[JA fanfic] Claims to Reputation, updated
A/N: Nomenclature depends on who is speaking, and to whom; in general, however, Christian names refer to the younger generation. Georgiana is more likely to be thirteen-year-old Georgiana Darcy than her aunt Lady Aldborough. Nicknames, per JA, can be used habitually (Fanny, Tom, Sam) or erratically (Betsey and Bess for Elizabeth). Titles may add another dimension; Edward Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Ancaster, is known as Milton to his contemporaneous relations, because he bore the courtesy title Viscount Milton for most of his life. However the present Lord Milton, Lord Ancaster's son, is generally known by his Christian name, Paul.
Letter 4: Georgiana, Lady Aldborough to Anne Darcy
16 January 1834
My dear girl,
Of course you may come. I have just sent the carriage. You do know, I hope, that you are always welcome with us. -Cassandra is not only willing to share her home and family, but longs to see you, she thinks herself as much your sister as Georgiana and Bess.
G.A.
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Letter 5: Elizabeth Wickham to George Wickham
17 January 1834
Who is the seducer and who is the seduced? I am really starting to wonder. Not that there is any deliberation on her part, of course, but your feelings may lead you astray. Perhaps they already have. You must be guarded - begin with a desire only for friendship, even as little as reconciliation. Anne is not a sheltered miss, she will be on her guard. Be guided by your reason only, dear brother, nothing else is to be trusted. Only intellect is truly in your service, passion and gentler feelings both will betray your interests.
An opportunity has landed in your lap, but do not be too eager to grasp it. She will be more careful without her father’s guidance, not less. To take advantage of the situation, you must convince her that you are utterly harmless, no threat to her person or her composure. She must think you safe, reliable, steady - even dull, if that is what it takes to win her trust.
I must confess to a certain amount of wariness, George. Anne is just the sort of girl I most dislike; because she can afford to be virtuous she enjoys disdaining those who cannot. Edward is a gullible prig. Richard is more promising, but quite the most self-centred person in the world, and the little girls, though sweet and pleasant enough, are quite insipid. I have no patience with Mrs Darcy’s airs;- her husband is sanctimonious and overbearing. What I mean to say, however, is this - all of that notwithstanding, they are our only chance. Do anything before alienating them. Who sent Jack to Cambridge? Whose interest has allowed you to rise in your profession already? Whose connections have allowed me to mingle in good society? We would be scraping a living out of those hovels we lived in were it not for them. We do not have to like them, but to remain on good terms is crucial, not just for you and me, but Tom, Jack, Bella, all of us. Until I catch William, we are absolutely dependent on their good will. Do nothing to jeopardise it; I do not care how alluring or tempting or challenging you find our cousin to be, not all of her wealth is worth the prospect of losing their patronage. Uncle and Aunt Bingley are the only other good connections in the family, and they are wealthy but even their wealth will not amount to much, spread amongst nine children - dowries for the girls, professions for the boys; really I would be surprised if Charles’ inheritance is worth more than four thousand a-year by the time they are all disposed of. Do you understand me? I am making good progress on this front, but think of Bella, Fanny, little Sam, think of yourself, before you do anything precipitous.
Forgive my ill humour, George; it is a trial to maintain the constant appearance of good temper here. They would leap on the tiniest flaw in my demeanour, I can afford no mistakes. I faltered - in a moment of weakness I mentioned to William my longing to see the garden, anything pretty and natural. And can you imagine what that dear, stupid, chivalrous boy did? He offered to carry me out to the park so I could see the snow falling. I had to refuse, of course - this time - but so graciously that he kissed my hand instead of shaking it, and called me ‘dear cousin.’ I am most assuredly making progress. William made Catherine go outside and draw the scene - she is a tolerably good artist. Ah, I am foolishly sentimental today; I miss you, and I miss Tom and Fanny, even Susan’s creep-mouse ways and Jack’s sermons and Mother and Father’s quarrels. I would be gone in a moment if I was actually back home, of course, as soon as I could manage it.
E.W.
