Expectations, p.2
Expectations, page 2
“What about Lady Catherine de Bourgh and the Collins”?” asked Jane.
“I will speak with Darcy. He has sworn never to have Lady Catherine on my account, but perhaps I can make him see the good in it. The Collins” would never deign to come without her consent, so I will not invite the one without the other.”
Jane and Elizabeth had never hosted a ball. Their own parents had not the means and could only hope for invitations to the balls of their acquaintances. Georgiana revealed she had never hosted a ball either as her brother was of a solitary nature. Their mother had been gone since she was a girl and she had been far too young to learn all that must be done.
“We will require some assistance,” Elizabeth decided and she sat down to write a letter to her nearest neighbor.
Chapter 4
Mrs. Patricia Highmore was well-loved in Derbyshire. She had been born, raised and married in Derbyshire and her people had known the Darcys for generations. Mrs. Highmore was pleasant both in appearance and nature. She wore the latest fashions and her knowledge in the matter was frequently sought by her neighbours. She had sewn a little as a girl and received magazines from London and Paris to keep her updated. She and Mr. Highmore had two children, whom she loved very dearly. Her husband was often away in England as a member of the court, and while many women would accompany their husbands, Mrs. Highmore disliked parting with her children and so stayed home much of the time. This left her with ample time to visit friends. Though she had every right to prejudice by birth, appearance, abilities and marriage, she chose instead friendliness and helpfulness. She found both attributes served her well and she was a very popular visitor. No one left her off an invitation list and, being so frequently without Mr. Highmore, she was glad of this.
Mrs. Highmore had invited Elizabeth and Darcy to dine within a month of their marriage. Her good humour and lively conversation endeared her to Elizabeth immediately. It was a lonely business to leave one’s family and Mrs. Highmore and Elizabeth were becoming close friends. Mrs. Highmore arrived within an hour of receiving Elizabeth’s letter.
“Elizabeth, I am so glad for the opportunity to meet your sister. You have often sung her praises and I see she is as lovely as you described. Welcome Mrs. Bingley to Derbyshire. I knew your sister-in-law Mrs. Hurst as a girl. How does she get on?”
“Quite well, last I knew,” smiled Jane.
“Now as for the matter of your ball, Elizabeth, I have been waiting for such an occasion. It will be so good to see Pemberley put to proper use once more. There has not been a ball here since the Darcy parents were alive, may they rest in peace.”
Mrs. Highmore turned to Georgiana at this point and offered her sympathies.
“It must be a great sadness to be without a mother at your age, Georgiana. You must be glad to have a sister-in-law to keep you company.”
“Indeed, Ma’am.”
“I suspect this ball is partly given to your benefit as well, Miss Darcy. Why, I do not believe you have been out in public since you were fifteen, am I mistaken?”
“You are correct.”
“Surely, it is time again. I always wondered at your disappearance. You were once quite a popular dance partner, if I recall.”
Elizabeth, sensing Georgiana’s embarrassment at these references to her uncomfortable past, turned the conversation in another direction.
“We hoped you might enlighten us on the customs and expectations of the area, being either too young or too far removed from them as we three are.”
“You are very wise to seek my advice, why only last year there was a ball given, and I will not mention any names, but guests were forgotten and wine ran out to all but ruin the host’s reputation. Now what have you decided so far?”
Mrs. Highmore reviewed their guest lists and, complimenting them on their good start, she added invaluable insight on others who ought to be added. She recommended a wine house and musicians for the event.
“However, I would insist you have Miss Darcy play at least one waltz for the dances. I have always admired her talents and I believe they would only improve her reputation in Derbyshire.”
“Oh, I could not.” Georgiana insisted.
“It is becoming more popular, Miss Darcy, I assure you. It is lovely to have a change from the quartet once in a while. I am certain you are working on something even now that would be appropriate. Perhaps you could play us something?”
Although Elizabeth tried to protect Georgiana from everything causing discomfort, she believed Georgiana could use a bolster to her confidence. She often worried that Wickham’s most damaging effect on Georgiana had been the breaking of her spirit.
