For a moment, Mr Bennet allowed himself the indulgence of stillness. The candle crackled. The house breathed around them. And for once, the future did not press quite so heavily upon his shoulders.
Then Tommy spoke again, softly. “Papa…will I always stay here?”
The question was innocent. The weight of it was not.
Mr Bennet rested his chin briefly atop the child’s head. “As long as I draw breath,” he said, and only hoped the promise would never be tested.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Richard!” Darcy rose to greet his cousin, his usually composed countenance brightening with genuine relief. The parlour was empty but for him and Bingley; the pair had been passing the late morning with a friendly game of cards, seeking to occupy themselves whilst the ladies were otherwise engaged.
“Darcy, Bingley, well met.” Richard grinned, tugging at his waistcoat as he strode forwards with energy. “I must say, Netherfield is everything my cousin described and more. You are fortunate to have secured a lease so conveniently located.”
“The neighbourhood and society are exceptional as well.” Bingley pumped Richard’s hand with a fervour that made him laugh. “We are pleased you have arrived. Your timing is ideal, as we are hosting a ball in a few days.”
“I am terribly sorry for the delay,” Richard said, his grin softening. “After the harvest was brought in, there were other matters requiring my attention at Linden Grange. All is well now, and I am free to enjoy myself—and, I daresay, to ensure you two do not drown in the attention of the local belles.”
Darcy’s lips twitched at that. “Your presence is timely, indeed.”
Darcy offered to show Richard to his chambers, and Bingley readily agreed, citing a need to see to the steward about some matterof business. As they mounted the stairs, the shrill tones of Miss Bingley could be heard drifting from a nearby sitting room.
“I hope you are prepared for her…attention,” Darcy muttered, a smirk breaking through his carefully controlled expression. “I anticipate the chance for a reprieve. She has been hanging on my arm since the moment of my arrival.”
Richard chuckled, shaking his head. “I shall offer what relief I can, but I assure you, I have no interest in the lady. Perhaps if her attentions are divided, she will become less irritating for us both.”
“You are a true friend,” Darcy murmured drily as they reached the guest chambers adjacent to his own. He opened the door, allowing Richard to step inside before closing it firmly, the muted bustle of Netherfield’s corridors falling away.
Richard glanced around, taking in the comfortable, well-appointed room before dropping into one of the armchairs by the hearth. The fire crackled softly, and for a brief moment, the two cousins simply sat in the quiet, letting the warmth settle around them.
Darcy’s gaze was distant, the tension in his jaw evident. He launched into speech with no preamble. “Aunt Catherine wishes the family to gather at Rosings Park for Christmas—do you think it wise to send for Georgie?”
Richard considered this. “I would not decide just yet. If Mrs Annesley’s reports remain positive and Georgiana feels ready, it could do her good to be amongst family. But Georgiana’s current state is…”
“Fragile,” Darcy finished quietly.
Richard sighed. “Precisely. If you believe remaining here at Netherfield is best, especially if Bingley wishes your company, I will support you in it. Georgiana’s well-being outweighs Aunt Catherine’s expectations.”
Darcy let out a breath, the lines at the corners of his eyes softening. “Thank you, Richard.”
His cousin’s expression turned warm, a rare seriousness settling between them. “She is strong, Darcy, and she has you. That will be enough.”
For a moment, the conversation stilled, the crackle of the fire the only sound in the room. The quiet was comfortable, the kind that only came between family who knew each other well.
At last, Richard leaned back, a mischievous gleam returning to his eyes. “Now, tell me more of the society here. Bingley’s letters were full of talk about the local families—and certain young ladies.” Richard had been introduced to Bingley after inheriting Linden Grange. The two shared many personality traits and became fast friends.
Darcy rolled his eyes, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Prepare yourself, Richard. Hertfordshire’s society is lively, indeed.”
“And Miss Bennet?” Richard asked, his eyebrows lifting.
Darcy stilled, just briefly, before replying, “Miss Bennet is…exceptional. Bingley likes her very much. She has several sisters.”
Richard’s grin widened, and he leaned forwards, ready to pry further, but Darcy only shook his head, unwilling to be drawn further—at least not yet.
Elizabeth adjusted her bonnet as she and Jane trailed behind Mary and Mr Collins, who walked ahead with determined steps, his cane tapping rhythmically against the packed earth of the lane leading towards Meryton. The air was crisp, holding the sharp promise of winter, and Jane’s cheeks were bright with the exertion, though her eyes shone with relief at being well enough to leave the house again.
“It is a fine morning for a walk,” Jane said softly, her gaze drifting to the hedgerows where the last of the leaves clung stubbornly to the branches.
Elizabeth nodded, offering her sister a small, reassuring smile. “It is. Tommy and the younger girls will be most pleased when we return with the promised sweets and ribbons.”
