Beginning, Previous Section, Section VI, Next Section
Posted on Thursday, 26 June 2003
"What is the meaning of this?" Aunt Catherine asked as soon as she came into the room. My husband gently let go of me and crossed the room to her.
"Welcome to our home, Lady Catherine. You have come upon us at a sad time." Nathan stood across from her, looking uncertain what to do next.
"Richard has been injured, Catherine," my father told her. I was a little surprised when my aunt paled and gasped (I expected a cold hearted response, I admit...).
"Fitzwilliam is injured? Is it fatal?" I looked to Georgiana who seemed on the verge of breaking down again.
"We are not sure," I spoke up, sniffling a little. "The situation is grave."
"Sit down, please, Aunt Catherine," Nathan finally said after we had been standing a few minutes in silence. I was shocked that my husband would call her that, especially since she had insulted him to his face the last time we were together. My aunt looked up at my husband but didn't say anything. She sat down, a frown on her face.
"If you will excuse us, Georgiana and I will return shortly," I added. Georgiana stared at me until I beckoned her over with my hand.
"You are leaving, Emily? Is that to be borne?" Aunt Catherine asked in a grouchy voice.
"I will return before long, aunt," I assured her. "My husband will entertain you in my absence," I added, glancing at Nathan and seeing his look of incredulity, though he tried to mask it. Fortunately for him, my mother intervened and they began to speak.
Georgiana and I walked out of the drawing room and out the back of the house. We were walking quietly and then Georgiana said, "Why did you want to speak with me, Cousin?"
"I saw how upset you were about Richard's injury. Georgie, do you like Richard?" Georgiana didn't say anything for a moment.
"Do you really think Richard will die? I knew he faced some danger in his duty, but to become injured hardly ever occurred to me."
"You did not answer my question, Georgiana," I chided her.
"I found you out," she said suddenly.
"You found me out?" I asked dumbly. What was she saying? We both stopped walking, and I stared at her.
"I knew you were pushing Richard and me together before you wed, and then afterwards. It wasn't hard to figure out, Emily. I was angry at first that you were pushing us together, but sometime later I realized that I had always held a deep respect for him. I came to the conclusion after a few months that I was beginning to love him."
"Oh," was all I could say. My plan had worked! Then I sighed.
"If he dies, I will never be able to tell him!" Georgiana's voice started to escalate. "He will die away from his family and friends!"
"Georgie, right this very minute my brother could be on the mend. We should be positive about this."
"Do you think your brother could come to care for me if he lives?" she asked. "I know Fitzwilliam is not going to like this; I am too young, in his opinion, for suitors."
"I will work on cousin Fitzwilliam. I do not know what will happen to my brother, but I know that he cares for you already."
"As a cousin," she muttered. Then her tone changed to one of concern. "This stress is not good for you in your condition, either," Georgiana murmured. We walked a few more feet and then she said, "I wonder what Aunt Catherine could possibly want."
"I know not, Georgie. Nathan seems to be on intimate terms with her," I muttered with a shake of my head. We walked back to the house, and I was glad that I had had this talk with her.
When we entered into the drawing room again, my aunt was saying, "I am most seriously displeased." I tried not to groan at her words and wondered what had happened this time.
"You said you wanted nothing to do with us, Catherine. You insulted our daughter's future husband and our son and his future wife. You even insulted our nephew's choice for wife. Were none of them good enough for you?"
"Is Cousin Anne here?" I interjected, not wanting a fight between my father and my aunt.
"Anne was shown to a room. She was feeling ill while we traveled." My aunt sat in silence and then glanced at me and then to Nathan. "I was wrong. You have made my niece very happy, Mr. Hillsborough. I thank you." I was still standing and almost fell down I was so shocked. My aunt apologizing to my husband?
"You are forgiven, Aunt," Nathan told her.
"Why have you come?" I finally asked her before I realized it sounded cold even to my own ears.
"My only family wanted to cast me away and I became lonely," Aunt Catherine said grudgingly, as if she didn't want to admit it. "Did Darcy marry that woman-Miss Elizabeth Bennet?" she asked.
"He married Elizabeth, and they have been happy these months they have been together," Georgiana told her quietly.
"Her sister married my clergyman, you know. Mrs. Collins is a quiet sort of girl. I had told both of them not to give me news from the Bennet family or my nephew." She looked down to the floor for a moment, something uncharacteristic of my aunt. When she looked up again, my parents were standing.
"We would stay and chat with you, Catherine," my father said, looking at his pocket watch, "but I think my wife and I are going to travel back to Matlock. I need to see my sons and nephew about a certain matter."
"What of Richard?" my mother asked, her eyes red and puffy.
"We will have to wait for news of him. Emily, Nathan, I am sorry to have to leave so soon after we arrived, but we must travel as early as we can today. I have already asked Nathan to order our bags packed, Emily," my father assured me. He patted Nathan on the back and then hugged me. "Take care of Emily," he told my husband. "And that baby," he added with a glance to me. Not long after, both my parents left.
"Do you mind if I play the pianoforte?" Kitty asked me suddenly. I had forgotten she was even here.
"No, no. You and Georgiana can go if you wish," I said distractedly. Georgiana stood with Kitty.
"If you get another letter, you will call for us, won't you?" Georgie asked anxiously. "I will not rest until I know he is safe!" After I nodded to her, she and Kitty went to the music room. Nathan and I had both sat down when I noticed that my aunt looked different. She wore a serious look, one of regret.
"I was harsh on all of you, wasn't I?" my aunt asked suddenly. She stood, looking worn out. "I had always thought that Anne would marry Darcy. I am resigned to the fact that he is married to the former Miss Elizabeth Bennet. If he is happy, then I must be too." She sighed. "I can see that my daughter is frail, and I want to help her. Emily, do you think you could walk with her and help her gain some strength?" Where had my aunt gone and who was this woman in her place? I blinked with surprise. My aunt wanted me to help Anne and walk with her?
"I will certainly try, Aunt. I need the exercise in my condition as well," I said before thinking. My aunt glanced at me.
"Condition? Are you ill?"
"I am expecting," I said softly. My aunt was a little surprised, but I was even more so when she came over to me and hugged me.
"Aunt Catherine?" I asked, making sure she answered to that name.
"I have become old and embittered," she admitted. "When your uncle died, I became a..."
"Shrew," I muttered under my breath. My aunt didn't hear me, and for that I was thankful.
"I became a pain to endure," she said wryly. I almost asked Nathan if I was dreaming. My aunt admitting that she was a pain?
"You know Wickham has threatened Emily and our whole family," Nathan suddenly spoke up. My aunt's eyes narrowed.
