Page 13 of The Shades of Pemberley

At Darcy’s questioning look, Fitzwilliam clarified: “Part of the Darcy family holdings includes a house in Ramsgate.

“At present, that is not an option,” said Fitzwilliam, turning to Mrs. Younge. “Georgiana is in mourning for her brother and will not be able to holiday until it is complete.”

“I agree,” said Darcy. “The time to consider such things will be later this summer.”

“Of course,” acknowledged Mrs. Younge. “I speak only to mention it as a possibility when the situation allows.”

Thereafter, the woman fell silent and remained watchful so long as they sat at the dinner table.

She was, Darcy suspected, taciturn enough that she would say little to anyone other than her charge unless addressed.

Though Darcy did not find her interesting or even friendly, he supposed her duties did not include a friendly attitude toward the estate’s master, or even a man who paid for her employment.

The fees for her service no doubt came from the Darcy coffers; Darcy determined to discover it and ensure the estate continued to fund the expense.

After dinner, they retired to the sitting-room for the rest of the evening.

For a time, Georgiana played the pianoforte for their enjoyment, showing a pleasing technical proficiency for one of her tender years.

Having heard nothing more than the echoes of it through the house while speaking with Fitzwilliam, Darcy was effusive in his praise, though not so much as to render her embarrassed.

“That was exceptional, Georgiana. It is clear you practice far more than my fiancée, who owns her lapse without disguise.”

“Oh!” exclaimed Georgiana. “You are engaged!”

“I am,” agreed Darcy. “To the most wonderful young woman in Hertfordshire. I hope to introduce you when the occasion permits, for Elizabeth is a lively young woman whose presence in my life has done me a world of good. I cannot imagine she would stint in offering her friendship.”

Georgiana offered a shy smile, but it was Fitzwilliam who spoke. “Darcy here delayed his wedding to come to Pemberley, Georgiana.”

It had not been Darcy’s intention to betray as much to Georgiana, but he could do nothing more than acknowledge it when she regarded him through wide eyes.

“How awful!” exclaimed she. “It is unfortunate that you have had such a joyful occasion interrupted!”

“Not at all, Georgiana,” assured Darcy. “The greater consideration is your brother’s passing and the necessity to ensure that you and Pemberley itself receive the attention they deserve. I do not suppose the delay will be more than two or three months.

“To own the truth,” said Darcy, “I had thought to invite Elizabeth to visit Pemberley while I remain here, perhaps in the company of our mothers and maybe one or two of her sisters.”

“I apologize for speaking up, Mr. Darcy,” said Mrs. Younge as she eyed him with disapproval, “but it is not at all proper for your betrothed to stay in the same house in which you live, no matter how many mothers are also present.”

“With that, I cannot but agree,” said Darcy, nodding to Mrs. Younge. “Should the visit come to fruition, they will stay at the inn in Lambton and will only visit Pemberley during the day.”

Mrs. Younge nodded her approval and fell silent. Silence, however, was the furthest thing from Georgiana’s mind.

“Shall she visit soon?”

“Perhaps not at once,” replied Darcy. “There is too much for me to accomplish at present, so I cannot think it is advisable. Perhaps we can arrange it for a month or two from now.”

Georgiana offered another shy smile, after which she peppered him with questions about Elizabeth, her sisters, Hertfordshire, and his life there.

Darcy responded without hesitation, happy to speak on a subject that brought such joy to his heart, especially when he was sundered from Elizabeth only days before their nuptials.

“I have always wanted a sister,” said Georgiana, though with the greatest diffidence. “Though I am naught but your cousin, I hope that I may someday expect a relationship akin to sisters with your future wife.”

“With that, Georgiana, I am convinced Elizabeth will agree with all her heart. My fiancée loves to make friends and is at home in any company, unlike me. When you meet her, I am convinced you will love her at once.”

“With such a recommendation,” said Fitzwilliam, “I also wish to make her acquaintance. Tell me, Darcy, do you suppose any of your excellent future wife’s sisters would suit an old campaigner such as myself?”

“You are not that old, Anthony,” giggled Georgiana.

“Perhaps they would,” said Darcy. “You may have competition with my friend Bingley for her elder sister’s hand, for he found her quite agreeable, but her younger sisters are yet unattached.

Mary is nineteen and pleasant, though you may need to wait for her youngest sisters to settle before either of them becomes appealing. ”

“Bingley,” mused Fitzwilliam. “Is your friend the brother of that harpy who made herself ridiculous to my cousin Darcy?”

“The same,” replied Darcy, not quite hiding his grimace. “Bingley is an excellent sort, though his sister is not cut from the same cloth. I do not hold it against him for having such a shrewish sister, though she is not one with whom I wish to associate.”

“That I can well imagine.”

In this pleasant manner, they spent the rest of the evening, and when he retired to his room for his first night on the estate, Darcy felt he had accomplished something.

With these estimable people, he was certain he would soon become intimate, which was all he hoped upon learning of his inheritance.

Whatever the future held, Darcy knew he could meet it with their support and with the support of his beloved.