“I insist.”
Her eyes were red, blurry and still wet with tears. When she laid her head down on the pillows, she was asleep within a few breaths.
“Tsk, I canno’ imagine goin’ through this withou’ some family near. She is very lucky to have ye and yer brother watchin’ over ’er.”
“She was most fortunate to have you as well, Mrs Hobbs.” Georgiana responded earnestly.
The innkeeper’s wife seemed pleased with this compliment. “Well, where would the world be if there was never any kindness in it.”
Mrs Hobbs walked over to the door. “Miss Darcy, I do appreciate the extra ’elp your maids ’ave been, to be sure.”
“It is our pleasure, Mrs Hobbs.” Georgiana gazed down at the infant cradled in her arms and paid no notice when the older woman exited the room.
~ / ~
Darcy was at odds and ends whilst his sister spent the majority of her day with Mrs Carrington and baby Gregory Alexander.
Darcy filled his day answering correspondence brought to him by his valet. A missive to his uncle and aunt, the Earl and Countess of Matlock informed them of his and Georgiana’s delay to town. Hedid not give the reason, only saying he would inform them when they arrived at Darcy House.
A long letter was written to his cousin, the Right Honourable Richard Fitzwilliam, a Colonel in His Majesty’s army. It explained in full detail the reason for their delay. No doubt, his cousin will never cease twittering him about this latest ‘damsel in distress’ occurrence. According to Richard, Darcy has made a habit of saving damsels in distress.
Darcy threw down the pen he was using and leant back in his chair. Most of those young women were ‘rescued’ after his father’s godson had done his best to ruin their lives. Finding them good positions, or husbands, depending on their need was the least he could do. His own father had been blind to Wickham’s true colours and Darcy had stopped trying to convince him of Wickham’s perfidy. He chose instead to clean up after the vicious young man, time and time again, paying his debts and ensuring his by-blows were in good homes.
This rescue felt different. It was truly helping someone, with no connection to him, when they were most in need of it. It even felt different from when he took Anne to Pemberley. That too was to fix a situation created by a close connection. This time it felt… pure.
Darcy huffed out a laugh.Lord, if Richard could see me now. He stood up and walked to stand in front of the window.I am merely bored. I am not used to being so sedentary.
He resolved to inquire if there were horses to let.
~ / ~
Brother and sister met in their rooms later that day. He was more relaxed following a brisk ride, she was a bundle of energy describing every little sound and movement Gregory Alexander made.
“Brother, I have a letter Mrs Carrington wishes to send to her family.” Georgiana added it to the pile of correspondence on the little table.
“Was Mrs Carrington well enough to sit up and write?”
“No. I insisted she remain in bed. I took her dictation and penned the letter myself.”
Darcy was pleased seeing how proud his sister was in caring for the new mother. “I see. Well, I am sure it will soothe her family to know she is recovering from her ordeal.”
“Indeed.” Georgiana’s eyes were bright with excitement. “It also eased Elizabeth’s mind. She was so distraught this morning. We all attended her throughout the day and cared for Gregory Alexander. Oh - that is a mouthful. I wonder if Elizabeth would object to Greg, or perhaps Alex?”
“Georgie!” Darcy was smiling. “Come back down to earth and letmecare foryou.”
“Oh, William, I am well.”
“Have you eaten at all? I ordered a meal for us, and I am sure it will be here shortly.”
“Oh. Now that I think about it, I am rather hungry. We had tea and sandwiches earlier, but that was some hours ago.”
“Come, my dear. Sit down. I would not have you tire yourself.”
“William, I am well. It is wonderful to care for someone; to know I have made a difference in their lives.”
He was struck by how similar her sentiments were to his own earlier that day. “I understand, sweetling.” She stuck her tongue out at him for using her childhood pet name and they both grinned.
A knock on the door had Darcy moving to open it. His valet and Georgiana’s maid were standing outside with their dinner.
