Guiding & Protecting, page 9
The question surprised Georgiana, and she thought about her answer before making any reply.
"I guess I would say I feel the same way about my cousin Thomas when he complements me and says nice things to me, and I very much miss him when he is not around." A soft giggle escaped before she added. "When he comes to visit, I run and jump at him, and he catches me and twirls me around. Our greetings have become some of my happiest moments."
Elizabeth noted a far off look as Georgiana was remembering those moments.
"Do you greet your brother in the same manner?"
Her curiosity was peeked about how a brother and a sister might greet each other.
"Sometimes," she giggled again. "William reminds me it is not ladylike behavior, but then he tells me how much he enjoys our greetings. I think he would feel disappointed if I did not run up and hug him. I know I would miss it as well."
Georgiana gazed off at nothing in particular, and Elizabeth wondered if her look was similar when she was deep in thought about something.
"I never compared those feelings with what I feel for George, but in some ways they are the same."
"Georgiana, do you have any kind of understanding with Mr. Wickham?"
"Understanding? What do you mean?"
Elizabeth felt uncomfortable; not just by the questions she was going to ask but also by the answers she might receive.
"Has he asked you to marry him?"
"No. He has only told me he loves me and my brother might not be happy if he found out George was seeing me."
"Georgiana, if there is no understanding between you and Mr. Wickham, then it is inappropriate for you to call him by his Christian name. Has Mrs. Young not informed you of how wrong it is to be so familiar with a gentlemen?"
"She said he was a family friend, and therefore, it would be acceptable to use his Christian name."
"If you were a child, it would be acceptable, but you are a young lady, so it is not acceptable. I too have friends who I grew up with but when we reached a certain age, it became inappropriate to remain so informal. It is true with you and Mr. Wickham as well. I would also caution you, if your brother would not be happy with Mr. Wickham paying so much attention to you, then you should be careful of being around him so much. Your brother is still your guardian, so I wonder how your brother might feel if he found out Mr. Wickham was paying you so much special attention. Would it upset your brother if he discovered Mr. Wickham trying to establish such a close relationship with you?"
"Would my brother not want me to be happy?"
Georgiana was a little uncomfortable about her brother's reaction. What if he become upset with her if he discovered Mr. Wickham had been walking with her unaccompanied by her companion? Mrs. Young said it was all right, but Elizabeth's questions were making her re-examine what Mrs. Young had said.
"Lizzy, do you ever walk with gentlemen unescorted?" It would be one way, Georgiana decided, to find out what others claimed was acceptable.
"No. It would be highly inappropriate, and it could lead to being compromised by a gentleman who was discovered alone with me. Depending on the honorable nature of the gentleman, it could also ruin my reputation if he did not propose."
"Even if the gentleman was a family friend?"
"Yes, even then."
"Oh!"
"Georgiana, have you been seen walking with Mr. Wickham?"
"Yes."
"Has Mrs. Young always been along as your escort?"
Elizabeth feared the answer distrusting Mrs. Young as she did.
"No. She would start out with us and then have some reason to go off on an errand saying it would be acceptable since George, I mean, Mr. Wickham was such a close family friend."
"Georgiana, I fear for your safety.”
“My safety? Why?”
“Because a family friend would never impugn your honor by allowing you to be found alone with him or by encouraging you to refer to him by his first name. I cannot help but wonder why Mr. Wickham is behaving in such an ungentlemanly manner. It is improper. He is knowledgeable enough about society to know this. I also question why your companion, who is paid to be your chaperone, mentor, and protector, is allowing Mr. Wickham to act in such a manner. Georgiana, have you written to your brother and informed him of Mr. Wickham's attentions to you?”
“I did write him telling him about Geor . . . I mean, Mr. Wickham’s appearance in Ramsgate, but I have not received any letters from my brother. In fact, I have not received any letters from him since the second week of my arrival.”
“No communication at all?”
“None.”
“Is this normal behavior for your brother?” ‘What brother leaves his young, inexperienced sister unattended without keeping himself abreast of her doings?’
Georgiana hesitated before replying, and Elizabeth noticed her biting her lip. Kitty had the same mannerism when she was troubled about something.
“No.” She finally admitted. “William is a faithful correspondent. When we are separated, he writes me weekly even if it is only a brief note.”
“You have been here for almost two months, and in all this time you have not received but one or two letters from him? Are you not concerned?”
It did seem out of character from what Georgiana had conveyed. Maybe he was sick or injured. She watched Georgiana as fear suddenly marred her features.
“Do you think he is injured?”
“Think logically, Elizabeth. Do not speak too quickly.” Alex’s warning came just in time.
‘What would happen if her uncle, or even Papa, took ill?’ Her reply came quickly. ‘Someone from home would send an express.’ Georgiana needed such an answer.
“Would not one of the staff write you if something serious happened to your brother?”
She watched Georgiana as she thoughtfully pondered the question and her response.
“Yes. Mrs. McGregor, our housekeeper, would definitely send me word.” Georgiana looked considerably relieved by her answer.
“Good. Then we will not worry about your brother’s health.”
“But what then might cause him not to write?”
