Georgiana raised her eyes when Richard burst into laughter.
“Little Georgiana, is it? When did our aunt last see you, my girl?”
Darcy replied, “When she was five. Her manner and her voice frightened Georgie, and my father declared he would not subject her to such distress again.”
Richard chuckled. “What our aunt will say when she beholds a grown woman, with fair hair and standing near five feet seven in her stockinged feet.”
Georgiana giggled, then grew serious. “Is she much inclined to raise her voice and scold, brother?”
Darcy considered her question. “She is, my girl, though not from anger. Our aunt is very passionate and intense in her manner of speaking, particularly when she is interested in the subject under discussion.”
“Your brother, my dear, is often the object of her strongest reproofs, for she insists he must marry our cousin Anne, and he refuses to comply like the pig-headed creature he is.”
This observation sent Richard into a loud guffaw, but Georgiana’s eyes widened with concern.
“Do not heed your cousin, my dear. He teases me and forgets himself. Richard, I must remind you we are in mixed company, and one among us is both young and impressionable.”
Richard smiled at Georgiana. “Not so impressionable, Darcy. She possesses a keen mind and a ready wit. Did she not contrive to save herself from that scoundrel?”
Darcy studied his sister, hoping Richard’s remark did not distress her, but she returned her cousin’s look with an impish grin.
“Did you hear that, brother? Richard says I am clever and quick-witted, and I must be so, for I contrived to save myself.”
She appeared gratified by his notice of her courage, then said, “But oh, Fitzwilliam, how I longed for you, and I was grateful you came to me so quickly.”
His expression was earnest. “The moment I received your express, I ordered my horse and rode through the night to reach you. I have never endured a more wretched journey, fearing all the while Wickham might escape and carry you off.”
Richard reached for her hand. “And how do you fare now, my dear? Have the night terrors returned?”
“I did not think of it before, but I have not had any night terrors since I came to Matlock House. Perhaps it is because Wickham is afraid of you. He knows you would not hesitate to run him through.”
Richard raised his brows in amusement. “He does? How do you know this, my dear girl?”
“Fitzwilliam told me Wickham has always feared you, for you never permitted him any liberties when you were boys.”
Richard's grin was mocking. “Quite true, and now I am a seasoned soldier, he has even greater cause to fear me.”
Panting, Anne sank to the ground when she reached the far side of the track as Elizabeth passed her, calling back, “I shall run one more and then join you.”
Anne rummaged through the basket in search of something to eat. By the time Elizabeth returned, she had eaten three eggs.
“Lizzy, how far do you normally run? I cannot keep pace with you.”
“At home, I run along the rises that edge my father’s estate. I suppose it is near four miles, though here we keep to this hidden track and do not go so far.”
“Why do you run such a distance?”
“I enjoy the outdoors, Annie. Longbourn is a modest manor and much crowded with six women and the servants, so there is little opportunity for quiet reflection. I spend a few hours each day outside, so I may have a moment to think. Three of us are of a quieter disposition, but the two youngest take after our mother and fill the house with noise. It tries my father’s patience, and ours as well, though it is calmer now Lydia is away at school and Mary is settled at the parsonage.”
“And now you are gone as well.”
“Yes, though I am expected home in late November, so my absence is only temporary.”
Anne’s expression dimmed. “How shall I manage without you, Lizzy? We run each morning, then eat outdoors. My gowns are tighter, especially at the bust, which is positively delightful.My figure is finally that of a woman. Mamma has sent for the modiste from Westerham to fit me for new gowns. I believe the fresh air and exercise must agree with me.”
“I believe your improved spirits have had a hand in it as well.”
“Yes, even Mamma has remarked upon it. She says my complexion is no longer sallow, and my eyes are brighter.”
