“How?” Georgiana’s eyes moved rapidly over his features and she bit her lip.
“I believe it is time that I wed.”
“Wed? Who?” Her eyes opened wide. “Not Anne.”
“No, Georgie.” Darcy released her hands and cupped his chin. “I have harboured an affection for the former Miss Elizabeth Bennet for some years now. As she is now widowed, I will be able to court her once her mourning has ended.”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” Georgiana’s brows furrowed. “You mean Mrs. Collins?”
Darcy nodded.
“You did write of her when you first stayed at Netherfield and I thought … but then you said nothing more about her and that year we came to visit Rosings for Easter I learned she had wed.” She laid a hand upon his which rested upon his leg. “Oh Brother, have you loved her all these years?”
Darcy nodded again, his eyes filling with unshed tears.
“Does she return your affections?” Georgiana asked tentatively.
“Yes.” Darcy ran his free hand over his face. “I believe she will accept me, but we must wait an appropriate time after her mourning ends.”
“Of course.” Georgiana shook her head. “I never understood why she married Mr. Collins.”
“For her family’s sake. He was her father’s heir.”
“But you would have cared for her family.”
“Had I known what was occurring …” He shook his head. “She has told me repeatedly she would have refused me. Apparently, I did not make a very good first impression.”
Georgiana studied him carefully. “Well, you do appear stiff and unyielding to those who do not know you as I do.”
“Georgie!”
“It is true, Brother. Many of my friends are afraid of you, even though their parents encourage them to draw your attention.” She giggled as he gasped in horror. “Have no fear, William. I convinced them all you would not be easily moved to marriage.”
“Thank you, dearest, for being my protector.” He kissed her hand.
“Now,” she took up the teapot and refreshed their cups, “how shall I assist you while we are in Hertfordshire?” One brow rose in a teasing manner as her lips pursed to withhold her amusement.
Darcy threw his head back and laughed. “By being yourself, my dear; nothing more.”
*CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO*
The carriage was not long on the road before both Georgiana and Anne were asleep. Darcy shook his head as he withdrew Elizabeth’s letter from his pocket.
“You would not leave me alone, would you my love?” he whispered as he unfolded the missive and read it again.
A twinge of guilt tugged at his heart as he had yet to read the passages Elizabeth had noted. If he had thought of it, he would have carried a copy of the Gospels with him, but in his rush to reach her side, it had been overlooked. Refolding the paper, he returned it to the pocket over his heart and turned to gaze out the window.
They were passing the parsonage and it felt odd not to see Mr. Collins rushing from the house to bow repeatedly until they were out of sight. He shook his head, wondering how a man might come to be of such mean understanding as the deceased clergyman had been. A sycophant with any considered higher in society, patronizing toward those he felt beneath him, and vicious toward the woman who was to be his partner in life. He shook his head once more to push the thoughts away.
No sooner had he put the man from his mind, then the thought of what Will might have become growing up under such a man disturbed his musings. His son … raised by that … that spurious fool. Darcy shook his head yet again and forcefully pushed thoughts of Mr. Collins from his mind.
His hand brushed his jacket causing the letter within to rustle and Elizabeth’s fine eyes were once again before him. Darcy’s shoulders relaxed and he closed his eyes as he leaned back against the squabs.
“Have you finished arguing with yourself, Darcy?”
He opened his eyes to find Anne watching him closely. “I thought you asleep.”
“Just resting.”
“Have I disturbed you?”
“Entertained me would be more accurate.” A half smile lifted one side of her countenance and her eyes sparkled with amusement at his expense.
Darcy bowed his head in her direction. “I am pleased to be of service.”
Her expression returned to a more thoughtful one. “Are you prepared to see Elizabeth again?”
Darcy glanced at his sister, but her steady breaths and relaxed posture reassured him of her slumber. “I am. Though it may be difficult not to gather her in my arms the moment we are together, I am determined not to betray my feelings to those around us.”
