Page 31 of A Question of Character

“He is often right.”

“Do not tell him so. It would be intolerable.”

Georgiana’s smile lasted longer this time. Darcy relaxed a little, though the heaviness beneath her manner had not dispersed. He chose his next words with more care.

“You must know that no one can take your place with me.”

Her eyes flew to his.

“I do know it,” she said. “I never thought Miss Bennet would. I am very happy you met her.”

The simplicity of the answer disarmed him.

Darcy sat back.

“You are?”

“Yes.” Georgiana’s hands clasped together over the embroidery. “She is kind, and clever, and she does not treat me as though I am made of sugar. I like her very much.”

“That is a sound recommendation.”

“She makes you happy.”

He had no reply prepared for that. Georgiana rarely spoke so plainly, and when she did, Darcy was left remembering she had observed him all her life with the seriousness of a child who noticed much and said little.

“I enjoy her company,” he said.

Georgiana examined him with a look too like Richard’s for comfort. “That is what you say when you do not wish to say more.”

“I was unaware I had become so easily read.”

“By those who love you.”

He reached for one of the violets that had fallen beside the bowl and rolled the frail stem between his fingers. The flower had bruised purple at the edge.

“Then I am fortunate the number is small.”

“Fitzwilliam.”

“I did not mean that as a complaint.”

“No, but you should have more people who love you.”

The seriousness in her face made him wish, briefly and uselessly, that he could give her the same ease with which Miss Bennet teased him. Georgiana wanted his happiness without quite knowing what to do with the possibility of it.

“Perhaps,” he said, “I am improving my circumstances.”

“I hope you are.”

A knock came at the door, and a footman entered to announce Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Bennet.

Georgiana rose so quickly the embroidery slid to the carpet.

Darcy bent to retrieve it. “There is no need to flee. They are not an invading army.”

“No, but I promised Miss Bennet I would show her the new music you purchased.”

“She may survive a delay of thirty seconds.”