Darcy returned to the house and sighed in relief when he reentered the warm air from the freezing outdoors. Such a good day. Such a day for his sister’s happiness. He handed his gloves and heavy scarf to the servant who greeted him at the entrance and went to the breakfast room to see if Georgiana had come down yet.
She entered the breakfast room with Anne as Darcy arrived.
Georgiana had dressed prettily, in a day dress suitable for travel. Did she plan to go to the nearby town for some purchases after breakfast? He had planned out festivities for much of the day, but while Darcy disliked upending such plans, it wasGeorgiana’sbirthday, not his own. He could call in the pianist, Mr. Maier, during the course of breakfast, and they would be returned no matter what in time for music, fireworks and cakes in the evening.
Georgiana smiled at him, but something strange was in her expression. Darcy’s chest squeezed.
He ignored the anxiety and hugged his sister and kissed her cheek before picking up Anne. “Happy birthday! Happy birthday, Georgie! Congratulations on your twenty first!”
“Thank you, Fitzwilliam.” She was quiet and she looked down.
Darcy let Anne down, and she ran around the room crying, “Happy birthday, Mama! Happy birthday!”
Georgiana smiled weakly.
Darcy said, “Please don’t look melancholy — I have fine gifts. Fireworks have been prepared! A magnificent time today. Did you wish to go out for a while after breakfast?”
“You do?”
“Of course I do. I have done little but plan for your birthday this past week.”
“Oh, Fitzwilliam.” She patted his hand.
Darcy’s stomach did not feel right, as though it was warning him of something. Georgiana said nothing further.
“You…you cannot still be very unhappy,” Darcy rambled. “You have been resilient and avoided the maudlin, or playing the ill-used girl. We have not spoken of the match you wished to make. Not often. But you have been dignified and calm. I expected you to be far unhappier. It is proof I was right.”
Georgiana looked at her hands.
“It has been a painful time for us both. Elizabeth… both our mistakes.”
Anne said, “I miss Aunt Lizzy.”
“Go play with Uncle Will.” Georgiana pushed her daughter who grabbed Darcy’s leg and pulled on his pants, grinning.
“Don’t do that.” Darcy smiled at her, feeling still worried but happy.
Anne giggled. “Mama told me to.”
Darcy picked her up and swung her around in a wide circle, before he placed her on his lap.
“You and her — it has always warmed my heart to see how happy you are with Anne.” Georgiana smiled softly. “You are a wonderful uncle. You will be a wonderful father one day.”
Darcy harrumphed. “Too much a bachelor. I am too much a bachelor. I have no interest in most women. It shall not happen.”
“Oh, Fitzwilliam. You have not sent any letter to Bingley, have you?”
“Jane sent you letters. I gave them to you. You know as much of them as I do.”
“Lizzy — she is still — you could yet try. I would dearly like to see you happy.”
“She would not accept me, and…I am a proud man. She chose to end matters with me, and I will not beg or return to where I have been pushed away.”
“Your pride is not a virtue.”
“My pride is part of who I am.”
Georgiana looked at the ground again. Awkward silence enveloped them. Something scared whispered in his stomach again, like fear.
