Page 48 of Twice Chosen

Bingley laughed. Caroline did not.

Elizabeth sat beside Georgiana and spoke of music, books, and Derbyshire, carefully avoiding knowledge she ought not to possess.

Then Georgiana mentioned she preferred playing early in the morning.

Elizabeth said automatically, "When the house is quiet."

Georgiana smiled. "Yes. Exactly."

Darcy looked at Elizabeth.

She saw affection in his eyes. And gratitude.

Later Georgiana whispered to her brother, "I like her."

Darcy's response came too quickly. "So do I."

Georgiana laughed.

Darcy stared.

She covered her mouth. "I am sorry."

"No, you are not."

"No."

That delighted him.

Elizabeth watched from across the room.

This was already different.

Good.

The journey from London brought Georgiana into a neighborhood far noisier than she had expected. Longbourn alone seemed to contain more voices than Darcy's entire London house.

At first she tired quickly.

Darcy noticed before she said so. The old version of him would have ordered rest. This one asked.

"Would you like to return to Netherfield?"

Georgiana glanced toward Lydia and Kitty, who were arguing over whether a military sash would improve a blue gown. "Not yet."

"You need not remain for politeness."

"I know."

That answer pleased him.

Elizabeth saw the exchange from across the room and waited until Georgiana had gone to the window with Jane before approaching Darcy.

"Better," she murmured.

"What is?"

"You asked."