The Gypsy Blessing (13 page)

“Mr. Darcy, you owe us nothing. Georgiana owes us nothing; she is our friend.”

“Even now?” Georgiana whispered, now looking at her lap.

Darcy was about to rush to his sister’s side, but Elizabeth shook her head slightly, gesturing for him to step back.

Elizabeth smiled at the younger lady. “Of course! Other than family, who else but a friend would sit with you for so long in complete silence, and then scold you when it was required?”

“But my shame, my disgrace...”

“Have you told me all there is to tell?”

Georgiana nodded.

“Georgie, you simply did what scores of other young ladies have done in the past and will do in the future—you fell in love. It was not your fault that the young man misrepresented himself.”

Georgiana looked up at Elizabeth, her eyes filled with tears. “But if I had never met you, I would have—”

Elizabeth bent to take the younger girl’s hands in hers. “What if you and I had met sooner? What if we had met later? What if I had never come to Ramsgate at all? What if you had doubted Mrs. Gardiner’s truths more than you had Mr. Wickham’s lies? Georgiana, if we explored all the
ifs
, we could be here for days, perhaps even years! Whatever the reason, none of those things happened. We
did
meet here on your first day in Ramsgate. You
did
doubt his stories. You did
not
agree to elope! You have suffered no disgrace.”

“What about Mrs. Gardiner and Ja—Miss Bennet?”

“
Jane
is helping my aunt with something—that is all. Both sent their regrets for not being able to come to see you this morning.” She squeezed Georgiana’s hands. “I dare say that if they had known just how poorly you were feeling, they would have put off what they were doing to come along and help you to recover.” Elizabeth moved to the mantelpiece. “I am a very curious individual, and since I have been sitting here for a while now with nothing more to do but look about the room,” she said with a teasing smile, “I have stored up many questions for you.” Elizabeth held out her hand to her young friend. “Come, tell me, who are these people?”

Georgiana hesitated a moment and then stood and stepped closer, her arms wrapped tightly around her chest.

Elizabeth pointed to each miniature, and Georgiana told her who each portrayed. There were likenesses of her brother, parents, Aunt Adelaide and Uncle Theodore, Aunt Catherine and Uncle Lewis, her cousin Anne, cousin Henry, and cousin Richard. Darcy wondered why Elizabeth seemed to look at the drawing of Richard a little longer than she had the others.

At one point, Georgiana called her “Miss Elizabeth,” and Elizabeth raised one eyebrow. She quickly changed it to Lizzy. Elizabeth’s laughter tinkled in reply.

Elizabeth asked about the basket of embroidery supplies, and the two examined a half-finished piece. Georgiana glanced at her brother and whispered something to Elizabeth. Elizabeth smiled brightly.

The two discussed the book she had seen on the table—a fairy tale of which Elizabeth was so fond that she knew it almost by heart:
La Belle et la Bête,
or
Beauty and the Beast
, by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont.

“Have you read it, too, Mr. Darcy?”

He did not wish to interrupt their camaraderie, but was also not willing to abandon his sister at such a delicate time. Since he had been satisfied to be a simple spectator up until that point, he was surprised at being addressed. Darcy pulled up a chair to join their conversation.

The next time Georgiana was distracted, he saw Elizabeth signal Marie, and the maid left the room. Before long, tea was delivered, along with many of Georgiana’s favourite treats. Proving to be a proper hostess, his sister changed her seat in order to pour the tea. Darcy was relieved that, whilst Elizabeth kept her busy chatting, Georgiana finally partook in the offered nourishment.

When tea was done, Elizabeth read to them. After a while, Georgiana fell asleep. Darcy eased Georgiana into a reclined position, carefully arranging a blanket around her before gesturing to Elizabeth that they should leave the room.

Once the door was closed, Darcy said, “That was amazing, Miss Elizabeth.”

“Having four sisters of varying ages, I have a great deal of experience with the melancholy moods of young ladies.” She continued in her thoughts,
I will not mention what we all suffer through with my mother’s nerves!

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart—thank you. I would not have known what to do for her.”

Elizabeth blushed. “It is not necessary to thank me; I truly meant it when I said that Georgiana is my friend. Although we have not known each other long, I have become quite fond of her.” The grandfather clock in the entry hall at the bottom of the stairs chimed five times.

Darcy’s surprised expression was followed by his saying, “I must apologize for keeping you here all day!”

“It is quite all right, but I should be going now, sir. When she awakens, please tell your sister that I will call on the morrow—or, better yet, may I leave a note for her?”

