Chapter 4

"I am all a-flutter, Mrs Younge. I do not know how I shall bear it," Georgiana said, looking up at Mrs Younge in the mirror's reflection. Mrs Young stood aside, watching and waiting for the lady's maid to finish plaiting strands of Georgiana's hair, all the while weaving tiny white flowers into them. The hairstyle was at once elaborate and juvenile. And while it would impress the country bumpkins here in Meryton, it would never have been adequate for London, the place her heart longed to be. Somewhere that no one knew her or her sins. Somewhere she could start anew and be truly free.

After she and Wickham successfully enacted their plan with Georgiana, they could return there and live the lives they had always dreamed of. Georgiana would do very well in a little cottage somewhere, or perhaps relegated to the dowager house at Pemberley. Either would be more than adequate, once Georgiana's dowry was in hands that had better uses for it.

"How does it look?" Georgiana asked, looking expectantly up at her through her blonde-lashed eyelids. Her cherubic features made Mrs Younge almost feel bad for the heartache that they would inflict on her.

Almost.

"You are a vision, Georgiana. Really, you are."

Georgiana beamed at her, but her smile quickly faded away. "Are you sure it is not too much?" She asked. "I do not want to feel out of place among these people."

"You will feel out of place, I am sure. At least for a time, Georgiana. It is only right for one such as you, given your family's status and your genteel upbringing. You will find that some families, while kind and welcoming, are spellbound when anyone of such consequence is in company." Mrs Younge placed her hands on Georgiana's shoulders. "Perhaps it would be best for you to watch from afar for a little while, so you might understand more of what I am saying."

"Will it not appear proud for me to separate myself from the rest of the company?" Georgiana asked. She tried to rise from the vanity stool, but Mrs Younge pushed her down. She sent the lady's maid off with a scowl.

"My dear, have I ever misled you? I speak true when I say it would be best for you to take a moment to observe. That is all. You are young, Georgiana. I do not mean to offend you. But you do not know as much of the world as I do. Take my advice, do not accept the first offer to dance. Take your time in observation of the people and customs here in Meryton, and it will go all the better for you. Trust me."

Privately, Mrs Younge revelled in the stratagem's cleverness. It was essential that Georgiana should not dance with anyone until Mr Wickham arrived at the assembly. By separating her from the locals of Meryton, she knew they would see her as stuck up and arrogant, closing off their circles to her and further pushing her into Mr Wickham's arms. If he could play the hero, she would fall all the more quickly in love with him. And the sooner they could get out of the backwater village, the better.

"You are saying I should refuse to dance with anyone? But I thought that is why we came here, Mrs Younge, to help me become more comfortable conversing with the opposite sex, to learn how to dance more proficiently, and to make new friends—"

"It is, indeed, my dear. But by all means, if you would rather flounder in this new sea of opportunity, then do not take my advice." Mrs Younge turned away, feigning hurt.

Georgiana stood and followed her, grabbing her hand. "Oh, please do not think that I am ungrateful, Mrs Younge. I badly need your wisdom and guidance."

Mrs Younge reached up and touched her cheek. "And I will gladly give it, so long as you continue to heed me." Georgiana hung her head. Mrs Younge lifted her chin, hating her too-blue eyes and the innocent soul staring back from their depths. She had once been so young and fresh herself, but the world had quickly taught her that such things do not last. She narrowed her eyes. "You must not appear too forward. Society here is much less varied than what you will experience in London. For tonight, hold back. Do not seem too eager. Trust me, it will go all the better for you."

Georgiana nodded. "Yes, I am sure you are right. I shall do as you say." Mrs Younge allowed her to stand then. Georgiana went over to the full-length mirror and studied her reflection. "Are you sure this is suitable?"

In truth, it boasted of the drastic leap between her station and most of the other occupants of Meryton. They would see her as flaunting her vast riches, dressed in a white silk gown with heavy silver embroidery and tiny jewels glinting whenever she moved about in the candlelight. Her elaborate hairstyle, also heavy with jewels and flowers, would further set her apart. "You are a vision, Georgiana. Now, I suggest this diamond necklace and bracelet to finish the ensemble, and then we should be away. It would not do for us to be late."

