Chapter Fifty-Seven
Georgiana had not been at all pleased by her brother’s latest letter.
What did he mean by calling it ‘romantic folderol’?
If he was not careful, he would lose this young lady, whoever she was, and then heaven only knew who he would end up with!
Some witless creature from the ton, no doubt!
No, Georgiana intended to have a far better sister than that, thank you very much.
Dear Brother,
I am very much upset with you! Romantic folderol indeed!
Do you forget that our own parents were very much in love?
I was young when mother died, of course, but even I recall the two of them smiling at one another, and holding hands when they went out for strolls!
Do you truly want to tie yourself for life to someone you can scarce speak with, let alone delight in?
Do you not recall the letter you wrote to me from London, saying that you had been introduced to a young lady who met all your requirements, but you could not work up the desire to court her? That was because your heart had not been touched!
Oh, Brother, please, please do not let this young lady in Meryton get away from you!
With great trepidation,
Georgiana
***
When Mr. Darcy received the letter, he read it and then went outside to stare out at the rain. Trepidation, indeed! For the young lady about whom he had written all that romantic folderol had left very unexpectedly and without a word to him.
Then again, what reason would she have had to tell him of her plans?
He had never, by word or deed, indicated any partiality for her.
He was no more to her than a neighbour’s visitor.
Though, if he was not mistaken, and he did not think he was, her departure had been as much a surprise to her family, save Mary and Mr. Collins, as to anyone else.
Oh, they had hidden it well, but Mr. Darcy knew himself to be a keen observer.
And that led to another idea. Had she removed herself as a potential wife for Mr. Bingley, thereby leaving the field open to her sister? Was this because she did not wish to marry Mr. Bingley? Or was he merely wishing this to be the case?