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Letter 6: Georgiana, Lady Aldborough to Fitzwilliam Darcy, MP
18 January 1834
Fitzwilliam,
Forgive me, but I am rather concerned about Anne. She is uncomfortable with that nephew of Elizabeth’s, although she admits that she has no reason to be so. I have never seen her so eager to come here, nor so reluctant to leave. As far as Anne can tell, the nephew wishes to make amends for his unfortunate behaviour growing up - there is nothing untoward at all - but still she is not at ease. I, of all people, cannot blame her; you know I am as fond of her as I am of Cassy, I would gladly have her with me as long as she desires, but it seems wrong that he should be welcomed there and she driven from her own home. Yet if he has done nothing to warrant dismissal - oh, I will freely admit it, I cannot help distrusting any charming young man named Wickham. I am sure it is unfair, and he is Elizabeth’s nephew, Anne says he is everything amiable and certainly he is not his father, he has done more with less, but nevertheless - could not Edward go on without you? No - of course not - but I cannot think of anything better. Fitzwilliam, you are the clever one, surely you can think of something? If you were there, or anyone she could confide in, it would be different. You and Edward are her only mainstays, I think; I try and convince her to trust her mother, but like all children nearly grown, she is convinced she knows best, Mother could never properly understand, it would not be right, etc etc.
I hope I am not impertinent, brother, but she was so distressed when she arrived, if it had not been for Cassandra’s delight at seeing her, I really think she would have burst into tears. I do hope the visit has done less harm than good, it pains me to see my dear niece so unhappy. Tell me what you wish for her, I will see it done.
Your sister,
Georgiana
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Letter 7: Fitzwilliam Darcy, MP, to Georgiana, Lady Aldborough
28 January 1834
Georgiana,
I am aware that Anne is unsettled with the present situation at Pemberley, though neither she nor I can think of an adequate reason for it. I would have her stay with you as long as you will have her. Elizabeth would rather she confide in you than no one, do not fear overstepping your bounds in that regard. Let her do some good, it will please her more than any thing and she needs all the good humour at her disposal to manage George. I do not trust him; I admire his tenacity, but some things cannot be forgotten, and if he is not vicious, neither would I call him a young man of principle. Though as practical as he is, his intentions may be simple enough, a determination to be on the best terms possible with those whose interest can be turned to his advantage. Perhaps the natural duplicity, if such a conjunction may be allowed, is all that unsettles her - she has always had an antipathy for that sort of thing - I can only hope it is so little. If I had known before I left, I should not have gone, for all the steward’s crookedness. But now there is nothing to be done for it.
My dear sister, a marchioness you may be, but to me you will always be little Georgiana, and so I have no qualms about the occasional reprimand. Your ladyship’s penmanship is beginning to compare to Bingley’s. How came you to write the address so ill that it was sent to Pendleton? I am deeply grateful that you are so affected by my daughter’s welfare, but Georgiana, you must learn to take care; I would never have left had I known how distressed she was - that is, had I received your letter in a timely fashion. Meanwhile I have discovered that Wilcox is an utter scoundrel and draining the estate of all it is worth. There are too many lives dependent upon him to let him be, but it will take time to set everything to rights. I cannot in good conscience leave until I have done so, as I trust Anne will be perfectly safe in Elizabeth’s hands and yours. I know you would never consciously neglect the good of any of the children.
Nevertheless, you are quite right; she is surrounded by parents and children, she needs not another protector but a companion, a friend. I shall send for Paul. He has no interest in the profligacy and extravagance of most heirs, he will be delighted to be of some use. And he is as fond of Anne as any brother could be.
Please give your family my regards.
Your brother,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
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Letter 8: Fitzwilliam Darcy, MP, to Lord Milton
28 January 1834
Paul,
I believe my family would very much enjoy your presence at Pemberley, if it is not too much of an imposition. My wife’s nephew, George Wickham, is presently enjoying an extended holiday at my home;-need I say more? Anne is quite distressed and I believe would especially welcome your company. As it is, she is running off to Aincourt every other week. I myself must remain at Rosings for some time, except in the circumstance of a less ephemeral crisis at home, and would be greatly relieved to know someone worthy of trust was watching after Anne in particular.
