“I remember when your family hosted the Nutcracker performance. You danced in that, didn’t you? Christmas at Pemberley is magical,” Henry said. “I’m sure this place is filled with beautiful memories for you.”
I found a panel leading back into the main hall and slid it aside so we could slip back into the open. "Yes, I was one of the sugar-plum fairies. I can't believe you remember that."
Henry held the panel open for me as I crossed. "I've loved you ever since…"
My jaw fell open. Darcy and Lizzy rounded a corner and nearly ran into us. As we rounded a corner, we nearly ran into Darcy and Lizzy.
“Oh, sorry!” Lizzy exclaimed. “Where did you come from?”
I froze, then shrugged. "We're just delivering cookies."
“How cheery.” Lizzy stammered.
“You’ve been baking, huh?” Darcy asked, snatching two cookies from the basket, and offering one to Lizzy.
I was relieved he didn’t ask whether I’d been sleuthing or kissing boys, for that matter. Of course, if he asked I’d be honest, but I didn’t want to share anything yet. “Yes, Henry helped. We made gingersnaps and chocolate crinkle. Are they good?”
“Wow,” said Lizzy. “We could sell these at my family’s bakery. Amazing.”
“Your family has a bakery?” I clapped. “Oh, Darcy, we have to go visit their bakery sometime! I would love to see what goes on behind the scenes. Ibet it’s heavenly.”
“Well.” Lizzy flushed. “I don't know if I'd call it heavenly, but it’s something. We have a family of five girls, so I guess I’d describe it as loud.”
I glimpsed the world from Henry’s point of view. He was right about fae lineage being a big deal. I realized I hoped Lizzy was fae. Because if not, Darcy might not think of her as a potential wife, and she was starting to grow on me. “You have four sisters? I’m so jealous. No offense, Darcy, you’re great and all. But four sisters. You must have so much fun together.”
“Yes.” Lizzy nodded with humor behind her eyes. “There’s never a dull moment.”
“I’ve actually seen the bakery. It’s very magical,” Darcy commented. “The croissants are amazing.”
“Wait. I’m putting this together now. Is Jane Bennet your sister? She’s so pretty. I met her at a gala in New York with Charles. You have the same eyes,” I gushed. Now Ireallywanted Darcy and Lizzy to end up together. I’d always wanted sisters.
“Well, it seems you know all about the Bennet family now,” Darcy muttered with his eyes on Henry. Tension laced his voice. “Henry, I trust my little sister is keeping you entertained?”
Heknew.Somehow he could tell Henry and I liked each other.
“Yes,” Henry stuttered. “We’re going to take these cookies around to everyone.”
“That sounds like Georgiana. I couldn't ask for a better sister.” Darcy gazed at me. It was sweet, but part of me wanted to remind him I was no longer twelve years old and I didn’t need to be protected all the time.
“Well, we’re off.” I said, spinning in the opposite direction.
“Georgiana, wait,” Darcy said.
I slowly turned and looked at him. “Yes?”
“Please be careful. We still don’t know what happened.” He had his worried big brother expression that made me fight not to roll my eyes.
“Of course,” I said and hurried away with Henry.
“I think your brother is suspicious of me,” Henry said as we entered the guest wing.
“Yes, but that’s nothing new. He’s suspicious of anyone I spend time with. Since our parents died, I think he’s felt responsible for keeping me alive. For a while, a friendof his and I connected, but it turned out the friend was just using me, and Darcy became even moreprotective.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them because they made Darcy sound worse than he was, and Henry didn’t need to know or worry about my issues with Wickham.
“But you thinkImight have a chance with you somehow?” Henry frowned and his jaw tightened. He walked near the windows, half of his face bathed in light from the setting sun and the other half in shadow.
“It was a different situation. I promise. Oh, here’s Daphne De Fleur’s room. She’s the art dealer from New York.” I stopped in front of a tall oak door and knocked gently. From what I knew, Daphne wasn’t fae, which didn’t matter except for the fact that she would be more capable of deception.
A middle-aged woman with thin black hair to her shoulders opened the door. She was slender to the point that I worried she might be unwell. Her bony fingers clutched the doorframe.
