Chapter 7
“Yes, Georgiana.” His earnest expression emphasized the gravity of his concern. “Mrs Carrington is from a ruined family. Surely you can see how that might affectyourreputation, should word of her being your friend become fodder for gossip amongst our social circle.”
Her eyes narrowed at him, “Since when have you been so concerned by our so-called social circle? Besides, Elizabeth married, and to a gentleman of good standing, surely that makes a difference to how the world will perceive her now.” She got to her feet and began to pace.
Darcy followed suit.
“Indeed, she did, but she is now a widow, with little to her name. And I am not concerned for society, I think only of you.Youare about to have your come out. Any blemish will affect how you are received in the Ton. I only wish for you to achieve the very best you hope for.”
She studied him for a few moments, her expression softening. “Brother, I do not care to reach for the highest possible match. I will not marry a man who is wilfully blind to all the good those outside his sphere have to offer.”
“Georgiana-”
“I learned this fromyou, Fitzwilliam,” she stood, arms akimbo, as though readying for battle. At his startled expression she continued, “During our travels, we met so many different people. We engaged with them, learned about their lives. You were the most relaxed I had ever seen. Smiling easily and looking as though the weight of your world had lifted clear away. It was wonderful to witness.”
Darcy was speechless. He had not known his sister noticed how heavy the burden of duty was on him. She spoke again before he could.
“Then, we returned to England, and you married Anne.” She flapped her hand, pulling out a handkerchief to dab at her eyes. “I understand why you did, but all I could see was your resemblance toAtlasagain. All the world’s worries were once again bearing you down.” Darcy’s lips twitched at her mythological reference.
She stepped closer to her beloved brother. “It became very clear to me what I wanted for my life. I am proud to be the daughter of a gentleman and do not require more than that. Please, William, let me live my life as I desire.” She shrugged, “And if I do not meet a man who can respect my newfound outlook, I have no need to marry for security, my dowry will sustain me well enough.”
“You will always have a home at Pemberley.” Darcy’s voice was gruff, and he pulled her in for a fierce hug. He whispered to hide the tightness in his throat, “My dear girl. I am so very proud of you.”
“I love you too, Brother,” was her sweet reply.
At length, Darcy released her and walked away combing a hand roughly through his hair. When he turned back to her, she was seated once again on his great coat. “Lord and Lady Matlock will not be pleased. In fact, I foresee many disagreements in the near future.”
“I am not afraid of them. As long as you support me in this, we shall stand united against their objections.Ourhappiness is worth far more than wealth and connections.”
Darcy had a peculiar smile on his face. “I cannot wait to see Richard again. I believe he will be so proud of you he might pop off a button from his uniform.”
Relieved the tension was gone, Georgiana dared to raise the topic again, “So, staying in contact with Elizabeth is no longer an issue?”
“If you truly wish it? No.”
“I may visit her at her relations, when she comes to Town for a visit?”
Darcy ruefully shook his head, “In for a penny, in for a pound... I should not like you to flaunt the friendship, but neither will I stand in the way of it.”
“Good,” Georgiana clasped her hands together, bobbing up and down in her excitement. “She really is a lovely young woman. You will like her once you get to know her. It is time to get back. I must hold that darling boy before he is laid down for a nap.”
So saying, she stood, lifted her brother’s great coat and shook it out. Handing it to him, she chivvied him back to the horses and together, they rode back to the inn.
Darcy watched Georgiana surreptitiously. He knew their travels had been a balm to her spirit and a maturing experience for her, yet he had never realised how much so. Nor how his decision to marry Anne had affected her so greatly.
I knew our bond had altered to a sibling one, it seems even more so now than ever before. I may have much to learn from her, now that my little sister is spreading her wings.
~ / ~
Elizabeth had not slept well and woke with a heavy feeling in her heart. Spending time with Georgiana had reminded her of growing up at Longbourn, before everything went so wrong for the Bennets.
An uncommon feeling of lethargy enveloped her body. If it were not for her son’s cries and the uncomfortable pressure in her breasts foretelling his urgent need to eat, she might not have risen at all.
I really cannot afford to become attached to her, no matter how much she reminds me of Jane.I have been away from Longbourn for nearly a year. It was long enough to bury thepainful memories of being shunned.Dear Lord, I pray Jane is not still being treated so callously, after all this time.
She remained closed up in her room, nursing her son and holding him in her arms whilst he slept. Hannah brought breakfast, but Elizabeth did not have much of an appetite and could not force herself to eat. Word of it must have reached the inn’s kitchen, as it was not too much later when Mrs Hobbs made an appearance.
“Good mornin’, dearie.” She bustled in following a perfunctory knock on the door. “How’re ye feelin’ t’day? The weather still be fair, an’ a walk later might do ye a world o’ good. An’ this came fer ye this mornin’.” She handed a letter to the young woman.
