The Darcy Cousins Read online

  As they left the churchyard and strolled towards the Darcy carriage, a curricle drew up to them and halted. Georgiana immediately recognized the same young gentleman who had stared at her in church.

  “Darcy!” said the flawlessly dressed young gentleman. “A very good morning to you.”

  Darcy greeted him like an old friend. He quickly performed the introductions. The gentleman was Mr Henry Gatley, a property owner from a few miles away.

  “And here are my two cousins, newly arrived from Boston.”

  An amused look passed over the young man’s face. “Yes, I am well aware of the fact.”

  What he did not say, but meant, was that every single member of the congregation was well aware of it.

  “You have strong powers of observation, Mr Gatley,” remarked Georgiana, stung by his implication. What right had he to judge her cousins when he knew nothing about them?

  She regretted the words immediately. Mr Gatley, who had barely acknowledged her beyond a quick bow at their introduction, turned his piercing gaze towards her.

  “Indeed?” he said.

  She flushed for the second time that morning. As if it was not bad enough that her cousins had drawn so much attention to their party. Now he thought her ill mannered as well. Not that she cared particularly for his opinion.

  She raised her chin and met his gaze.

  “Your mother is not with you?” said Darcy. “I thought she was most particular about attending church.”

  “She is unwell,” said Mr Gatley.

  “I am sorry to hear it. Please give her my regards,” said Darcy. “And you must call on us soon, Gatley. We can make up a gentleman’s card party.” His easy manner bespoke the ease of long acquaintance.

  “I would be delighted,” said Mr Gatley.

  He bowed to everyone and continued on his way.

  There is nothing more irritating to one who has just been rude than a person whose manners are spotlessly polished. Georgiana watched his curricle disappear down the road, irked at herself for allowing his superior manner to ruffle her. On impulse, she drew up to her brother, who was walking with Elizabeth at his side.

  “Do you know Mr Gatley well?” she asked.

  “We were at school together, though not in the same class. He is three years younger than I am. I have always found him very congenial company,” said Mr Darcy.

  “He appears to me rather opinionated,” said Georgiana.

  “He is a very orderly type, and can be severe at times, but there is no harm in him.”

  Her brother’s words confirmed her opinion. Mr Gatley was the type of gentleman who took himself too seriously by far.

  “I see that you have taken an interest in your brother’s friend,” said Elizabeth teasingly.

  This was so far from the truth that Georgiana laughed.

  “Quite the contrary. I have taken a dislike to him.”

  Darcy regarded her gravely. “It is hardly fair to form an opinion of a person with whom you have hardly exchanged a word.”

  Georgiana, who did not like her brother to reprimand her, however mildly, replied that one could not help it if one did not take to a person on sight.

  At that instant Clarissa hailed her, and she dropped back to join her cousins. The excitement of getting to know them soon took over and she promptly forgot Mr Gatley.

  ***

  Mr Gatley took off his boots as soon as he stepped into the house, and tiptoed up the stairs. His mother was indeed unwell, as he had told Darcy. She was suffering from one of her rare migraines—the last one had been several months ago—and he was acutely conscious that the slightest sound could be distressing to her. When he reached her bedchamber, however, he sighed with relief. The door was open and the curtains drawn back to allow in the daylight, a sign, surely, that the worst was over. Still, he made every effort to move as quietly as possible, just in case.

  She was sitting up in bed, reading.

  “I am glad to see you better,” he said, smiling. “You have recovered quickly. It usually takes much longer.”

  “I do believe these attacks are growing less frequent and are no longer so severe. Perhaps some day they may even disappear altogether.” She gestured for him to come in. “Anything new at church today? How was Mr Collins’s sermon?”

  “The same as usual. I suppose Lady Catherine was not particularly inspired today.”

  It was their joke, a joke they made every Sunday, when he was in the country.

  “I do have news though, important news. You will be sorry you missed church with such a poor excuse.”

  Consternation appeared on her face. “It was not an excuse,” she replied firmly, “as you know very well.”

  “I know,” he said affectionately. “But you will regret being ill on this particular Sunday, for you missed the biggest event in Hunsford since Sir Lewis married Lady Catherine.”

  Mrs Gatley sat up straighter in bed. “When I think of how many sermons I have had to endure and nothing to tell at the end of it! And now, on the only day for years that I have missed church, something big has to happen. What a misfortune!”

  Mr Gatley laughed. “It is a misfortune for me, for now I will have to recount every detail, since if I do not, you will be at a disadvantage when the ladies of the neighbourhood come to visit, and you will blame me for it.”

  “Spare me the commentary and come to the point, please, Henry. Come and sit on the bed where I can see you without twisting my neck, and tell me what happened.”

  Her son obliged her by recounting the events of the morning in as much detail as he could remember.

  He did not mention, however, that he had met Miss Georgiana Darcy. He knew how quickly his mother’s mind would leap from one thing to another, and he had no intention of raising any expectations in that direction.

  Chapter 2

  When a group of young people come together, they are unlikely to be inconvenienced by trivialities such as the weather. Despite the chill in the air which Lady Catherine objected to, the younger Darcys elected to walk from church to Rosings, and refused Darcy’s offer of a ride.

