Disgusted, he ordered, “Get your traveling cloaks. We are leaving now!”
Elizabeth did as she was told, and within minutes the three of them had left the family wing by way of the servants’ access. Once out into the night, he hurried them along the drive and across the green for some distance until they reached a dilapidated carriage, which was hidden in the trees. Along the way, Elizabeth hoped there would be someone who might notice them or someone she could call out to, but it was not to be. Everyone was preoccupied with the fire. As soon as they were inside the vehicle, Wickham signalled the driver to leave. William would be beside himself when he arrived and found them gone and with only Wickham’s message resting on her pillow.
Darcy,
Did you think you would be rid of me so easily? Be prepared to pay twice what I would have garnered with Georgiana’s dowry. I will send word to Darcy House when I am ready for the exchange. Make haste.
GW
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
UNCERTAINTY
On the Road
Saturday, Mid-morning
Darcy’s Carriage
During their stay at the inn, William had received a letter from Elizabeth, which pleased him greatly. As soon as he knew Georgiana was able to travel, he sent off another express informing her of their plans and when she could expect them home. Since he was not willing to push travel for Georgiana’s sake, they spent Friday night at a posting inn, with the intention of arriving back at Rosings Park in the late afternoon or early evening on Saturday. Assuming his sister would need more rest, they would probably not journey back to Town until Tuesday or Wednesday.
“Truly, Brother, do you think she will like me? I do hope so.”
“Why, of course. Elizabeth has a very kind heart and was quite worried for your safety when we received your express. I know she has faithfully prayed for your recovery ever since that time.”
“I look forward to meeting her, Brother.”
“You will like her. Our Elizabeth is the second of five sisters and an affectionate woman. Anna took to her right away, especially as she happened to sing her favourite song while putting her to bed.” William smiled tenderly with the memory.
“Then she likes music?”
“Very much so. Elizabeth is a collector of folk songs and ballads and enjoys singing verses written by many of our favourite poets from the past. I first heard her sing at one of Lady Gwendolyn’s dinner parties where she sangMy luve is like a red, red, rose.Her voice was low and mellow and she sang with a Scottish accent, unaccompanied.”
Again he smiled. “While she has never had the benefit of the masters, her interpretation of the words was heart-felt and touched those who were in attendance.” He squeezed Georgiana’s hand. “I look forward to the day when the two of you might practice together and perform for me. The thought of it warms my heart immeasurably.”
“And mine, too, Brother. Elizabeth sounds like everything I have hoped for in a sister.” Squeezing his hand in return, she continued, “Since Anne’s death, I have prayed in earnest for you to find someone to love and someone who would love you in return. Hearing you speak so fondly of Elizabeth makes me very happy.”
“Thank you, Georgie, and in a few hours you will have the pleasure of meeting her. It will be good for all of us to be together as a family.”
The previous day had been an arduous trek for the injured girl. With uneven roads, her nausea periodically returned, prompting William to stop the carriage quite often so she could stretch her legs and get some fresh air. Today she had fared better and was able to sleep much of the way.
Reaching inside his breast pocket, William took out Elizabeth’s letter and read it yet again, though he knew it by heart.
William,
I was so relieved to learn that you have recovered Georgiana and will be home soon. Anna and I have prayed for the two of you and cannot wait for the four of us to be together. Our sweet child has been such a comfort in your absence. It is too bad that Lady Catherine has not allowed her to play with other children on the estate, for our little girl would dearly love a friend while staying here.
Despite Lady Catherine’s mandate, we did find a young lad, Charlie, who is the grandson of Mr. Jackson, one of your barn workers. Mr. Jackson graciously showed us a litter of new kittens and Anna and the boy had the most delightful time playing with them. Needless to say, once you return, Anna would like for you to accompany her to the barn.
Please do not worry about us leaving the house. After warning us of Mr. Wickham, I did not feel comfortable taking Anna outside. As much as Anna and I love to be out of doors, we have amused ourselves in the house.
As for Lady Catherine, I admit we have had some words of disagreement. For the most part, however, she is not interested in my company, which is fine.
Anna joins me for meals in our sitting room, and I delight in how much I have learned about our daughter in such a short time. She is an intelligent child and eager to learn. Our little one misses you and says, “Tell Papa I love him.”
My dear husband, I miss you, too, and long for us to be in each other’s arms again so I might hold you and give you comfort as you have given me. Those few minutes we had before you departed were far too short. I love you so very much and look forward to your return.
May you have safe travels and may God bless both you and Georgiana, my William.
