Page 4 of Missing

Mr. Bennet believed that Jane would indeed be happy and most likely accept Mr. Bingley.

But he was equally certain that Elizabeth would refuse Mr. Collins, and he was resolved to support her.

For the present, however, he chose to keep his peace and enjoy what little quiet remained to him.

He knew well that once Jane's engagement was declared, and Elizabeth rejected the ridiculous parson, Mrs. Bennet would be even more insufferable than she already was.

◆◆◆

Georgiana was embroidering a handkerchief for her aunt, whose birthday was in a few days.

She was weary of her routine and longed for a more exciting life.

Girls her age attended school, went shopping with companions, and enjoyed the pleasures of friendship, yet Georgiana, nearly sixteen, had never once experienced the joys of adolescence.

She would never complain to her father, for he was everything to her.

He had devoted his life to caring for and loving her, though sometimes she wished for a life like that of other girls her age.

But he would not permit her to attend school or to picnic in the park with many friends, for he lived in constant fear that something might befall her.

Mrs. Annesley was excellent company, yet she was serious, and Georgiana often wished for more cheerful conversation, not only music and books.

When her father interviewed candidates for the position of companion, Georgiana had thought Mrs. Younge the most suitable.

She had wished to take her to Ramsgate, to establish her own household and begin a more independent life.

Georgiana had believed that such a chance would offer her new experiences and the opportunity to learn how to manage a home.

But her father disliked the idea, and even remarked that Mrs. Younge's eagerness to separate her from her family seemed suspicious.

Caroline and Louisa were not often in London, yet they were her only visitors.

Though they spoke only of trifles, Georgiana was entertained, for she liked to be reminded that there was a world beyond the walls of her grand home.

Charles Bingley was always kind, and she often thought that, had her brother lived, he might have resembled him.

Still, she was certain she would never treat a brother as Caroline and Louisa treated theirs.

On the contrary, she would be affectionate and glad to spend her time with him.

Unfortunately, Caroline and Louisa did not understand that she regarded Mr. Bingley as family. For that reason, she felt very uncomfortable whenever they hinted at a possible union between them.

"Georgie, what occupies your thoughts so intently?" Richard asked, sitting beside his cousin and kissing her hand. He loved her as though she were his sister, and from the moment of her birth had promised his dear departed cousin that he would care for her and fulfill the role of brother.

"Richard, you do not know how glad I am to see you," Georgiana replied, embracing her cousin and kissing him on the cheek. She adored him, for whenever he was in town, he took her to see the sights of the city.

"My dear cousin, I shall remain in London nearly two months, and I plan to take you to the park every day.

We shall visit the new exhibition at the museum, attend the fair, and play cards at my mother's house.

What say you, my sweet and adored little cousin?

" Richard pitied Georgiana's secluded life, for her father's excessive caution prevented her from enjoying the freedom of other girls her age.

"Oh, Richard, you are wonderful! I know my father always allows me to accompany you anywhere, so I cannot wait to enjoy all these delightful activities," Georgiana answered eagerly.

"So, am I still your favourite cousin, or not?" Richard teased.

"I do not know; Arthur is a viscount," Georgiana laughed.

"You little mischief-maker, I shall not allow you to compare me with my pompous brother," Richard said, feigning offence and making her laugh.

"Oh, Richard, you know how dearly I love you," Georgiana said, embracing him once more.

Richard remained with Georgiana for some time, recounting all that he had done in the three months since they last met. She delighted in his stories, for he was always amusing and affectionate with her.

"Well, my dear girl, I must now speak with your father. But I shall stay for dinner, so you will not be rid of me so easily. Mrs. Annesley, if this young lady causes you any trouble, you must not hesitate to tell me," Richard said, winking at his cousin.

"Miss Darcy is the most well-behaved young lady I have ever known, Colonel. Georgiana, since your cousin will dine with you, you should play the beautiful piece you have been practising with Maestro Rossi."

Seeing his cousin's nervousness, Richard said gently, "I should love to hear you, Georgie. But if you do not yet feel ready, pray do not concern yourself."

"I shall practise and be ready for this evening, dear cousin," Georgiana replied. She was excited to know they would have company for dinner. Richard always filled her house with cheer, and she was determined to play her best for him.

Meanwhile, George Darcy was shut in his study, examining documents concerning new investments. A few months earlier, his attorney had introduced him to a capable and honest businessman, and his partnership with Mr. Gardiner had already yielded excellent profit.

"Excuse me, Uncle, may I come in?" Richard asked, seeing George Darcy intent upon his papers.

"Of course, my dear nephew. Do come in." Mr. Darcy loved Richard dearly, always remembering that he had been his son's closest friend during his brief life.

George embraced his nephew warmly, poured him a brandy, and, after inquiring into his affairs, revealed the reason he had asked him to visit.

"Richard, I wish you to leave your post as a royal officer."

"Uncle, we have spoken of this many times. You know I enjoy my career, and I do not want your charity."

"Please, boy, hear me first."

Richard listened, troubled yet attentive.

"My son, I know my health is failing, and if I die, you are the only one I trust to care for my daughter. I have laboured tirelessly for fourteen years, and I wish to purchase an estate for you."

"Uncle, I am grateful, but it is not necessary. I believe you still have many years ahead of you. Yet if anything were to happen, rest assured, I shall care for Georgie as if she were my own daughter or sister."

"I know it, and for that reason, I mean to leave everything in your charge.

In my will, I have appointed you as Georgiana's guardian and executor of her inheritance until she marries.

I know you will protect her, and that neither she nor Wickham will suffer want.

My poor godson has never been able to find his place in society.

Many dislike him for being the son of my former steward. "

Richard could not suppress his discomfort at hearing his uncle excuse Wickham's failings.

That scoundrel was idle and dissolute, squandering every opportunity Mr. Darcy had afforded him, whether at the gaming table or with women of ill repute.

Yet Richard understood his uncle's indulgence: Edith Wickham had died in the attempt to save her son, and George Darcy felt forever indebted.

"Uncle, let us speak of happier things. Do you know what my father told my mother, to prevent her from calling upon Lady Dorothy?"

"Oh, I do not blame him. That woman is quite insufferable," George said with a laugh.

Uncle and nephew conversed for nearly an hour, and afterwards joined Georgiana at dinner, where she played a beautiful piece for them.

Everyone rejoiced when the Colonel visited the Darcy household; even the servants felt glad to see their master and his shy daughter so cheerful, eager to talk, and full of shared anecdotes.

But beneath the appearance of contentment, George Darcy could not help dwelling on what would become of his poor daughter if his health continued to decline.