INTRODUCTIONS

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Since sunrise, Fitzwilliam Darcy had worked steadily on the large volume of correspondence that awaited him at Pemberley.  Arriving home yesterday afternoon, he had been greatly shocked and thoroughly delighted to find Elizabeth Bennet enjoying the gardens of his home.  At first, she had seemed as nervous as he, but they had passed a pleasant afternoon together, eventually regaining a level of comfort in being near each other.  As the visitors were departing, Darcy and Elizabeth had each been able to offer the other a long overdue apology, after which they had agreed to begin anew.  He wanted to have as much time as possible to spend with Elizabeth and her relations while they resided in Lambton.  He could hardly wait to see her again, and even though it would be only a few hours, he was desperate to be in her company.

Darcy had just finished responding to the last of his business correspondence and had glanced up at the clock when a knock came at the door.  “Enter.”

“Mr. Darcy, two carriages have entered the park. They should be at the door in ten minutes.”

“Thank you, Jeffers.  I shall be there momentarily.”

“Very good, sir,” replied Pemberley’s longtime butler. 

Straightening into a neat stack the papers remaining on his desk, Darcy picked up his letters and exited the room.  He turned and locked the door before pocketing the key.  He knew Miss Bingley was prone to snooping and he had once observed her surreptitiously exiting his private study.  Whenever she was in residence, Darcy kept several rooms locked—including his suite and the mistress’ chambers. 

He placed the letters on the table in the entryway and moved towards the front door, which a footman quickly opened.  As he reached the top of the steps, the first carriage stopped before them.  Bingley stepped out and handed down Georgiana, who rushed up the stairs and into her brother’s arms.

“Hello, sweetling.  How was the final stage of your journey?”

Georgiana rolled her eyes but did not need to answer, for at that moment Miss Bingley was handed down from the same carriage.  Darcy cast a disgruntled yet questioning look at Charles Bingley. Darcy did not have an opportunity to determine how they had ended up in the same carriage before the lady in question determinedly marched up the stairs in his direction like an advancing army.

Darcy took a step back, placing himself on Georgiana’s other side and folding his arms behind his back.  In an expressionless voice, he said, “Good afternoon, Miss Bingley.  Welcome to Pemberley.”

Caroline Bingley was tall and willowy, to the point of being too thin, with angular features.  Her hair was a dark red, and her eyes were an unremarkable, watery green.  She moved to stand directly before Darcy, batting her eyelashes at him.  “Thank you, Mr. Darcy, it is delightful to be at Pemberley again.  It feels almost like coming home.” 

The horrified expression on Darcy’s face might have been humorous under different circumstances, but everyone knew it was Caroline’s greatest hope that she would soon call Pemberley home.  Everyone except Caroline also knew it would never happen. 

Ignoring Miss Bingley’s words, Darcy turned to welcome Charles, the Hursts, and finally Mrs. Annesley, Georgiana’s companion.  He offered his arm to his sister and led the group inside.

Aside from the fact that each of the Bingley siblings had a reddish tint to their hair, their appearances were not at all similar.  Charles’ hair was a light copper color and his eyes were bright green.  He was slightly above average in height and had an effervescent personality.  Bingley was pleased with everyone and everything.  It was his outgoing personality and lack of pretension that drew Darcy to him.  Their personalities complemented each other.  Mrs. Louisa Hurst was both shorter and plumper than her sister.  Her hair was more brown than Miss Bingley’s, though they shared the same eyes.  Much like Kitty and Lydia Bennet, the younger sister was the more dominant of the two, and Caroline could always count on her sister’s support.  Gilbert Hurst had no remarkable aspects to his personality.  He was moderately attractive, but his interests were limited to hunting, dogs, food, drink, and cards.  No matter the time of day, he was often found slumped upon a sofa, softly snoring.

As soon as the newcomers had entered the house, Miss Bingley began to speak again.  “I have always thought Pemberley the most beautiful and perfect of homes.  How it will shine with a little updating and the right mistress.”

