This glimpse of Darcy through his sister’s eyes added another layer to Elizabeth’s already complex impression of the man. Could the severe gentleman who had dismissed her at the Meryton assembly truly be the same person who had placed a family portrait on her writing desk, who had thought to provide her with blue linens reminiscent of home?
Georgiana leaned close to speak. “I want you to know that, regardless of what investigations or legal proceedings may follow, I am already glad you are here. I have been rather lonely since… well, since recent difficulties with someone I thought I could trust.” Her voice faltered slightly before gaining strength. “Having a sister—or cousin—someone who understands what it means to be part of this family… it would mean everything to me.”
Elizabeth felt tears prick her eyes at the simple sincerity of Georgiana’s words. Here was acceptance without conditions, affection without calculation—something she had not dared hope to find at Pemberley.
“You are very kind, Georgiana. I confess I have felt rather adrift these past days, uncertain of who to trust or what to believe. Your friendship means more than you know.”
Georgiana’s smile lit her entire face. “Then we are agreed. We shall be sisters in truth, whatever the legal determinations may reveal.” She paused, then added with a hint of mischief that reminded Elizabeth strongly of herself, “And perhaps we might work together to uncover the truth about what really happened twenty years ago. I have always suspected there was more to the story than we were told.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “You sound as though you have given this considerable thought.”
“I have,” Georgiana admitted. “Fitzwilliam thinks me too romantic, but I have always wondered about the coincidences, the timing, the way Father would change the subject whenever Uncle John was mentioned. There are too many unanswered questions for the official story to be entirely true.”
Here was an unexpected ally—someone with access to family history and servants’ gossip, someone with her own reasons for wanting the truth revealed. Elizabeth felt a spark of hope kindle in her chest.
“What sort of questions?” she asked carefully.
“Fitzwilliam would most certainly disapprove, but I listened in when people did not notice me. My aunt Catherine had questions, Uncle Matlock had his own speculations, and of course, the servants talked.”
Elizabeth stared at her in amazement. Behind Georgiana’s gentle exterior lay a mind that observed and questioned with impressiveacuity. Perhaps they could indeed work together to uncover the truth.
“I suspect your brother would not approve of the two of us listening through walls,” Elizabeth said.
“A sixteen-year-old girl is still young enough to go up and down the servants’ staircase. I sit with the kitchen maids and speak to the butler’s wife. Walk around the grounds. Perhaps the two of us might explore Pemberley together? We may encounter people who might remember things about Uncle John and Aunt Rose that could help establish your claim.”
Elizabeth recognized the invitation for what it was—not merely a tour, but an offer of alliance in her quest for truth. “I would like that very much.”
“Excellent!” Georgiana’s face lit with excitement. “We shall begin tomorrow. Mrs. Reynolds, our housekeeper, has been here since before I was born. She knew your parents—that is, Uncle John and Aunt Rose—quite well.”
“Then perhaps we should discuss how to proceed,” Elizabeth said, settling back into her chair and gesturing for Georgiana to take the settee. “Though we must be careful. If there truly were murders twenty years ago, the perpetrators may still pose a danger.”
Georgiana’s eyes widened with excitement rather than fear. “A real mystery to solve. Oh, Elizabeth, this is far more interesting than anything in my novels.”
Elizabeth couldn’t help but laugh at the girl’s enthusiasm, even as a part of her worried about involving someone so young in potentially dangerous investigations. But Georgiana was right—if Elizabeth truly was Elizabeth Rose Darcy, then justice demanded the truth be revealed, whatever the personal cost.
“I will discover the truth,” she promised Georgiana. “If Pemberley proves to be my birthright, I shall share it with you and your brother. This, I promise you.”
“I knew you would.” Georgiana rose to embrace Elizabeth. “I should let you rest. We shall start after breakfast. It will be a real adventure.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
MORNING DISMISSAL
Elizabeth had never hadher own lady’s maid. Back at Longbourn, the five sisters shared one maid who laid out their dresses, but more often than not, the sisters helped each other with hair and buttons. So it was with great pleasure that she received Cassie’s steaming jug of hot water and cheerful chatter.
“Good morning, miss!” Cassie greeted her. “Beautiful day, though there’s a bite to the air. Autumn’s settling in properly now. Did you sleep well?”
“I did indeed.” Elizabeth had never slept on such a comfortable bed before, nor had she worn such a fine nightgown.
Cassie gave her a steaming cup of morning chocolate while setting out a pale green morning dress with a pattern of tiny leaves embroidered around the hem. “I hope this gown meets your approval.”
“I’m sure it will be lovely,” Elizabeth replied, allowing herself to be helped into the borrowed gown. The muslin fit as though made for her, and the quality of the fabric and workmanship far exceeded anything in her own modest wardrobe. Standing before the glass,Elizabeth could almost imagine herself as the mistress of Pemberley—if such a fantasy were not so complicated by the presence of its current master.
“Miss Georgiana sent word that she’ll await you for breakfast whenever you’re ready.” Cassie’s nimble fingers made quick work of the fastenings. “No rush at all, she said. Mr. Darcy’s already been out riding since dawn and returned, but Miss Georgiana won’t eat without you.”
“Mr. Darcy is an early riser, then?”
“Always has been, miss.” Cassie picked up a brush and pins for Elizabeth’s hair. “The letters you wrote last night have been dispatched by special messenger, just as you requested.”
