Elizabeth nodded stiffly, her pulse quickening. “He told me so.”
Her aunt frowned thoughtfully. “That would certainly bode ill for Mr. Broadmere. The Darcy name carries considerable weight, and with the Earl of Matlock’s influence as well, it would be a daunting challenge. I wonder why Mr. Broadmere would even consider it. Surely, he must know his chances are slim.”
Elizabeth’s mind raced. “When did Mr. Broadmere announce his candidacy?”
“I believe this ball is his official announcement,” Mrs. Gardiner replied. “As far as I know, it is a recent development.”
The pieces clicked together with startling clarity. Elizabeth’s skin shivered with a deep thrill as realization dawned. If Mr. Broadmere was only now announcing his intentions, it could only mean one thing.
Darcy had withdrawn.
That had to be it! The cryptic visit to his uncle, the darkened sorrow in his eyes when he spoke to her, when he begged for her understanding. Why, she… shehadmisjudged him!
And she was never so delighted to be wrong in all her life.
She rose quickly, her chair scraping against the floor. “Aunt,” she said, her voice tight, “I need to go home.”
Mrs. Gardiner looked up at her in alarm. “Home? To Longbourn? Lizzy, whatever for?”
Elizabeth’s hands trembled as she reached for the back of her chair to steady herself. “I cannot explain, not yet. Please, Aunt… I must go. Today. Right now!”
Twenty-Three
Darcy stepped down fromthe carriage, his boots striking the sanded ice in the drive with deliberate precision. Georgiana followed, her gloved hands clutching her cloak as her eyes widened at the sight of Netherfield’s grand facade.
“Brother, it is even lovelier than you described,” she sighed.
Darcy forced a smile in return. “It has its charms.”
The doors opened before they reached the steps, and Bingley bounded out. “Darcy! Miss Darcy! Welcome back! Good heavens, man, we feared you might have got lost in your ledgers, and I would have to send an express to Wilson to evict you from your own study. And you have brought Miss Darcy! Why, this is, indeed, a pleasure!”
Georgiana smiled warmly. “Mr. Bingley, it is wonderful to see you again. My brother told me of everything you were doing here, though I suspect he understated it.”
Bingley’s grin widened. “A pleasure indeed, Miss Darcy. And I’ll take that as a challenge to exceed my already glowing reputation. Come along—there’s enough bustle inside to rival an assembly at Almack’s!”
As they entered the drawing room, Colonel Fitzwilliam rose from the sofa where he had been conversing with Sir Thomas. His face lit up as he strode toward Georgiana. “Georgie! Look at you—have you grown taller since I last saw you? Or is it just that Darcy’s sour face makes you seem taller by comparison?”
Georgiana giggled, curtseying slightly. “Cousin Richard. I am glad to find you in good humor.”
“It is my natural state,” Fitzwilliam said with a wink. “Especially now that we have reinforcements to wrangle this lot into shape.”
Sir Thomas stepped forward next, his expression warm but reserved. “Miss Darcy, it is a pleasure to meet you at last. Your brother has spoken very highly of you.”
Georgiana blushed faintly and dipped another curtsey. “Thank you, Sir Thomas. I am honored to be here.”
Sir Thomas gestured toward the room. “Your timing is fortuitous. There is still much to do before tomorrow’s gathering.”
Bingley clapped his hands together. “Indeed! Miss Darcy, I wonder if you might assist the ladies with preparations. Miss Flora and Mrs. Jackson have been juggling details all day. They could use your insight.”
“Of course!” Georgiana replied eagerly. “I mean, I have never planned anything like this, but I would be glad to help.”
Bingley grinned. “Excellent. And tomorrow morning, Miss Bennet and her younger sisters will be arriving to assist Sir Thomas’s household in dressing for the party. They are lending gowns from their own collections, but Darcy and I sent for more from Town—you did bring them back with you, did you not, Darcy?”
Darcy nodded. “If you look behind my carriage, you will see a drayage cart loaded with trunks to that purpose.”
“Excellent! Every lady is meant to feel beautiful tomorrow night.”
Georgiana’s eyes lit up. “How thoughtful! I would love to meet them and help.”