Darcy did not mean to smile at the lady’s words because he knew she meant herself.  However, he could not help himself when he, again, thought of Elizabeth being in his home and what a wonderful mistress she would be.  It was fortunate no one save for Georgiana saw the smile.  She had a moment of panic thinking the smile meant William was considering Miss Bingley for a wife before recalling the opinion he had once expressed about the lady in question.

Caroline continued her monologue.  “You are truly fortunate, Mr. Darcy.  Not only do you have Pemberley to escape to for the warm summer months, for the remainder of the year you have a marvelous townhouse where you can enjoy all the pleasures of society.  Your wife will surely enjoy that.”

“There you are wrong, Miss Bingley. I prefer to spend as much of the year at Pemberley as possible.  Once I take a wife, I anticipate that desire will only increase.  I much prefer the country to life in town.  I do not enjoy participating in society except for the theater, opera, and museums.  As long as we have known one another, I am surprised you are unaware of this.”

“But a gentleman such as yourself would certainly be willing to change for your wife, would you not?”

“People do not alter, Miss Bingley. I would not choose someone who wanted to change me.  No, I would be much more careful in choosing someone whose interests and feelings about the matter are in line with my own.”  For a moment Caroline looked disconcerted, but as usual, she pushed aside that which she did not wish to accept.

Mrs. Reynolds, who had been quietly standing by, spoke at the pause in the conversation.  “Mr. Darcy, luncheon will be ready in half an hour. Would you like me to show the guests to their suites?”

“Yes, thank you, Mrs. Reynolds.  Georgie, might I speak with you a moment before you go upstairs?”

“Of course, William.”

Darcy looked at his guests and said, “Shall we meet in the drawing room in half an hour?”  So saying, he offered his arm to his sister and led her in the direction of his study.  He waited before the door until the guests reached the top of the stairs and turned out of sight before he removed the key and unlocked the door.  Darcy nodded at the footman stationed outside the study door as he closed it.  Seating Georgiana on the sofa before the fireplace, he sat next to her.  When Darcy looked into his sister’s eyes, he was disconcerted to see the displeasure there.  “Georgiana, is something wrong?”

“William, please tell me you are not considering Miss Bingley for a wife.  I saw the way you smiled when she mentioned the right mistress for Pemberley!”

Darcy chuckled at his sister’s words.  “No, Georgiana.  I am sorry if my smile concerned you.  However, just yesterday Pemberley’s perfect mistress was here with her relatives, touring the estate.”

Georgiana’s eyes widened in surprise.  “Are you telling me you just met someone and have already decided to marry her?”

“No, it is not someone I just met.  I have known Miss Elizabeth for almost a year.”

“Miss Elizabeth?”  Georgiana looked confused, as she could not place the name, but no explanation was forthcoming from her brother.  Finally, she remembered where she had heard the name before.  “Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Hertfordshire?”

“The very same.”

“You say she was here yesterday?  Is she still in the area?”

“She is.  In fact, she is expecting us to join her and her relations for tea this afternoon.”

“I have wished to meet her for such a long time.  What is she doing here?  Is she expecting to meet me?  Do you think she will like me?”

Darcy could not help but laugh at his sister’s rapid questions.  When he calmed, he said, “She is in the area because she is traveling with her aunt and uncle.  Yes, she is looking forward to meeting you, and I am sure she will like you.  However, we must get away from the house without Miss Bingley’s awareness.  As you might imagine, Miss Bingley is not fond of Miss Bennet.  While staying at Netherfield, I made a comment about Miss Bennet’s fine eyes and ever since, Miss Bingley has insulted and belittled Miss Elizabeth.  I prefer for you to meet Miss Bennet for the first time without Miss Bingley’s presence.”

“When must we leave?  I shall be sure to be ready.  Shall I meet you at the stables?”

“Though it might be easier to meet at the stables, I shall not sneak about in my own home.  I will have the carriage out front and ready to depart at quarter past three.”

“I can hardly wait, but now I must hurry to freshen up, or I shall be late for lunch.”

