“It was just a passing thought. A dinner party can be thrown together at any time. Let me know when you and Miss Darcy have an opening.” He got to his feet. “I can see you are busy, Darcy, so I shall let you return to your work. It is wonderful to see you again.” Bingley gave Darcy a hearty handshake and a clap on the back and departed just as swiftly as he had entered.
Returning to sit behind his desk, Darcy contemplated the changes he had just witnessed in his friend. There was something… He stood taller; appeared more grounded. Almost like steel had been melded into his character.
Darcy huffed.However,he allowedone thing had not changed, Bingley was still as impetuous, offering to hold a dinner party at the drop of a pin.
Darcy sat back down at his desk and looked at the mound of correspondence he needed to address.Drat! Now his concentration is shot.
He stood to ring the bell and ordered coffee. Then went to stand by the window searching for answers in the sky.Mrs Elizabeth Carrington. She was a remarkable woman. How much things have changed since their meeting at the inn. At that time, she had been pale, scared, and restrained. He and Georgie fought over retaining the connection. Now… now he found her remarkable, beautiful and clever.I cannot recall the last time I felt so comfortable conversing on serious topics with a lady unconnected to me. In fact, I do not believe I ever have. She has a way about her, of making others feel at ease. Case in point—Georgiana has blossomed since meeting her.
Darcy began to pace.I do not know her well, but what I know of her I admire and respect. She certainly has the fundamentals I seek and cannot find amongst the posturing ladies of Society.Can I do this? What will Lord and Lady Matlock say? If I did pursue her, it would certainly fulfil my promise to Anne, but is it fair to Elizabeth? She would have to deal with the vipers of the Ton.
A knock on the door announced the arrival of his coffee. He waved away the maid and prepared a cup of coffee himself.
What would Richard do? He would probably suggest installing her in a house somewhere.Darcy grimaced.I could never dishonour her in that way. And Elizabeth would never acquiesce. It is one of the things I admire about her. She has a strong sense of right and abides by it.
But Richard would also say ‘Darce, you are putting the cart before the horse. Just get to know her. If, as you know more of her, you like her more—seize your happiness. If not, then that is your answer, too’.”
He placed his empty cup on the tray and straightened his shoulders.I am going to ask Elizabeth if I can call on her.
Thus decided, Darcy had no difficulty sitting back at his desk and focusing on all the correspondence awaiting his attention.
~ / ~
Elizabeth had stepped out to tend to Alex’s needs. When she held him close to her, his skin felt a little warmer than usual. Shewondered at it but had not noticed any other change in his well-being or when she changed his soiled cloths.I am probably worrying for nothing.
Leaving a maid to watch over him, she returned to the drawing room once he was fed and cleaned up.
The knocker banged just as Elizabeth was to re-enter the drawing room. She hesitated, waiting to see if Mr Darcy had arrived.
When a maid opened the door, he practically pushed past her, his eyes wild, cravat askew, and hair sticking out in all directions from underneath his hat. In short, he looked dreadful.
Elizabeth rushed to reassure him. “Mr Darcy, Georgiana is well. We are all well. Pray, sir, be at ease.” She beckoned the maid to take Mr Darcy’s hat. “I shall escort you to my family.”
As soon as Mr Darcy laid eyes on his sister, he exclaimed “Georgie!”
“I am here, I am well, William.” Darcy enveloped her in his arms.
Elizabeth noted her uncle had returned when she was with Alex. She approached Jane and asked quietly, “Did you and Aunt Gardiner apprise our uncle of everything?”
“Yes, Lizzy. He is upset, as you can imagine.”
“I have no doubt. As is Mr Darcy.” The sisters watched the young man holding his sister tight to his side.
A fresh tea tray had been delivered with Mr Gardiner’s entrance and now Mrs Gardiner offered tea to the newest arrival. “Mr Darcy, pray will you not be seated and have some tea?”
Mr Gardiner second his wife. “Perhaps you wish for something stronger? I believe cool heads must discuss this rationally.” He held up a hand upon seeing Mr Darcy was about to speak. “I acknowledge it is very serious, but we do not know the who or the why of the matter.”
“I do not need to know.” Mr Darcy’s posture was rigid. “I am taking Georgiana back to Pemberley where I can keep her safe.”
“And then what? We do not know who you would be running from. Or even if it is Miss Darcy who they are after?”
Darcy ran a hand through his hair and paced. “My sister has been a target for her dowry in the past.”
“Fitzwilliam,” Georgiana hissed.
Elizabeth moved to stand in his path, forcing him to halt. “Sir, we are all concerned, and Jane has had quite a fright. Pray be seated so we can attempt to figure out what is happening?”
Darcy held her gaze, soothed by her calming words and the fear and determination he saw in her eyes, though it was not betrayed in any other way. He wanted to be the one to reassure her. He opened his mouth to speak but only nodded and took a seat beside Georgiana.