"I never liked that Wickham. Why my brother-in-law kept his father employed, I will never know," Aunt Catherine snarled.
"Aunt, his father was Uncle George's steward and a good friend of his. Mr. Wickham, the son, turned out wild anyway. Uncle George was blinded to his iniquities."
"How has he threatened the family?" Aunt Catherine asked.
"He threatens to come here and exact his revenge," I admitted softly. "No one is safe from him."
"This is even worse now in your condition," my aunt said to herself. "I will see what I can do about him."
"You would help?" I gasped.
"I am your father's sister, am I not? No one crosses Lady Catherine de Bourgh or my family and gets away with it! I want to see my room, Emily."
"Very well," I told her, still confused. Before she left with Mrs. Evans, she walked over to Nathan and told him something softly. Then she left the room. "What has caused such a change in her?" I wondered.
"I only hope it had something to do with my letter," Nathan said with a grin. I felt like I was going to faint, and Nathan came to me at once.
"You have had much happen in one day," he told me, his concern evident. "Let us sit down, my love." Once we were settled next to one another, he said, "I wrote your aunt after we were married a couple months. I wanted her to know that even though she did not like me, I was still going to wish for her happiness. I was very nice in the letter and can only hope that is why she has come to apologize."
"I did not know you had talent in writing letters." Nathan put an arm around me and pulled me closer to him.
"She is not as bad as everyone says," he told me.
"You have not known her long," I countered with a slight grin. I sobered a moment later, thinking of my brother dying in some field somewhere far away from here. I did not even know where he had been stationed. "If Richard dies, then Georgiana will be devastated," I told him.
"Has she developed feelings for your brother?" I nodded.
"She loves him." We were both quiet and reflective after that.
All of us dined together that evening, even Anne, and I tried to draw her out a little. She was a little more talkative to Georgiana and Kitty, and I was thankful to Georgiana for trying to help.
After we ate, we all wanted to hear Georgiana and Kitty play. I was reading a book, Aunt Catherine was silent for once, and my husband sat next to me listening to the music, a pensive look on his face. Georgiana, feeling more than a little emotional, chose dramatic music tonight, and she poured out her feelings into the music. When her first selection was finished, I said, "Georgie, do you not think you could play a less depressing song?"
"My mood is grim," she replied before withdrawing into the next piece. It wasn't too long afterward that we were all surprised that a General Andrews was announced.
"I am sorry to interrupt," he began, "but I have come with urgent news of Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam." I was too stunned to move, my heart doing flips in my chest. I thought he was going to tell me of my brother's death.
"Sit down, General," Nathan told him as everyone sat once again.
"Would you like any refreshment?" I asked him, finding my voice.
"No, Ma'am," he said kindly.
"I'm Nathan Hillsborough, owner of Ashford Park. This is my wife, Lady Emily. Colonel Fitzwilliam is her brother. This is Miss Georgiana Darcy, the colonel's cousin, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh, his aunt. Miss Catherine Bennet is his cousin-in-law."
"I am aware of some of his relatives, sir. The colonel sent me himself, in fact." Georgiana leaned forward, her face pale.
"Is he alive?" Georgiana asked him quickly.
"The colonel was alive when I last saw him, four days past," he told us. I was not comforted, knowing my brother could succumb to his injuries very quickly.
"What has happened?" Nathan asked him.
"The colonel is an old friend of mine, and both of us were stationed in France. A man by the name of George Wickham wanted to take his revenge on the colonel. He told Fitzwilliam that he was going to..." General Andrews looked at all the ladies in the room. "...to take the lives of his family members-and he mentioned two ladies in particular." Even though General Andrews didn't mention the two names, both Georgiana and I knew whom he meant. "Colonel Fitzwilliam was very angry, and he told Wickham that if he should ever harm any of his family, he would kill him. Wickham was too fast and underhanded; he shot Fitzwilliam." Georgiana gasped.
"Where was he hurt?" I managed to say, my hands squeezing Nathan's fiercely.
"'Tis providence that Wickham is not that good of an aim after he has been... imbibing. He shot Fitzwilliam in the leg."
"Who kept Wickham from killing my brother?" I asked the general.
"I was in the area and on my way to see him when I saw Wickham and your brother. Wickham was so unstable that I was able to take his pistol. He did not even try to fight back, but ran." He paused and then continued, "They were far enough away from people that he could have murdered Fitzwilliam without a soul knowing." I shuddered and Nathan hugged me closer to him.
"So he will get well?" Georgiana asked.
"What happened to Wickham?" I asked at the same time.
"Wickham escaped. I was too worried about Fitzwilliam to care about him. I know there are ladies present or I would say exactly what happened to his leg, but he may not be good for service again."
"This is not good at all," I lamented. Then I added softly, "I wish for him to be brought here to recuperate."
"Should he not go to Matlock?" my aunt suddenly asked.
"I want to care for him here. My parents can also stay as long as they wish. Georgiana would help me, would you not?" I asked her.
"Yes, I would," she agreed.
"My brother will not die with this injury?" I inquired. I wanted to make sure he would get better.
"Lady Emily, I am not a physician. I can only say that he looked well enough, but he still had a slight fever when I left him. I am sure he is not immune to the diseases there." He paused. "I would be cautious with Wickham on the run."
"If I ever see that man again, I will kill him!" I said suddenly in a flash of anger.
"Emily," Nathan murmured.
"It is exactly what you said, Nathan, when he wrote that letter!" General Andrews looked uncomfortable.
"My wife is a bit tired, General Andrews," Nathan apologized for me.
"I'm sorry," I said suddenly, tempering my anger. "General, why don't you stay with us for a night at least. You must be tired from your long journey."
"Yes, thank you, my Lady. I am tired. I must go to Matlock tomorrow, the second place Colonel Fitzwilliam asked me to go." We all stood, and Kitty came over to give me a reassuring smile. She had really matured since last year.
"All will be well, Emily." She gave me a hug. "I would like to speak with you tomorrow about seeing Jane," she told me.
"That is fine, Kitty." Nathan and I left, saying good night to all there, as General Andrews began a conversation with Kitty.
"Thank you for suggesting Richard should come here," Georgiana called out to me. Nathan and I both turned around.
"I want to care for my brother, and I thought you might help by staying on with us until William and Elizabeth come in the early summer."
"Will life ever be normal again?" Georgiana whispered.
"I don't know," I told her. "Good night, Georgie." Nathan and I resumed our walk to our bedchambers. Once inside, he shut the door and sighed heavily.
"This has been a strange day," Nathan mumbled, beginning to take off his cravat.
"I hope all my days are not as trying," I sighed, running a hand through my long hair. Nathan turned to me.
