P&P Prelude to Pemberley: Darcy Hires Mrs. Annesley

Welcome to our Pride & Prejudice prequel! P&P: Prelude to Pemberley tells the story of the time leading up to the events of Pride & Prejudice, including what Darcy and Elizabeth were doing and thinking, Georgiana Darcy’s story, the events of Ramsgate, how Mr. Bingley came to lease Netherfield, and much more! Join us on our journey as the Austen Variations authors post the events of 1811 in real time on the date they happened – 214 years in the future.

Darcy Hires Mrs. Annesley

September 3, 1811

It had been a long day with no true resolution having presented itself. Candidate after candidate for Georgiana’s companion had been ushered into his study at Darcy House in London, only for disappointment. This one too rigid, that one not rigid enough. How was he to choose the companion for his dear sister with any success?  He had already done that once with disastrous results.

He stood from his chair and walked the length of the room to gaze out the window onto the street below. How did he get here?  At what point in his life did he believe at eight and twenty he would be choosing his sister’s companion? That was the job of a parent, not a much older brother.

He turned and sat in his wing back chair in front of the empty fireplace and picked up the small glass paper weight from the end table. His father had brought it back from Venice when he was young, delighting Darcy with its multitude of colors. He was no longer young, and instead stared into it looking for something, anything that would guide him on moving forward with his sister’s future.

“There must have been moments where even my father did not know what to do. Who did he turn to?  Mother? Uncle Matlock? Someone with more wisdom or a deeper sense of understanding of the problem. Who do I have?  I cannot ask Richard. My cousin and I are the same in our confusion of raising a young girl. Neither knows which way to turn, what is up or down.”  He set the glass aside.

No, I shall continue to muddle along making a hash out of most things, but doing what I can to make Georgiana happy. That is my goal, after all. To make her happy. That is what I promised father. If I have to do it alone, I shall. But, how I wish Father was here to guide me.

There was a knock at the door.

“Enter.”

Mrs. Noyes, the housekeeper of Darcy House came into the room. “Sir, we have another appointment for Miss Darcy’s companion. Shall I show her in?”

He raised his brow. “There are no more appointments today. I have interviewed all who answered the advertisement my solicitor screened. No, there is a mistake. Send them away.”

Mrs. Noyes remained fixed in her spot. “Sir, if I may have a moment?”

He nodded and she closed the door. “Master Fitzwilliam,” she said, using his name from what felt like a different lifetime. “I am uncertain what events have befallen Darcy house, but know that Mrs. Reynolds and I see you and Miss Darcy as our own. Susan has—”

“Susan?”

“Forgive me, Mrs. Reynold’s friend has a sister who is recently widowed, a Margaret Annesley. She is outside in the hallway sent with instructions directly from Pemberley. And I am to ensure she gets an interview.”

“Mrs. Reynolds sent someone to interview for the position?”

“Yes.”

“And it is her friend’s sister?”

“Yes.”

A small smile tugged on the corner of Darcy’s lips. “Please wait five minutes, then see her in.”

“Of course, Mr. Darcy.”

He watched the door close behind her and took a deep breath catching sight of the glass paperweight once again. He was not alone. His father and mother had ensured his and Georgiana’s world would be surrounded by those who were not blinded by his wealth or status, but instead saw the man where once a boy had stood.

“Very well, father. I will allow you to guide me on this decision. And any others you see fit. Thank you,” he whispered before sitting behind his desk as the door opened to allow in Georgiana’s future companion.

Read all the scenes in Prelude to Pemberley here!