“Play something, dear, if only for our enjoyment. You need not decide right now if you will play at the ball.”
Georgiana acquiesced as was her nature and played for the three ladies as they completed their planning.
Chapter 5
The Wickhams were currently living at North Yorkshire on a recommendation from the Darcys. They had only just returned from an extended visit to the Bingleys at Netherfield. Their present lodgings had seemed cheap accommodation at first, but the monthly fees were quickly becoming unreasonable in comparison to the Wickhams spending. Mrs. Lydia Wickham had not learned the care of a household from her mother, either because she had married at such a young age or because she had always been her mother’s favourite. Her face still beamed with youth, but the shade of innocence had been much erased in the ten months of marriage to her handsome Wickham. To his great irritation, she had begun in the fashion of her mother to question him, and make suggestions as to his business.
“Do you think, dear, that we ought to host a dinner party?”
Wickham turned a deaf ear to his wife. Only in public did he pay her much heed as he saw the benefit of the attentive husband in good company. The ladies found it quite endearing and it made him appear trustworthy to other men.
“Lydia, we have not the means at present,” said Wickham while attending to other matters.
“We need to make our statement to the neighbourhood. We need to become part of society.”
An unrecognizable mutter was all Wickham could muster.
“I fancy a new dress, Wickham; I fear I am becoming a bit fat around the middle. It surprises me, when we have not eaten nearly as well as I had thought. Why at Netherfield, they had several courses with every meal. Even at home, we would regularly have meat.”
Wickham continued as before.
“Wickham, do pay attention. Do you not care about the appearance of your wife and her nutritional needs? How would you explain this plumpness around the middle? I will need to speak to cook about all of the potatoes; it could be she is fattening me up like the hogs.”
Lydia left to speak to her servant and Wickham drew in a deep breath of quietness. If only he could find a way to find some peace. He returned to his papers and the cleaning of his guns, nearly dropping one a moment later at the squeals echoing through their modest dwelling.
“Wickham, Wickham! You will never believe this. You are going to be the happiest man this side of . . . well I do not know where, but you will be surprised.”
“Oh lord,” muttered he. Lydia returned to the parlour flouncing and jumping, but then becoming strangely still.
“What is it, my dear?” said Wickham without looking at her.
“Mother never told me how it all worked. I learned what I could from my friends and the farm hands and anyone else I might overhear, but I would never have guessed.”
“Yes, yes. What is it you are getting at, Lydia?”
“I will be a mother, Wickham.” Wickham looked greatly confused. “You will be a father; just imagine, like in the nursery when I played dolls with Kitty. A baby, Wickham, do you see dearest! I am to have a baby and you will become a father and I shall be the first of my sisters to accomplish this as well! I will bear the first grandchild, but I must take care of myself.” At this, Lydia flung herself like an invalid to the chaise and began demanding water bottles, tinctures, hot clothes and the doctor.
“Well, well, Lydia.” Wickham managed to pat her hand. “It certainly is a surprise. I will leave you in peace and go fetch the doctor.”
After the first shock of news, Wickham returned to his talents of scheme and forethought. Was he not considered a son by the Old Mr. Darcy? Surely then, his offspring had a right to inheritance and if the offspring were to be male, this may be a sizeable amount. Wickham smiled for the first time at the news of his child and Lydia mistook it for what she wanted it to be.
“Oh, dear, you must be very proud – and to think I shall be the first of my sisters to have a child. Oh, they will all be so jealous – I should write immediately to tell them our good fortune.”
“I have another idea, dear wife. Why not a visit to Pemberley? Would it not be better to tell them in person and see their faces for yourself?”
“Wickham, do you so quickly forget? You have been banished from the place forever, poor soul. How cruel that your only relation in the world should so abuse you!”
“Aha, but I should not accompany you. You have not been banished, and your own sister would never turn you away. I will go on to London and see about some business. You should be well looked after for a fortnight, I am certain, and your sister Elizabeth should thoroughly spoil you when you tell them the news.”