"Emily, with this baby, I want you to be extra-cautious. I know I repeat myself, but go outdoors only with Kitty or Georgiana or take a servant with you. I am tempted to say that you should not even go out of doors, but that would be unwise for your health. I am not always going to be here." I stopped all my movement.
"Are you anticipating leaving for a trip one day?"
"I have business in London, and I may have to leave once this summer and once in the fall. At those times, you will be too far into your condition to travel." I became needy suddenly.
"Don't go! Don't leave me here for Wickham!" I cried.
"Emily, darling," he said softly, taking me in his arms, "I will not leave you without Darcy or one of your brothers here; or I might ask Charlotte or Elizabeth to come to keep you company. You will not be here by yourself."
"I do not want you to leave," I told him, burying my face into his chest. "Can we not just go to London now? We could stay at the townhouse for a season or two."
"I have my business to attend to here, Em. It will not work. Be strong, my love. I am worried about all this trauma for our little one." I finally calmed down.
"I am sorry, Nathan. I am not myself." Nathan kissed me deeply, making me feel even better.
"I am wondering if you will continue this into the late months of your condition," he teased.
"I hope not," I said with a slight sniffle.
"My love-by the year's end Wickham is going to be either in jail or dead, dead preferably. I will only kill him if he is striking first, but I will always be on guard. I will protect my family and home. George Wickham will get his just due!" he promised passionately. And with that he finished changing and went to bed as soon as his head fell against his pillow.
I changed my clothes, put on my nightgown, and then spent the night staring out my window at the bright moon, my thoughts in turmoil over Richard and Wickham. I also puzzled over my aunt's strange behavior. My brain thoroughly taxed, I finally succumbed to sleep at the break of dawn.
Posted on Saturday, 12 July 2003
Over the next several days we waited anxiously for the post for any news of my brother. General Andrews, who had taken to Kitty interestingly enough, left for Matlock. My aunt's demeanor was softer, and she insisted on corresponding with my father, even returning to Rosings with Anne to help. We even had a scare one day when an express came that my brother had died from his wounds. Unable to control her emotions about my brother any longer, Georgiana could be heard sobbing from the music room. However, a day later, the report was contradicted and my family still lived with the uncertainty of my brother's health.
We had surprise visitors one day as we were all trying to find something to occupy our minds. Kitty had wanted to go see Jane's new baby, and I knew that Elizabeth and William were to come to get her in a month. So, when Georgiana, Kitty, and I were outside taking a stroll, we were surprised to see the Darcy carriage pull up to my home.
"Fitzwilliam! Elizabeth!" Georgiana ran straight into her brother's arms as soon as he had helped Elizabeth from the carriage. She cried against him for a minute as he soothed her in soft tones.
"What has brought you to our home so early?" I asked them as soon as I had welcomed both.
"Lizzy, are we to go see Jane soon?" Kitty asked her sister.
"We may, Kitty," Elizabeth replied. William let go of Georgiana now that she was comforted.
"I hope nothing is wrong." I gave them a worried glance as I led them to the house.
"Richard is to be moved here tomorrow," William told me. I was shocked.
"Is he better? We heard that he had died and then an express came and we were told that he was just very ill. Do you know, Cousin?" William glanced at his sister curiously, watching the emotions changing on her face. I shook my head slightly at him as his gaze turned to me.
"He was ill and nearly died, that is true. They are risking moving him here, but it will have to do."
As we entered the house, I told the housekeeper to bring my husband into the drawing room. Nathan was summoned from his study soon thereafter and welcomed William and Elizabeth.
"I must talk to you-and Emily privately," William told Nathan.
"Sure, Darcy," Nathan agreed.
Elizabeth, Kitty, and Georgiana talked with one another as I followed my husband and cousin into the study.
"I heard that Wickham tried to kill Richard."
William reacted to my statement with slight surprise and then nodded.
"Uncle Matlock had gathered Matthew, Andrew, and I together to see what we could do to help Richard, when General Andrews came to Matlock. I now remember that he said he stopped by here on his way."
"Is his leg very bad? Will he be able to walk again?" I asked quietly.
"I have not seen him," he reminded me, "however, I have heard that his condition is grave. Whether or not he will walk on that leg again remains to be seen." William then looked at me searchingly. "Was it my imagination or is my sister acting differently?"
"Georgiana is in love with Richard," I said quietly. "She does not care if I tell you, I am sure. I only hope my brother returns to his prior strength-I have not seen him return her affection," I interrupted myself, my thoughts scrambled in my head. "I do not want Georgiana disappointed."
"I have not seen this," William frowned.
"You are as newly married as we are, Fitzwilliam. Georgiana has been growing up and we have not even seen it."
"Darcy, what do you know about Wickham? Anything? This man has taken a toll on my family and my sanity. Is there not a way for us to trap him somehow?" Nathan inquired, his mouth drawn into a deep frown.
"That remains to be seen. Elizabeth and I are to go to Longbourn and Netherfield so Kitty can go home, and then we are headed to London. Matthew is going to meet us there, and Andrew has been there hunting for Wickham all along. That and courting a young woman," he added with a sigh. "Can you come to London so we can continue this business?"
"Emily," my husband said softly, turning to me, "do you think that you feel like traveling to London yet?"
"What is wrong, Emily?" my cousin asked, surprised to find I was ill.
"I-" It was much easier telling Aunt Catherine than my cousin.
"We are expecting a baby toward the end of the year," Nathan told him, allowing me to breathe more easily.
"Congratulations, Hillsborough, Em."
"I am not sure I want to travel all that way," I admitted to my husband.
"We will figure something out, dearest," Nathan assured me. "How can one man cause so much trouble?" Nathan muttered after a long silence.
"It is easier to believe if you know the man personally," William said dryly. He leaned back in his seat, analyzing the situation.
"Shall I call for a doctor for my brother?" I directed my question toward William. He shook his head at my question.
"I have called for one of the best in London to come to assess his condition and oversee his recovery." He stared up to the ceiling. "My sister has feelings for him."
"She is no longer a little girl, Fitzwilliam. You should see how mature and even more outgoing Georgiana has become, just in the past few months."
"Elizabeth has done a lot to help with Georgiana's shyness." His smile was one of contentment.
"Darcy, since you are here, I would like to speak with you on a couple matters." Nathan gave me a strange look and then said, "Emily, dear, I think you should leave now."
"No! I am not leaving. I want to hear this conversation. I have a feeling I am involved." I crossed my arms over my chest. Giving me a resigned look, he continued.
"Very well. I am leaving for business in London once in the middle of summer and then at the end of fall. I am sure Emily and I would go to London more in a year, and we will once we are settled with the child, but would you and Elizabeth come to stay? I do not want to leave my wife alone with a madman on the loose, and she will be unable to make the journey to London at either time."
