“What do you conclude from that?”
Her lower lip quaked. “Do you not see? He returned home a changed man. Upon seeing Miss Powell again, maybe he came to understand that she is the woman he truly loves.”
I shook my head. “That sort of speculation will only further distress you. This situation has gone on long enough. You must demand a full explanation from Richard.”
Georgiana shifted upright. “You are correct. I deserve to know the reason for the change in him. I shall talk to him tonight. But what shall I do if he refuses to explain himself?”
What indeed?My foot tapped upon the rocky ground as I scrambled to divine the best possible advice. What would I do in her place? “If that should happen, you shall inform him that until he provides you an answer, you will remain at Pemberley with us.”
“But that sounds so…drastic.”
My arm encircled Georgiana’s shoulder, and I pulled her closer. “This way, Richard will know you are serious. If necessary, a little time without you is certain to make him appreciate you again, and we will be delighted for your company.”
She rested her head against my shoulder. “Thank you. I feel more confident now that I have a plan of action. Either Richard and I shall discuss the matter tonight, or I shall have an extended visit with my beloved brother, sister, and nephew.”
“You are welcome.” I patted her back. “I am certain you and Richard will get through this and be happy again.”
By the time we returned to the picnic, Georgiana had recovered her tranquillity. Rory’s robust barks heralded the return of my father, Bennet, and Anne.
My son broke from the other two and ran to me, clutching a handful of daisies. “Mama, Mama, for you!” He took care to separate one from the bunch and present it to me.
I crouched to accept the offering and held the bloom aloft. “What a beautiful flower, Bennet. Thank you.” I pointed to the others in his hand. “Did you pick one for each of the ladies?”
He responded with several emphatic nods. “Cousin Anne said I should.”
My sight shifted up to Anne, who stood nearby. “What a charming idea!” I rose to my feet, and Bennet proceeded towards Jane and Georgiana, who stood together.
Anne took a tentative step in my direction. She crossed her arms then let them fall at her sides. “I have enjoyed this opportunity to become acquainted with your son and father. They are both charming.”
“As you may assume, I am biased, but Bennet and my father are two of my favourite people, so I heartily agree.”
“I hope to find amity with you as well.” Her gaze met mine for a moment before darting away.
Did she mean that? She appeared to be sincere. Could Lady Catherine have been so wrong about Anne, or had her perspective changed along with her health? At any rate, she awaited my reply. “I am glad to hear it. By the time you leave here, I hope you will consider me a friend.”
“Yes, that would be…lovely.” A transient smile brightened her aspect for a moment. “Pray accept my apology for my unexpected appearance as well as that of my mother. No doubt she has been a distressing guest for you. It is high time she accepted and embraced your marriage to Darcy. It is obvious to everyone but her how happy he is with you.”
I beamed at her. “Rest assured, I am delighted you are here.”
As a group, we played a few rounds of twenty questions before we returned to the house.
Graham
Mr. Bennet handed Miss Anne de Bourgh into the carriage, and I performed the service for Lady Rebecca. The latter female’s stormy thoughts held my attention throughout the ride despitethe amiable discourse that continued between Mr. Bennet and Miss Anne de Bourgh.
Soon enough, Lady Rebecca’s financial difficulties became clear, along with her remorse for ever agreeing to Lady Catherine’s scheme against Elizabeth. She had determined to abandon the intrigue—an excellent decision!
When we alighted from the coach, Lady Rebecca held back, lost in her introspection. She flinched when I approached her, straightened her shoulders, and faced me. “Mr. Graham.”
I inched closer. “Pray excuse my presumption, but you appear to be troubled. If you require any assistance, I am at your service.”
She blinked at me, staring into my eyes. “Thank you. I hate to imagine what you must think of me. My conduct here has been shameful and outrageous. I shall depart Pemberley as soon as may be.”
Ah, that would be for the best—Elizabeth would be relieved to be rid of her. I offered my arm. “Shall we proceed to the house?”
“By all means.” She took my arm, and we walked towards the entrance.
“What are your plans now?”
