“As will I,” Darcy said, nodding at Miss Katherine, who began to color at the attention.
“I cannot claim that counsel myself. It is what I have often heard Jane and Lizzy repeating to each other. They are the best of sisters, and I have recently realized it is their example I should follow.”
“Quite so,” he said.
“But, that was not all that stopped my flight to Scotland,” Georgiana exclaimed. “Miss Katherine also said her sister, Miss Lydia, spoke of Wickham’s plans to take the inheritance from Pemberley, which was rightfully his, and anyway he could get it. When she asked how much his inheritance was valued, he replied with… he replied with…” Her voice cracked and she began to shake with quiet sobs. Darcy pulled her to his chest and stroked her hair until her tears were spent. “Please. Would you tell him?”
“As you wish.” Miss Katherine took a deep breath before finishing his sister’s account. “Lydia said that Mr. Wickham’s inheritance was thirty thousand pounds—” Miss Katherine whispered the next “—and some scraps of young muslin.” She took a deep breath and met Darcy’s eyes. “I knew for certain he was planning on hurting my dear friend.” Miss Katherine reached out and clasped Georgiana’s hand again while Darcy began to pace.
“Do you know what has become of him? I must find him at once.”
“No, William,” Georgiana cried, rushing to him. “No, you cannot call him out. It is too dangerous. Promise me. For my sake. I could not bear it if anything…” New sobs took over and he walked her back to her seat where she sank down and rested her head on Miss Katherine’s shoulder.
After a few more minutes of hushed cries, she said, “Brother, can Miss Katherine stay this evening? I know it will be an imposition on our hostess but I would find comfort having a friend remain with me.…”
“Of course, my dearest. I will take care of our hostess. Miss Katherine, we will send a note to Longbourn. Is that satisfactory?”
“Yes, very much. But I would like to inform Lizzy that all is well. I am sure she is sick with worry.”
Darcy started at the thought of Miss Elizabeth. He had all but forgotten her while concerned with Georgiana and her distress.As it should be! You must forget Miss Elizabeth, and her smile, and her voice, and her eyes, and the way that one curl at the base of her neck always licks the curve of her shoulders…
He shook his head with resolve. “Georgiana, we will leave in the morning.”
“But Brother, why?” she asked, looking up with alarm. “You do not think Wickham will attempt to seek me out again, do you?”
“I am uncertain but am better able to protect you in London at Darcy House where the servants are loyal to us. I will take care of some business there, and then we will travel to Pemberley.”
“…until the wedding?”
“Yes,” he choked. “Until the wedding.”
Georgiana lowered her eyes, as if in thought. “Brother, may I speak to you?” Darcy nodded and followed her to his bedchamber, leaving Miss Katherine alone by the fire.
“May I invite Miss Katherine as my particular friend to travel with me? She would be such good company in London. I also know Mrs. Annesley hopes to expose me to the company of gentle young ladies so I might prepare for my coming out. This would give her that opportunity.” Her imploring eyes melted any thought he had of rejecting her, and he nodded his head in consent. “I will send a note to Mr. Bennet with your request this evening. If that be the case, however, you should ask Miss Katherine to make sure she is interested in your scheme.”
He smiled, pleased with the young Miss Bennet’s devotion to his sister. His smile deepened as he remembered the last few days at Ashby Park. After Miss Katherine had happily agreed to Georgiana’s invitation, he excused himself to write the aforementioned note and ponder Miss Elizabeth’s changeable temperament.
* * *
“And the pinmoney she will have…” Mrs. Bennet exuded rapturously looking at the letter which had just come from Netherfield.
“Are you speaking of Charlotte?” Lizzy asked, walking into the room.
“Charlotte? Charlotte? Why should I care a straw of Charlotte Lucas marrying that odious little vicar? No, no. I speak of your sister. This letter just came from Netherfield.” Her grin spread from ear to ear, and Lizzy looked expectantly at Jane.
“It seems Kitty has been invited to travel with Miss Darcy to London in the morning and then on to Pemberley with the family.”
“It is not fair!” Lydia stomped. “I might not be Miss Darcy’s particular friend, but I’m much more diverting than Kitty. I should be the one going to the theatre and concerts.”
“Perhaps,” Lizzy responded evenly, turning to look at her youngest sister, “Mr. Darcy desires a companion for his sister with more sense of decorum than you possess. This should be a lesson to you to behave properly and more opportunities for enjoyment might present themselves.”
“La, I would not want to be with that old, stodgy Mr. Darcy anyway. My Wickham says…”
“Lydia, he is notyourWickham, and I would remind you to not repeat things he says about acquaintances. He has not been long enough in the country, and we only know what he has told us. There is no one to vouch for his claims. Mama,” she said, turning to Mrs. Bennet, “you must see that. Tell Lydia she must not be alone with that man as we do not know his character.”
“I will tell her no such thing, Lizzy. Mr. Wickham was raised a gentleman. He told us all about how he was forced into a life of service to the Crown because of Kitty’s future husband. He is a good man who had a horrible wrong committed against him.” She straightened her skirt and picked at imaginary thread at the seams. “I only allow Kitty to pursue Mr. Darcy so that when Charlotte Lucas turns me out, my future son will provide for us. I would never sacrifice Lydia to such a taciturn man. Lydia needs someone with more spirit. But, Mr. Darcy will do well enough for Kitty.”
Lizzy’s mouth fell open at the complete disregard for any semblance of modesty. Her mother had gone too far. “Mama! Mr. Darcy is engaged to be married to his cousin in less than three months. There has been an understanding since their infancy!”
