Guiding & Protecting, page 24
Before he could scan anymore, his sister entered.
"Dearest, I must return to Netherfield to meet with Mr. Witcomb when he arrives. I believe you might prefer to remain here to help tend Elizabeth."
"Yes, William. I wish to be with her when she awakes. As soon as she drank the herbal tea Mr. Jones offered her, she fell asleep. Jane says it is what her sister really needs after such a horrific event, but neither of us wish to leave her unattended."
"Then, I will return for you later today, and I hope to be able to see her upon my return."
"When she wakes, I will let her know how concerned you are about her."
"Please do."
"William, if you are needed, I will send for you immediately. I promise to do everything in my power for Elizabeth’s wellbeing," she reassured him. “Please do not worry.”
After thanking her, he left for Netherfield.
Upon his arrival, Miss Bingley greeted him by linking her arm around his and gripping it tightly with her fingers.
"I am so please to see you have returned, Mr. Darcy," she gushed making his stomach turn. "I hope you enjoyed your ride and am pleased it is was shorter then . . ." She had meant to add 'I feared' but thought better of it, so she quickly went on to something else. "I imagine you will wish to break your fast, and I am pleased I waited to join you . . ." She spoke on, but he stopped listening.
Darcy tried to remove her from his arm, but she seemed immune to his efforts as she began to lead him to the breakfast parlor. After the events of the morning, he discovered he had not appetite nor did he desire her company.
"Miss Bingley," he finally broke into her fawning speech. "I have no desire to eat. I must excuse myself," as he spoke, he was finally able to pry her fingers from around his arm. "I have a need to speak to your brother, so please excuse me." He finally pried off her last finger and pushed her hand away from him. He briefly envisioned her fingers as the suctions on an octopus' tentacles, which he had once seen in a book, and felt instantly sorry for any unfortunate seaman who might ever encounter one while sailing the Atlantic.
Miss Bingley had made not one comment about Georgiana until she realized she was losing the company of Mr. Darcy.
"Has your sister not entered the house," she began to look around as if Georgiana was hiding in a corner.
"She will not return until later today." He informed her knowing the lady was really only interested in him and not his sister. "She is visiting with friends," he added knowing it would wipe the simpering smile off her face.
As soon as he was shed of Miss Bingley, Darcy went to Bingley's study so he could make his request concerning his solicitor and his cousin.
"Bingley," he began as soon as he entered the room and firmly shut to door behind him. "I expect Mr. Witcomb, my solicitor, to arrive sometime before noon. I have some private business to conduct with him. I especially want to stress the private part, so I would appreciate a footman assigned to watch the door.
“I understand completely.”
“I would also appreciate it if you would have a room prepared for him. I do not foresee him leaving until sometime tomorrow."
"I will see to it immediately," Bingley said as he turned to leave.
"Wait. I have one more request."
"Anything for a friend," Bingley chuckled.
"I am also expecting my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, to arrive sometime today. He too will need a room. I am unsure of how long he will stay, but he and I also have some private business."
He then gave an abbreviated version of what occurred earlier without mentioning Miss Elizabeth's name and giving no specific details. All Bingley knew was Mr. Wickham had attacked a young lady in the woods. Bingley, knowing his friend would not be as upset over the incident if it did not affect him personally, thought the victim was either Miss Elizabeth, Miss Darcy, or one of the other Bennet daughters.
Suddenly thinking of the Bennet daughters, he blurted out, "Not Miss Bennet!"
Darcy reassured him it had not been Miss Jane Bennet but would say no more.
Being reassured, Bingley left to arrange for two rooms for the expected guests.
It was midmorning when Mr. Witcomb arrived and Darcy had him ushered into the study with directions to the footman to monitor the door and make sure no one entered. He hoped the presence of the footman would also keep Miss Bingley from putting her ear to the door in order to hear what was being said.
Darcy had thought it would be easy to finalize the settlement papers. In his express, he had briefly outlined everything Mr. Witcomb was to include in them. He believed he had covered everything necessary, but after careful consideration, he had made additions, and his mother had pointed out some necessary changes.
"William, you must increase her pin money." His mother said as she looked over his shoulder at the document. "I can see Mr. Witcomb used the same document as your father, but times have changed and expenses have risen. She will need more than what I needed all those years ago. You also need to increase what is to be set-aside for any children, especially daughters. I know Georgiana has thirty thousand for her dowry, but in twenty or so years, it might be necessary to offer more for a daughter's dowry."
Without saying anything to her, he gave his mother a pleading look asking for more advice.
"Maybe add ten or fifteen thousand more to your daughters’ dowries, and add Miss Elizabeth will have your grandmother Darcy's jewelry for her use before passing them on to your heir’s wife when he marries. Georgiana already has my jewelry and what was mine from my mother and grandmother, but the Darcy jewelry was meant for your wife and heirs. I do not think Georgiana needs any more than what she already has from me. Your Grandmother Darcy's wedding ring is also to be hers. I know you thought about giving it to Georgiana when she married, but the ring is meant to stay with the Darcy name. It has been passed down for generations through the eldest Darcy men to their wives. You are to do likewise."