"I think we can come." William had a faraway look to his eyes, and I wondered if Georgiana's growing up troubled him. "Yes, I shall talk with my steward and see what has to be done before we can return."
"Darcy, I am most intrigued about your aunt, Lady Catherine." Nathan grinned at William's astonished face. "She came here to our home and surprisingly acted civil toward us. Have you reconciled with her yet?"
"I spoke with her briefly," he replied. "I am as shocked as you are about the change in her attitude. I almost fell over after she hugged Elizabeth." William chuckled at the memory.
"She must either be dying or finding her senses," I murmured.
"Lady Catherine is definitely not dying, Emily. I confess that the woman has amazed me once again. The good news is that she can prove to be a valuable ally against Wickham."
"Fitzwilliam, you do not think that Aunt Catherine would have willingly participated in one of Wickham's schemes, do you?" I asked incredulously. "Whatever she is, she is still our aunt and a Fitzwilliam-not a murderer and kidnapper."
"I don't know," he said seriously. "I do know that our aunt has gone to London and is actively helping Andrew in his pursuit of Wickham."
"She astonishes me." I looked out the window behind Nathan's head and saw Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Kitty walking.
"If you will excuse me, gentleman, I need some fresh air." William nodded to me and Nathan, who looked to be thinking rather seriously, gave me a slight nod as well.
"Do be cautious, dear." Knowing that was his usual warning whenever I ventured a walk on my own grounds, I said nothing, smiled, and then walked out the door.
I caught up with the girls and enjoyed the rest of the day, not knowing what tomorrow might bring.
"Is he well?" I cried, running over to see Nathan and William commanding the servants.
"Where is his room?" William asked me.
"Upstairs, the third room on the right," I answered quickly. "Is he-in pain?" I asked as I observed my brother's ashen face and a moan escaped his lips.
"His leg is in quite a bit of pain," William answered grimly. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his forehead. "The bullet has done great damage to his bones." I grimaced.
"Where are the ladies?" I asked my husband.
"They are in the music room, I think," he replied. "Why don't you go and join them, my love? You don't want to see him in pain as his wound is cleaned." I shook my head determinedly.
"I want to be with my brother."
"Emily, you should go see Elizabeth and Georgiana," William told me, giving me a stern look. "We will take care of Richard. This can't be good for you in your condition." Despite both my husband and cousin telling me to leave, I stayed in my place, stubbornly refusing to go.
"I want to help my brother." The servants carried Richard on a board, and at the moment they were trying to carry him up the long staircase. I heard a bump against the wall and a groan. "Do be careful," I said angrily to the men.
"Emily, they are being careful," my husband said patiently. I followed their progress up the stairs and saw them then move him from the board onto the bed. A man who I had not paid attention to before took out his bag and began to assess Richard's condition.
"Are you the doctor, sir?" I asked him, coming over to my brother's side and taking his hand.
"I am, Madam. You must be Mr. Hillsborough's wife," the older man told me. "Your cousin, Mr. Darcy, sent for me."
"How did you know?" I asked him, surprised.
"Your cousin described the Master and Mistress of this home," he said gently. "Do you become squeamish rather easily?" He peered at me over his glasses.
"No, sir." Though I said I wasn't squeamish, my voice shook a little and I remembered back to when I was a little girl and Matthew had cut himself with a sharp knife. Because of the severity of his cut, he had lost a large amount of blood. Then I had almost fainted. Now I was determined not to be a problem, but to help the doctor. Richard was semi-conscious, and I saw as he struggled to look up at me. His eyes seemed blurry, but he quickly tried to focus them.
"Emily?" he whispered. I bent down.
"Richard, you are going to get better. We are going to take good care of you." When the doctor removed the bandage, Richard's grip on my hand tightened.
"Are you not going to give him something for the pain?" I asked, my heart beating hard in my chest. I hadn't even noticed that William was standing behind me. Richard grit his teeth as the doctor touched his leg with a towel.
"Should you be in here at this time, Emily?" William asked from behind me, repeating his earlier concern. He looked to Richard and then to me. "In your condition, I think it would be best to leave this to your husband and to me."
"I am fine," I insisted. However, William had gotten the doctor's attention.
"What is your condition, Madam?" he asked me.
"I-I am expecting. I am doing well now, and I can help. I will help my brother," I told him, giving him a look that said I wasn't backing down.
"It is at your own risk. As for the pain, there is not really much I can do." The doctor did give Richard some kind of medicine, but it did not help him much. After cleaning the wound and bandaging it again, Richard looked about ready to sleep.
"If you need anything, send for us," I whispered to him. Richard tugged on my hand, his eyes drooping.
"Did you say you were expecting?" he whispered back.
"I am. I want you to get well so you can see your nephew or niece," I told him. His hand eventually fell limp, and I knew he was sleeping. As soon as I opened the door, Georgiana met me in the hall.
"Georgiana?" Her eyes filled with tears, Georgiana looked behind me into the room.
"May I sit with him a while?" she asked.
"He is sleeping now." I bit my lip, wondering whether or not to allow my cousin to attend to my brother all alone.
"I will leave the door open," she promised. Finally, I gave my consent, and saw her go in and sit in the chair next to his bed.
Physically exhausted, but my mind too active to sleep, I decided to go to the library and read. I took one step in that direction when I realized I was still not dressed. I rang for my maid and Henrietta helped me change into a fresh dress and put my hair up for me. I thanked her and then made my way to the library, where I found William and Elizabeth, who were both absorbed in books. They looked up when I entered, and I gave them a small smile.
"How is the Colonel?" Elizabeth asked, putting her book aside.
"He is sleeping now, but he was in considerable pain while the doctor tended to his wound. I am hopeful for his recovery, but only time will tell."
"Sit down, Emily," William gently chided. "You look tired." I picked out a book but refrained from sitting.
"I think I will just read wherever my husband is. Is Nathan in his study?"
"He is," William replied. I gave my cousins another smile and walked to the study. Nathan was busy writing a letter when I entered. Looking weary and worn out, he managed a smile for me.
"I felt like reading." I showed him the book I had chosen, a Shakespeare play, as usual.
"You aren't reading Fordyce?" he teased. I shook my head and quietly stood in the middle of the room. Putting down his quill, he gestured for me to come over to him. Walking quietly toward him, I stopped just beside him. "Sit, my wife, I am in need of a respite." I looked toward the door.
"Will not someone see us?" I asked even though I was already sitting in his lap before my question was finished. I placed the book on his desk as he wrapped his arms around me.
