The Houseguest A Pride and Prejudice Vagary

The
Houseguest

A Pride
and Prejudice Vagary

By
Elizabeth Adams

Copyright © 2013 by
Elizabeth Adams
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof
may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever
without the express written permission of the author
except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

www.elizabethadamswrites.wordpress.com
 

Thanks &
Dedication

Huge thanks to Sasha, who encouraged me to write this
story, and to my dear friend Andrea, who made me believe it was interesting
enough that someone would actually want to read it! Thank you Ramona, Lyndsay,
and Catherine for editing and re-editing. I am incredibly grateful!

I have to thank Ms. Austen for writing such endearing
characters that we can’t bear to leave them alone. I hope I’ve done her proud.

For all the
Pride and Prejudice
fans who just
can’t leave well enough alone, this is for you.

Prologue

27 October, 1811
Darcy House
London
Dearest Brother,
All is well here and I have quite recovered
from my bout of cold. Mrs. Annesley insisted I drink a special tea with honey, which,
though it tasted horrible, was quite helpful in my recovery. I have kept busy
with my studies and am progressing well with French. Do you remember how you
and Father used to speak in French in front of me when you did not want me to
know what you were saying? Well now I should understand you! If only Father
were here to hear me. I think he’d be pleased with my learning French. Do you
think he would be proud of me, Fitzwilliam? I do miss him terribly sometimes.
Mrs. Annesley says that I am progressing
well with my lessons; I have begun embroidering a new cushion for your study
using all your favorite colors. Some of the knots were a bit difficult, but I
believe I mended it quite well and that it will be pleasing in the end. I also
have been working on a watercolor of Pemberley. Mrs. Annesley suggested I use
the painting in your study as a reference. I hope you don’t mind, but I had it
moved to the music room. It is my favorite room in the house and catches the
sun so pleasantly. And it will not do for me to spend the afternoons painting
in your study. So far I have made two copies and I will begin the third
tomorrow. I believe I improve a little more with each attempt. I shall have so
many things to show you when you return!
Are you enjoying your time with Mr. Bingley?
Does Miss Bingley play for you every evening? Please tell her I return her
greeting and well wishes, and thank her for her praise of my table design. She
is too kind. I have started a new song that is rather difficult, but I will
master it and play it for Christmas and you shall be so delighted! At least I
hope you shall be.
Is Hertfordshire a very pretty place? I
would like to see it. It must be quite pleasant if Miss Elizabeth Bennet can
traverse it so easily. It is sweet of her to come all that way to nurse her
sister. I wish I had had a sister to nurse me while I was ill. Mrs. Annesley is
very kind, but she is more a teacher than a sister. I think I would like Miss
Elizabeth Bennet rather well. Do you think we shall meet? She sounds so very
merry! It would be a nice change to be around someone so cheerful.
Please be careful while you are shooting,
Fitzwilliam. I know you are quite proficient, but I would be terribly lost
without you.
Your devoted sister,
Georgiana Darcy
1 November, 1811
Netherfield Hall
Hertfordshire
My Dear Georgiana,
I am so pleased to hear of your
accomplishments. We shall have to find someone who cannot speak French to
converse in front of and confound. Perhaps Colonel Fitzwilliam will do? I do
not think he paid much attention to his tutors. And yes, my dear sister, I am
sure our Father would be very proud of you.
I am enjoying my stay with Bingley. We have
had many hunting parties and yes, I am being very careful. I am afraid I could
not bear to leave you, my dear girl. Miss Bingley does play for us most
