“You do not consider the binding spell a punishment?”
Her mother sighed. “Lizzy, you do not understand. That is what men do when their wives have magic. They have them put under binding spells. I do not like what he did to me, but I would not have expected any less. I deserved it for what I had done and to prevent me from doing it again.”
Her mother had changed, but Elizabeth had nothing in common with this woman, either. “If you choose to forgive my father, I cannot stop you, but pray do not expect the same from me. Will you be returning to Longbourn, then?”
“Yes. I wish to see Aelfric once or twice more before I go, since it will be more difficult for us to meet at Longbourn where your father will be watching me. I do not want to hurt him again.”
Elizabeth did not care about her father’s pain. “Does he know you are no longer under the binding spell?”
“I wrote him and told him so, but, as you know, he rarely replies to letters. We will no doubt discuss it once I am back. But I am also worried about you. You look wan, and you have lost weight.”
This was a new experience, both that her mother would notice her mood and that it would worry her. “I am simply overtired. Lady Matlock insists that I attend events that go on half the night, and I have never been able to sleep late in the morning as everyone in thetonseems to do.” It was no one’s business but her own that the loss of any future with Darcy kept her awake and in tears long after the household was in bed.
Her mother looked at her keenly. “Perhaps you should tell Lady Matlock that her schedule is too much for you.”
“Perhaps I will.” It was beyond disconcerting to be listening to this woman who looked like her mother but sounded so little like her. “It must be very different for you at Gracechurch Street now. I hope the changes are not too trying for Jane or Mrs. Gardiner.”
“Jane, as always, is certain it will all turn out well. Mrs. Gardiner sometimes stops short when I say something, and then she laughs and goes on. But what of you? If you do not return to Longbourn, where will you go?” To her credit, Mrs. Bennet sounded genuinely worried about her.
“I have not decided. I may return to Rosings. Miss de Bourgh has said I am welcome there as long as I wish to stay or to work as her companion. My uncle Gardiner has offered me a home as well, but I worry about causing harm to the family’s reputation or causing a rift between the Gardiners and my father.”
“You sound very unconcerned about your future.”
“That is because I am unconcerned. I am waiting to see how various things turn out over the next few months, but I know I will notbe left without a home or food. If nothing else, I imagine Viscount Eversleigh would help me.”
“Elizabeth Bennet, do not tell me you have an improper relationship with Viscount Eversleigh! Has he offered youcarte blanche?” Her mother sounded horrified.
Elizabeth could not help laughing. “What an imagination you have! Viscount Eversleigh would help me because he takes his duties as myshurinnseriously, and he would not let me starve.”
“You areshurinn? But how?”
Aelfric must not have told her. Perhaps her mother could keep a secret now, but Elizabeth would not wager on it. “I am not at liberty to tell you that, but I assure you that he has no improper intentions at all towards me.” Her mother would be able to figure it out given a little thought, but it would be better to leave it uncertain.
“That is good. I would not want any more scandal right now. Yesterday Mr. Bingley left his calling card for Jane while we were out. I came here today in case he called again. It will be easier for Jane if she does not have to explain the changes in me.”
“Mr. Bingley? That is good news indeed.” And it could not be coincidence that Bingley had called only a short time after Darcy said he would speak to him. At least she knew he was thinking of her. The thought warmed the frozen waste of her heart a little, but it could change nothing. Apart from the revel, she doubted she would ever see Darcy again.
“GEORGIANA, I WOULDlike to speak to you for a few minutes,” Darcy said.
The girl stiffened. “Did I do something wrong?”
“Not at all. This is more about me.”
Georgiana set tentatively on the edge of her chair. “About you?” She sounded dubious.
“Yes. A situation has arisen which may force me to leave England for a time. I –”
“May I go with you?”
“I am afraid not. I will be with the Army in Portugal. I hope none of this will come to pass, but I want plans in place in case it does. I just met with my solicitor, and he is drawing up papers that declare Richard to be your guardian while I am away. He will also be responsible for Pemberley. If for any reason I have not returned within five years –”
“Five years?” Georgiana quavered. “Oh, no!”
He forced himself to forge ahead. “I think it unlikely, but we must be prepared. After five years, the revenues from Pemberley will start to be paid into your account, with Richard as trustee until you marry.”
Tears began to roll down her cheeks. “What did I do?” she whispered.
Why must she always blame herself? He moved to sit beside her and put his arm around her shoulder. “Georgie, you did not do anything. Nothing at all. It is because of trouble in the Collegium. There are some men who were determined to prove I have been misusing my powers, and someone has been trying to make it look as if I have. Viscount Eversleigh, who is now Master of the Collegium, knows I did not do it, but until I can prove it, I must go away.”
