Jane observed quietly, “You miss your companion.”
“Yes, very much. I cannot believe she could betray me as she did.”
Elizabeth said, “Perhaps she acted under duress. I saw the man seize my sister’s wrist so hard he left a mark. He frightened us both. Perhaps Mrs. Younge was compelled to act.”
Elizabeth glanced at the little watch suspended at her waist.
“It grows late. We ought to return to your rooms, so that Jane may see your paintings. I dare say, if you have drawn any flowers or trees, she would especially delight in them.”
Jane laughed.
“Lizzy, I have interests beyond plants. I shall be pleased to see whatever Miss Georgiana wishes to show us.”
They spent half an hour viewing Georgiana’s work, and soon afterward, a tea tray was brought in.
Elizabeth asked about Mr. Bingley, and Georgiana happily spoke of him. “He has been a close friend of my brother’s for nearly three years. He is only three and twenty, and has but recently inherited. His solicitor leases rooms in the same offices as my brother’s, and the waiting area is shared. That is where they first met.”
Just then, Jenny entered.
“Miss Georgiana, the Gardiner carriage is at the door.”
The three ladies rose. Georgiana’s face fell, and Elizabeth felt a surge of sympathy for the young girl.
“Lizzy, would you consider spending a few days with me? I feel very alone with Fitzwilliam away.”
Elizabeth hesitated.
“And what of your brother? Would he approve?”
“My brother thinks the world of you. He would not disapprove.”
“I will ask my aunt, and if she agrees, I will pack a small trunk and return. It need not take more than two hours.”
Georgiana looked forlorn, and Elizabeth, by way of comfort, said, “You may speak with the housekeeper and make arrangements for my room and our meals.”
Georgiana brightened.
“You will be my very first guest, Elizabeth. I will make arrangements at once.”
Georgiana saw the sisters out, then went at once to find the housekeeper and begin the preparations for her guest.
Chapter 17: Elvaston Castle
The carriage stopped at the Crown, and Darcy stepped down to stretch his legs. Peter went at once to the stables to inquire after Richard, and returned with the report that the colonel had departed at sunrise.
“Thank you, Peter. We shall eat here. Robert, see to the horses.”
Darcy entered the inn and ordered a meal. His cousin was making swift progress, and it seemed possible he might not overtake him.
It was dark when they drew up before the White Horse at Dunstable. Rain had fallen for the past hour, and the road had become nearly impassable. Peter opened the coach door, and Darcy handed down the wrapped carbine and the spadroon, while he himself carried in the pistols and his own musket.
The coachman joined him beneath the eaves.
“Sir, I beg your pardon. We have made only six and thirty miles.”
“Never mind, Samuel. You have no command over the weather. Come to me if the inn cannot provide adequate rooms and food for you and the men.”
“There is no concern there, sir. The stable boy says there is ample room, for the inn is near empty.”
