advice on the subject she would be a much happier person.” She continued with feigned sorrow, “But, alas, she insists on holing herself away with that dreadful parson of hers.”

Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled. “Ah, but don’t forget that she is doing the rest of us a favor by keeping my cousin occupied. Without Lady Catherine, I have no doubt that he would be accosting us quite regularly with his presence, seeing as how my husband is the illustrious Mr. Darcy of Pemberley.”

Georgiana giggled as she pictured the ridiculous Mr. Collins following around her tall, dignified brother, extolling his many virtues. “I suppose then we’ll have to thank my aunt for her self-sacrificing spirit. I don’t imagine Fitzwilliam would remain civil long under his constant attentions.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “No, I don’t think he would, although your dear brother would try, for my sake. Frankly, I think we all would be avoiding him. The only one who could stand him would be little William here, and only then because he could sleep through anything!” She sighed. “I do wish there were some way I could see my dear Charlotte again without the inconvenience of having to also see Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine!”

Georgiana patted her comfortingly on the shoulder, and then resumed her previous position, closing her eyes against the sun. “I suppose you will just have to be content with your spinster of a sister for company.” She peeked out from beneath her lashes and said wickedly, “Or you can always seek out Caroline Crosby for company. I’m sure she would love to be known as one of your dearest confidantes.”

Elizabeth snorted. “Yes, I’m sure she would love to be able to spread gossip about me among the ton, while using my position to climb up the social ladder.” She looked over at her sister-in-law and smiled. “No, I find I am quite content with your company, my dear Georgiana. I fear Pemberley will not be the same when you’ve left us to start your own family.”

Georgiana smiled ruefully. “Well, I don’t think that you need to fear that will happen anytime soon. I have yet to find any man that could tempt me to leave the comfortable situation I have here at Pemberley. I’m beginning to think there isn’t one who exists.”

Elizabeth leaned over and patted her arm. “I know you will find the right man someday. I never thought I would end up married at all, much less to the illustrious Mr. Darcy. Love has a funny sense of timing. It likes to sneak up on you when you are least expecting it and hit you over the head. Just be patient and wait for the right man to come along. I want you to have the love and respect in your marriage that your brother and I have. I would have you settle for nothing less.”

Georgiana caught Elizabeth’s hand as she pulled it away and squeezed it. “Brother and you have quite spoiled me for the marriage market. After seeing the joy in your marriage, I could not possibly settle for anything less.”

Elizabeth squeezed her hand back and changed the subject, “Did you hear that Mr. Brightmore is selling his estate, Wylington? Apparently, Mrs. Brightmore has always wanted to live in Bath and Mr. Brightmore has finally given in and agreed to purchase a house there.”

“I’ve often heard Mrs. Brightmore speak of longing to move there. I’m not surprised they’ve finally decided to go. I understand she grew up near the city and has always loved it. Perhaps the hot springs there will be good for Mr. Brightmore’s rheumatism. You know the cold winters here have become increasingly difficult for him,” Georgiana replied.

Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, and it would be a good place for the young Misses Brightmore to make their introduction into society. I’m sure their parents took that into account as well when making their decision. I will be sad to see them go. I suppose we could not be so fortunate as to have the new owners also be such good neighbors.”

“We can only hope we will find them to be half so kind and good-natured,” Georgiana agreed. “Do you think it will be on the market for long?”

Elizabeth shrugged. “It is hard to say. We are out of the way here in Derbyshire, so there are many who would hesitate to be so far from society. However, there are quite a few men out there looking to become landowners and step up in society. I guess only time will tell.”

“I hope it is a family,” Georgiana pondered. “It would be nice to have some young children in the area for Will and Thea to play with as they get older.”

“Yes, your brother and you are far too serious. They need someone that will encourage them to be silly, as children ought to be,” Elizabeth replied, with a twinkle in her eye.

Georgiana laughed. “I fear you must think my childhood was very dull indeed! But never fear, Sister, I think you have brought out the child in us all!” She stood, and looked around her. “I think I am going to take a turn among the gardens. Would you like to join me?”

Elizabeth stood, moving Will onto her hip. “No, I need to give this one over to his nurse and speak with Mrs. Reynolds about a few things. Will you be back in time for tea?”

Georgiana nodded. “Of course, as long as I don’t lose track of time.” She smiled wryly. “You know I often do.”

Elizabeth agreed, “If you haven’t returned before then I will send one of the servants to collect you. Enjoy your walk.”

