Page 18

Georgiana poked her head into the library and saw her brother at the large desk. As usual, he was writing a letter. As many letters as he wrote, she could never figure out how his fingers were not stained by ink. She cleared her throat to catch his attention, walking in as he looked up. A smile spread across his face. She smiled back, liking how his serious countenance softened when he smiled. He should do more often like she remembered as a child.

“What can I help you with?” He asked, carefully setting his pen in its holder.

“We are going for a walk and thought you should know,” she replied, putting her hands on the edge of the desk.

“We?”

“Anne and Miss Elizabeth.”

“You do not need my permission.”

“I know.” She looked at the letter he was writing and the correspondence sitting off to the side. “Perhaps you would care to join us?”

He was having a hard enough time not thinking of her. Spending more time with her, even in the company of his wards, was not a good idea.

“I need to finish this while the thoughts are fresh in my mind.” He could see the look of disappointment. He almost relented and changed his mind, but his presence might keep Anne from being more open.

“I hope I have not interrupted your thoughts.”

“No.” He paused and tapped his finger several times on the desk. “What do you think of her?”

“Miss Elizabeth?” He nodded. “I like her very much.”

He nodded again. “Good. Make sure you dress warm.”

“Miss Elizabeth said the same thing,” she replied with a smile before turning to leave.

“We could go for a ride this afternoon if you like.”

Her smile increased as she agreed before leaving. Darcy sat for some time, his thoughts on everything but the letter he had been trying to finish. When Richard came home, what would they do about the deeper bond the two girls had developed? It seemed unfair to separate them now. Ignoring the letter he had been working on he pulled out a fresh sheet and began making notes.

Georgiana was happy that Miss Bingley had declined the invitation to join them. While she would never tell anyone, she reminded her of her Aunt Catherine, loud and overbearing. She could also tell she was interested in her brother, which did not sit well with her. The three talked about anything and everything that came to mind. Even Anne, for once, was talkative and lively.

Georgiana gazed at the open landscape beyond the grounds. Being here reminded her of Pemberley, where she could walk outside without it being a major undertaking like in town. And there were no footmen following to watch her every move.

“Do you ride, Miss Elizabeth?”

“Goodness no. And please call me Elizabeth. Hearing you call me miss makes me feel old.”

Georgiana’s face colored, looking down as she apologized.

“There’s no need to be sorry. It was not a chastisement. I have a sister your age.” She said with a laugh. “My friend Charlotte is much older than I, and I think if I called her Miss Lucas, she might thump me on my head.”

The two gasped at her comment, stopping in their tracks. Elizabeth laughed at their expressions and hastily told them she was exaggerating.

“Charlotte is the most calm, sensible person I know. I’m sure you will meet her at some point, and you will see. Shall we sit on the bench? I will tell you a story about when her brothers put frogs in her shopping basket.”

As they sat enjoying the crisp, clear air, she then related a few humorous stories she had with Charlotte, which had all three of them laughing. Upon hearing the laughter, Darcy turned about, not wanting his presence to dampen their good mood, as it was the first time he had heard Anne laugh since she had come to him.

Darcy was content. Better than he had been in a long time. The ride with his sister had been enjoyable as they talked about nothing in particular. As far as he was concerned, it had been a very good day. His cousin appeared to have turned a corner, and he determined that he would have to find a way to thank the woman he knew was responsible for the change in both his wards.