“How will you stand to be apart from me, though, my dear? We are still newlywed and we have not spent a night apart since our wedding.” Lydia held out a hand to him. Wickham patted it quickly and gave it back to her.
“I will bear it, dear, for your own good. I should not want you to be estranged from your sisters on my behalf. I will not withhold from you the right to visit, as Darcy has done to me.”
“Oh you are the world to me, Wickham. Thank you, thank you for your generosity.” Here the lady broke into the most unbecoming fit of tears and Wickham solaced himself with the thought that soon he would have his time and mind back to himself, if only for a fortnight.
Chapter 6
News of the Wickhams had yet to reach the inhabitants of Pemberley. Despite Mr. Darcy’s protests, they were ensconced in a hearty game of Whist. Even Mr. Darcy was playing at the encouragement of his wife. She had the power to make even the dullest of activities captivating enough for him. Georgiana again decorated the occasion with the melodies of Beethoven. Four was all that was needed for a hand of Whist, but they promised Elizabeth would trade places at the next round. The Bingleys and Darcys enjoyed one another’s company immensely and easily returned to the banter they all enjoyed before marriage.
“Tell me, Mr. Bingley, what is the most singular memory you have of Darcy before Jane and I had the pleasure of his acquaintance?” began Elizabeth, dropping yet another trump card onto the pile.
“Elizabeth, I must protest this line of questioning. It is not becoming to remember past mistakes,” said Darcy.
“You will have your turn, do not worry husband. I will ask the same question to you of Mr. Bingley when he is through. He will remember that you get your chance when he considers his story. He will not dare influence your bad feelings.”
From the piano-forte, Georgiana wondered at the teazing nature of her sister-in-law, but especially at the patience and good humour with which her brother received it.
“I will tell you, Mrs. Darcy, of the first time I met your husband.”
“Is this absolutely necessary, Charles? Consider your own wife.”
“You will have your turn, Darcy. No more interruptions,” scolded Elizabeth.
“I was in London at the tender age of twelve. Darcy was brought to our home as a playmate for me, but being five years my senior; he felt it quite beneath him to entertain me. Instead, he situated himself in front of the fireplace to read a book. All of my entreaties to play trains, a puzzle or to draw went ignored. I gave up and played quietly at his feet, trying not to induce his looks of cool disdain.”
“Will you not end there,” said Mr. Darcy. “I was so enjoying this card game.”
“I could, but will not for the sake of your kind wife. I dare not refuse her when she has always been such a good sister to me. You, Darcy, are to blame for keeping me from my Jane almost a year when we could have been married much earlier.”
“Go on then, Mr. Bingley. I shall endeavor to restrain my husband’s interruptions.”
“You will remember I have two sisters my junior. Georgiana was still a baby and not yet fit to play with Louisa and Caroline, so they decided to join our twosome. However, knowing their company might be considered an intrusion, they decided to take us by surprise. They crawled into the room out of our sight and brought with them instruments of detention. Both of my sisters went directly for Darcy who was their primary attraction. They knocked him from his chair and tied his arms behind him. He fought valiantly and might have escaped with my help, but I was tired of playing alone and decided instead to join the antics of my sisters.
“Even then, he had much of the pride he now possesses and refused to call for help. We tied him to the chair and my sisters forced him to listen to the parlour conversation they had picked up from mother. They fed him cakes and tea and I banged around on a drum. It is amazing I did not lose his good opinion forever. I have always thought perhaps he was glad of the diversion from his own high expectations.”
At this final sentence, even Georgiana could contain her laughter no longer; she giggled so violently that her piano piece was ruined and could not be recovered.
“Please, may I join you for the telling of Mr. Bingley’s tale? I have had quite enough piano playing for tonight.”
“Certainly sister,” said Elizabeth and pulled up another chair for Georgiana. “I fear our card game is much forgotten. Now Darcy, how will you defend yourself?”
