See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy

Cover designed by: Summer Hansford

See, Hear, and Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy

Copyright © 2023 by Kimbelle Pease.

All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents in this book are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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Author’s Note: This is an original work by this author, started with pen and paper, dictated to page, rewritten by this author to her preference and with consideration to Beta readers, edited again by herself, and, finally, edited under the hand of an excellent human editor. At no stage did this work utilize AI generation or AI tools for ideas or include non-human-generated portions.

Introduction

October 1811

“Netherfield Park ahead, sir!” the coachman called out to those inside the carriage.

Drumming his fingers on his thigh, Fitzwilliam Darcy looked at the passing countryside. His longtime friend Charles Bingley had, at last, leased an estate in Hertfordshire, the first step in fulfilling his late father’s wish. When Bingley took over his father’s business, which built luggage, trunks, and travel cases, Darcy had become a silent partner. Darcy’s cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, who shared guardianship of Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, as well as the colonel’s mother, Lady Matlock, were now investors.

As a result, the business expanded to build jewel boxes with hidden compartments and secretaries with drawers that opened with a key or false screw. Many members of the haut ton owned several treasures made by Bingley Woodworks, and still, the waiting lists for these items never waned.

The warehouse stood next to The Emporium, owned by Edward Gardiner. On friendly terms, their businesses worked in concert. Gardiner delivered orders on the trade ships he commissioned for travel around the world. Bingley Woodworks purchased supplies and novelties to conceal within the treasure boxes, including curiosities otherwise not found in London.

Darcy beheld a sleeping Georgiana, tucked into his side, and his insides tightened when he thought on how he would do anything to make her happy.

Since the spring, she had asked to be called “Ana” after a most trying circumstance at Ramsgate. Visiting the seashore with her companion, Mrs. Younge, she had almost run off with his former friend, George Wickham. In league with Mrs. Younge, the man had intended to gain both her thirty-thousand-pound dowry and his long-awaited revenge in a manner sure to hurt Darcy most.

In a recent conversation, when Darcy asked her to explain how she could be nearly persuaded into scandal, Georgiana described the loneliness she suffered, even when he was home. He was her father figure, guardian, and brother, but affection was something they both lacked. He, since the loss of their mother. Georgiana, since the loss of their father.

“Brother, you invite your single friends to visit, preferably without their female relations—excepting Mr. Bingley’s sisters.” Then, she listed her few female connections on one hand. Her coup de gras: taking him to task for how he thought ill of everyone.

While reeling from the revelation of her having so few acquaintances, Georgiana made a demand of him, the first he could ever recall. She implored him to search for a wife who suited him. Her argument: “You should not measure a lady on her wealth and connections if you do not want to be measured thus.”

He should have expected her second wish: to meet young ladies her age, to make a friend. “Maybe the sister of a prospective wife?” Darcy grinned at that.

When Darcy spoke of Bingley’s declaring that Meryton, the market town near Netherfield, was filled with young ladies of landed gentry and few young men, Georgiana insisted she be one of the party. Surprised by her candor, Darcy had not recognized his chance to disagree until after the moment passed. Her willingness to suffer Miss Bingley’s company proved her determination to make a new friend.

Darcy kissed her brow and said, “Poppet, we are almost arrived.” His heart warmed when she turned a drowsy smile on him, sitting up and adjusting her appearance. He returned the smile despite his disquiet. Although he worried it was too soon for her to be amongst strangers, he vowed to protect her better than before.

Dear reader, what follows are three short tales of what might have occurred had Miss Georgiana Darcy accompanied her brother to Netherfield Park.

Alternative 1

See No Evil, Mr. Darcy

Chapter 1

Darcy and His Sister Arrive at the Netherfield Park Manor

“Welcome, Miss Darcy, Miss Annesley, and you, Darcy,” Mr. Charles Bingley said with his natural enthusiasm, one that often made others smile.

“It is good of you to invite us. Do you still find the area to your liking?” Darcy stepped forward to shake his friend’s hand.

“Remarkably so. Miss Darcy, you are even more welcome than your brother.”

“Mr. Bingley, I thank you for including me in the invitation.”

