“Let us go rejoin the others.” He and Fitz both stood. “Miss Elizabeth is planning to ride out and check the progress of the debris removal. I am to accompany her,” Darcy said, grinning as he walked out of the parlor.
Fitz chuckled and followed Darcy. “By all means, then, let us get thee to her.”
After luncheon, Colonel Fitzwilliam proposed a stroll in the garden. The ladies wrapped up against the chill, then they all headed outside.
Elizabeth linked arms with Georgiana. “I know the circumstances that brought you to Longbourn were awful, but we have so enjoyed your company, Georgiana.”
“I have had the most wonderful time with you and your sisters as well. I am so glad I came to Hertfordshire with William, or I might never have met you.”
Elizabeth smiled at her. “Are you looking forward to returning to London?”
“I am, though I am mostly excited that you all will be in London as well. I know you will have obligations to your family, but I hope we will see each other often.”
“I hope so too,” Elizabeth said.
“When we get back in town, I am going to do as you suggested—work at building my confidence by putting forth more effort in social situations and learning from the way my Aunt Sophia handles herself.”
“That is an excellent plan, Georgiana,” Elizabeth said. “I think you will be surprised by how quickly you improve.”
“Miss Elizabeth! Georgie! May we join you?” Colonel Fitzwilliam called from behind them.
He walked up next to Georgiana while Mr. Darcy appeared beside Elizabeth.
“Yes, you may,” Elizabeth replied, smiling at them both.
“Richard, did William tell you that Elizabeth and her sisters will soon be in London?” Georgiana asked.
“He did. I understand you will be staying with relatives, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Yes, my aunt and uncle,” Elizabeth said.
She noticed Colonel Fitzwilliam offer his arm to Georgiana. Georgiana took it, then smiled at Elizabeth as she unlinked their arms.
“Will all your evenings end with you dancing the night away?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked, smiling.
Elizabeth laughed. “Certainly not! My aunt does have quite a bit planned, but she will keep it reasonable.”
“Miss Elizabeth?” Mr. Darcy said.
Elizabeth looked at Mr. Darcy. “Yes?”
She saw he was offering her his arm. “Oh! Thank you.” She smiled and wrapped her hand around his bicep, feeling the strength there.
When she glanced back to her right, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana were no longer there.Where did they—
“Miss Elizabeth, while you are in town, perhaps you and your sisters can join Georgiana and me for a ride in Hyde Park.”
“That would be lovely.”
Mr. Darcy smiled at her, then looked back to the path. “I believe this is a good time to revisit the list. What say you?”
“Very well, I shall let you go first, or rather, go twice. I believe I have added three things to the list, whereas you have only added one.”
“Hmm . . . I am afraid that, at present, I can only think of things that apply to my situation personally. Will that do?”
“Yes, that will do,” she said.
“Well, I would add to the list that I want someone who will set a good example for Georgiana and have her best interests at heart,” he said.
