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“Hi, Georgie.”
“Hi, Lizzy. Are you busy?”
“I'm just trying to pack up some things before the storm hits.”
“I hope it isn’t too bad. You’re a lot more exposed than we are, but we took some precautions.” Georgiana paused. “I just want to say that I'm sorry about everything that's happened with–with George Wickham, and your sister... Will told me everything.”
“I'm sorry too. It couldn't have been easy to hear all that.”
“It wasn’t, but I'm okay. How are you? I mean, I know Will is my brother and everything, and it's probably weird for you, talking to me… But I'm worried about you.”
“I'm all right.”Make it sound good, Elizabeth. “I have a lot to keep me busy, with the storm coming and the trip to the basin.”
“I'm sorry your trip got ruined. Will you be able to go back?”
“Yes, hopefully by the end of the week. I'll probably ride out the storm here, if it doesn't get too bad, or I'll go to the Vineyard to visit my aunt and uncle.”
“I remember Will mentioning them. He said they were nice.”
Elizabeth felt a twinge of sadness. “They're great. He–he liked them, I think.”
An awkward silence stretched between them, until Georgiana spoke again.
“He loves you so much, Elizabeth. He really does.”
“Georgie, please—”
“No, wait. I'm not going to make excuses for him, and I'm not trying to talk you into anything... I just want you to know that he loves you, and he knows he made a mistake—a huge one—and he'll do anything in his power to fix it.”
“Did he tell you what he thought, what he imagined had happened—all of it?”
“Yes,allof it. I couldn't believe it myself. And I won’t bring it up again, I promise. I just want you to know that he will do anything to earn your trust again.Anything. He knows he broke it, he knows he betrayed you, and I even think he's beginning to understand—”
“You said you weren't trying to talk me into anything! This soundsverymuch like you're trying to talk me into giving him another chance.”
“I know it does, and maybe I am. I don't know. It's hard for me to see him—and you—so unhappy. But I'll stop, okay? I'm sorry. I don't want to make it worse for you.”
“It can't get any worse. You love your brother, and you want him to be happy. I get that. I just–I have to protect myself, I have to protect my heart.”
“I understand, and I’m sorry. I promise I won't bring it up again.”
Elizabeth heard footsteps coming up the stairs. “I have to go. My father is here to help me. I'll call you soon.”