Please give my regards to my cousins.
F.D.
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Letter 9: Lord Milton to Fitzwilliam Darcy, MP [express]
31 January 1834
Sir,
I am honoured by your confidence and will be at Pemberley tomorrow.
Paul
Letter 4: Georgiana, Lady Aldborough to Anne Darcy
16 January 1834
My dear girl,
Of course you may come. I have just sent the carriage. You do know, I hope, that you are always welcome with us. -Cassandra is not only willing to share her home and family, but longs to see you, she thinks herself as much your sister as Georgiana and Bess.
G.A.
--------------------
Letter 5: Elizabeth Wickham to George Wickham
17 January 1834
Who is the seducer and who is the seduced? I am really starting to wonder. Not that there is any deliberation on her part, of course, but your feelings may lead you astray. Perhaps they already have. You must be guarded - begin with a desire only for friendship, even as little as reconciliation. Anne is not a sheltered miss, she will be on her guard. Be guided by your reason only, dear brother, nothing else is to be trusted. Only intellect is truly in your service, passion and gentler feelings both will betray your interests.
An opportunity has landed in your lap, but do not be too eager to grasp it. She will be more careful without her father’s guidance, not less. To take advantage of the situation, you must convince her that you are utterly harmless, no threat to her person or her composure. She must think you safe, reliable, steady - even dull, if that is what it takes to win her trust.
I must confess to a certain amount of wariness, George. Anne is just the sort of girl I most dislike; because she can afford to be virtuous she enjoys disdaining those who cannot. Edward is a gullible prig. Richard is more promising, but quite the most self-centred person in the world, and the little girls, though sweet and pleasant enough, are quite insipid. I have no patience with Mrs Darcy’s airs;- her husband is sanctimonious and overbearing. What I mean to say, however, is this - all of that notwithstanding, they are our only chance. Do anything before alienating them. Who sent Jack to Cambridge? Whose interest has allowed you to rise in your profession already? Whose connections have allowed me to mingle in good society? We would be scraping a living out of those hovels we lived in were it not for them. We do not have to like them, but to remain on good terms is crucial, not just for you and me, but Tom, Jack, Bella, all of us. Until I catch William, we are absolutely dependent on their good will. Do nothing to jeopardise it; I do not care how alluring or tempting or challenging you find our cousin to be, not all of her wealth is worth the prospect of losing their patronage. Uncle and Aunt Bingley are the only other good connections in the family, and they are wealthy but even their wealth will not amount to much, spread amongst nine children - dowries for the girls, professions for the boys; really I would be surprised if Charles’ inheritance is worth more than four thousand a-year by the time they are all disposed of. Do you understand me? I am making good progress on this front, but think of Bella, Fanny, little Sam, think of yourself, before you do anything precipitous.
Forgive my ill humour, George; it is a trial to maintain the constant appearance of good temper here. They would leap on the tiniest flaw in my demeanour, I can afford no mistakes. I faltered - in a moment of weakness I mentioned to William my longing to see the garden, anything pretty and natural. And can you imagine what that dear, stupid, chivalrous boy did? He offered to carry me out to the park so I could see the snow falling. I had to refuse, of course - this time - but so graciously that he kissed my hand instead of shaking it, and called me ‘dear cousin.’ I am most assuredly making progress. William made Catherine go outside and draw the scene - she is a tolerably good artist. Ah, I am foolishly sentimental today; I miss you, and I miss Tom and Fanny, even Susan’s creep-mouse ways and Jack’s sermons and Mother and Father’s quarrels. I would be gone in a moment if I was actually back home, of course, as soon as I could manage it.
E.W.
