Georgiana did not know there were undercurrents to the conversation, but she did believe her new sister-in-law had made a wise request. “Indeed, very clever. If I had sisters, I would want them with me if I were leaving home with a stranger.”
Darcy tugged at his neckcloth, which suddenly felt tight. “I am not exactly a stranger, my dear.”
“No, but you did insult her twice, and I imagine you were not overly warm in your other dealings with her. I think she is wise to bring her sisters. You will be less likely to treat her in that cold, impenetrable way you reserve for Miss Bingley.”
Darcy protested, “I act that way only to keep Miss Bingley at a distance.”
Georgiana studied him. “I know you believe that, Brother. But what of the way you treated Miss Lilia Baldwin and Miss Albina Barnet? It is true that they only befriended me to reach you, but they were polite, not vulgar. Your eyes turned to ice, and your jaw set like stone. They never tried again. Are you certain you did not give Miss Elizabeth the same treatment?”
Darcy tilted his head. “Who are you, and what have you done with my little sister?”
Richard snorted. “It was bound to happen one day. Children do not stay young forever, and this one is as clever as they come. She sees everything and adds it together just as her brother does.”
The child beamed. “Richard, I love you! When I grow up, I shall marry a man just like you. You see people as they really are.” She hugged him tightly.
He returned the embrace. “Thank you, Georgie. I am glad you think well of me, which is more than I can say for your brother just now. Let us do what we can to help this great Oaf through his marriage.”
She laughed. “I am so happy! I shall have three sisters!”
Darcy took another cake; Richard finished his brandy; and the three spent the rest of the evening discussing Elizabeth Bennet, her sisters, and the plans for Friday’s wedding.
Chapter 15: Visit From The Gardiners
In the morning, two days after Darcy left for London, Mr. Bingley and the three Bennet sisters set out to walk toward the pond at the back of the property. The air was bright and fresh, the lawns still glistening from the dew. They had scarcely gone halfway when Bingley stopped and shaded his eyes.
“There is a carriage approaching,” he said. “It is too early to be Darcy.”
All turned to look.
Mary was the first to speak. “It is Uncle Edward!”
At once, the three sisters quickened their steps toward the road. The carriage came to a halt as it reached them, and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner descended from it. There were embraces and affectionate exclamations all around.
Jane turned to the gentleman beside her. “Uncle Edward, allow me to introduce Mr. Charles Bingley, our host here at Netherfield Park.”
After the introductions were made, Elizabeth asked, “Have you come for my wedding?”
Mr. Gardiner smiled. “Yes, Lizzy, we have. We left the children in London with Lydia and their nurse. Your aunt has brought your wedding dress and is most anxious that you should try it on for fitting.”
Elizabeth felt her eyes sting, though she laughed through the sudden emotion. “Did Papa arrange this?”
Aunt Madeline laughed softly. “You know your father too well, Lizzy. He sent us an express. I have brought three gowns for you to try on. You shall decide which one to wear, and we must begin work at once so that it will be ready for the wedding.”
She turned to Mr. Bingley. “You will not mind, sir, if we take Elizabeth away from you for the day? We shall leave Jane and Mary to keep you company.”
Mr. Bingley responded with his usual good humor. “If Miss Elizabeth requires her sisters, I will relinquish their company, though I shall be very sorry to do so.”
Mr. Gardiner laughed at the young man’s sincerity. “That will not be necessary. We have brought an able seamstress with us. We need only fit Elizabeth to her gowns. From what I understand, it will be a tedious business, and her sisters would be happier remaining in your company, sir, on such a fine morning.”
The Gardiners excused themselves, and Mr. Gardiner handed the ladies into the carriage. Soon, they were rolling up the drive toward the mansion.
Aunt Gardiner looked grave as the carriage moved along. “Elizabeth, we know very little, only that you have been compromised.”
Elizabeth’s composure gave way. She burst into tears and buried her face against her aunt’s shoulder. Between sobs, she poured out the entire story, how she had fled the ball in anger, how Mr. Collins had found her alone, and how her father had insistedthat she must marry to save her reputation and those of her sisters.
“I begged Papa to let me come to you,” she cried, “so that I might find employment, but he said that if I did not marry, all my sisters would be ruined as well. And so I must marry a man who does not care for me.”
Her sobs grew heavier until she could speak no more. Mrs. Gardiner looked anxiously at her husband.
