A Father's Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 5

  “Georgiana, I do not understand why you would feel that way. Do you think that Mr. Darcy expected or even wanted you to know those things about your brother?”

  “He did not.”

  “Then, I do not understand why you would regret your actions or opinions towards him. Would not it have disappointed Mr. Darcy more had you, in fact, been aware of the wicked intentions planned for you?”

  In a small voice, Georgiana whispered, “Yes. I just do not want to disappoint William.”

  “Has he told you that he is disappointed in you?”

  “Not at all,” she quickly replied.

  “You silly girl,” Elizabeth tapped the back of her hand to get her to raise her eyes to her. “Is not this the very means of getting wisdom? It has been said that experience is the best teacher. Have you considered what you have learned from this experience? You have certainly learned who you can and cannot trust. You have also learned the sad fact that there is true evil in the world and that not everyone, including family members, has your best interests in their hearts. This means you are learning to be discerning and wise. Is not this a good thing to learn at so young an age?”

  “I guess so, Elizabeth.” Georgina hesitated, “I have never spoken of this before. I am so happy to know you and to be your friend, Elizabeth.”

  “And I am happy too.” Elizabeth decided to lighten the mood. “Now, please, tell me something about yourself. How do you spend your leisure time? What activities do you personally enjoy?” The conversation went on for many hours and, at Elizabeth excusing herself to check on her sister, the two arranged to meet in the early morning for a walk about the grounds. It had been a good night.

  Elizabeth was delighted and relieved to see Jane’s improvement. Her sister desired to return to Longbourn the next day. Elizabeth felt that Jane would benefit from resting a few more days at Netherfield Park, but her sister was insistent.

  The next morning, after a long walk and talk with Georgiana, Jane, again, told Elizabeth that she would like to return to Longbourn. At breakfast, Mr. Bingley made every effort to reason with Jane and Elizabeth that they needed to stay longer. “Being outside, exposed to the air may be dangerous to her lungs. The jostling of the carriage over the rough lane might be dangerous to her lungs. The lack of bright, warm sunshine might be dangerous to her lungs.” It was a valiant effort, but Jane was determined to see her parents. Elizabeth observed, with puzzlement, Jane’s reaction to Mr. Bingley. It seemed that the pull of her parents far outweighed the pull of a possible suitor.

  Bags were packed and the carriage was called for. In the entry hallway, the Bingleys and Darcys gathered to extend their farewells. Miss Bingley and the Hursts barely acknowledged the two sisters. While Mr. Bingley issued his sincere regrets to Jane, the Darcys took Elizabeth aside and asked if they could call on her on the morrow to see if Miss Bennet was still improving and to further their acquaintance.

  “Georgiana,” Elizabeth said, “I have a journal that you may be interested in reading. Actually, your brother helped me find it in the bookstore six years ago. In fact, when I looked at the volumes after we visited last night, I was surprised to find that the very date we had been discussing in your room happens to be the same date I met your brother. I had noted it in the front plate of the book at the time of purchase. So, you see, November 11th is not such a bad day after all, since it also is the date we met. Do you not agree?”

  “Oh yes, Elizabeth.” They hugged tightly and confirmed that they both looked forward to seeing each other the next day.

  “Until tomorrow, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy bowed while Elizabeth curtseyed and the sisters left on the three mile journey from Netherfield Park to Longbourn. Their travel passed in silence. Jane, contemplating the upcoming confrontation, hoping that all would be well and the passage of time would bring peace to her family; Elizabeth dreading what was to come.

  When they came into view of Longbourn, Elizabeth was appalled at the outward condition of the home and grounds. Neglect was apparent and the sight brought no comfort to her, only agony. As the carriage came to a halt, she looked at the front entry to see only Hill and her Father standing by the door. Hill had a smile of welcome on his wrinkled face. Her father was angry and impatient. This would not be a good meeting and Elizabeth braced herself for what was to come.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire

  After the carriage left for Longbourn, Darcy asked Georgiana to accompany him to Bingley’s study for a private conversation. Miss Bingley had started abusing both Bennet sisters the moment they had crossed the threshold to return home and Darcy wanted his sister removed from that vicious attitude.

  He examined Georgiana as she walked down the hall and into the room to stand before the window. The view out the window was unspectacular, but allowed for a partial glimpse of the roadway leading away from Netherfield Park. It seemed she was watching the carriage as it moved toward Longbourn. “You are troubled, Georgie?”

  Georgiana turned toward him as he walked up beside her to get a last glimpse of his own. As Darcy watched the carriage, she noted that William looked troubled as well. “Did you not want her to go?” It had surprised her to see William so joyous at seeing Elizabeth. It was not his nature to smile easily, yet that was what she had seen several times over the past two days and she clearly understood those smiles were not for Miss Bingley.