Georgiana bid her farewell and turned to make her way down to the gardens below. She made her way through the elaborate topiaries and rose gardens, past the flowering bushes and the creeping vines, to her favorite place, a small sort of wilderness well past the main gardens. Wildflowers grew rampant and a small bubbling brook coursed its path through the tall grasses.

She grazed her fingers along the flowers as she passed. Bright black-eyed Susans and dainty Queen Anne’s lace danced in her wake. Periwinkle chicory stood staunchly along the path, ignoring her presence, while the airy daisies laughed up at her.

A small copse of trees blocked her from the sight of anyone in the house. She sat down at the base of one of the trees, and glancing around to make sure no one was around, took off her stockings and shoes and slid her feet into the refreshing waters of the brook. She leaned her head back against the trunk of the tree and smiled.

Lately, she had been feeling discontent, restless, trapped, and unable to move forward with her life, as much as she longed to. As much as Georgiana enjoyed being with her family, especially since the addition of her niece and nephew, she wanted to have a home of her own. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam had never made her feel unwelcome at Pemberley, but she knew that she wanted to be the mistress of her own life. She hated this waiting, not knowing what the future held, and wished she could hurry it along somehow. Her discontent had been slowly growing until it haunted her, a constant reminder that she, Georgiana Darcy, was missing out on something in her life.

But here, among the trees, listening to the babble of the brook and the chirping of the crickets, those thoughts receded and she could feel at peace, at least for awhile. She knew it couldn’t last; Elizabeth would be sending one of the servants to find her eventually; but for the moment she relaxed and enjoyed her freedom.

Her mind drifted back to the past season, and a frown marred her face. She remembered the whispers and giggles of the young debutantes, just out, as she passed. The words, “Quite on the shelf, you know,” “arrogant, no one cares for her,” “rich as Croesus, thinks she’s so grand,” had floated to her ears. They had cut her deeply, and she knew many shared their viewpoint. She had watched as countless young ladies and young gentlemen paired off, and yet no one had sought her out for a second dance.

She knew it was mostly her fault. She was not easy in company and couldn’t seem to get past her shyness enough to converse with those she didn’t know. She had tried, and practiced, as Elizabeth had once advised her brother, but to no avail. Whenever she entered a room full of people, and felt all their eyes turn upon her, it was all she could do not to run and hide. So she dealt with the attention the same way her brother had before her: she put up a mask and hoped desperately that everyone would forget about her. But, alas, her fortune and pretty face made her unforgettable, and so the whispers had started.

She dreaded the return of another season and the derision it would bring. At least those first few seasons had held the hope of finding love and happiness. Now, she was resigned to the fact that whether or not the future held marriage for her, she would not be finding the love of her life during the season in London.

A slow smile spread across her features. Perhaps, this time Fitzwilliam would not insist upon her traveling to London for the season. If she started to get him used to the idea now, by the time spring rolled around he might be willing to forgo the trip to Town. She knew his preference was for Pemberley anyway, and now that Elizabeth had children she had no desire to be in society.

With renewed purpose, Georgiana pulled her stockings and shoes back on. She felt her hair for any misplaced strands and checked her appearance as best she could in the reflective surface of the stream. Then turning, she made her way with determined strides back to the house.

*****

Elizabeth watched from an upstairs window as Georgiana made her way back. She was concerned about her sister. Georgiana had become more and more withdrawn since their removal to Pemberley at the onset of summer. She had thrown herself into her music, taking comfort in the familiar works of Beethoven and Mozart, and holding her family at an arm’s length.

She frowned down at the familiar blonde head as it bobbed among the shrubberies. Georgiana was trying to hide it, but she sensed the restlessness and unease that reverberated from her very being. She didn’t know what to do about it. Her words could only bring a limited amount of comfort, as she knew very well.

She watched as Georgiana paused to speak with one of the gardeners. From the proud smile on the man’s face, she was no doubt complimenting him on his efforts. Elizabeth shook her head. Even with so much on her mind, her sister still had the graciousness to take an interest in those around her. She smiled sardonically. She knew of many that would not have.

The smile slowly faded from her face and she rested her forehead against the cool glass. It was only natural for Georgiana to want a home and a family of her own. Elizabeth sighed. Only time could provide the family, but perhaps it was time she talked to Fitzwilliam about releasing Georgiana’s dowry to her. She was of age, and it would allow her the independence she craved.

Elizabeth turned from the window and found a seat on the settee. Georgiana was nearly back to the house and it wouldn’t do to be caught watching her from the window.

 

© 2013 All Rights Reserved Lelia M. Silver