He smiled remembering the ring gracing his mother's finger. He would have to see if it needed altering to fit Elizabeth's graceful finger.
"Do add she will have a carriage of her own. It is only proper for you to have one commissioned for your new bride. Mr. Henry will be happy to construct one either before or after the wedding. His father built the carriage your father gave me as a wedding present. It was the most comfortable carriage I had even ridden in, and I doubt his son would offer anything less."
His mother made some other minor additions and changes as well, and Darcy was extremely thankful for his mother’s advice was something he needed to make the best settlement possible for the woman he dearly loved. Just before noon, Mr. Witcomb was settled in to rewrite the settlement document. Darcy had a light luncheon delivered to the study so both men could complete the writing as quickly as possible, for while Mr. Witcomb wrote out the official document, he set to work writing out a copy.
By late afternoon, the papers were ready and Darcy rode to Longbourn to meet with Mr. Bennet and check on his intended while Mr. Witcomb retired to his room to write out two more copies. He was determined to have multiple signed copies in case Lady Catherine tried to destroy the original. He would not be surprised if his aunt would think by destroying the agreement it would dissolve the engagement.
He also sent Georgiana back to Netherfield, accompanied by one of Bingley’s servants because he did not want her traveling alone in case Mr. Wickham tried to impose himself on her, to rest. Later he was thankful she was at Netherfield to greet Colonel Fitzwilliam when he arrived.
Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived shortly after Georgiana had returned to Netherfield, and he found her partaking tea with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Since she too had missed the morning meal and luncheon while tending Elizabeth, she found it easy to focus more on the small sandwiches and tea than the two other ladies. When the butler announced her cousin's arrival, she was quick to desert her seat to greet her cousin.
"Thomas. I am so happy to see you." She refrained from her usual greeting because of the presence of the other ladies.
"What, no hug and kiss?" He teased. The Bingley sisters did not intimidate him, so he had expected his usual informal greeting from his young charge.
Blushing slightly, Georgiana complied by hugging him and kissing his cheek, but her greeting was not as enthusiastic as normal.
"Where is my other cousin?" The colonial looked around the room to see if he missed seeing Darcy who usually stood in a corner or by a window to avoid having single ladies seated next to him.
Not wanting to reveal her brother's private affairs, she replied quietly, "He is attending to some business." She then decided to invite him to her private sitting room attached to her bedchamber so they could speak privately. "I imagine you wish to freshen yourself after the trip."
Mentioning the obvious, she hoped Miss Bingley would direct a maid to show him to his room.
"Would you care to join us for tea?" Caroline smiled at her guest.
The colonel was reminded of a bird of prey the way Miss Bingley watched him. The last thing he wished was to join her and her sister for tea. From Darcy's letter, he knew his cousin had a specific reason for seeking his assistance. He had hoped to get right down to business when he arrived.
"I believe I will take up Georgiana's offer and retire to my room to freshen up." He hoped Miss Bingley would become a better hostess, but when she just stared at him, he asked, "Has a room been prepared for my use?"
Finally realizing she would not prolong the colonel's stay with her and her sister, she replied, "Of course, sir. I will ring for the maid."
"I will be happy to show my cousin to his room," Georgiana offered before Caroline could rise. "My brother already informed me which room my cousin would be using. I think I will also excuse myself. I feel the need to rest for awhile before this evening." Georgiana curtsied to the two sisters, took her cousin's arm after he bowed, and led him from the room.
"William told me Mr. Bingley put you in the room next to his and across from mine."
"Will Darcy return soon?"
"No. I will say no more yet, for I do not wish to be overheard."
The colonel smiled at her, understanding which person she suspected would try to overhear their private conversation. It was not until they reached Georgiana's rooms when they spoke again.
"If you will order some tea while I quickly wash up, I will meet you in your sitting room. I should not be long."
Georgiana agreed and had her personal maid arrange for tea and then set up the sitting room for her cousin’s arrival. Even though he was one of her guardians, Georgiana knew it was proper for her maid to remain in the room with them. She did, however, direct the maid to remain near the door and listen for anyone who might stop outside the door. She had no desire to have someone listening to her private conversation with her cousin.
Tea was enjoyed before Georgiana began to share the recent events including her brother’s engagement and ending with the attack on Elizabeth, although she gave few details about the attack or it resulting consequences. She felt her brother should decide how much information should be given as to the actual attack and Elizabeth’s defensive actions.
As expected, the colonel had some choice words to use describing Mr. Wickham, but he was slightly louder than Georgiana had wished in a few declarations. Miss Bingley, as was her habit, did pause outside of Georgiana’s door hoping to hear something she might use in hopes of convincing Mr. Darcy to marry her. What she over heard was ‘Wickham’ and ‘vile viper’. Fortunately, it was not enough to inform her of anything useful. Later, Georgiana’s maid informed her someone had stopped outside her door, but all the person might have heard was a comment about Mr. Wickham. Georgiana was sure she knew the identity of the ‘someone’ mentioned, but said nothing to her maid about her suspicions.
