Presumption by Julia Barrett

Author:Julia Barrett [Barrett, Julia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28

As she made her way back to Rosings, Georgiana’s thoughts would linger with her new acquaintances. How little felicity had she discerned between the parson of Hunsford and his wife, how mean a companionship. The dejection of the lady, her unease in the presence of her husband, suggested not the comforts of a loving union, but rather, resignation to a state of affairs unalterable. He, so enthralled with his own skills as both gardener and progenitor, as effectively to ignore his wife; while she, a woman of qualities, must direct all her energies to – the very best she might hope for – sparing him outright humiliation.

And how contrary a picture to that which presented itself to her each day at Pemberley. Elizabeth and her brother, even when at variance, were, she knew, never in disaccord. The tenderness of their attachment was beyond question; and it manifested itself most happily in an irreverence which had at first alarmed Georgiana but which she now comprehended, with the wisdom of ripening years, as the sweetest expression of amity. Their bond was fortunate indeed.

But few there were in England, she mused, to peer Fitzwilliam Darcy. The youth of Derbyshire offered little to a romantic disposition beyond talk of card games or feats in the hunt. A Harry Middleton, or Robert Stanton were nothing to rival a man such as her brother. And that brother too was fortunate. He had found a woman who, although inferior in fortune, was in every other way incomparable; while Georgiana’s own sole venture outside the society she knew had resulted in so near a disaster that she trembled still to think of it. Darcy had found his equal: where might be such a match for Georgiana?

As she walked in the brisk evening air, her determination grew. A comfortable home, and increased station in society, might lure a Charlotte Collins to the overthrow of all contentment; but Georgiana need never sink to such wretchedness. Hers was a higher hope of matrimony; she would not marry else. Let the world say what it chose, she, a Darcy, and a Darcy moreover living in this second decade of the new century, would please herself alone. That her interests had been stirred by Captain Heywood was true; but the brave Captain must needs show himself outstanding to aspire to her more particular esteem.

By the time she had reached the steps of the hall, her ankles were weary, but her spirits quite restored; and it was with pleasure that she perceived the approach of her cousin Anne and Captain Heywood, just now returned from their excursion. The Captain’s appearance was greatly in his favour, and upon horseback showed all the more elegant.

‘My dear Miss Darcy,’ exclaimed he, so soon as greetings had been exchanged. ‘What a pity you could not have been with us this afternoon. Miss Anne has been all tolerance for the poor horsemanship of a mere seaman. In fact, I suspect that she gave particular attention not to outpace me.

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