“A question needing much thought.”
Elizabeth would give it much thought. She knew, however, she would find a number of answers but not all would be acceptable or true. She had to admit she did not know Mr. Darcy except through comments shared by her uncle, her aunt, and Georgiana. She had no personal acquaintance with the gentleman. Even though she could formulate numerous reasons why he had not written did not mean they were true. She would fall back on her one dependable resource: she would ask Alex for his opinion, something she found she was doing a lot lately.
“Promise me one thing.”
“I will try, if it is within my power,” the younger lady replied.
“Try to avoid being alone with Mr. Wickham and please come to me if anything he says or does seems inappropriate no matter what Mrs. Young might say. Will you promise?”
“I will, but you must know it might be hard for me to come over at times because Mrs. Young has found many excuses over the past week of why I could not visit you. She seems to have other plans already when I have mentioned a visit.” There was a pause before Georgiana quietly asked, “Lizzy, are you truly feeling better after yesterday?”
“I am sorry to inform you of this, but I was never ill. I come over only to have the butler inform me you were out. I left a note apologizing for being a few minutes late and missing you. Did you not receive it?”
“No.”
Georgiana seemed perplexed by Elizabeth’s admission.
“As I mentioned earlier, Geor . . . I mean, Mr. Wickham told me he had seen your aunt who told him you felt ill. Was he not telling me the truth?”
“No. I saw Mr. Wickham yesterday morning, and he specifically asked if I would be calling on you anytime soon. I informed him of our agreement to practice a duet in the afternoon. I dislike being the one to affirm this, but the gentleman did lie to you. For what reason, I am not sure, but it makes me wonder if he has told you any other lies.” Elizabeth took both of Georgiana’s hands in her own, squeezed them gently and said, “Please Georgiana, be very careful around him. I do not trust him, and I do fear for your safety. I do not like leaving you alone with just Mrs. Young because I do not believe she has your best welfare in mind.”
“Oh, do you really believe they are both so little to be trusted?”
The young girl’s look of shock unsettled Elizabeth, but she felt more unsettled as she noticed Alex nodding his head in agreement.
Elizabeth took a deep breath, paused briefly to consider the appropriateness of her next words, looked to Alex for approve, and then replied, “Yes, I do. I can only caution you to watch carefully and look to your own welfare. You will have to watch so no harm befalls you, but I assure you I also will try my best to watch over you. I know Mr. Wickham is a family friend, but I fear his lies prove he is not a friend to be trusted. I even question if the reason he claims your brother does not like him might reflect more poorly on Mr. Wickham than on your brother.” Elizabeth thought deeply for a moment before adding, “You need to ask yourself who you trust more. Your brother or Mr. Wickham?”
Elizabeth could sense Georgiana’s discomfort, but noticed her thoughtful look.
Elizabeth then directed the discussion back to the two dresses, so, when the two finally returned to the sitting room, Georgiana’s thoughts were more focused on gowns rather than on Mr. Wickham. What Elizabeth did not know, but would have appreciated, was Georgiana had taken to heart everything she had heard making her resolved to watch the actions of both Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Young. Georgiana was also determined to write her brother one more time asking about his welfare and requesting a reason why she had not heard from him in over a month’s time.
Chapter Six: Help of an Unexpected Nature
Two days after the tea with Georgiana, Elizabeth entered the sitting room to join her aunt.
Georgiana rushed in almost before being announced, and Elizabeth could see how flustered the young lady was.
Elizabeth rose at her entrance, rushed over to her, took her hands, and led her to the settee so they could sit side-by-side.
"Georgiana," she began. "What has you seemingly so upset."
"Oh, Lizzy. You were right about Geor . . . I mean, Mr. Wickham. The last few days have me so flustered. Both Mrs. Young and Mr. Wickham have been keeping me busy, which had kept me from being able to visit you. In fact, Mr. Wickham has been telling me the only reason you are being friendly with me is to ingratiate yourself into my company so you can meet my brother."
Elizabeth's sharp intake of breath at such a derogatory comment surprised both young ladies.
"Oh, no, Lizzy," Georgiana reacted. "I do not believe it of you. You see, other ladies have tried to befriend me for just such a reason, and their behavior around me is so much different from yours. You are not trying to flatter me to stay in my good graces. In fact, you have been very open and honest with me. So much so, I have taken the time to examine my feelings for Mr. Wickham, and surprisingly, I have discovered, if he were to leave Ramsgate, I would not miss him. I am beginning to suspect you were correct about him. I am also concerned with how often Mrs. Young leaves me alone while I am in his company."
The fashion in which Georgiana twisted her hands showed Elizabeth the girl was nervous.
"Lizzy, what can I do to avoid being left so often alone in his company?"
"This may sound odd, but you are going to need to have either a maid or a footman with you at all times, especially if Mr. Wickham is with you."
"But how will I explain the presence of such a person."
Elizabeth chuckled at the simplicity of her idea. "If you are out walking, declare you need to person to carry something. Maybe a shawl or a parasol would provide a good reason. If you suspect you might do a little shopping, then of course, someone is needed to carry your packages."
"But we have been having my packages delivered."