Luncheon was long and tedious.  No matter what topic members of the group tried to introduce, Miss Bingley dominated the conversation with her effusive compliments about Pemberley and its next mistress.  Darcy was relieved when the meal was over.

“I am sure you all wish to rest after such a long journey.  I have some work I must finish if I am to have time to devote to visitors over the next few days.  If you will excuse me.”  Darcy turned away from his guests but caught Georgiana’s eye and winked at her as he headed for his study. 

“Miss Darcy, will you not join us in the drawing room?  It has been so long since we have had a chance to visit with you.  Louisa and I have dearly missed your company.”

“I am sorry, Miss Bingley, but I am feeling tired from the journey and must rest until tea time.  I am sure we will have other opportunities to visit before your stay is over.  I hope that you will both excuse me.”

Caroline Bingley watched the young girl disappear up the stairs before turning to her sister. “Do you feel the need to rest, Louisa, or will you join me in my sitting room?”

“I do think I will rest as well.  I will see you later, sister.”

Annoyed that she could not spend time ingratiating herself with her hosts and furthering her goal for the joining of their families, Caroline swept up the grand staircase of Pemberley, making her way in high dudgeon to the sitting room attached to her bedchamber.

Caroline paced the room for a few minutes, making plans to ensure that Mr. Darcy would propose to her during this visit.  She would wait no longer to achieve her goals.  Finally, she summoned her maid and settled to rest until time for tea.  After more than an hour, during which time sleep evaded her, she took to pacing her sitting room once again.  It was as she passed the window that she noticed the Darcy carriage driving away from the house.

Georgiana had, indeed, tried to rest before they were to depart to Lambton, but she was too excited.  She could hardly believe she was about to meet Elizabeth Bennet.  Before last fall, her brother had never written to her of a young lady, and the things William wrote in his letters had piqued her curiosity.  Wanting to prepare herself for the meeting, Georgiana found the letters her brother had sent her during his stay at Netherfield Park.  She reread them all, searching for information about Miss Bennet.  Georgiana found her brother's description of the young lady very intriguing. 

Georgiana returned William’s letters to their place and took a seat in the window embrasure.  She took up the novel she had been reading, but could not concentrate on the words.  Soon she was pacing the floor of her suite, waiting for the time to depart.  Finally, the clock said thirteen minutes past the hour, so Georgiana grabbed her spencer and reticule and quietly opened the door.  Seeing no one in the hall but the footman on duty at the entrance to the family wing, she quickly made her way to the main stairs.  As she reached the bottom, William appeared and offered her his arm. 

Before they reached the door, Bingley exited the billiard room.  “To where are you two sneaking off?”

Georgiana and Darcy started at the sound and turned around to see Bingley regarding them with a curious grin.  Bingley and Darcy had been friends since their time at Cambridge.  Their differing personalities complemented each other.

Darcy gave him a quelling glare as he straightened to his full height.  “We are not sneaking, but we must go into Lambton and we did not wish to disturb anyone who might be resting.”

“As I am not in need of rest—just a break from my sister—might I accompany you?”

Darcy thought briefly before nodding his head.  The butler passed the gentlemen their hats and walking sticks and the party exited the house and quickly boarded the carriage. 

“So, what is this errand?”

“I wish to introduce Georgiana to a friend who is visiting in the area.”

“And who might this friend be?  Is it someone with whom I am acquainted?”

Darcy took a deep breath before replying.  “It is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.  She is traveling in the area with her relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.  I discovered them touring the estate when I returned yesterday.  I asked Miss Elizabeth if I might introduce Georgiana to her while she was here, and she granted her permission.  We are to take tea with them this afternoon.”

“How delightful!  I shall enjoy seeing her again.”

“Perhaps you could wait a few moments.  Allow me to introduce Georgiana and then inform Miss Bennet of your presence.”

“I shall be happy to wait, but please give her my regards.”

