Page 39

"William, you do not know how glad I am to see you well," said Georgiana, embracing her dear brother.

"Georgiana, what are you doing here?" Mr. Darcy asked, startled and concerned.

"I told you, Georgie—that would be the first thing your brother would ask," said Richard, entering the study where his cousin had been working.

Elizabeth and Georgiana had arrived in Kent just before dinner.

Once Elizabeth was assured that Georgiana was safely settled at Rosings, she asked the coachman to take her to her friend's house.

She intended to speak with Mr. Darcy the following day.

"Lady Catherine sent word that you had had an accident and would be staying here for a month," Georgiana explained.

"I thought it must be serious and came to look after you.

" "Did you travel alone? And Miss Bennet—where is she?

" Mr. Darcy asked, his concern now edged with annoyance.

"Lizzy is staying at Mrs. Collins's house.

She came with me and decided to use the time to visit her friend.

Aunt Margaret wrote you this letter to explain everything—and also included one for Lady Catherine.

" Georgiana had noticed the scrapes on her brother's hand and his slight limp, but it was clear that the accident had not been serious.

She had hoped to speak with him about Elizabeth and all the plans she had in mind for the summer.

Unfortunately, before she could say much, Lady Catherine burst into the room upon learning of her niece's arrival and immediately monopolised the conversation.

That evening, Lady Catherine was in high spirits.

Her two nephews and her niece were seated at her dinner table, and she took full advantage of the occasion to dispense opinions, advice, and directives on every subject.

Anne, for her part, observed in silence, amused as she tried to guess what her cousins were truly thinking.

"Georgiana, I do not understand why you came," Lady Catherine said.

"Anne and I are perfectly capable of caring for your brother.

Do you not agree, Anne?" "Yes, Mother," Anne replied and continued eating.

"Lady Catherine, I do not require anyone to care for me.

The accident was minor, and I am quite recovered," Mr. Darcy replied, visibly annoyed.

"You are still limping, Darcy," Richard said, winking at Anne.

"If you do not rest, you shall never recover.

You will be limping for the rest of your life.

I shall not permit you to leave this house until you are fully recovered," Lady Catherine declared imperiously.

Mr. Darcy shot a glare at his cousin and then addressed Lady Catherine.

"I am sorry, Aunt, but I came for two weeks, and in two weeks, I intend to return to London.

" "I cannot understand why you refuse to stay a month with your own family.

What pressing matters await you in London that could be more important?

Anne is here—you should spend more time with her.

.." Lady Catherine continued speaking without pause, but no one at the table paid her much attention.

Anne, in truth, thought it would be most unpleasant if Mr. Darcy stayed any longer.

Meanwhile, Georgiana was already beginning to regret her decision to visit and spend a week under her aunt's roof.

"Fitzwilliam," Lady Catherine suddenly turned to her nephew, "tell your mother not to write to me again.

I hope she will one day understand that she cannot command me or dictate what I should do.

Sometimes, I believe she forgets that I am the daughter of an earl.

" "Lady Catherine, please do not forget that my mother is the daughter of a duke and the wife of an earl," Richard replied, smiling, knowing how deeply it wounded his aunt to be reminded of Lady Margaret's superior rank.

"Georgiana," Lady Catherine pivoted again, "I want you to play the piano after dinner.

I would like to hear your progress and offer you some advice to perfect your technique.

" "I… no… I… I am tired," Georgiana stammered nervously.

"Lady Catherine, Georgiana is exhausted after travelling for hours," Mr. Darcy said firmly.

"She had best go to her room and rest after dinner.

" "And besides, what advice could you possibly give her?

" Richard added mischievously. "You never learned to play the piano yourself.

" Lady Catherine turned on him in a fury, just as he had intended.

"How dare you speak to me that way, Fitzwilliam!

You are as insolent as your mother. And you are not the son of a duke…

" "I am the son of an earl—" Richard began, but Lady Catherine was far too incensed to let him finish.

"The second son of an earl! Do not forget it.

Let me tell you something, Fitzwilliam—although I never learned how to play the piano, had I chosen to, I would have been a true proficient.

Everything I attempt, I do well. And you—what have you done in the military all these years?

If I were in your place, I would be General by now, in charge of the War Office and recovering all the territories we have lost…

" Lady Catherine launched into a tirade, and Anne had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.

Georgiana, on the other hand, was mortified and deeply uncomfortable.

