Darcy stared at the door for a long moment after it clicked shut.
Ramsgate. The idea of Georgiana away from him, exposed to influences he could not control, set his teeth on edge. She had already proved that, left to her own devices, she was prone to poor decisions.
No, he would not risk it.
But perhaps…
Darcy pushed back from his desk, standing abruptly. If Georgiana was restless, then perhaps what she needed was not the sea, buthim.
He would take her to Hyde Park that afternoon. A quiet walk, some conversation, and perhaps a reminder that she was not as isolated as she believed.
The morning sun filteredthrough the lace curtains, casting soft patterns across the parlor floor as Elizabeth stirred her tea, more out of habit than any real desire to drink it.
She had been up for hours, restless and unable to settle her thoughts. Every event of the past week replayed in her mind—the earl’s demands, Mr. Darcy’s brooding presence,the unrelenting scrutiny of London society. And above it all, the quiet fear that whatever damage had been done to her reputation would ripple far beyond her own life.
Her aunt was seated near the window, writing letters of her own, when Wilson entered with the morning post. “A letter for you, Miss Bennet,” he announced, offering the single envelope on the tray.
Elizabeth’s heart gave a small leap. She recognized her father’s familiar, slanted handwriting immediately.
“From Longbourn?” Mrs. Gardiner asked, glancing up from her correspondence.
Elizabeth nodded, already breaking the seal with eager fingers. She unfolded the letter, the familiar scent of home—ink, Mama’s rose water, and something faintly like dust—wafting up from the page.
My dearest Lizzy,
I trust this letter finds you in no worse condition than when you departed, though I must assume London’s fine air and finer company have done little to improve your stubborn tendencies.
Elizabeth snorted quietly, earning a curious glance from her aunt.
Your mother, I regret to inform you, has taken to her bed once more, though I am confident it is only a temporary affliction brought on by the loss of her audience. She assures me she is near death, but I remain skeptical.
Elizabeth pressed a hand to her mouth, trying to stifle a laugh. She could practically hear her father’s dry tone as she read.
As for your sisters, Kitty appears to have made a miraculous recovery—either due to the medicinal properties of fresh air or the discoverythat her complaints were being overshadowed by Jane’s more delicate constitution. Jane and Lydia still show signs of the fever, but neither seem to be in mortal peril, much to your mother’s disappointment.
Elizabeth’s smile faded slightly, though the reassurance was there. Kitty improving was a good sign, but Jane’s lingering illness tugged at her heart. She continued reading, her eyes narrowing as the tone of the letter shifted slightly.
I feel it my duty to inform you that rumors of your exploits in London have reached even our quiet corner of Hertfordshire. It seems you have become quite the subject of conversation at the Meryton assembly rooms. I am told you were last seen at a grand ball, entangled in some nefarious scheme involving a French dignitary and a folded piece of paper. While I have always admired your flair for the dramatic, I must confess I did not anticipate hearing of your debut in the morass of high society theatrics.
I trust this is merely an exaggeration, but should you find yourself in need of rescuing from the clutches of an overzealous suitor, I am willing to dispatch Mr. Hill with a wheelbarrow to retrieve you.
Elizabeth gasped, half in horror, half in disbelief.
“Is something amiss?” Mrs. Gardiner asked, setting her pen down.
Elizabeth shook her head, though her cheeks were growing warm. “It seems my reputation has traveled faster than I anticipated.”
Her aunt arched a brow. “What does he say?”
Elizabeth cleared her throat and continued reading aloud.
I should, of course, remind you that your behavior reflects on the entire Bennet family. However, knowing your inclination toward mischief and my inability to stop it, I shall simply advise that you avoid causing any further international incidents.
At this, Mrs. Gardiner laughed outright, covering her mouth with a handkerchief. “International incidents, indeed! Your father has always had a way with words.”
Elizabeth set the letter down. “It is no laughing matter, Aunt.”
“I beg to differ, Lizzy. Your reputation is now guarded by no less of figure than the Earl of Matlock. I think you can do no better than to treat any such rumors as preposterous sources of amusement, nothing more. If you can laugh about the matter, it will give others leave to do the same until it is quite forgot.”
