Page 44 of A Perfect Stranger

G eorgiana had changed her clothes three times already, despite knowing that it did not matter what she wore. The cut and colour of her gown would not change how Brother would react when he saw her. She could only hope that he would not notice her pregnancy right away. Perhaps they could be in charity with one another before he learnt that she was carrying Wickham’s child.

The Countess finally insisted that Georgiana leave her room and wait in the drawing room “like a civilised young lady,” as the Countess put it. Georgiana was not certain she qualified as a civilised young lady, but she had to obey her aunt’s dictates.

Her uncle was already waiting there. “It will be all right, Georgiana,” he assured her.

Georgiana just shook her head. It was not all right, and she rather doubted that it would ever be all right again.

Her aunt gave her a cup of tea, but her hand shook so badly that she had to put the cup down before she spilled it on the Aubusson carpet.

***

Mr. Darcy’s carriage arrived at Matlock House before luncheon. Mr. Darcy had still not determined what to say to his sister, or how to manage his anger. He supposed he would just have to do his best to be the supportive older brother that she doubtless needed. And the supportive older brother that I have always been, he thought to himself, bitterly.

As the carriage came to a stop, he prepared to leave the carriage. Richard put a hand on his arm. “Cousin, just – be kind, will you? I do not doubt that she has endured a great deal.”

Mr. Darcy shook off Richard’s hand and climbed out.

The butler opened the door as they approached. “Colonel, Mr. Darcy,” he greeted them. They followed the butler into the house and waited behind him as he announced them. Mr. Darcy huffed impatiently at the delay – what nonsense this was, as if his aunt and uncle did not know his name! – and finally the butler stepped aside.

There was a minute of silence as everyone just looked at one another. No one quite knew how to break the tension in the room. Finally, Richard elbowed his cousin aside and said, “Georgiana!” He opened his arms and the girl jumped up and ran to him.

“Oh, Richard, I am so glad to see you!” He hugged her tight, suddenly and inevitably aware that she was pregnant.

Georgiana then turned to her brother; it was then that he saw her changed shape. His brows drew together as she whispered, tentatively, “Brother?”

Mr. Darcy ran from the room and managed to make it outside before casting up his accounts into the shrubbery.