Page 47 of Hidden Desires

“Elizabeth feels much the same,” Bennet said. “Whenever I ask about Miss Darcy, she speaks of her with real affection. I believe she considers your sister a true friend.”

“Georgiana loves it here, but I still regret bringing her to Netherfield. I should have followed my original plan and sent her to stay with her aunt in Kent, rather than dragging her to Hertfordshire with me. I would have done so despite her objections, but my aunt was already unsettled by the parson’s new wife and the disruption it caused.

Had I done so, we could have avoided this. ”

“A curious coincidence,” Bennet said. “My cousin married a local girl after Elizabeth refused him. He now holds the living at Hunsford.”

“We must be speaking of the same man,” Darcy said with a short laugh. “I have not yet made his acquaintance, but I doubt he is a man of great intelligence. My aunt would never have offered him the living otherwise.”

A smile spread across Bennet’s face. “I received a letter from him not long after the marriage. It confirms your judgment. He has her on a pedestal and considers himself blessed to worship at her feet. Her every word is sacred and, without question, correct in every detail. She even reviews his sermons each Saturday before he delivers them. I suspect that if she suggested he leap from the top of Westminster Abbey, he would take it as divine instruction and do his best to obey.”

Darcy laughed at the image. “That is exactly the sort of man Lady Catherine would choose. Someone who submits to her control without question. I pity him if he ever dares show a spine, as she has no tolerance for defiance.”

Bennet sat back in his chair and studied him in silence. Darcy met his gaze, uncertain what to make of the pause. At last, Bennet shook his head, leaned forward, and regarded him with something like sheepish regret.

“I believe I owe you an apology,” he said, noting Darcy’s evident surprise.

“When my cousin wrote to me, he described Lady Catherine’s nephew and the engagement she plans for him.

It was not difficult to guess who you were, though I could not be sure.

I chose not to raise the matter, as it seemed of little consequence to our acquaintance, and I did not wish to presume.

In truth, I never doubted you were a gentleman, but I confess I assumed your standing was much like my own.

That impression arose, in part, from your friendship with Mr. Bingley, who, though amiable, is not a gentleman.

I see now that I misjudged your place in society.

I meant no offense and hope you will forgive the oversight. ”

“You have not offended me,” Darcy replied.

“Unlike many in my circle, I choose my friends for their character, not their rank or fortune. I value Bingley for the qualities he shows, with honesty chief among them. He is the most trustworthy man I know, and I would place my confidence in him without hesitation. His open nature wins him friends wherever he goes. I have never heard him speak ill of anyone, not even those who have wronged him. He forgives where I cannot, without pause, and is a man I am proud to call my friend—one of the few I would name as such.”

“Thank you for overlooking my mistake,” Bennet said. “I will not be so quick to judge in the future.”

Before Darcy could reply, the library door opened, and Elizabeth stepped in. “She is awake.”

At the news, he rose at once and followed her from the room.

“Please be gentle,” she said as they climbed the stairs. “I have not told her we sent for you, so she is not expecting a visit. Her nerves are still unsettled.”

“Would it not be better to bring her downstairs to the sitting room or the parlor?” Darcy stopped at the top of the stairs. “It is improper for me to enter your bedchamber. If word of it spreads through Meryton, your reputation would suffer.”

“Your sister needs your comfort. Do not concern yourself with my reputation. Nothing will be said unless you choose to speak of it.”

Elizabeth opened the door and stepped aside. Darcy paused, letting his eyes adjust to the dim light. Across the room, Georgiana lay with the blanket pulled to her chin, her eyes closed, reminding him of a frightened child.

He approached, struggling to steady himself. “Georgiana,” he whispered, “are you awake?”

Her eyes opened and fixed on him. Tears slipped down her cheeks, falling to the mattress as he drew near and sat on the edge of the bed to gather her into his arms.

“Oh, William. I am so sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” he asked. “Has something happened? Tell me, and we will face it together. I am your brother and intend to protect you, even with my life if I must. Please help me understand what has upset you.”

“I cannot,” she sobbed, fresh tears streaming down her face. “Take me back to Netherfield, where I can be alone.”

“I brought nothing that would allow for your comfort,” Darcy said. “Bennet’s message said you were ill, and my thoughts were only for your welfare. I did not wait for the carriage.”

Outside the bedchamber, Elizabeth signaled to a servant. “Ask Mr. Bennet to come at once,” she said. The maid curtsied and hurried off.

When her father arrived, she spoke quietly. “Mr. Darcy needs a carriage to take Georgiana to Netherfield. May he use ours?”

“Of course. Tell him it will be ready in a few minutes.”

She returned to the room and caught Darcy by the sleeve. “I told my father of Georgiana’s wish to return to Netherfield. He ordered the carriage. It will be ready as soon as the horses are in place.”

“Thank you,” he said with a wan smile, “but I am not sure Georgiana is well enough to travel.”

“I am fine, William,” she said, her voice steadier. “There is no need to worry. I am only tired and want to sleep in a familiar bed.”

“If you are sure, I will wait in the hall.” He rose and walked to the door. “Please help her,” he said, and stepped out.

Elizabeth opened the door five minutes later and led Georgiana into the hall. “She is ready,” she said, placing the girl’s hand in her brother’s.

“Are you sure you are strong enough?” he asked, his eyes fixed on her. “If you need more time, I can wait.”

“I am fine,” she said. “It is not so far that I cannot manage the ride.”

“As you wish,” he said, and stepped aside.

“This is my fault,” Elizabeth said at the bottom of the stairs. “Had I known, I would have left you with my aunt and searched for Mary myself. I am truly sorry for the harm I caused and hope you forgive me.”

“You did nothing wrong,” Georgiana said, offering a faint smile as she touched Elizabeth’s cheek. “You are not to blame; the fault is mine. Are we still friends?”

“We are,” Elizabeth said as the tears she had fought for hours finally broke free. “I could not bear it if I lost your friendship.”

Turning to Darcy, she said, “Please keep us informed of her condition. If there is anything I can do, you have only to ask.”

“Thank you, but I believe what she needs most is a good sleep.”

“The carriage is ready,” Bennet said, opening the door for Darcy and his sister. “I will not need it until late morning, so keep it for the night. You need not return for your horse; it is tied to the rear.”

“Thank you again for helping my sister,” Darcy said as they reached the waiting carriage. “Are you ready, Georgiana?”

She turned and, without warning, threw her arms around Elizabeth, drawing her into a firm embrace. “Thank you. I do not know what I would have done without you.”

“I am ready,” she told her brother, letting go. He extended his hand to help her into the carriage, then followed and took his seat beside her.

“I want to apologize again for all of this,” Elizabeth said.

“Do not let it trouble you,” he replied. “What you did eased Georgiana’s distress, and I am grateful.”

“We are ready,” he said to the driver.

With a shake of the reins, the carriage moved forward.

“I hope she makes a full recovery,” Bennet remarked as the carriage turned the corner and passed from sight. “It would be a shame if one mishap left her afraid to leave her brother’s side.”

“You know where to find me,” he said as they entered the manor, and he turned down the hall toward his study.