“It is all finished now. Is that correct, Fitzwilliam?” Lady Matlock spoke over the earl’s muttering.
Georgiana was eager to endorse her friend. “I shall be maintaining correspondence with Mrs Carrington.”
Lady Matlock expressed her shock. “You will allow this, Fitzwilliam? Who is this widow to remain in contact with Georgiana Darcy?”
“She is the daughter of a gentleman and Georgie knows her own mind.” He turned to face the room and his relations. “In fact, there is the slightest chance I may ask a service of you, uncle. She is being stonewalled for her inheritance. I told Mrs Carrington I would assist should she require it. There is a chance you may be slightly acquainted with the late husband’s family.”
“So she says. It is an easy thing to find out.” Lord Matlock had a distracted air and waved his hand as though batting away the topic. “Darcy, when will you be returning to attend events?”
“Not until my full year of mourning is complete.”
“Fitzwilliam,” Lady Matlock reached out a hand to him. “Anne was never really your wife. Surely there is no need-”
“She was my wife in name, and I will show her proper respect.” Darcy’s voice was stern.
Lord and Lady Matlock exchanged a look. “Perhaps we might discuss this again at a later time. There are a number of events it would be a shame to miss.”
“We shall see when I reach my half mourning.” Darcy gave a nod of his head. “In the meantime, since we are here now, perhaps we should discuss Georgiana’s coming out?”
“Excellent,” exclaimed Lady Matlock, looking gleefully ready to plan a siege on Paris.
“Aunt, I am not ready to discuss it at this time.” Georgiana sent Darcy an offended look.
“Georgiana, there is no time like the present.” He raised his brows at her. The battle was hers to fight; he would have her back as reinforcement.
She straightened. “Very well. I have a specific idea of what I want and am most particular on what I do not want.”
The skirmish had commenced.
~ / ~
After an hour of heated conversation, appeals for understanding Society, and blustering from the earl, Lord and Lady Matlock departed.
“That went better than I expected.” A sigh escaped Darcy as he leant back to relax in his seat.
“Brother! Are you in earnest? I thought Aunt was going to grab me by my ear and drag me home with her.”
“And what would she have done with you there?”
“Lock me up and feed me bread and water until I capitulated.”
Darcy chuckled loudly. “No, dear Sister. I believe you did very well. You may even have earned her respect.”
A blush bloomed on Georgiana’s cheeks. “That would be a great achievement.”
“Indeed.” Turning to face her, Darcy met her eye, “I am very proud of you, Georgie.”
“Thank you, William. Though I admit, I still feel a bit shaky. Our aunt and uncle are formidable when they want their own way.”
“What say you we step out for a walk in the park? The weather is fine, and it is early enough it should not be too crowded.”
“Oh yes, Brother. Let me retrieve my pelisse and bonnet.”
“I shall meet you at the door.
~ / ~
Later that night Darcy sat in his room nursing a brandy. His valet had been and gone and quietude settled on the house.
