A Wife for Mr Darcy

the Lunar Society to Pemberley. The elder Mr. Darcy had so admired these men of science that their modest beginnings were of no importance to him, but such changes took time, as was demonstrated by her brother’s attentions to Miss Montford. He had only singled her out because he wanted Georgiana to make an advantageous match from among England’s elite families, and that required that he make a good match himself. But his sacrifice would have been too great. Why should he forego his own happiness for the sake of hers?

When the hackney came to a stop in front of the Montford house, Rogers took Miss Darcy’s card and presented it to the butler. It was a long while before Rogers returned with permission for Georgiana to come in, and when she went into the parlor, she was greeted by Mrs. Redford, Letitia’s companion.

“Miss Darcy, how good of you to call. Unfortunately, Miss Montford is unwell today, and she could not receive you personally. However, she suggested that I visit with you.”

What Mrs. Redford could not say was that when Letitia had learned that Miss Darcy was waiting in her carriage, she had refused to receive her because she was afraid that action might prompt her brother to call as well.

Georgiana suspected there was nothing wrong with Letitia that her departure would not cure. This was very disappointing because her plan could not go forward without Letitia. After pleasantries were exchanged, Mrs. Redford asked the purpose of Georgiana’s call.

“I am having a few friends to tea this week, and I thought Miss Montford would like to meet them.”

“That is very thoughtful of you, Miss Darcy. Was it your intention to tell Miss Montford who you would be inviting?”

Was that a leading question, Georgiana wondered? It certainly sounded like one.

“Perhaps you were thinking of inviting Mr. Bingley’s sisters,” Mrs. Redford said, trying to help Georgiana along.

“Yes, as a matter of fact I was. Miss Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Louisa Hurst would be two of my guests.”

This was very good news, Mrs. Redford thought. Letitia had been greatly upset by Mr. Darcy’s alarming revelation that he considered Mr. Bingley to be a gentleman and his sisters genteel.

“May I share any of the names of your other guests with Miss Montford?” Mrs. Redford asked, continuing to prod and encourage.

Georgiana did not know what to say. If she had been able to speak to Miss Montford, inviting Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst probably would have been sufficient for her purposes. However, Mrs. Redford was asking for additional names, but everyone else of her acquaintance was of the genteel class.

“Miss Darcy, I understand you have just returned from Pemberley where you were entertaining some new friends.”

“Yes, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.” But the Gardiners did not advance her cause, which she was sure was also Mrs. Redford’s, because Mr. Gardiner was a gentleman, and her puzzled expression prompted Mrs. Redford’s response.

“I believe Mr. Gardiner is a coffee broker and often visits the docks.”

Georgiana nearly jumped out of her seat. “Yes, that is true, and although a gentleman, Mr. Gardiner earns his living,” and Georgiana experienced the same happiness a student feels who has given the correct answer and has pleased her tutor. Buoyed by her success at guessing what Mrs. Redford needed to know, she added, “I could also invite Mrs. Crenshaw, Mr. Bingley’s older sister, who has very odd ideas with regard to the rearing of children. You might have heard about her sons, as they were reprimanded for throwing rocks at the squirrels in Hyde Park, but she may have gone to Scotland.”

Mrs. Redford smiled at this charming young lady whose purpose was to get her brother out of his unhappy courtship with Miss Montford.

“I think we have enough with Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley, and Mrs. Gardiner.”

Georgiana gave a sigh of relief as it was obvious Mrs. Redford was trying to extricate Letitia from a relationship that could in no way make her mistress happy. “I hope you understand that my brother would never deliberately hurt Miss Montford.”

“I know that, dear. I was always in the next room, and although it had a good start, it became clearer with each visit that their differences were too great. I think it is important for you to know that Letitia’s mother died when she was only eight, and her father’s world view is all she has ever known.”

Georgiana squeezed Mrs. Redford’s hand. “Miss Montford is most fortunate in having you as her companion. I have only recently found the perfect companion, and I rely on her heavily as her advice is always sound and in my best interest.”

When Georgiana reached the front door, she asked Mrs. Redford if she thought the guest list would be sufficient to solve their problem.

“I do not know, Miss Darcy. All I can tell you is that Sir John will hear of it, and then the rest is up to him.”

Chapter 44

Today was a day to rejoice and be glad for Charlotte Lucas was to wed Mr. Collins. While each member of the Bennet family made ready for the nuptials, they were all talking about which of the groom’s many annoying habits, his poor table manners, incessant talking about Rosings Park and all things de Bourgh, nightly readings of Fordyce’s Sermons, or his constant humming and whistling, that they would now be spared.

Jane and Lizzy were discussing that very topic when they heard a loud cry from Mr. Collins, and Jane, who had finished dressing, hurried down to see if the parson had been injured. Instead, she found her cousin staring at a letter that had just been delivered by John Lucas.

“What is the matter, Mr. Collins?” When he did not answer, Jane turned to Charlotte’s brother. “John, what is this about?”

“My sister took ill this morning with a fever, and the wedding has to be postponed for a few days. My parents aren’t feeling all that well either, but no one is dying,” John said, while looking at a crying Mr. Collins.

Jane took the letter from her cousin’s shaking hands, and it was just as John had said. Charlotte had to keep to her bed but anticipated a full recovery in a few days. In fact, she had written, “I wish to emphasize in the clearest possible terms that the wedding is only delayed, not canceled.” By that time, Lizzy had come downstairs, and after reading the letter, she understood that that particular sentence had been included because Charlotte was aware that Lizzy considered Mr. Collins to be one of the stupidest men in England.

“Of course, this means Mr. Collins will be with us until Charlotte recovers,” Lizzy said when Jane and she were alone again.

“I hope it does not snow as that will keep Charles in town,” Jane said, looking out the window at a gray December day, her statement indicating just how little interest she had in their annoying cousin. “Lizzy, come to the window. I do believe that an express rider has turned into the drive.”

“Even better. That is Mr. Gregg, Lord Fitzwilliam’s man. Let us hope he is the bearer of good news.”

Lizzy and Jane were not the only ones who had noticed the rider coming up the drive, and Mrs. Bennet, followed closely by Aunt Gardiner, practically grabbed the letter out of Gregg’s hand, and when Mrs. Bennet clutched it to her bosom and let out a sigh of relief, all knew that Wickham’s plan had failed.

“Say nothing. We do not want Mr. Collins to know,” she cautioned her daughters. “Thank heaven, my dear Lydia is safe. That wicked man’s plans have come to nothing.”

Leaving her mother to Jane and Aunt Gardiner, Lizzy directed Lord Fitzwilliam’s manservant to the kitchen. “I imagine you are in need of nourishment, Mr. Gregg.”

“What I lack in height, I make up for in appetite, miss,” he said, laughing.

When Gregg went into the kitchen, Mrs. Hill could see that this was a very hungry man, and in no time, he was diving into a plate full of eggs and bacon.

“Mr. Gregg, I cannot thank you enough for the arduous journey you undertook on behalf of my family.”