“I—I am afraid that is quite impossible, my lady.” His tones faltered to nearly a whisper. “Mr Carson, the coachman here, he sent it straight away to Mr Darcy’s wainwright here in London. He said as how you wouldn’t want for any delay, and it would be best to fix it immediately. We have only just returned from there, my lady. The wainwright, he told me he was setting to it instantly. It will be half torn apart by now, my lady.”
“Then bring me Darcy’s carriage at once and let us have no more of this lunacy! I want those horses harnessed and in front of this door in under a quarter of an hour,do you understand?”
“Y-yes, my lady.” Masterson gave a nervous little salute and moved off briskly. Five minutes later, he had returned for her and stood tremblingly at the door of the house.
“Begging your ladyship’s pardon… Mr Carson says none of the Darcy carriages remain. Mr Darcy took the chaise, Colonel Fitzwilliam has the coach, and the curricle is also at the wainwright’s for a new coat of paint—being the off-season and all. The other carriages are all back at Pemberley.” The man looked as if he wished to melt into a puddle on the spot. Cringing, it was all he could do to force himself to meet his lady’s gaze as she descended upon him.
“Drake!” the great lady bellowed. “What is the meaning of this rubbish?”
“I am afraid it is quite true, my lady. There are, of course, two drayage carts for the kitchen staff. I do believe there is an older gig still in the stable, kept for the use of Mr Carson or myself when Mr Darcy sends for an errand. Your ladyship would be most welcome to….”
“Unacceptable! In this weather? Three ladies cannot possibly travel in decency and comfort in such a vehicle!”
“Of course, my lady. I shall ring for a cab at once for your ladyship.”
“You shall do no such thing! The heiress of Rosings cannot be seen in such a conveyance! Send word to my brother the earl this minute! I would see him here and have words with him!”
“As your ladyship pleases,” Drake bowed. The Lady’s face purpled at the repetition of that odious phrase. It seemed none in the house were capable of any other response. “If I may, my lady,” Drake paused as he went off, “is there any refreshment I can have brought while your ladyship waits?”
“Fromthatkitchen?” she sputtered incredulously. “Absolutely not. I would prefer not to be poisoned!”
“As your ladyship pleases.” The door slammed behind him.
Bingleyfinallyletgothe breath he had been holding for most of the morning. He stood at the steps to his house, waving out of duty as the carriage pulled out of the drive, but of course, there was no answering wave. It had taken hours to pack what necessities she deemed indispensable, but at last, Caroline was safely bundled within and on her way to London where she could do no further harm.About damn time!he thought savagely, then chided himself. It was not in his nature to harbour such ungenerous thoughts, even for his most trying sister. It was likely only his anxiety to see his precious angel, which had been wearing on him ever since Darcy had ridden off without him earlier.
He clapped his hands together eagerly, rubbing them in brisk anticipation as he stepped back into the house to find his butler. A quick change of clothes and a call for his favourite hunter would be just the thing! As he passed by the drawing-room, however, a most forlorn sight diverted him.
The room was empty save for a lone figure in light blue near the window. Georgiana appeared to have wandered from the pianoforte and stood silently with her forehead against the window, her arms crossed over her breast. She jumped a little at his approach, having not noticed him until he was very near.
“Miss Georgiana? May I ask if you are well?” he inquired gently.
“Mr Bingley! Oh, yes, I am…” she faltered, her eyes darting about to hide her prevarication. Finally, her shoulders drooped in a long sigh, and blinking, she met his gaze. “I suppose I wish I were not left behind again.” She bit her lip, dropping her eyes once more.
She could never have confessed the depression of her feelings so freely a few days ago, but with Elizabeth’s encouragement, she had resolved to speak her mind more clearly in the future. There were few gentlemen safer than Bingley upon whom to venture her new forthrightness. She watched him hopefully for any sign of understanding.
“Is it that which troubles you! I am so sorry; I had no notion. It is really too bad your cousin could not remain another day or two to keep you company while Darcy is away.”
“Yes,” she answered softly, suddenly fascinated with her shoe ribbons. “It is a pity Richard could not stay.”
“Well, Miss Darcy, I have the perfect solution. You must come with me to call upon the Bennets. I shall be leaving directly.”
“Oh,” she pled, “that… cannot be necessary, surely. Is it even proper? Miss Elizabeth and my brother will be occupied with business, and I should hate to interrupt. Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia called on me just a while ago. They did not stay long, but is it right that I should return the call on the same day?”
“The Bennets do not stand on ceremony, my dear Georgiana!” he laughed. He had not spoken her first name so simply in two or three years—since she had begun to resemble a grown woman, in fact. His light return to their old familiarity brought a smile to her face.
“I… I suppose I could. Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty were going to town from here, they said, but they oughtn’t to be away long, so Miss Kitty said, with the snow threatening. Perhaps I could come...” Her brow furrowed. “Miss Kittydidsay it would be a fine thing if I could play the pianoforte with her sister someday; perhaps we could learn from each other.”
“Which sister?” Bingley asked mildly.
“Well, I should have hoped Miss Elizabeth, as I know her the best, but I do believe she indicated Miss Lydia today when she brought up the idea. She must be greatly accomplished! She said she practices very constantly.”
Bingley let go with a most ungentlemanly guffaw before he could catch himself. “Truly! I imagine, Georgiana, that thereisa great deal you could learn from each other, but I doubt your brother would quite approve of such a curriculum for you. Come, you must accompany me to pay the call! I will ring for the carriage while you make yourself ready.”
Georgiana’s bewildered expression blossomed into something more hopeful. She nodded agreeably and thanked him with a gracious smile as she turned to go.
“Oh, and Georgiana!” he called just before she was out of sight. “Be sure to ask your maid to attend us. We have had enough ladies’ reputations compromised for one week!”
GeorgeWickhamsmiledatthe young lady across from him. Miss Mary King, whose unfortunate complexion always caused her to appear to be blushing whether she was or not, set her cup shakily down upon the tea tray. “I am sorry, Mr Wickham,” she was saying, “that my uncle is away at present. I believe he would be very much honoured to make your acquaintance.”