"I am the Master of my home, am I not?" he asked, holding me close to him. "I see nothing wrong with showing my wife affection in my own home." I stared blankly at the letter he was writing, not reading it.
"Do you think my brother will get well again?" I asked Nathan.
"We can only pray so, my love," he said, taking my hand and holding it within his. Nathan noticed my wandering gaze and decided to inflict torture on me. A moment later, I felt myself being tickled, and I responded by shrieking a little too loudly in his ear.
"Nathaniel!" I scolded. He held his right hand to his ear while I repositioned myself so I was sitting straight again. "I do not like to be tickled!"
"I thought that might get you out of your melancholy." He decided instead of tickling me to kiss my neck.
"Hmm, this is better than reading," I admitted, leaning back into him. It wasn't too much later when a servant breathlessly came into the study. I immediately jumped up from my husband's lap, my cheeks red. However, I didn't have time to feel embarrassed because the servant was stuttering something, a serious tone in his voice.
"Master Hillsborough, Miss Darcy has asked for the doctor. Colonel Fitzwilliam has taken a turn for the worse, sir."
"Where did the doctor go?" I asked, already heading for the doorway.
"He should be in the house," Nathan answered as I knocked on the library door and quickly told William and Elizabeth that my brother was very ill.
"Have you seen your doctor?" I asked him. "We are in need of him now, and he is nowhere to be found!"
"I will search for him. Elizabeth..." William gave her a look, as if telling her something that I was not aware of. Not even waiting for Elizabeth, I once again raced upstairs.
"Emily! Slow down," Elizabeth told me in an alarmed voice. I slowed down only for a moment and almost ran into my brother's room, where I found several people crowding around him. Nathan was taking Georgiana by the hand and leading her out of the room.
"Mrs. Darcy, could you take Miss Darcy away from this room?" Nathan pleaded with Elizabeth, and I could not understand the reason. When we heard my brother's moans coming from the room, I turned pale.
"He's in pain! I need to see him!"
"Oh, no! Emily, this time you are not getting your way. You are not to go in there until everything is normal again. I need Darcy. Where is he? And where is that wretched doctor?!?" Nathan ran a hand through his hair after his harried speech.
"Here he is." William and the doctor stood behind us, rushing into the room. Nathan gave several servants orders and then, after all of them were in the room, shut the door with a resounding slam. Elizabeth, the one chosen to usher us away from the room, found Kitty quickly and tried to rush us downstairs.
"I want to stay near his room!" I refused to move from the doorway, where I heard my brother calling out in pain.
"Emily, standing here will not help anyone. Come away from the door," Elizabeth begged. When I showed no signs of moving, Elizabeth sighed and took Kitty and a reluctant Georgiana downstairs.
I stayed next to that door for the next few hours, listening to the muffled sounds of men's voices and my brother's painful cries. I did not know if I would ever see my brother alive again.
Posted on Monday, 28 July 2003
Gradually during this time, I sank to the floor, not even able to cry anymore. Exhausted and out of tears, I somehow managed to fall asleep from my awkward position on the floor.
"Emily?" a voice asked in surprise. When I opened my eyes, I looked up and saw Fitzwilliam standing outside the door.
"William?" I asked, trying to suppress a yawn. William leaned down and I grabbed his hand so he could help me up. My cousin's face showed no expression, and he seemed to withdraw into himself again. "What can you tell me? Is Richard going to live?" Not saying anything, he puzzled me. I gave up on him talking and started to listen for any sound inside the room. Even straining to hear, I only heard low murmurs.
Finally, William spoke. "He is in a critical period at the moment. The doctor saw that the infection was festering. Richard will not be able to walk on his leg for some time."
"What was all that noise in there? What were you doing to him?" I demanded. "Fitzwilliam Darcy, I really want to know!" I added.
"The doctor had to use a knife. That is all you will get from me, Emily. This topic is not one in which I will share with you, knowing your history of fainting and such."
"When did I last faint?" I asked him, my hands on my hips.
"It was only a year ago at Aunt Catherine's," he replied, trying not to look too exasperated. "The servant had not liked his meal, it seemed, and-"
"Fine," I said in an agitated voice. "I am not going to argue with you over when I last fainted. Sometimes I become weak, and I cannot help it." I stepped closer to the door. "May I see my brother now? When will we know if he lives... or not?"
"The doctor has given him until tomorrow morning, and then we will know if he lives or not. You cannot see him until the doctor allows you," he told me.
"Why cannot I be more like Elizabeth?" I moaned. "She is everything I am not." William looked confused.
"What are you talking of?" he asked me.
"I am saying that your wife has beauty, intelligence, charm, and she does not yell at people all the time. Why cannot I be more like her?" I broke into tears again, and this time William enveloped me into a hug.
"Emily," he told me softly, "You and my wife have different temperaments. And I believe you have beauty, intelligence, and charm as well. You tend to become stubborn and foolish at times, but with all the tension and trauma you have seen lately, I do not doubt why you do so." The moment he released me, my husband stepped out of the room. He saw my tears and gave me his handkerchief to use. I thanked him and dried my tears.
"Darcy, I think my wife and I are going to rest for a few hours. I have told the doctor to alert us if anything changes in the Colonel's condition. You go ahead and find Mrs. Darcy." He paused for a moment and then said, "And I think Miss Darcy may want to visit her cousin?"
"Georgiana is able to see him?" I asked, my lower lip trembling.
"My love, you will be able to see him later as well," Nathan assured me. William went to search for Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Kitty while Nathan took my arm and led me away to our chambers. Sleeping was a wonderful suggestion, and I eagerly sought the bed and lay upon it. Not too long afterward, I felt Nathan pull the blanket up to my neck, and he leaned down and kissed me before I fell into a nice, long sleep.
I was so tired that I slept through the night and did not even rise until early the next morning. Dressed and refreshed, my first task of the day was to seek out the doctor.
"Can you tell me if my brother has improved at all?" He did not seem too somber, but I held my breath as I awaited his answer.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam has responded well to the treatment and, I believe, is a little better, my Lady. You may see him if you wish." A little better was better than nothing. I breathed again.
"I do wish to see him, thank you. Will he be able to walk on his leg again?" Having heard several opinions on the matter, I wanted the doctor's opinion.
"In time," he said slowly, "I think he will be able walk on it fairly well, however he will probably not be able to do some activities. Only time will tell, but the Colonel is looking better than I had hoped at this time." Those words brought a warmth to my heart.
"Thank you, sir!"
The doctor showed me into Richard's room. The room was dark, and the curtains were not pulled back. The doctor not in the room, I decided to pull them back myself. As light filtered into the room, I breathed a little more easily. Fresh sunshine really does wonders for one's health. Turning around, I noticed that Georgiana was already here and reading next to Richard's bed.