She was only relieved when she noticed that Richard remained relaxed and even amused by the scolding.

Mr. Darcy, meanwhile, had entirely tuned out his aunt's monologue and was wondering how Elizabeth was doing.

As soon as dinner concluded, everyone hastily found excuses to retire to their chambers—no one wished to endure another moment of Lady Catherine's presence.

Later, Anne slipped away to Georgiana's bedroom, where the two cousins spoke quietly for a few minutes before sleeping.

◆◆◆

After breakfast, Georgiana, Richard, and Mr. Darcy went for a walk in the garden, eager to speak freely without Lady Catherine's ever-watchful eye.

Georgiana had much to share about the past few days and was anxious to confide in her brother.

"William, I am truly sorry for causing trouble for you and Richard," she began.

"But I was so worried. Please, do not be angry at Lizzy or me for coming without your permission.

" "Do not fret, dear. I understand you were concerned," Mr. Darcy replied gently.

"But in the future, remember that Lady Catherine possesses a talent for exaggeration.

" "I suppose you are right. I shall keep that in mind," Georgiana said with a grateful smile.

"Thank you for understanding, dear brother.

" "And do I not deserve any gratitude?" Richard chimed in, smiling.

"If I had not intervened at dinner, Lady Catherine would still be insisting you play the piano.

" "Fitzwilliam, you cannot deny how much you enjoyed provoking our aunt," Mr. Darcy said with a faint smile.

"But I advise you to be more cautious next time.

When you reminded her that aunt Margaret was the daughter of a Duke, I thought she would suffer apoplexy.

" "I had never seen her so angry," Georgiana admitted.

"I confess—I was a little frightened." "Today, I paid the price for my boldness," Richard said with a laugh.

"Lady Catherine instructed the servants not to serve me ham or potatoes, claiming I was too plump—and that I had inherited it from my grandfather.

He may have been a Duke, but apparently, he was a fat one!

" The three cousins laughed heartily, just as a familiar voice interrupted them.

"Good morning," said Elizabeth, approaching with a smile.

"I came to inquire after Georgiana—and your health as well, Mr. Darcy.

Mrs. Collins mentioned you were recovering, but I see you are quite well.

" "Miss Bennet, I am delighted to see you," said Richard warmly.

"Did you walk here?" "Yes, it is less than a mile between the parsonage and Rosings," Elizabeth replied.

"Good morning, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy said, slightly flustered.

Elizabeth was no longer in mourning and looked especially lovely.

Her eyes sparkled with warmth, and though she remained somewhat thin, her appearance had brightened with health.

Elizabeth explained that she preferred the comfort of her friend and cousin's home, and for that reason had decided to stay at the parsonage.

All agreed that avoiding Lady Catherine's scrutiny was a wise decision.

As Richard and Georgiana resumed their walk, Mr. Darcy seized the opportunity to speak privately with Elizabeth.

"Miss Bennet, I thank you sincerely for accompanying my sister.

The following week, we shall all return to London.

" "Mr. Darcy, have you had a chance to speak with Georgiana?

" "Not much," he admitted. "She was exhausted last night and went to bed early.

Is there something I ought to know?" "Well…

" Elizabeth hesitated, noting the curiosity in his eyes.

But something told her it would be better not to speak just yet.

If Georgiana had chosen not to share the news, she likely had her reasons.

"Perhaps it is best to wait until we are back in London.

" "As you wish," he said, though his interest did not wane.

"You mentioned being worried about my health?

" "Yes, of course," Elizabeth replied, a little surprised by his tone.

"We were all concerned when we heard about your accident.

I am relieved it was not serious." "I am pleased to know you were concerned," Mr. Darcy said softly, his gaze lingering on her.

Elizabeth smiled, unsure how to respond.

"Shall we walk with Georgiana and the Colonel?

I think this part of the garden is charming.

" "Of course," he said, offering his arm.

She hesitated only a moment before accepting.

From the window of her sitting room, Anne observed as her cousin Darcy strolled through the garden with a young lady she had never seen before.

The stranger was very pretty—and Mr. Darcy was smiling.

'Who could that woman be?'Anne wondered.

'I shall have to find out. Perhaps… perhaps she is the one who will help me gain my freedom.

' Anne watched as Mr. Darcy looked at the young woman with an expression she had never seen on his face before—one of longing.