The Transformation of Georgiana Darcy Page 3

  “Lack of money is no objection, if affection is present,” reasoned Mary logically. She never had the monetary concerns of her sisters. More practical in nature, and in the past considered plain in comparison to her siblings, Mary Bennet had blossomed softly over the past years. Now her cheeks held a pink bloom, and she smiled more often than usual. This had done wonders to make her more approachable when she was forced to attend social functions. Having personally acknowledged that she possessed no talent for the pianoforte, it did not stop her desire to command the instrument. It had become a challenge instead of opportunity to show off when slighted. She now laughed at her ability, allowing others, especially men, to provide instruction. However, she still bore little tolerance for false admiration. It would be a serious minded man with purpose for her, or no one. As of yet, none had met her standards, despite the dowry of five thousand pounds in her possession.

  Kitty too, had yet to find her match, despite too having only improved in her handsome appearance. With a matching dowry, thanks to the generosity of her new brother-in-law, it had not sent men flocking to the doors of Longbourn. She believed that it was her mother’s shrill voice that sent them scurrying away. Hopefully, there would be enough people at Pemberley to distract any suitors before they made the connection.

  Sighing deeply at her sister, she agreed. “Yes… if only we might find the sort of person that suits us as well as Jane and Lizzie.”

  *****

  The residents of Netherfield were also finalizing their preparations to make the day’s carriage ride to Pemberley. Jane Bingley, now expecting a child, spent most of the morning assuring her doting husband of the complete safety of the travel.

  “Now Charles, you mustn’t worry. Doctor Andrews says it is quite alright. Besides, I so long to see Lizzie. I have to admit to feeling a bit confined lately, and with the baby coming, there will not be much opportunity for festivities later,” Jane said with a gentle smile.

  “Yes Charles… listen to your wife. After all, it is not as if she is the first person to ever have a child. You worry for nothing,” injected his sister, who had an irritating tendency to listen in to every conversation, however private.

  Caroline Bingley had all but installed herself permanently at Netherfield. Now in her early thirties, she was still an attractive woman, but the years of holding a sour disposition were taking their toll. Fine lines had appeared about her eyes and she took great pains to hide the greying hairs that threatened her chestnut hair at the temples. Despite the allure of her considerable dowry, she had never married. Once, she had set her cap for Fitzwilliam Darcy, only to be spurned in favor of Jane’s sister. It was a snub that she had not forgotten. Attending the Pemberley gathering was a way for her to remind Darcy of what he had lost in choosing another. Besides, every time Charles and Jane went to London for the social season, fewer and fewer men looked in her direction. This party may be one of the last chances she’d have before being permanently labeled a spinster. She too had become rather bored with the country routines of Meryton society. If one could truly call the small collection of landholders in the area society. They were far beneath her station, but it was great sport to remind them of that. As it was, Charles had promised to form a procession with the Longbourn residents for the journey. In just a few hours, their carriages would meet and be on their way, but for some reason, Caroline did not feel like provoking the Bennets today. She had other goals in mind, to find a suitable husband before the visit was over. Playing second to the lovesick atmosphere between Charles and Jane had made her extremely jealous. A home of her own was what she needed… a very wealthy home.

  ~Four~

  Gareth Devlin, having shown his invitation to the servant at the gates to Pemberley, turned his horse down the long drive that divided the lush green lawns, bordered by deep forests. It was just as he remembered. The three story stone house was set to the best advantage for approaching visitors. A large pond was naturally situated some yards in front of the house. It reflected the grand façade in its still waters. The floating lily pads only served to frame the exquisite reversed image. It was not that he felt the slightest envy, Polwys Tor would always be home to Gareth. Its medieval history went much farther back than the more modern Pemberley estate. However, he would give praise where it was due. The place was magnificent. Reigning in Romulus, he handed the leads to a servant after reassuring his horse of excellent care, and strode up the stone steps to where the carved front door had opened. Smiling, he bowed to the beautiful woman who must be Elizabeth Darcy before extending his hand to his cousin.

  “Welcome Gareth… it has been far too long. I was most pleased when Lizzie informed me of your acceptance. As you can see, we are going to be a very full house.”

