“I already have, though in truth, I do not feel I am owed any apology. You have done only what you needed to in order to be well.”
Georgiana gave a single sob, and Elizabeth murmured soothing sounds. Although Darcy was mostly concerned with the present, he saw before him proof of what an excellent, caring mother she would be to their children. In some ways, Georgianawashis child; his responsibility to her had been that of a parent since she was ten years old.
“I cannot tell you how glad I was to receive your letter,” Elizabeth said. “I had thought of you often, many times each day, praying that you were beginning to feel stronger. It was such a relief to read that you were, and now, I have the great pleasure of seeing it with my own eyes.”
Georgiana sat up, sniffed, and wiped her nose with a hastily retrieved handkerchief. “Despite me making a fool of myself as soon as I saw you?” She accompanied her words with a bashful chuckle.
Elizabeth gave her a teasing smile. “Yes, despite that. Shall we speak of something else? I would like to hear what you have been doing since arriving in town. Your brother mentioned you have a new music master. What have you been learning?”
The conversation became more comfortable the longer it proceeded, and Darcy could have kissed Elizabeth—not only because he very, very much enjoyed doing so but because his love for her grew the more he watched her draw out his sister and help her set aside her worries for a time. He was not stupid;he knew that as wonderful as his Elizabeth was, she was not the cure to what ailed Georgiana, but he was absolutely convinced she was part of what his sister needed. Elizabeth was already demonstrating that she would fight for Georgiana, let her cry when she needed to, and hold her hand when she was most lost to melancholia, but she would also help to pull her away from her darker thoughts and remind her that she could be happy.
They drank tea and ate sweet tarts, then Darcy and Georgiana took Elizabeth on a leisurely tour of the house. Soon after that, Elizabeth announced that she should depart.
“Jane will be expecting me. Bingley’s sisters and Mr Hurst are coming to dinner.”
“Do they know you and my brother are engaged?” Georgiana asked.
“Bingley intends to tell them, though whether he has yet, I do not know,” Darcy said. “There is no immediate need, given the wedding is not until spring.”
“Is that for my sake?”
“That is part of it,” Elizabeth told her. “I do not want you to feel as though everything is changing too quickly, and I shall ask you to promise that if it is, you will tell me or your brother or the colonel. There is also Jane to consider, with the removal to Larch Lane and her happy expectations. She will require my assistance, and naturally, I wish to give it.”
Georgiana nodded. “Will you see Mr and Mrs Gardiner soon?” She addressed her question as much to Darcy as Elizabeth.
“I hope to see them both before long,” Darcy said. “Why do you ask?”
Georgiana’s cheeks turned light pink, and her tone was diffident when she admitted, “I liked them both very muchwhen we met last summer. When it is convenient, I would be happy to see them again.”
Elizabeth met his gaze, and he saw the same satisfaction in hers that he felt. She understood what a remarkable step this was for his sister. It was also Georgiana’s way of recognising their connexion to the Gardiners.
“They would be most pleased to see you. We shall arrange something.” Elizabeth briefly clasped Georgiana’s hand.
His sister nodded and, after a polite farewell, left them alone.
At once, Darcy had both of Elizabeth’s hands in his and was kissing her. She made a noise of pleasure, and he anticipated hearing a great many of them in the future.
“That went better than I expected it would,” she said.
“Are you generally dissatisfied with the manner in which I kiss you?” He was not certain his attempt at teasing her would succeed, but fortunately, she laughed.
“That isexactlywhat I meant, my darling Darcy.” She tugged on his hands until he bent over enough for her to kiss him.
“To be serious, I agree,” he said afterwards. “Georgiana has been acting resolute and brave, for lack of another way to describe it, but I have not known how much is an act rather than what she truly feels.”
“I think she is as hopeful as we are.” Elizabeth caressed his cheek with the tips of her fingers. “I am very happy. Incredibly so.” He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, she laughed and continued. “To be clear, I meant to be here with you, not just that your sister is doing so well. Upon occasion, we are allowed to think of ourselves, be selfish, and set aside consideration of everyone else.”
“Such as my cousin or the Hursts and Miss Bingley? I shallbe thinking of you, your sister, and Bingley this evening and hoping his family behaves themselves.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “Is it wrong that I am preparing myself for them to be disagreeable? But I shall leave my brother to manage them. I also intendnotto think of seeing the earl and countess tomorrow.”
“Are you nervous?”
“A little, and we are doing it again—speaking of other people when I would rather use the last minute we have together today to think only of us.”
“Oh?” he said as he lowered his head towards hers once again.
Elizabeth was warmly welcomed by the earl and countess when she, Jane, and Bingley dined with them.
