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“As for Anne, I was surprised at her rebelliousness. I witnessed some of this struggle for power that I mentioned, and it is no wonder my sister has become so thoughtless. However, it cannot remain that way. Anne has another year before she inherits. I have told her I want her to marry, and Audra offered to sponsor her for the coming season. However, there is a gentleman in the neighborhood that Anne wishes to wed, so I will endeavor to make that happen for her. It seems he has been coming to visit often. I suspect my sister knew about their little romance, and chose to ignore it.”

Darcy shook his head, his lip curling. “I can promise you that any acceptance of attentions from Lady Catherine will only come after receipt of an abject apology and a period of improved behavior.

“I am not as surprised at Anne’s conduct as you seem to be.

Even when we were children, she demonstrated a desire to get her own way.

She was not pleasant to her playmates, though she always gave the appearance of an angel to adults.

” He rolled his eyes. “I do not see us spending much time with her even if she does marry, though that is not a result of the attack on me.”

“I wish one of you had said something when you were younger,” Lady Matlock cried. “We could have intervened earlier and, perhaps, this situation would not have arisen.”

“Would you have listened?” Darcy looked at the countess with his eyebrows raised. “You always praised Anne and scolded us boys. You could never believe that she would instigate anything.”

Lady Matlock flushed and looked away. “Perhaps you are right.” She looked Darcy in the eye. “I am sorry I made you feel that you could not come to me and be believed. Please forgive me.”

“I do forgive you. It is water under the bridge now. I am certain her behavior is too ingrained at this point to change it. The best we can hope for is that the influence of a husband will inspire her to behave differently.” He looked down at Elizabeth, who barely came to his shoulder.

“I can attest to the power of love giving one a desire to improve oneself.”

Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled at him as a grin spread over her features. “Indeed.” She squeezed his arm close to her side.

Lord Matlock cleared his throat. “Well, then. I suspect losing your good opinion will be a sufficient deterrent to my sister. We …” He used his hand to indicate himself and the countess.

“… spoke with Anne and stressed to her the impropriety of her behavior. I am not certain she heard above half what we said. But, we will return to Rosings on the morrow and contact this young man and his family. I hope to have your cousin married before spring and your aunt reined in, as well.” He shrugged. “We shall see what happens.”

Darcy nodded. “Thank you. That is all we can expect. I do not see Lady Catherine bowing to your edicts, but as you said, we shall see. I wish you all the best in the endeavor.”

The earl cleared his throat. With a glance behind Darcy, he replied, “I will stop monopolizing your attention for the time being.” He nodded to a spot just beyond his nephew’s shoulder.

“I see your sister hovering; I know she would not wish to interrupt a conversation. She has been eager to meet your bride.”

“We could hardly keep her still all the way here from Netherfield.” Lady Matlock chuckled. “I feared she would bounce out of the carriage window.”

Darcy grinned as Elizabeth laughed. They said goodbye to the older couple and then turned to see Georgiana light up and hurry over. She threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. He wrapped his around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.

“Are you happy, Sprite? You act as though you have not seen me in days instead of a couple of hours.”

“I am!” Georgiana pulled back and looked into his eyes. “I am so happy for you. Congratulations!” She looked down as she loosened her hold on him. “Will you introduce me to my new sister?”

“Of course I will!” Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand once more and placed it on his forearm. “Sister, please meet Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy.” He looked into his wife’s eyes and felt himself falling into them again. He did not, however, forget his duty. “My love, please meet my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy .”

The ladies bowed to each other, rising from their curtseys with matching smiles.

“I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Darcy.” Elizabeth shot a mischievous look at her new husband. “Your brother has told me many things about you.”

Georgiana shot her brother a look, her eyes narrowing. “All good, I hope.”

“Oh, very good, I assure you.” Darcy darted a couple wide-eyed glances from his wife to his sister and back. When Elizabeth laughed merrily and his sister followed suit, he relaxed, twisting his neck against the sudden tightness of his cravat.

“I think we frightened him.” The new Mrs. Darcy winked at Georgiana.

“I suspect we did. I confess I enjoyed the experience. It is not often I am able to best my brother in anything.” Georgiana grinned.

Darcy said nothing. He rolled his eyes, but his joy at seeing his shy little sister drawn out of her shell by the most important woman in his life was immeasurable. He decided to remain silent and simply soak in the conversation.

“I must admit that I am happy to add you to the number of my sisters. Have they introduced you to the neighbors?”

“They have! Miss Bennet and Miss Mary have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. They introduced me to your Aunt Gardiner. She is so warm and friendly! Brother told me he liked her and your uncle, so I thought I probably would, as well, and I do.”

Elizabeth smiled up at her husband for a moment before she replied. “I am happy to hear it! I never had the chance to ask him yesterday what he thought. I was a bit anxious about the introduction, because my uncle is in trade, but they did seem to get along quite well.”

Darcy lifted her hand and kissed it. “Your uncle is famous in certain circles. It is a boon to my standing to be able to claim the connection.” He chuckled when she rolled her eyes.

“I hate to pull you away from each other when you are forming such a bond, but if we are to reach town before dark, we must leave in just a few minutes.”

Though they expressed disappointment, both his sister and his wife accepted his words.

They hugged and kissed and promised to spend hours together after the wedding trip.

Then, he and Elizabeth made their rounds, saying farewell to the family, friends, and neighbors that were gathered.

Within a quarter hour, the couple was in their carriage and on their way to spend the night at Darcy House in London.

They would make their way to their estate in Scotland the next morning.