After speaking with Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam made his excuses and rode into Meryton to inquire into Mr. Wickham’s whereabouts.
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While Georgiana was speaking to her cousin, Darcy was speaking with Mr. Bennet.
As Mr. Bennet was reading, Darcy said, “I hope you will find everything satisfactory. I wanted to make sure Elizabeth was well provided for should anything happen to me. I do not want her to ever worry about her future.” He knew Mrs. Bennet was overly worried about her future, so he had taken precautions and used his mother’s advice so Elizabeth would never want for anything.
“I am amazed at how generous you have been. I fear Lizzy might consider your settlement far to generous, and I can assure you the pin money you have set up for her will far exceed what she will ever spend.”
“I wish her to have every opportunity to use the money in any manner she chooses, and if she wishes to use it for charitable purposes, I would find it acceptable.”
“I think, before I sign these papers, we should share with Lizzy what you have provided for her and any future children.”
“I waited to ask until you read the documents, but could you share with me how she is faring.”
“The last I knew, she was still sleeping.”
Her father had been correct. Just before Darcy arrived, Jane had informed him Elizabeth was still asleep. Soon after Jane and Georgiana left her room, however, Elizabeth woke up. At first, she was confused, but then she noticed Alex standing by the window.
“Alex?” She hoped he would inform her of what had happened.
“Miss Elizabeth.” Alex turned around and moved toward her.
It always amazed her at how gracefully he glided across any space, and if some obstacle was between him and his destination, he moved right through it as he did while approaching her. If she had not felt so disoriented, she would have laughed at the sight of him passing through a chair located between her bed and the window. A chair, she realized, which was out of its ordinary place.
“How are you feeling?”
“What happened?” They both spoke at the same time.
His question made her realize something serious had to have happened for him to inquire about her health.
“Do you not remember?” He understood shock could make one temporarily forget an event not worth remembering.
“William and I had arranged to meet this morning, and I remember walking to our prearranged location. Did I fall?” It was the simplest of explanations she could think of.
“No. You must try to remember. It is better for you to remember what happened than for me to tell you.”
“Well, I remember walking,” she thought about the morning. It had finally stopped raining, and she had been excited about seeing William. In fact, she was anticipating their meeting and hoping he would kiss her as soon as they met. She enjoyed his kisses. She drew her hand toward her lips, but then had the feeling her lips some how had been tainted by something else. She searched her memory for some little detail, and then a flash of red flittered past her thoughts. She had seen a bit of red in the trees, and then heard her name being spoken, but not by William. Whose voice was it, she thought hard trying to focus on the sound.
“Wickham!”
It all came instantly back to her. The attack, the struggle, and finally the crack she heard when she hit him.
“I killed him!”
“No. You did not kill him. I heard Mr. Darcy tell your father he could not find the man. You did not kill him because he got up and left the area. What he tried to do to you, however, is unforgiveable.”
“William will never marry me now; what he must think of me.”
“Why would you believe such a thing?”
“It is what he said. He said he would never marry me.”
“I warned you not to jump to conclusions.”
“He said it. I heard him, and I cannot blame him. What must he think of me? What must he think of what happened? For all he knows, Mr. Wickham ruined me. For this reason, he will no longer wish to marry me.”
“You heard something, but we cannot be sure he was speaking about you.”
“Whom else would he have been speaking about? There was no one else in the area but Georgiana. He would never think about marrying his own sister.”
“Miss Elizabeth. Please do not work yourself up so. It will not help the situation. You need your rest, and you need to calm down.” He could see she was becoming distraught and beginning to cry. He did not want her unnecessarily upset. He did not believe Mr. Darcy would not marry her because of what Wickham had tried to do.
“He will leave me. He may have already left. At this moment, he may be congratulating himself on escaping from a disagreeable situation.”
“What disagreeable situation?” Her father asked as he entered her room and looked around. “To whom are you speaking?” He found the room empty of everyone but his daughter.
“Myself,” she sputtered. She could never tell him about Alex. He would think she was addled after being attacked.
Only after her father entered the room did she notice Mr. Darcy coming in behind him.
“Oh!” She was shocked at his appearance and pulled the coverlet up to her neck. She felt her checks flush.
When Darcy saw her, he rushed to her side and took her hand away from the coverlet she had been gripping.
“How are you, Elizabeth? Can I get anything for you?”
“M . . . r. . . . Dar . . . cy,” she stuttered. “You should not be in here.” Why was he here? She wondered.
“Your father is a very appropriate chaperone, I believe, and if he wished for me to leave, he would tell me so,” he informed her with a bright smile.
“Mr. Wickham, I am sorry he . . . he . . ..” How could she apologize for allowing the man near her or allowing him to touch her? She felt so violated and dirty because of his actions. She had to pull herself together and tell him she understood about his revulsion about their engagement knowing Mr. Wickham had compromised her.
