“That is not how you felt about the matter when the rumours were about Miss Elizabeth,” she retorted bitterly.
He sighed and put his hands on her shoulders. “This is Miss Elizabeth’s hometown. She had no means of escape, no recourse to counter such slander, and no hope of forming any other respectable establishment.Youare not quite so unprotected.” He struggled against the irritation in his voice. He did not like her petulant attitude, but he could sympathize. His sister was immature and very badly hurt, and he resolved to handle her as gently as possible.
Georgiana continued silent and morose for another moment. Then, timidly, “Are you going to send me away?”
“That would only confirm the rumours, would it not? No, Georgie, we are going on the offensive, to quote one of Richard’s phrases.”
Her head lifted, curiosity sparking through her tears. “How do you mean?”
He braced her shoulders carefully, gazing into her streaked face. “Georgie, how much of the rumour did you actually hear? Did you know they do not have the right of it?”
Her eyes reflecting confusion, she shook her head.
“It is not Wickham your name is linked with. It is Richard.”
Horror crossed the girl’s features. “No! Richard wouldnever...!”
William raised his hand, interrupting her. “I know, Sweetling, but apparently, your outburst at Longbourn confirmed some part of it, at any rate, as true.”
Georgiana began to sob again. “Poor Richard! If I had only known! Why, I should have simply laughed, like Miss Elizabeth does! Now I have ruined him, as well as myself!”
“If it is any comfort, I do not believe your reaction can have spread to other ears yet, and I suspect the persons who witnessed it to have a short memory.”
Georgiana wiped her face. “What is to be done?” She began to wring her hands in worry.
“Sweetling, it seems to me that the best way to combat an enticing tale is to put forward an even more interesting one. I do not mean we ought to lie,” he added quickly, noting the concern on her face, “but we can clear up matters somewhat.”
“But how?” The frustrated tears wavered in her voice again. “We cannot simply declare Mr W—hima liar. He will only tell the real truth, and that is worse!”
“I do not think he would do so. He likes having the general public’s good esteem. I think it pleases him to be better thought of in company than I. Regardless, that is not my intention. Please do not ask me more as yet, though. I am still trying to decide what is best to be done.”
She firmed her mouth. She would trust her brother; he always knew what was right. Dearest William! He was so good to her, even after her unsurpassable foolishness. A long breath of remorse left her. “Have I…” she hesitated, fearful, then resolved to start again. “Have I ruined things with Miss Elizabeth? Does she hate me now?”
He gave a wry chuckle. “Not in the slightest. She was very worried for you, Georgie.”
“She cannot have forgiven me so easily! I was so vicious and unreasonable! The things I accused her of!”
“Yet she has, and I do not believe it was through any superhuman effort. She has a very generous nature, Georgie, and her sympathies are quite engaged for you. Not,” he held up an admonishing finger, “that you will not be expected to apologize, for I shall insist upon it, but you need not fear any harsh feelings from her.”
Georgiana stared in wonder, a little comforted. “And… what of you, William? Do her sympathies include you now?” She peeked timidly at his face and was treated to a sly little grin. She brightened instantly, her woes temporarily banished. “Oh, William, tell me, please!” she begged.
“I certainly shall not!” he drew to his full height, a faint return to the masterful demeanour he affected before others.
“Very well, I shall just have to ask Lizzy when I see her next,” she tilted her head teasingly.
“Perhaps I shall have to rethink my previous good opinion of her influence upon you,” he quirked an eyebrow.
“It is too late for that now, Brother,” she informed him archly. “If I am to understand you correctly, I will have much opportunity in the future to be influenced by her.”
A satisfied smile slowly blossomed on his face, and he acknowledged the truth. “She has obliged me with her acceptance.” His pleasure clouded slightly. “Her uncle is more sceptical of my intentions, but I am not without hope there. He seems a worthy man, and after today I would not blame him for any reservations he might hold.”
Guilt washed over Georgiana’s features once more. “I did not help, did I?” she whispered.
“Hardly,” he observed dryly. “Though I would not have you think that all of the blame can be assigned to you. I regret that Mr Gardiner first happened upon us just after Elizabeth’s acceptance, at a moment when I was not yet master of my feelings.” He paused, a distant little smile warming his eyes again. “Elizabeth is a woman of strong affections,” he murmured, almost to himself.
Georgiana covered her mouth with her fingertips, both embarrassed and thrilled at her brother’s confession. “William!” she scolded laughingly.
“Oh, yes, I deserve your censure. I should not have mentioned a word of my transgressions to my impressionable sister, should I? I do so because I would not have you believe I am without fault. I am perfectly capable of folly of my own.”
