Darcy glanced toward Elizabeth. “I understand the three of you will be traveling together.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Yes, though I believe we could make room for one more, if it were wished.”
Darcy met her gaze for a brief moment. “Then I shall be most obliged to accept.”
Bingley hurried into the room. “Oh good, I was afraid I might miss you all before you set out.”
His gaze went immediately to Jane and his expression brightened.
***
The journey to London passed without incident, though Elizabeth felt a growing sense of anticipation as the countryside gave way to busier roads and, at last, to the ordered streets of the city.
Their carriage turned into Grosvenor Square and came to a smooth halt before a large, elegant house. Elizabeth glanced out the window, taking in its quiet dignity rather than any show of grandeur.
“Well,” she said lightly, “we have arrived.”
A footman stepped forward to open the carriage door. Darcy was already descending and turned at once to assist the ladies.
“Welcome,” he said, his tone warm though still composed. “I hope you will be comfortable here.”
Elizabeth accepted his hand as she stepped down. “I think that very likely, sir.”
The rest of the party followed, and they were soon ushered inside. The entrance hall was spacious and well-appointed, though not ostentatious. Everything spoke of order and careful management rather than display. Elizabeth observed it at once, the quiet efficiency of the household, the readiness of the servants, the ease with which everything was conducted.
Before they had gone far, a young lady entered the room. She paused just inside the doorway, as though gathering her courage, then came forward.
“Miss Bennet,” she said, with a slight curtsey. “I am very happy to make your acquaintance.”
Elizabeth returned the gesture with equal warmth. “Miss Darcy, the pleasure is entirely mine.”
Georgiana’s expression brightened, though a touch of shyness remained. “My brother has spoken of you so often that I feel I already know you.”
Elizabeth glanced briefly toward Darcy before returning her attention to Georgiana. “I hope I shall not disappoint such expectations.”
“I do not think that possible,” Georgiana replied, with a sincerity that brought a smile to Elizabeth’s face.
Darcy stood slightly apart, watching the exchange with apparent satisfaction.
Georgiana turned to him. “Shall I show them to their rooms?”
Darcy inclined his head. “I am certain they would be glad to settle themselves.”
Georgiana smiled, a little shyly. “If you will come with me, I have chosen the rooms myself.”
The ladies followed her upstairs.
As Elizabeth passed Darcy, he said softly, “If you are not too fatigued from traveling, perhaps we might walk in Hyde Park later.”
Elizabeth’s smile was immediate. “I shall look forward to it.”
Georgiana led them along the upper corridor. “These rooms are for Miss Bennet and Miss Mary,” she said, opening a door. “They share a sitting room between them.”
She closed the door gently and turned to Elizabeth. “Yours is a little farther along.”
They walked a short distance before Georgiana opened another door. “I hope you will like it.”
Elizabeth stepped inside. The room was decorated in soft green with touches of cream, both elegant and serene. She paused, taking it in. “It is very pretty,” she said.