This, too, was a fabrication. Mrs Younge had told her the assembly began at nine sharp, instead of eight. They would be more than an hour late and arrive as the dancing was already well underway, giving her no time to make people's acquaintance before she was thrust into the chaos of the public assembly. It was almost certain to go badly — exactly as she and Mr Wickham had planned. Georgiana's confidence would be shattered, leaving the way clear for Mr Wickham to swoop in, the saviour of the day.

When they arrived, she and Georgiana entered through the main doors immediately into the large salon in which all the dancing was taking place. The music stopped and people interrupted their lively country dance to let them pass. Georgiana tensed with nervousness, barely looking at the people as they passed by. Mrs Younge kept her head held high and deemed to nod to certain people whom she deemed worthy. Whispers circulated. To Mrs Younge's delight, there was even mention made of Miss Georgiana's exorbitant dowry, which promised instant wealth to the lucky man who could win her heart. It all worked in perfect unison to increase Georgiana's discomfort.

A respectable-looking little party, led by a smiling older gentleman, came to greet them as soon as they had crossed through the sea of people and had ended at the little dais on the other side of the great hall. From the nods and friendly glances given him on every side, the gentleman seemed to be a leader in the neighbourhood, and likely most influential.

"Miss Darcy, you honour us with your presence. I am Sir Lucas, and this is my wife, Lady Lucas." The man waved to introduce his wife. "And my two sons, James Lucas and Henry Lucas. My daughters are with their friends at present, but I shall hope to have the pleasure of introducing them to you later in the evening."

Mrs Younge watched with satisfaction as Georgiana gave a curt nod and quickly looked down at her clasped hands. "Pleasure," was all she said.

"Yes, well, we hope you enjoy our little assembly, Miss Darcy. Likely you are used to more lavish parties, but here in the country, we prefer the more familial feel." Sir Lucas said. The poor man seemed to be trying to draw her out, but Georgiana was a good, obedient girl, who would do as she had been told.

Georgiana only nodded again, saying nothing.

But there was no sense in tempting fate. Mrs Younge stepped in, taking on a superior tone. "We thank you for your hospitality, Sir Lucas. Now, we shall just stand over here and observe your little soiree, and not be in anyone's way." She gave him a dismissive nod. Mr Lucas took his wife's arm, and they walked away, followed by their offspring.

Mrs Younge turned to Georgiana with a confidential air. "I do not know about you, but it seemed to me that he was trying to set you up with one of his sons. Did you not hear people discussing how much your dowry is to be?"

"Yes, I did, but —"

"Stay the course, Georgiana. I assure you, you do not want to end up here in Meryton for the rest of your life. Can you imagine Sir Lucas as a father-in-law? How miserable you would be, to be so far from Pemberley!"

A few minutes later, Mrs Younge left Georgiana on her own at the dais, giving the excuse that she would gain some refreshments for them at the handsomely spread tables. She chose not to mention the opportunity it would give her to hear the gossip that was surely spreading about her charge.

Mrs Younge was not destined to be disappointed. She had not walked ten paces from Georgiana before the first whispers came to her ears.

"Did you see how she looked down her nose at Sir Lucas and his sons? I never!" a plump matron remarked.

"I did, indeed. Who does she think she is?" uttered another.

"Wait, here is Mr James Lucas. I think he has got up his courage to ask for Miss Darcy's hand in the next dance set."

"She is a pretty thing," a young girl said, in reply to the older woman who had started the exchange. "Perhaps she is only shy and needs time to catch her breath." The girl shuddered. "If I were just arrived at a new place and knew not a soul, I think I would cower in a corner just as she has been doing for the last half hour."

"It does not account for her rudeness, Eloise. If I were in her shoes, or indeed, if you were, I would have advised you to be more friendly and thus get the people of Meryton on her side if she wanted to be accepted."

"Perhaps she doesn't care about being accepted," said the other woman.

Mrs Younge passed by slowly, carrying two glasses of punch. She watched as James Lucas approached the dais, bowed to Georgiana, and spoke with her.