“You are quite mistaken. I invited you. Your brother’s presence is the price.

Having not seen you in an age, I was certain he was hiding you in the attic and feeding you but scraps. Seeing for myself that you are well, I shall allow him within.”

“If my brother ever locks me in the attic, for you are ever claiming he might, I promise to put a blue ribbon in the window so you will know I need to be rescued,” Georgiana said in the same lightness of spirit as she had engaged in banter with Mr. Bingley these last six years.

“And a red one if there are ghosts, so I know to send someone in my stead? Quite afraid of spirits, I am.” Bingley extended his arm to her. “But here at Netherfield, never fear. You shall have far more than the scraps he demands you be allowed. Even if we serve fish, my cook will prepare something else for you. There is to be gooseberry pie for dessert once a week, as that is your favorite. And of course, you will have your morning chocolate to start your day.”

“You do not like fish?” Darcy asked, walking into the house behind them.

“You never noticed how she tucks it under something else every time it is served?” Bingley was affronted on Georgiana’s behalf.

“So rare is he at home to dine in the evenings, I make certain we have dishes my brother prefers. I do thank you, Mr. Bingley, for your consideration. I look forward to discovering how your cook prepares chocolate. My aunt’s cook adds orange. At Darcy House, Cook adds vanilla.”

“I have no idea. I shall also try it tomorrow. You know that when you come out, you must call me ‘Charles.’ I intend to stand guard alongside Darcy and scowl at all the young men.”

“Do you know how to scowl, Mr. Bingley?”

“I have an excellent teacher in your brother. And here we are. Mrs. Nicholls will show you to your rooms.”

“I hope you think dear Georgiana in terms above that of a sister,” said Miss Bingley, and came forward to greet them.

Her fawning mannerisms as she presumed to claim his arm caused Darcy’s jaw to clench. Miss Bingley’s affected smile was as wide as Darcy’s frown was deep. Her persistence in forwarding a match between Bingley and Georgiana, his sister, a full decade junior to her brother, rankled him.

“I could think of her in no dearer terms. The gentleman she marries will require Darcy’s approval. Worse, he requires the good colonel’s approval. Can any man be so worthy? I suppose, for protection, it is off to the attics with you, after all, Miss Darcy.” Bingley waved toward the grand staircase.

When Georgiana’s uninhibited laugh filled the hall, Darcy’s lips pressed into a tight line. He had been certain she had needed time alone after escaping George Wickham. Her interactions with Bingley forced him to comprehend how much they both missed their cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.

“I do hope my room is near William’s. We intend to spend evenings reading together a new book,” Georgiana said, providing her brother an excuse to avoid Miss Bingley.

At Miss Bingley’s pinched expression, Darcy wondered, Had she intended my rooms to be nearer her own than my sister’s? Darcy was beginning to think Georgiana’s decision to come with him was turning out to be the best decision he had never made.

“Darce, there is an assembly in Meryton this evening. We are expected. Louisa and her husband have said they will attend. It is the quickest way to see us introduced to my neighbors,” Bingley said, nearly prancing in anticipation. “True, and I intend to meet them. But I just traveled from London and would see my sister is settled, Bingley.”

Miss Bingley simpered, “I was certain you would wish to avoid such company, Darcy. I told my brother I will stay with you and dear Georgiana.”

Were that not nauseating enough, the ingratiating flutter of her lashes made Darcy ill.

“I insist you both go,” Georgiana said. Her doing so put an end to the discussion, as she rarely made decisions for anyone, not even herself. “Having received a letter from Cousin Anne before we departed London, I intend to write her.”

“If you are certain?” Darcy assessed his sister, only now aware of how little she enjoyed Miss Bingley’s company.

Yes, Darcy knew he owed his sister recompense for enduring Miss Bingley’s visits, having been surprised when he learned how often they occurred. Alas, standing up with Miss Bingley would be a torturous experience for him.

As they traveled to Netherfield, Georgiana confided that Miss Bingley’s numerous calls on her seemed only an effort to gain Darcy’s notice. Knowing Miss Bingley had feigned interest in his sister these last four years, he found it difficult to hide his dislike of her.