evenings, but her playing is not as pleasant as yours. I did hear Miss
Elizabeth Bennet playing at a neighbor’s; she played well and sang rather
sweetly. I imagine you would enjoy a duet; your styles are not dissimilar.
I think a watercolor of Pemberley is a
splendid idea. Paint as many as you like. When we are home in the summer, we
can take a ride up to the ridge and you can paint from the original. Perhaps
Mrs. Reynolds will pack us a basket and we can have a picnic. Would you like
that?
I am so proud of you, dearest, and all your
endeavors. I cannot wait to see your progress when I return. You know not how I
miss you. Miss Bingley is searching for me, so I must conclude.
Your most devoted brother,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
5 November, 1811
Darcy House
London
Dearest Fitzwilliam,
I have finished the last watercolor. It is
much better than the first two. Where would you like to hang it? I should like
to put one in the library. I am so glad you have music to listen to, for I know
how much you like it. Miss Bingley is quite proficient, but I never know if she
is really enjoying the music. I should like to hear Miss Elizabeth Bennet play
and sing someday.
I miss you terribly, Brother! I enjoy my
time with Mrs. Annesley and she is very agreeable and an able teacher, but I
miss our conversations. I know we have letters, but they are not the same. I
fear being left with my thoughts too much.
I have a proposition for you. Why do I not
come to Hertfordshire? Mrs. Annesley could come with me in the coach, or you
could come and fetch me yourself if you like. I would only stay a little while,
perhaps a week, and I would not be in anyone’s way. I would so like to see you
- and of course Mr. Bingley and his new estate. Do you think he will buy it?
That is rather exciting for him. Please say I can come and visit you!
Your loving sister,
Georgiana Darcy
9 November, 1812
Netherfield Hall
Hertfordshire
My Dear Georgiana,
I see that you are quite determined to make
your way to Netherfield. You know I could never deny you anything that is in my
power to give, especially a request as beneficial to me as seeing you sooner
than expected. I will arrive in London Monday and return to Hertfordshire with
you on Wednesday. I daresay I shall be right behind this letter. Then you shall
be able to ask Bingley about his estate yourself.
Your Brother,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
The following Wednesday saw Mr. Darcy and an excited Georgiana headed to
Hertfordshire. Georgiana hadn’t looked forward to anything in several months;
seeing her excitement, Darcy felt that he had made the right decision to bring
her here. He had seen the old Georgiana peeking out occasionally in her
letters, but not yet with any regularity. She had always been shy and reserved
in company, but at home and amongst those with whom she was comfortable, she
had been quite charming and even exuberant. She still had so much of the girl
about her. How could anyone want to disturb such precious innocence? He could
only hope it wasn’t lost in her forever.
As they pulled up to Netherfield, Caroline and Charles Bingley were waiting for
them.
“Miss Darcy! I am so glad you were able to join us!” After curtseying to Mr.
Darcy, Caroline locked arms with Georgiana and led her inside. As they walked
ahead of the men, Georgiana looked over her shoulder to Darcy with a forbearing
smile. He winked at her and turned to give directions to the coachman.
Caroline led Georgiana upstairs to her chambers, chattering all the way. “Now
should you need anything at all, Miss Darcy, please don’t hesitate to ask. I do
want you to feel completely at home,” she purred.
Georgiana required nothing more than a bath and a rest after her long carriage
ride, and after informing Caroline several times that the rooms were quite
adequate and she wanted for nothing, Miss Bingley finally took her leave.

