She paused, then added, “I know it is not quite the thing, but I see no real harm in it. The butler is a respectable man and runs the house with strict discipline.”
Mr. Gardiner looked from one woman to the other, then inclined his head.
“Very well, Elizabeth. You may go.”
“Thank you, Uncle Edward!”
Elizabeth threw her arms about his neck.
Then she turned to her aunt and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Aunt Maddie.”
It was the third day of Elizabeth’s visit, and she and Georgiana sat together upon a small couch in Georgiana’s private sitting room, poring over a fashion magazine. Georgiana was sketching a ball gown for Elizabeth.
“This style would suit you exactly, Lizzy, for it would enhance all your charms.”
Their tête-à-tête was interrupted by a knock at the door.
Georgiana called, “Come in.”
Higgins entered.
“Miss Darcy, Mr. George Wickham is here. He asked for Mr. Darcy. I informed him that Mr. Darcy is out, and he has requested to see you, Miss.”
Georgiana turned to Elizabeth, eyes wide, her color fading.
“Georgiana, you must not see him. You must send him away at once.”
She looked to Higgins.
“Sir, did you grant him entry into the house?”
“No, Miss Elizabeth. I left him standing in the entrance hall, with Finch watching him.”
At this, Georgiana spoke. “Please inform Mr. Wickham that it is improper for him to request an interview with me, and that under no circumstances will I receive him.”
The butler bowed.
“Yes, Mistress.”
Elizabeth turned to the young girl and added,
“Georgiana, perhaps a footman should be assigned to watch the house. If he observes Mr. Wickham lingering about the square, your butler may send for a constable. And someone ought to lock every entrance to the house.”
Georgiana turned again to Higgins.
“Have all the entry doors been locked?”
“No, miss. It is still daylight.”
“Then have them secured at once. Instruct Mrs. Nichols to see to every door, including the front entrance. And set a footman to watch the house.”
“Yes, ma’am. At once.”
He withdrew and shut the door behind him.
Elizabeth rose. “Come, show me to a window. Let us watch as they send that scoundrel on his way.”
Georgiana led Elizabeth down the corridor and into a closed salon. Elizabeth murmured, “Stand at the edge of the window frame, and I will conceal myself at the next window. We must not allow Wickham to look up and see us. Keep behind the drapery.”
