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"James, why are you here? You were supposed to bring Miss Bennet from her uncle's house.

I need her here before noon, as I must leave for Kent," Mr. Darcy said sharply.

After confirming with the stable that the smaller city carriage had not been used, he summoned Mr. James, the coachman assigned to local errands.

"Sir, when I brought Miss Bennet to her uncle's house, Mr. Gardiner told me there was no need to return for her.

He said they would make their own arrangements," James explained nervously.

"You should have informed him that his assistance was unnecessary—or at the very least, consulted me.

Do you not agree?" Mr. Darcy asked, his voice clipped.

"Sir, you were not at home yesterday, so I had no means of informing you.

I did tell Mr. Gardiner that I was following your orders, but he insisted it would be a wasted trip because Miss Bennet would not be at his home.

" "And where was Miss Bennet supposed to go, if not with her uncle?

" "I do not know, sir. Mr. Gardiner said nothing more.

I am sorry, truly. I assumed a note would be sent to you explaining the change.

This morning, I was helping Baker and—" "That is enough, James.

You may go," Mr. Darcy interrupted, already turning away.

Richard Fitzwilliam, who had spent the night at Darcy House, was now sitting with Georgiana at breakfast. When Mr. Darcy entered the room, his expression dour, Richard glanced up with amusement.

"Has something happened, Darcy? I know you are not fond of visiting Rosings, but it is only two weeks, not an exile to a forbidden land," he said, grinning at Georgiana.

"I am not in the mood for your foolish remarks, Fitzwilliam," Mr. Darcy replied curtly, taking his seat and reaching for his coffee.

Richard raised a brow. "Very well. Since my wit is unwelcome this morning, I shall ask plainly—what is the matter?

" "I have a problem," Mr. Darcy replied.

"Miss Bennet was to be here before noon.

James was meant to fetch her from her uncle's house, but now no one knows where she is.

" He explained what James had told him and the confusion regarding her whereabouts.

"Darcy, it is not yet ten. Do you not think you are overreacting?

" Richard asked gently. He noticed Georgiana fidgeting and preferred not to let his cousin's temper ruin a peaceful morning.

"Fitzwilliam, you know how I feel when—" "When someone disobeys your orders?

Yes, I am aware. But you are being unfair to Miss Bennet.

She is not a servant, and even if she were, she has never once been late or disobedient.

" Mr. Darcy had no rebuttal. The truth was, he did not know why he was angry.

Perhaps it was merely the anticipation of travel, or the frustration of losing control over a matter he considered important.

Seeking to ease her brother's mind, Georgiana offered, "William, I believe Lizzy spent the night with her sister Jane.

She is a companion to a kind lady who lives nearby.

I imagine Mrs. Smith invited her to stay.

While you are in Kent, may I—" "No, Georgiana.

I would prefer you just spend time with Miss Bennet and aunt Margaret.

She intends to introduce you to some acquaintances, and it is important you continue socializing within our circle.

" "I understand," Georgiana replied quietly, though disappointed.

She had dearly hoped to meet Jane Bennet.

After breakfast, Georgiana went to her bedroom to collect a letter and a gift for Anne.

Mr. Darcy retreated to his study to gather some documents for his trip—papers he hardly needed, but which would serve as a good excuse to avoid too much time in his aunt's drawing room.

After months spent in the company of Elizabeth and Georgiana at Pemberley, the prospect of Rosings felt more intolerable than ever.

"Darcy, may I ask you something?" Richard said, entering the study.

"What now, Fitzwilliam?" "I could not help but notice—you did not seem pleased by the idea of Georgie meeting Miss Bennet's sister.

Is there something wrong with her?" "No.

In truth, of all her sisters, she is the only one I would consider suitable company for Georgiana.

But there is another concern." Mr. Darcy proceeded to tell Richard about the history between Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet.

"I see," Richard said, digesting the information.

"But Darcy, it is not right for you to interfere in Bingley's personal life.

" "If you were on the verge of making a mistake that would affect your entire future, Fitzwilliam, I would intervene as well.

I would do everything in my power to stop you.

" "I appreciate the sentiment, cousin, but rest assured, I would not permit such interference.

As for Bingley—he is a grown man, and if he is in love with Miss Bennet, I hardly blame him.

" Darcy turned sharply. "Do not be ridiculous; you do not even know her.

" "I have three solid reasons," Richard replied, smiling.

"First, her sister is lovely, and beauty tends to run in families.

Second, Bingley is always attracted to beautiful women.

And third… I am looking at her right now, and yes, she is lovely!

" Mr. Darcy rushed to the window. There she was—Elizabeth— standing in the courtyard, embracing her sister and another lady.

The carriage that had brought them bore a crest he could not identify from the angle.

He stared, feeling a flood of emotions he could not name.

"Thank you very much, Mrs. Smith—or rather, Aunt Amelia—for everything you have done for Jane," Elizabeth said.

"It was my pleasure, my dear. I hope we see each other again soon," Mrs. Smith replied, hugging her.

She had accompanied Jane, knowing how difficult it would be for her to part with her sister.

"Remember, Lizzy—we are always here for you.

If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to send word.

I love you dearly," Jane whispered, holding back tears.

"Do not cry, Jane. I am well, truly. I shall resolve this without upsetting Georgiana.

Besides, we live quite near one another now.

When Georgiana visits her aunt, I shall come to see you.