“I found her much changed in her last letter to me.” His cousin’s eyes narrowed as though she were watching him closely for some revelation.
“For a time, she blamed herself for Collins’ death, but it appears she has found peace now.” Darcy looked at his hands. “Before Anne was born, she told me she was unworthy of being loved.”
“I suspected as much. You were not here when he passed. It was a most horrible time.”
Darcy looked up in time to see Anne shiver with revulsion before she continued.
“I had never seen her in such a state, even at the beginning of their marriage when he was determined to show his dominance over her.” She tsked. “As hard as he and mother attempted to break Elizabeth’s spirits then, his death came close to actually accomplishing it.” Anne took a deep breath, glanced toward Georgiana who continued to sleep, and then met Darcy’s gaze. “Her latest letter was filled with hope. She indicated the date of the Christening, though she said she would understand if I was unable to attend. I knew it was important for her that we be there.”
“We?” Darcy tugged at his gloves. “Are you certain she and her family wish me to attend? When I was last in Hertfordshire, it caused a break between her and Mrs. Bingley. I have no desire to increase her distress.”
“Mrs. Bingley requested our presence and offered rooms in her home. Would you like to read the letter?” Anne reached for her reticule.
“No,” Darcy waved her off, “I believe you. It seems much has changed since the babe was born.”
“I believe much has changed for Elizabeth and her family.” She gave him that piercing unnerving look she had learned from her mother but had now perfected. “How are you, Darcy?”
He sighed and gave her a bemused smile. “I am waiting.”
Anne shook her head and appeared about to ring a peel over his head when Georgiana stirred. His cousin pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes but abandoned their conversation.
“How long have I slept?” Georgiana asked as she stretched her arms in front of her.
“Not long.” Darcy answered. “We have not yet reached Essex.”
Georgiana looked out the window. “Is there anything to do there? Shall we have some entertainment this afternoon or evening?”
“Oh dear,” Anne sighed as she winked at him. “It has occurred, Darcy. We are no longer enough to entertain your sister.”
“Anne!” Georgiana cried in distress before she noted the lady’s lips tremble with amusement. “Oh, you are teasing me.” She laughed. “I fear I have become spoiled by the constant activity in town. It might be nice to spend a quiet evening for once.”
“And wise,” Darcy replied. “I am certain Hertfordshire will be anything but quiet once we arrive. The Bennets are … a boisterous family.”
A thin line appeared between his sister’s brows. “Do you disapprove of them, William?”
“No.” Darcy sat straighter, tugging at his coat sleeves. “I had only thought to warn you as you are unaccustomed to such lively behaviour.”
Her worried expression turned into a full frown. “Mrs. Bingley is everything that is proper, I would describe her as quiet, and Mrs. Collins appeared the same when I met her.”
“Yes, well,” Darcy brushed a bit of dust from his trouser leg and sat back, “I believe the eldest daughters take afte
r their father.”
“So, you disapprove of their mother?” Anne asked.
A quick glance in her direction confirmed she was enjoying his discomfort. “Mrs. Bennet is an acquired taste. One must come to understand her better to appreciate her for what she is.”
“And what precisely is she?” Georgiana asked with a tinge of humour in her voice.
Darcy laughed. “I see what you are about, and I will not succumb to your tricks. I will not speak ill of Mrs. Bennet.”
“Darcy,” Anne simpered. “We have yet to meet the woman. Georgie and I are simply attempting to form a likeness of her.”
He shook a finger at his cousin. “Your friend has spoken of her mother, so I am certain you know what to expect.”
Anne’s shoulders shook with laughter. “I do.”
“Am I to be left in the darkness on this subject?” Georgiana asked, her lower lip pushing out in a childish pout.
“Mrs. Bennet,” Anne began as she took Georgiana’s hand, “is a simple woman who frets over any perceived threat to her own comfort, real or imaginary. Elizabeth is her mother’s least favourite child and her father’s favourite. Therefore, she and her mother have a tempestuous relationship.”
