Growing up with two younger brothers was an adventure. I may not have found a snake in my bed, but that did not mean restful and peaceful sleep was always had. What I also remember was trying to tell them how to avoid my mistakes, like taking a bike down a hill that had a hidden piles of wood in the tall grass which would stop a bike, the rider not so much, so “Stay left. The other left!” Or “the third rock on the way across a stream was wobbly, so plant your foot in the center or…(splash) that happens. Yup, standing on an edge put me in the stream, too. Mom is going to kill me for your coming home muddy again in your school clothes!”
What I find to be a common theme for young adults in Pride and Prejudice is that they love their younger siblings no matter their mistakes. And is there exasperation with older siblings expressed by the younger ones, just as my own younger brothers may have done…on occasion.
With this dynamic being so close to the heart, I decided to write a collection of tales that featured siblings and their meddlesome ways. I recall reading those choose-your-own-ending books to my brothers, so thought that it could be a fun twist to do the opposite. An introduction to set the premise, three vastly dissimilar novellas in the middle making up a collection, and a single conclusion. But what to title it? In thinking back to my own childhood, memories of “You can’t watch that, or mom will ground us both”, “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that,” and promises of “I won’t tell anyone” meant only one title would do:
See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
The cover is being revealed here for the first time!
Introduction
October 1811
“Netherfield Park ahead, sir!” the coachman called out to those inside the carriage.
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 even a sister of a prospective wife might suit.” 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, “Dearest, we are almost arrived.” His heart warmed as 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 body and soul better than he had 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 Netherfield Hall
“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.
“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. I told my brother I will stay with you and dear Georgiana, Mr. Darcy.”
And, if that were 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 said, newly 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.
“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.
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 would also be preferred.
While his valet tied his cravat, Darcy considered how best to convey to Miss Bingley his disinclination for her…company. 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.
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 not but 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.
RELEASE LOCATION: Amazon, to be included with my other publications in Kindle Unlimited
RELEASE DATE: Hope to date of October 21st. Fall-back date of October 31st.
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