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As Louisa addressed her husband, Caroline opened Georgiana's letter and began reading without much interest. She wished to know what Mr. Darcy was doing and had no desire to learn whether Georgiana had mastered a new piece of music or embroidered a handkerchief or tablecloth.

But upon reaching the final paragraph, she could not contain her astonishment and indignation. "ELIZA BENNET?"

"What has happened to Miss Elizabeth?" Mr. Bingley asked, alarmed.

Caroline realised that she had spoken too loudly, and though she attempted to divert her brother's attention, she was unsuccessful. She had no choice but to explain the cause of her exclamation.

"Will you kindly explain why you mentioned Miss Elizabeth?" Mr. Bingley asked with rising anger.

Caroline glanced at Louisa, then resignedly answered her brother. "Charles, Eliza Bennet is acting as Georgiana's companion. You ought to write to Mr. Darcy and advise him to engage someone more appropriate. What could that woman possibly teach a refined and elegant young lady such as Georgiana?"

"How to tramp through muddy fields," Louisa offered, laughing.

"Or how to be impertinent," added Caroline, laughing as well.

Mr. Bingley sat in silence, trying to comprehend why Miss Elizabeth was residing at Pemberley, particularly as his friend had never spoken of it. Meanwhile, Louisa and Caroline attempted to make light of the matter to prevent further inquiry, but they did not succeed.

"Caroline, can you tell me why Miss Elizabeth is at Pemberley?"

"Charles, I have already told you. She is working as Georgiana's companion."

"And why, pray, is she working?"

"Because, though she is a gentleman's daughter, she is poor—or so I suppose."

"If you do not provide a proper explanation, I shall travel to Hertfordshire tomorrow and find out for myself what has transpired."

"I do not know all the particulars, as Georgiana did not offer many details. But from what I understood, Mr. Bennet has died, and his daughters are now compelled to work in order to survive."

"WHAT?" Mr. Bingley exclaimed, aghast. "How long have you known this, and why did you not inform me?"

"Charles, please—that is no way to address Caroline. It is clear that she has only just discovered what has happened," Louisa interjected, seeking to defend her sister.

"Indeed, I have only just now read of that poor girl's misfortune, and I am as shocked as you are," Caroline added hastily.

"I must beg your pardon, but I have urgent business to attend to," Mr. Bingley said, rising abruptly from the table.

Caroline and Louisa exchanged anxious glances, uncertain of what to do, while Mr. Hurst continued eating without the slightest concern.

◆◆◆

After dinner and singing, Elizabeth retired to her bedroom to rest. A few minutes later, she heard a gentle knock at the door and supposed it must be one of the maids wishing to know whether she required anything.

All the servants at Pemberley were exceedingly amiable and expressed great respect and admiration for their master and Miss Darcy.

Elizabeth had observed that Mr. Darcy treated his staff with remarkable deference and appeared a very different person from the one she had encountered in Hertfordshire.

Each day, she grew more accustomed to her new life, knowing that the money from her salary would be of immense help to her mother and sisters.

Elizabeth wrapped herself in a shawl, opened the door, and was surprised to see Georgiana. She invited her in, and they spoke for several hours. From their conversation, Elizabeth discerned that both Georgiana and her brother were very lonely and had but few close acquaintances.

"Lizzy, I adore your hair. It is a pity you cannot wear it down all the time—it is so very pretty," said Georgiana as she braided her friend's hair.

"It is a blessing for me to be able to wear it tied up. Otherwise, I should have to spend hours brushing it," said Elizabeth with a smile.

"Lizzy, this is the first time I have been able to converse so freely and share so much with someone I consider a friend. Thank you sincerely for agreeing to be my companion," Georgiana said, embracing Elizabeth.

"The pleasure is entirely mine. Imagine, I was in search of employment, and instead, I found a friend," Elizabeth replied, gratified by Georgiana's warmth.

"I believe I have already told you nearly everything about myself, my mischievous sisters, and my mother.

