Chapter Fifty-Five

T he Colonel returned to Matlock House, face aglow with happiness, and was soon made privy to the arrangements between Georgiana and Mr. Bingley. He spoke to Georgiana privately, hoping for reassurance that she was not feeling pressured into accepting Mr. Bingley against her inclination.

"He is very good to me, Richard," Georgiana said, raising hopeful eyes to her cousin's.

The Colonel felt a lump forming in his throat. After all Georgiana had been through, she still had that clear, kind gaze. He hoped that Mr. Bingley appreciated his good fortune.

"And when will you marry?"

"As soon as my clothes are ready; I believe next week, but possibly as early as Monday. He will then take me to Netherfield Park so that I am out of the public eye until the babe is born. We will tell everyone that I eloped with Charles, but there is no point in giving others the opportunity to find holes in the story."

"An excellent plan."

Just then, Mr. Darcy entered the room. "Ah, Richard, you have returned from your amorous adventures?"

The Colonel scowled at him. "Amorous adventures? The phrase has a rather sordid sound to it. I hardly think that becoming betrothed qualifies as such, Darcy."

"She accepted you, then?"

"She did. We will marry just after the new year. I must tell my parents my news and then go to the family solicitor to have the marriage articles drawn up. Also, Darcy, I want to go to Chestnut Creek as soon as possible."

"I will accompany you there."

The Countess swept into the room. "Richard, there you are. Did Miss Bennet like her ring?"

"She did, very much, and asked that I convey her gratitude to you."

"When will the marriage take place?"

"The twelfth of January; might I hope that you and Father will attend?"

"Just try keeping us away," was the fond maternal response.

***

The next few days were hectic. The Colonel had marriage articles prepared, which he sent by messenger to Longbourn so that Mr. Bennet could review them at his leisure. Mr. Bingley called every day and took Georgiana to the park in his own phaeton. Four of the Matlock maids were enlisted by Sally to sew for Georgiana, and her wardrobe would soon be complete. The Countess went to Bond Street on her own to select items that did not require careful measurements: shawls, coats, mufflers, and the like. She drew an outline of Georgiana's foot on a piece of paper and took the paper to a cobbler to have shoes and slippers made.

***

It took some time, but the Colonel finally realised that Darcy was not speaking to Georgiana unless absolutely necessary. Of course, Darcy had relocated to Darcy House while Georgiana remained at Matlock House, so brother and sister did not live together, and they exchanged only the most necessary of words when in one another's company. Something had to be done.

"Darcy, you will not even speak with her? Do you not think you are being a bit of an ass?"

Mr. Darcy looked away.

"You are still angry with her?"

No response.

"Will you not at least speak to her about it?"

Mr. Darcy rounded on his cousin. "I do not think she wishes to hear my sentiments on the subject."

"You will at least attend her wedding, I hope?"

"Having missed her first wedding by a matter of a few hours, I will certainly make it a point to attend her second." The sarcasm was unmistakable.

The Colonel winced. "If that is how you would speak to her, then I agree that you should remain silent."

"You were not there at Gretna Green, Richard! If you could have heard how she spoke to me, how she accused me of having cheated Wickham out of his living –" The words stuck in his throat; Mr. Darcy could not continue.

The Colonel said, softly, "I understand, Darcy. I only hope that someday we may get past this tragedy. For your own sake, if nothing else."

Mr. Darcy shook his head. "I know not how."