It was not in Georgiana’s power to deny her cousin anything. He talked incessantly of Miss Crawford this, and Miss Crawford that; Georgiana bore her duty silently and patiently, making an allowance for some hurtful remark, or an explanation for some caprice of behaviour, but always steady in her compassion for his wounded feelings and regard for her cousin’s happiness. Colonel Fitzwilliam had developed an habit of long-standing in his dependence upon Georgiana’s willing ear and tender heart—indeed, more than he knew himself. By the end of the week, Colonel Fitzwilliam was able to console himself with the certainty that Mary Crawford’s affections could not possibly be worth such pain and mortification, and a few more days of Georgiana’s remedial company was sufficient that he could resolve to think no more of the lady, and was able to return to his regiment with his usual calm and cheerful spirits.

CHAP. 12.

“ELIZABETH, would you like to go?” asked Mr. Darcy at breakfast one morning. “I am apprehensive that you might find the trip tedious and the destination disappointing.”

“What? Go to Manchester to see the gas-light with Mr. Parker?” replied Elizabeth. “Does Mrs. Parker go?” Mr. Darcy and Mr. Parker belonged to a philosophical society in Richmond where papers were presented that reflected the latest thinking in the scientifical philosophies: medicine, geology, mathematics, and especially mechanics and chemistry. The two men quickly discovered that they were in agreement about many points regarding the scientifical method and the need to make the applications of the new inventions by Watt, Priestly, and others more commonly available; in addition, Mr. Parker, not having the capital of a large landed estate, had employed his intelligence in securing shares in ships, farms, mines, iron works, smelting ventures, and other industries and manufactories as diverse as steam engines, a brewery, and a soap-making business. Mr. Darcy had discovered in Mr. Parker a profound intellect, especially as regards the scientifical aspects of not only industry, but many other areas of natural philosophy. Mr. Parker was somewhat younger than Mr. Darcy, and had a first-rate education in the latest theories, but who had neither Mr. Darcy’s property nor experience in its use and management. Consequently, each man respected the other for what he was not himself, and was bound by a friendship formed over a desire to experiment with new methods that held promise for bettering the working conditions, especially for the labouring class. Their correspondence had become more frequent, and their plans and ideas more collateral.

“I think that Mrs. Parker is agreeable to any plan,” answered Mr. Darcy, “If you and Georgiana chuse to remain at Pemberley, she would come here and stay whilst we are gone to Manchester.”