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Georgiana Darcy looks up from her book, out the window of her carriage and studies Colonel Fitzwilliam, who is riding slightly ahead, so as not to be dusted by the team of horses. Her cousin was in his element, that is, on horseback. She watches him keep time with his right hand as his horse trots, his other hand relaxedly holding the reins.
Almost like he’s conducting an orchestra, she thinks.
Feeling her eyes on him, he turns around and checks his horse slightly so he’s riding alongside the carriage.
How did you know that I was examining you? She asks him bluntly.
I know when I’m being watched, the military man replies, much like yourself at a ball, I would suspect, fair cousin.
Are you looking forward to seeing Netherfield?
Any excuse to get away from Rosings Park, she quips, and he laughs.
She holds up her book. How would you assist a damsel in distress if she were on foot, and you ahorse?
I’d shorten the stirrups and assist her into the saddle. Then I’d walk alongside.
And if she refused? If she wasn’t an equestrian?
I’d walk alongside her.
What if there was danger present? If you came upon her carriage being set upon by bandits?
I’d offer her my arm and have her climb behind me in the saddle, and tell her to hold on tight.
How romantic, Georgiana sighs.
The Colonel raises an eyebrow to this.
What if you found her in a faint?
Assuming I could heft her weight, I’d throw her across the saddle and lash her hand and feet together, then walk along side.
You wouldn’t carry her?
That is what my noble steed is for.
If someone came upon you, they’d think that you were abducting her.
It could not be helped.
Georgiana grunts.
So I wake, drapped across a horse, my hands and feet tied together. I’d start screaming like a banshee. Then what?
Screaming would not be advisable. You’d startle my horse and likely get thrown off and trampled underfoot.
So what should I do? I’d be dreadfully afraid that you were going to take my virtue.
Keep your wits about you, Georgiana.
That’s easy for you to say, being an officer.
Do you know what fear stands for, my brave cousin?
No, do tell.
Forget everything and run.
He sees the coachman smirk from up on his high seat, and taps his horse in the ribs once with his heels, and the dun gracefully shifts into a fast trot.
Netherfield
Georgiana, I cannot tell you how delighted I am to see you again! Bingley announces, after her brother has released her from a hug. She gives him an imperious nod and a brief curtsey.
How was your journey? Bingley asks, smiling at her, as he offers her his arm.
Most diverting. I had a novel to pass the time.
Darcy rolls his eyes.
Bingley leads her inside while the footman gathers her luggage.
You remember my sister Caroline.
You have grown in beauty and in stature since I saw you last, dearest.
The shy girl blushes at the attention, and comes forward to exchange kisses.
Would you like some tea? Caroline asks quickly, remember her role as hostess.
After I’ve used the toilet, Georgiana whispers to her.
***
So how was your journey, Miss Darcy? Mr. Hurst asks.
I did not previously know the meaning of fear, she replies archly.
Really? Hurst declares, glancing at the Colonel.
Forget everything and run, Georgiana declares.
Bingley stands with his mouth open for a moment and then everyone bursts out into laughter.
The Church in Meryton
Georgiana sits next to her brother, and sings loudly and off key, gathering glances from those around them. The hymn ends, and the curate introduces the visiting bishop, come to welcome the officers of the militia regiment to the town. In honor of the brave defenders of the realm, our text today will be from Psalm 18. Please stand for the reading of God’s Most Holy Word. The congregants arise.
Let one who is worthy take up the scroll and read aloud the inspired words of the mighty warrior, King David, the shepherd of Israel. The bishop says, smiling upon the officers, and steps to the side of the pulpit.
There is a murmur as everyone looks around unexpectedly, and yet no one comes forth. Suddenly there is a commotion as a man in a black parson’s suit who was sitting with a pew of young women, and their parents, strides forward.
Georgiana glances over and sees a brunette of about her age cover her face with her hands in embarrassment. Her father is trying to stifle a laugh.
