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“I can undoubtedly see where your shyness might appear as disdain, but I have never known you not to act the part of a gentleman.”

“Believe me, my proposal was not kind as I ended up insulting her family. And though I did not specifically tell Bingley to leave Meryton, I discouraged him in his pursuit of Miss Bennet. I—I thought the Bennet family, other than Elizabeth and Miss Bennet, were vulgar. So when he asked my opinion—”

“You pointed him in the opposite direction.”

“Precisely.”

“But he married her anyway, did he not?”

“After I left Rosings, I went straight to Bingley and told him what Elizabeth had said of her sister’s broken heart. Charles returned to Hertfordshire, and they were married.”

“And you were off to Scotland to lick your wounds.” William stood silent. “The mystery of your disappearance is solved at last—a broken heart.” Richard’s next words contained not a hint of joviality. “What will you do now? You cannot very well stay away from Pemberley just because she is there. You must go home at some point.”

William sighed heavily. “I promised Georgiana I would return before the week’s end. Pemberley has ample space, and I see no problem with being able to keep well away from Elizabeth.”

Looking as though he was considering the prospect of being near but not with the woman he loved, William’s mien darkened. “I pray that at some point she will—at the very least—consider me a friend.”

“Surely that would not suffice with the way you feel about her. It seems you will only torture yourself with this friendship.”

“Right now being friends with Miss Elizabeth would be a vast improvement.”

On a balcony at Pemberley

“I am almost finished. You may talk, but keep perfectly still.”

Elizabeth sat stroking the sleeping kitten in her lap as Georgiana worked her magic with the coloured pencils. She could see the strokes Georgiana made from her vantage point but could not make out the image.

“How long will Millie nap?”

“Oh, she normally rests for at least an hour, maybe more. I believe you quite exhausted her while playing,” Georgiana teased, “And she was delighted to have her doll returned.”

Staring wistfully in the distance, Elizabeth recollected. “Addie used to bring her to see me when ...” She was unable to continue for a moment, but just as Georgiana was about to speak she added, “Millie was not allowed in my private quarters, but Addie would sneak her in when I was at my lowest.”

Georgiana nodded, not sure what to say, but trying to be a good listener. She had done so each day since her brother’s departure, and it was plain that Elizabeth’s memory was returning. The results were oftentimes painful to watch.

Taking a ragged breath, Elizabeth continued with even greater emotion, “I believe Addie ... I believe she would be very happy that you and your husband are raising Millie. She would want her to have a father and mother who love her.”

Georgiana had ceased drawing when Elizabeth began speaking of Addie, and tears filled her eyes. She leaned over to catch Elizabeth’s hand and their eyes met. “I—I can only hope that somehow she is watching over Millie and that she is pleased.” Elizabeth nodded tearfully.

Trying to lighten the mood, Georgiana held up the drawing. “It is not entirely finished, but I believe you can recognise yourself! I give you, Elizabeth and—” She stopped. “What is the kitten’s name?”

Elizabeth picked up the calico kitten, touching her nose to its pink one. “Jade. Her name is Jade because that is the colour of her eyes.”

“Very well then, Elizabeth and Jade! How do you like it?”

“It is lovely! You draw beautifully, and it looks exactly like Jade, though I think that you have flattered me.”

“You are too modest, Elizabeth. You are very pretty.”

Elizabeth smiled knowingly. “You are mistaken. I have no delusions about my appearance, but I do have a sister Jane who is beautiful—hair the colour of summer wheat and the bluest eyes.” Suddenly her face crumpled though she did not cry. “I miss her so much.”

Georgiana moved to hug her. “I am sure you shall see her soon. Just mention it to Brother, and he will invite Mr. Bingley and your sister to Pemberley. There is nothing that he would not do for you.”

Elizabeth’s gaze dropped to her shoes. “I really do not understand why he would do anything for me.”

Georgiana stilled. “What do you remember of Fitzwilliam?”

“When I told you there were many thoughts going through my mind and sometimes I cannot discern what I remember from what I might have imagined, I was referring to him.”