The carriage stopped before the inn and a footman let down the stairs.  Darcy exited the coach and reached in to assist his sister.  Her hand trembled as she placed it in her brother’s.  She looked up at him, a worried expression on her face. 

“What if she does not like me?”

“I know Miss Elizabeth well, and I am sure she will like you.  She expressed her delight in the opportunity to make your acquaintance.” Darcy wrapped Georgiana’s arm around his and patted her hand comfortingly. 

The Darcys entered the inn and received a greeting from Mr. Burton. “Good day to you, Mr. Darcy. But who is this lovely young lady?  She cannot be Miss Darcy, for she is much too grown up.” 

Georgiana smiled shyly at Mr. Burton as a lovely pink blush colored her cheeks.  “It is nice to see you again, Mr. Burton.”

“How can I help the Darcys today?”

“We are here to see Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and their niece.  Can you direct us to them?”

“Certainly, sir, please follow me.”  The innkeeper led them up the stairs to the third door on the left.  He knocked firmly on the door, which opened. Mr. Burton announced, “Mr. and Miss Darcy to see you, sir.”  After the introduction, he returned downstairs.

“Mr. Darcy, welcome.  We are pleased to see you today.” Mr. Gardiner stepped back and waved the visitors into the sitting room of their suite.  Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner were standing and awaiting introductions. 

“Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, allow me to present to you my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.  Georgiana, this is Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner and their niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

They exchanged bows and curtsies, and Mrs. Gardiner invited her guests to sit.  During the introductions, Elizabeth observed Miss Darcy.  She was a lovely young woman, tall and slender, with hair a bit lighter than her brother’s, though their eyes were the same deep blue.  While the siblings bore a distinct resemblance, Miss Darcy’s delicate features were in sharp contrast to her brother’s stronger ones.

It was apparent to Elizabeth that Miss Darcy was very shy.  To ease her companion, Elizabeth said, “Miss Darcy, we were fortunate enough to see your home yesterday.  Pemberley is the most beautiful estate we have seen in our travels.  You are quite lucky to live in such a lovely place.  I was particularly pleased with the natural beauty of the grounds.”

“Oh, yes!” said Georgiana, her tone shy and her voice quiet.  “There is no place I would rather be than Pemberley.  The grounds are lovely, and I try to ride my horse each morning to start my day.”

“I do not ride, but I love to walk the paths around my home each morning.  There is no better way to begin my day than communing with nature.”

Georgiana looked surprised at Elizabeth’s words.  “You do not ride, Miss Elizabeth?”

“I am afraid not.  My father had a team for working on the estate and his stallion.  The only other horse was old Nellie.  I could walk on my two legs much faster than she could go on four,” said Elizabeth with a soft laugh.

Georgiana laughed as well.  “If you are to be in the area very long, I am sure my brother would be happy to teach you to ride.  He taught me many years ago and he says I am an excellent horsewoman.”

“You are, indeed, an excellent rider, dear sister,” commented Darcy.

A knock on the door announced a servant bringing tea.  She deposited the tray on the table before Mrs. Gardiner, then departed.  The conversation paused as Mrs. Gardiner served everyone. 

As Miss Darcy took her first sip, Elizabeth said, “I understand you are very talented on the pianoforte.  Who is your favorite composer?”

“I do love to play, but I imagine my brother has exaggerated my talents.”  A blush suffused Georgiana’s face. 

“It was not your brother who first told me of your talents; it was Miss Bingley who praised you so highly.”

Georgiana’s face wrinkled slightly in distaste before she composed herself.  Realizing that Elizabeth had noted her expression, the young lady blushed profusely.

Elizabeth leaned closer and gently laid her hand over Georgiana’s as she whispered, “Your secret is safe with me, Miss Darcy.  You are fortunate to gain praise from Miss Bingley, as when she speaks about me it is only to belittle me. Some of her pronouncements are so silly, I can do nothing but laugh at them.”

Georgiana relaxed and thanked Elizabeth, saying, “I cannot imagine what she could find to complain about. You are a wonderful person!”  Again, her shyness consumed her at such an outspoken comment. 

