Georgiana stepped further into the room and gently took the brush from her hand. “Allow me.”
She began to draw the brush through Elizabeth’s hair with careful strokes. “I have always wished for a sister.”
Elizabeth met her gaze in the mirror, her smile softening. “It seems your wish may soon be granted.”
Georgiana stopped at once and looked at her. “Truly?”
Elizabeth nodded, a quiet warmth in her expression. “Well… it is not quite official until we are married.”
Georgiana set the brush aside and embraced her. “I am so very happy for you.”
Elizabeth returned the embrace. “And I am very glad of it. But he has yet to speak to my father, so you must not say anything.”
Georgiana drew back and nodded with solemn determination. “I shall not say a word.”
***
Elizabeth and Georgiana entered the breakfast room.
Darcy was already there, this time actually reading the morning newspaper.
“Good morning, ladies.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Good morning.”
She went to the sideboard, filled her plate, and poured herself a cup of chocolate. Georgiana did the same and took a seat across from Darcy.
Elizabeth sat beside him.
Georgiana sipped her chocolate, her expression bright with barely concealed happiness.
Darcy watched her for a moment, then turned to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth met his glance and gave a small, confirming nod.
Darcy’s mouth curved into a quiet smile before he returned his attention to the newspaper.
Mr. Bennet entered the room. “Good morning. I see at least some of you survived the ball.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “Good morning, Father.”
Mr. Bennet smiled at her, then helped himself from the sideboard and took a seat. Darcy handed him the first half of the newspaper.
“Ah, good man,” Mr. Bennet said, settling in comfortably.
For a time, the room was quiet, occupied only by the sounds of breakfast.
At last, Mr. Bennet set aside his plate and rose, taking up the newspaper again.
Darcy rose as well. “Sir, might I request a few moments of your time in private?”
Mr. Bennet regarded him more closely, then glanced briefly at Elizabeth. He gave a small nod.
“Yes. Let us make use of your study.”
Once inside the study, Darcy did not take his place behind the desk, but instead seated himself in one of the chairs before it, gesturing for Mr. Bennet to do the same.
There was a brief pause.