Darcy frowned. “I believe that Mrs. Bennet would say she simply does not understand her second daughter. While the youngest two share their mother’s interests in lace and gossip, Elizabeth has always preferred to spend her time in her father’s library or outside among the wilds of nature.”
He noted his sister’s brow rise and Anne quickly cover her smirk with her handkerchief, but he was uncertain what he had said which drew such responses.
“I thought Mrs. Collins had four sisters,” Georgiana replied as she watched him closely.
“She does. The middle child, Miss Mary Bennet, is …” Darcy thought of Elizabeth’s letter and his hand covered his breast pocket. “I believe she has matured since her sisters’ marriages and you will like her very well.” He smiled. “I remember her having a fondness for the pianoforte.”
“Oh,” Georgie’s eyes lit up. “I wish I had brought some selections of sheet music.”
“Perhaps there will be a shop nearby when we stop,” Anne suggested. She used her handkerchief to fan herself.
“Are you becoming warm, Anne?” Darcy asked. Travelling in summer was always an uncomfortable thing, but he knew his cousin suffered from the heat more than others. Her complexion appeared blotchy and her eyelids drooped.
“I will be well.” She glanced out the window. “It is a shame the dust demands the windows remain closed, but I believe we will be stopping soon.”
“You need not hold with propriety for our sake.” Georgiana reached over to open the buttons on her cousin’s pelisse. “It is too warm to be so well covered. Remove your gloves and bonnet.”
Anne laughed as she submitted to Georgiana’s ministrations. “Kite packed a basket, Darcy. It is under your seat. There may be lemonade.”
The basket did indeed contain lemonade which he poured out for each of them. As they drank, Anne’s colour returned to normal and a short time later the carriage slowed as it approached the town where they would stay the night. Once Anne was dressed for public again, they descended from the carriage and looked about.
Linking arms with Georgiana, Anne asked, “Might we refresh ourselves and rest this afternoon? Perhaps we may take a tour of the town this evening when the temperatures begin to fall.”
“I believe that is an excellent idea,” Georgiana replied as they entered the inn. “Do you mind if Brother and I go shopping while you rest?”
“Of course not.” Anne patted her cousin’s arm. “I would not want to spoil your fun.”
“Oh, Anne, you never could.” Georgiana brushed a kiss on her cousin’s cheek.
Their rooms were secured, and Darcy saw Anne settled before escorting his sister into the nearby market town then returned to the inn with their purchases. As their cousin continued to rest, the siblings spent a quiet afternoon in a shaded area of the garden, Darcy reading while Georgiana put the finishing touches on her christening gift. Before long, Anne joined them and they spent the remainder of their time in companionable conversation, only returning inside when it was time to prepare for dinner. The evening passed quickly, and they retired at sun set to prepare for another early start in the morning.
The next day transpired in a similar manner until they arrived at their inn to find a missive awaiting Darcy from his steward. A minor incident at Pemberley required his attention and kept him engaged even after his cousin had rested. Since he was unable to entertain the ladies, he had his carriage called and instructed them to peruse the local shops until it was time to prepare for dinner.
As they were taking their seats in their private dining room that evening, Darcy asked after their excursion.
“Oh, they had several lovely little shops,” Georgiana cried.
“I mentioned Master William’s birthday is approaching and Georgiana wished to bring him something special.” Anne patted her youngest cousin’s hand.
“That was kind of you, Georgie.” Darcy sat back in his seat as he considered what he might get for the lad.
“I am certain there will be much fuss over his sister and mother. I would not want him to feel forgotten.”
“You are very thoughtful, my dear.” Darcy smiled.
His sister slipped her hand in his and squeezed it. “I bought something for you to give him, also.”
“You did?” Darcy hesitated. “Whatever did you get him?”