  Darcy gestured with a wave to the row of carriages already filling the front drive. Despite Pemberley’s size, the number of guests would overwhelm the stables. Many drivers would be returning to fetch their masters at the end of the festival. Arching a brow in worry, Gareth voiced his concerns as he was led into the great hall.

  “I could not refuse such a delightful offer, I had thought that perhaps you had forgotten our branch of the family out in the wilds of Wales. I hope my horse is not going to be an inconvenience?”

  “Oh no… it is just the carriages that clutter up the lawn. When Ewan arrived earlier, we had assumed that you would travel together and saved stall space, but he said you had been in London and would arrive later.”

  “Ah… yes… I have been spending some time there. But since mother passed, my presence is required at Polwys.”

  “We were sorry to hear, an unfortunate accident indeed. You have our deepest condolences,” offered Lizzie sincerely.

  “Thank you, but don’t let it cloud the festival. Mother lived a long and full life, without regrets.” He replied and promised to speak later when all of the guests had arrived.

  “Yes, do excuse us, we shall have plenty of time to catch up over the next two weeks. Please make yourself at home,” Darcy insisted.

  Watching his hosts return to the entry, Gareth’s irritation simmered, barely under control. So… Ewan was here as well. No doubt to cause as much trouble as possible. Had he gotten an invitation as well? Or had he simply assumed that any offer to the residents of Polwys also applied to him? Ewan must have been making himself free with his office whiskey again. Not that he minded sharing the bounty of Polwys; Ewan simply never paid any heed to the expectations of privacy. Setting off to find his cousin, he walked quickly past a cluster of young women, oblivious to their stares of appreciation and muffled whispers.

  “Oh my! There are two of them! How fortunate for us! Do you suppose they would consider sisters?” giggled Kitty Bennet to her frowning serious sibling.

  “Don’t be silly! There cannot possibly be two such men who look like that!” snapped Mary as she rolled her eyes.

  “I’m not! That man was much taller and wearing different clothes. Look over there…. See there are two,” kitty corrected and pointed her lace gloved finger to where Gareth and Ewan appeared to be engaged in a rather heated discussion.

  Yanking her sister’s finger down, Mary Bennet ignored Kitty’s cries of pain. She should not be so obvious, but Mary had to concede. Almost as twins, the unusually pale men were arresting to behold… of that she agreed. But in Mary’s experience, beautiful things were often decorative shells covering up rot. She’d not be easily swayed by a handsome face, however unusual.

  While the Bennet girls stood gaping, Georgiana Darcy had also spied the two men. Appearing to be arguing, she could not let a disagreement spoil the family celebration. As a hostess, it was her responsibility to ensure that everyone had a wonderful time, even if that meant interfering. Oh! How she disliked any sort of confrontation. Where was Lizzie when she needed her? Such a strong woman, Georgiana had tried to emulate those characteristics, but it was a struggle. Seeing the Bennet sisters, she smiled at a solution. Eagerly beckoning to Kitty and Mary, she linked each by an
arm and offered to make an introduction. It was her duty and perfectly acceptable to approach unknown guests. True gentlemen would not dare argue in the presence of ladies. Thus armed, the trio bore down upon the unsuspecting cousins.

  “Excuse me…” interrupted Georgiana politely, but firmly, commanding their immediate attention.

  “Welcome to Pemberley, I hope you are enjoying your stay?”

  All discussion of Ewan’s presence would have to wait as Gareth turned to face the soft feminine voice. His eyes opened wide and a genuine smile broke his features as he recognized the small child he remembered from years ago.

  “Georgiana? Is it really you? All grown up! I don’t suppose you remember your cousin Gareth... And of course, this is Ewan.” He was forced out of politeness to acknowledge his now smirking cousin. However, this opportune meeting saved him much needed time in determining who she was.

  “Yes, it is me… I am sorry to admit, but I was rather young when you were here last. Although, my brother has spoken of you fondly.”

  “And of me? I am sure the sentiments are not quite so fond. I was rather a brat. Ewan Devlin… at your service,” interjected Ewan with a bow.