~

Elizabeth awoke early, as usual, and looked out at a bright November morning.
It hadn’t been sunny like this for several days and the morning was beckoning
to her to come and greet it properly. With avoiding the newly arrived Mr.
Collins as an added inducement, she dressed and crept downstairs. Seeing no one
about, she hurried out a side door and quickly walked out of sight of
Longbourn. She chose one of her favorite paths and began nibbling on the muffin
she had grabbed from the kitchen. 
She had walked a little over two miles from home when she saw two riders in the
distance. Not recognizing them, she momentarily stopped and looked in their
direction. They seemed to be talking to one another; a tall man on an enormous
black beast, and a lady riding side saddle and wearing a blue riding habit,
sitting atop a grey with black fetlocks. It wasn’t Miss Bingley, there was a
decided lack of feathers, and Mrs. Hurst had said she didn’t like to ride.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Elizabeth stepped onto the first tier of
the stile and looked over the small dividing fence.
“Brother, look over there.” Georgiana pointed to a low fence running along the
field they were riding in. Her cheeks were pink from exercise and her eyes were
brightened with a curiosity that he hadn’t seen in far too long. “Who is that?”
Following her gaze, Darcy saw a woman in a cream-colored dress and green
spencer with matching bonnet. She had dark curls escaping around her face and
was walking briskly. 
“I believe that is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Really? Oh, what a lucky chance! Now I shall meet her!” Looking back, they
noticed that Miss Bennet was now also looking at them and had stopped moving.
“Come William, you must introduce us!” Georgiana started off in the direction
of the fence, Darcy following her a moment later. 
As the riders approached, Elizabeth noticed that the man was Mr. Darcy. She had
never seen him atop a horse before. It was a pity that such a handsome man had
to be so disagreeable. Cursing the curiosity that forced her to stand and wait
to greet them, she stepped off the stile and prepared herself for something
unpleasant - and hopefully quick. 
They were now close enough that Elizabeth could see the face of the lady. She
was more of a girl, really. She had honey colored hair spilling down her back,
with a few curls around her face, and while she was a little taller than
Elizabeth, she still had a very girlish look about her expression. Her figure
seemed to be caught somewhere between a woman’s and a girl’s. Who was she? Why
would Mr. Darcy be out with a young girl? Could she be the accomplished Miss
Darcy?
“Miss Bennet, good morning.” Mr. Darcy nodded down to her. 
“Good morning, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth curtseyed in response.
“Miss Bennet, may I present my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy? Georgiana, this is
Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“I am very pleased to meet you, Miss Bennet,” Georgiana said quietly, looking
down as a flush crept up her face. “I have heard a lot about you.”
Was this shy creature the paragon of accomplishment whom Miss Bingley praised
so thoroughly? Surprised and leaning slightly forward to hear her better,
Elizabeth replied, “And I am very pleased to meet you, Miss Darcy. Your brother
speaks very highly of you.”
At this, Georgiana looked up and smiled genuinely. “My brother is very good to
me,” she said quietly, glancing at Darcy. 
“It is fine weather for a walk, Miss Bennet, is it not?” Darcy’s loud voice was
such a contrast to Miss Darcy’s barely audible one that Elizabeth almost
startled. 
“Yes, sir, a very fine morning it is.”
“Have you been out long?”
“Not long, no, barely an hour. I enjoy long walks.”
“Yes, I know.” At this he looked straight into her eyes, and Elizabeth was
momentarily unsettled. Why did she get the feeling he was looking for something
in her? 
Probably thinking how he should
not like for his sister to be walking for hours all alone
, she
thought. 
Attempting to break the slightly awkward silence that had come upon them,
Elizabeth added, “And I daresay it is rather pleasant weather for a ride. Do
you ride often, Miss Darcy?” 
“When I am not in town, I like to ride nearly every day. Mr. Bingley was kind
enough to allow me to ride one of his mares. I have been in London so long that
I haven’t ridden in quite some time.” Her voice trailed off a bit at the end as
her eyes began looking for something on the ground. Seeing her shyness was
overtaking her, Darcy stepped in to aid his sister.
“Do you ride, Miss Bennet?”
“No, not at all, I’m afraid.”
“Truly? Not at all? That is quite surprising!”
“Why should it surprise you, sir? Surely you know many ladies who do not ride,”
she retorted with a slight bite to her tone. Elizabeth’s brow was raised and
Darcy felt himself being pulled in once again by her teasing nature. 
“Yes, you are correct, many ladies do not enjoy riding. However, I never
thought you should be one of them.”
