Rocks in the Stream by Lewis Whelchel

Author:Lewis Whelchel [Whelchel, Lewis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781936009060
Publisher: Meryton Press
Published: 2011-02-07T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

DARCY WENT IN SEARCH OF Georgiana and found her in the music room studying a new song. He stood in the doorway and looked at her. Stepping out of the role of brother and guardian, he admitted to himself that she was a handsome young woman, and though she had a serious disposition, she was pleasant and lively with those whom she knew well. She seemed to have grown overnight. How had it happened?

He spoke her name softly so that he would not startle her.

Georgiana set down her music and turned to him with a smile. “Fitzwilliam, I did not hear you.”

“I am sorry if I am disturbing you.” He put his arm around her shoulder. “You are sixteen, my dear, and will soon be out. Have you given much thought to marriage?”

Georgiana glanced at her brother with a surprised look. “Marriage? I do not give it any thought at all. Why do you ask?”

“You have a large dowry. Thirty thousand pounds is no insignificant sum. You accused me of not being willing to pursue my affection for Miss Bennet because she has no dowry. The opposite is true for you. There are few larger. I am afraid that in the coming years you will meet young men who will appear to be trying to win your affection, but are really interested in marrying you solely for your fortune. Please be cautious, and do not be fooled by these men. A man who would marry you for your money will never love you. Oftentimes, I regret that our father was so generous with you because your dowry will always be of interest to unscrupulous men. I know it is my duty as your guardian to protect you from such men, but I cannot safeguard your heart. Should you give your affection to a fortune hunter, I may prevent the marriage, but I cannot prevent the broken heart and pain you will suffer.

“What I have to say now is very private, but I trust your discretion.” Darcy paused, and Georgiana looked at him expectantly. “During my last visit at the Tildens, Mr. Tilden drew me into his study to discuss his daughter.”

“What did he say?”

“He told me about Miss Tilden’s dowry of twenty five thousand pounds and wanted me to understand that he would approve of a marriage between us. He told me he wanted a good match for his daughter and that he would add an additional ten thousand pounds to insure success. Georgiana, he was trying to bribe me into marrying his daughter.”

“Does Miss Tilden know this?”

“I am certain she had no idea of what we were speaking, but I would suppose that she is aware that her father will do anything he can to secure a match for her. I cannot tell you how disgusted I was. Had I ever felt any inclination for Miss Tilden, I am certain I would no longer. I want you to know that I will never do anything like that to you.

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