"He is asking her to dance. Oh, I would like to see him settled with a young woman with such wonderful prospects. It will only draw more fine young families to the area —"

The mother grabbed Eloise's arm. "She's refused him! I cannot believe it!" she hissed.

"Mama, please —"

"I cannot believe it!" she exclaimed again. "What reason would she have to refuse one of the most upstanding young men of our community?"

"She is a proud one, that," the other woman put in. "I wager she will not last long in Meryton society."

Mrs Younge went on her way, quicker of foot this time. Things would go according to plan. Soon, Mr Wickham would arrive to save the day. She only had to smooth the way for him. She approached Georgiana with a smile. "I saw Mr James Lucas come to visit. What did he say?"

Miss Georgiana wrung her hands and took the offered punch that Mrs Younge had brought for her. However, she did not take a sip. She looked about the room with a worried look on her sweet young face. "Oh, Mrs Younge, I think I have made a terrible mistake. Mr Lucas was very civil when he asked me to dance, but when I refused him, I fear I angered him. And I have received nothing but scowls and glares from the rest of the guests since."

"Nonsense. You are only overly anxious, my dear. Continue to follow my advice, and I assure you that all will turn out well." Mrs Younge took a sip of the punch and looked around the room with satisfaction. There were indeed several people—women especially—who were throwing dirty looks at Georgiana. It wounded their pride, most likely, that she should think to refuse one of their fine young men with no excuse .

∞∞∞

Elizabeth straightened as Sir Lucas approached. He did not look happy, which was most unusual. Sir Lucas was a jovial man by nature. She had known him all her life and had never seen him look so upset at an assembly, for it was his prime joy to see the community come together at any and every opportunity that was presented.

"Sir Lucas?" Mr Bennet asked. "Is something amiss?"

"It is indeed, I'm afraid. Do you see the young woman just there? Well, that is Miss Darcy, come to visit for the winter from Derbyshire. However, she seems to be quite the cloistered miss. My son asked her to dance and she refused — flat out — without an explanation."

Elizabeth frowned slightly. "She gave no reason?"

"None whatsoever. You know how I like to welcome any visitor who may have ventured upon our little hamlet. However, I do not take kindly to meanness. Nor to those who think themselves above their company." Sir Lucas cast a wary glance at the young woman. Looking at her likewise, Elizabeth caught Miss Darcy's eye, but the young woman quickly looked away.

"She seems a haughty person." Mrs Bennet said with a decided frown. "I would not talk to her for all the tea in China."

"Well, that is what I have come to ask, I am afraid. Of you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I see that your other sisters are already dancing, and I beg your indulgence in this request. My wife, sons and I have tried to reach her, but she seems bent on repressing our attempt at friendship. I do not like to see guests slighted, though. Will you speak to her? Even if for a short time, I would not have it said that Meryton was an unfriendly place." Sir Lucas smoothed down the front of his waistcoat, which had trouble staying down thanks to his widening girth. In recent years, he had shown less restraint, especially since he had been given the honour of knighthood. "I would be most obliged to you."

Elizabeth nodded, suddenly nervous. She had a distinct dislike of people who thought of themselves better than they ought. Sir Lucas and his family, though somewhat prideful since his knighting, were good, decent people. And James Lucas was a pleasant fellow. Indeed, she had danced with him during several of the assemblies and found he was an excellent partner, not lacking in good conversation.

She glanced at her mother, who still wore a look of profound disdain. However, Mr Bennet gave her an encouraging nod. She would be the bigger person. "I shall try, Sir Lucas. But I make no promises that it shall do any good."

"I shall not hold you responsible for her reaction, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I assure you. Try this once, and if she still refuses to accept our generosity, then I say good riddance. I shall make the introduction and then leave you to it."

Elizabeth sighed heavily, and her father touched her arm. "You need not do it if you do not wish to, Lizzy." Sir Lucas shot him a sad look, but Elizabeth could not very well refuse. Sir Lucas and his family were good friends, after all.

"No, Papa. It is all right. I shall try, and if she refuses to be reached, then I will wash my hands of making her acquaintance." Elizabeth moved to follow Sir Lucas over the dais, on which Miss Darcy and her companion stood alone, like two royals surveying a kingdom that they wished to conquer.