“Yes, of course. Please, I will show you to a writing desk and then call for the carriage. This way.”

“Thank you.”

When she was done, a maid was waiting in the entry hall.

“May I escort you home, Miss Elizabeth?” Responding to Elizabeth’s raised eyebrows, Darcy added, “Of course, Sarah will accompany us.”

“That is very kind of you, sir, but I think it would be better if you remained here.” Elizabeth lowered her voice and spoke so that only Darcy would hear her. “Georgiana is in a fragile state; I think she bothered more by feelings of guilt for her carelessness and what she had been contemplating than from actual heartbreak. If she should awaken and send for you—”

“Of course, you are correct. She might feel abandoned if she finds me gone out.”

As the maid helped her with her coat, Elizabeth said, “Oh! I almost forgot. Mr. Gardiner asked that I should give you this.” She handed him a letter. “I am sorry, sir, I was supposed to deliver it when I arrived, but being so anxious about the health of your sister, I quite forgot. My uncle expected that I would bring an answer home with me.”

Darcy opened and read it immediately. “He asks if we might be able to attend dinner two evenings hence. I would be happy to, only...” He glanced towards the stairway and then back again.

“I believe by then Georgiana will be able to attend, but perhaps you would rather wait until you are better informed. Shall I tell him that you will send an answer with me tomorrow, instead?”

“Yes, that would be best.”

He helped her into the coach and watched it until it was out of sight.

She often seems to know what I am thinking—sometimes even before I know it myself. I hope she cannot
always
read my mind, or I should expect a well-deserved slap one day soon!

Chapter 8

August 6, 1811

After a great deal of anxiety on Georgiana’s part, and several reassurances from Elizabeth and Jane that she was indeed welcome, the Darcys agreed to dine at the Gardiners’.

As the last course was served, Darcy was having such an enjoyable time that he asked Mr. Gardiner if the family was engaged two evenings hence, since he would like to return the invitation.

“If it were at all feasible to accept, I would, Mr. Darcy, but as it is...” Mr. Gardiner shook his head, but upon noticing Darcy’s confused expression, he continued, “Perhaps you had not heard Mrs. Gardiner’s statement earlier this evening? You see, just this afternoon, I had a letter from my business partner requesting that I return to London as soon as possible to see to an urgent matter. I regret that we shall have to cut short our stay, but there is nothing else to be done since I do not know if I would be able to return before we must give up this house. We begin the journey the day after tomorrow.”

“Your family’s company shall be missed.” Darcy tried his best to keep his eyes from straying towards Elizabeth as he spoke, but he did not succeed.

“Georgiana,” Elizabeth said, “we must delay our planned outing for tomorrow until you, too, return to London. I am afraid that Jane and I will be busy all day.”

A few minutes later, when all others were involved in a lively discussion, Georgiana turned to her brother and spoke in hushed tones, “Fitzwilliam, I have been thinking. May I ask Lizzy to remain with us whilst we are at Ramsgate?”

The Misses Bennet and Georgiana had been spending a great deal of time together since Darcy had arrived, and he had just been thinking that he could not imagine being at Ramsgate even a single day without seeing Elizabeth. However, any time Elizabeth was near, it was becoming more difficult to conceal his fascination with her. If she were to stay with them, he did not know what the consequences might be.

Glancing at his charge, he took in the hopeful anticipation of Georgiana’s expression, and he could see in her eyes how necessary to her happiness her friend’s company had become. Her request alone demonstrated a degree of self-confidence that had been previously non-existent in his sister’s behaviour. He was pleasantly surprised to have it surface after the disappointment Wickham had doled out. This subtle change in Georgiana’s conduct was refreshing, and he hoped she would feel more comfortable expressing her preferences in the future instead of his always having to guess. After getting to know a little of Jane Bennet’s temperament, he could not imagine that she had anything to do with this change in Georgiana’s behaviour and could only attribute it to Elizabeth’s influence. No matter what level of discomfort it might cause him to have Elizabeth come live with them, Georgiana’s well-being would always be considered before his own.

Darcy nodded. “If her uncle agrees, we can convey Miss Elizabeth to the Gardiners’ home upon our arrival at London next week. However, I hope you do not raise your hopes too high, Georgie. Mr. Gardiner’s answer might not be to your liking.”

“If so, I would understand, Brother.”

Once Darcy and Mr. Gardiner had settled into the study for a glass of brandy, Darcy brought up the subject.

