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Praying under her breath, Georgiana stepped closer. “It was not your fault. Addie would not want you to blame yourself, and you need to know that Millie did not die.” Elizabeth looked up, her eyes growing larger.

“It is true. Though Addie was lost, Millie was saved. My husband and I are going to raise her.”

Elizabeth blinked several times in confusion. “But ...but I saw the blood. I saw Addie fall with Millie.”

“Miraculously, Millie was not harmed.”

Elizabeth’s eyes lowered, and she seemed to be considering this revelation. Georgiana took the opportunity to step closer. “I would love for you to see her, to see that she is well.” She held a hand out, palm up. “Please come down. Brother and I would be heartbroken if you fell and were hurt.”

Elizabeth stared at her hand. “No, I must go. If he finds me here, he will kill everyone.”

Every opinion Georgiana had held about the woman changed at that moment. She had been helping Elizabeth solely because her brother was in love with her, but now she felt admiration welling up. Anyone who put the safety of others above their own interests was a woman worth getting to know.

“No one knows you are here, except your sister and brother. You are safe in my brother’s home and in mine, and you are welcome at both.”

Elizabeth considered her for some time before slipping her hand in Georgiana’s and allowing herself to be guided to the floor. William blew out the breath he had been holding and sank back against the doorframe, so weak he hoped his legs would not give out. Then, praying not to garner Elizabeth’s attention, he hurried through the room and out into the hallway where his slight smile and nod met with sighs of relief from the members of his staff.

Leading Elizabeth slowly back into the bedroom, Georgiana tried to think what she should do next. A question brought her out of her reverie.

“Where am I?”

“This is Pemberley.”

Elizabeth gasped, whispering almost to herself, “Mr. Darcy’s home.” She turned to Georgiana. “Why am I here?”

“Only Fitzwilliam can explain, but your sister Jane and my brother felt that it was necessary.”

Elizabeth was unable to meet her eye. “I ...I need time ...alone.”

Georgiana stepped to her, taking both of her hands and causing Elizabeth to look up through her lashes. “It is Fitzwilliam that you do not wish to talk with, is it not?”

Shyly Elizabeth nodded. Georgiana sighed, knowing how much this would hurt William.

“I will tell him that you do not wish to speak to him at this time if that is truly what you want.” Another nod sealed the agreement, but Georgiana could not leave it there. “But at some point, you will need to talk to him. I want you to know that Fitzwilliam is truly the best of men. He would never harm you—you must know that.”

A soft voice came from the now lowered head. “He must hate me.”

So, that was the crux of the matter—memories from their past. “You are greatly mistaken. In fact, he has taken great pains to see to your welfare. I can assure you that he does not hate you.”

“He always looked down on my situation, and now that I am married to a...a murderer.” Her voice trailed off, and she began to cry. Georgiana wrapped her arms around her, rocking her from side to side.

“Shhh. Crying will only make you feel worse, and you have to improve so I can bring Millie to see you. You want that, do you not?” She felt Elizabeth nod against her shoulder.

“Let us get you settled in bed. The physician does not want you walking until he thinks you are ready. You will need something to eat and—” She smiled at Elizabeth’s attempts to wipe her tears on her sleeves. “Here!” she said offering her a handkerchief from her pocket. “Now that I have Millie, I have learned to have several in my pocket at all times.”

Elizabeth tried unsuccessfully to smile as she climbed back into the large bed. Georgiana took pillows and piled them behind her, so that she sat upright. Once settled, Georgiana took her hand and squeezed it affectionately. “I will not leave you. Rest for a moment while I send a servant for some broth and tea.”

Standing, she backed towards the door. “I shall be right outside, and I shall return in just a moment.”

Once she was alone, Elizabeth closed her eyes and took a ragged breath.

Please God. Do not let him find me.

~~~*~~~

Chapter 19

Later that evening