  ”I did not want Miss Elizabeth to go, Georgiana.” He smiled down at her. “I think that she would be a wonderful friend to you and, from the amount of time you spent in each other’s company, I think you feel the same. Tell me, please, what were your impressions of her?” It had puzzled Darcy that he was so instantly comfortable with Elizabeth. He recognized that she made the effort to draw others out and to include them in pleasant conversation; both things that he realized were sources of constant struggle for him. As Bingley had mentioned only two days before, he was often perceived as stern and taciturn, which left the impression of pride and arrogance. Darcy had much to be proud of. He had one of the largest estates in all of England and he managed it well. Pemberley had prospered during the five years that he had been master. A Cambridge education, supplemented by extensive reading, a tight circle of close friends, and the respect and admiration of his acquaintances for outstanding integrity in business and moral issues elevated Darcy above many, if not most, of his peers. He knew that Georgiana suffered from the same shyness that afflicted him. If she could feel comfortable in Elizabeth’s presence as well, he could only encourage the friendship to grow by continuing association.

  “Oh, William, I could not help but be impressed with her wisdom and her kindness. I told her everything. I am afraid that I poured out my heart to her. She treated it with the tenderness of one whom I had known for many years, instead of a new acquaintance. Elizabeth helped me to see how I may learn from my experiences with George and how it could benefit me in the future. She never condemned me… not even remotely. I only wish that I could provide her the same relief, as this day must prove to be her most difficult.”

  “Whatever do you mean, sister?”

  “William, Elizabeth is now proceeding to a meeting with a father she has not seen in five years. This morning, as we walked, she briefly told me that on the same day we lost our own good father, she lost her dear little brother to the plague. Her three younger sisters died from that same illness as well. Even though she was but five and ten years of age with no real training in medicine, her father placed the blame on her for their death and immediately banished her from her home. Due to the kindness of one of the servants, she was able to make her way to her relatives in London. Her uncle is in trade. He has an import/export business that required him and his family to travel the globe. They took Elizabeth with them and she used this opportunity to study and learn all she was able in the arts of healing and caring for those who are ill. It then did not surprise me how quickly she was able to reduce Miss Bennet’s fever and help her on the road to re
covery. William,” Georgiana’s eyes pleaded with her brother, “Elizabeth assisted me greatly, so much so that I was able to sleep through the night last night, at peace for the first time since Ramsgate. I long to assist her and would ask that if something comes to mind that you would share it with me. I believe now that she is the one that needs a friend.”

  Darcy was touched by his sister’s depth of feeling. With their position in society, it was often the case that people sought their friendship for what they might receive from a closer relationship. The Bingley sisters were of that sort. So was his half-brother, George. He thought of his first meeting with Miss Elizabeth and a mental picture of a happy, young girl with smiling eyes immediately entered his mind. That something so dire could happen to someone so innocent was unconscionable. The thought had crossed his mind six years ago that the young miss would possibly make a fine friend to his little sister. How correct his instincts had been. Now, he pondered the changes that one poor decision could make on the lives of others. They had that in common, they did. One poor decision on the part of her father sentenced her to remain away from an apparently beloved sister and her home. One poor decision on the part of his own father had burdened him with a despot for a brother who cared not for his father’s estate, only the wealth and prestige it provided.

  “Georgie,” he came to a decision, “though disguise of any sort is abhorrent to me, I believe that we are obligated to pay a call on the Miss Bennets during visiting hours today to inquire as to the process Miss Elizabeth used in caring for her sister. We cannot possibly know when we might have need of such vital information, do you not agree?”

  “Yes, William.” A bright smile lit Georgiana’s face. “It is vital indeed.”

  “Let us inform Bingley. It would not surprise me at all if he would desire to accompany us to Longbourn.” The two left the study to prepare for making a call that very afternoon.

  Mr. Bingley had felt pain in his heart as he watched the carriage containing Miss Jane Bennet and her sister leaving Netherfield Park. It had disturbed him that Jane had not wanted to extend her stay in his household. He considered it a fine testimony, however, that she was so concerned about the health and welfare of her parents. Darcy teased, on those rare occasions when Darcy’s humor surfaced, that ‘Charles Bingley falls in and out of love as often as he walks in and out of a room’. While there was a certain element of truth contained in that tease, Bingley had never experienced the deep stirrings that he felt when he was in Miss Bennet’s company.

  Bingley had been reared by ambitious parents, who wanted their children to rise above their roots in trade. School had been a torment to him as those of elevated rank reminded him daily where his roots should stay firmly planted. It wasn’t until Darcy stepped in and defended him from titled bullies that he found his way clear to stand up for himself. Darcy was several years older, several inches taller, had the strength in his arms and legs of one who worked the land along with his tenants, and brooked no arguments with young hooligans, no matter their parentage.

  The Bennets were landed gentry, which would be a step up for Charles Bingley. He could not imagine a more fitting partner for his future than Miss Jane Bennet. Therefore, he was quick to agree to a visit to Longbourn, running upstairs to ready himself.

  Longbourn, Hertfordshire

  After a brief glance at her father, Elizabeth chose to focus on Hill. This man had saved her from certain harm. His care for her throughout her early years and gift of coin when she left had guaranteed her safety on her journey to London. Her small smile was for him only.

