Page 109

Darcy looked up at his sister, seeing her face but hearing his aunt. He could not suppress a little smile.

“I see you sitting there Georgie but I hear Aunt Susan. I think she is a bad influence on you.”

The both laughed.

“Oh, I am going to tell her that.”

Darcy was pleased at the signs of Georgiana’s spirit returning.

“I am already attending balls, what more can she threaten?”

More laughter.

“But in answer to your question. I was thinking about Pemberley and father. And yes, despite his passing these five years now, I recalled the time that we spent together.”

Georgiana had only been 10 when their father died, her relationship with him was different than that of her much older brother. She was always fascinated to talk of him, but Fitzwilliam rarely indulged her.

“What prompted the memory?”

“I was asked about Pemberley at the ball last night. For a horrible moment I thought it was a typical fortune hunting enquiry but it was anything but. The young lady wanted me to describe Pemberley, the woods, the pasture and arable lands, the changes in elevation and how that impacted the estate. It was the sort of questioning and discussion I myself had with our father. At first it brought back the painful memory of his passing, but as I talked of Pemberley and answered the lady’s questions it allowed me to reminisce of the time we spent together. It was not anything so dramatic as banishing ghosts but it did let me find a balance, and not just focus on my sorrows.”

Georgiana had been gripped by her brother’s narrative.

“I know the estate, but not as you do. Will you repeat the tale for me please?”

Darcy was delighted to indulge his sister and the next hour was spent given an enlarged version of the conversation from the dancefloor and supper table.

“I am remiss in enquiring of the name of the young lady that made such a diverting request.”

Darcy looked at his sister.

“It was Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

“Miss Bennet, really?”

He nodded and recounted the other parts of the evening, his dancing the first, her laughter at the Colonel’s excitement for the tournament, even noting that she danced with the Duke of Desmond.

“You danced the first Fitzwilliam?”

Georgiana stood up and pressed the back of her hand against his forehead.

“I was sure you had a fever.”

“Georgie!”

Again, her laughter was a welcome sound and he was unbothered by her cheek. Or by the use of his full name.

“What prompted this unique event?”

“Unique?”

“You have to admit, you are renowned for not dancing the first. I am two years from coming out, and even I know it.”

Darcy was in danger of breaking his record for smiles in a day, and it was not yet 11.00 in the morning.

“That reputation is to be consigned to the rubbish. Miss Bennet and Lady Maria introduced me to a Miss Johnson. The lady is in her third season, is plain and painfully shy. It was not the easiest set I have ever danced, but it was far from the most painful. Miss Bennet described her as a wallflower, and that there are many of them, even at private balls. One dance with such a young lady does not create expectations and it will do wonders for her reputation. The young lady danced at least three other dances, that I saw. There may have been more. Miss Bennet gently scolded me to use my consequence for good.”

“That is quite the story. You are going to continue this behaviour?”