As an ordained minister of the Church of England, I have been counted worthy to preach for the Lady Catherine de Burg, my noble patroness, in my home parish of Hunsford...
***
After the service, the families slowly filter out of the pews, the procession taking longer as the bishop and curate each greet and ask after their parishioners. Who are those girls sitting with the drab parson? Georgiana asks Caroline. Those are the Miss Bennetts of Longbourne, the shy girl replies, glancing over at them quickly. The eldest is very kind, and her sister Eliza is most witty. Georgiana gasps – my brother wrote me about them.
Georgiana suddenly waves at them and smiles. The two eldest reciprocate, and whisper to each other. Georgiana grabs the arm of a mortified Caroline Bingley, and walks over to them. Please introduce us, she asks Caroline, who blushes, but does so.
I so wish I would have been there to care for you during your convalescence, Miss Bennett, Georgiana gushes. Thank you, Miss Darcy, Jane replies sweetly. And Miss Elizabeth, when I heard from my brother that you actually walked all the way from your estate to Netherfield, I immediately knew that I wanted you for a friend. Now – what one woman can do, another can do. I beg you to draw me a map, so I can reciprocate.
I’ll have one of the servants send it you once I get back to Longbourne, Elizabeth replies, beaming.
Ho there, learned parson from Rosings Park. Mr. Collins looks up and comes over, and bows deeply. You are familiar with Rosings Park, my lady? Indeed, Lady Catherine is my aunt. Would you be of service? He nods. Do be a dear and find me ink and quill and scrap of paper. I would be most obliged. He starts to reply. Hurry on, she makes a flitting gesture with her wrist, and the younger Bennett sisters giggle. He bows and takes leave of them go about his errand.
Men want nothing more than to be useful, Georgiana declares archly.
Do you play the piano? Mary asks. I do not, but Caroline here does, quite wonderfully. Caroline blushes with her head down. I do enjoy it so, she admits shyly.
Do you like to dance? Kitty asks. I most certainly do, Georgiana exclaims.
Do you like officers? Lydia asks. I adore a man in a redcoat, especially one who can leap over a wall and run through a troop. You see – I was paying attention to the reading, she tells Mary.
When did you arrive at Netherfield, Miss Darcy? Jane asks. Late yesterday afternoon. My carriage was attacked by bandits, only the arrival of Colonel Fitzwilliam saved my virtue. All the girls look over at him.
The Colonel comes over with Darcy and Bingley. I rasped the fingers of the one who put his hand to the door of the coach with the novel that I was reading, Georgiana continues, and my gallant hero bravely fought them off. Quick, in the saddle behind me, they’ll be back, he said. And I leapt from the coach unto the back of his horse, and we were off, and made it to Netherfield at a dead run.
My sister is not to be believed. She takes nothing seriously, Darcy announces sternly.
You are very severe on your sister, Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth defends her.
He is entirely correct and in all things proper, Georgiana says, rubbing her brother’s shoulder affectionately.
Now to satisfy propriety, he must offer for me? Wouldn’t you agree, Miss Bennett?
You’re shameless, dear cousin, the Colonel announces.
I trust you completely, she tells him, lifting her chin.
What did the bandits look like? Lydia asks.
Like him, Georgiana says, pointing at Mr. Collins, who is returning with paper, ink, and quill in hand. Elizabeth goes into a laughing fit along with her youngest sisters, while Mary looks reprovingly at all of them.
As your ladyship has requested, he says, bowing to Georgiana.
Thank you, learned parson.
Anything for the niece of Lady Catherine de…
As I am as her eyes and ears, Georgiana interrupts him, I know that you are here to find a wife from among your cousins. You are most noble and good, sir. I am delighted to make your acquaintance. Elizabeth raises her eyebrows at this and gives Georgiana a skeptical look.
That’s true, he stammers, I mean to say, thank you, Miss Darcy, and he bows his head deeply, and she offers him her hand to kiss.