Having learned of her, at times, weekly visits, Darcy had since discerned that the only subjects on which he had willingly participated with Miss Bingley were those concerning his sister. He winced when recalling having asked Miss Bingley’s opinion on his sister’s studies. In many ways, he was just as angry with himself. He knew not why he had asked the woman such a question when he did not consider her opinions to be either informed or insightful.

“I insist. Do pay attention to those of Mr. Bingley’s neighbors you meet and learn which families have daughters of my age.” Georgiana looked at him sweetly whilst sentencing him to spend the evening with a woman he could only just manage to tolerate with equanimity before. Now he thought it might well be beyond him. “I am glad to know you will join me, Darce. You will not regret meeting those of Hertfordshire. Those whom I have been introduced thus far have been generous, excellent sorts,” Bingley said, making his way to the study.

In following his sister to their rooms, Darcy was satisfied by how neatly his doing so dislodged Miss Bingley from his side. Though he would never claim pleasure in spending an evening with those he did not know, he was pleased to see Bingley taking his place in the society of Meryton.

Later, at dinner, conversation became so tedious that Darcy could only look forward to their departure. His jaw clenched each time Miss Bingley claimed familiarity with him. The meal grew more awkward when he began answering the lady with single-word responses. Still, he refused to be pressed into speaking of that which the woman was ignorant or agree to her disagreeable remarks about the area.

“Caroline, enough,” Mrs. Hurst whispered to her sister. She attempted to intervene to spare her youngest sibling some dignity when Darcy’s lack of inclination to converse with her, no matter the subject introduced, became impossible to mistake.

With dinner over, Darcy hoped to avoid Miss Bingley’s next attempt at engaging him. To spare the woman’s relations further embarrassment on her behalf, Darcy excused himself to escort Georgiana to her room.

Having no expectation of the assembly in Meryton being a pleasant experience, Darcy still appreciated that they would attend. Anything was more preferable than spending an evening confined in a drawing room with Miss Bingley. Being drawn and quartered was amongst those preferences.

While his valet tied his cravat, Darcy considered how best to convey to Miss Bingley his disinclination for her constant flattery. The answer presented itself in the bevy of insults she had directed at those in Hertfordshire throughout the afternoon. With little contemplation, he became certain that dancing with some local lady would demonstrate how little he regarded Miss Bingley’s…opinions.

Any young lady from the area would do, but one with a sister of Georgiana’s age would be ideal.Then I can prove I mean to encourage Ana in her efforts to form a friendship. Yes, tonight I shall dance with a lady who is highly regarded by society here. And tomorrow, I will introduce her to my sister.

That it was also a convenient way to stave off Miss Bingley’s company, Darcy could only favor the plan. It was his practice to avoid dancing so as not to give rise to expectations. But surely, no young lady here would think so much of themselves as to believe they could gain his particular notice. Of course, when I leave the area, I need never see these people again.

Darcy’s Senses are Assaulted

Darcy fled from the brash and obnoxious Mrs. Bennet. The matron had made a grand spectacle of putting forward her eldest when he and Bingley were introduced to her flock of daughters. Darcy soon learned the motivation for Bingley’s seeking an introduction to the family: for he had found yet another “angel,” or so Bingley had declared Miss Bennet to be. Darcy gave Bingley credit; the man had espied the only beauty in the room.

Knowing Miss Bingley, if he had chosen Miss Bennet to partner, the woman would have mistaken the younger and more alluring lady as competition. Perhaps, even redoubled her efforts to hold his attention on her.

Should I give up my plan? Miss Bingley is more likely to ignore me if I favor a less beautiful woman. And a wit might provide some diversion this hellish evening. It would take very little to eclipse that of Miss Bingley. Cutting down others is how she displays hers, which takes no true wit at all, Darcy pondered.

I need not seek the next mistress of Pemberley here. I only promised Georgiana I would make every effort to ascertain who might make her a friend, Darcy reminded himself. The thought eliminated all pressure beyond the intent to observe those who might become acquaintances of his sister. And it was true that this evening was little different than others filled with daughters on the marriage mart and mothers hoping to marry them off.

