Page 67 of Roses from Pemberley
“You do not think he will marry her on his own?” asked Jane.
“No, I do not,” said Darcy soberly. “Unfortunately, Wickham has always been driven by his need for money and, without that inducement…” Darcy shrugged, the implication being that since Lydia had no money, Wickham would not marry her. He turned to Elizabeth, “But he can be worked on, and I shall endeavour to make it so that your sister has the best possible chance for a happy life.”
Elizabeth was once again struck by how much more she had to gain from their union than he did. But she was certain that he did not wish to hear such things and so only said, “I thank you.”
He took her hand and squeezed it, again ignoring her expressions of gratitude. “So, shall you stay at Darcy House for the night?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
They resumed their journey and about one and a half hours later, they arrived at Darcy’s house in London. It was a large house with light stone and stood on Park Lane overlooking Hyde Park. The entry hall was large with a curving staircase and marble floors. Everything was elegant but nothing ostentatious. Elizabeth looked at her mother who was staring at her surroundings in awe. They were met at the vestibule by a young girl of about sixteen whom Darcy introduced as his sister, Georgiana, and her companion, Mrs. Annesley.
“I am very happy to you, Miss Darcy, Mrs. Annesley,” said Ellizabeth, as Jane and her mother expressed similar sentiments.
Georgiana Darcy was tall, like her brother, but had blond hair. She was not a great beauty like Jane or even Diana, but she was nevertheless pretty and seemed quite pleasant. Elizabeth hoped that they would someday be close.
“I am pleased to meet you as well,” said Miss Darcy. “And I hope you find your stay here pleasant.”
“Oh, I am certain we shall, Miss Darcy,” said Mrs. Bennet, “for you have a very fine house indeed.”
Georgiana Darcy blushed but looked quite pleased. “I have also taken the liberty of having dinner trays sent to each of your rooms, and hot baths are being prepared even as we speak.”
“Thank you so much, Miss Darcy,” said Jane. “We greatly appreciate it after such a long journey.”
Darcy smiled warmly at his sister, then indicated a couple in their middle years. “This is Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, the butler and housekeeper of Darcy House. They shall assist you with anything you should need. And your belongings are already being taken to your rooms.”
Jane and Mrs. Bennet were shown up to their rooms by Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Annesley, while Elizabeth took theopportunity to give her uncle’s address to Darcy. He told her he would inform Mr. Gardiner of their arrival, then encouraged his sister to show Elizabeth to her rooms.
“Bingley and I shall be in the study,” he told her. “Come find us when you have eaten and refreshed yourselves.”
Georgiana Darcy smiled. “Come, Miss Elizabeth, you must be quite fatigued after your long journey.”
“Yes, I confess that I am. And I thank you for having us to stay.”
“It was really nothing, Miss Elizabeth. For my brother sent a note ahead informing us of your arrival. So you see, it was not hard to make our preparations. And please call me Georgiana, or even Georgie.”
“Thank you, Georgie. And you may call me Lizzy or Elizabeth. I am glad to finally meet you and I am certain we shall be great friends.”
They walked up to the second floor and Elizabeth was shown into a room with white wainscoting, green toile wallpaper and a thick cream coloured rug.
“Do you like it?” asked Georgiana.
“Like it! How could I not? It is a lovely room.”
Georgiana smiled. “My brother said you might like it.” She frowned and added, “He also told me about your father and…I am sorry that we had to meet under such trying circumstances. I do hope he gets better soon.”
“I hope so as well, Georgie.”
Elizabeth took a quick bath and changed with the help of her assigned maid, Mabel. She quickly ate the hearty soup and fresh fruit that had been sent up, then went to her mother’s rooms, only to find that she was already preparing for bed.
“Have you eaten, Mamma?”
“Yes, indeed I have. And have had a bath as well. I must say, Lizzy, that Mr. Darcy’s idea that we spend the nighthere was truly inspired. For I could not have imagined better accommodations.”
“But do you not miss going to Aunt and Uncle Gardiner’s house?”
Mrs. Bennet shrugged. “I do miss them, Lizzy but…it just feels so nice to be waited upon hand and foot, and to spend the night in such a grand and well-maintained home. It truly is heavenly, Lizzy.”
“I am glad you find it comfortable, Mamma.”
