Fitz walked toward her, wrapping her in a hug. She relished the warmth of his tight embrace, wishing to go along with him and hide her face from Meryton forever. But Mrs Younge was right. She had to be brave and stick out the remainder of her stay. He released her and put her an arm’s length away so he could study her face.
“Are you sure you do not wish to come with me? It is not too late. I will delay my journey so you and Mrs Younge can pack your things. Indeed, it might be best to leave Meryton altogether and not return at all.”
Georgiana’s brows rose in surprise, and she turned to pace in front of the window. The grey light was giving way to golden rays as the sun rose over the distant hills. She had come to love this place, even after all her difficulties. Perhaps because of them, for in Meryton, she was learning to find her strength. She turned back to her brother. “No, I will stay.”
“You are sure?” he asked once more.
“Yes. I know it is irksome for me to suddenly change our plans. But I think it is the best course of action. I have only just started making friends here and I do not want to lose them.”
Her brother nodded. “Very understandable. I only want what is best for you, Georgiana. If I could only shield you from every painful experience that might befall you! But that is folly, of course.” He sighed, joining her at the window. “I am only sorry for how Miss Bennet’s treachery was brought to light. I should have been more tactful.”
Georgiana could not argue with that. But the blame did not lay solely at his feet. Mrs Younge had spurred the situation into chaos with her sharp tongue. “I know you were only trying to protect me, and for that, I thank you.”
He hugged her again, but it was short-lived. Georgiana heard Mrs Younge clear her throat as she came in. She was fully dressed and ready for the day, while Georgiana was still in her dressing gown and slippers. She raised a brow, annoyed that Mrs Younge would interrupt their goodbyes.
“My goodness. You two spoil me by coming to wish me farewell. I had expected you both to be in bed until long after I had departed.”
“It would not do for the man of the house to go off alone without a proper sendoff,” Mrs Younge said laughingly. “Godspeed, Mr Darcy, and a safe journey to you.”
Georgiana drew her brother’s attention back by taking his hand. “You will write as soon as you get to London, to let me know you arrived safely?”
“Of course, as I always do.” He tucked her hand into his arm and they walked to the front door together. His bags were being loaded into the carriage by the footmen and his valet. “You’re sure you won’t come along? It has been a long time since we have enjoyed London together. I have not taken you to the theatre in an age.”
Mrs Younge looked alarmed for a moment, as she had followed them out to the foyer. Georgiana thought it odd but turned her attention back to her brother. “I am sorry, Fitz. Perhaps come spring, you can take me to the capitol?” she asked.
“Anything you wish,” he said. He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “Take good care of her, Mrs Younge.”
To Georgiana’s surprise, Mrs Younge stepped up and put an arm around her shoulders. Georgiana shivered under the touch and silently scolded herself for her coldness and ingratitude. What on earth was wrong with her? Mrs Younge guided her in everything, bore up admirably under all Georgiana’s shyness and awkwardness, and yet she responded with distrust rather than the affection that ought to have been Mrs Younge’s due.
“I will care for Miss Darcy as though she were my own daughter,” Mrs Younge said.
Fitzwilliam walked out the door and climbed into the carriage, and Georgiana followed him out to the stoop to wave him off. Mrs Younge stayed indoors and half scolded her when she came back in. “It is not proper for a lady to appear out of doors with only her shift and a dressing gown to cover her, Miss Darcy.”
Georgiana waved her off, attempting a smile. “No one saw me. I daresay everyone is still in bed, except the staff that run these houses.” She walked up the steps, conscious of an unfamiliar annoyance growing in her breast. She was not a child, and Mrs Younge was not her mother.
Chapter 14
The morning dawned bright and clear. Elizabeth sat up in bed with Jane already gone from her side of the mattress. She thought about laying back down and feigning illness but knew it would only bring a string of worried family members into her room. Her father might even stir himself from his library long enough to see how she was doing. And her mother —
Elizabeth’s head ached thinking of how her mother would react to her being sick. “And she might die without ever having experienced the joy of having a proposal!” The several logical fallacies contained within the statement would not occur to Mrs Bennet.
No. It would never do. Sighing, she got out of bed and padded to the window. She wrapped her shawl around her shoulders and watched the sun peek over the hills. Mr Darcy and Georgiana would leave soon if they had not already departed. Perhaps it would be good for her to leave for a few days. At least Elizabeth would not have to explain why the acquaintance had been so suddenly and irrevocably severed.
Craving a few more moments of peace, she curled up at the window seat and looked out over the newly-washedlandscape. It had rained throughout the night, stopping just before sunrise. She knew, for she had lain awake most of the night listening to it beat against the roof. Elizabeth pried open the ancient window and breathed deeply. She loved the smell of the land after a good soaking. It was like everything had a new beginning.
“Why should I not have one, too?” she whispered aloud. She would move on from the travesty that had been the day prior and try to have a good outlook. She wished Miss Darcy well, wherever she might be.
At half past seven, Elizabeth dressed and went downstairs. Her parents and Jane were already seated at the table making their tea. Mary could be heard but not seen at the pianoforte in the next room, stealing a few moments at the keys as they waited for the rest of the meal to be served.
“There you are, Lizzy. Are you feeling better this morning?” her mother asked.
Elizabeth managed a smile. “Yes, Mama, thank you. I was only tired after the long walk home in the rain.”
She was far from rested, and as she sat down next to Jane, she could tell her father had seen that she had not been entirely open. Thankfully, he did not question her. Mr Bennet only offered his usual distracted greetings and went back to reading his newspaper. If he was worried over her welfare, likely he would call her into his study later and ask her confidentially.
Jane took her hand and squeezed it gently, offering encouragement. Her older sister knew that not everything was as it should be, but she remained blessedly quiet.
Soon, her mother called Mary away from the piano and asked her to retrieve Lydia and Kitty so they could begin themeal. Her younger sisters stumbled into the dining room a few minutes later, complaining, as was their usual. “Mama, you must tell Mary to read something other than sermons for a change!” Lydia whined.
