As he passed the Blue Salon, Allen stepped out and called to him. “Did Miss Bennet accept your suit?”
Darcy turned to look at his rival but did not reply.
Allen scowled. “I have surprised you? Anyone with eyes can see that you have fallen hard for her. However, I believe Miss Bennet knew very well that you would never offer for a woman of her station. Your pride and arrogance are also made plain for anyone to read. But tell me, are you betrothed to Miss Bennet?”
Darcy’s countenance darkened. “You are impertinent, Allen.”
“I am gratified to learn that she is still unattached,” Allen said, and stepped back into the parlor where he had been smoking his cigar, awaiting Darcy’s return.
The following morning, after his ride, Darcy tapped upon Georgiana’s door.
When she saw him, her hand went to her mouth.
“What is it, Fitzwilliam. Has something happened to Phillip? Richard?”
He sighed. “No, dear. You have read Aunt Helen’s most recent letter. Our cousins are both well. I came to tell you that we are leaving today. Ask Jenny to pack your things.”
She studied his face. “Brother, something is very wrong. You look as though someone has passed away. What is it? Aunt Catherine?”
“No, dear. It is Miss Bennet. She refused to hear me last night. She does not wish to see me ever again. But I will arrange for Charles to take you to Longbourn so that you may take your leave of her. Perhaps she will consent to a correspondence with you.”
“But we were to remain another month complete. I have been very happy here, and now I am never to see my friends again. Fitzwilliam, what have you done? You have ruined a perfect holiday.” Tears glistened in her eyes, and she sat heavily on the edge of her bed.
Darcy entered the room and closed the door.
“Georgie, you and Miss Bennet have become very close. I cannot believe that she would ever turn her back upon you. Go to visit her this morning and ask whether, if you remain here another month, she would allow you to visit her and Kitty. If she is open to continuing your friendship, you may remain here at Netherfield. I shall go now and ask Mrs. Bingley whether she will allow you to remain as her guest.”
Georgiana dried her eyes. “You would permit me to remain here another month?”
“Yes, I would. I may return to Matlock to check on our cousins or remain in London, but if Mrs. Bingley will allow you to remain another month, or perhaps two, I shall not object, for she is avery gentle, trustworthy woman. I shall be leaving you in good hands.”
Georgiana said hopefully, “Perhaps Lizzy may visit here, and it will be as if we are sisters.”
Darcy sighed. “Yes, I am certain that Mrs. Bingley would permit Miss Bennet to visit you here.”
She rose with purpose. “Please, Fitzwilliam, will you ask her now? If she agrees, you may take me to Longbourn.”
His lips twisted briefly. “Miss Bennet does not wish ever to see me again, dear, so we must rely upon Charles to escort you.”
Georgiana frowned. “Brother, I was shocked when I heard you speak those words about my friend. She is the most courageous and kind woman I have ever known. Have you forgotten that she saved me from Mr. Wickham? How you could say such things about her is beyond my comprehension.”
He turned away from her lest she see his shame.
“I have discovered, my dear, that I am not always master over my tongue and that my pride does stand in my way at times. But if you remain here and if your friendship with Miss Bennet continues, then you shall not bear the consequence of your brother’s errors.”
She stood with purpose. “I shall change into my riding habit so that I may be ready when Mr. Bingley is available.”
Darcy remained where he stood, considering the matter. “Georgiana, perhaps Charles will not be at liberty to make visits today. His London guests have not yet left, and he must remain at Netherfield to bid them farewell.”
“So, you will escort me?”
“Yes. If I wait for you at the hermitage, Miss Elizabeth need not see me.”
“I shall be ready in fifteen minutes.”
Darcy went in search of his friend and found him in the breakfast parlor.
“Charles, I have decided to leave today to return to Matlock. Both of my cousins are still recovering, and I wish to offer my services to my uncle. Georgiana is hoping to complete her visit here if Mrs. Bingley approves.”