"Georgie!" I cried.
"Emily," she said timidly, placing a bookmark in the middle of her book. Closing the book, she rose and looked down.
"I did not know you were awake or that you were already in here. How were you reading in the dark?"
"I was not reading," she confessed, placing the book on the table beside the bed. She tried to smooth out her wrinkled dress, to no avail. "I was here last night when it looked as if Cousin Richard would die, and I spoke to him." Georgiana stopped and took a deep breath. "I told him I was here for him, Emily, and he moaned and said my name!"
"He said your name?"
"He said my name. And he wanted me to stay with him!" I walked over to his bed and looked at the new bandage on his leg. My eyes wandered from his leg to his face; Richard's face looked even whiter than the pillow he slept on.
"That is wonderful news, Georgiana." I leaned forward, hovering over my brother, and heard him make a noise. "Richard?" I whispered. "It's your sister Emily. I am here with Georgiana." Suddenly, Richard gasped and awoke, his breathing haphazard.
"Richard!" Georgiana exclaimed. "What is the matter?" Slowly, his breathing returned to normal and his wild look calmed.
"George Wickham," he muttered darkly.
"What is it, Cousin? Did you dream about-Wickham?" Georgiana still shuddered whenever she said his name, and I could not blame her.
"He was trying to kill my family." Richard's eyes were closed, but he did not look as if he were going to sleep.
"He is trying to kill the family. He tried to kill you, too." After I spoke, he opened his eyes and stared up at Georgiana. Georgiana could not keep her affection for Richard from her face. I always thought that she had an exceptional beauty, a unique face, and her character only added to her beauty.
"You were here last night, Georgie," he whispered to her. "I was in all that pain, but you were here."
"I would have been here, Brother, but Nathan and William forbid me to enter," I assured him. Richard, however, directed his next words to Georgiana, ignoring me.
"Thank you. I found hope, and I pulled through because of you."
"I will always be here for you, Cousin. If you ask, I would never leave your side," she added quite boldly.
"Georgie, you've always been a wonderful companion, and I have never even thought of you in any other way." I could see Georgiana stiffen. However, my brother had more to say. "Underneath that shy exterior is a girl who is compassionate, intelligent, and assertive." Richard suddenly grimaced, and Georgiana quickly stood.
"Where does it hurt?" I asked him urgently. I could not stand to see him in pain.
"My whole leg is bothering me, Emily. The doctor said that the pain would be overwhelming sometimes." I saw his pained expression gradually lessen. He turned back toward Georgiana, and suddenly I felt like I was intruding. I almost left, but my brother's next words stalled me. "You love me, Georgiana."
"Oh, Richard." Her eyes closed and then she looked as if she was about to bolt from the room when Richard tugged on her hand. My hand to my mouth, I wondered what would happen next.
"I never realized how much I cared for you, Georgiana. Dear girl, I cannot promise you that I shall always be sane, and if you should want a lame, old army man for your husband..." Georgiana's grasp tightened on his hand. "I am to retire from the army; there is no other choice now that my leg is-" He turned his head.
"I will be with you no matter the circumstance," she told him. "Fitzwilliam is married now, and he and Elizabeth will soon have their own family. I do not want to be a hindrance to them." Georgiana, still standing, leaned closer to him. "Besides, I love you."
"Georgiana Darcy, will you be my wife?" he asked her, now turning his head to look at the woman who had cared for him so tenderly since he arrived here. "I love you." Georgiana gently hugged my brother and whispered a 'yes' to him.
I did not want to interrupt them, and yet I had stood and watched the whole scene unfold. I stood awkwardly at the other side of his bed, and finally, Georgiana arose and wiped away a tear. Richard, sensing I was still in the room, turned his head to the right, looking at me.
"And my sister witnesses my proposal." I could tell he was tiring again, and I almost did not know what to say to him. I responded with some of my humor.
"Do not worry; it is not the first proposal I have witnessed. I seem to be skilled at being at just the right place and the right time for these things. This would be the third I have seen, not counting my own, and I seem to have a knack for it," I said with a slight grin. I leaned down and kissed his forehead in a sisterly gesture. "I am happy for you both, Richard." My brother took my hand and squeezed it. "I will fetch Fitzwilliam now, if you would like."
"Please do that, Em. You might want to be quick about it because I am beginning to feel tired again." I nodded and left the two alone with the door wide open. I stepped out of the door, wondering where to find my cousin. My instinct was correct when I found William and Nathan playing billiards.
"Do you gentleman have an overabundance of energy to unleash?" I asked from the doorway. Nathan looked up and smiled.
"Em! You are awake early, my love," he said as he came over and kissed me briefly.
"I am more than awake; I am feeling much better. However, you, Mr. Darcy, had better go to Richard's room right this instant," I said in a grave tone. William immediately put down his cue stick and reached for his waistcoat.
"What is wrong?" he asked, not wasting a moment.
"Nothing much at the moment." He was out the door by the time I replied, and so he did not catch my teasing tone or my words.
"Georgiana is soon to be called a cousin and a sister to me," I told Nathan. Nathan looked shocked.
"Has your brother proposed?"
"In front of my eyes," I sighed. "I cannot get away from it, it seems." Tracing the outline of the billiard table with my eyes, I added, "He will have to retire from the army, of course."
"He will walk again, my love. I have hope that he will return much of his strength. I do not think he will have full use of his leg again, but he is a tough man. He will make do with what he has."
"You do think my cousin will give his consent? Sometimes he does things that I do not anticipate. Insulting Elizabeth was one of those things."
"I think your brother can win Darcy over easily, Emily." Nathan suddenly chuckled and I asked what was so humorous to him. "I would have loved to see Mrs. Darcy after that first assembly where you said your cousin snubbed her and called her-tolerable-was it not?"
"I daresay she despised the poor man for a few months, and he deserved it. Yes, he praised Mrs. Bingley's looks but called Elizabeth tolerable. It was the first time I was ashamed to call him family. He has reformed, however, and much of it is due to Elizabeth's influence."
"Mrs. Bingley and Mrs. Darcy are exceptional women. I can see why Bingley and Darcy were so taken with them." When I didn't speak, Nathan leaned over and kissed me softly. "Not to besmirch those two lovely ladies, or any family, but I believe that I married the most beautiful woman in England."
"You are not serious, Mr. Hillsborough," I said with one raised eyebrow, baiting him with my response.
"I assure you, madam, I am very serious." Nathan and I walked down the hall and stopped in front of a picture of his father, looking all prim and proper. Nathan, looking mischievous as usual, quite the opposite of his stern father, showed me he was, indeed, serious, and he did so without care of the servants around us (if there were any, I am sure they would have been gone by now). Needless to say, we did not find out that William had given the newly engaged couple his consent until quite a while later.
