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“Take her to the conservatory and let her play,” Mrs. Reynolds instructed, and as Margaret headed in that direction, she kept up a one-sided conversation all the while.

“What will you want to do first, little miss? Will you be riding the rocking horse or shall we find your ball and ...”

Georgiana followed their progress, smiling at Margaret’s banter until they were out of sight, then enquired, “Could I have a minute of your time, Mrs. Reynolds?”

“Of course, you may. Would you like to go to my office or the drawing room?”

“The drawing room,” Georgiana said, immediately heading in that direction with Mrs. Reynolds on her heels. They had no more gotten into the room and closed the door, before William’s sister looked both ways, as though she was not sure they were alone, and whispered conspiratorially, “We shall have a wedding to plan very shortly.”

The old servant smiled at Georgiana’s enthusiasm. “You may be correct.”

“I am correct! And after the wedding, I shall want to have a grand reception at Rosewood and invite everyone in Derbyshire and half of London. Will you help me to plan it?”

“Perhaps you had better wait until the Master informs us of his plans— cart before the horse and all that.”

“I know I should wait, but I am so excited!” Her voice got higher as she continued. “Who would have thought when William brought Miss Elizabeth to Pemberley that she would become my sister? She is free—free to marry and have lots of children, so Millie will have plenty of cousins as playmates.”

“My, my! We have gone from wedding receptions to children in two sentences,” Abigail Reynolds chuckled.

“I am awful! I know I am! But I have waited for this day for so long!” Georgiana stepped into the middle of the room and began turning in a circle like a child, arms straight out and eyes closed. She practically shouted. “My brother is getting married! Do you hear, Pemberley? You are to have a mistress once again, and the sounds of children’s laughter will be heard echoing down your halls!”

Laughing and crying at the same time, Mrs. Reynolds reached out to steady her as she came to a wobbly stop. “Well, in order that we both do not get into trouble, I suggest we wait until the engagement is announced, then I shall be more than willing to help you plan any number of soirees. Is that acceptable?”

Georgiana nodded her head in concurrence as she took hold of both the housekeeper wrinkled hands. “You have been like a mother to William and me, so I do not have to ask if you approve. You must be thrilled, as I can tell you love Elizabeth as much as William and I do.”

“At first I was determined to like Miss Elizabeth because I knew the Master cared for her. Later, as I learned her story and saw her fortitude in trying to overcome circumstances that would have crushed most young women, I admired her. But, I must confess, it was her regard for our dear boy that made me love her. Though I did not agree with the solution, she truly loved your brother enough to put his welfare before her own—willing to leave Pemberley rather than risk some harm coming to him. And that is why I know she will be the perfect mate for him and the ideal Mistress for Pemberley.”

“I could not have said it better. Elizabeth is the kind of woman I always wished my brother to marry. And to think that I was entirely wrong about her in the beginning, refusing to allow myself to see past her injuries and her circumstances—to see their bond. I am not sure if I actually professed my faults to either of them, so when she returns I shall confess my failings, ask their forgiveness and acknowledge that they are ideally matched.”

Mrs. Reynolds reached to take Georgiana’s hand. “That is one of your most endearing qualities—you have never been too proud to admit your mistakes.”

A tear slid down Georgiana’s face. “I always wanted you to be proud of me.”

Mrs. Reynolds pulled her into a hug. “You have made it very easy, my sweet girl.”

Barnwell’s Boarding House

The Family Parlour

Abby Barnwell stood at the door to the parlour beaming at her handiwork. She was immensely proud to have put together a proper wedding, including a lovely cake and refreshments with very little notice.

All the furniture had been moved out of the parlour, except for the pianoforte, and a large sideboard holding the refreshments and some tables along the wall. A few smaller, wooden chairs had been added so that the guests could sit and enjoy the refreshments afterward. A latticework trellis, made by her husband for just such occasions, had been placed at the front of the room. It was painted white, and lace was interwoven throughout the lattice. She always added fresh greenery with every wedding, weaving it in with the delicate lace. That greenery, along with flowers in crystal vases on every available surface, made the space a veritable garden.

Having used most of her mother’s best china, crystal and silverware, the entire room seemed to glow as candles reflected off every surface, including the mirrors along the walls and in the midst of all this finery stood a beautifully decorated cake. Initially meant for the family’s dinner, it had been diverted with excellent results as the cook had been instructed to decorate it with white frosting and faux flowers, making it proper wedding fare. Punch filled a large crystal bowl, and plates of tarts and scones and small sandwiches surrounded it.

Tears filled her eyes, as they always did before a wedding. The thought that some young couple would once again pledge their troth in her home and begin their lives as one always gave her pause—that it was George Darcy’s son and his bride made it all the sweeter. Taking a satisfying deep breath, Mrs. Barnwell set out to notify the vicar that all was in place, since Mr. Darcy had already been informed.

~~~*~~~

As Richard and Evan followed Mrs. Barnwell into the family section of the boarding house, Richard leaned over to whisper, “I will not believe any of this until I actually see it happen.”

Evan chuckled. “I know what you mean, but why is it so hard for either of us to believe?”

“Do you realise how many years I have wished to see my cousin happy? I know that marrying Elizabeth will make him deliriously so, but for this event to be accomplished so quickly and at so unlikely a time—it is like a dream.”

Before Richard had finished speaking, they reached the parlour and both stopped short at the entrance, amazed. The parlour had been converted to a wedding chapel. Their gazes fell on those standing along the side—the servants who had come from Derbyshire, evidently some Barnwell family members and a few of the Barnwell’s servants. Mrs. Barnwell smiled at the people assembled as she passed through them on her way to the pianoforte.

As she began playing the music she had rehearsed earlier, Richard and Evan had still not moved and Richard breathed, “My word!”