Lady Catherine gave a decisive nod, as if the matter was already decided. “That will be for the best. When I return toRosings Park, I shall take Georgiana with me. There she may learn to be a proper young lady.”
It took no great measure of discernment to see Georgiana’s pleading look at her cousin. While Darcy could say nothing of Miss de Bourgh, of whom he had heard but little, Lady Catherine’s manners did not promote the notion that she could raise a young woman to be anything other than fearful of her own shadow. Fitzwilliam appeared to agree with Darcy’s assessment, for his scowl in response was both annoyed and unyielding.
“No, Lady Catherine, I shall not allow it. My uncle left Georgiana’s care to Darcy andme,and I shall not allow Georgiana to leave my care.”
“You must,” said Lady Catherine, her manner suggesting she heard nothing of Fitzwilliam’s response, though she responded to it. “As a bachelor—and more because you are a colonel in the army—you can no more look after Georgiana’s interests than we can bring her brother back into the world of the living.”
For the first time, Darcy saw true displeasure in Fitzwilliam’s response. “That is enough, Lady Catherine.” Fitzwilliam’s growl of displeasure spoke to his growing anger and finally induced his aunt to listen. “I will not have you speak of my cousin’s passing in such flippant terms. Darcy’s father entrusted this duty to me, and I shall not falter. While we have not decided on Georgiana’s disposition, for the moment, she is well enough at Pemberley. Please cease speaking of this subject, for you will not move me from my purpose.”
Lady Catherine had little experience in being contradicted, as her scowl showed. Then again, Darcy supposed she was contradicted far more often than she wished; for one so convinced of their abilities as she, any statement that disputed her opinion she must view as anathema.
“Fitzwilliam—”
“I shall speak no more on the subject, Lady Catherine!” said Fitzwilliam. “Do not importune me again.”
For a wonder, Lady Catherine swallowed her bile, though it surprised Darcy to see. That did not end her diatribes, of course, for she shrugged and moved to another subject. There was some suggestion of her taking control of the house as the most experienced woman present, but Fitzwilliam counseled against it.
“If you allow her an inch, you will never be rid of her. Let Mrs. Reynolds deal with her, for she has experience with Lady Catherine’s ways.”
As that was a faithful representation of Darcy’s opinion, he did not hesitate to instruct his housekeeper on the subject. The faithful woman proved her worth and her competence, for while Lady Catherine instructed, Mrs. Reynolds did nothing different from her usual practices. Whether Lady Catherine noted this, Darcy could not say, but for so forthright a lady to allow such insubordination was unthinkable, so Darcy suspected she did not. It was more of the lady’s inability to believe that anyone would gainsay her; when she issued an order, she expected it to be done and did not investigate to discover if it was. That was fortunate, for it allowed at least a little peace to reign in the house.
The subject of Georgiana’s disposition came up between Darcy and Fitzwilliam that evening, and the content of their discussion was a surprise to Darcy. That did not mean he was unwilling.
“Lady Catherine is correct, little though I am inclined to allow her opinion to be correct aboutanything.”
Fitzwilliam sipped on his drink, lounging in his chair with his feet resting against the table that sat between the chairs they occupied near the fire in the master’s study. After enduring Lady Catherine all day, both men felt the need to unwind with aglass of brandy and a conversation consisting of commiserations about Lady Catherine’s excesses. How Georgiana coped with her ladyship’s ways was unknown to Darcy, but he noticed how she fled to her rooms at the first available opportunity and used her studies as a reason to absent herself from her aunt’s company.
“Though I suspect the world will come to a stop at such a heretical notion,” said Darcy, “I wonder about your meaning.”
With a grin, Fitzwilliam turned to stare into the flames. “Georgiana’s situation. As my cousin is now departed, I am Georgiana’s sole guardian. It was for this purpose, among others, that my uncle gave me the responsibility.”
Darcy considered the situation. “When you return to your duties, someone must take control of Georgiana’s future, and given your disagreement with Lady Catherine, I cannot suppose you will allow her any control over your ward.”
The snort of disdain spoke with eloquence as to Fitzwilliam’s feelings on the subject. “Should Georgiana go to Rosings as she wishes, she will return quieter than a mouse, intimidated by everything. On that point, Darcy and I were always in complete agreement.”
“Then what do you suggest?” asked Darcy. “Perhaps your father would take a hand?”
“He might, but I do not wish to interrupt Georgiana’s life any more than I must. As she is to meet your lady, I want to see how she gets on with her before deciding.”
The inference surprised Darcy. “Do you suggest she stay with me?”
Fitzwilliam turned to regard him. “You spoke of your willingness to keep Georgiana at Pemberley. Would you also agree to take her to the south with you should she get on with your fiancée?”
“Without reservation,” replied Darcy at once.
“Then I suspect that may be the best place for her.” Fitzwilliam shook his head. “I cannot allow my aunt any authority over her, but I cannot see to her needs myself. You are a single man, yet you will be married not long after you return to Hertfordshire, and I suspect Georgiana will find it agreeable to be acquainted with your lady. As I recall, did you not say she has sisters?”
“Four sisters,” agreed Darcy.
“Even better. With you, she will be amply cared for and among ladies her age. My father wrote to me yesterday to inform me that there is a clause in my uncle’s will that allows him to appoint a new guardian should one of us pass away or otherwise cannot care for her. You cannot take the place of the brother who is now gone, but youarea cousin, though to a more distant degree than I am myself. It seems a perfect solution.”
“I am willing,” said Darcy. “If Miss Darcy wishes it, I am pleased to take on her care.”
“Thank you, Darcy,” said Fitzwilliam. “We shall wait until Georgiana meets your fiancée, but if it all goes well, I shall approach my father and ask him to investigate the possibility of you taking my cousin’s place as Georgiana’s guardian.”
Darcy nodded, but a thought occurred to him. “Will that not displease your aunt?”
“Without a doubt. Rather than arguing, I shall allow my father to deal with her.”
