Mr. Darcy took the chair on the other side of his sister. “Georgiana, when do you return to Pemberley?” Elizabeth asked.
The young girl had just opened her mouth to speak when Alexander slipped into Pembroke’s chair and leaned close. “Lizzy, I am sorry for what I said about your dress earlier. I do not know what I was thinking. It is a beautiful gown, and the color suits you. I think you looked as beautiful as the bride.”
Elizabeth smiled at him. “Thank you, Mr. Lucas. I accept your apology.”
He went on, “May I call on you tomorrow?”
She declined. “I will not be here tomorrow. I am traveling to Hunsford with Mary and Mr. Collins this afternoon.”
He pressed her. “Will you allow me some time today, perhaps after you have eaten?”
Before Elizabeth could reply, Mary King came up and laid a hand on his shoulder. Elizabeth watched as Mary leaned against him. There was an intimacy between them that had never existed between her and Alexander. She turned her eyes away.
“You said you were bringing me a plate of food. I have been waiting for you to return.”
He looked at Elizabeth, but she was gazing down at her folded hands. “Excuse me,” he said, standing. He placed her reticule and gloves back upon the chair where he had found them, and left with Mary King, clutching his arm.
Mr. Darcy and Georgiana had heard the exchange, and both now watched Elizabeth, their brows furrowed. Before eithercould ask if she was well, Sir Lawrence returned with two plates and set one upon the table between Elizabeth and Georgiana. Elizabeth had no wish to eat, but out of politeness, she picked up a pickle and took a bite. It was sour and made her want to sneeze. She giggled.
Georgiana looked at her. Elizabeth pointed to the other pickle. “Try it. It will make you crinkle your nose and curl your toes.”
Sir Lawrence chuckled and bit into a small crab cake. Darcy rose to fetch a plate for himself.
Later, as Elizabeth buttoned Jane’s traveling gown, she thought back on the wedding breakfast and realized she had been happy with Sir Lawrence. He was jovial in much the same way as Mr. Bingley, and he had kept her and Georgiana in continual amusement. Even Mr. Darcy had chuckled twice. When she had buttoned Jane’s pelisse, Elizabeth pressed her sister’s hands. “It was worth the hours we spent in vigil outside his home,” she whispered.
Jane laughed. “It was, Lizzy. Thank you for doing that for me.”
When she stood outside in the drive with several other guests to wish the newlyweds farewell, she realized she was happy. Her own trunk was already strapped to the carriage Mr. Collins had hired, and she too was dressed for travel. Jane was returning to London to spend time alone with Mr. Bingley before they settled at Netherfield. Lizzy and Kitty were on their way to Kent, and Elizabeth was grateful for the distraction the visit would provide. She needed to be away from Alexander and Mary King, whose growing intimacy was too difficult to watch.
Sir Lawrence stood at her side, looking down at her, and she smiled up at him. He was a good man. Perhaps something mightgrow between them. Georgiana, on her other side, held her hand.
“Are you sad, Lizzy? Your favorite sister is leaving.”
Elizabeth smiled at the young girl. “No, my dear. I am very happy for Jane. Mr. Bingley is amiable and good. She will be a very happy woman.”
Mr. Darcy said nothing, but his eyes never left Elizabeth’s face.
Chapter 27: Summons to Rosings
Darcy stood at the window of his study, Lady Catherine’s letter in hand. The missive was, as usual, full of grievances, this time concerning the state of Rosings Park. Two chimneys smoked intolerably, and she demanded his immediate attention. He rang the bell and bade the servant send Georgiana to him.
“My dear,” he said when she entered, “I must pay Aunt Catherine a short visit. The chimneys at Rosings will not wait. I shall be in Kent for two to four weeks only. You will remain with Aunt Helen and Uncle Henry. I had hoped to meet your new art master, but this cannot be helped.”
Georgiana’s brow furrowed. “I hope Aunt Catherine is not too difficult, Fitzwilliam. She always finds something to complain about.”
Darcy smiled. “Never mind, Georgie. Her distempers don’t affect me.”
She smiled, and he added, “Have Jenny pack your trunk. I will drive you to Matlock House myself.” “Yes, brother.” Georgiana left to begin her packing, and Darcy returned to his desk. He had written three letters: one to Aunt Helen, another to Richard, and the last to Lady Catherine. That final letter was brief. He informed his aunt of his imminent arrival and requested rooms for both himself and Richard.
He held Lady Catherine’s letter in his hand. She had written about the Bennet sisters, who were to remain in Kent for several months to assist the rector and his wife in revitalizing the church. Darcy realized, with some surprise, that he was nervous.However, there was also a sense of anticipation; he was eager for this visit to Kent, and he knew he would seek out Elizabeth.
Darcy mused over the letter. Elizabeth and Kitty were to help the new rector, and his aunt hoped they would not unsettle her parishioners. Darcy could not help but smile. If anyone in Kent was likely to disturb the peace, it was Lady Catherine herself.
Later that evening, as they waited for dinner, Richard Fitzwilliam strode in unannounced. Georgiana ran to him.
“Richard! I thought you were abroad for the next two years!”
He grinned, lifting her from the floor. “And I was, Georgie. But the General recalled me, and I am to remain in England to establish a training program for intelligence agents. I report back in twelve weeks, but for now, I am on leave. Play my favorite sonata for me, will you, sweetling?”