She will do quite nicely – Georgiana points at Mary. Lady Catherine would be most pleased. I will write her and tell her of your munificience, she adds imperiously, looking very pleased with herself.
Everyone looks at her, shocked at her blatant matchmaking, Mr. Collins most of all.
A map, if you please, lovely Miss Eliza. Elizabeth blushes and sets down with the quill and pen on the pew. Please make it as circuitous and scenic as possible, but not a serpentine way, she adds – arching her eyebrows. Oh, and do put an x on the best place for me to picnic, as I intend to carry a basket with me, in case I get hungry on my trek.
Where are you looking to explore, Miss Darcy? Charlotte Lucas asks, after having been introduced to her, as everyone watches Lizzy sketch the map.
I’m looking to find my way to an enchanted castle called Longbourne. I wish to walk there and call on my new friends.
A splendid idea, Miss Darcy, Bingley beams. We must have a picnic. We must. You shall name the date.
She smiles back at him. Mr. Bingley, you are the second most gentlemanly man of my acquaintance, she declaims, giving Mr. Collins a knowing look. My new friends love to dance, as do I. Would you please host a ball at Netherfield? Lydia and Kitty clap their hands together. You must, you must, they insist. And Jane gives them a stern look.
It would be my pleasure, Miss Darcy. And will you invite officers, and a most noble and good visiting parson from Rosings Park? Indeed I shall, he says grinning at her. Perhaps you will grant me the honour of dancing the first with you, Miss Darcy.
She smiles back at him. I’m reserving the first dance for the man who is able to recite Psalm 18 – Mr. Collins beams at hearing this – from memory. His face falls.
You are not walking anywhere without an escort, Mr. Darcy says gravely.
Of course not. I intend to lead a milch cow on a halter, and trade the animal for three magic beans.
Everyone bursts out laughing.
The Colonel and I will escort you.
Let us practice now. Darling, your arm, Georgiana smiles brilliantly at Colonel Fitzwilliam.
He offers her his elbow, and she clutches it.
Who will go with me to climb the beanstalk on the morrow after?
I shall go with you, Lydia bursts out. Me too, Kitty announces. Mother shall order the carriage and we’ll walk over with you.
We’ll have tea first, and just maybe we can convince Caroline to come with us so she can play the piano with Miss Mary, Georgiana declares.
***
But the next day it rains, and Georgiana contents herself to reading a novel and playing her harp.
After the sun has come out to dry out the lane, Georgiana and Caroline take a carriage to Longbourne, the gentlemen riding alongside.
I am not yet one and twenty, Georgiana announces to Mrs. Bennett’s questioning, and I have a large dowry, so I can marry for love, perhaps a clergyman.
Mr. Collins looks up from reading his Bible, reciting the verses under his breath. Georgiana smiles at him encouragingly. Elizabeth and Jane exchange a look.
Miss Darcy, pray tell. What did you think of my reading of the Psalter? Was it not most powerfully done?
No.
Kitty and Lydia burst out giggling, and Elizabeth and Jane bite their lips, and the gentlemen glance at each other. Mary and Caroline stop playing the piano and listen in.
Please forgive my sister her lack of tact, Mr. Collins. She is much like my aunt, your patroness.
Georgiana narrows her eyes at her brother. I take that as a compliment. My aunt knows her own mind.
My clergyman will not read from a prepared text, as he will speak what God has laid on his heart. He will not need to read commentaries, because he has the illumination of the Holy Spirit and the infallible King James Bible. He will thunder like John the Baptist, and show his flock the error of their sinful ways, and condemn the hypocrisy of the adulterers, the fornicators, the gossips, the drunkards, and even the gluttons in our midst.
Mrs. Bennett stops chewing the crumble cake that she’s eating with her tea.
