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Chapter Eighteen

Elizabeth sat at the small writing desk in her chamber at Netherfield, penning a brief note to her aunt Gardiner in London.

She had just completed her account of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s unexpected arrival and the subtle developments between him and Jane when a soft, hesitant knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

Recognizing the gentle tapping as Georgiana’s, she called for her to enter, curious what might bring her sister-in-law to seek her out.

Georgiana slipped into the room with characteristic quietness, her slender fingers twisting nervously at the lace trim of her sleeve.

Though she had grown noticeably in confidence during the months of Elizabeth’s marriage to her brother, she still retained a natural shyness that emerged particularly when she wished to make a request.

“Elizabeth? I hope I am not disturbing you,” she said, hovering near the doorway as though uncertain of her welcome.

“Not in the slightest,” Elizabeth assured her warmly, setting aside her pen. “I was merely writing to my aunt. Nothing that cannot wait, so do come and sit with me.”

Georgiana crossed to the small settee near the fireplace, perching on the edge of the seat with perfect posture that nonetheless conveyed her nervousness. Elizabeth joined her, noting the slight flush in her cheeks and the way her gaze darted about the room rather than settling on any one spot.

“There is something you wish to discuss,” Elizabeth prompted gently when Georgiana remained silent. “You may speak freely, you know. Whatever is troubling you.”

“Nothing is troubling me, exactly,” Georgiana replied, finally meeting Elizabeth’s gaze. “It is only... I have been thinking about Mr. Bingley’s ball. The one to be held here at Netherfield next week.”

“Yes? What about it?”

Georgiana took a deep breath, as though gathering her courage. “I was wondering if... that is, I hoped perhaps... might I be permitted to attend?”

The question, delivered with such careful hesitancy, touched Elizabeth’s heart. At seventeen, Georgiana stood at that delicate threshold between girlhood and womanhood, not yet officially out in society but increasingly aware of its attractions and possibilities.

“You wish to attend the ball,” Elizabeth repeated thoughtfully. “Although you have not yet had your formal presentation.”

“I know it is unusual,” Georgiana hastened to explain, words tumbling out with increasing animation. “But it would not be like a London ball, would it? Only neighbours and friends in the country. And I should not stay for the whole evening, of course. Perhaps just for a few early dances?”

Elizabeth considered the request carefully.

Darcy had always been particularly protective of his sister, especially after the Wickham affair.

Yet Georgiana had matured considerably in recent months, and her London debut was now just a few short weeks away.

A less formal affair such as the Netherfield ball would be excellent practice, in truth.

“I see no harm in it myself,” Elizabeth said after a moment. “You are quite right that a country ball at Netherfield is quite different from the formal affairs in London. However,” she added, seeing Georgiana’s face light up with hope, “we must consult your brother. It is his decision to make.”

Georgiana’s expression fell slightly. “Fitzwilliam will say no. He always says I am too young.”

“Perhaps,” Elizabeth acknowledged with a small smile. “But we might present the case together. I believe your brother has become somewhat more... flexible in his thinking this past year.”

“Would you?” Georgiana asked, her blue eyes wide with gratitude.

“This very afternoon, if you wish,” Elizabeth offered. “I believe he is in the library now, catching up on correspondence from Pemberley.”

Georgiana hesitated only briefly before nodding with newfound determination. “Yes, please. I should like to ask him today, before I lose my courage.”

Elizabeth rose, extending her hand to her sister-in-law with an encouraging smile. “Then let us go together. Remember, speak from your heart. Your brother loves you dearly and wants your happiness above all else.”

The library door stood ajar, revealing Darcy seated at the massive mahogany desk near the window, his tall figure bent over what appeared to be estate ledgers. He looked up at their entrance, his expression immediately warming at the sight of Elizabeth.

“An unexpected pleasure,” he said, rising from his chair. “I had thought you both engaged with your respective correspondence this afternoon.”

“We have a matter to discuss with you,” Elizabeth replied, drawing Georgiana forward with gentle encouragement. “Something of some importance to your sister.”

Darcy’s gaze shifted to Georgiana, a slight furrow appearing between his brows. “Nothing amiss, I hope?”

“No, not at all,” Elizabeth assured him. “Georgiana has something to ask you.”

There followed a moment of silence as Georgiana gathered her courage. Elizabeth remained beside her, a supportive presence but careful not to speak for her.