“Just a book. The one you would read to me when I was still in the nursery. I was certain it was one of your favourites, but I never cared for it.” Her cheeks pinked as the confession slipped out. “Forgive me, I meant to say that you seemed to enjoy it even when I had lost interest.”
Darcy chuckled. “If you did not enjoy it, you should have asked me to read something else.”
Her head lowered as she slipped her hand from his. “I feared you would not continue to visit me if I did not like what you liked.” She met his gaze again. “I realize that is silly, but I so looked forward to your company. The older children so rarely wanted to spend time in the nursery once they reached a certain age.”
“That is true. Our cousins always seemed in a rush to join the adults.” Darcy regained her hand and kissed her fingers before winking at her. “I enjoyed the peace and order of the nursery; that is, when Richard was not in residence.”
“There was the sweetest little boy playing with a puppy outside the bookstore,” Anne said. “He so reminded me of William. It was what called his birthday to mind.”
A grin broke out on Darcy’s face as he quickly stood. “Will you excuse me? I have just thought of something I must add to the letter to my steward.” The ladies nodded and Darcy hurried back to his room.
He found the letter where he had left it in his writing desk and wrote out specific instructions. Once finished, he read the letter through, determined it was concluded, and signed it. After sealing it, he made his way back downstairs and posted the missive before returning to his family. The grin rarely left his countenance for the remainder of the evening.
***********
The following day was warmer than it had been previously as they were travelling later into the day. Darcy had suggested stopping for a noon meal, but Anne insisted they continue and arrive at Netherfield earlier. The siblings had implored their cousin to remove her pelisse, bonnet, and gloves to make herself more comfortable, which she did, but the heat still weighed heavily upon Anne. Georgiana applied her fan to cool her cousin, but Darcy feared she simply moved the warm air about.
“We are very near,” Darcy assured them as he glanced out the window. “I have not entered the area from this direction before, but everything appears very familiar to me.”
“Will we pass Longbourn?” Anne asked as she leaned forward to take in the view.
Darcy frowned. “If memory serves me, I believe Longbourn is to the no
rth of Meryton and Netherfield to the south. Coming from the east, as we are, we would travel directly to Netherfield.”
“What a shame,” Anne sighed as she sat back against the squabs. “I had hoped to catch a glimpse of William’s inheritance.”
“Perhaps we will visit the estate while we are here,” Georgiana offered.
Anne nodded, but did not say more. Darcy was pleased when the Meryton church steeple came into view and assured his cousin they would be approaching Netherfield within the half hour. When the carriage finally made the turn into the drive leading to the home, Anne began to gather her outerwear, but Georgiana took it from her.
“You are far too warm, Anne. The Bingleys will not think ill of you for going without it.”
The coach drew to a stop and Darcy waited only long enough for the dust to settle before opening the door. A footman was quickly at hand to set the steps in place and Darcy descended, reaching back to hand out his cousin so she might breathe some fresh air.
“Anne!” he heard Elizabeth cry just behind him and turned to see her rushing down the stairs with a wet cloth in her hand.
The ladies embraced and Elizabeth pressed the cloth to the back of her friend’s neck. “I am truly pleased to see you, but you should not have travelled in this heat.” She slipped an arm about Anne’s waist and led her toward the stairs. “There is a lovely breeze on the back balcony and some much-needed shade. Jane has requested lemonade and ices be served as soon as you arrive.”
“Brother?”
Darcy turned to find Georgianna watching him from within the carriage, waiting for him to hand her out. Her amusement was barely contained.
“It appears Anne is in good hands,” he replied as he assisted her from the equipage. They turned to see Bingley bounding down the stairs.
“Darcy, Miss Darcy! Welcome to Netherfield.” He bowed over her hand and patted his friend on the shoulder. “Would you prefer to wash away the dust or join the others on the balcony?” he asked with a jovial smile. “I expect the children will be brought down any minute.”
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