“How kind of you to say so, but let us return to the pleasant topic of music.  Though I play very ill, I do love music.  However, trying to choose a favorite composer would be like trying to choose a favorite book—nearly impossible.”

“I am sure you underestimate your talent, Miss Bennet, for my brother told me that you play very well and have a lovely voice.  Perhaps I will have the opportunity to hear you while you are in the neighborhood.  Might you be willing to play a duet with me if the opportunity presents itself?” 

“I would be delighted to do so, but please do not expect too much.”

Having caught Bingley’s name during the conversation between Georgiana and Elizabeth, Darcy said, “Miss Elizabeth, there is another visitor here who would like to renew his acquaintance with you.  Mr. Bingley waits downstairs. Would you permit him to join us?”

Glancing at her aunt, who nodded, Elizabeth replied, “I would be pleased to see him again.  Would you please invite him to join us?”

Darcy excused himself and went to the taproom to retrieve Bingley. As he reentered the room, he heard his sister laughing.  Darcy was delighted to see the happy, relaxed expression on Georgiana’s face.  He had always felt that Elizabeth would be a good example for his sister.

When they joined the others, Darcy introduced Bingley to the Gardiners.  Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner greeted the gentleman pleasantly enough, but both wondered how he could have hurt Jane as he did.

“Miss Elizabeth, how pleased I am to see you again.  It has been far too long, not since the ball at Netherfield.”

“It has been too long, Mr. Bingley.  I hope that you are well?”

“I am, Miss Elizabeth. How is all your dear family?”

“They are well, Mr. Bingley.”

“All of them?”

“Indeed, last I heard from them, all were doing well.  Jane is at Longbourn.  She is watching our Gardiner cousins as we travel.”

“She is such a sweet woman; I am sure the children enjoy her company.”

Mrs. Gardiner said, “They are very fond of Jane’s gentle ways and they love the adventurous nature of Elizabeth, who plays exciting games with them.” 

Darcy smiled at Elizabeth when he heard this.  He could imagine her holding their child in her arms, and the thought filled him with wonder and excitement.

As teatime drew to a close, Mr. Darcy invited Mr. Gardiner to join the gentlemen the next day for a morning of fishing.

“As we have no plans for the morrow, I would be delighted to join you, sir.  I thank you for the invitation, Mr. Darcy.  The opportunity to fish for the first time in a very long while will be the highlight of my trip,” said Mr. Gardiner with a grin.

Darcy told him the time to arrive and then, looking at Georgiana, nodded discreetly.  Georgiana looked at Mrs. Gardiner and issued an invitation of her own.  “Mrs. Gardiner, I would be delighted if you and Miss Elizabeth would join us for breakfast and plan to stay for the day.  I do not know if the men will join us for luncheon, but we would be delighted to have you stay for the evening meal as well.  It will give us an opportunity to play that duet, Miss Elizabeth.”

Mrs. Gardiner looked at her husband and niece. Seeing no disagreement, she said, “We would be delighted to join you.  Thank you for the kind invitation, Miss Darcy.” Everyone said their farewells and the visitors left.  As soon as the door closed behind them, Mrs. Gardiner said, “We must prepare our wardrobes for tomorrow, Lizzy.  We shall need to take a change of clothing if we are staying for the day.”  Grabbing her niece’s hand, she pulled Elizabeth in the direction of her bedchamber.

It was a lively group that returned from Lambton with barely enough time to change for dinner.  As Darcy descended from his chambers, Miss Bingley, who appeared to have been lying in wait for him, attached herself to his arm and practically dragged him into the drawing room.  As his master entered said drawing room, the footman from the hall, as per instruction whenever Miss Bingley was in residence, took up his place inside the drawing room to prevent any risk of compromise.  Miss Bingley cast a disgruntled eye at the footman as she took a seat on a small settee and patted the space beside her, giving the gentleman what she thought was a seductive smile.  Darcy repressed a shudder and suddenly felt a kinship with the fox at a foxhunt.  Miss Bingley’s look was far more predatory than seductive and in no way inviting.

