“Yes, sir. I have a suite available with two rooms. Just let me know when you be wantin’ ’em.”
After arranging for a warm meal to be delivered, Darcy entered the parlour and closed the door behind him.
“A warm meal will be served shortly.”
“I am not sure I can eat,” Georgiana sighed.
“No, nor I.” He walked around the room, not settling in any one place for too long.
“Shall you write to the Bennets tonight?”
“Yes, and to Darcy House; our arrival was anticipated. As for Mrs Carrington’s family, I do not wish to alarm them, so I will give instructions for the letter to be delivered tomorrow morning.”
Georgiana was quiet for a time. “What will happen to her? I have never seen such sorrow and yet such courage in one person. Not even Anne, and she had endured so much at Lady Catherine’s hand.”
“She does appear to be a strong young woman, although we are not really aware of her full situation. At least she has a home to return to.”
“She shared a little with me when I spoke with her just now. I inquired as to why she was travelling alone.” Georgiana looked down, a blush rising in her cheeks. It was not like her to be so forward. “Her husband was a captain in the Navy, but he died not long ago. It is so sad. They wed just last summer.”
A sigh escaped her at the thought of the young woman’s suffering. Staying silent for another minute, she then raised her head to look at her brother, “What shallwedo now?”
“What do you wish to do, Georgiana?”
Surprise showed on her face. “You ask me?”
“You seem to connect with Mrs Carrington. As a young lady yourself, and my dearest sister, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts.”
Georgiana thought for a few moments, “I think we should stay, I know I cannot assist with the birth, but I detest the thought of her being alone and unprotected. Afterwards, she will require time to recuperate.”
Darcy smiled softly. “Then we will stay. In my express to Darcy House, I shall instruct my valet and your maid to join us here. All going well, our stay may be of some duration.”
Georgiana beamed a smile at him, “Thank you.”
“We have no pressing business and I too, am unsettled at the thought of leaving her unattended.”After all, did I not marry Anneto rescue her from her mother? It will be anathema to me to leave a young gentlewoman alone and helpless.
A knock on the door heralded the requested writing supplies and supper.
Partaking of the few bites he could manage, Darcy decided to write the letters instead.
“William, might we ask for a second maid to come, as well?”
At Darcy’s inquiring look, she added, “I wish for Mrs Carrington to have someone with her. We cannot expect the maids at the inn to always be on hand.”
His expression was one of pride. “A very good thought, Georgie. It may prove helpful to have another set of hands, especially at night.”
Whilst Darcy wrote his communications, Georgiana toyed with her food, eating very little.
When he finished writing, Darcy noticed his sister’s woolgathering. “It will be a long night, Georgiana. Shall you retire to our rooms?”
Her head lifted to look at him, “Will you?”
“I think not.”
“Then, if you will be here, I wish to stay. Even if I do fall asleep.” The siblings shared a smile.
Brother and sister spent the next hours in quiet companionship. As the inn emptied of travellers and revellers alike, it settled down to quiet slumber. Only later, during the darkest time of night, could faint cries from above be heard.
A knock sounded on the door. When Darcy opened it, a maid passed on a message.
