Georgiana peered out the window as the carriage turned into the lane which would take them to Oxford Cottage. It was a stone cottage, not overly large but lovely, just as her brother had described. The front garden was well-tended, and vibrant flowers nodded a cheerful greeting.
She scrutinized the three young ladies who waited to greet her and matched them to the descriptions her brother had written. Miss Bennet, was indeed beautiful and fair. Her smile was welcoming and had a relaxing effect on Georgiana. Miss Mary, the youngest and most serious of the three ladies, was standing next to Jane, looking decidedly nervous. Georgiana smiled as she considered the last young lady, Miss Elizabeth.
She had heard more about this young lady with the chocolate coloured curls and the enchanting eyes than any of the others. She was quite certain her brother was rather taken with this particular sister. Elizabeth was petite and pretty, not beautiful as her sister Jane, but fascinatingly pretty. Georgiana watched Elizabeth fidget. This was not a lady who liked to be idle.
The sound of a horse riding behind the carriage indicated to Georgiana that her brother would indeed be on hand to greet her. Her excitement grew as she heard the hoof beats get closer. Not able to stand the anticipation for one more instant, she pressed her face against the carriage window and waved vigorously to him.
“Miss Darcy. It is not proper to be peering through the carriage window. What will the Bennets think of such a display?” Mrs. Younge’s sharp scolding pierced the air.
Georgiana reluctantly moved away from the window. “They will think that I am very fond of my brother and happy to see him. Judging from their smiles, I do not believe they are offended in the least. According to my brother, the Bennets are quite unlike any other family we have visited.”
Mrs. Younge eyed Georgiana. Of course, this family was not like the other families they had visited. This family was of no significance, but it would not do to have Georgiana behaving poorly even here. She needed to retain this job as long as possible if George’s plan was going to succeed. “No matter who we are visiting, Miss Darcy, it is my job to make sure you learn to behave in a fashion befitting a young woman of your station. There are expectations that must be met.”
Georgiana huffed. “I am sure I could live without those expectations and be perfectly happy. Fitzwilliam says I am to be one of the residents of Oxford Cottage while I am here, and I shall be treated no differently than anyone else. I like the sound of that.”
The carriage door was opened and the steps folded down. Darcy extended a hand first to Mrs. Younge and assisted her from the carriage before turning to pull his sister into his embrace. Georgiana gasped. Her brother was hugging her in public, before servants and strangers? This place must be magical for this was not the usual reserved public greeting she normally received.
“Georgie, I am so glad that you are finally here. I have missed you.”
“And I have missed you too, Fitzwilliam.”
“Come, Georgie, let me introduce you to the ladies while Jeremiah and Alfred see to your trunks.” Darcy nodded his thanks to the two footmen who smiled in return.
Georgiana had always admired her brother’s manner of authority and civility with all those who served him. He easily earned their respect and loyalty for he never treated them poorly as she had witnessed in other wealthy homes. Apparently, he had already won the respect and loyalty of these two men.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, may I present to you my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy and her companion, Mrs. Younge. “Georgie, Mrs. Younge, these ladies are Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and Miss Mary Bennet.” Each lady dipped a small curtsey as she was introduced.
“Welcome to Oxford Cottage,” said Jane as she stepped forward and offered a hand to Miss Darcy and Mrs. Younge. “It is good to have both of you here.”
Mrs. Younge smiled in approval. Miss Bennet appeared to be all that was proper. Perhaps her job of curbing her charge’s impulsive nature would be made easier with Jane to assist.
“Your brother has told you that this is not your regular cottage?” Elizabeth gave a glance toward Mr. Darcy. “He has not lured you here under false pretenses, now has he?” A smile played at her mouth, but she forced it away. Her eyes, however, gave away the fact that she was teasing.
Georgiana looked at her brother to see how he would react. Normally, he became gruff and his eyes would become cold when any young lady attempted to tease him, but he was neither of these things. His face was relaxed, and he smiled as his eyes danced in amusement. Yes, he was definitely fond of Miss Elizabeth.
“I assure you, Miss Elizabeth, my sister has been fully informed about Oxford Cottage. She is here with the understanding that this is to be an educational experience and not a vacation—although, I did refrain from telling her of the harshness of her teachers.” He winked at his sister as Elizabeth gasped.