He will have no friends, just his adoring wife, who doesn’t know how to play the piano, so there will be only plainsong in his chapel. Although she plays the harp at home, just for him, and soothes his righteous anger. In time, his fame will spread. People will come for miles to hear his preaching of God’s Word and to confess their sins and to ask for his guidance. And God will use him to save this nation from ruin.
Mr. Collins stares at Georgiana with his mouth open, even Mrs. Bennett is shocked into silence. Lydia and Kitty look at each other with big eyes.
Well said, Georgianna. I would travel far to hear such a man of God, Colonel Fitzwilliam announces. As would I, Bingley echoes. Darcy grunts at this and rolls his eyes.
You do not approve, Mr. Darcy? Elizabeth asks. My sister has flights of imagination. One day it is for a military man. The next a clergyman. What will it be tomorrow?
I am most impractical, Georgiana admits. But I have a large fortune, and my figure and countenance is agreeable to men. I do not desire to marry a handsome man. Nor do I desire to marry a rich man. Nor do I desire to marry someone decidedly above my station in life. I will only marry for love.
Will you go for a walk with me, lovely Miss Eliza? I’ve been sitting too long.
Netherfield
You seem out of spirits, Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam observes at the supper table.
My dear friend Lizzy tells me that her mother is trying to force her to marry Parson Collins. I do not wish to see that happen. So I must marry him instead, she says resignedly.
Darcy chokes on his wine. Nonsense. That fawning imbecile shall never have my consent.
Then we must elope, although it would mean that we must go to the new world together to preach to the noble savages.
Put that ridiculous idea out of your head, Georgiana.
Lizzy will not be happy with him. She’s too intelligent and spirited. I could change him…
I said NO, Georgiana.
I am most put out, Georgiana declares, and storms out of the room.
Darcy groans and puts his head in his hands.
She really is just like Aunt Catherine, Colonel Fitzwilliam admits. So headstrong and assertive.
***
At breakfast, everyone looks to Georgiana, who is uncharacteristically moody and silent. At the end of the meal, she speaks suddenly.
Colonel, I am loathe to give you up, but I’m afraid that I must for the happiness of my friend. You must offer for Miss Elizabeth Bennett.
I would do so gladly, dear cousin, if I had the means to support her. But alas, I do not, so I cannot.
How much do you require to situate you comfortably? I have thirty thousand pounds.
Darcy and the Colonel exchange a glance, and everyone finishes the meal in silence.
What if I gave all my dowry to Miss Eliza? Then she could marry whoever she wished, and I would know that I was being courted for love, and not for my purse.
Then I suppose I would offer for her, Mr. Darcy remarks.
She would not accept you, brother. She thinks you rude and above your company. “Not handsome enough to tempt me” were her very words.
Mr. Darcy gives his sister a startled look.
Not accept a man of such consequence? Inconceivable. Mr. Hurst mutters.
I will wager a gold sovereign, Mr. Hurst, against your spaniel - that she will refuse him.
You have a wager, he answers quickly.
Everyone looks at Mr. Darcy.
You want Miss Elizabeth Bennett for a sister?
I do, but don’t be impetuous, unless you want me to win the wager with Mr. Hurst.
Darcy puts down his napkin and gets up from the table.
Longbourne
Jane sees Mr. Darcy ride up alone, and her face falls. Charles is captivated by that ill mannered man’s lively sister, she muses.
Mr. Darcy is led into the parlor, where everyone makes their manners. Your friend isn’t with you, Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Bennett notes. I asked him not to accompany me. Mrs. Bennett, as I wish you to grant me an audience alone with your daughter Elizabeth. The madam stares at him with her mouth open in astonishment. My Lizzy? Of course, of course. Elizabeth blushes as her mother hustles everyone out. Mr. Darcy can have no reason to speak to me alone, she protests. Hush child, her mother shushes her.
