“Then perhaps it is best to put the matter to Georgiana,” suggested Darcy, though he had no intention of allowing it even if his ward surprised him by recommending the scheme.
Mrs. Younge offered a curt nod, as if surprised by his acquiescence. “I shall speak to her.”
“Let usbothspeak to her,” contradicted Darcy. “Unless I am mistaken, I believe the girls are with my wife in the sitting-room.”
Again, the sourness descended over her, though she did not gainsay him. The sight alarmed Darcy more than anything else, for it was clear she had thought of getting Georgiana alone and bending her to her wishes. The woman was conniving and no mistake, and Darcy wondered if he would not do best to relieve her of her duties right then and there.
For the moment, he refrained, though he determined to speak to the housekeeper and have her monitor the woman. A word with Georgiana’s maid would also not go amiss.
As Darcy predicted, he found his wife in the company of Georgiana and her two companions, in the attitude of joyful exchange of jests. A chorus of feminine voices welcomed him into the room, though Darcy noted that no one—not even Georgiana—offered Mrs. Younge anything more than a civil greeting. Filing that away for the moment, Darcy turned to the task at hand.
“Georgiana, Mrs. Younge has approached me again with the suggestion that you might enjoy a few weeks by the sea.”
Darcy did not think he emphasized the word “again,” but his ward rolled her eyes regardless. If Darcy had turned to look at Mrs. Younge at that moment, he expected to find her displeasure. Elizabeth caught his eye, her questioning look prompting Darcy to give her a minute shake of his head, a promise they would discuss it again later when they did not have an audience.
“I thought to put it to you, Georgiana, to learn your opinion. I understand this scheme was proposed some time ago, and whilerecent events have resulted in a change of plans and situation, I would not keep you from your amusement if you wish for it.”
“The seaside holds no charm for me, William,” said Georgiana, with no hesitation in her manner. “I enjoy Kitty and Lydia’s company and have no wish to separate from you or Elizabeth. Perhaps in the summer we can all go somewhere together? The lakes are so lovely that I think they would enrapture you all.”
Pleased he had guessed right, Darcy nodded. “The lakes would be a worthy destination, Georgiana. Let us take thought for the notion when the season is complete.”
Darcy turned to Mrs. Younge, noting the woman’s expression was as sour as spoiled milk. “There you have it, Mrs. Younge. I trust you will not raise the subject of Ramsgate with any of us again.”
“I shall not,” was the woman’s succinct reply.
The need to speak to the earl had become urgent. Darcy meant to do so at the earliest opportunity.
Chapter XXVIII
The opportunity to speak to the earl came the very next day, for there was every reason for haste. A niggling sensation informed Darcy that delay may be detrimental, so he and Elizabeth put aside some other concerns that morning and, after having a word with Mrs. Mayfield to watch Mrs. Younge and ensure nothing untoward happened during their absence, they departed for the earl’s house.
“Thatisodd,” said the earl when Darcy related Mrs. Younge’s latest insistence.
As Darcy and Elizabeth had decided upon leaving their house that her mother would only impede any discussion, Elizabeth had sat down to visit her mother and Jane with the countess in attendance, while Darcy spoke to Lord Matlock. It was fortunate that Fitzwilliam was also there, for Darcy wanted to gain his insight if he possessed any.
“The woman does not appear capable of allowing the subject to rest.”
“After last night,” said Darcy, “I believe she is in no doubt of the inadvisability of raising it again. Now that Georgiana has stated her disinclination for the notion, she must drop it altogether.”
“Yet you suspect something,” observed the earl.
“I do not know what I suspect,” replied Darcy, frustrated with his inability to put his finger on what was bothering him. “Mrs. Younge appeared almost... reluctant yesterday, though I cannot say if that is the correct word.”
“Perhaps she feared the consequences,” suggested Fitzwilliam.
“If she did, then why did she press the issue?” asked the earl.
“That is the question I have been unable to answer,” confessed Darcy. “There is something off about this situation altogether. Why has she been so insistent on this Ramsgate scheme? It is as if she wished to get Georgiana alone there, though for what purpose I cannot comprehend.”
“Do you suggest she is false?” Darcy glanced at Fitzwilliam, who had spoken, noting his keen interest in Darcy’s answer. “You are in her company the most, Darcy, though until lately my father and mother have had their share of her society, and I am not unknown to her.”
“Given our position in society,” added the earl, “she is more circumspect with me, though I will note that shedidtry to push the notion when they were staying here.”
“I cannot say she is false, for I do not know. Something seems off, though to own the truth, I have wondered if it is nothing more than her character.”
Turning to Fitzwilliam, Darcy said: “Do you know anything about her background? Might she have been some noble’s daughter who found herself forced to find a position? That might explain her excess of pride and disapproval of the Bennet sisters.”
“Shedoescarry herself as proud as a duchess,” mused Fitzwilliam. “It is unfortunate, but I know nothing of her past. Jameson handled the search for a companion when we agreed Georgiana should have one.”
