When Mr. Bingley took the seat opposite to her in the carriage, Georgiana was relieved because it forced Will to sit next to her, and in that way, her brother would not be able to stare her down. But the ride was merely a brief respite. As soon as they arrived at Netherfield, Darcy said good night to Mr. Bingley, explaining that he needed to discuss some of the details for their early departure with his sister.
As soon as she went into the study, Georgiana poured a glass of port for her brother. After handing it to him, he gestured for her to sit down, but said nothing. In Will’s case, silence was not a good sign.
Darcy rarely raised his voice as he considered it to be a sign of weakness. If one could not present an argument without shouting the other fellow down, then his case had no merit, and it would be a sorry day if he ever raised his voice to a woman. But he was unhappy with the latest turn of events, and he was trying to cool his anger.
“Georgiana, what do you think you are playing at?” Will asked in an even but stern tone. “And do not look at me like that. You know exactly what I am talking about.”
“Since the Gardiners already had plans to go to Derbyshire, it seemed the right thing to do. I really like them, and I am already quite fond of Miss Elizabeth.”
“This is about Elizabeth, isn’t it?”
Georgiana nodded. “I think you like her very much.”
“Well, this explains some things,” he said, standing up, and he started to pace. “Up until yesterday, Miss Montford could do no wrong, but now everything has changed. She cannot sing, speaks a language which is of little benefit to anyone, and has a nose which points to the left.”
“To the right,” and Will looked at her with a blank expression. “Her nose points to the right. Whenever she visits us, she always sits in the blue chair, and her nose points toward the street.”
An exasperated Darcy sat back down on the sofa and started to rub his forehead. He was getting another headache. As soon as he had departed the Bennets’ house, he had decided he must leave Hertfordshire immediately because he could easily have asked himself the same question: What did he think he was playing at? Despite having to leave for London in two days’ time, he had flirted with Elizabeth. It could not be construed in any other way.
“Will, you do not love Miss Montford,” Georgiana said, while moving to the sofa and putting her hand on his.
“No. I do not. But marriages between members of the upper class have very little to do with love. They are alliances made for financial considerations or dynastic or political reasons. Love may follow, but it is not the overriding reason for a man and woman to marry. You have been out in society long enough to know that.”
Georgiana was ready for this argument, as she had spent the previous night in her bedchamber thinking of little else.
“You have told me that the investments you made through Mr. Bingley’s financial advisor have provided you with handsome returns, so money is not the issue here. Nor is it politics, as you are a Whig and Sir John is a Tory. That leaves dynastic considerations. I understand you are the last male Darcy. If you do not produce an heir, I must leave Pemberley as David Ashton will inherit. Because of that, you have decided you must avoid doing anything that may affect my prospects in the event such a thing should happen. What we are discussing here is a matter of precedence—where my place at the table would be—below the salt as it were.”
Darcy nodded, saying nothing, as he was afraid his voice would crack. He had a little sister no longer. She was an adult with full powers of reasoning and persuasion, which had lain hidden because of the playfulness of her manners.
“If I were not a consideration, would you marry Elizabeth Bennet?” Georgiana asked.
“No, I cannot,” he said, shaking his head. “You must understand that there was no mistaking my particular attention to Miss Montford during the season. Our names have been linked together in the newspapers. To withdraw at this point would be dishonorable as she would be acutely embarrassed.” After taking a drink, he added, “It is too late, Georgiana. It cannot be undone.”
Georgiana stood up. “I am very tired, and we have an early start.” After refilling Will’s glass, she concluded by saying, “You do understand she will know. Oh, I am sure it will never be discussed openly, but Miss Montford will know you do not love her,” and she went quietly out the door.
When Georgiana awoke, it was nearly 10:00, and she quickly called for Mrs. Brotherton. Her brother would not be happy that she was so late in getting ready.
“Miss Georgiana, Mr. Darcy departed hours ago, but he left you this note.”
Dear Georgie,
After thinking about our plans, I decided that it made no sense for you to go back to London, only to return to Netherfield in a few days. I will have Macy gather whatever she thinks is necessary and will send it to you by way of the Gardiners, and I will ask the Gardiners to use my carriage. Although I am sure they own a fine conveyance, I will rest easier if I know you are in our carriage. I will also send Mercer with you.
I know that last year you were alone at Pemberley after Mr. Ferguson’s wife died, and I remember your words. “Yes, I will be alone, that is, if you do not count Mr. Jackson, Mrs. Bradshaw, Mrs. Reynolds, the grooms, the maids, the footmen, etc.” Besides, I am quite confident that you are capable of executing your responsibilities as mistress of Pemberley.
Please instruct Belling that he is to see that Mr. Gardiner is properly outfitted and that he should send one of the grooms who is familiar with all of the best fishing spots. I suggest Avery or Cubbins. I doubt the Gardiners ride, and the only comment Elizabeth made about riding in my presence was that she manages not to fall off the horse. Therefore, I think it will be sufficient for you to have Belling take them into the District by wagon, but Mrs. Bradshaw will need to prepare a simple repast for them to take with them.
You should meet with Jackson, Mrs. Bradshaw, and Mrs. Reynolds as soon after your arrival as possible as they will need sufficient notice to provide for our guests. I will post a letter to Jackson as soon as I arrive in London, and he will inform the staff.
Regarding last night, I have one more thing to add. With rank comes privilege, but it also comes with responsibilities as well as a code of conduct.
Love, Will
P.S. Bingley is to bring the Crenshaws to Netherfield, but he has promised he will not do so until you are safely on the road to Pemberley.
Georgiana laughed at her brother’s comments. He was confident in her abilities to host a party for a grand total of three people, but felt the need to provide instructions anyway. As to Will’s business in London, since she could do nothing about the situation with Miss Montford, she would not think about it. Instead, she would enjoy the company of the woman he really loved.