" With a final embrace, Jane and Mrs. Smith climbed into the carriage.

Elizabeth stood watching until it disappeared from view.

She wore a beautiful gown, a gift from Jane, adorned with black bows in subtle recognition of mourning.

Her hair was styled with care, and there was a liveliness in her expression that made her look, to Mr. Darcy, like the Elizabeth he had first known—before grief and hardship had changed her.

When she entered the house, Georgiana ran to her and embraced her.

"Lizzy! You cannot imagine how much I missed you.

" "We were apart for only a day," Elizabeth said, laughing.

"I know, but now you are part of my family, and I could not help missing you.

" "I missed you, too, dear. Come, let us go to the drawing room.

I have so much to tell you…" Elizabeth was planning to share the good news with her friend, but Mr. Darcy interrupted them.

"Miss Bennet, Fitzwilliam, and I shall be leaving shortly, but I must speak with you before we go.

If you would kindly accompany me to my study?

" Richard rolled his eyes at his cousin's stiffness.

"Georgie, give me Anne's gifts to put them in my trunk.

" "Yes—come with me," Georgiana replied, leading Richard upstairs.

In the study, Elizabeth sensed Mr. Darcy's agitation.

"Miss Bennet, I should like that, in the future, when we agree upon a plan, you respect the arrangement or inform me of any changes.

I do not appreciate surprises." "I beg your pardon, sir, but I do not understand.

" "You were to be collected from your uncle's house by one of my carriages.

" "My uncle spoke to the coachman and explained that I would not be there.

You asked me to arrive before noon—and it is eleven.

I do not understand what difference it makes whether I arrived in your carriage or my sister's.

" "I am responsible for your well-being.

If you have not realized it yet, I take all my responsibilities seriously.

When I saw the small carriage this morning, I feared you had met with trouble…

" Mr. Darcy faltered. The truth, which he could not bring himself to admit, was that seeing her with Jane and Mrs. Smith had unsettled him profoundly.

He feared she might be lured away—that Jane Bennet might persuade her employer to hire Elizabeth too—and he was not ready to let her go.

She looked so radiant, so poised, in that elegant dress and carefully styled hair.

For a moment, he feared he might lose her all over again.

"I appreciate your concern, sir, but you need not feel responsible for me.

I am my family's responsibility," Elizabeth said, her voice tight with restrained anger.

The very idea that Mr. Darcy believed he could decide what she did, cloaked in the language of duty and protection, was infuriating.

"You are mistaken, Miss Bennet. Your uncle and I reached an agreement when you entered my employ.

As long as you remain here, I am charged with your well-being—legally and morally.

" "Then perhaps we should terminate that agreement," she said sharply.

"That way, you will not be burdened by the responsibility of me any longer.

" There was a knock at the door, and Colonel Fitzwilliam entered, glancing between them with amused exasperation.

"I beg your pardon, Darcy, but it is time to depart.

Miss Bennet, might I suggest this conversation resume upon our return from Kent, preferably when tempers are cooler?

" "Of course, Colonel," Elizabeth said, refusing to look at Mr. Darcy.

"I fear I am not in the best frame of mind to discuss matters calmly.

" "Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy began, his voice still rigid, "I hope you will keep your word and—" "Sir, if your concern lies with your sister, rest assured.

While you are away, I shall care for her as I always have.

I take my duties seriously, too. In fact, Georgiana means so much to me that I have made a decision—" She paused, catching herself.

"But your cousin is right. We shall speak again when we are both calmer.

" Mr. Darcy held her gaze for a long moment but said nothing.

With a curt nod, he turned and walked away.

He found Georgiana in the front hall and embraced her gently.

"I shall return in a fortnight," he promised, kissing her forehead.

Then, with Colonel Fitzwilliam beside him, he left the house.

As the door closed behind them, Georgiana turned to Elizabeth with concern in her eyes.

"Lizzy, what happened? I heard William's voice—he sounded so upset.

" "I am sorry, Georgiana. Your brother can be stubborn.

I do not even understand why he was so distressed.

" "Lizzy… I know you may find this hard to believe, but William honestly cares for you.

I think—" she hesitated, smiling softly, "—I think he admires you.

He might even… feel affection for you." Elizabeth blinked, unsure if she had heard correctly.

"What?" "Yes," Georgiana said with quiet certainty.

"He likes you. My brother has very few friends, but I believe he counts you among them.

He is always so serious—too serious for his own good—but when he is with Richard or Mr. Bingley, he is different.

And when he is with you, he is like that too.

I never saw him draw until he did so with you.

That means something." Elizabeth softened at her friend's earnest words.

"Well… if you believe that, then I promise I shall try to be more patient with him.

" She smiled, though her thoughts remained tangled.

Georgiana might not see her brother's flaws—but Elizabeth could not forget them.

Still, there were moments, fleeting and rare, when she felt seen by him in a way that unsettled her.

"Lizzy, you said you had something important to tell me.

" "You are right," Elizabeth said, her expression brightening.

"It is wonderful news. My sister Jane—she has married.

" She went on to recount everything that had happened over the last twenty-four hours: Jane's marriage, the kindness of Mrs. Smith, and her own hopes for the future.

Georgiana listened with delight, touched that Elizabeth had chosen to confide in her so completely.

And though a part of her was sad at the thought of change, she was glad to know that their friendship would endure—whatever came next.