Now it is your turn to share more about yourself. "

"My life is not nearly so entertaining as yours, Lizzy. As you know, my mother died when I was very young, and I retain no memory of her. But my father was always most loving and affectionate towards me. It was, therefore, heartbreaking for me when he passed away."

"I understand you perfectly. I, too, was very close to my father," said Elizabeth, taking Georgiana's hand gently.

"Well, the other important person in my life is my brother.

He has always stood by me, despite the difference in our ages.

" Georgiana paused and added, "Lizzy, I have always believed that my brother was deeply affected by our mother's death.

Mrs. Reynolds says they were very close.

My father loved William as well, but he was often rather strict with him.

He always insisted that William must grow into a strong, honourable man, prepared to make difficult decisions and to fulfil his duty.

My father often said that his own father had raised him in the same manner, and that the heir of Pemberley must be an exceptional gentleman, admired by both his tenants and his employees… "

As Georgiana spoke of her brother, Elizabeth began to understand certain aspects of Mr. Darcy's character and conduct.

She wondered whether she had judged him too severely and whether she ought to strive to comprehend him better.

She had always thought people were too hard on Kitty and Lydia, believing their behaviour was the result of their parents' indulgence.

Perhaps Mr. Darcy, too, was shaped by the severity of his father's expectations.

"You admire your brother greatly, Georgiana."

"Yes, he is the best brother I could have.

He loves me unconditionally and has always supported me.

Sometimes I feel I do not deserve it, for I have not always…

" Georgiana was on the point of speaking about her history with George Wickham, but thought better of it.

A young lady such as Elizabeth would scarcely wish to befriend someone who had once acted so imprudently.

"I am quite certain your brother loves you unconditionally as well," Elizabeth said with gentle encouragement. She could not yet comprehend why Georgiana seemed so sorrowful at times. "And is there anyone else in your family to whom you are close?"

"Yes, my cousin Richard Fitzwilliam. He is one of my guardians and the kindest, most cheerful, and amusing person in the world.

I love him like a brother. Whenever he visits, I am delighted—though I must confess that he is always teasing William, telling him not to be so serious.

William pretends to be annoyed, but I believe he secretly enjoys it.

Richard is William's best friend; they are like brothers.

I think Richard has a temperament very much like yours, Lizzy… "

Elizabeth had never heard of this cousin and took the opportunity to inquire after the man who had caused her sister such heartache. "I always thought Mr. Bingley was your brother's closest friend."

"My brother esteems Mr. Bingley highly, and I believe he feels a duty to guide and protect him. He often says his friend is too innocent and that people may take advantage of him."

"I see," Elizabeth said quietly. She had long suspected that Mr. Darcy had interfered in Jane's courtship with Mr. Bingley, though she supposed it no longer mattered. "Are you very close with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst?"

"No, but they are always most affectionate and kind to me."

Elizabeth thought it best not to continue discussing the Bingley family, for it stirred unpleasant memories, and she had nothing favourable to say. To steer the conversation away from personal matters, she began telling Georgiana about her favourite places in London and her preferred sweets.

After nearly three hours of conversation, Georgiana returned to her bedroom and slept peacefully through the night. Speaking with Elizabeth had filled her heart with joy, and her mind brimmed with ideas and plans to share with her new friend.

◆◆◆

Mr. Darcy had just finished reviewing several documents from his solicitor in London.

A few years earlier, he had begun to invest money in certain business ventures.

His father had managed the family estate impeccably, yet he had never understood that farming the land alone was no longer sufficient, and that modernizing the sources of production was essential.

All the money Mr. Darcy had earned by investing in trade had allowed him to improve wool production and the estate's irrigation system.

Moreover, he had been able to repair the tenants' cottages and provide them with additional support. Thus, many families desired to work the Pemberley lands, and the estate had not suffered from the shortage of labour that plagued so many others.

Mr. Darcy could not help but think of the previous evening's dinner.

He had seen his sister content, eager to talk and to laugh.

Georgiana had always been shy and solitary, and matters had only worsened after the incident with that scoundrel.

Without question, Elizabeth's presence had been most beneficial to her.