Chapter 12 #2
Darcy noticed it at once. And understood with equal immediacy exactly how much she had missed him. The realisation brought fresh guilt with it.
He had been in Hertfordshire too long, perhaps. The separation had not seemed a problem, for he had assumed that Georgiana remained perfectly comfortable in Town with Mrs Annesley and the household staff. Comfortable she might have been. Happy was clearly another matter.
Georgiana finished the piece at last and let the final notes fade naturally into silence before turning slightly upon the bench. “You are thinking very sternly again,” she informed him.
“I was not aware my thoughts possessed such visible characteristics.”
“They do when they concern me.”
Darcy exhaled, conceding the point without words.
Georgiana’s expression softened. “I did not mean to make you feel reproached.”
“You did not.” He paused. “You merely reminded me that I have been absent too long.”
Mrs Annesley set aside her embroidery at last. “Miss Darcy has behaved with perfect good sense throughout your stay in Hertfordshire, Mr Darcy. She has only missed you very much.”
Georgiana looked embarrassed by this directness, but she did not contradict it.
“Of course, you must decide where you go, Fitzwilliam, and where I am to live. But I confess I should like it if we might be together for a time. Mr Bingley has always seemed such an amiable, welcoming gentleman, and such a close friend to you. Perhaps I might even join you at his country estate?”
Darcy studied his sister for a moment in thoughtful silence. Bingley would welcome her gladly at Netherfield if asked. The invitation would already have been pressed enthusiastically upon him several times over had Bingley known she felt lonely in town.
Under ordinary circumstances, Darcy might have agreed. But nothing involving Wickham could be called ordinary. The very thought of Georgiana within reach of him again produced an immediate and absolute refusal in Darcy’s mind.
“Mrs Annesley, perhaps you might excuse us for a moment,” Darcy said carefully.
“Of course, Mr Darcy,” she said, and promptly gathered up her work and slipped away.
Georgiana watched her companion go. When the door closed behind her, she turned to Darcy. “It must be something very serious, Fitzwilliam,” she said in a small voice.
Darcy sighed. “I am afraid I have some disturbing news,” he said. “Of course, Bingley would be glad to welcome you at Netherfield Park, but it cannot be. Wickham has joined the militia that is presently quartered there.”
Georgiana betrayed her shock only through a quick, indrawn breath. “I see,” she said at last. “You do not wish me near Hertfordshire while he remains there,” she said.
Darcy answered without hesitation. “No. I do not.”
“You would not allow him to harm me, but I confess I do not feel equal to seeing him again.” Georgiana lowered her eyes briefly, one hand resting motionless against the pianoforte keys.
“Good,” Darcy said, “for I certainly would not bring you within ten miles of the blackguard.”
At last Georgiana spoke again, her voice soft but steady. “I know you are right.”
Darcy spoke as gently as he could. “That does not make the situation less unfair to you.”
A faint smile touched her face then. “Life shows very little concern for fairness, do not you think?”
The quiet maturity of the observation affected him more than any complaint could have done. Darcy rose and crossed slowly toward the pianoforte. “You ought not to be required to spend the entire winter hidden away merely because Wickham lacks both character and restraint.”
Georgiana looked up at him with immediate concern. “You are not blaming yourself again?”
Darcy must not have answered quickly enough, for her expression became almost exasperated. “Brother.”
The single word carried so much affectionate reproach that he almost smiled. “No,” Darcy said, shaking his head. “I only regret that caution must mean restricting your actions.”
“I know.” Georgiana considered before continuing more carefully. “But I would rather endure caution than risk causing you anxiety.”
The answer settled something painful in him, and for a moment no one spoke. Then Georgiana straightened slightly upon the bench, determination entering her expression with visible effort. “There is a solution,” she declared.
Darcy regarded her with caution. “That sentence rarely precedes peace.”
Georgiana ignored this. “You should return to Netherfield for a short while, precisely as you intended. Otherwise, Mr Bingley will feel abandoned, and everyone in Hertfordshire will wonder why you vanished so abruptly. And that might cause gossip for Miss — I mean, you would certainly be annoyed if there were gossip and speculation about your actions.”
Darcy conceded the practicality of this with a slight inclination of his head.
“And afterward,” Georgiana continued, visibly pleased with herself now, “you shall come back to London and remain here properly for the rest of the season.”
Darcy considered it. The arrangement possessed obvious advantages. Brief enough to avoid exciting unnecessary speculation at Netherfield, yet sufficient to reassure Georgiana without exposing her to Hertfordshire while Wickham remained there. “You have thought about this already,” he observed.
“I have had several weeks in which to do so.”
Darcy moved to stand beside her chair, resting one hand lightly against the back of it. “And what of spring?” he asked. “What answer have you there, little sister?”
Georgiana brightened. “In the spring, I shall accompany you to Kent. It would be the perfect solution, for I believe Mrs Annesley would like to visit her niece in Bath, who lately had her first child. Only she will not say so, because she does not wish to leave me without company.”
“It would be a solution,” Darcy admitted. “However, you know what my spring visit is like. Are you truly sure you wish to come with me?”
“Yes, truly,” Georgiana said stoutly. “It is perfect, for Mrs Annesley may have the time off to see her family, and I should like to join you of all things.”
Darcy raised an eyebrow. “Even though you will be joining me on a visit to Rosings Park?”
“Yes.”
“To Lady Catherine.”
Georgiana’s expression became heroic. “I am even willing to brave Aunt Catherine if it means spending more time with you.”
At that, he could not help but chuckle. Darcy looked down at his sister, whose expression remained entirely earnest despite the absurdity of the declaration, and felt something inside him settle fully into peace.