Georgiana’s usual reserve melted away as enthusiasm overtook her natural shyness. “Fitzwilliam, they are the most delightful companions. Cecilia has a quick wit, and Felicity knows everything about literature and art. Just yesterday, we spent hours in Uncle Hugh’s library discussing poetry. Neither of them made me feel foolish for my opinions.”
“I am pleased to hear it.” Darcy smiled at the animation in her voice. Since the dreadful business with Wickham at Ramsgate the previous summer, Georgiana’s loss of confidence in her own judgment had made her hesitant to form new friendships. “Tell me more about these remarkable young ladies.”
“Aunt Helen says they are perfectly well-bred with the most elegant manners. They are both accomplished on the pianoforte, though in different ways. Cecilia prefers lively country dances, while Felicity plays more complex sonatas.”
Georgiana set her music aside and sat next to him on the settee. “They have invited me to join them for so many wonderful activities this summer. Garden parties at their family estates, visits to the theater, expeditions to Somerset House and the British Museum. Cecilia’s mother has even suggested we might attend an evening at Vauxhall with their family. Brother, I know that you would be most welcome to join us.”
Her joy made it all the more difficult for Darcy to tell her his news. “Georgiana, I am delighted that your friendship with these young ladies has grown so quickly. However, I must speak with you about a matter that will affect our plans for the coming months.”
Her smile faltered, the way it did when she braced forunwelcome news. “What is it, Fitzwilliam? Do we leave for Pemberley?”
“No, this is different. I have accepted an invitation to join an expedition to the Mediterranean in search of manuscripts from the lost Library of Alexandria.”
Georgiana stilled. Her mouth gaped. “For how long?”
“Several months, or longer, depending on what we discover. We depart within days.”
Georgiana studied her fingernails. “Then I shall cancel my appointments with Cecilia and Felicity.”
Darcy was firm, though gentle. “Georgiana, you must understand that I could never permit you to undertake such a journey. The dangers are considerable for a lady. I need to know that you are safe here in England with Richard’s parents.”
Relief rippled across her features before she caught herself. “Of course. I understand completely. I shall miss you dreadfully.”
“And I you, dearest Sister.” He reached into his coat and withdrew the smaller forest-green journal he had purchased at Hatchards. “Which is why I hoped you might do me a great favor.”
She accepted the book, running her fingers over the supple binding. “It is beautiful.”
“I would like you to record your activities and impressions while I am away—your outings with your friends, your thoughts on the books you read, and your observations about London Society. When I return, I shall read every word and feel as though I shared in your experiences.”
Her whole manner brightened as she opened the journal to examine the cream-colored pages within. “What a lovely idea! But what of your own adventures? Surely you will have far more interesting experiences than the quiet activities I will write about in my journal.”
“I shall do the same, documenting everything we see and discover. When I return, we can share our journals and compare.”
“I should like that above all things.” Georgiana clutched her book to her chest. “But it sounds alarmingly dangerous. I shall worry about you constantly. Will you be well protected?”
Darcy’s mouth quirked upward. “Richard will be at my side. Between his expertise and my natural caution, I expect us to manage tolerably well.”
“Our cousin is accompanying you? That provides some comfort, though now I shall fear for his safety, too.”
She studied him with a penetrating gaze that reminded him so forcefully of their father. “This seems so…out of character for you, Brother. What is it in particular that is drawing you to this venture?”
“The scholarly opportunities are genuine, and Professor Drye’s research is compelling,” Darcy said. “Sometimes, Georgiana, a man must test himself against challenges beyond the familiar routines of his daily habits.”
She nodded solemnly, though she seemed to sense that there was more to his motivation than he had revealed. “Then I will pray for your safe return?both you and Richard?and fill this journal with such entertaining accounts that you will never regret leaving me behind.”
“I shall hold you to that promise. It gives me great peace to know you will be cared for while I am away.” He stood and moved to a side table where he had left awrapped package. “I brought you a gift to keep you occupied in my absence.”
Georgiana untied the brown paper to reveal a stack of novels, their spines bearing exotic titles likeThe Italian Count, A Sicilian Rose, The Greek Captive, The Ottoman Jewel, and The Arabian Knight.“Are these for me?”
“The clerk at Hatchards assured me they are perfectly suitable for a young lady of your age. I thought they might serve to remind you of your brother’s travels without exposing you to any actual danger.”
She laughed, the sound music to his ears. “You think of everything. I shall read them all and imagine you encountering similar romance on your way to Egypt.
Romance.The word struck him with unexpected force. Georgiana could not know how accurately she had identified the real reason he was going on this journey.
“Will you write to me?” she asked. “Even if letters take months to reach England?”
“At every opportunity. I want to know that you are not merely safe, but genuinely happy.”
