Chapter Seventeen
Mr. Darcy was surprised to discover that he was not happy at Pemberley by himself.
He thought he had grown used to it by now, given that Georgiana had been away at school for so long, but it seemed he had now become rather accustomed to having someone to speak with at the end of the day.
His Aunt Eleanor would doubtless say that what he needed was a wife, and he suspected that she was not wrong.
Perhaps he should have tried harder to find Georgiana a companion, so that she might have remained at Pemberley. But as things stood, he had to content himself with her letters, which came every week.
To his surprise, this week he had also received a letter from his Aunt Catherine.
Dear Darcy,
You have done me a great service by having Georgiana come to stay. The difference I see in Anne is nothing short of miraculous. She laughs a good deal, and the two giggle together, and I frown and pretend to disapprove, but in truth I could not be happier.
The phaeton and pony have been a great success.
You were entirely right; it has been good for Anne to be out of doors, and to have some measure of independence.
The two girls actually journeyed to Hunsford one afternoon, without telling me!
They had the good sense to take a footman, so I suppose there is nothing I can complain of.
They think I do not know about it, and they delight in their secret.
It is all quite humorous!
Your grateful aunt,
Catherine
Mr. Darcy was astonished by this letter. Aunt Catherine was actually grateful to Georgiana!
In any event, it was now September, and high time that he retrieved his sister so that they might go to Meryton together.
Dear Georgiana,
I have promised Bingley that I would visit him at his leased estate in Hertfordshire. It is only fifty miles or so from Rosings Park, so I will come to get you and we will go first to London and then to Hertfordshire together.
I know that you will miss Anne, but you must remember that your loving brother has been without you all these many weeks, and longs to see you!
With much love,
William
And one more letter.
Dear Aunt Catherine,
I was everything gratified to receive your latest. I believe the visit has done as much good for Georgiana as it has for Anne. Georgiana has written to me repeatedly as to how very kind you have been to her, and I am grateful to you.
But alas, it is time that Georgiana returns to me! I will come for her in a week’s time.
Your affectionate nephew,
Darcy