Page 54 of New World Tea Company
“Charles will make an excellent landowner in the future. Once he understands the rhythm of the seasons, he will enjoy life in the countryside.”
“I am glad to hear it, but what made you sad?”
Not willing to admit his thoughts were dominated by images and memories of a young woman, Darcy said, “There was a man from my past–our past–who appeared unexpectedly.”
“Who was the man?”
“His name is George Wickham.”
Echoing her brother’s words, Georgiana’s brow furrowed as she tried to remember the face of this person before asking, “Who is George Wickham?”
“He was our father’s godson, but I have no desire to remain in contact with the fellow.”
The young woman thought for a moment and then continued, “I have only a vague memory of this man. The maids said that he was beautiful.”
Smiling now, Darcy asked, “Beautiful? A beautiful man? You were seven years; what did you know about handsome men at seven?”
As more memories appeared in her mind, Georgiana corrected her brother, “I was eight years when our father died, and I knew George was handsome because the chambermaids, Nanny, and even Mrs Reynolds said he was beautiful.”
There was a pause in her conversations as she looked around carefully to ensure they were alone in the library. Then Georgiana continued, “Fitzwilliam, I remember when our father died, the lady and her little boy who lived near father’s rooms disappeared. I asked Nanny, but she only fussed at me for talking about them. It was a chambermaid who told me that the woman was our father’s mistress, and the boy was our natural brother.”
Observing her brother’s face, Georgiana continued, “Cousin Violet explained to me what a mistress and natural brothers are. She is unhappy with her husband and told me that our uncle has a mistress and three natural children.”
Darcy frowned and considered deflecting this conversation, but his sister was fifteen years and would be introduced to society in a few years, where strangers were certain to sharehurtful gossip with the young woman. Reluctantly, he explained to his sister, “Many rich men often keep mistresses in their lives, and children are a consequence of such liaisons. Our father and the servants kept the news from me that the lady lived in Pemberley and London when I was away at school. Your nanny followed her employer’s dictates to keep you away from the woman and her son.”
His sister replied, “I have never discussed this with anyone–not Mrs Young or my new companion, Mrs Annesley.”
Pleased to hear his sister’s statement, “That is very wise of you, Georgie.”
“But I wanted to ask you what happened to the lady and the boy. Did they end up in the hedgerows like the maids say happens to poor tenant farmers?”
“No. Our father left an income from an estate in Cornwall to support the woman. Her son has tutors, and he will go to university when he is old enough.”
Now Georgiana looked away and asked, “Fitzwilliam, who is my father?”
Surprised and confused, Darcy replied, “Georgie, what do you mean? Our father was George Darcy, who died seven years ago.”
Standing and taking his sister into his arms, Fitzwilliam hugged her tightly and said, “You are my sister. Who has told you otherwise?”
“Last year, the maids at Pemberley said I was a cuckoo that our mother brought into her nest. I asked Mrs Reynolds, and she refused to speak of such things.”
“As she should,” Darcy said and hugged his sister again. He said, “Never doubt that you are Miss Georgiana Darcy, my most beloved sister. Do not allow anyone to speak like that to you again. I shall speak to Mrs Reynolds, and those maids will not serve you again.”
“Mrs Reynolds moved the maids away from my rooms that same day,” his sister replied. Then she asked, “Should I speak with Mrs Annesley about how to respond to such statements?”
Maintaining his hold around his sister’s shoulders, Fitzwilliam said, “We shall speak to her together when we return home. Your companion can guide you, and if you have questions, you must speak with me.”
~~~
Chapter 22.A Beautiful Vista
The Darcy brother and sister remained at the Matlock home until after Boxing Day. The next morning, they travelled to Pemberley, a journey of just four hours. They left Matlock early and stopped at a tavern halfway to Lambton to rest the horses for a short time. Once their carriage and four drove through the streets of Lambton and turned onto the long drive leading to their home, Georgiana grew excited.
“I always enjoy the ride through the woods before we reach Pemberley,” she confessed.
Fitzwilliam explained to Mrs Annesley, “These woods were planted and planned to provide an excellent view while hiding the fields and pastures of our farms. We have been on Darcy lands for more than an hour, but the scenery of these last miles was designed to please our senses.”
The coachman halted the horses at one spot along the road where the great manor house could be seen at a distance. Brother and sister descended from the carriage and were joined by Mrs Annesley to view the house while walking about for a few minutes.
