Elizabeth grinned. “Am I? But how do you know I am not an ogre, one who will scold you and send you to your schoolroom to read your catechism?”
Georgiana giggled and leaned close to whisper, “You are droll, Lizzy. No wonder Fitzwilliam has fallen in love with you. I like you already.”
Elizabeth flushed at the girl’s words. Fitzwilliam must not have told her of the compromise, that he was being forced into this marriage. But the child was so happy and trusting that she returned her smile. “And I like you very much, Georgiana, at least, if first impressions may be trusted. But come, let me introduce you to my sisters.”
She turned and gestured for them to approach. “Jane, Mary, may I present Miss Georgiana Darcy?” Then to the girl, “Georgiana, these are my sisters, Jane and Mary Bennet.”
All three curtsied. Georgiana’s face glowed with delight as she surveyed them. “I am very happy to know you. I cannot tell you how long I have wished to meet you all.”
Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam had stepped closer and now stood just behind her.
“Sweetling,” Darcy said, “let us go in. The trunks have been carried upstairs. Perhaps you would like to rest before luncheon?”
“Oh, Fitzwilliam, please do not send me away yet.”
Elizabeth interceded. “Would you like for Mary and me to help you change out of your traveling dress?”
Georgiana’s eyes lit. “Would you?”
“Of course, if you wish it.”
“I would very much. We could talk and become better acquainted.”
“We shall,” Elizabeth said kindly. “Come, Mrs. Hurst has placed you in the bedchamber next to ours.”
The three young women turned toward the stairs, followed by the rest of the party.
Bingley remained in the hall beside Darcy. “You are very quiet, my friend,” Darcy said. “Is anything wrong?”
Bingley’s face was pinched. “Darcy, if you had a sister like mine, you would not need to ask.”
“Has it been so bad?”
“You have no idea. Still, I kept everyone alive and mostly unharmed. But it has not been easy.”
“I see no scratches upon Miss Elizabeth’s lovely face, nor her hair in tatters,” Darcy replied lightly.
Bingley laughed. “No thanks to Caroline’s temper. I doubt I shall visit Pemberley this summer; I dread what she might do to your wife.”
“That bad?”
“Yes. But come, let us go in. Luncheon is being laid now, and you must change from your riding coat. Richard, you look well. No new orders?”
“Not yet,” the colonel replied. “But something is stirring. My general says we will soon know more.”
Darcy frowned. “It pains me to think you may be sent to the Peninsula, or to France. How your mother endures the strain, I do not know.”
“Do not fear for me, cousin,” Richard said easily. “This time I shall not bear arms. The War Office needs intelligence, notsoldiers. It appears a handsome face and a title are in demand. I am to pose as a younger son in search of a dowered wife, free to mingle with the nobility while gathering information. Since that happens to describe my present situation, I am well qualified.”
Darcy’s brow remained furrowed. “It is dangerous work. If they discover your purpose, you could be tortured.”
“Only if I am careless,” Richard replied with a grin. “I have done this before, cousin. Do not trouble yourself. Come, we should change so as not to delay luncheon.”
Elizabeth and Mary led Miss Darcy up the staircase to her chamber. Inside, her maid was unpacking trunks.
“Well, Lizzy,” Georgiana said, turning to her with excitement, “what shall I wear?”
The Bennet sisters looked at the day gowns laid out upon the bed, all fine and exquisite. Mary stared in awe. Elizabeth smiled and pointed to a sprigged muslin. “I like that one, Georgiana. It is lovely.”