Sir Lucas cleared his throat and made an awkward, hesitant bow. "Miss Darcy. May I present Miss Elizabeth Bennet?" He spoke rather abruptly, as the ladies were mid-sentence, and seemed to be discussing something of great import in hushed tones. They both turned and gave Sir Lucas a haughty look. Or at least, what could have been construed as haughty in Mrs Younge's case. Miss Darcy had more the look of a frightened doe about her.

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet," she said in a breathy tone, almost overcome with relief, Elizabeth would guess. "I am pleased to meet you."

Miss Darcy curtsied low, while Mrs Younge scarcely bowed her head. "Charmed, I'm sure." She made a point of looking Elizabeth up and down. The expression on her face was surely a smirk, rather than a smile.

Elizabeth turned to Miss Darcy as Sir Lucas bowed, turned on his heel, and walked away. Though she could not help but feel a little abandoned at being left alone with the unsettling strangers, Elizabeth resolutely turned to Miss Darcy. She was not averse to making new friends. Having been given the gift of being able to converse easily with strangers, Elizabeth thought she ought to use it. She took a steadying breath and turned her attention to Miss Darcy. "How are you enjoying your time in Meryton so far, Miss Darcy? I understand you've come to visit from Derbyshire?"

"Yes, the nearest town to my family estate is called Lambton. Perhaps you've heard of it?" Miss Darcy asked, her voice surprisingly quiet for a girl reputed to be so haughty. Her eyes had lit up at the question. Perhaps Miss Darcy was not as proud as everyone thought. Perhaps she was only shy.

"I have not had the pleasure. However, my aunt and uncle have visited Derbyshire every year for as long as I can remember. My aunt grew up there, and is most fond of the Peaks District. They have told stories of their travels, but I have not been fortunate enough to see it for myself."

The rest of the conversation centred around Miss Darcy's description of Derbyshire and her home, Pemberley. As she got comfortable with Elizabeth, she opened up all the more, and Elizabeth found her to be a genuinely warm person. Before a quarter of an hour had passed, Elizabeth was convinced that Miss Darcy was not proud at all, but only unused to talking with strangers.

"My brother bought me a pianoforte last autumn, which he should not have done. But I cannot complain, since it is the most beautiful instrument I have ever been privileged enough to play. Do you play, Miss Bennet?"

Elizabeth gave a short laugh. "Only when forced."

Miss Darcy's eyes lit up. "Well, then, I shall have to find an occasion on which you cannot refuse." After talking a few minutes more, they parted as friends.

The rest of the assembly seemed to pass in a blur. In the carriage on the ride home, Elizabeth was pleased to tell her parents how well the conversation had gone, but her mother was disinclined to believe that Miss Darcy was only shy. Her father was indifferent to the whole matter and went immediately to his study to read before bed. Her sisters followed her up the stairs, Jane at her side.

"I do not believe Miss Darcy has any intention of making friends at all. She will not last long here and will soon be gone, back to Derbyshire or wherever she hails from," Lydia said, waving her hand dismissively.

"Her companion is a nasty piece of work, too," Kitty agreed.

Elizabeth could not argue with that point, though she might have wished it less coarsely expressed. Mrs Younge had hardly said a civil word or given her a tolerably friendly look since she had started her conversation with Miss Darcy. But then, it was not Mrs Younge she had gone to befriend, but Miss Darcy. "You are all being too hasty. Had you been able to converse with her as I did, you would have seen that she has a sweet, unassuming spirit. She only needs to get used to a body before she opens up."

"I agree with you, Lizzy. While I did not have the opportunity to speak with her, she seemed a genteel young woman. I shall be happy to get to know her while she is visiting us here in Hertfordshire," Jane said.

Elizabeth was grateful for Jane's aid, for none of her other sisters seemed inclined to give poor Miss Darcy another chance. Mary had formed no opinion of her, but she was not usually inclined to trust people, even on a good day. Even with the approbation of the two eldest sisters, Miss Darcy would have a difficult time turning the poor opinion people had formed of her that night. It was unfortunate, for if Elizabeth's first impression was correct, Miss Darcy would prove to be a wonderful new friend.