Georgiana gave him a feigned look of disapproval. “Fitzwilliam, these ladies do not appear to be harsh teachers. I am quite sure we will get along famously.”
“As long as you do not incite Lizzy’s ire, you shall be fine,” said Miss Mary with a chuckle.
“Mary!” Elizabeth’s cheeks were flushed. “You shall have the poor girl frightened of me. I assure you, Miss Darcy, I have not lost my temper in quite some time, and I cannot even begin to imagine how you would rouse it. However, Mary seems well-versed as to how to provoke it, and your brother seems to be taking notes.” Elizabeth laughed.
She placed an arm about Georgiana’s shoulders and, leaning in, said in a loud whisper, “Actually, it is quite good to see Mr. Darcy relaxing his austere manner.”
Georgiana smiled over her shoulder at her brother. “Indeed, the country seems to have had a most pleasing effect on him.”
Mrs. Younge made note of the pleased expression her employer wore as he watched his sister walk to the house with Miss Elizabeth. George would find all of this information quite fascinating. Perhaps there was a more effective method of extracting revenge. A letter must be sent and quickly.
“Would you ladies have writing supplies that I may use?” Mrs. Younge questioned Mary. “I promised my brother I would write him immediately upon my safe arrival. He worries dreadfully about the dangers of travel. Never leaves his home except to visit local merchants. It will put his mind at ease to know nothing grave has befallen me,” she lied.
“Of course, Mrs. Younge. There is a writing table in your room, as well as all the necessary writing supplies. I will have Jeremiah ride into Meryton and post your letter for you as soon as it is ready.”
Mary led Mrs. Younge to the room which had been prepared for her. “I will have Millie bring you some tea, and there is water heating for a bath if you should wish for one before dinner.”
“Thank you, Miss Mary. I believe I would like a bath to remove the dirt from travelling, and perhaps a short rest as well. Would you mind terribly if I left my charge to your care for a few hours?”
“Do not worry about Miss Darcy, Mrs. Younge. Rest and refresh yourself.” Mary closed the door softly and returned to the sitting room which was filled with chatter and laughter.
As was his wont each afternoon, Mr. Bingley had found his way to the cottage, and Mary expected her father to soon appear hoping to find shortbread and a cup of tea.
As if she had conjured him by her thoughts, Mr. Bennet entered the sitting room. He, however, was not alone. He had brought Mr. Matthews with him. Mary’s heart skipped a beat, and instinctively a hand went to her head to check her hair.
“Mr. Bennet, Mr. Matthews, it is so good to see you again. I trust your ride about the estate was productive.” Mr. Bingley stood to greet the gentlemen.
“It was quite informative, Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bennet is a wealth of knowledge. I know my father always counted on his advice.” Mr. Matthews accepted a cup of tea and settled into a chair near Mary.
Mr. Matthews, who was just three and twenty, had come into his inheritance of an estate a year ago. The adjustment from son to master had not been an easy one for him. His sister, Margaret, still resided with him and had taken over the duties of mistress of the estate upon the passing of their parents.
“Mary,” said Mr. Bennet. “Miss Matthews has requested your help with some estate matters tomorrow if you can spare the time.”
A rosy hue spread across Mary’s cheeks. “Of course, Papa, I will be delighted to help Margaret. When shall I call?” She asked, turning to Mr. Matthews.
“An early call would be best as it could take some time to straighten out the account books she is currently assessing. Wading through all the books is proving to be an arduous task. Shall I send my carriage?”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Matthews. Shall we say nine o’clock?”
It was decided and the party continued to chatter around her. She watched her father. He seemed quite pleased about something. He smiled in far too self-satisfied a way. He was up to something, and she was almost certain she knew what it was.
First there was the introduction of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, followed by the continuing chance and arranged meeting between the two gentlemen and her older sisters. Now, Mr. Matthews was here, and she was being thrown into his path by way of helping his sister. Yes, it did appear that her father was playing matchmaker. Not that she was complaining. She did not mind being thrown in the path of Mr. Matthews; no, she did not mind that at all.