Pride Prejudice and Prodigy

To Town for the Season

Chapter 11 ~ To Town for the Season

“Elizabeth, my dear, have you had any success in persuading Georgiana to accompany us to town for the season?” asked her husband one evening as they relaxed in the privacy of her upstairs apartment. The Christmas festivities were now over, and their visitors all departed. In a few weeks, they would be going to London to stay at Grosvenor Square. Julia was as much decided against joining them as Georgiana. Elizabeth had not the least doubt that Julia wished to avoid meeting Colonel Fitzwilliam; and that furthermore, she had not the slightest wish of becoming acquainted with any other gentleman, which the visit to London would afford. Elizabeth would miss them both; but looked forward to seeing much of her sister, Jane, who was to be in London with Bingley, and Kitty also, who was to divide her stay in town between them.

Elizabeth shook her head. “I have made not the least headway on the subject. Regrettably, Georgiana has the Darcy stubbornness,” she said, smiling playfully.

“I believe the correct word is resolve, darling. But in any case, I have often observed that you find little difficulty in overcoming the famous Darcy resolve, when you so wish,” he said returning her sly smile. “But perhaps I am more susceptible to your charms than my sister.”

“I certainly hope so, dear. As a general rule, Georgiana is most willing to take my advice, and also that of Lady Darlington. But in this particular matter, her resolve is quite marked.”

“What I do not understand, is why she does not wish to come with us to town. I always thought that spending the season in town was the first object of every young lady, and that the prospect of a ball, given in honour of her coming out into society, was her heart's desire.”

“Your sister is not every young lady, darling. As much as you love her, I sometimes wonder if you fully appreciate her unique character. She has very strong ideas about what she wants, and is in no way influenced by the general expectations regarding a young lady of her age and station in life. One of the very first things she ever confided in me was that she had no wish to marry – ever.”

“Good heavens! Why did you not tell me?”

“Because I knew it would cause you unnecessary anxiety, my dear – as I see it doing at this very moment. Georgiana was then but seventeen years of age; her opinions and ideas are not set for life. We must be patient. She is exceptionally intelligent, and in no way naïve concerning the world. She must be allowed to decide her own future.”

“But what if her opinion on marriage does not change?”

“Then she shall not marry. If it is her considered choice, I see no great harm in it. Georgiana is independently wealthy; she has no need of a husband for her material comfort and security. I, for one, should be happy for her to remain with us at Pemberley forever, if she so wishes.”

“Yes, of course she should remain at Pemberley. But I would much prefer to see her well-married. Elizabeth, my dear, it may be entirely my imagination, for I readily admit to a lack of penetration in such matters, but I had the impression of an attachment developing between my sister and James Darlington. They seemed to be spending a great deal of time in each other's company. They passed many hours together in the music room; and I came upon them several times in the library, discussing some book or poem. I even encountered them walking in the grounds, with their heads together deep in conversation on more than one occasion. Do you suppose that James Darlington might convince Georgiana to reconsider her views on marriage? Do you think him suitable for her?”

Elizabeth could not help but smile. “I am certain there is no more suitable gentleman for your sister in all of England.”

“It is a great misfortune that Mr Darlington's circumstances force him to earn a living. While I do not hold it against him, or think the less of him for it, there are those who would. There are those who would object that he is no longer a gentleman, and would cut him and exclude him from their society.”

“Such as your aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, for instance?”

Darcy laughed, “Almost certainly.”

“I doubt very much that your sister would heed the disapprobation and decrees of your aunt, on the suitability of a marriage partner – any more than you did, my dear.”

Darcy smiled. “Sadly, there are many others beside my aunt who are fastidious in such matters, and would prohibit him from their acquaintance. Georgiana, were she to marry Darlington, would likewise suffer. Surely there must be a number of eligible gentlemen of rank who would be suitable for my sister?”

“Certainly there are,” replied Elizabeth, “but I very much doubt that there are many who could please her, or who would have it in their power to make her happy.”

“Oh?”

“Georgiana is exceptionally intelligent; she thinks deeply about things and refuses to restrict her thoughts, interests, and opinions to the popular mould. She could not possibly be happy with a partner who did. She could not respect a man who was her intellectual inferior – which pretty much eliminates every potential candidate.”

“Except for Darlington? You know, dear, I always found him fascinating and highly intelligent, but I often felt uncomfortable and just a little uneasy in his company. His ideas are so unconventional – and at times, quite provoking. But lately, during his recent visit to Derbyshire, I found myself quite at ease with him. Do you think he has changed?”

“No, not a great deal. I suspect it is more you who have changed, my dear. You are not so conventional and rigid in your opinions as formerly,” said Elizabeth with a smile.

Darcy laughed. “For which, no doubt, I must give you credit?”

“Yes, of course, dear. Although you were entirely perfect when we married, it has not stopped me from making improvements,” she said smiling archly.

