Elizabeth’s smile fell away. “Well, there is no need for me to worry overly much about marriage. With the militia here, Mama will have husbands picked out for all of us by the end of the week.”
They shared a laugh. Elizabeth only wished she were jesting. Knowing Mrs Bennet, the statement was all too likely to be true.
Chapter 4
“I am all a-flutter, Mrs Younge. I do not know how I shall bear it,” Georgiana said, looking up at Mrs Younge in the mirror’s reflection. Mrs Young stood aside, watching and waiting for the lady’s maid to finish plaiting strands of Georgiana’s hair, all the while weaving tiny white flowers into them. The hairstyle was at once elaborate and juvenile. And while it would impress the country bumpkins here in Meryton, it would never have been adequate for London, the place her heart longed to be. Somewhere that no one knew her or her sins. Somewhere she could start anew and be truly free.
After she and Wickham successfully enacted their plan with Georgiana, they could return there and live the lives they had always dreamed of. Georgiana would do very well in a little cottage somewhere, or perhaps relegated to the dowager house at Pemberley. Either would be more than adequate, once Georgiana’s dowry was in hands that had better uses for it.
“How does it look?” Georgiana asked, looking expectantly up at her through her blonde-lashed eyelids. Her cherubic features made Mrs Younge almost feel bad for the heartache that they would inflict on her.
Almost.
“You are a vision, Georgiana. Really, you are.”
Georgiana beamed at her, but her smile quickly faded away. “Are you sure it is not too much?” She asked. “I do not want to feel out of place among these people.”
“Youwillfeel out of place, I am sure. At least for a time, Georgiana. It is only right for one such as you, given your family’s status and your genteel upbringing. You will find that some families, while kind and welcoming, are spellbound when anyone of such consequence is in company.” Mrs Younge placed her hands on Georgiana’s shoulders. “Perhaps it would be best for you to watch from afar for a little while, so you might understand more of what I am saying.”
“Will it not appear proud for me to separate myself from the rest of the company?” Georgiana asked. She tried to rise from the vanity stool, but Mrs Younge pushed her down. She sent the lady’s maid off with a scowl.
“My dear, have I ever misled you? I speak true when I say it would be best for you to take a moment to observe. That is all. You are young, Georgiana. I do not mean to offend you. But you do not know as much of the world as I do. Take my advice, do not accept the first offer to dance. Take your time in observation of the people and customs here in Meryton, and it will go all the better for you. Trust me.”
Privately, Mrs Younge revelled in the stratagem’s cleverness. It was essential that Georgiana should not dance with anyone until Mr Wickham arrived at the assembly. By separating her from the locals of Meryton, she knew they would see her as stuck up and arrogant, closing off their circles to her and further pushing her into Mr Wickham’s arms. If he couldplay the hero, she would fall all the more quickly in love with him. And the sooner they could get out of the backwater village, the better.
“You are saying I should refuse to dance with anyone? But I thought that is why we came here, Mrs Younge, to help me become more comfortable conversing with the opposite sex, to learn how to dance more proficiently, and to make new friends—”
“It is, indeed, my dear. But by all means, if you would rather flounder in this new sea of opportunity, then do not take my advice.” Mrs Younge turned away, feigning hurt.
Georgiana stood and followed her, grabbing her hand. “Oh, please do not think that I am ungrateful, Mrs Younge. I badly need your wisdom and guidance.”
Mrs Younge reached up and touched her cheek. “And I will gladly give it, so long as you continue to heed me.” Georgiana hung her head. Mrs Younge lifted her chin, hating her too-blue eyes and the innocent soul staring back from their depths. She had once been so young and fresh herself, but the world had quickly taught her that such things do not last. She narrowed her eyes. “You must not appear too forward. Society here is much less varied than what you will experience in London. For tonight, hold back. Do not seem too eager. Trust me, it will go all the better for you.”
Georgiana nodded. “Yes, I am sure you are right. I shall do as you say.” Mrs Younge allowed her to stand then. Georgiana went over to the full-length mirror and studied her reflection. “Are you sure this is suitable?”
In truth, it boasted of the drastic leap between her station and most of the other occupants of Meryton. They would seeher as flaunting her vast riches, dressed in a white silk gown with heavy silver embroidery and tiny jewels glinting whenever she moved about in the candlelight. Her elaborate hairstyle, also heavy with jewels and flowers, would further set her apart. “You are a vision, Georgiana. Now, I suggest this diamond necklace and bracelet to finish the ensemble, and then we should be away. It would not do for us to be late.”
This, too, was a fabrication. Mrs Younge had told her the assembly began at nine sharp, instead of eight. They would be more than an hour late and arrive as the dancing was already well underway, giving her no time to make people’s acquaintance before she was thrust into the chaos of the public assembly. It was almost certain to go badly — exactly as she and Mr Wickham had planned. Georgiana’s confidence would be shattered, leaving the way clear for Mr Wickham to swoop in, the saviour of the day.
When they arrived, she and Georgiana entered through the main doors immediately into the large salon in which all the dancing was taking place. The music stopped and people interrupted their lively country dance to let them pass. Georgiana tensed with nervousness, barely looking at the people as they passed by. Mrs Younge kept her head held high and deemed to nod to certain people whom she deemed worthy. Whispers circulated. To Mrs Younge’s delight, there was even mention made of Miss Georgiana’s exorbitant dowry, which promised instant wealth to the lucky man who could win her heart. It all worked in perfect unison to increase Georgiana’s discomfort.
A respectable-looking little party, led by a smiling older gentleman, came to greet them as soon as they had crossed through the sea of people and had ended at the little dais on theother side of the great hall. From the nods and friendly glances given him on every side, the gentleman seemed to be a leader in the neighbourhood, and likely most influential.
“Miss Darcy, you honour us with your presence. I am Sir Lucas, and this is my wife, Lady Lucas.” The man waved to introduce his wife. “And my two sons, James Lucas and Henry Lucas. My daughters are with their friends at present, but I shall hope to have the pleasure of introducing them to you later in the evening.”
Mrs Younge watched with satisfaction as Georgiana gave a curt nod and quickly looked down at her clasped hands. “Pleasure,” was all she said.
“Yes, well, we hope you enjoy our little assembly, Miss Darcy. Likely you are used to more lavish parties, but here in the country, we prefer the more familial feel.” Sir Lucas said. The poor man seemed to be trying to draw her out, but Georgiana was a good, obedient girl, who would do as she had been told.
Georgiana only nodded again, saying nothing.
But there was no sense in tempting fate. Mrs Younge stepped in, taking on a superior tone. “We thank you for your hospitality, Sir Lucas. Now, we shall just stand over here and observe your little soiree, and not be in anyone’s way.” She gave him a dismissive nod. Mr Lucas took his wife’s arm, and they walked away, followed by their offspring.
Mrs Younge turned to Georgiana with a confidential air. “I do not know about you, but it seemed to me that he was trying to set you up with one of his sons. Did you not hear people discussing how much your dowry is to be?”
“Yes, I did, but —”
“Stay the course, Georgiana. I assure you, you do not want to end up here in Meryton for the rest of your life. Can you imagine Sir Lucas as a father-in-law? How miserable you would be, to be so far from Pemberley!”
