She did not know what she asked of him, only that she needed him to understand it without teasing, without retreating, without hiding behind a book or a jest. For once, he did. His face was sober—more sober than Elizabeth could remember seeing it—and there was no trace of amusement in his eyes.
“Yes,” Mr. Bennet said quietly. “Girls, gather your things.”
Elizabeth loosened her hold on Georgiana, intending only to help her sit before she obeyed, but Georgiana’s hand clutched at her sleeve with sudden desperation.
“No.” The word was so faint it almost vanished beneath her breath. “Please, Elizabeth. Do not go. Please. Do not leave me.”
Darcy looked up, torn between gratitude and propriety. “Georgiana, Elizabeth cannot—”
“I shall stay,” Elizabeth said.
His eyes moved to hers.
She did not look away.
Then she turned back to the girl in her arms and smoothed one trembling hand over Georgiana’s hair. “Of course I shall not go. You and I are to be sisters, are we not? Sisters never abandon one another.”
Georgiana gave a broken sob and buried her face against Elizabeth’s shoulder.
Darcy’s expression changed. The gratitude there nearly undid her, but he still glanced toward Mr. Bennet.
Her father looked from Elizabeth to Georgiana, then to Darcy. His face remained grave, and when he spoke, his usual careless irony was absent. “Mr. Darcy, I am not fond of impropriety, whatever my family may lead you to believe by long practice. But I am less fond of cruelty. If Elizabeth’s presence is needed, she may remain. I will send Susie to attend her.”
“Do not trouble her,” Elizabeth protested. “Netherfield has a very competent staff. Besides, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst are here.”
Mr. Bennet considered this, then nodded.
“Thank you, sir,” Darcy said.
Mr. Bennet’s gaze sharpened. “You will remember that she remains under your protection as well as mine.”
Darcy rose slowly, and though he did not bow deeply, there was a solemnity in him that made the gesture feel almost like a vow. “I will treat Miss Elizabeth with the same honor and care I would demand of any man entrusted with Georgiana.”
For a moment, father and future son-in-law looked at one another in complete seriousness. Elizabeth felt the weight of it pass between them, and for the first time in her life, shewondered whether her father might yet surprise her in the ways that mattered.
Mr. Bennet gave one short nod. “Is there anything more I can do that would be of service?”
“Might Mr. Philips be sent for?” Elizabeth asked.
Mr. Bennet nodded, but Mr. Bingley, seeming relieved by any practical direction, stepped forward. “Do not trouble yourself,” he said, motioning to a footman. “I shall send for him at once.”
Mr. Bennet began ushering his family out the door. Mrs. Bennet looked prepared to object again, but Jane touched her arm and said something softly that drew her away at last. Lydia, subdued now, left without another remark. Kitty followed close behind her. Mary paused just long enough to look at Georgiana with compassion rather than judgment, then went after the others. Jane came to Elizabeth and kissed her cheek.
“Send for me if you need me,” she whispered.
“I will.”
Jane’s hand brushed Georgiana’s shoulder in a gentle farewell before she departed.
“Louisa, my dear, I think that is a signal for us to retire as well,” Mr. Hurst said, rising to his feet.
“Yes, quite right,” Mrs. Hurst agreed. “Come, Caroline.”
Miss Bingley followed.
Mrs. Nicholls hurried into the room, summoned by the footman. She took in the somber atmosphere with a glance and stepped forward. “There is a bedchamber prepared, miss. Next to Miss Darcy, and I shall post someone in the passage.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said. “And will you send for a soothing tea? Perhaps with a little brandy. And—” She hesitated only a moment. “If there is laudanum in the house...”