Darcy gave a contented sigh. “So, what of my sister and Darlington? Is there any likelihood of them marrying, do you think?”

“They like each other very much; of that I am convinced. It began as friendship and a mutual delight in the company of the other, but I suspect it may have taken on a romantic aspect of late. Georgiana is not yet ready to marry – and to be perfectly honest, I would be very sad for her to leave Pemberley; she has become so very dear to me. As for Mr Darlington, I have not the least idea; although I suspect that he too may be in no hurry to marry.”

“Then you must do what you can to forward an eventual match, my dear,” said Darcy earnestly.

Elizabeth laughed. “But what do you think I was doing the whole time Mr Darlington was in Derbyshire?”

“Oh?” said Darcy. “So that was why you had him paint her portrait?”

“Of course, dear,” replied Elizabeth, kissing him affectionately.

***

Several days following this conversation, Elizabeth and Georgiana were sitting in the morning room when a servant brought the mail. “There is a letter for you, Georgiana,” said Elizabeth.

Georgiana eagerly rose from her seat, to take it and after glancing at the handwriting she said anxiously, “I hope, Elizabeth, that you do not think it improper for Mr Darlington and I to exchange letters. I assure you, there is not the least impropriety in the subjects upon which we correspond.”

Elizabeth smiled. “The general view on the matter is that it is most improper. This is predicated on the assumption that since the nature of the correspondence is private and unknown, the very worst must be suspected… and the worst might well be improper. However, I trust both you and Mr Darlington, and accept your assurances that there is nothing improper in your letters. I therefore give you my sanction, although I caution you not to let your correspondence become generally known. For the moment it may be best if even your brother is unaware of it.”

“Oh, thank you, Elizabeth,” said Georgiana, giving her sister a hug before sitting down, eager to read her letter.

Elizabeth was pleased to find a letter from Charlotte, which she opened and began reading. “Oh, no, poor Julia!” she suddenly exclaimed.

“Why? What has happened?” asked Georgiana, looking up from her letter.

“It is a report concerning two of your cousins. My friend, Charlotte Collins, who, as you know, is married to the rector at Hunsford, and is much connected with Rosings Park, writes that your cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, has lately been visiting there, and that your aunt is most industriously forwarding a match between him and her daughter, Anne.”

“Oh, my poor cousin!” exclaimed Georgiana.

“Of which cousin do you speak?”

“Colonel Fitzwilliam, of course! He has been a favourite of mine since I was very small. Whenever he visited Pemberley, he would bring me small gifts and play with me. He always took the kindest interest in me; whereas my cousin, Anne, I hardly know. She has never visited Pemberley, that I can recall. I have only seen her on visits to Rosings Park; and even then she never speaks. Oh how could he contemplate marriage to Anne? She is so utterly dull and lifeless.”

“Yes, that was my impression also,” said Elizabeth, letting out a sigh. “Charlotte is of the opinion that Colonel Fitzwilliam cares not the least bit for Anne, and has not the slightest wish of marrying her; but that Lady Catherine, upon whom he is almost entirely dependant, is determined that they shall marry. I suppose you know that it was her intention that her daughter and your brother should marry? She was most displeased when I thwarted her plans. So now she seeks to marry Anne to her other nephew, despite his lack of wealth. I wonder what Anne thinks of the arrangement.”

“My cousin, Anne, will do exactly what her mother tells her. I feel sorry for her: not only does she suffer from poor health, but her mother has entirely broken her spirit, making her subservient and insipid. Did you know that after my father died, Lady Catherine decided that I should be sent to live at Rosings Park, where I could be properly supervised and correctly raised? My brother steadfastly refused to allow it.”

“You are fortunate indeed. I imagine he loved you too well to part with you – although he very likely also had reservations about entrusting you to the care of your aunt.”

“Elizabeth, do you intend to give the news to Julia? If she still loves my cousin, she will be heartbroken.”

“I believe that Julia does still love Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I do not have the heart to tell her – certainly not until the betrothal is made public. If you have the opportunity of a private conversation with Lady Darlington while I am in town, perhaps you might inform her; she will know what is best to do.”

“Certainly, I shall, if I have the opportunity; but I was about to ask if it would be too late for me to change my mind, and accompany you to town, after all?”

“You wish to come to town, Georgiana?” asked Elizabeth in surprise. “Of course it is not too late; I am overjoyed to have you come with us. It will be delightful to have your company at Grosvenor Square.”

“Oh, thank you, Elizabeth,” replied Georgiana. “But I must warn you: I do not wish to attend any balls – particularly any in my honour; I cannot abide all that coming out nonsense.”

Elizabeth smiled. “My dear Georgiana, please do not make yourself uneasy; I never imagined for a moment that you wished for anything of the kind; although I hope you will accompany us to concerts and the theatre.”

