20. Between Two Aunts #2
“Respectfully, Aunt Helena,” Georgiana said. “As I am not yet out and cannot attend such gatherings, might Brother deposit me in Hertfordshire so I can make acquaintance with my five new cousins? I am eager to compare accomplishments with them.”
Darcy allowed the notion to linger, tempting as a forbidden sweet.
He owed his sister an introduction to her cousins, and with Bingley in residence, along with the Hursts for propriety’s sake, there would be no need to trespass upon Miss Elizabeth’s peace—he might avoid Longbourn altogether, save for the briefest presentation of Georgiana.
“I believe Hertfordshire is on the way to London,” he said.
“I will be delighted, dear Brother.” Georgiana’s smile dawned, sudden and warm, impossible to resist. Darcy felt its pull, the gentle gravity of his sister’s happiness drawing him south toward Hertfordshire as surely as the tides follow the moon.
Yet his honor kept him poised at the very edge of assent.
He had sworn in the most binding terms a gentleman could offer that he would not speak to Elizabeth again unless she gave him leave. However, introducing his sister was not a proposal, and Bingley was there already.
Impulsive, warm-hearted Bingley had ridden to Netherfield without assurance, without invitation, without knowing whether Jane Bennet would receive him or turn her face to the wall. And Bingley would be glad he had ventured without knowing.
Could a Darcy do any less?
He looked at his sister, bright and brave, reaching toward a family she had never known with the hunger of a girl raised without sisters. And he yielded.
“Well, Darce,” Richard said. “Will you take Georgie to Netherfield or shall I? We are her guardians, and it would only be proper for the two of us to introduce her properly.”
“Netherfield?” Lady Matlock frowned. “Why should you go to Netherfield?”
“Because Bingley is there. Brother sent him back to make amends with Jane Bennet. And because I wish to meet my cousins.” Georgiana’s voice was bright with enthusiasm.
“Five of them, all girls! I have never had sisters, or even female cousins my own age. Richard is charming, of course, but he is terrible at embroidery, and I should like to have someone to share confidences with.”
“Out of the question.” Lady Catherine clutched the brocade arms of her chair. “A young girl of your age and standing has no business gallivanting about the countryside to visit a family of no consequence.”
Darcy’s jaw tightened before he could school the reflex. He did not look at Lady Catherine. He looked at the fire, where the logs had shifted, and a shower of sparks climbed toward the flue, bright and brief.
“Aunt Catherine, I believe Richard and I are Georgiana’s guardians, and we have decided that the Bennets are appropriate company for Georgiana.”
“If she wishes for female companionship, she has Anne, who is also her cousin,” Lady Catherine said, her teeth gritted.
“I should mention,” Georgiana continued, her tone shifting to a lighter register, “that I have been the only girl born into the Darcy family for three generations. Did you know that? Great-grandfather had one son, so did Grandfather, and Father had you, and then me. I am quite the anomaly.”
“I am aware of your rarity, Georgiana.”
“Which means, technically, I am Pemberley’s heiress.” She grinned at him. “So if Fitzwilliam does not catch one of those Bennet girls and marry, produce an heir, Pemberley comes to me.”
“This is preposterous, when Anne—” Lady Catherine glared at Georgiana, who had the grace not to quail. “Very well, if you cannot appreciate Anne’s refined qualities, then perhaps I shall not present you when you make your London debut.”
“Thank you, Aunt Catherine, I am obliged.” Georgiana flicked an imaginary speck of dust from her lace. “Then we go to Netherfield, Brother?”
“Yes, we depart on the morrow.”
Georgiana glanced at Colonel Fitzwilliam, who brightened at her enthusiasm. “And you? Cousin?”
Lady Matlock cleared her throat, her fan once again wielded as a weapon of maternal ambition.
“Richard, your father requires you here through Epiphany. The Viscount will be back, and the Sandersons dine with us on the fifth. They have two delightful daughters I should like you and your brother to meet.”
Richard heaved an exaggerated sigh that made Georgiana giggle. “Give my regards to Hertfordshire. All of it.”
“You will be missed.” Darcy extended his hand, and Richard clasped it warmly.
“I shall expect a full report. Every detail, every glance, every meaningful nod.” Richard grinned. “And when you finally propose properly, I expect to be invited to the wedding.”
“I do not promise any such thing.”
“I shall be your second.” Richard clapped him on the shoulder. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet is too intelligent not to understand why you have given up your inheritance. And when she figures you out, she will not be able to resist you. I only wish I had something as worthwhile.”
“You do, Richard,” Georgiana said, placing her hand on his heart. “Just like Fitzwilliam does.”
“Absurd! Utterly absurd!” Lady Catherine stomped from the drawing room, trailing soot and cinders while Lady Matlock placed her hand on Richard’s arm possessively, glaring at Darcy for daring to expose her son to such lowly creatures.
But Darcy did not give a fig what she thought.
His heart had already departed for Hertfordshire.
In three days, maybe four, he would arrive in the same county as Elizabeth Bennet.
Whether she would look at him with warmth or indifference, he could not know.
But he would be there. And perhaps that was enough to begin again.