Searching the room for a suitable dance partner from a shadowed alcove, Darcy cursed to himself when Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst neared. He suppressed a gagging sensation brought on by Miss Bingley’s cloying petunia scent. He had not found a way to escape before the two began to speak.

“I think that went rather well. Do you not agree, Louisa?” Miss Bingley said, holding her fan in a way that concealed her moving lips. A glance about told Darcy none in the room were watching the pair with any interest. That interested him, for he had thought they would want to gaze upon two women so fashionably attired. Or, at least, two ladies expected to have gowns made in the latest styles of London.

“That will only be true if Mr. Darcy dances with none but you,” Mrs. Hurst said, also speaking behind her fan.

Ah, the lack of interest must be the perception of her claims on me, Darcy surmised. That will change once I request a set from one of the local ladies.

“My Mr. Darcy despises when his wealth is discussed. These country simpletons now speak of little else. Of course, he will dance with me and no other. How can you question my success, Sister?”

My Mr. Darcy? The very thought revolted him.

“Has he asked you to dance this evening?” Mrs. Hurst asked wearily.

“Touché. I simply informed the noisiest person in the room of his wealth. There is always a Mrs. Bennet who acts with such self-importance and will speak of such things at every opportunity. Mark my words, that woman’s exclamations shall drive him to my side and show these unpolished rustics that I am the only one here worthy of him.”

Bingley stepped beside him, but, before he spoke, Darcy gestured for silence. Having been friends and business partners for years, Bingley understood the meaning.

“I am aware of this and the many other stratagems you use to bring him near when we are attending the same functions. I wonder how this strategy has worked for you in the past? How many times has he petitioned you for a set? Given the variance between the number of events and the number of times he has asked you to stand up with him, you may need to change your efforts to secure his attention.”

“In this, we agree. I intend to act soon. A notification of our engagement will follow in the papers. We will then have these weeks to plan our wedding. I am certain he will wish me by his side when he informs Lord and Lady Matlock of our engagement.

I will invite you to tea at Darcy House once we return from our wedding trip.” Then the women tittered.

Does she think she can orchestrate my life the same way she does with her brother? Never. Darcy’s shoulders stiffened with resolve.

“Do not attempt to entrap him, Caroline. Anything but that. He may be unforgiving.”

“We have waited these five years. I intend only to end his suffering. It must torture him, a man so fastidious, to be uncertain of his lady’s regard. I, therefore, do not intend to attempt. I intend to succeed.”

Listening to the conversation between his sisters, Bingley’s face flushed with anger. His sister’s efforts to manipulate Darcy exploited his friend’s natural reticence.

“Come, Caroline. You must show yourself to your quarry. In such company as this, it will be to your greatest advantage,” Mrs. Hurst said. They joined Hurst, who was next to the punch and cake.

“You know I will not marry her,” Darcy said quietly to his friend. “No matter the lengths she goes to, no matter how she attempts to compromise me?”

“I would never forgive you if you did. We will exchange your room tonight. Allow me to manage this, though you are to be inconvenienced for a short time.”

“You are a good friend.” Darcy shook Bingley’s hand.

The same shrill matron announced, “I am certain Mr. Bingley favors my Jane.”

Darcy flinched.

“Mama, please lower your voice.”

Darcy knew better than to interrupt Mrs. Bennet’s blathering with a remark of his own, still Bingley stayed any comment with a hand on his shoulder. “I, too, have learnt to listen. That is Miss Elizabeth, her second daughter and Miss Bennet’s sister, speaking to their mother.”

Miss Elizabeth pleaded in a voice barely above the music: “Mr. Bingley should be able to come to an estate he has leased without giving rise to expectations. Certainly not the very night he is introduced. Jane deserves to know his character. And he should know of hers beyond your extolling of her beauty, which upsets her. Pray, allow them time to become acquainted. Only the two of them can determine if they suit.”

“Hmph. I daresay, you are too insolent to keep any man’s notice, Miss Lizzy. You are not clever enough to know when to keep silent. What do you know of it? For all your reading and ledgers, no gentleman wants a wife who sits all day reviewing estate books, then all night reading I know not what.”

