“Yes, indeed, sir. It is as you say. I believe that is the kindest thing I can do for myself.”
He spoke plainly.
“To never see me again? That is the kindest thing you can do for yourself?”
She inclined her head primly, then turned and walked away from him.
Georgiana remained an hour with the Bennets, and when she finally reappeared, Kitty walked with her to the hermitage where Darcy sat reading a book of poems. He placed it into his breast pocket and rose.
“Brother, it is all arranged. I shall join Kitty and Lizzy beginning tomorrow when they make their visits to the tenants. And see here. I shall set sleeves into this nightdress for an infant. Lizzy says that if I encounter any difficulty, Jane will help me set the sleeve.”
Kitty said, “Jane is an excellent seamstress, Georgiana. You will have no difficulty at all if you will only ask her for help.”
Darcy looked at the two girls, satisfied that his sister would be well in his absence.
“My dear, we must depart. I must finish packing and then be on my way.”
Kitty looked at Mr. Darcy, her hands clasped tightly before her.
“Mr. Darcy, sir, would you permit Georgiana to stay with us a few days each week? She may sleep in Mary’s room. Then we may sew together in the evenings, and Lizzy can teach her how to set sleeves and collars. We can take turns reading to one another, and in the morning, when we visit the tenants, she will accompany us. There will be no need for Papa to send a carriage to collect her.”
“Fitzwilliam, that would be a dream come true. Please, may I stay with the Bennets?”
Both girls looked at him, waiting for his answer.
“And what does Mr. Bennet say about this?”
Kitty looked down at her hands.
“I have not asked him, sir, but if you can wait a few minutes longer, I will run and ask his permission. He likes Miss Georgiana very well and says that he has rarely met a better-behaved young lady.”
“Very well. If he is agreeable, then I shall permit Georgiana to be your houseguest. Let us go and speak with your father now.”
The three returned to the house. When they entered, he was shown into the drawing room where Elizabeth sat sewing what appeared to be an infant’s garment.
She rose when he entered.
“Please be seated, sir.”
He remained standing.
“I await an audience with your father, Miss Elizabeth. Miss Kitty and Georgiana have devised a plan for my sister to become a houseguest at Longbourn for several days each week. It appears that she wishes to visit tenants, learn the management of a household, and sew garments for infants, with you serving as her principal instructor in all these pursuits.”
Elizabeth smiled.
“I see, sir. Did Kitty run to fetch my father?”
“She did.”
Mrs. Hill entered and said, “Mr. Bennet is in his study, sir.”
Mr. Darcy followed the housekeeper toward the back of the house.
Kitty and Georgiana hurried into the drawing room.
“Papa says that she may remain with us so long as her brother agrees. He says that he must first know the rules under which Georgiana is to conduct herself.”
“Is that so? Georgiana, does your brother have many rules to guide your conduct?”
