***
While Mr. Darcy was finding no friends on Bond Street, Georgiana sat in her room and stared into her mirror. She was well aware that she had broken important social rules inallowing George Wickham to approach her, let alone visit her, let alone consent to an elopement, let alone put herself into his power in the cottage’s sitting room! But now she had a new worry.
She had not missed William’s occasional glances at her mid-section. He must think that she might be with child! Georgiana had no idea how children were conceived, but if Brother was worried, then there was doubtless a reason for it. How she wished she could ask him!
But she had no words to open such a conversation, let alone carry it to a conclusion. This was a conversation for a mother, not a brother.
***
“What on earth were you thinking?” the Earl thundered, pounding his fist on the dinner table.
Georgiana could not reply; she put her head in her hands and wept.
Mr. Darcy stood up. “Uncle, if I had understood that the purpose of this dinner was to chastise my sister, I assure you that we would have remained at home.” His tone was firm and unyielding.
“Henry, Darcy is right. This is not helping.” The Countess sat across the long table from her husband and so could not put a restraining hand on his arm, but her gaze was just as effective.
The Earl hesitated. He took a long drink of wine from his goblet, set it down, and turned to face his nephew. “You are right, Darcy. I apologise, Georgiana. But if you knew the difficulties this has caused me…” He trailed off.
“Uncle, our situation is far more my fault than Georgiana’s, but surely what matters now is now to move forward, how to undo what has been done,” Mr. Darcy said.
“I will eventually recover,” the Earl said, grudgingly. “I have too many allies, have made too many friends, to be permanently damaged by this gossip. But you and Georgiana will not fare so well,” he added, grimly.
Mr. Darcy sat for a long minute, finally forced to face what he had feared since he had first read the article in the paper. His actions – or, rather, inactions – had led to Georgiana making a grievous error. A fatal error, in fact, as far as society was concerned. He was an outcast. His sister was possibly unmarriageable, at least to anyone of importance. The full magnitude of their situation hit him like a thunderstorm. For several minutes, he could not speak.
Finally, he turned to Georgiana and said, “We will leave London tomorrow at first light and go to Netherfield Park. There, I know I have at least one friend.”
Turning then to his aunt, he said, “Netherfield Park in Meryton, Hertfordshire. That is where letters will reach me. I will keep you apprised as to our situation, and I hope you will let me know if…” He trailed off, then took a deep breath and finished, “If anything changes.”
Chapter Fourteen
Netherfield Park
When the Darcys arrived at Netherfield Park, having passed through the small town of Meryton, Mr. Darcy was both relieved and concerned. He would have to make certain the Bingleys understood that Georgiana was not to be questioned about Ramsgate in any way.
Should he tell the Bingleys to leave her alone as much as she wished? Or would it be better for her to be forced into social situations? He did not know, and there was no point in asking her.
As his carriage pulled to a stop, he was heartened to see Mr. Bingley run out of the house to meet him, an enormous smile on his face. How fortunate he was to have such a friend! He had never valued Bingley as he ought, that was certain.
“Darcy! At last!”
“Bingley, I am everything grateful, you can have no idea –“
“No, no, none of that. I am glad to see you. In truth, it isyoudoingmethe good turn, for I have not the slightest idea as tohow to run an estate. I have tenants coming to see me with all manner of questions, and I have no answers for them. Ah, Miss Darcy! I hope you have had a pleasant journey.”
Georgiana mumbled something.
Undaunted, Mr. Bingley continued. “Miss Darcy, doubtless you would like to wash off the road dust before anything else; your trunks have already been brought up to your room and have been unpacked.”
Georgiana nodded.
“Come in, then, both of you. I think Netherfield Park a very nice place indeed, though of course it cannot compare to Pemberley, as Caroline continually reminds me.”
The Darcys followed Mr. Bingley into the house, where they were greeted by Mrs. Hurst. “Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy, I am serving as mistress of Netherfield Park, and you are to come to me if there is anything amiss. Your rooms are next to one another, as I thought that would make you both more comfortable. Come with me. Once you are settled, I hope you will join us downstairs for refreshments.”
Mr. Darcy and Georgiana exchanged brief looks; so Mrs. Hurst was in charge here, not Miss Bingley! That was heartening news, indeed.
***
