“When did you realize you loved my brother?”
“I cannot tell you the exact time or date. As I look back, I feel he always fascinated me; he would make me so angry I would try to find fault with him; then he would do something so unpredictable. He helped me carry water to my sister’s room at Netherfield, out of everyone he could have chosen, he honored me with a dance at the ball, and he shared walks and the field of wildflowers at Rosings. One moment I professed hating him, and then I found Icould not take my eyes from his, and I wanted the regard he once offered me. Obviously, he did the honorable thing; your brother saved my family because he loved me. I finally saw him for the man he always was and allowed myself the pleasure of truly loving him. Now, he gives me more than I could imagine. I am not talking about the wealth of Pemberley; of what I speak is a more intangible gift.Your brother allows me to be a woman with her own independent ideas. Although we rarely disagree about issues, I could differ from him, and Fitzwilliam would listen and be accepting. He allows me to love him on my own terms without the demands society might place on us. I find that for a man who once required society’s approval for his every move, your brother is able to see what merits real ‘worthiness’ in a relationship.”
“But what if Fitzwilliam wants to present me to society this season? How may I disappoint him and still maintain Mr. Harrison’s regard?”
“I will speak to your brother about waiting another season before your presentation, but I will not lie to him about the reasons.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth. I could not face Fitzwilliam without you.”
“Now, your brother wishes you to come greet the colonel and Anne. Tell him I will be there shortly; I must see Mrs. Reynolds about something for tonight.”
As Georgiana turned toward the drawing room, Elizabeth went to find Mr. Harrison; he lounged in the billiard room although he did not play.“Mr. Harrison, I sought your company.”
“Mrs. Darcy, may I be of service to you?”
“I want to speak of something serious, and I desire you to speak the truth.” She came in close to let him know she wanted his absolute attention.
“Of course, Mrs. Darcy.” He escorted her to adjoining chairs.
“Mr. Harrison, I am not a foolish woman; I see how you look at Miss Darcy.”
“I am afraid I do not hide my feelings well. I would seek your husband’s approval if I thought Miss Darcy returned my feelings.”
“Mr. Harrison, Mr. Darcy would not accept such a proposal at this time regarding his sister, and I told Georgiana I would not support her relationship with you.”
“Am I such a poor choice for Miss Darcy?”
“This is not what I meant, Mr. Harrison; my early inclination is to believe you to be an excellent choice for my sister; you listen to her and treat her like a woman whom you would respect as well as love.”
“Then what is your concern, Mrs. Darcy?”
“For all her fine learning, Georgiana is a delicate young girl who wears her heart on her sleeve, and until I am sure you will not break her heart, I will notpersuademy husband to give his approval. What I am going to suggest is you return to Hines Park and, literally, get your house in order. Prove to Mr. Darcy your regard for his sister has nothing to do with her fortune. Allow your affection for Miss Darcy to stay in check until both of you feelreal love.I have no objections to your occasional visit to Pemberley, but until at least the end of the summer and Georgiana’s next birthday, Iforbidyour obtaining a promise from Miss Darcy. I want her to be free to choose you without any obligation to do so. Do you understand my wishes, Mr. Harrison? I will not allow you to trifle with Georgiana’s heart. If you two are to really love each other, it will stand the test of time.”
“Mrs. Darcy, your wisdom is never a question.”
“Neither should be my resolve, Mr. Harrison.”
“I will abide by your wishes, Mrs. Darcy, but when the time expires, I will make my declaration to Miss Darcy and pray she will accept.”
“Come, Mr. Harrison, my husband has guests for you to meet.” She took his arm as they returned to the drawing room. “One of them, Colonel Fitzwilliam, a man trained in how to kill another efficiently, is Georgiana’s other guardian.” Elizabeth smiled deviously.
“I thoroughly understand, Mrs. Darcy.” Harrison looked uncomfortable as he mulled over her words.
“Elizabeth, there you are,” Darcy called as she entered the room on Mr. Harrison’s arm. She quickly left Harrison and slipped into Darcy’s outstretched arm.
“I am sorry, Love; I wanted to let the staff know the colonel and Anne have joined us. I did not mean to be so long.” She slid her arm around his waist as she turned her attention to their guests. “Edward, you are most welcomed, and Miss de Bourgh, we cannot tell you what joy you brought to this household today. I am excited you are here.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy; Edward and I have been anticipating the pleasure.”
Turning back and gesturing to Harrison to join them, Elizabeth said, “Colonel Fitzwilliam, Miss de Bourgh, this is one of our houseguests, Mr. Chadwick Harrison of Hines Park.”
Edward made his bow. “I know Hines Park; I did not realize you took possession of the estate, Mr. Harrison.”
“I have, Colonel Fitzwilliam; my father passed recently.”
“We offer you our support, Sir,” Anne added softly. Harrison made an acknowledging bow and took his leave.
“Georgiana, why do you not show Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson to their rooms? I am sure she would like some time to freshen up.”
