Elizabeth immediately took Anna from William, allowing him to more easily embrace his sister. “Dearest, you are home now, and all will be well,” he said assuredly.
“Forgive me, William,” she whispered, dabbing her moist cheeks with the handkerchief he had handed her.
“There is nothing to forgive, sweet one. Here, let me introduce you to your new sister.” Georgiana did her best to compose herself. “Elizabeth, I am pleased to present my sister, Georgiana. Georgiana, this is my wife, Elizabeth,” he proudly stated.
Still holding Anna, Elizabeth reached for Georgiana’s hand, saying, “I am so very pleased to meet you at last, Miss Darcy. William has spoken so fondly of you.” She smiled broadly, sensing the girl’s uneasiness. “We need not stand on formalities, and I hope you will call me Elizabeth.”
“I would like that. Elizabeth, I am pleased to welcome you to our family, and please call me Georgiana.”
“Aunt Georgie,” Anna freely interjected, “Mama Elizabeth is my new Mama. We have the same name and I love her,” she happily said, looking to Elizabeth then back at Georgiana. “We have been waiting for you all day and we put the most beautiful flowers in your room.”
“Thank you, Anna,” she said, leaning over and kissing her niece on the cheek. “I look forward to seeing them.”
“Mama let me help her choose the flowers because she said I would know which ones were your favourites.”
Graciously smiling, she replied, “You and Mama Elizabeth have made me very happy and I am glad to be home.”
“Come; let us all go into the house.” William gestured saying, “The two of you must be tired after the long ride.”
“Tired, yes,” Richard chuckled. “But if truth be told, I cannot wait for dinner and hope your cook has prepared a fare fit for an army. How about you, poppet?” he asked, taking Anna from Elizabeth’s arms. “Are you hungry, too?”
“Yes, Mama and I talked about the menu and we are going to have apple tarts.”
“Apple tarts!” He chuckled. “Why, they are one of my favourites!”
While Richard chatted merrily with Anna, William and Elizabeth each took one of Georgiana’s arms and assisted the exhausted girl into the house.
“Dearest Georgiana,” remarked Elizabeth, “we are so happy to have you home with us.” Smiling, she continued, “You have no idea how pleased I am to be a part of your family, and I sincerely hope the two of us shall become the very best of friends.”
“Thank you. That, too, is my hope.”
The Billiard Room
While Georgiana rested and Elizabeth oversaw the final preparations for the evening meal, William and Richard decided to take on a few rounds of billiards. When Richard asked about Wickham, William told him what had happened earlier that day at the gaol.
“So you mean to tell me that degenerate had the gall to try and torment you to the very last?”
“He did.”
“Then I say good riddance and may his soul rot in hell, for all I care. If you ask me, a common grave is far too good. I tell you, Cousin, you are a better man than I. I would have left his sorry carcass in the alley for the rats to devour.”
“I understand your sentiments, but as you know, that is not my way. Nevertheless, it is done.”
“Yes, it is.” After another shot, Richard casually remarked, “It seems your new wife is settling in quite well, even after all she endured. I believe she will be a great comfort for our dear Georgie.”
“Elizabeth is remarkable. I never dreamed my family would be so blessed. Anna loves her, and she is the best ofmothers. Without question she will make an excellent sister for Georgiana.”
“I am glad to hear you say so, Cousin. It is about time you experienced some genuine happiness. I know you spoke with Georgie before you left Rosings, but I tell you, the poor girl hardly knew what to expect after spending those few days with Lady Catherine. According to our girl, our aunt was at her bedchamber for hours on end disparaging you and your wife. Thankfully I was able to set the record straight and relieve her fears long before we arrived.”
“Unbelievable! I gave our Aunt very explicit instructions before leaving Kent. That woman is going to have a piece of my mind, whether it is in person or by post. My family does not deserve her vitriol, and I refuse to placate her any longer just because we are closely related. Furthermore, since she has refused to acknowledge Elizabeth as my wife, I have no qualms about her decision to leave Rosings Park and move into Town. Your father will see to her welfare and that is fine by me. At this point, I care not what she does.”
“I heartily concur. Our aunt is one stubborn, foolish woman.” After taking another shot he said, “I realise it might be a bit premature, but tell me, once Aunt Catherine moves to Town, what are your plans for Rosings Park? It is a large estate, and while you have a capable steward, I should think you might like someone who would be looked up to as Master and who would actively participate in running the property. I am sure such a move would be viewed with favour by the village as well as the parish.”
William looked pointedly at Richard before answering. “As a matter of fact, I have considered such and do have someone in mind. Assuming Elizabeth and I have sons, it will be many years before one of them is grown and able to manage the estate. In truth, I was planning to ask you, Cousin.”
“Me?!” He guffawed.
“Yes, you, Richard. Have you not spent enough time in harm’s way for king and country? Would you not like to take the lovely Mrs. Walden to wife and begin a family of your own?”
