Chapter Sixteen
Georgiana read her brother’s letter while nibbling on a piece of toast. She shook her head over the letter. Heavens! For all the world, it sounded as if Brother was conducting an interview for a position on Pemberley’s staff, rather than looking for a wife!
She went to her room, bringing the toast with her, to respond at once.
Dear Brother,
I confess myself astonished at the way in which you go about finding a wife!
What does it matter whether or not she likes little lambs, or plays well or does not play well, whether she is beautiful or not beautiful!
There should be something indefinable about her, something that draws you in, something that makes your fingers tingle when you touch hers, and your heart beat faster when you see her!
Doubtless you will dismiss this as mere romantic fancy, but I believe it exists.
Despite everything, and you know to what I refer, I continue to believe in love.
I want it for you, dearest brother. You, more than anyone I know, deserve to love and to be loved!
I realise now that what I experienced at Ramsgate was simply being overly susceptible to flattery.
None of the symptoms of a true attachment existed, which should have been enough to warn me off.
But I shall not dwell on that distasteful subject.
You will be glad to know that there are no new cases of the illness that so plagued us.
It seems to be over. How lucky we were that Mrs. Reynolds had the stillroom so well stocked!
I have asked her to teach me about her remedies, and we meet every afternoon so that I can learn and take notes.
I understand now how very important this is.
On a more mundane level, you will be glad to know that I am eating better and have gained back some of the flesh I lost after…well, you know. If you see crumbs on this message, it is from my morning toast!
Your own loving,
Georgiana