  Mr. Hill had loved Elizabeth as if she were his own. It was to him and his wife that Miss Lizzy would come when her scrapes needed cleaning and bandaging, when her tears needed wiped from her rosy cheeks, and when she needed a sympathetic ear. From an early age, Elizabeth had marched to a much different tune than her sisters. Mrs. Bennet favored the eldest daughter, Jane, because of her gentle beauty, showering her with constant praise. She also favored her youngest two daughters, Kitty and Lydia, because they so closely replicated her own self-indulgent personality. Elizabeth was scorned by her mother while the middle sister Mary was ignored. When the heir came along, Mrs. Bennet diverted her attention fully to young Thomas. This caused uproar in the household as Kitty and Lydia vied for the renewed attention of their parents, which they never received. Jane, in an effort to keep peace at Longbourn, pampered her two youngest sisters, which was only a temporary respite from the tumult. Mary withdrew more and more into her books and her musings. Elizabeth, who young Thomas favored the most, was constantly criticized by her mother for involving her little brother in adventures that his mother felt were unacceptable to a young gentleman. Mr. and Mrs. Hill understood Elizabeth’s love of the countryside and knew it to be a refuge for the young miss, keeping her away from the constant fault-finding of her mother. The affection that the Hills felt for Miss Lizzy was lovingly returned.

  As she and Jane walked up to the doorway, she looked her father directly in the eye and determined that she would not submissively look away first. She was not five and ten years of age any more. She had done things and seen places that he had only read about. She was not returning to her home riddled with guilt over wrongdoing. It had been his error and his alone.

  “Come to my study, now!” her father demanded. She raised one brow. He had not even the courtesy to call her by name or extend a polite welcome. This did not bode well for any future encounters and certainly not the one that would immediately take place. Hill moved to the carriage to remove their luggage and Jane went into the house. Elizabeth could hear her mother’s shrill voice asking Jane if she had yet secured the affections and attentions of Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth continued to focus her gaze on her father. Finally, after what seemed like many minutes had passed, her father turned into the house and walked directly to his study. Elizabeth sighed heavily and followed. It was a small victory for her that her father at least stood and held the door open for her until he slammed it behind her and commanded her to “sit” like he did when irritated at the family dog.

  “I requested your immediate attendance in my express. Were you not capable of understanding such a simple message?” Sarcasm oozed out of every word. Elizabeth chose to stand. She would not give ground. “You are only at Longbourn because your mother has determined that Jane can do better than my heir.” The disdain in his voice when he said “heir” was obvious. “If I had another daughter I certainly would never have you return. But, I do not have another daughter, do I, Lizzy?”

  Hatred emanated off him in waves that washed over Elizabeth with force. It was unimaginable that he, who had claimed to love her especially, could hold onto such anger for so long. Before that thought had settled in her mind, there was a firm knock at the door. Without waiting for a reply, the door was opened and her mother, accompanied by a short, rotund gentleman, entered.

  Oblivious to the tension that surrounded her husband and least-favorite daughter, Mrs. Bennet grabbed the man by the arm and pulled him toward Elizabeth. “Lizzy, you must meet your betrothed, Mr. Collins. It is all settled and I have finished the plans for a simple wedding, one fitting the position of wife to a clergyman.” She reached around and pulled Mr. Collins closer, prompting him to “get on with it.”

  Mr. Collins was sweating profusely which added to his already rather fragrant aura. “Did the man never bathe?” Elizabeth wondered. She watched as he rubbed his hands down the side of his jacket and used the back of his forearm to wipe his brow. He opened his mouth several times as if to speak, but only sounds similar to a croaking toad were heard.

  Not one to allow nerves in others to ruin an occasion, her mother finally blurted out, “Lizzy, Mr. Collins has told me that you are the companion of his future life. Is that not sweet?” Sweet was not the word that came to Elizabeth’s mind. “You will be a good wife to this gentleman and you will resume the care and attention you always gave to Longbourn, is that clear?”

  Mr. Collins must ha
ve agreed with Mrs. Bennet because he, though still not having uttered one word, smiled with great affection at the older woman. He reached out his hand like he was going to grasp Elizabeth’s in his own and she reacted by drawing her hands behind her. She did not want the toad to touch any part of her.

  Elizabeth felt that since her mother had made the offer, it would be to her mother that she would respond. “Mama, you are much mistaken if you think that I would accept a man who I do not know. Nor am I desirous at this time to be married at all.” Now, she looked at Mr. Collins, still apparently delighted in the company of Mrs. Bennet. “Please, do not take my refusal as a personal affront. I do not know you.”

  Mr. Collins started to reply when Elizabeth turned back to her father. Her anger simmered over and five long years of neglect and abuse bubbled forth. “How dare you!” Elizabeth strode to his desk and leaned across with her finger pointed, her chin lifted and her eyes on fire. “How dare you attempt to arrange my life when you threw it away all those years ago. No contact. Not one word in five years and now you think that I would possibly do your bidding without question?” She backed away from his desk. “Sir, you no longer have authority over my life. You gave away that right with your letter. You do not know me any longer and I realized quite clearly all those years ago that I do not know you.” Turning, she walked to the door, opening it, and pausing to look back from the threshold, and said, “I shall see to Jane’s comfort and then I shall not darken your doorstep any longer. I am not wanted here.”