Mr. Gardiner seemed surprised and more than a little uncomfortable. “Although Lizzy is under my protection whilst she is with us, you do understand that I am not her guardian. I am not certain I have the right to agree to such a scheme without Mr. Bennet’s permission.”

Darcy was unsure whether he was feeling more disappointment or relief.

Mr. Gardiner spoke again, “However, I
am
almost certain that Mr. Bennet would approve. Allow me to discuss this with my wife before giving you my final answer.”

“Would Miss Elizabeth’s absence be an inconvenience during your journey to London?”

“Between Jane, myself, the maids, and the nanny, I would think we can help my wife manage the children well enough on the trip. They cannot run far while inside a coach, which is when Elizabeth is indispensable!”

After the gentlemen returned to the ladies, Darcy saw Mr. Gardiner gesture to Mrs. Gardiner directly, and the two were absent from the room for some time. He felt some encouragement when Mrs. Gardiner caught his eye and smiled at him as they returned. When the couple then approached Elizabeth, her face brightened as Mr. Gardiner spoke to her. Several minutes later, she crossed the room to stand before the Darcys.

“Georgiana, my uncle has just informed me of your invitation. I thank you; it would be a pleasure to stay with you a few days.”

Darcy drew in a deep breath and promised to himself with conviction,
I
will
harden myself to her charms and emerge from this trial retaining full ownership of my heart!

~%~

August 7, 1811

Jane folded one of Elizabeth’s gowns and handed it to her sister. As Elizabeth placed it in her trunk, Jane asked, “Do you really think staying with the Darcys is wise?”

Surprised, Elizabeth looked up with a quizzical expression. “Absolutely. I anticipate having a lovely week with Georgiana. Why do you ask?”

“It is only that... Lizzy, I fear for your safety.”

“My safety? Have you heard something of Mr. Darcy that you have not told me?”

“No...” Jane’s confused expression turned to one of horror when Elizabeth’s meaning became clear to her. “Oh, no, Lizzy! I have heard nothing but good of Mr. Darcy. It is only—well, we
have
been fortunate that our aunt and uncle have assumed your letters have come from home. What will happen if you receive a drawing whilst you are staying with the Darcys?”

“Oh, is that all? Jane, you frightened me!” Elizabeth shook her head. “It is a valid question, but I have decided that the chances are slim—after all, I will be with them only a week—but if it does happen, I shall do everything in my power to avoid answering such a question.”

The ladies continued packing Elizabeth’s trunk for several minutes before Jane replied, “And if you are pressed for an answer?”

Elizabeth spoke hesitantly, “If I am pressed, I will—”

Jane did not look up from smoothing the creases from the gown she just had just folded. “You will say it is from me, Lizzy.”

Elizabeth straightened from her stooped position and placed her hands on her hips. “Jane! Are you advising that I lie to my hosts?”

Jane turned quickly, relieved to recognize the teasing light dancing in her sister’s eyes. “After thinking on it, I do not see any other way. Not many would believe the truth.”

“Fear not. The gypsies seem to be aware of many things about me before I am. I must assume that somehow they would know that I should not receive a drawing during a certain period of time. Similarly, I am confident that if a letter
is
delivered, all will turn out well in the end.”

~%~

August 8, 1811

As the Gardiner’s luggage was being loaded onto their carriage early the next morning, the Darcy coach pulled up to the curb to collect Elizabeth and her belongings. After the family made their goodbyes, including Jane’s whispered reminder of the previous day’s discussion, Elizabeth joined a maid sent to accompany her in the Darcys’ luxurious coach, and she was on her way.

Georgiana and Darcy greeted Elizabeth upon her arrival at their rented house. Darcy quickly excused himself. Georgiana showed her friend to her room.

Later, Elizabeth was sitting on the sofa with Georgiana, and Mrs. Younge was across from them. The two young ladies were busy finding amusement in Elizabeth’s initial attempt to copy a stitch that Georgiana had just taught her when Mrs. Younge suddenly excused herself and rushed from the room.

With a concerned expression, Georgiana observed, “Mrs. Younge is still not herself, but she will not allow me to ask my brother to call for a physician.”

Remembering the scene in one of the drawings showing Mrs. Younge with Wickham, Elizabeth thought,
She, too, has been taken in by Mr. Wickham’s charms and is feeling the sting of disappointment. I cannot imagine how painful the news of his proposal to Georgiana must have been for her!