"If asked, say you have noticed either a delay in their delivery or suspected some items were never delivered." Elizabeth reached over, separated the girl’s hands to stop the wringing of them, gripped them firmly and squeezed for reassurance. "Georgiana, you are the mistress of your home, and you need not give a reason for your decisions. You have servants who are there to look after and meet your needs. It is not their right to question you unless harm might come to you or someone around you. Do not allow them tell you what to do."
"Oh, Lizzy. The thought of being more authoritative scares me."
"Why should it? You are the mistress of your household, are you not?"
Georgiana only responded with a slight nod of her head. Elizabeth noted her aunt had remained quiet but nodded often and smiled encouragingly. These actions allowed Elizabeth to continue with her advice.
"This is what you should be learning to do. Mrs. Young should be teaching you those skills. She should be grooming you for a time when you will be mistress of your husband's home. You should not fear making decisions or giving orders. It is your rightful role, and I suspect your brother looks to you to be the mistress of your home when the two of you are together."
"No, I do not believe he sees me as being old enough to be in charge. Besides, our housekeeper seems to manage everything so well I feel I am hardly needed."
"Do neither your brother or housekeep ever ask your opinion about household matters?" Elizabeth was slightly shocked Georgiana's brother would not defer to his sister on some decision. She felt it was his duty to also help train his sister.
"Yes. If a situation occurs needing my approval, Mrs. Reynolds, Pemberley’s housekeeper, and Mrs. McGregor, our housekeeper in town, present the situation to me. If I feel their decision is correct, then I give them my approve to proceed, but if I am unsure, then I defer the situation to my brother."
"Do you handle household matters in the same manner here?"
"No," Georgiana paused as she reflected on how matters had been handled since her brother returned to London. "Mrs. Young has always stepped in and handled any situations which has risen. Of late, I have noticed she gives all the orders to the staff and then tells me I should not worry about such trivial matters."
Elizabeth was shocked at the audacity of the woman.
"Miss Darcy, she is but an employee, and do not allow her such freedom running the household or ordering the servants." Mrs. Gardiner entered the conversation. "It would be just as poorly done if Elizabeth began giving orders in my household. She would be usurping my role as the mistress of the home. Mrs. Young is doing the same. You must take a firm stand and put a stop to her assuming your roll as mistress."
“How? I am not as sure of myself as you are. You are so self-assured. I wish I was more like you and Miss Elizabeth.”
“Georgiana, you are young but have the abilities to be just as confident as anyone else.” Elizabeth encouraged.
“How?” Never having let go of Elizabeth's hands, Georgiana’s grip on them became tighter.
“First, remind yourself you are in charge, not Mrs. Young or any other servants. They are there to serve and carry out your requests, not the other way around. Remind yourself you are a young lady of wealth, have a good education, and know what is best for your welfare and the welfare of your household staff.”
Georgiana saw Mrs. Gardiner nod in agreement.
“But I am not sure I know what is best.”
Elizabeth could see Georgiana’s lack of belief in her own skills but knew she would have to help build up the younger lady’s self-esteem.
“Listen to me Georgiana Darcy.” She began firmly. “You have the ability to be the authority in your household. If needed, continue to remind yourself who is the mistress of the house. Believe in yourself, your skills, and your position in society. Assert your authority even if it scares you. When in doubt, think about what your brother would do, and then follow his example.” Elizabeth paused in thought before asking, “Your brother is a good master, is he not?”
“Oh, yes. He is the best master. He always makes the right decisions.”
Elizabeth wondered if it was the absolute truth since she realized not every decision was without some consequence, but for the time, she would accept Georgiana’s word on the matter. If she could use her brother as an example to help her be more assertive, then who was Elizabeth to question his decision-making skills?
“Good,” she replied. “Follow your brother’s standards in decision making.”
Georgiana smiled but added, “I am still fearful of facing Mrs. Young. What if she refuses to listen to me or does not allow me to make the decisions?”
“Then remind her she has been hired to be your companion not your superior. She is to give instructions and advice, but it is not her place to give orders to the servants.”
“I wish you would be with we the first time I have to face her.”
“I have a thought,” Elizabeth began, finally releasing Georgiana’s hand and standing up. “I will accompany you home. We can spend some time practicing our duets. If Mrs. Young should happen to try to tell you what you should be doing, then I will be there as a support when you stand up to her.”
“I will appreciate your assistance.” Feeling more confident knowing her friend would support her, Georgiana stood and preceded Elizabeth out of the sitting room.
Elizabeth noticed Alex and her aunt’s smiles of reassurance just before she followed Georgiana out of the room. Her hope was to instill some much needed confidence in the young lady so she would no longer be mislead by her supposed companion.
For the next two days, Georgiana and Elizabeth spent more time together. Georgiana had agreed not to leave the house unless Elizabeth accompanied her, and she promised to be more careful around Mrs. Young and Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth feared, however, Georgiana’s confidence in standing firm as the mistress of her house would waver if Elizabeth was not there to back her up, and on the third day after their talk, Georgiana, once again, appeared at Mrs. Gardiner’s home. Georgiana’s distress was evident even before she spoke.
