Page 53 of To Win Her Affections

“Sister!” exclaimed she. “That is wonderful!”

Then she seemed to come to the same conclusion as Mr. Gardiner.

“Is it not precipitous? Is it wise to propose to her at such a time as this?”

“Come, Georgiana,” said Darcy, taking her hand and leading her to a bench that sat near the entrance outside, where they would not be overheard. “I shall tell you, but the business is pressing, and I must depart before long.”

When they were seated, Georgiana turned to him expectantly, remembering his need for haste. Darcy considered how best to convey what he wished while holding to brevity.

“The truth is that I have wished to have Miss Bennet’s acceptance of my suit for many months,” said Darcy.

“I suspected something,” said Georgiana. “Even as far back as when you were at Netherfield. You mentioned Miss Bennet in your letters, and that is something you have never done before.”

“Yes,” reflected Darcy, “my fascination with her began not long after I arrived in Hertfordshire. For reasons I have no time to explain before I must depart, ours has not been a typical courtship. Before I encountered her at Pemberley, I had some thought of returning to Hertfordshire to continue our acquaintance. Since our meeting, however, something has changed between us.

“If not for this business with Miss Lydia, I would have been content to court her as she deserves with the understanding that I would propose. Wickham’s actions, however, have forced an earlier decision—to involve myself freely in the matter, a connection to the family is highly desirable, and the most natural connection is through marriage.”

“Then,” said Georgiana, as if attempting to think his explanation through, “she has accepted you because of her family’s plight? Or is it because she wants to marry you?”

That question struck to the core of Darcy’s insecurity. The thought that had niggled at him since he had departed from Lambton, that the business had forced her hand, still had no answer. Though Darcy did not like disguise, he would not leave Georgiana in suspense or allow her to worry about his relationship with the woman who would become his wife. Thus, he hedged a little, determined to discover the truth when the opportunity presented itself.

“This business has necessitated an earlier resolution than either of us would have wished,” said Darcy, smiling at his sister to put her at ease. “Yet I have no concern at all about Miss Bennet’s integrity or her willingness to refuse any proposal regardless of the circumstances. Trust me, Georgiana—all will be well.”

Whether Georgiana understood what he did not say, Darcy did not know—she nodded and turned her attention back to the matter at hand.

“It is unfortunate that she must go south, though I suppose they were to depart tomorrow anyway. I wished to come to know her better.”

“If that is what you want, I can oblige. Bingley will take his family to the north, then depart for Netherfield Park, his leased estate that borders Longbourn, the estate of Miss Bennet’s father. Though I must depart with all speed for the south, you may follow in a few days. When I conclude this business in London, I shall go to Hertfordshire. If you arrive earlier, you may join me in London.”

“Oh, I should like that very much,” replied Georgiana as Darcy had known she would.

“Then it is settled,” replied Darcy, rising to his feet. “Discuss your plans with Mrs. Annesley and Snell, as he will remain at Pemberley. When you decide, send word on ahead to me. Should I go to Hertfordshire early, I shall send word to you.”

Georgiana rose with him and embraced him. “Thank you, Brother. Travel safely and deal with Mr. Wickham once and for all. When I join you, I shall anticipate hearing of his downfall.”

After returning her embrace, Darcy released her and gave her a smile. She was now sixteen, would be seventeen late next spring. Darcy was not looking forward to the next years, when she would come out, find a husband, and leave his home. For many years, it had been Darcy and his sister, the only members of the immediate family, and Darcy was not eager to lose that closeness.

Of course, bringing Miss Elizabeth home as his bride, knowing the joy she would bring to his home, would turn his thoughts in other directions. Miss Elizabeth would be an excellent mentor for his sister, and she would fill a place in his life that was currently empty, but she would not replace Georgiana. No one could replace his dear sister.

“When next we meet, I shall take great pleasure in telling you about Wickham’s fate—then again, Fitzwilliam might get to it first.”

Georgiana laughed with delight. “Yes, that is a facet of Anthony’s character to be certain.”

“Very well,” said Darcy. “I must be away at once.”

After one last embrace, Darcy entered the carriage and gave the order, and soon the driver set the team into motion. As they pulled away from the house, Darcy looked back at his sister, waving to her, knowing they would be reunited soon. He also caught sight of a shadow in an upstairs window, and though it was indistinct, Darcy knew that Miss Bingley watched him depart.

It was not difficult to imagine her anger at his departure and the destruction of her hopes. But Darcy was not concerned with Miss Bingley’s offense—the woman would overcome her disappointment, and when she did, she would turn her attention to some other gentleman of consequence she thought she could persuade. As she was not his concern, Darcy turned his attention back to what he was doing.

The moment the carriage reached the road, the driver urged the team forward, and the carriage gathered speed. At this pace, they would arrive in Lambton quickly. Then the journey to London. Darcy did not appreciate extensive travel, but now he felt a different anticipation altogether, the sort that would end with a worthless man finally paying the price for years of wrongdoing.

THE GARDINER PARTY was prepared to depart long before Mr. Darcy returned from Pemberley. Though Elizabeth chafed at the delay, a strange impatience had settled over her since Mr. Darcy’s departure. She knew there was no alternative and did her best to remain calm.

Though Elizabeth and her aunt handled the preparation of their personal effects, Mr. Gardiner was not idle. When Mr. Darcy departed, he descended to speak to the innkeeper, then had a word with his driver, instructing him to make for Longbourn where he would receive further instructions. When this was complete, he returned to their rooms to find the ladies ready to depart.

“When do you suppose Mr. Darcy will return?” asked Elizabeth.

“At least another thirty minutes,” replied Mr. Gardiner. “The innkeeper will dispatch a man to carry our effects downstairs shortly. By the time he arrives, we will be waiting for him.”