“You should worry more about whether Mr. Bingley is good enough for her. Jane is so gentle and good-tempered. She deserves the kindest of men.”

Darcy felt an affront on Bingley’s behalf. Whether Bingley is good enough? What woman could deserve the kindest man I know?

“You think to advise me on what it takes to catch a husband? In this, you know nothing,” said Mrs. Bennet.

“Mama, you know Jane and I intend to marry for love. If not love, at least regard and respect. It may not matter to you if my husband were cruel to me, but you cannot want such for Jane,” Miss Elizabeth said, the plea evidence of her love for her sister.

“With five of you yet to marry, I would be happy if anyone took one of you off my hands. Love? Love has nothing to do with it.”

“Please, do let them determine if they are compatible before you begin your matchmaking campaign.”

“I suppose you have a point. If not Mr. Bingley, perhaps his friend would do. The man is worth ten thousand, and though he is rude, he is acceptable. I was being thoughtful in choosing for Jane the kinder of the two,” Mrs. Bennet said with great exasperation.

“I am certain you were. I know you fear the entail, Mother. But few men who seek a match the very night they meet a lady have good intentions.”

“You read too many novels, Lizzy.” Mrs. Bennet exhaled a long-suffering sigh.

“Now, where is Lydia? She is lively enough to lighten the dark countenance of that Mr. Darcy. With him diverted, his friend can attend Jane.”

“Mother, she is fifteen. At his level of society, she is far too young to be considered out. It would bring shame on us if you push a child at him. This I promise you. Aunt Maddie lives in London and has reminded you often that young ladies do not come out until they are eighteen, better, nineteen.”

“I am certain my Lydia would be a sensation in Town. If only your father would take us, I would see you all wed in one season.”

“Aunt Maddie says Lydia’s behavior would see us all removed from any ballroom, yet you continue to encourage her. And you demand Kitty accompany her to give Lydia the pretext of respectability.”

Bingley whispered to Darcy, “A young woman of sense. That is the ‘Lizzy’ Edward Gardiner speaks of. You must admit, she lives up to his praise.”

“And you came expecting Miss Bennet to be the beauty he claimed.” Darcy returned.

“It was easy to pick her out. Indeed, it is difficult to look elsewhere.”

“Yet Miss Elizabeth watches that girl flouncing about.”

“I fear that is the lively Miss Lydia, and the mortified one behind her, Miss Kitty,” murmured Bingley.

“Who would tie themselves to Miss Lydia’s family?”

“To gain Miss Bennet’s hand, I well might,” Bingley said drolly.

“You are too hasty. But Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth do have my pity,” said Darcy.

“And will you be her champion? Aid Gardiner’s niece in supporting her meaning to her mother?”

“No, for it would—”

“Frustrate Caroline.”

“The merit of your suggestion becomes clearer,” Darcy said with amusement.

“Still, we have only just been introduced.”

“But we have known of her longer. Gardiner says she is the brightest of his nieces. Go to it, man. I shall divert the gossips with Miss Bennet.”

“You are a white knight.” Darcy rolled his eyes.

“As are you for the rather pretty Miss Elizabeth. Do not forget they are Gardiner’s nieces. He will be gratified to know we had a care for their concerns and found them enjoyable company.”

Bingley clapped Darcy on the shoulder, then crossed the room to Miss Bennet.

Darcy returned to studying the mother and daughter. Yes, Gardiner would like to know that we danced with his nieces. And it will remind Miss Bingley that she has no say over my future. That is reason enough. Not even Mrs. Bennet can drive me away. If only she were not so…

“You have gone to Town many times since you were out, and still not one man has asked for you. You know nothing of—”

Mrs. Bennet continued to harangue Miss Elizabeth, but the matron’s eyes widened when Bingley came to Miss Bennet’s side. Bracing himself, Darcy left his alcove to stand before Mrs. Bennet and Miss Elizabeth.

“Miss Elizabeth is correct. That child,” Darcy said as the youngest Bennet girl laughed and pranced around a young man, “with such propensity to make a show of herself, should not be out of the nursery. Miss Elizabeth, I apologize, I did not recognize your name when we were introduced earlier. I believe we almost met in the spring.”