The men in the family made another trip to London in mid-summer. Richard was left to watch over the women, but I think my cousin William had to be joking about that. My poor brother was still weak and could not help himself in a dangerous situation. It was a teary goodbye that I gave my husband the first time he left home without me. He assured me that he would write faithfully and be home as soon as he could.
Everything went well at home, but in London the men were still trying to uncover information about Wickham. However, when all possible avenues had been explored, they left for home. My father and William had set out men to continue searching for the elusive Wickham, so a search was always to be underway for him. I still could not believe that one man could elude the authorities and everyone else for such a long period of time.
Mother was already at Ashford Park (Mother wanted to take care of her 'little boy', as she said), and so my father returned to my home with my husband and cousin. When Nathan came home, I clung to him as if he had been gone months instead of just a couple of weeks. I think he rather enjoyed the attention.
I was thrilled when Charlotte and Matthew traveled from their home to see us. And instead of Kitty traveling with the Darcys to Netherfield, the Bingleys came here. I enjoyed their visit greatly since I was honored to meet the new Bingley heir. At one time in our home, we had gathered the Darcys, Kitty Bennet, the Bingleys, Matthew and Charlotte, my parents, Andrew and his new fiancée, Lady Anna Harrington (it was quite a speedy courtship), her parents, and Aunt Catherine and Anne.
It was quite a large gathering, and it was my first test as Mistress of Ashford Park. They were all family or friends of family, so I did not feel quite so overwhelmed, but still, being in my condition, I had to take pointers every now and then from my mother.
The Harringtons were quite wealthy people, and I learned that during Andrew's search for Wickham, he had come across a lady in distress in town. I was never told all the circumstances, but he came to her aid and they fell in love. Lady Anna was not the normal rich, snobbish woman of the ton, but she was well bred and genteel. I saw the match as very good. Lady Anna was the daughter of an Earl and she was to marry the son and heir of an Earl, a future Earl himself. I was proud of my brother that he was not so pretentious as to find a woman who was rich but who lacked in character. Lady Anna was the exact opposite of Caroline Bingley in her character, and she had more to be proud of, in fact. (No offense to dear Charles, of course. He cannot help who his sister is.)
But back to my large party. I hosted all these people in my new home, and I was glad that most were family. By the time this large crowd had gathered, I could not hide my condition. There were people literally all over the house, and I could hear laughter burst forth from many rooms. The atmosphere was jovial, and I felt as if my situation could only get better. Who cared where Wickham was now? He was probably on some foreign shore, hopefully out of England and out of my life forevermore.
I walked into the music room and smiled when I saw William and Elizabeth chatting with Matthew and Charlotte. In only an hour dinner would be served, and then I would gather all my guests together for our first dinner together. I was looking forward to pleasing my family with my role as Mistress. I said a quiet hello to my family and then addressed Charlotte.
"Charlotte!" I cried. "Did I welcome you properly? I think you and my brother got lost in the crowd." Charlotte, looking more radiant than ever, hugged me.
"I heard your good news," she said in her quiet manner. "And I see that you are doing quite well. How exciting for you and Mr. Hillsborough."
"Thank you! Have you and Matt been keeping busy?" I asked her. She nodded.
"We have spent some time in town at the townhouse, and I have been to the opera and the theatre. Matthew has become possessive of me, however, and has determined to turn down many invitations to dinner parties around town." When Matthew heard his name, he turned and gave his wife a loving smile.
"I do not want those condescending men of the ton near you, dearest. I know you would outshine their wives any day, but I have to have you for myself at least the first year we are married. Do you not agree, Sister?"
"I can only say that I have not set foot into London in months. Nathan traveled there only for familial duty, and I could not go due to my condition." Knowing only close family was in the room, I added that statement. "I can safely assure you that my husband and I prefer the quiet of country living compared to the bustling atmosphere of town."
"My brother-in-law keeps his wife close, and I am doing the same," Matt declared. "Darcy, speaking of the ton, how are some of our old friends? You were in London this spring, were you not?" I knew that the trip to London recently had been no joyous occasion and so the men had not partook, especially without their wives, in the festivities.
"For a short time, Cousin. Elizabeth and I visited London briefly before we visited her parents and the Bingleys at Netherfield. The parties would bore you, as would the people-even some of our old friends."
"Fitzwilliam is not much for social gatherings," Elizabeth apologized for him with a twinkle in her eye. "He rarely finds something he likes at one of them."
"It was at an assembly that I met you, my darling Lizzy," he said with a smile.
"And there you insulted your darling Lizzy at the same time," I said dryly. "Who can forget how you first met?" I sighed. Everyone laughed at William's expense, but he was saved from any more teasing as Jane hurried into the room.
"Lizzy! There you are!" It was the first time I had seen Jane look so agitated. She held a letter in her hand and continued, "Mama has sent us a letter saying she and Papa are bringing Lydia and they want to come to Ashford Park. I am sorry, Emily, that they are coming uninvited. It seems as if they are already on their way!"
"Now all we need is that simpering Collins," Fitzwilliam muttered under his breath. Elizabeth shot him a warning look.
"Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are coming here?" I asked. I was shocked. I had seen Mrs. Bennet's nerves and flutterings while in Hertfordshire, and I cringed at the thought of her coming into my home. I breathed in sharply and said to myself, "It is just Lizzy's mother, Lizzy's mother, Lizzy's mother..." Charlotte saw that I was working myself into a fit, and she took my hand and breathed with me.
"Darce, you look a little green," Matthew teased him.
"My mother-in-law can be a little-energetic," he said quickly, seeing his wife's disapproving look.
"Here is my wonderful wife!" my husband's voice boomed as he peeked into the music room. "I was looking for you. Your mother wanted me to ask-what is wrong, Emily?" Nathan interrupted himself. He must have seen my pale face. "You look distressed at something."
"The Bennets are going to visit us as well; they are on their way," I added, my shock still obvious. I finally turned to Elizabeth and Jane. "I mean no disrespect to your parents. It is just that Mrs. Bennet is a little loud for my constitution."
"Mr. Bennet is a very fine man," William added. "I have had the pleasure of shooting birds with him at Bingley's. I have been able to bond with him as a father and son would."
"It is not Mr. Bennet I fear, but Mrs. Bennet," I said worriedly.
Not a minute later, I saw a nursemaid stand quietly in the doorway and curtsy. Once she espied Jane she said, "Mrs. Bingley, you are wanted in the nursery, Ma'am."
"Thank you." Jane rose and excused herself to care for her son.