When everyone is gone from the parlor, Darcy walks to where she is seated and looms over her. Miss Elizabeth, you must allow me to tell you how ardently my sister admires and loves you. So it is only natural and just for me to ask for your hand in marriage and bring you into our family. Please favour us with your consent to become my wife.
Elizabeth blushes. Mr. Darcy, while I am sensible of the honour of your proposal, I must decline.
Georgiana said that you would. That you believe me to be above my company. I assure you, Miss Elizabeth, that my pride will always be under good regulation.
I do not love you, and you do not love me. It will not do, sir.
Darcy gets up and goes to the window and looks out.
I am a gentleman whose station in life is so decidedly above your own… (pause) He turns to face her.
Miss Elizabeth, you are a gentleman’s daughter. Act like it.
What do you mean by this censure? She asks, looking up at him angrily.
Your father’s estate is entailed away upon his death. You are now in a position to secure your family’s future as my wife. Is this not reason enough to accept my proposal of marriage?
No. Only the deepest love will induce me to marry.
That is the second time you have denied me, Miss Elizabeth Bennett. Do not let there be a third, he says sternly. I go now to seek your father’s consent. I will return. He leaves the room.
Insufferable presumption, Lizzy fumes.
***
Mr. Collins hears the Bennett madam shrieking at his fair cousin and then winces when he hears a loud slap. You will accept his proposal, Lizzy. He and Mary exchange a wide eyed glance, as Lizzy runs out of the room in tears, a red welt on her cheek from her mother’s hand. Go talk some sense into her Jane, the madam orders her eldest daughter.
Jane goes and finds Elizabeth in the garden and comforts her.
Mr. Darcy enters the library to find Mr. Bennett sitting in a chair, looking out the window.
My house is in an uproar. What is the meaning of this, Darcy?
Sir, I am here to ask your consent for your daughter Elizabeth’s hand in marriage.
Hmmnn. You wish to marry my Lizzy, do you? We had thought you a proud and disagreeable man, but I now must add ‘discerning’ to that litany. He hesitates. You do realize I can only bestow on her one hundred pounds per annum, and that Longbourne is entailed away?
These facts are known to me, sir.
May I count on you to provide for my wife and any unmarried daughters in the event of my premature demise?
You have my word that they shall not want.
Then I give you my hearty consent, Mr. Darcy. You have taken a great weight off my mind. He rings for a servant. Ask Mr. Collins to join us.
Mr. Collins enters the study.
Ask my wife and two eldest daughters to join us, he tells the servant.
Collins, this involves you. I ask you as a gentleman to witness in silence, without comment. Mr. Collins bows gravely, and mentally recites the 18th Psalm as the men wait.
Eventually everyone is gathered in the library.
Darcy sees that Lizzy’s face is swollen from tears, and that her fists are clenched. Her elder sister has her by the arm.
Mr. Darcy has asked for my consent to marry our Lizzy, he tells his wife. And she certainly shall, the madam bursts out angrily. Mr. Bennett holds up his hand to silence his wife. I am the master of this house, he roars. Lizzy looks up hopefully at her father.
In the days of the patriarchs, the marriages were arranged by the elders of the families. The groom would tell his father that he wanted a particular woman for his bride. The elders of the families would sit down and start negotiating. Sometimes a dowry was given, sometimes a bride price was paid.
When the negotiations were complete, the daughter was called in. A glass of wine was set before her. The daughter had three choices. She could refuse to drink it and the wedding would be called off and all the negotiations would be moot. Or she could drink it reluctantly, with hesitation and just take a sip. And the wedding would proceed, but the groom would know that she was acting against her inclinations. Or she could drink it eagerly in its entirety.
The choice was hers, as were the consequences.
Dear wife, please bring me an unopened bottle of wine and a glass. Mrs. Bennett leaves the room and comes back with a bottle of wine.
Mr. Bennett uncorks it. He pours the glass of wine, sets it on his desk, then recorks the bottle.
He picks up the glass of wine and offers it to his daughter.