  Smiling at her success, Georgiana introduced her companions, much to their obvious delight. Even Mary’s face lit up at the new acquaintances. Gareth Devlin, realizing that he would have to wait until later to continue his inquiry as to how Ewan came to be at Pemberley, eagerly offered his attentions. After all, he too needed to find a bride. Perhaps if things did not work out with Georgiana, one of these other ladies could fit his needs. Changing the conversation to more acceptable topics, the Devlin cousins spent the better part of the next hour vying for the smiles of both Bennet sisters and Georgiana Darcy.

  Across the room, this situation was not unnoticed by Caroline Bingley. Allowing a frown to crease her features for a moment, she wondered who the two strange looking gentlemen were. Both wore the finest of clothing and their bearings were that of gentlemen accustomed to being noticed. Tilting her head in her study, she could not decide which one was preferable. A little investigation as to their financial status would settle that decision. Seeing Lizzie and Darcy a few feet away, she would demand an introduction. Those Bennet girls would not take all the best from her ever again.

  Also acutely aware of her surroundings, Lizzie Darcy had, as hostess, been in constant observation of her guests. It would not do for any to feel slighted or without some sort of companionship. Exhausting, but necessary, she has spent every moment of the arrivals introducing as many of the guests to one another. Fortunately, many were already well acquainted and Georgiana had been a true blessing in offering her assistance. Normally a shy girl, she seemed in her element today. The companionship of Mary and Kitty did wonders to bring her out of her normally reserved pose. She had spied the trio laughing with the Devlins. Perhaps something could come of it, she secretly hoped. Making her excuses to her husband and their immediate circle of guests, she hoped to take a moment to check in on the dinner preparations and rest her feet for a bit. However, as she took her leave, Lizzie saw Caroline Bingley making a beeline in her direction. Sighing, Lizzie could not avoid her without obvious rudeness. Hopefully, whatever Caroline wanted would not take long.

  “Good afternoon Caroline. I trust you have settled in and found your accommodations acceptable?” Lizzie inquired politely. Caroline, in past visits to Pemberley, had always managed to find some sort of fault with Lizzie’s management of the household. Her room was either too warm or too cold, the linens not fresh, or absurd claims against the staff. One would think that she’d find an excuse not to come, yet here she stood, false smile forming creases in her face. Lizzie hoped she would one day crack from the stress, but today was not that day.

  “Oh everything is fine… I was just wondering who those gentlemen are that I see entertaining your sisters and Miss Darcy. They do seem to be rather familiar for such an occasion. Have your parents declined to serve as chaperone?”

  Lizzie bit back a retort at the suggestion of her family’s inappropriate behaviors. Caroline knew full well that her parents were in residence, she had arrived with them! Following Caroline’s gaze to where Mary and Kitty stood, she chose her words carefully for the right effect.

  “Why yes, Mama and Papa are here, but rather tired from the journey. I suppose they are resting before dinner. Indeed, my young sisters do seem to be enjoying themselves, perhaps a bit of guidance from a person of more mature years would be beneficial. Would you do me the favor of allowing an introduction? My husband’s cousins are just arrived from Wales. Fitzwilliam tells me that they are both yet to marry, but I cannot recall what exactly they do… ah yes… one is to inherit Polwys Tor, the family residence. As to the other… do forgive me, but I don’t recall.”

  Caroline seethed at the suggestion of her age being matronly, but with the introduction secured, as well as the added monetary information, she did not care. Joining the group, she made every attempt to turn the attention to her favor, slighting the rest. By the time the dinner bell rang, she had secured a dance from each man for tomorrow night’s ball before settling on allowing Ewan Devlin to escort her to dinner. Something feral in his eyes bespoke an unsaid challenge. Caroline was definitely up for a challenge.

  Gareth Devlin had not so easily made a decision. He was not one to be so eager to leap on a dangling opportunity. While finding each young lady charming, he was attracted most to Georgiana and Mary. Kitty Bennet, while lovely, chattered more than he thought he could stand. The quiet reserve of the others was far more appealing. Hopefully, over the next few weeks, he would be able to get to know them better. Georgiana, not one to be remiss in her duties, said a farewell just before dinner to assist with the arrangements. Thus leaving Gareth to offer one arm to each Bennet sister as they went in to dinner.