"Mrs. Bennet cannot be any worse than Aunt Catherine," Matthew finally said after a few moments of silence. "No disrespect to you, Mrs. Darcy." He had felt Charlotte's gaze on his back after that one.
I soon began thinking about the Harringtons. They were gathering their first impressions of my parents while here, and now they would meet the Bennets, who were related to Andrew by marriage-his cousin-in-law's parents. I only hoped Mrs. Bennet and Lydia behaved.
"Why the gloomy faces?" Georgiana asked brightly, entering into the room. An entourage of servants carried Richard, on a board, into the room after her so that they could be together. After they set him down, he sat up and greeted Matthew and Charlotte.
"Do you follow dearest Georgie around everywhere, Richard?" Matthew asked our brother.
"We are to be married within a month's time." Matthew still laughed at him, even as Georgiana gave Matthew a frown.
"Do be kind, Matthew. He is still recovering from a near fatal wound. Now, I want to lighten the mood. What shall I play?"
"Anything dark and depressing," William again muttered.
Since no once else was going to say it, Nathan volunteered the information. "The Bennets are going to be our guests."
"Oh." Georgiana had little knowledge of Mrs. Bennet and Lydia since she only saw them a couple times before.
"Colonel, why don't you tell your fiancée what you want to hear," Nathan offered.
"I cannot get up to see the music sheets," he reminded Nathan. Elizabeth offered instead, and she glared at her husband while walking to the pianoforte.
"Fitzwilliam, I think you have some groveling to do," I told him with a wicked grin. "Maybe for your penance, you can show Mrs. Bennet around; you are familiar with the house by now." My cousin gave me his best scowl.
"Darce, you are too transparent," Richard told him. "These are your in-laws." He was not able to reply as Georgiana started to play music by Beethoven. Her skills at the pianoforte were excellent, and when Elizabeth joined her in a song later, both Richard and William beamed with happiness. The happiness was to be short lived, however.
"Master Hillsborough, the Bennets have arrived, sir." The butler looked mildly put out for some reason, but before I could ascertain why, a voice could be heard above all else.
"It is not as big as Pemberley, of course, but it is a charming house. And I am sure that Mr. Hillsborough does not make as much as our dear son-in-law. Ten thousand a year! Oh, our Lizzy married well! Oh, Lydia, child, where are you off to now?"
"There might be some officers here, and I want to catch me one," we heard quite clearly. "Did not Lizzy say that there would be a great big gathering of people?" Nathan looked to me and then I looked back to him. He motioned to the door and I motioned back to the door.
"Emily, are you not going to meet them?"
"That is Fitzwilliam's job," I said smugly. "It is, after all, his in-laws." Fortunately I said it so lowly that only William heard, and not Elizabeth.
"Yes, Cousin, but you are the Mistress of this fine home," William shot back. The argument was not necessary, though. The butler came back and announced, "Mr. and Mrs. Bennet of Hertfordshire." I tried not to feel panic rising in me.
"Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, you are very welcome to our home," I told them with a strained smile. Elizabeth immediately rose and hugged her father. He was a lively man, and I had always enjoyed talking with him. However, Mrs. Bennet stood back from him a little and sniffed at my room. Her gaze traveled to all my elegant and classic furniture and decorations. I could almost hear her say something about it being not as elegant as Pemberley.
"How are you, Mama?" Elizabeth asked her when she finished greeting her father.
"The journey was tedious. Your father insisted we send a letter or we would have come earlier. He takes great delight in vexing me," she sniffed. "Oh, I am so glad I have three daughters married. Has Kitty not found a husband among Mr. Darcy's acquaintances yet?" I could see Elizabeth's patience start to falter. Before Elizabeth could say anything in reply, we were called to dinner. We were all relieved that the conversation stopped there, but the night was not over.
Yes, indeed, it was going to be a very long night.
Posted on Tuesday, 5 August 2003
All my guests talked quietly to one another as we dined, and I couldn't help but glance over to Mrs. Bennet when her voice would rise, hoping that she wasn't offending anyone. At first I couldn't believe my eyes when Mrs. Bennet had been seated next to Lady Anna, who sat directly in front of Andrew. Lady Anna's eyes grew wide at times when she spoke with the woman, and I would hear snatches of words, such as, "three daughters married, ten thousand a year, and my nerves were in flutters"-the typical utterances from her mouth, I gathered, after listening to the same sentences for so long.
For all it was worth, Lady Eleanor Harrington gave her future son-in-law and daughter amused glances instead of being appalled by Mrs. Bennet's behavior. I came to the conclusion that they were a very unique family among the ton.
I think everything went as well as could be expected with such a large gathering. Mrs. Bennet eventually quieted, a little in awe of the other ladies around, and even Lydia looked subdued (due, no doubt, to the fact that there was only one military man, and he happened to be wounded and engaged to her sister-in-law).
The Bennets left after a few days, and although I was relieved to see Mrs. Bennet and Lydia go, I was sad to see Mr. Bennet leave (somehow Kitty had managed permission to stay with Georgiana and me, and I was happy to have her). As for Mr. Bennet, I had been surprised to find that he and my father had some interests in common and became quite good friends during their short acquaintance with one another.
The rest of the time that all the families were with us we spent on planning Georgiana and Richard's wedding. He could stand now, but he needed some sort of crutch and needed to sit after a short while on his leg. All the women collaborated together to see what Georgie needed for her wedding gown and made plans for the wedding breakfast and other such details.
Georgiana was a dazzling and beautiful bride, and I felt tears in my eyes as my cousin stood by my brother's side, even though he did lean on one crutch. My brother looked serious but happy, and I knew he and Georgiana would have a good marriage.
The doctor thought it unwise for Richard to travel far while he was still so weak, so knowing that Richard had to stay on at Ashford, Nathan gave Georgie and Richard their own wing of our home for however long the duration of their stay would be (though Richard made it clear that he and Georgiana were leaving as soon as he was strong enough).
The wedding came and went, and soon I watched all my family except the Darcys leave. Andrew told me that he and Lady Anna were marrying in two months time, and, sadly, I would probably not be able to attend. I wouldn't have gone to Georgiana and Richard's wedding had not it been only close friends and family because my condition was so prominent.
So, as it was, I was miserably confined for much of the rest of the month of August. September came, and with it, my eldest brother's marriage and my husband traveling to London again.
Happily, Nathan had to postpone his trip and so it was put off until the month of November. As a consequence, William and Elizabeth decided to go home to Pemberley and then return when they were needed again. After the Darcys departed, it was up to the newly wedded Fitzwilliams, Kitty, and Nathan to amuse me. The month seemed to drag on forever, but eventually it too came to an end.