He tried to disguise his disgust at her forward behavior.  Ignoring her invitation, Darcy moved to stand at the window overlooking the gardens.  As he regained his composure, he pictured Elizabeth walking there.  When Bingley and Georgiana joined the others already gathered, Darcy moved to sit with his sister, doing his best to ignore the disappointed glare that Miss Bingley gave him. 

Dinner passed with more leading comments from Miss Bingley about the next mistress of Pemberley.  Bingley attempted to change the subject each time his sister began on the topic, but to no avail; she simply spoke over him.  Louisa Hurst was happy to support her sister in her endeavor to become the wife of Fitzwilliam Darcy.  She would be glad to see Caroline married to anyone and out of her home.  Caroline and Mr. Hurst did not get along well.  Eventually, though, even Louisa was discouraging her sister’s conversation.  Greatly annoyed by Miss Bingley’s sole topic of conversation, Darcy rolled his eyes several times and refrained from acknowledging any of the lady’s remarks. 

The more Miss Bingley spoke, the quieter Georgiana became.  She spent most of the meal staring at her plate.  Eventually, Darcy could no longer tolerate her behavior or conversation.  In a cold voice, he spoke.  “Miss Bingley, please desist from speaking about Pemberley’s need for a mistress.  I am aware of my duties and responsibilities and will make my choice when I find my perfect match.  I find that the more I am pushed to do something, the less likely I am to do what others expect of me.  I detest having my hand forced.  It is a decided flaw in my character, but it is there nonetheless.  Please do not speak again until you have found something new about which to converse.”

Caroline stared at Darcy with her mouth agape, shocked at his rudeness.  Did he really not see that she was his perfect match?  Bingley glared at Caroline for upsetting their host.  Louisa looked down, embarrassed for and by her sister, while Hurst grinned to see Caroline spoken to thus.  He could wish that Darcy had been more direct.  Miss Bingley’s face filled with color, but she refrained from speaking another word for the remainder of the meal. 

Mrs. Hurst played for the group after dinner, and a card table appeared after the music stopped.  Even at the card table, Miss Bingley did not regain the power of speech, but she cast frequent, speculative glances at her host throughout the evening.  Darcy made a point of mentioning that the gentlemen would be fishing early in the morning, lasting perhaps through the midday meal. 

At last the uncomfortable evening came to an end, and after Miss Bingley had departed to her bedchamber, several sighed in relief.  Mrs. Hurst quickly followed her sister.  When his wife was no longer in earshot, Hurst said, “Thank you, Darcy, for finally speaking up.  I doubt it will stop her desire to be your wife, but perhaps it will still her tongue for a time longer.”

“Darcy, I am so sorry for Caroline’s behavior.  I have tried to dissuade her from her thinking, but she refuses to believe me.”

“I disliked the necessity of speaking rudely to your sister, but I could no longer tolerate her behavior.  I hope you were not offended, Bingley.  I hope you know it is not personal.”

“Of course, Darcy.  Well, I am for bed, good night.  I shall see you tomorrow.”

“I will come with you, Charles,” said his brother-in-law.

When his guests had retired for the evening, Darcy took the time to speak with Mrs. Reynolds about the visitors they would receive the next day.  He also stopped by to talk to Mrs. Annesley.  “Please provide Miss Darcy with both support and encouragement tomorrow.  Hopefully, as I will be out of the house, Miss Bingley will remain in her room until near midday.  However, when she appears, Miss Bingley will be antagonistic to Miss Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner.  Miss Bingley believes Miss Elizabeth is a threat to her desire to be Mrs. Darcy.” 

Mrs. Annesley arched her brows in question. 

“She would be correct, but nothing is yet settled,” added Darcy with a blush. 

When Darcy finally reached his bedchamber, he found sleep difficult.  His thoughts were filled with Elizabeth and his anticipation of her visit the next day.  When sleep finally claimed him, he drifted into slumber with a smile on his face.