“Well,” Richard mused, “I think that went well.”
Later,when the house settled for the night, Darcy asked Elizabeth what the ladies talked about in the sitting room.
Elizabeth ran her fingers over his chest. “Do you honestly believe that bonnets were the subject of the day? Your aunt took notice of Lydia. She commended her for standing up against Mr. Wickham. Her husband’s flirting mortified your sister. My heart ached for Georgiana. Her pain runs no less deep than yours, you dear man. Where your wound is healing, hers is exposed to every toxic action by Mr. Wickham. As long as they are together, she will never have peace.” She kissed his cheek. “I am grieved to sadden you with my report.”
“No, do not be. I am not blind to how Georgie is affected. I encouraged Wickham to leave and pursue his pleasures while we kept my sister with us. He was angry and frustrated when he left the drawing room. I do not know whether he will remain in Hertfordshire or return to London tomorrow. Perhaps he will travel to Derbyshire and try to find a harvest crew who is available.”
“What? He has not yet had Pemberley’s crops broughtin? Did he think the stalks would cut themselves?” She glanced toward the window where rain pelted against the glass. “My love, when Georgiana and I strolled the garden earlier, we talked about how the winter chill seemed to be setting in. I would not be surprised if we wake to find frost covering the ground. This does not bode well for Pemberley, I fear.”
Lord, how I love her.
“What did Georgiana say?” Darcy was almost afraid to ask, fearful of what his sister revealed to Elizabeth and her sisters.
Elizabeth sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. “She is miserable, wishing she never started on this course. Without hesitation, your sister informed Mary, Kitty, and Lydia that they were far too young to think they were ready to marry unless our father fully interviewed the potential mate for a thorough examination of his character.”
Darcy considered her comments carefully. Finally, he said, “She regrets her decision, then? She is no longer attempting to justify herself?”
Elizabeth entwined her fingers with his. “She is not. Your aunt reminded her that underneath her married name, she was a Darcy. She told your sister that she needed to take pride in her heritage if she could not with the life she was currently living. Then, she asked Georgiana if she planned to raise her child as a Darcy or a Wickham. When she failed to reply, Lady Matlock informed her that her worth does not depend on her husband. Your sister needed to hear these words.”
She snuggled closer. “Even my mother, who often makes little sense, told your sister that a wife miserable inher marriage can still find little joys that can delight the senses. For example, an exquisite piece of lace on a plain garment will brighten her day. She then said that the wife of Mr. Wickham had few reasons to repine.” She kissed him under his chin. “I fear Mama was not nearly as helpful as she assumed. However, your sister seemed to take her comments as they were intended. I felt a keen sense of sadness for the state of my parents’ union. If only they had the same closeness we have.”
“We are close, are we not?” Darcy embraced her tightly. “Very close.”
Giggling softly, Elizabeth kissed him until he forgot how to breathe.
27
Prior to entering the breakfast room, Georgiana whispered to Darcy that her husband departed Netherfield Park soon after midnight and had not yet returned. Lines of strain edged his sister’s face. Unfortunately, this was likely not the first time Wickham spent the night away from his wife.
Elizabeth leaned over and softly reminded Georgiana: “You are amongst people who love you, dear girl. You are no longer fighting this battle alone.”
“We stand with you, dear Georgie.” Lady Matlock sat next to her niece.
The family broke their fast before they heard the first stirrings from the Hursts and Miss Bingley.
When Bingley’s youngest sister asked after Wickham, Georgiana approached her, “My husband replaced you as easily as he replaced me.”
“I beg your pardon—” Miss Bingley stammered.
Georgiana had not yet finished speaking. “I now know that George has never been loyal. During the threemonths since you first arrived at Darcy House, my husband was inconstant to me and you. I have spent a substantial part of my days turning away former paramours from our door.”
Miss Bingley gasped.
Georgiana moved closer to Darcy before she said, “Tell me,MissBingley, what will you do when you can no longer hide that you are increasing? I bear the title ‘Missus,’ while you do not. Thus, I have no shame. But you? Who will have you now?”
Miss Bingley swayed, the color leaching from her skin. “You know nothing! I cannot be with child since I am unwed.”
Mrs. Hurst grabbed her sister’s arm, squeezing tightly. “I told you not to start with Mr. Wickham, but you refused to listen. Your actions have ruined you. We will share in your reproach.”
“No, we will not,” Mr. Hurst blathered. “It is high time you find your own establishment, Caroline. You will no longer be welcome at our townhouse. Those days are over.”
“But…” Miss Bingley turned pleading eyes everywhere but on Darcy.
With a glance at the butler, Darcy said, “Be on your way.” Then, the footmen opened the front doors to the frosty morning.
For the first time since Darcy’s introduction to Bingley’s family, Miss Bingley held her tongue.
Once their carriagepulled away from Netherfield Park, Darcy’s uncle announced his intention to travel to London to pack up the house so the family could winter in the north. “If we do not depart now, the weather will be against us.”
