“And Mrs Gardiner is so kind. She spoke so highly of Mama and Papa and of Pemberley. Do you know she has never visited the house? I mean — inside?”
“I did not know that.”
“She said I look very much like Mama, but I know I am not as beautiful as she was.”
“Yes you are. Mrs Gardiner is right. Dearest, I shall say it again — I am truly content to see you so happy. I hope to never see pain in your eyes again.”
Georgiana frowned.
“The pain is still there, but the shame is even stronger. I was a fool, and I shall never forgive myself for that. But today I am happy, indeed. Do you have any news about George, Brother?”
“I do,” he said after a brief hesitation. “Georgiana, I intend to send him to debtors’ prison for a while. He needs to experience an ordeal such as that to understand the gravity of his actions. I hope you understand my reason.”
“I trust you will do what is right, Brother. It is fair that he should suffer the consequences of his actions since so many others do. Now, please excuse me, I am going to see Janey. She asked me what she should name the boy. I shall think about it. If he recovers, I would like to take him as my protégé, if you do not oppose it.”
“I trust you will do what is right, dearest,” he said, repeating her earlier statement. “You have my support in anything you decide.”
