She stopped playing and stood a little awkwardly, clasping her hands loosely in front of her. Darcy frowned slightly. Though Georgiana’s dress was quite new, he was not entirely sure that it suited her. Surely a young girl should not wear such a dull grey, one that made Georgiana’s pale complexion look almost ashen. Worse still, the dress was so loose that it might have fit a woman considerably larger than Georgiana. Taken together, the effect was anything but pleasing. Yet another thing that Darcy hoped a suitable companion mightfix, for he was hardly capable of advising her better himself. To recognise what did not suit was one thing, but to choose better for her quite another.
But after all, there were more important things than one’s appearance. He went over to her and kissed her on the cheek. “I am never one to spy unless I have good reason. And there could be no better reason than the chance of hearing you play, dear sister.”
Georgiana laughed and swatted playfully at his arm. “Surely you jest. And do not tell me you have interrupted your work just to come and hear your little sister tap away at the keys?”
“Well, no, that is not the only reason. But it should be reason enough if I deem it so.” Darcy led her to the little sitting area at the far side of the room, taking a chair opposite hers. “I have had some news,” he said.
Instantly, Georgiana’s face fell. Darcy silently cursed himself for a fool. He ought to have told her immediately that it had nothing to do with the incident from the year past. Even though he had tried to tell her she would never have to see Wickham or Mrs Younge again, Georgiana still feared they would come back to haunt her somehow.
“It is nothing for you to worry yourself over, I assure you, Georgiana,” Darcy said quickly. He took her hand and pressed it reassuringly. “I have had a letter that I may come into an inheritance — a house — in Scotland.”
“In Scotland?” Her mood seemed to brighten instantly. “Really? How very exciting! Where is it?”
“It is called Strathalt House, and it is in the Highlands,” Darcy replied. “But there is more. I must travel there to see theplace and present the papers that might establish myself as the heir. I should very much like it if you would come with me. It would do us both some good to get out of London — to escape the vapours and get some fresh air and sunshine.”
Georgiana laughed. It was a sweet song to his ears, even more precious for how rarely he heard her laugh these days. “I would hardly expect to be met with much sunshine in the Highlands.”
“Perhaps that is so. Nonetheless, will you come with me? I cannot send you back to Pemberley all alone.” He held his breath, waiting for her to demur. After the mistake that had nearly ruined her life, she had cloistered herself behind the walls of Pemberley. And even though it was a beautiful and spacious house. It had slowly turned into a tomb for his younger sister, who had been so full of life before Wickham had snuffed out the joy behind her eyes.
“Yes, I rather think I would enjoy coming. It would be a change of scenery, if nothing else,” Georgiana said cautiously.
“I am glad you are willing, particularly as I have not found a suitable companion for you yet.” Relieved as Darcy was that his sister had agreed so readily, it would not do to give her an overly rosy view of what the journey might entail. “I will warn you that it is not the easiest of travelling conditions, and there are few civilised accommodations once we cross the border into Scotland and head into the Highlands. But I will endeavour to make the carriage as comfortable as I can.”
“Do not worry yourself on that end. I am not a porcelain doll, Fitz.” Georgiana looked off into the distance, seeming to stare through the frosted glass and into the garden. But she saw nothing of this world, he warranted. Was she reliving those days when Wickham had nearly convinced her that his love wasgenuine? Was she back in the sunlit days and months leading up to the bitter disappointment that Wickham did not truly love her, but her money?
Darcy patted her hand. “I know. You are a strong young woman, Georgiana.” Even if he did not fully see her blooming into all that he knew she could be, he hoped that travelling to Scotland would give her some enjoyment, and even build some confidence in her after what had happened at Ramsgate. More than anything, he blamed himself, wished that he had seen sooner what Mrs Younge was. It was Darcy’s fault that his sister was living in so much pain, and if this trip to Strathalt House would help ease some of her sorrow, then by all means, he would do his best to make it the most wonderful holiday she had ever had.
“When do we depart?” Georgiana asked. She rose from the stool, and he let go of her hand.
“Mr Campbell asked that I come as soon as I am able. I suppose we will take a few days to prepare ourselves and have everything we need from Pemberley packed and made ready. We shall pick up the things on our way north. I shall have to write to Reynolds this instant,” Darcy said. He started toward the door. “Make a list for me, if you will, of the things you want from Pemberley.”
“We are leaving in a few days? Were you not supposed to go to Hertfordshire in a fortnight’s time and advise Mr Bingley whether he ought to let that house?” she asked.
Darcy stopped, and Georgiana nearly ran into his back. “Oh, I had almost forgotten about that.” He would have to write to his friend immediately. Thankfully, Bingley was so good-natured that he would certainly take no offense. And while Bingley did him the compliment of wishing for his advice, he wasin fact a man of good sense, and more than capable of making the choice for himself. “I shall add his to my list of letters that need to be written. Now, off you go to start preparations. I shall see you again for tea.”
“Yes, Fitz,” Georgiana said. “Oh, and brother?” she asked, stopping him as they began to part ways in the corridor. “Thank you.”
Darcy frowned and cocked his head, curious. “For what?”
“For taking care of me so well. I could not have asked for a better brother.”
Darcy nodded and gave a sad smile. She slouched slightly, as if she were trying to hide, instead of standing at her full height. True, Georgiana was a tall girl, but he wanted to see her confident of her height — confident in everything about herself. Where might Georgiana be now, if Wickham’s cruelty had not turned a very natural shyness into terrible self-doubt?
The right companion, if only he could find one, might be the making of her. What Georgiana needed more than anything was a true mentor and guide, a lady of great wit and wisdom who would help her as she bloomed into womanhood.
He closed the distance between them and gave her a brotherly embrace. “I will always be here to do just that,” Darcy vowed. When they parted, he smiled down at her. “Until the day some very lucky young chap comes along who can do it better.”
She gave a little laugh. Darcy’s heart twisted painfully at the bitterness in that laugh. “I hope you are willing to be that caretaker for a long time to come. I do not see any man of real worth being willing to marry me anytime soon. Nor any man motivated by anything but my dowry.” Georgiana mumbled the last words and turned away, moving like a spectre through thecorridor toward the back stairway that led up to the second-floor bedrooms.
Darcy’s heart sank. He wished there were something more he could do to bring her out of her misery. He turned reluctantly and went back the way he had come, entering the study with a thousand tasks needing his attention as he prepared to depart for Scotland.
One among them was undoubtedly the most important. He must write to Bingley without delay and let him know of the change in plans. Darcy sat down at the writing desk and penned his missive.
∞∞∞
My dear friend,
I write with both good and sad tidings. First, the sad: I cannot come to Hertfordshire as we had arranged and advise you on whether you ought to take Netherfield. Instead of my advice, you must be satisfied with my confidence that you need it not. Now, for the reason and the good: I have been informed that I may be in line to inherit a house in Scotland. I doubt it could rival Pemberley, but it must come with some modest lands, and it would serve as another source of income for the Darcy holdings.
