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“And how long can we go on like this? You suffering for me, me suffering for you, all because of George Wickham’s betrayal. This cannot be!”

“I feel like a fool… I do not know what to do…”

He took her hands. “You must tell me the whole truth. Nothing less. And I shall settle everything in such a way that he can never bother us again.”

“What truth?”

“First, about the watch,” he said, and she withdrew her hands. “Wickham asserts that you gave it to him willingly.”

“I did not,” she whispered, lowering her eyes.

“Not really…it was…” She wiped her tears, then cleared her throat and finally spoke.

“Mrs Younge knew about the watch…and George knew too. One day he asked to see it…when he planned the elopement. I showed it to him, and the next day, he said he felt the watch was a sign…a premonition…that Grandma Georgina looked like me and that the inscription from G to G seemed as if it was made for us…”

Darcy was almost suffocated by rage but struggled to remain calm and silent.

“Then, two days before you arrived, he asked me to let him hold the watch, as a reminder of our commitment. He said the watch would help him keep track of the time…that he would count every second until we met again. And I agreed. He said he would keep the miniatures in the same box, so they would be safe.”

She could hardly speak; every word seemed to take great effort, but he did not stop her.

“And then,” she finally continued, “you arrived, and I told you what had happened…then George left, and you dismissed Mrs Younge too. I could not speak to either of them about the watch, and I did not dare tell you either, after everything that had happened.”

“I understand. It all makes sense now. Thank you so much for telling me. I am sorry for all your pain, my dear.”

“Thank you for being so patient and kind to me, Brother. I was such a fool…”

“No, you were not. You were kind and trusting, as is your heart and your nature. And you were brave and wise to tell me about the elopement in time. Very few women, even those older than you, would have shown such courage.”

“You are very kind, Brother,” she repeated.

“Please know you may talk to me about anything at any time. I know we are not close in age or nature or disposition, and I might not always be pleasant and easy company, but we only have each other, and I hope you trust me enough to know I would do anything for your happiness.”

“I do trust you! I just do not want to bother you with my foolish remorse. There are so many things I regret, so many things I would do differently…”

“My dear, I cannot tell you how many things I regret doing only in the last six months! So many things I wish I had done differently! I have been wrong in so many ways, and I am trying to make amends now.”

“You? I can hardly believe that, Brother! You never do anything wrong!” the girl said with so much feeling that Darcy laughed and squeezed her hands affectionately.

“I am grateful to have your unconditional support, my dear, though I do not deserve it. If you wish, I could tell you some of the foolish things your older brother has done recently. You may laugh and perhaps see me in a different light — a less perfect one.”

Through her tears, Georgiana forced a smile. “You will always have my unconditional support, Brother.”

“I am glad to hear that, dearest, as I have some news. We shall have a small dinner party in three days. I have invited Miss Elizabeth Bennet, her sister, uncle, and aunt. And, of course, Bingley and our brave colonel.”

“Oh…” Georgiana whispered.

“I know it is sudden, but Miss Bennet and her sister will leave town at the end of next week. And Bingley was so happy to be reunited with Miss Jane Bennet. Besides, I wished to thank them for helping with the watch situation.”

“I see… May I ask…what do the Miss Bennets and Mr and Mrs Gardiner know about the watch?”

“Only that Wickham pawned it and I recovered it. The only one who knows a little more is Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She was charmed by Wickham too last autumn. He spread all sorts of lies about me, and she believed him.”

“Oh…”

“Yes. She trusted him over me, and we quarrelled harshly about the matter. I had to reveal some of my past dealings with Wickham before she was convinced where the truth lay. That is why, when she saw the miniatures and the watch, she questioned their ownership.”

“Miss Elizabeth seems like a special young lady. You have mentioned her several times, even in your letters from Netherfield.”

“I have. And yes, she is a remarkable young lady.”

“Her opinion seems important to you.”

“It is. And, ironically, her initial opinion of me was very poor. Very, very poor,” he insisted, trying to smile. “I am still not certain how much it has improved.”

“How can that be?” Georgiana asked with genuine disbelief, making Darcy laugh.

“Well, when I first met her, it was at an assembly. Bingley insisted that I dance with her, and I refused, calling her tolerable. Then I repeatedly offended her family with my arrogant manners, and I convinced Bingley that Miss Jane Bennet was not a good match for him, almost ruining their happiness. Do you need more proof?”

He kept a light tone, but Georgiana’s face displayed increasing shock as he spoke. He was at least pleased that some of her distress seemed to be gone.

“I can hardly believe it, Brother.”

“And yet, it is true. Therefore, dearest, I am counting on you to help me impress Miss Elizabeth when they come here,” he concluded, half in jest.

The girl smiled, still incredulous, and the conversation continued for a while. That evening — finally — Georgiana and Mrs Annesley joined Darcy for dinner, returning to their usual habit.