“Me? And why do you suppose that, sir?” Her eyes were sparkling now and he felt
himself slipping onto dangerous ground.
“You seem to have the perfect temperament for it, Miss Bennet. It can be quite
exhilarating. Especially with the right mount,” he said in a strange tone as
Elizabeth looked down in confusion at the quasi-compliment.
Darcy dismounted quickly and said, “Do horses frighten you?”
Her head snapped up, an angry flash in her eye. “No, Mr. Darcy, they do
not 
frighten
 me.”
Trying to cool her temper, she continued in a more subdued tone, “I suppose I
never took the time to learn properly. By my third lesson of walking around the
stable yard, I confess I was rather impatient to be off and decided I would be
quicker on my own legs. I imagine that if I had been able to run and race and
jump from the very beginning, I would probably feel quite differently about it
now.”
While she was speaking, Darcy walked over to Georgiana, who had been listening
with rapt attention to the exchange, to assist her in dismounting. Now both
standing on the ground, Georgiana on his right arm, the horses’ reins in his
left hand, Darcy looked Elizabeth squarely in the face and said, “Since you are
not afraid of horses, Miss Bennet, shall we continue on together? I am sure you
know the area much better than we and we would be most appreciative of the
guide and the company.” 
Knowing she couldn’t refuse, especially after her bout of temper, and seeing
the hopeful look in Georgiana’s eyes, she consented and began to climb over the
stile. Darcy quickly handed the reins to his sister and moved to assist her.
Taking his hand to climb down the other side, she refused to meet his gaze, not
wanting to see his disapproval. As soon as her feet were on the ground, he
released her hand abruptly and walked toward his sister. He took the reins from
her and allowed the ladies to take the lead, quickly falling behind them.
Feeling some conversation must be necessary, Elizabeth decided to make the best
of an awkward situation.
“Miss Darcy, how long have you been at Netherfield?”
“I just arrived yesterday.”
“And will you be staying long?”
“I go back to London next Wednesday.”
Elizabeth politely asked questions, trying to draw Georgiana out. When they hit
on the topic of music, her voice rose above a whisper and Elizabeth could tell
this was a favorite subject. They continued on in that vein for the next
quarter hour, Mr. Darcy walking a few feet behind them with the horses. 
Coming toward a split in the trail, Elizabeth asked Miss Darcy, “What do you
think of Hertfordshire so far?”
“It is lovely. I would like to explore the area more, but Fitzwilliam is
occupied helping Mr. Bingley with the estate, and Miss Bingley is new to the
area herself, so I am afraid my explorations will be limited to the gardens and
anything beyond that will have to wait until next time.”
“That is too bad. Hertfordshire is a lovely county and there is much beauty to
see here. Oakham Mount is particularly nice and not too far. I often walk there
myself.” Georgiana nodded and they continued walking silently.
After a few moments, Elizabeth had an idea. “Miss Darcy, if you are not
otherwise engaged, I could accompany you on your explorations. I have lived
here all my life and know every trail in the area; you would be hard pressed to
find a better guide. It might be a welcome occupation while your brother and
your hosts are seeing to their duties.” 
And
it will give me a wonderful excuse to stay away from the ridiculous Mr. Collins
,
she thought.
“Oh, Miss Bennet! That sounds wonderful! I would love for you to show me around
the country.”
“Miss Bennet.” Darcy’s deep voice sounded from behind her.
 Here it comes,
 she
thought, 
the denial of all things
enjoyable.
 She had suspected he might not approve, but she
could hardly leave this sweet girl alone with Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Hurst
all day. The poor thing! Nothing but compliments and doting, gossip and
unsolicited fashion advice, morning till night. 
Prepared for a reprimand, she looked over her shoulder with a determined and
slightly impertinent look on her face. “Yes, Mr. Darcy?”
He looked at her seriously for a moment, and replied, “Thank you for your kind
offer. I am sure my sister couldn’t be in better hands.” His face was a mask,
letting no sign of his true feelings show through.
“It is my pleasure, Mr. Darcy.”
They walked along a few more minutes before Elizabeth declared that she needed
to head home, and took a narrow path in another direction. 
“You were right, Brother.”
“About what, dear?”
“I do like Miss Bennet.”
Darcy smiled softly as they rode toward Netherfield, wondering if he’d made the
right decision in allowing Georgiana to visit with Elizabeth. Miss Bennet was
delightful, yes, and Georgiana did seem taken with her, just as he thought she
would be, but he was beginning to feel that familiar sense of danger. How was
he ever to forget all about her when he left this place if she became friends
with his sister?