Page 8 of Stranded at Michaelmas

Longbourn was a modest estate, bringing in around two thousand pounds a year. More troubling was the fact that the estate was entailed in the male line and, Mr Bennet having no son, would pass to a distant cousin upon his death. His wife and five daughters would therefore have no claim upon the property beyond whatever provision had been made for them. From what Darcy could learn, Longbourn was capable of producing somewhat more than it presently did, but Mr Bennet appeared content for the estate to provide enough to support his family without making any particular effort either to improve its income or set aside money for his daughters’ futures.

Darcy could not understand a man who knew his family would lose their home upon his death and yet took so little interest in ensuring that they would be well provided for afterwards. Worse still, it appeared Mr Bennet had taken little interest in directing his daughters’ education. Miss Elizabeth was obviously intelligent and exceedingly well read, but Darcy suspected that this owed more to her own inclination than to any particular effort on her father’s part. There had been no governess, and the younger girls, according to what he had learnt, had been allowed considerably more freedom than Darcy would ever have thought advisable.

His thoughts were interrupted as his sister came fully into the room. He had risen automatically when she entered, and now she stood before him on the other side of his desk. He quickly moved around it to meet her, taking her hand and leading her to the comfortable armchairs before the fire.

“Yes, dearest?” he prompted when she did not speak.

“Are you certain you wish for me to accompany you to Netherfield?” she asked softly.

Georgiana had always been somewhat shy, but after this summer, her shyness had become nearly debilitating. Mrs Annesley was making some progress in restoring her confidence, but Darcy remained worried about her.

“Of course, Georgiana,” he said earnestly. “The only reason I suggested you might not remain longer is because Miss Bingley so often seems to make you uncomfortable. I truly thought you would prefer to go on to Pemberley sooner.”

“But you wished for me to meet some young lady in the neighbourhood?” she asked, her confusion apparent on her countenance.

“Well, yes,” Darcy said, suddenly at a loss for words. After a moment, he continued. “I met the young lady and her aunt when we were all stranded at an inn as I returned from Hertfordshire last week. Her aunt, Madeline Gardiner, knew Mother and Father, at least a little, when she was a young lady. Her father was the Reverend Parton, who died about ten years ago.”

“I have heard of him,” Georgiana said, a little excitement creeping into her voice. “Do you think I might meet Mrs Gardiner one day? And what has that to do with your wishing me to meet her niece?”

Darcy considered her question. During his business call upon Mr Gardiner, he could ask whether Mrs Gardiner might accept an invitation to Darcy House. That would be preferable to Georgiana visiting her, since Darcy did not know precisely where she lived. Never before had he considered paying a social call upon a tradesman’s wife, and he was uncertain how the matter ought to be handled.

“I will see what can be arranged,” Darcy said after a moment. “As to Miss Bennet, she seems to be a cheerful sort of young lady—one whom I think you would like. Although she is not quite of our circle, she possesses many qualities I would be pleased to see you emulate.”

When his sister opened her mouth to protest, Darcy continued.

“I do not mean that you should mimic her entirely. But I think she might be a good influence upon you, and perhaps knowing her would help restore some of your confidence. She is intelligent, well read, and self-assured. I think she would be a good friend to you.”

“Is she a gentleman’s daughter?” Georgiana asked.

“She is,” Darcy answered. “Her father owns a small estate in Hertfordshire, near the one Bingley has leased.”

“Then why did you say she is not in our circle?” Her confusion was evident.

“It is more a matter of wealth and education, not to mention family and connexions,” Darcy said seriously. “Our grandfather was an earl.”

Georgiana regarded him for a moment. “But Miss Bennet cannot help that her grandfather was not of the nobility. Besides, you associate frequently with Mr Bingley, and his father was a tradesman.”

Darcy frowned slightly. “No, of course not. Neither Miss Bennet nor Bingley can alter their birth. But such things do affect how society views a person.”

“But you have just told me that she is intelligent and exceedingly well read despite not having had all the advantages I have had.”

“Yes.” Darcy agreed, unsure of her point.

“And she is confident.” Georgiana repeated the list he had given her only a few minutes before, and Darcy was further confused.

“Yes, Georgiana.” His tone was a bit exasperated by all these questions, and he hoped she would soon explain whatever point she was attempting to make.

She hesitated, and a faint flush rose in her cheeks. “Then I do not quite understand why you keep speaking of her as though she were beneath us, if you believe she would make a good friend for me and possesses those traits you wish me to emulate.”

Darcy opened his mouth, but no immediate answer presented itself.

Georgiana looked down at her hands. “I hope you will not be angry with me, Brother, but it sounds a little as though you have already decided where she belongs and are now finding reasons to justify it.”

For a moment, he could only stare at her.

Her eyes widened. “I did not mean—” She began to stammer an apology, but Darcy had no wish for her to retreat from what she had already said.

“No.” He held up a hand, stopping her apology. Uncomfortable as the observation was, he could hardly fault her for making it. “Perhaps my perspective is somewhat… influenced by the manner in which we were raised.”