Page 57 of A Question of Character

“I have never visited Ramsgate.”

“You must one day.”

“I hope to.”

Georgiana’s enthusiasm carried her forward another few yards before she stopped again to watch a pair of swans gliding silently across the water.

By the time they reached Darcy House, the afternoon had begun to mellow into that pleasant hour when even London appeared less hurried. A groom was leading two horses across the square, a pair of ladies lingered over some matter of consequence outside a neighboring residence, and somewhere farther down the street a knife grinder announced his trade with a melancholy bell.

Mrs. Gardiner’s carriage waited before the steps.

“I had begun to fear I should be obliged to come in search of you,” Mrs. Gardiner said as the footman lowered the steps. “Though I confess Hyde Park is considerably larger than I remembered.”

“We were detained by ducks,” Elizabeth replied.

Mr. Gardiner chuckled. “A perfectly respectable excuse.”

Mrs. Gardiner looked from one face to another.

“I shall accept it this once.”

Georgiana laughed and slipped her hand into Mrs. Gardiner’s.

“You must not blame Elizabeth. It was I who insisted we stop.”

“My dear, I have no intention of blaming anyone. It has been a beautiful afternoon.”

“It has indeed,” Darcy said.

His eyes rested upon Elizabeth briefly before propriety demanded they move elsewhere.

Mrs. Gardiner accepted Mr. Gardiner’s assistance into the carriage. Elizabeth remained upon the pavement for another moment while Georgiana embraced her.

“You will write?”

“I promise.”

“And you will tell me everything about Ireland?”

“Everything that is fit to be written.”

Georgiana smiled.

“Then I shall expect a very long letter.”

“I suspect my aunt will insist upon one.”

“I shall answer every one.”

Elizabeth squeezed her hands gently before releasing them.

“I shall miss you.”

The younger woman’s expression brightened and faltered in the same instant.

“I shall miss you too.”

Darcy stepped nearer.