  *****

  Relieved to have a moment to herself, Georgiana sought the peace and quiet of a secluded alcove just outside the kitchens. She was really having a lovely time, but such parties were a drain on her physically. Not remembering when she had last eaten, she felt a bit faint and her head pounded strangely, almost as if there was a voice whispering to her. Taking a deep breath and brushing off the dizziness, she sat down on the small upholstered bench that had been set into the stained glass window that graced the alcove. It would cause undue stress on her brother and Lizzie if she were to take ill at such a time. Odd, she had felt fine just an hour ago, the feelings had come upon her just after introducing Mary and Kitty to the Devlins. She had to admit, the two men were unnerving to behold. Fierce blue eyes and white blonde hair reminded her of a winter wolf. Dangerous, yet beautiful at the same time. When Ewan Devlin looked at her, she felt as if she were about to be devoured. Gareth, on the other hand, made her want to be tasted, feel his tongue upon her flesh. Blushing from such thoughts she attempted to brush off the physical attraction. Food… again… that was it. She simply needed to eat something and all would be well. Rising, she nearly bumped into Lizzie as she too was wanting to see if dinner was on time.

  “Oh there you are…” Lizzie said with a bit of concern for her sister-in-law.

  Forcing a smile, Georgiana replied, “All is ready… shall we announce dinner? I am famished!”

  Brightening at the idea of Georgiana wanting to eat, Lizzie dismissed her worries as they joined their guests in the dining hall, but vowed to ensure that Georgiana did not overtax herself. Something was not quite right with her.

  ~Five~

  Polwys Tor, 1319

  In the years since his return, William D’Arcy had done his best to return to the normal life of a landholder. Having been rewarded for his services, he now bore the title of Sir William in addition to the gift of adjoining fertile lands to the main property. The keep had been more of a shell for storage than a home, but he had spared no expense in its furnishings, it was now the envy of the region. He was now also a very wealthy man, having been blessed by good harvests. However, his status and money did little
to bring any appropriate ladies to his door. As his newly elevated station demanded, a wife and heirs were in need. Besides, he was rather lonely. At almost fifty years of age, he’d soon be a permanent bachelor and all he had worked for would go to some distant relative.

  His parents, father deceased since his thirtieth year and mother, now advanced in age, had placed gentle pressure upon him to marry. They had wanted to see grandchildren before they died. They worried deeply about their only child. When Will had returned from the crusades, he had locked himself away for hours on end in the library, writing endless pages of God only knew. He would not share his experiences with anyone, only volumes of vellum sheets. Sometimes, late at night, his mother would rise and find light coming from under the locked door. She could hear him speaking with what sounded like a woman’s voice. But who was it? To her knowledge, Will had never disgraced any of the servants, nor invited any friends to the keep. Yet, she could not deny her ears. She may be nearing eighty, but her wits and senses were still sharp. Worry only grew with each passing year as the behaviors persisted. Now, with Christmas a few weeks away, she’d try her final bid to fill this old house with the sounds of laughter. Call it an old woman’s fanciful request. Resolving to approach him on the morrow, Eleanor D’Arcy made her way slowly back to her chamber.

  Inside the secured library, Will D’Arcy was alone, yet not. The image of the woman whom he could not forget had deigned to visit him once again. Her memory was becoming more persistent. Now, he imagined she spoke to him in other ways. Some days, he felt as if he were indeed going mad, others filled with the vigor of a youth in his teens. It was only when he realized the source of his energy that he locked himself away. Fear of what he had become filled his thoughts and actions.

  When he had first come home, he blamed it on the adjustment of a quiet country life after so much warfare. No longer did he need to be alert for hours, expecting enemy attack at all times. He could relax and enjoy life once again. But soon, restlessness overtook him. Every time there was a scheduled hunt, or seasonal butchering of livestock, he felt an extreme urge to be part of the bloodletting. While an active landlord was desirable, his hands on approach to the messiest activities was deemed a bit strange. Will had insisted upon being the one to slit the throats of the animals and take the first sips of sacrificial blood. It was a long tradition for hunters to drink the blood of a kill as a way of giving thanks, but Will took it farther than was considered acceptable by those around him. He would drink deep gulps of the still warm fluids, instead of the customary sip. However, no one dared to question the actions of the lord of the manor. Their well-being was dependent upon his whims, and as of yet, they could not complain about their prosperity.