“She does not seem to be feeling
that
poorly, Georgie. I suggest you wait another day or two, and if she is not showing any improvement by then, ask again.”

~%~

In the hall, Darcy hesitated with his hand on the latch to the drawing room door, closing his eyes to listen more fully to the sounds coming from within. After all the long months she had been ill, it was such a pleasure to hear his sister’s laughter—he did not want to interrupt by walking through the door at that moment.

When the sounds of their merriment had quieted, Darcy passed into the drawing room and stopped. He could see the ladies in profile, sitting together on a low-backed sofa, facing the windows in order to take advantage of the light. Georgiana was watching Elizabeth, both ladies’ attention wholly engaged by a piece of cloth that Elizabeth was embroidering. Elizabeth pulled the thread tightly and looked up at Georgiana; even from across the room he could see the triumph sparkling in her eyes. Both ladies smiled widely.

“Nicely done!” Georgiana declared.

“Thank you, Georgie; this is a much neater stitch than I have ever done before. Now the question is—can I do it again?”

It was obvious that there was a private joke involved in Elizabeth’s last statement, for Georgiana was having a difficult time holding back her mirth.

I have never seen Georgiana behave thusly with anyone but Anne, Richard, or myself. This camaraderie would occur often if I were to take Elizabeth as my wife.

He stifled a gasp as the thought startled him—it was impossible for so many reasons, the most noteworthy being that he barely knew her! Realizing he should not allow himself to be near Elizabeth when his heart was calling out for her in such a way, and that the ladies had not yet noticed him, Darcy returned to the hall, closing the door softly behind him. Staring at the door, he removed his hand from the latch as quickly as if it had burned his flesh. Turning, he found the housekeeper standing nearby, a length of linen draped over her arm and a curious expression upon her face. He straightened his spine and brushed a piece of lint from the arm of his coat in order to avoid her gaze.

She took a hesitant step towards him. “Can I help you, sir?” she asked softly.

“No, I... I did not wish to interrupt the ladies. Send for me when Miss Darcy calls for tea; I will be in the study.”

Walking off in the direction of that room, he reminded himself that on his desk sat correspondence forwarded here from London to which he had not yet replied. Among the letters were a number of invitations to events where he would meet with young ladies who were
much
more suitable for a man of his station than was Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Of late, he had been too little in the company of ladies of rank—he must respond in the affirmative to all!

~%~

“Fitzwilliam has taken me to several plays, and I have attended the opera twice,” Georgiana said over their dessert. “I enjoyed both, but I do like the theatre better.”

“When my sisters or I visit London, my Uncle Gardiner gives us a choice between the opera and a play. My younger sisters do not wish to
try
opera, and since my aunt tells us that her husband has never learnt to appreciate it, Jane and I choose the theatre so that we do not torture the poor man.” Elizabeth hesitated and then chuckled. “Although, he did not offer
any
such entertainment for a while after he had treated us to the premiere performance of
Macbeth
at the newly rebuilt Theatre Royal two years ago.”

Up until that point, Darcy had only listened to their conversation whilst the ladies discussed the diversions they enjoyed in London. Now, he straightened, opening his eyes wide. “The
opening
performance?”

Elizabeth nodded.

“I do not understand,” an extremely confused Georgiana exclaimed. “What is the significance of that performance?”

“The theatre had been destroyed by fire the year before,” Darcy explained. “During the first performance in the newly rebuilt theatre, many in the crowd were
unhappy
about the increased price of a seat.” He turned to Elizabeth. “I had heard the events of that evening were quite frightening.”

“Mr. Gardiner and his business partner had rented a box for the occasion. Fortunately, it was on the second tier, and we were not surrounded by the majority of the rioters, but the noise they made, interrupting the performance, was quite alarming.”

Elizabeth would have ended her story there, but both Georgiana and Darcy seemed to expect her to continue—and so, she did, “When the first hint of trouble began, Mr. Smith went to collect our wraps and call for the carriages, but he did not return. I am sure you can imagine my poor uncle’s state when it became clear that he had become the sole protector of six ladies—three of whom were already in hysterics over what might have happened to their husband and father. When the mob’s protest continued to escalate, Mr. Gardiner decided that we must leave before it was too late.

“The scene in the corridor was complete chaos with most of the spectators rushing to depart at the same moment.” She shook her head. “I am certain I would have joined them in their panic had not it been for the example set by my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Being swept away by the movement of the crowd, Jane and I were separated from the others—I believe we each remained brave only for the sake of the other!”