“Surely you would not encourage revenge, sweet Elizabeth,” admonished Darcy, but to please her he chose quite a different story.
“I beg your pardon, Mrs. Bingley, for what you must now hear. I hope it will not cause you to lose much respect for your husband. He was fifteen when he first came to visit Pemberley.”
“Ah, Darcy, I should have known you would give up my secret.”
“I can only think you meant it be told when you began your own story, Charles. You must have known this was coming.”
“I tell you I did not. I had nearly forgotten the whole affair.”
“I assure you, he could not. Now if you will allow me to continue – at fifteen, Charles was quite the addition to our neighbourhood. I heard many of my female acquaintances marvel at his arrival. He was as tall as you see him now, though rather thin. He was agreeable and smiled even more than he does today. I had accepted his friendship since our first meeting and looked forward to setting out on horseback for some shooting during his visit.
“At this time, I believe, our Charles was quite enamored with the writings of the Gothics. He had brought several along and would read them long into the night by candlelight; I knew for we shared a room while he visited. I picked one up in idle curiousity one evening, but could hardly finish the ridiculous thing.
“He must have fallen asleep in the middle of one of his books that evening – I had long retired and left him to his foolery. I woke around midnight to see a most peculiar sight – Charles was standing on the bed post, his colouring so white I briefly wondered if he was dead.
“What is it, Charles?” I asked him, but he could not speak for fear. I jumped from my bed and looked around the room for any sign of his fright. I saw the window was open and a light shone from the lamps outside. I followed the light to find a shadow on the wall.
“Is it the shadow?” I asked and Charles nodded his head. Upon closer inspection, I saw that with a tilt of the head, it looked to be the outline of Charles” late governess.
“She is back to skin me for reading her books!” Charles managed.
“I laughed so heartily I woke the Bingley sisters. They came running from their room down the hall and banged on the door, demanding to know what was so funny.” Laughter rang through the parlour at this end, until Mr. Bingley finished the story.
“Darcy, my good friend, never betrayed my fright, until now. I yelled through the doors that it was none of their business and to get back to bed before a ghost got them. In my own defence, I will say I had the most dreadful governess.”
Jane and Elizabeth had tears streaming from their happy faces and Elizabeth gasped; “Enough! This cannot be good for Jane. We must return to less jovial amusements. I will take my place at the piano and play a somber march.”
The rest of the evening was spent in secret smiles between sisters, friends and newlyweds.
Chapter 7
Georgiana had grown up in a quiet house where her opinion was rarely sought. At eleven years her brother’s junior, she had always been the baby and was treated well, though often left to solitary amusements. After her parents’ death, life became even more solitary, for an older brother does not consider the social needs of his little sister. She had been at school and liked it, but her brother found it preferable for her to be established first in London and then Ramsgate. It was there she had been most bitterly disappointed and indeed, humbled. George Wickham had always been a favorite of her father’s. He had been almost a brother to her as a child, and wonderful for playing games and reading stories. She had assumed him a good man and allowed herself to fall in love with him. His proposal of a secret elopement had seemed wonderfully romantic and as her mother and father no longer lived, she thought it could hurt no one. She had been only fifteen, but when her brother visited them, unannounced, two days before the elopement was to take place, Georgiana realized the pain this secret marriage would cause him and confessed everything to him. His reaction was quite a surprise and her innocent attachment soon showed its sinister nature. If Mr. Wickham could not be trusted, who then could be? She had become quite removed from society then and promised she would never again be fooled. Only the introduction of Elizabeth to her life now brought her back from seclusion. She was grateful for her company and the vivacity she brought to Pemberley. If it was her station in life to be sister-in-law to Elizabeth and then Aunt to their children, she would be satisfied. The knowledge that Elizabeth’s sister, Lydia, was now married to the man who once ruled her heart would serve as a reminder to Georgiana that she was not meant to marry. With this decided, Georgiana strived to embrace the life she now lived and aimed to be a helpful member in her household, while allowing her brother and his wife as much privacy as they desired.