“Brother,” Georgiana finally began, her voice soft but clear, “I wish to ask your permission to attend Mr. Bingley’s ball next week.”

Darcy’s expression stilled, his eyes moving from his sister to Elizabeth and back again. “The ball,” he repeated carefully. “You know you are not yet out in society, Georgiana.”

“I know,” she acknowledged. “But this is only a country ball, not a London affair. I thought perhaps, just this once...”

“You are but seventeen,” Darcy countered, though his tone remained gentle. “There will be many balls in your future, once you have been properly presented.”

“But it seems an ideal opportunity to... to practise, before my formal debut,” Georgiana persisted, showing more spirit than Elizabeth had often seen in her.

“And with Kitty as a supportive friend, I… should feel more confident, I think, if my first ball was a smaller, country affair, rather than one in London.”

Darcy moved from behind the desk, his expression thoughtful. “You have given this considerable thought, I see.”

“I have,” Georgiana confirmed, standing a little straighter.

“I would follow all proprieties. I would not dance with anyone you did not approve of. I would retire early if you wished it. But...” Her voice took on a wistful quality.

“I should so like to experience a real ball, even if just for an evening.”

Elizabeth watched the subtle play of emotions across her husband’s face: concern, protective instinct, and beneath it all, a growing recognition of his sister’s maturation. She remained silent, allowing this moment between brother and sister to unfold without her interference.

“And you support this request?” Darcy asked finally, turning to Elizabeth.

“I see no harm in it,” she replied honestly. “Georgiana has demonstrated remarkable growth in confidence these past months. A small step into society, in a controlled environment among friends, seems a natural progression.”

Darcy paced a few steps, hands clasped behind his back, his expression indicating the internal debate taking place. Elizabeth had come to recognise this particular stance: he was not rejecting the idea outright, which was in itself a victory.

“If I were to permit this,” he said at length, turning back to Georgiana, “there would be conditions.”

Georgiana’s face brightened with hope. “Of course. Anything you say.”

“You would attend only until after supper,” Darcy stipulated firmly. “You would dance no more than one dance with any one gentleman, and only with those I have personally approved. You would remain in either my or Elizabeth’s sight at all times.”

“Yes, I agree to all those conditions,” Georgiana replied eagerly.

“And,” Darcy continued, his voice softening, “you would promise to tell me immediately if you felt overwhelmed or uncomfortable at any point.”

“I promise,” Georgiana said solemnly.

Darcy studied his sister’s face for a long moment before giving a slight nod. “Very well. You may attend the ball, under these conditions.”

The joy that illuminated Georgiana’s features was radiant enough to warm even the coldest heart, and Darcy’s was far from cold where his sister was concerned. Elizabeth watched with affection as Georgiana impulsively embraced her brother, momentarily forgetting her usual restraint.

“Thank you, Fitzwilliam! Thank you! I shall not disappoint you, I promise.”

A smile touched Darcy’s lips as he returned his sister’s embrace. “I have never doubted that, Georgiana.”

“I must tell Kitty,” Georgiana exclaimed, already moving toward the door in her excitement. “May I visit Longbourn this afternoon? Or perhaps invite her here?”

“Perhaps you might invite Miss Catherine to Netherfield tomorrow,” Darcy suggested, his tone indicating a compromise. “It is growing late for a ride to Longbourn today.”

“Yes, of course. Tomorrow will be perfect. Thank you again, brother!” With a quick curtsy and a brilliant smile for Elizabeth, Georgiana hurried from the library, her steps lighter than they had been upon entering.

In the silence that followed her departure, Darcy turned to Elizabeth with a rueful expression. “I suspect I have you to thank for this new assertiveness in my sister.”

“I have merely encouraged what was already there,” Elizabeth replied, moving to stand beside him. “Georgiana has a natural strength that needed only gentle nurturing to emerge.”

“Nevertheless,” Darcy said, taking her hand in his, “she would never have approached me with such a request before you entered our lives. Your influence has been... transformative.”

Elizabeth smiled up at him. “Is that a complaint or a compliment, sir?”

“Both, perhaps,” he admitted with the hint of a smile. “I find myself increasingly outnumbered by strong-minded women in my household.”

“A most fortunate predicament for any man,” Elizabeth returned lightly.

Darcy’s expression grew more serious. “You truly believe she is ready for this step?”