“Yes, of course, I should love to.”

“I shall not ask you your reasons for suddenly deciding to accompany us to town, but I do have my suspicions,” said Elizabeth, looking pointedly at the letter in Georgiana's hand.

“Elizabeth, it is not what you think. I have, as you well know, been endeavouring to write a story. It was with regard to my writing that I first wrote to Mr Darlington, seeking his advice on a number of points. He was not only kind enough to answer all my questions at length, but he offers in his letter, to look at the manuscript when it is complete, and to give me his honest opinion. I expect to be finished within the next day or two.”

“But there is no need for you to go to town,” teased Elizabeth. “I could take the manuscript with me for him to read over. I am certain he would be happy to write down any comments he has to make.”

“Oh, no, that would never do,” said Georgiana quickly. “I would very much like the opportunity of discussing any concerns he has in person.”

Elizabeth smiled.

“Stop teasing!” exclaimed Georgiana. “I am well aware that you wish to encourage a match between us; but you know full well that I have not the least intention of marrying. James Darlington is simply a very good friend: one whom I greatly admire – for his literary and musical talents – and who has treated me with the utmost kindness. Please do not try to make more of it than there is.”

“I am sorry if I have upset you, my dear, but you know I have a teasing nature. I would never do anything to attempt to persuade you to marry, unless it was your heart's desire, Georgiana. I will only say this: should you ever change your mind upon the subject of marriage, Mr Darlington would be perfect for you – and you for him.”

***

Upon their arrival in London, Georgiana immediately had her completed manuscript delivered to James Darlington. Thus began the anxious wait for his response. Georgiana refused to leave the house, which greatly vexed Kitty, who kept begging her to join her on shopping expeditions and the like. Finally, after three days, a message arrived from Mr Darlington, informing Georgiana that he had completed reading her manuscript, and inviting her to visit his rooms in Bayswater Street to discuss it, any afternoon that was convenient.

Elizabeth accompanied Georgiana, as it would have been highly improper for her to visit a gentleman's rooms alone. However, as soon as they had exchanged pleasantries, Elizabeth asked Mr Darlington if she might look over the books in his book room while he and Georgiana were discussing the manuscript in the sitting room. It was above an hour before Mr Darlington returned to invite her to join them for tea.

When Elizabeth re-entered the sitting room, Georgiana was beaming with pleasure. “Well, Mrs Darcy, I must congratulate you on having a rare literary talent in your family,” he said, looking towards Georgiana in evident admiration. “Her novella is exquisite; I feel quite envious. The first prose piece I ever managed to have published was not nearly so good.”

“Is it that good, Mr Darlington? Do you really believe it good enough for publication?” asked Elizabeth excitedly. “I am entirely in the dark, as Georgiana has not yet allowed me the tiniest glimpse.”

“Oh, Elizabeth, it is only because I did not want you to see it until Mr Darlington had reviewed it. He has suggested some minor alterations – all of which I intend to make – and then he has offered to show it to a publisher!”

“I know of a publisher who produces anthologies of short stories. I have not the smallest doubt that he would be most eager to include Miss Darcy's work in his next publication.”

“I had not the slightest idea of ever publishing it, said Georgiana, I wrote it for my own pleasure alone, but Mr Darlington is adamant that it should be published; and after much consideration, I have finally been persuaded.”

“It is simply too good to deny the reading public the pleasure of such a delightful tale,” he added enthusiastically.

“I cannot thank you enough,” said Georgiana, earnestly. “Without your encouragement and advice, I would never have achieved so pleasing a result. I wish there was some way of rewarding you.”

James Darlington smiled. “Reading your wonderful story is reward enough; however, while you are in a mind to do something for me, I do have a request to make of you.”

“What is that?” asked Georgiana curiously.

“That you join me in a piano quartet tomorrow evening, at a musical soirée to be given by Lady Beauchamp at her Park Lane residence. The young lady who was to play the pianoforte has taken ill, and you would fill the role admirably. I should so hate to disappoint her ladyship; she is a very old friend of my dear mother, and was exceedingly kind to Julia, at that difficult time when she was obliged to seek employment as a teacher of music. Lady Beauchamp is famous as a patroness of music; her musical soirées are one of the highlights of the season. Her recommendations, amongst her wide acquaintance, resulted in Julia finding a number of pupils.”

“I should like very much to oblige you, Mr Darlington, most especially because of her ladyship's kindness to Julia; but I have never played before a large audience. My musical talent is not the equal of yours, and I fear I would be unable to do justice to the other musicians.”

“My dear Miss Darcy, you are far too modest. The young lady who has taken ill is not your equal on the pianoforte; and I would rate your ability well above that of the other two musicians: Lady Beauchamp's son, the young Lord Beauchamp, who will play the cello; and her daughter, Gwendolyn, who will play the viola.”