  Georgiana was more than glad to have the opportunity to come to know her cousins. It was not her first encounter with such enthusiastic youngsters. Elizabeth’s sisters Lydia and Kitty Bennet had been animated and headstrong young girls. But since their activities were often restricted to looking for officers and buying new hats, she normally felt awkward around them, and she knew that they were not particularly interested in her. Things were different with these cousins of hers.

  It was too early to tell, of course, but she had reason to hope that something would come from the acquaintance. She very much hoped it would. For no matter how much she hesitated to acknowledge this, even to herself, the fact was she found herself at a loss. For it is a truth universally acknowledged that when there is a new baby in the house, one is certain to be ignored.

  Or so it seemed to Georgiana, who had always counted on her brother Fitzwilliam’s attention when they were together. She now had to accept that an active baby, crawling around everywhere, seemed to occupy a large part of her brother’s affections, along with the wife he adored. It was blatantly unfair, since Georgiana had done everything she could to welcome Elizabeth to Pemberley when her brother had fallen unexpectedly in love.

  She ought not think that way—she felt guilty the very moment the idea came into her mind. She loved her nephew, of course. He was a delightful little rascal, quite a miniature of his father. And she could not have hoped for a better sister. Elizabeth was a charming companion. She was merry and made her laugh and, with the assistance of her chaotic family, Pemberley had been transformed from a solemn edifice full of ghosts to a warm and affectionate home.

  But there could be no doubt that Georgiana was most definitely de trop. The fate of unmarried sisters had befallen her. For while
she did not for one instant feel unwelcome, her place had shifted in the household, and she now occupied the role of an outsider looking into a happy family circle.

  The arrival of Clarissa and Frederick was therefore really very fortunate. An express had arrived a week ago from Liverpool via Derbyshire, informing Robert of his brother and sister’s safe arrival in England. It had come as a complete surprise, since Robert had heard nothing at all from Boston for the last six months at least.

  The letter had occasioned a great deal of excitement with everyone. Except for Lady Catherine, who had remarked that they had timed their crossing badly, since if they had arrived but one week earlier they would have been in time for Easter.

  As if any of the ships crossing the ocean could predict the day of their arrival! In fact, it was only because hostilities had ceased between the two countries that they were coming at all. According to Frederick, who had written the letter, they had sailed on the very first passenger boat to leave Boston since the war.

  Robert had immediately proposed opening his London townhouse to receive his family, but Lady Catherine would not hear of it. The Darcys had always stayed at Rosings Park for a few weeks over Easter. Any attempt to deviate from this custom would brand him an American Darcy and, therefore, already suspect as a renegade.

  Robert would not have cared in the least about such branding. But the peace between Fitzwilliam Darcy and his aunt had been shattered by his marriage to Elizabeth, and it was only with great condescension—after the birth of an heir to Pemberley—that the Darcys were once again welcome at Rosings. Robert’s departure would risk putting a fragile reconciliation to the test.

  An express message was sent accordingly to the Darcy brother and sister in Liverpool with an invitation from Lady Catherine for them to join everyone in the traditional Easter family visit to Rosings.

  And, most importantly, it mentioned that Clarissa was to have her coming-out this Season. Georgiana, whose official coming-out had been postponed because Elizabeth was increasing, could not have been more delighted. She had not particularly been looking forward to the Season, but it would make all the difference to have someone else by her side.

  She imagined her American cousin would find their English ways confusing at first. She would be more than happy to assist her and to provide whatever guidance she could. Clarissa was one year younger too. It would be nice to have someone to take care of for a change.

  “Do you intend to stay in England for some time?” she asked Frederick.

  “Having just endured the long journey from Boston,” he said, “I am quite reluctant to undertake another sea voyage any time soon.” He sighed. “However, you will not see much of me. I have business interests in the North that I must pursue, and what little time I have left afterwards I will spend in London becoming acquainted with members of the business community with whom I have dealings and, if possible, taking in some of the sights.”

  He laughed at her bemused expression. “I have not answered your question, have I, Cousin? Let us say that I will remain in England for at least two months. Beyond that, I cannot say, except that I cannot delay my business in Boston too long.”

  At this, Clarissa slipped her arm through Georgiana’s. “As for me, I shall be very glad not to see too much of Frederick. I saw far more of him than I could ever wish during our journey. We were confined to each other’s company for weeks.”

  “You wait until I leave, Clarissa,” said Frederick, “then you will realise how much you will miss me, and it will be too late, for I will be gone.”

  “You are very much mistaken, Frederick,” said Clarissa, “for I now have a new cousin who is far more interesting to me than you could ever be.”

  “I am very flattered,” said Georgiana, smiling, “but perhaps when you come to know me you will not be of the same opinion at all.”

  “I cannot imagine such a thing happening,” said Clarissa. “I always know immediately whether I am going to like a person or not, and I have not been mistaken yet.”

  “Setting aside my sister’s ability to foresee the future, I must agree that it is very unlikely in any case,” said Frederick gallantly. “I have the feeling you will be a steadying influence on my wayward sister.”

