Page 125 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

Darcy returned his attention to the road. Her easy acceptance that he loved Miss Elizabeth helped smooth his agitation over the revelation.

I do love Miss Elizabeth. Why did it take my sister to declare it before I realized how much I love her. She is the liveliest, most exasperating woman, with the softest heart, I have ever known.

“Good Lord.”

“What language,” Georgiana teased. “What is it?”

“How am I going to get Clover to Pemberly? It is over one hundred-twenty miles.”

“You will need to engage a drover, I suppose, like you did when you bought those milk cows from that farmer in Yorkshire.” Georgiana shrugged and chuckled. “I think you are putting the cart before the horse, dearest. You must first convince Lizzy that you love her and that you accept her talent with animals.”

“You are right,” Darcy said, pressing his lips together.

They entered Meryton where several redcoats could be seen strolling along the high, nodding to passing ladies and generally making themselves agreeable. Georgiana leaned into his side, an anxious expression on her face. She kept her gaze firmly on her lap.

“I do not see him,” Darcy assured her.

Georgiana shuddered, but did not look up.

Darcy took a deep breath. “I smell a bakery,” he said, trying to make her think of something else.

His sister did not take notice. Instead, she said, “I told Mary about what happened last night.”

“Oh?”

“I had already told her my history—when I behaved like a foolish child.”

“You were young, true, but I have never blamed you,” Darcy promised her, yet again.

Georgiana shook her head violently as though forcing thoughts of that summer out of her mind. “Mary was shocked when she learned about…his…intrusion last night. And equally shocked that I might see him every time I leave the safety of Netherfield.” She looked over her shoulder at Elliot who rode behind them, watchful. “Thank you for assigning him to me today.”

“He will accompany you every time you leave the house.”

“But he is your valet,” she pointed out unnecessarily. “How will you manage without his services?”

“I will make do with one of the footmen if necessary, and a footman will assist Elliot in caring for my things. As it happens, Bingley has a footman who hopes to become a valet and will be happy to learn some of the duties of a gentleman’s gentleman.”

“That is a good thing.”

“You will feel less anxious when you have a proper governess-companion to keep you company.”

Georgiana tightly clutched her hands together. “I hope I will like her when Cousin Douglas brings her tomorrow for her interview.”

“As do I.” Darcy sought to distract her from the newest reason she needed a governess-companion. He did not have to think hard. “You must be excited to see Flora in a few hours.”

She lifted her gaze from her lap and stared up at him with glowing eyes. “I can scarcely contain my anticipation. Will Flora remember me?”

“She chose you, remember?”

“Yes,” she said with a joyous sigh. “That was one of the best moments of my life. I thought my heart would leap out of my chest.”

“Love is like that,” Darcey told her softly. The gig swayed as they left the cobbled streets of Meryton and started on the country road that passed by Netherfield.

Georgiana straightened and stared at him. “When will you assure Lizzy that you like her animals? All animals, really.”

Darcy frowned. “The next time I have the opportunity.”

“You might see her later when we pick up Mary.”