“But how will I learn my part in so short a time?” fretted Georgiana.

“The program consists entirely of Mozart pieces; all of which I have heard you play brilliantly. I can even recall accompanying you on the violin to at least two of them last Christmas,” he said, passing her several sheets of music. “If you wish, I shall come to Grosvenor Square tomorrow afternoon with my violin, and we can practice together. I shall arrange with the Beauchamps for the four of us to hold a rehearsal in their music room an hour prior to the commencement of the soirée. Of course your brother and sister, and any other friends you care to name, will receive an invitation from Lady Beauchamp. Please say you will do it.”

Georgiana let out sigh and gave a nervous laugh before examining the music to assure herself that she did, indeed, know the pieces. “I shall spend this afternoon and tomorrow practicing them alone, before you come with your violin,” she replied stoically.

***

James Darlington arrived, as promised for the practice, the following afternoon, and when Georgiana went up to dress, Elizabeth offered him tea. They were alone in the sitting room and James Darlington praised Georgiana's playing lavishly.

“Perhaps it is like your painting, Mr Darlington,” she said with a wry smile, “it reaches new heights with the right accompaniment.”

“Mrs Darcy, please excuse me if I am direct with you: your attempts at advancing a match between myself and Miss Darcy have been quite apparent – to both the young lady and myself – since that evening when you requested that I paint her portrait at Christmas.”

“I have not attempted to conceal it from either of you,” replied Elizabeth. “I was vain enough to believe that my obvious desire for the match might in some way act as an inducement – to Georgiana, at least.”

“Allow me to thank you, Mrs Darcy. You pay me the greatest compliment in considering me worthy of your sister, who… no, I shall not speak of my feelings… it would be highly improper to do so, when I am not, and never shall be, in a position to ask for her hand.”

“May I ask your reason, sir? You must be aware that Miss Darcy has a large fortune, and is in no need of a wealthy husband.”

“I am well aware of it; and therein lies the problem. I despise men who marry for money.”

“But a gentleman who truly loves a woman – a woman who happens to be wealthy – is not marrying for money.”

“You are quite correct, Mrs Darcy; but there is so much dishonesty, deceit, and suspicion in the world, that no one, but the gentleman himself, can be absolutely certain that his love is pure, and not tainted by avarice. His wife, even, might sometimes entertain doubts: so many other women have been tricked and deceived for their fortune; why not she? Friends, family, and acquaintances will certainly wonder, and very likely talk behind the young lady's back, and cast aspersions upon the gentleman's intentions – no matter how pure they may be.”

“You surprise me, Mr Darlington. You are the very last person whom I believed would put the gossip of the world ahead of his own happiness – and that of another.”

“The gossip of the world does not trouble me. The certain disparagement of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and those of her ilk, would cause me very little concern. But not everyone is as careless of the world, and its opinions, as I. The young lady, for instance, might be more susceptible; she might feel herself to be the object of the derision of others; be it just or otherwise. Indeed, my real concern is for the lady. I do not know if you are aware of the matter, Mrs Darcy, but, at the age of fifteen, Miss Darcy was deceived by a fortune hunter into believing herself to be in love and… please, excuse me, I have said far too much ...”

Elizabeth smiled sadly. “Pray, do not make yourself uneasy, sir, I am entirely familiar with the whole sad history. You know, of course, that mercifully, Mr Darcy discovered the scheme in time – before George Wickham was able to elope with Miss Darcy.”

“George Wickham, was it? I was not aware of the name of the villain – though it makes perfect sense; it is of a piece with everything I know of the scoundrel. He is a master at the art of deception, and has managed to deceive, and impose himself upon, far more worldly women than a naïve fifteen-year-old,” he said with a smile.

Elizabeth blushed. “No blame can be attached to Georgiana.”

“Absolutely none! But unfortunately, that sad affair has, I believe, left a deep scar upon your sister. While it is perfectly rational for a wealthy young lady to be vigilant of suitors whose object is her fortune, in Miss Darcy's case, I fear, it has developed into an irrational fear; such that she will never be able to entirely trust a suitor who is less wealthy than herself. Though perhaps she might accept him, despite her misgivings, I fear that irrational doubts, as to whether his love was true, would remain with her always; and would very likely detract from – and possibly destroy – her happiness.”

Elizabeth sighed sadly. “I concede, sir, that you may be correct – but then again you may not. Georgiana is yet young, and the injury inflicted by Mr Wickham may entirely heal in time.”

“I most earnestly hope that it will; but it is a risk I shall never take. No matter how successful I am in my career as a novelist, I shall never be nearly as wealthy as Miss Darcy. Therefore, I beg you: please give up attempting this match; it is quite impossible. And may I request that you make no mention of our conversation to Miss Darcy; it would only make her unhappy.”

“You have my promise on both, Mr Darlington,” said Elizabeth sadly.