  Georgiana basked in the glow of her new acquaintances. For the briefest moment, the assessing gaze of Mr Gatley came to her mind, but she was able to dismiss it, thinking instead how very wonderful it was to have such pleasant relations.

  ***

  Upon entering the drawing room at Rosings, they beheld Lady Catherine holding sway over the family from a lofty chair painted with oriental designs, with an exceedingly tall back. She wore a great yellow turban with a prominent single feather on her head and a superior expression on her face.

  “Does she not resemble an oriental despot?” said Clarissa, in an undertone. “Do you think she will tell the servants to take us away and chop off our heads?”

  Georgiana stifled a giggle. “I think she resembles Henry VIII,” she replied. “I saw a painting of him once; I am certain she looks like him.”

  “What are you saying?” demanded Lady Catherine. “Tell me at once.”

  Clarissa curtseyed prettily, though there was nothing at all meek in her demeanour. She did not reply.

  “So these then are your brother and sister,” said Lady Catherine, addressing Robert Darcy. Her ladyship’s gaze swept over Frederick, then moved on to examine Clarissa from top to bottom. She crooked two fingers.

  “Come closer where I can see you properly,” she commanded. “You need not hover in the doorway. I am aware that you have not yet changed your travel clothes. Do not worry. I will not blame you for looking dishevelled.”

  Clarissa approached and stood before Lady Catherine, a half smile lurking on her lips.

  “Oh, I would not think of joining the company without refreshing myself first. You have no idea, Lady Catherine. I am quite splattered with mud.”

  To illustrate her point, she raised her foot and placed it on Lady Catherine’s footstool. She then pulled up her skirt and petticoats almost to her knees, revealing mud-stained stockings and a very well turned calf.

  “I believe my stockings are quite ruined,” she said, surveying them dejectedly.

  “Dear Lord, child!” exclaimed Lady Catherine, waving her hands about. “Cover yourself immediately!”

  The feather on her turban trembled with indignation.

  Clarissa, her eyes widely innocent, lowered the petticoats obligingly.

  “There are gentlemen present! Surely you know—one does not do such things in England,” she announced imperiously. “And, especially, one does not do such things in Rosings!”

  Lady Catherine’s scandalized gaze shot around the room but found no one to echo her outrage. Caroline was talking to Elizabeth and they had not witnessed the outrageous act. Clarissa’s brothers shook their heads at Clarissa and raised their brows but did not show any undue alarm. The only other gentleman present in the room was Mr Darcy. He did not look scandalized. His eyes held a distinct gleam of amusement instead.

  Her gaze returned to Clarissa, who seemed oblivious to any wrongdoing.

  “I will ring for a maid to show you to your room. Go and change quickly, then. Do not keep us waiting.”

  Clarissa, with a little curtsey, turned and left the room.

  “Georgiana, I wish you to help Miss Clarissa settle in. She is not accustomed to our English ways and will benefit from some instruction.”

  There was no mistaking her ladyship’s meaning. It fell upon Georgiana to enlighten Clarissa and advise her that whatever one may do in American society, one ought not to deliberately allow an English gentlemen a view of one’s calves—at least, not if one was a well-bred young lady.

  Lady Catherine dismissed Georgiana with a flicker of her hand. As she left the room, Georgiana heard her saying to the others, “I
would have sent Anne, since Anne’s knowledge in matters related to good breeding is far superior, but she is too fatigued today.”

  As Georgiana stepped into the hallway, she almost ran into Clarissa, who was standing against the wall. Clarissa grinned. “I hoped she would send you after me,” she said. “That got us out of her presence quickly! So, are you to instruct me on the mysterious ways of English society?”

  “I fear I must,” said Georgiana, uncertain what to make of this new cousin. “We have a great many social restrictions here, you know. You may not be aware of them.”

  Georgiana did not believe that Clarissa would do such a thing if she was really aware of the improper nature of her behaviour.

  “You need not bother to explain all that,” replied Clarissa, following the maid up the stairs. “I am sure I shall muddle my way through.”

  Georgiana was not at all satisfied by that statement. “Muddle your way through?” she said, her voice ending in a little squeak.

  Ghastly visions rose up in her mind of horrified matrons glowering at them, of fellow debutants whispering and giggling, of gentlemen snubbing them in ballrooms. Did she really want to enter society with Clarissa by her side?

  “Oh, do not be such a goose! I have had a proper upbringing, you know. An English governess no less, and a finishing school.”

  Georgiana let out the breath she knew she was holding. “I am glad to hear it. Why then—how then?” She could not think of a way to say it that would not offend.

  Clarissa threw her a backwards glance. “I know my behaviour was improper, but I could not help it. Her manner was quite insufferable. How can you endure it?”

  “I suppose I have simply become accustomed to it. We always used to visit at Easter—except that I have not visited for some time, though my brother has—and have come to know her ways.”

  “Well, I am in no hurry to return to the drawing room.” She spotted a window seat and went to it. “I shall take my time dressing. After all, my clothes are still in my trunks and they have become very crumpled. I am afraid my dress will have to be pressed before I can wear it.” She turned to the maid who had brought them up.