Elizabeth’s laughter from the previous evening echoed in his memory, along with the warmth in her eyes during their dance and the way she had not withdrawn when he drew her closer than strict propriety demanded. Her liveliness, the way she moved through the figures, and the flush in her cheeks when he had spoken of his admiration—all combined to create a sense of contentment he had not experienced since… well, since he could properly remember.
He set down his pen with a satisfied smile and turned to the sound of the door opening.
Georgiana entered with a tea tray.
“Good morning, Brother,” she said brightly. “I thought you might appreciate some refreshment before you begin the day’s business.”
“Most thoughtful,” Darcy replied, accepting the cup she offered. “Though I confess my mind is not particularly attuned to business matters when thoughts of Miss Elizabeth and her remarkable son occupy my fancies.”
“Indeed?” Georgiana poured him a cup of tea and settled into the chair opposite him. “You do seem particularly cheerful. Almost content, if I may say so.”
Darcy hesitated. He had always been circumspect in discussing personal matters, even with his sister. Yet the events of the previous evening seemed to demand acknowledgment.
“I confess I am feeling rather optimistic about several matters,” he said carefully, though he could not suppress the smile that tugged at his lips. “The harvest festival was a rousing success.”
“You appeared to enjoy yourself considerably. Particularly during the dancing.”
Heat rose to Darcy’s face at her pointed observation. “The company was agreeable. Miss Bennet proved to be an accomplished partner.”
“Miss Bennet.” Georgiana repeated the formal address with obvious amusement. “Brother, surely we are beyond such ceremony where Elizabeth is concerned? She has been part of our household for weeks now.”
The casual use of Elizabeth’s Christian name sent an unexpected thrill through Darcy’s chest, though he attempted to maintain appropriate reserve. “I would not wish to presume upon Miss Bennet’s good nature or place her in an uncomfortable position through excessive familiarity.”
“Excessive familiarity?” Georgiana laughed outright. “Fitzwilliam, the woman spent three days nursing you through a fever that could have claimed your life. I believe such circumstances rather transcend the usual bounds of formal address.”
Darcy shifted uncomfortably at the reminder of Elizabeth’s intimate care during his illness. The memory of her gentle hands cooling his brow, her voice murmuring comfort through the delirium,created a warmth in his chest that had nothing to do with embarrassment and everything to do with profound gratitude.
“You are correct, of course,” he acknowledged. “Elizabeth has shown remarkable kindness to our family. Her presence here has been a great comfort.”
“Comfort,” Georgiana mused, her tone suggesting the word fell far short of capturing the full scope of his feelings. “Is that all you would call it, Brother?”
Darcy met his sister’s knowing gaze, recognizing the futility of maintaining pretense with someone who had observed his behavior so closely. “No,” he said quietly. “It is considerably more than comfort, Georgiana. I find myself quite… attached to both Elizabeth and William.”
“Oh, Fitzwilliam!” Georgiana clapped her hands together with delight. “I am so pleased to hear you say so! Elizabeth is perfectly wonderful—so intelligent and witty, with such genuine warmth. And William…” Her expression softened with obvious affection. “He is the most delightful child. So curious and good-natured.”
“He has quite won my heart,” Darcy admitted, surprised by how easily the confession emerged. “The boy possesses a remarkable spirit. His enthusiasm for every new experience is infectious.”
“He follows you everywhere when you’re about the grounds,” Georgiana observed with a smile. “The boy is quite attached to you.”
“As I am to him.” He cleared his throat and tugged at his cravat. “I confess I have grown quite fond of the boy myself. He deserves every advantage, every opportunity to thrive. His circumstances… his irregular situation… should not be permitted to limit his potential.”
“You speak as if you intend to take a personal interest in his future.”
“I do.” The words emerged with quiet certainty. “William should have the education of a gentleman, the social connections that will serve him well in life. I mean to see that he receives them.”
“You will make a wonderful father to him,” Georgiana said softly.
The statement, delivered with such quiet certainty, sent anunexpected warmth through Darcy’s chest. Father. The word conjured images he had not allowed himself to fully contemplate—teaching William to ride, guiding his education, watching him grow into manhood under the Darcy name.
“I have been considering a wardship arrangement,” Darcy said, pulling himself back to practical matters. “It would provide him with education, financial security, a respectable position?—”
“But not your name,” Georgiana pointed out.
“That would require…” Darcy hesitated.
“Marriage to his mother?” Georgiana suggested innocently.
“Precisely. Which brings us back to the original question.”
