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M r. Darcy had sent a messenger to Netherfield ahead of his arrival so that the Bingleys would have a room ready for Georgiana. The carriage pulled up to Netherfield’s entryway and Mr. Darcy helped his sister alight; they were shown into the drawing room by Taggart at once.

Greetings and enquiries as to health were exchanged. Mr. Bingley began to express his happiness at seeing his friend again when Miss Bingley interrupted him.

“Oh, Miss Darcy!” she exclaimed. “You are most welcome. As are you, Mr. Darcy, of course. Your rooms are ready; would you care for refreshments first, or do you prefer to go to your rooms?”

“Caroline,” Mr. Bingley said, warningly.

“Charles, I was just –“

Mrs. Hurst stepped in front of her younger sister, saying, “I am Netherfield’s hostess now. Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy, what are your preferences?”

The Darcys exchanged quick glances. “Georgiana?” Mr. Darcy enquired.

“I would like to go to my room first, please,” she said, softly.

“Certainly; if you would follow me. Your room is next to your brother’s; you will share a sitting room, if that is acceptable to you.”

“Very much so,” Georgiana replied. “Thank you for your kindness.”

“Of course,” Mrs. Hurst said. “I will do everything I can to make your stay with us comfortable, Miss Darcy. If there is anything you need, I hope you will let me know at once.”

Georgiana assured her hostess that she would do so, and was soon ensconced in a room decorated in a soft blue with cream accents.

It was quite lovely, and she smiled as she removed her bonnet and set it on the bed.

She washed the road dust from her face and allowed her maid to unbutton her traveling dress and put her into a fresh gown.

A minute later, there was a knock on the door leading to the sitting room. She flew to it and opened it. “Brother!”

“Are you comfortable?”

“Oh, yes!”

“I did not know that Miss Bingley had been supplanted by Mrs. Hurst, but that can only make our visit here more comfortable,” Mr. Darcy said, smiling.

“When will we go to Miss Elizabeth’s house – Longbourn, is it?”

“Georgiana, I know you are eager to see Miss Elizabeth, but –“

“No, never say that I cannot accompany you!”

“This first time, I must go alone.”

“But why?” Georgiana asked, plaintively.

“Georgiana, I am about to tell the Bennet family that their youngest daughter is likely dead. I think it best that they hear this news in as private a setting as possible.”

Georgiana sighed. “I hate it when you are so – so very reasonable.”

Mr. Darcy had to smile at that. “Yes, I know I am a dreadful burden to you, dear sister.”

“Tomorrow, then?”

“Yes, we will go to Longbourn tomorrow together. In the meantime, though, I cannot leave our host and hostess quite so soon. I will make my excuses as soon as seems polite.”

With that, Georgiana had to be content. She took her brother’s arm, and they made their way downstairs.

Over tarts and cups of tea, the conversation covered the weather, the health of various family members, the latest fashions, Miss Darcy’s progress on the pianoforte, Miss Bingley’s latest interest in floriography, and so on.

Finally, Mr. Darcy said, “I am off to Longbourn; I have something in my carriage that I promised to convey to them.”

Mr. Bingley shook his head, sadly. “I would go with you, but I am only permitted to attend Miss Bennet once every three days.”

“I will be back for dinner, Mrs. Hurst,” Mr. Darcy said.