Georgiana replied gratefully, “Brother, I was hoping not to be left behind. I should love to go.”
“Then it is settled,” Darcy said. “We shall go.”
Lady Helen was satisfied. “I shall invite Richard and Anne to join us. Perhaps, in such a setting, Anne may be brought to accept his proposal.”
Darcy looked concerned. “Allow me to send the invitation, Aunt Helen. It will be more difficult for my cousin to decline if I ask him. I had hoped Richard would have been married by now. I do not understand why my cousin will not have him.”
Lady Helen sighed. “Perhaps Richard will be married soon. I want him to sell out of the military and settle down with a wife and family.”
When the guests had retired for the evening, Elizabeth lingered in the drawing room, waiting for Darcy to join her. He entered quietly and sat beside her, leaning his dark head against her curly one.
“Well, my dearest,” he said, “we are bound for Windermere. I believe Lady Helen has contrived it as much for Richard’s sake as for the Stanton sisters.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, she is determined to see both of her sons married this year. Fitzwilliam, a journey to the Lake District has long been a wish of mine, and now I am to go.”
“Then I am glad. You shall see the lakes and the mountains and all their grandeur, and I will be the man who shows you these delights.”
Chapter 77: A House Party at Pemberley
Darcy sat bent over his escritoire, writing a letter. The invitation to Richard was written and sealed, ready to post. The letter to Phillip took much longer to compose, and it lay open before him. At last, after several edits, he rewrote the final copy, sealed it, and handed it to the butler to be posted.
Darcy’s Letter to Phillip
Phillip,
I hope this letter finds you free and able to join me on a holiday to the Lake District. I have invited Richard and our cousin Anne in hopes of aiding his cause with her. I am saddened that he is experiencing difficulty bringing Anne to the point. She is resistant to marriage, regardless of the suitor, but if she could be convinced to accept him, then he might sell out of the service, take possession of Rosings Park, raise a family, and live a settled life. It is my earnest wish that he not be sent back to the Continent to collect intelligence for the War Office. It is dangerous work, and he has already put his life at risk for the past eight years.
If you decide to come and assist me in this effort, I must beg one favor of you. Do not tell Richard that I invited you. Let it be as if it were entirely your own idea. I do not wish him to believe that we are conspiring to govern his future, or that we intend to force him and Anne into marriage. I cannot fathom why Anne will not consent, for he loves and respects her. I have seen them together, and they areoften laughing at each other’s jests. He is even willing to endure Lady Catherine’s temper. Perhaps you may have more influence over Anne than either of us.
I shall not mention your coming to Lady Helen, for I wish her to be as surprised as Richard and Anne.
Yours ever,
Darcy
“Elizabeth, they have come.” Georgiana was standing at the window, gesturing for Elizabeth to join her. Elizabeth hurried to the window and then took her sister-in-law’s hand. “Come, dear, let us go out and meet them.”
Lady Helen had by this time reached the window and was peering out. “Ah, Elizabeth had not described the sisters accurately. They are both full-figured beauties. At least in that matter, they will suit Phillip.”
Elizabeth ran down the stairs and opened her arms to Jane, clinging to her. “My dear sister, motherhood becomes you. You look radiant and healthy.”
Jane laughed and returned the embrace. “You look well, Lizzy. I am so happy to see you, even if we will remain for only one day.”
Elizabeth then turned to welcome her two guests. She hooked her arms in theirs and began to walk into the house. “I am so grateful you were able to visit me. I have missed you. Please come in. Tea is ready, unless you would first like to go up and refresh yourselves.”
Jane excused herself. “I will go up, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth turned to the sisters. Abby said, “I am ready for tea, Lizzy. I am thirsty and famished.”
Anise quietly added. “I am too.”
Elizabeth gestured to the drawing room. “Come in and sit down.” Then she turned to Mrs. Reynolds. “Please send in the tea.”
Lady Helen joined the three women. “My dear, I know you wish to be with your sister. Georgiana and I will make the Miss Stantons comfortable and keep them company. You go up and see to Jane’s needs.”
Elizabeth looked grateful. “Yes, Lady Helen. I will do that. Thank you.”
Bingley struck Darcy on the shoulder. “How are you doing, my man? Marriage becomes you. For a man who avoided the leg-shackle for so many years, you look very contented.”