---------------
Letter 6: Georgiana, Lady Aldborough to Fitzwilliam Darcy, MP
18 January 1834
Fitzwilliam,
Forgive me, but I am rather concerned about Anne. She is uncomfortable with that nephew of Elizabeth’s, although she admits that she has no reason to be so. I have never seen her so eager to come here, nor so reluctant to leave. As far as Anne can tell, the nephew wishes to make amends for his unfortunate behaviour growing up - there is nothing untoward at all - but still she is not at ease. I, of all people, cannot blame her; you know I am as fond of her as I am of Cassy, I would gladly have her with me as long as she desires, but it seems wrong that he should be welcomed there and she driven from her own home. Yet if he has done nothing to warrant dismissal - oh, I will freely admit it, I cannot help distrusting any charming young man named Wickham. I am sure it is unfair, and he is Elizabeth’s nephew, Anne says he is everything amiable and certainly he is not his father, he has done more with less, but nevertheless - could not Edward go on without you? No - of course not - but I cannot think of anything better. Fitzwilliam, you are the clever one, surely you can think of something? If you were there, or anyone she could confide in, it would be different. You and Edward are her only mainstays, I think; I try and convince her to trust her mother, but like all children nearly grown, she is convinced she knows best, Mother could never properly understand, it would not be right, etc etc.
I hope I am not impertinent, brother, but she was so distressed when she arrived, if it had not been for Cassandra’s delight at seeing her, I really think she would have burst into tears. I do hope the visit has done less harm than good, it pains me to see my dear niece so unhappy. Tell me what you wish for her, I will see it done.
Your sister,
Georgiana
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Letter 7: Fitzwilliam Darcy, MP, to Georgiana, Lady Aldborough
28 January 1834
Georgiana,
I am aware that Anne is unsettled with the present situation at Pemberley, though neither she nor I can think of an adequate reason for it. I would have her stay with you as long as you will have her. Elizabeth would rather she confide in you than no one, do not fear overstepping your bounds in that regard. Let her do some good, it will please her more than any thing and she needs all the good humour at her disposal to manage George. I do not trust him; I admire his tenacity, but some things cannot be forgotten, and if he is not vicious, neither would I call him a young man of principle. Though as practical as he is, his intentions may be simple enough, a determination to be on the best terms possible with those whose interest can be turned to his advantage. Perhaps the natural duplicity, if such a conjunction may be allowed, is all that unsettles her - she has always had an antipathy for that sort of thing - I can only hope it is so little. If I had known before I left, I should not have gone, for all the steward’s crookedness. But now there is nothing to be done for it.
My dear sister, a marchioness you may be, but to me you will always be little Georgiana, and so I have no qualms about the occasional reprimand. Your ladyship’s penmanship is beginning to compare to Bingley’s. How came you to write the address so ill that it was sent to Pendleton? I am deeply grateful that you are so affected by my daughter’s welfare, but Georgiana, you must learn to take care; I would never have left had I known how distressed she was - that is, had I received your letter in a timely fashion. Meanwhile I have discovered that Wilcox is an utter scoundrel and draining the estate of all it is worth. There are too many lives dependent upon him to let him be, but it will take time to set everything to rights. I cannot in good conscience leave until I have done so, as I trust Anne will be perfectly safe in Elizabeth’s hands and yours. I know you would never consciously neglect the good of any of the children.
Nevertheless, you are quite right; she is surrounded by parents and children, she needs not another protector but a companion, a friend. I shall send for Paul. He has no interest in the profligacy and extravagance of most heirs, he will be delighted to be of some use. And he is as fond of Anne as any brother could be.
Please give your family my regards.
Your brother,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
-----------------
Letter 8: Fitzwilliam Darcy, MP, to Lord Milton
28 January 1834
Paul,
I believe my family would very much enjoy your presence at Pemberley, if it is not too much of an imposition. My wife’s nephew, George Wickham, is presently enjoying an extended holiday at my home;-need I say more? Anne is quite distressed and I believe would especially welcome your company. As it is, she is running off to Aincourt every other week. I myself must remain at Rosings for some time, except in the circumstance of a less ephemeral crisis at home, and would be greatly relieved to know someone worthy of trust was watching after Anne in particular.
Please give my regards to my cousins.
F.D.
------------------
Letter 9: Lord Milton to Fitzwilliam Darcy, MP [express]
31 January 1834
Sir,
I am honoured by your confidence and will be at Pemberley tomorrow.
Paul