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“I imagine our aunt and uncle had no choice. As for Lady Leighton, she has probably not thought of me in years. Her infatuation—”

“Infatuation! She threw herself at you the night her engagement was announced! If I had not seen it with my own eyes ...” Georgiana grew so infuriated that she could not continue.

William smiled at his sister’s indignation. Pulling her back into his embrace, he tried to calm her by teasing. “Gigi, you must try to let go of this anger, else soon there will be no one in the family with whom you are on speaking terms.”

“Let go! She had her breasts clearly displayed to tempt you, and Edgar was in a room nearby! If I had not gone to find you—” She shook her head, as though trying to excise the memory. “I can only imagine what would have transpired if, instead of me, her fiancé had walked in on you. Though you were clearly backing away, and the look on your face mirrored your disgust, Edgar would have insisted on pistols at dawn.”

He patted her back. “I know, sweetheart. I know.”

“Despite my having spoiled her scheme, all she could do was smirk at me when I rebuked her. That is why I despise her so!” She sniffed indignantly. “Besides, Aunt Evelyn, Richard, and Amelia will suffice for family as far as I am concerned!”

“Yes. Poor Amelia! Richard said she hardly comes to London anymore since her marriage. I have to wonder if she is as unhappy as Edgar, since Uncle arranged her marriage as well.”

Georgiana retorted, “I know I would be unhappy with a man thirty years older than myself, even if he were kind.”

William seemed to ponder that for a brief time before responding. “Let us think no more on it tonight.” He pushed her out to arm’s length. “You will sleep here tonight, will you not?”

She grinned. “Yes. I imagine Evan and Millie are already abed, as Mrs. Reynolds was seeing to their comfort. I will not be missed.”

“Then I shall see you in the morning before I leave for London.” He kissed her forehead and began to lead her from the room and down the hallway, pausing at the bedroom she always occupied when at Pemberley.

“If you will excuse me, I am exhausted.” As he turned to leave, the set of his shoulders revealed his discouragement.

“Brother.” He stopped.

“Give her time.” A nod was Georgiana’s only answer.

Why had he insisted on seeing her when he came back to England? Georgiana wondered. Just when the brother she knew and loved had returned, he fell in love again with the one woman who could only bring him heartache.

How can I possibly help you and her?

Shaking her head in resignation, Georgiana entered the bedroom where Evan lay sleeping, snoring softly. She smiled.

Millie was asleep on a small cot across the room—the child-sized bed having been brought into their room, since the nursery had not been used in years. She ran a hand over the sleeping girl’s hair before continuing through the bedroom to the adjoining sitting area where candles still burned. Dropping into a large upholstered chair, she began reviewing the conversation she had with Elizabeth only a short while before.

“Are you feeling any better?”

Elizabeth’s face crumpled, and she almost cried. “I am afraid to tell anyone how I truly feel.”

“Oh, Miss Elizabeth! Please do not be afraid to talk to me. I will never divulge a confidence. I promise.”

Elizabeth’s voice cracked. “I—I have so many thoughts running through my mind, and sometimes I cannot discern what I remember from what I might have imagined.” A sob escaped, and Georgiana’s heart broke for the young woman. She moved to sit on the bed, pulling her into a hug.

“I expect that is normal with the terrible experiences you have had. We can certainly ask Mr. Woodwright tomorrow morning if you like.” Elizabeth nodded, pulling back to speak.

“I do not wish for anyone else to be harmed because of me. I want to leave as soon as I am able.” Georgiana knew Elizabeth would never be safe outside Pemberley or Rosewood Manor.

“You have to understand that Pemberley is, and has been for years, a secure fortress. William has a multitude of guards and servants to ensure that it is safe, and my husband has done the same at our estate, at my brother’s insistence.” She smiled tenderly at Elizabeth. “You are out of harm's way here.”

“No, you do not understand howhethinks. The count is not like most men—he is like two different men. One is spoiled, but charming; the other is very cruel. Once, he struck me when he found a letter that I had written to my sister. He forbade me to ever again contact anyone and declared that I could never leave. There was no place on earth that I could hide—no place he could not find me.”

Elizabeth eyes widened as if picturing him. Her voice was barely audible when she continued. “He swore he would kill everyone I care for and see me dead before he would let me go.”

Georgiana could not form a reply in the face of Elizabeth’s certainty.

“I would rather die than have something happen to Fitzwil—” She caught herself. “Mr. Darcy.” Then added softly, “Or anyone.”

Suddenly, everything made sense to William’s sister. “Miss Elizabeth, may I ask you a somewhat indelicate question?” Elizabeth met her gaze but said nothing. “You may ignore it if you do not wish to answer.”