Page 35 of Hidden Desires

“In that case,” Elizabeth said with a smile, “marriage is not for me. I will be happy as the favorite aunt, loved by nieces and nephews for the treats I give them whenever they visit.”

They walked on in silence for several minutes, the path curving beneath trees that filtered the sunlight into soft patterns at their feet. A low stone wall appeared ahead, crumbling in places, its surface covered in moss.

“This marks the edge of our property,” Elizabeth said. “Beyond it lie the meadows let to one of our older tenants, Mr. Abbot. His cows tend to wander close, so do not be surprised if one greets us.”

Georgiana smiled. “Do you walk this far by yourself?”

“Not often alone,” Elizabeth said. “Sometimes with Jane or my father. Once in a while I come here just to sit and think. It is peaceful, and no one ever comes looking for me.”

She climbed a short rise and stood with her hand resting on the old wall. “Here,” she said, turning toward Georgiana. “This is what I meant to show you.”

They stood on a small bluff overlooking a wide field dotted with trees and bordered on one side by a slow-moving stream. Several cows stood in the distance, heads down in the grass.

“It is lovely,” Georgiana said, her voice quiet. “I see why you come here.”

Elizabeth glanced at her. “It is one of the few places where I feel entirely myself. There are no expectations here. No one watching, no one judging.”

Georgiana nodded slowly, folding her arms. “I envy that. Pemberley is beautiful, but lately I have not felt safe alone there, much less free to enjoy it.”

“You may have less freedom, but I suspect you will one day make good use of the influence you do have.”

“I hope so,” Georgiana said. “It would be nice to think my circumstances could allow for that kind of peace.”

“It may come sooner than you think,” Elizabeth said. “But for today, you are free to enjoy this place as though it were your own.”

They stood side by side, the only sounds the soft rustle of wind through the leaves and the distant calls of birds.

A titter escaped Georgiana, followed by a string of giggles until she was laughing outright. Her mirth proved infectious, drawing a chuckle from Elizabeth in return.

“Forgive me,” she said once she regained control. “I imagined you in a rocking chair, toothless and gray-haired, cackling and offering candy to every child who passed. The image was so absurd, I could not help myself.”

“I am glad you are enjoying yourself,” Elizabeth replied, “though I would rather it not be at my expense.”

“This was your fault,” Georgiana laughed again. “Your remark brought the picture to mind.”

Elizabeth gave a quiet chuckle, noting how much had changed in Georgiana since their first meeting. The girl’s shyness and hesitation had eased, replaced by a hint of confidence. Though some reserve lingered, it appeared now as thoughtful reflection rather than self-doubt.

To Elizabeth’s surprise, the melancholy that had lingered since Charlotte Lucas’s marriage had begun to fade as well.

Georgiana’s friendship filled that empty space in a way she had not expected.

The girl’s openness and sincerity were a welcome change from the guarded or affected manners Elizabeth often encountered.

She saw no pretense in her companion—only honesty and warmth.

They continued along the trail, their conversation broken now and then by Elizabeth’s comments on familiar features they passed. Eventually, the path turned, and Elizabeth stopped to point toward a set of buildings in the distance.

“This is why I took this path. That is the back of Netherfield.”

“How far have we come?” Georgiana asked, glancing from the house to the path and back again. “I assumed his estate was farther.”

“My morning hikes often bring me past Netherfield. It is not far. The house lies within three miles of Longbourn, so the walk is easy.”

“That is good to know.” Georgiana grinned. “It means I am no longer dependent on William if I want to visit.”

“Please do not call at Longbourn without telling your brother first. He must know your plans. If something were to happen, he would not know where to find you.”

“You are right, of course.” She nodded, the grin fading into a thoughtful smile. “I only fear he will forbid me to walk here alone. Since our father’s death, he has been protective. He says it is because we are all that remains of the Darcy family, and he could not bear to lose me.”

“That is an admirable sentiment. You are fortunate to have a brother so devoted.”

“I know he loves me.” Her voice had quieted again. “His unexpected arrival spared me from the consequences of a foolish choice. His concern saved me, and I cannot fault either his care or his actions.”

“Remember, you are always welcome at Longbourn,” Elizabeth said. “I only ask that you let him know your plans. And tell me in advance as well. It would be unfortunate if you walked all the way here and I was gone. If I know you are coming, I can be sure to stay near.”

“And I promise not to call too often.” Her shoulders dropped, and she lowered her head. “I do not want to be a nuisance.”

“You are no nuisance.” Elizabeth rested a hand on her friend’s shoulder.

“I enjoy our time together, and I do not expect that to change. Still, your brother will remain only while Mr. Bingley requires his presence. We should make the most of the time we have. Who can say whether our friendship will continue once you leave Netherfield?”

“William must return often,” Georgiana said, stamping her foot. “Your company means a great deal to me, and I do not want it to end.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Good luck. Forgive me, but I cannot picture Mr. Darcy bending to your demands. He does not seem the sort to yield to threats or tears.”

Georgiana smiled and gave a slow blink. “Never underestimate the power of a sister’s sobs, especially at daybreak. William is immune to some of my tricks, but I know his weaknesses.”

With a final laugh, Elizabeth turned toward home. “It is time we returned; we have been gone long enough, and your brother will start to worry.”

“I suppose so.” Georgiana fell into step beside her. “Though I could walk until sunset, I would rather not see him anxious when we return.”

Reversing their course, they took the path that would lead them back. Unseen by either girl, a figure watched from a second-story window, a look of disgust on the face that peered out.

They passed the walk to Longbourn in the pleasure of each other’s company. Conversation ebbed and flowed, with quiet moments that allowed each to ponder the other’s character.

“I cannot believe how fast we became friends,” Georgiana said, her eyes fixed on Elizabeth’s. “You have such warmth, and you treat me as an equal, which I have not known in past friendships.”

Her gaze dropped again, as though ashamed of the confession. “I feared you might laugh at my offer, but I am grateful you did not.”

Elizabeth studied her, surprised at the sudden return of shyness. “How could I refuse such a persuasive offer?” she asked with a laugh. “You startled me, I admit, but I knew at once that I wanted the same.”

Georgiana’s head lifted, her eyes searching Elizabeth’s face. What she saw there seemed to banish her doubt.

“Thank you,” she whispered, reaching for Elizabeth’s hands and gripping them with affection. “You do not know how much this means to me.”

Elizabeth returned the pressure and drew her into a brief embrace. “I think I do, because it means just as much to me.”

The rest of the walk passed in companionable silence, until they reached the end of the path.

“Home again,” Elizabeth said, leading Georgiana through the gap they had used earlier. “I expect Mr. Darcy and Papa are in the library. It is my father’s favorite room.”

She guided her through the manor and paused before a door, tapping it with her hand. At a summons from within, she lifted the latch and leaned in far enough to meet the gaze of the two men inside, who rose to greet them.

“We have returned,” she said, stepping into the room.