36. Chapter 36

Chapter 36

"She has lost her mind! I cannot believe this!" Lizzy tossed the letter aside and paced along the window of her room, muttering under her breath. A soft knock on her door stopped her mid stride.

"Lizzy? Are you well?" Georgiana peeked in the slightly open door.

"I am fine. Please come in." A wry smile lifted her lips. "You are much more courteous than your cousin. She barged in uninvited and lost a battle of wills with my trunk."

Georgiana rolled her eyes. "I can only imagine."

Crossing back along the window seat, Lizzy snatched up the letter. "I just received a letter from my friend Charlotte, Mrs. Collins, I should say."

"Oh dear." Georgiana sat lightly on the bed. "Is she well? Has she recovered from her…ordeal?"

"Apparently she has, but I fear she is heading for Bedlam now." Lizzy flicked the letter hard enough to knock off the remainder of the wax seal.

A little color left Georgiana's face. "Has the experience—"

"No, no, not that. Her injuries were not nearly so severe. Here, see for yourself. I do not think I can look at it again!" Lizzy flung the letter at Georgiana who caught it as it fluttered toward the floor.

Georgiana turned the page over several times until she found the top and squinted. "Is it just me…"

"No, Charlotte's penmanship leaves something to be desired. She has worked on improving it for years. Alas, she still prefers her left hand. When she takes a pen in her right, as we are supposed to do, it is an unsightly thing. Try as she might, I am afraid her husband's penmanship far outstrips hers." Lizzy paused at the window, her back to Georgiana for several moments. Charlotte's news weighed upon her so heavily, though, she had to walk again.

"Dear Elizabeth…" Georgiana squinted and blinked rapidly. "Are you sure you want me to read this?"

Lizzy waved her encouragement.

"All right…I think I can make this out. Let me see, she writes: Since I know you will ask, I am well and have mended well, thanks to the diligent care of my family. When you next see Mr. Darcy, please send him my profuse thanks for his prodigious good care. Mrs. Clarke was quite correct, it was indeed best that I return to my family for the time being.

"I have no doubt that you have heard of my husband's accident by now. It is a truly sad affair. I have had a letter from him. He absolves Miss de Bourgh from all responsibility for his fall. But between you and I, I still have my suspicions. However, since she has been so gracious in the care she has offered him, I can hardly persist in that line of thinking. Mr. Collins has been treated to the best hospitality Rosings can offer. He has spent every night since the incident in the guest wing there and has been quite beside himself with gratitude. What is more, Miss de Bourgh promised him a place at Rosings until he was able to walk out of its doors on his own. " Georgiana peeked up from the letter.

Lizzy nodded. "I know, it is most difficult to believe, but I am not at all surprised. Mr. Collins thought very highly of Lady Catherine's condescension toward him. He was most jealous of my good fortune to be invited to stay within those hallowed walls." She laughed bitterly. "Go on, it becomes much more interesting."

With a skeptical look, Georgiana turned back to the missive, trying to find her place with her finger. "She also says: I fear that the gravity of my husband's injuries have not truly settled upon him. I expect he still believes he will regain the use of his legs in time, if only because of the wording of Miss de Bourgh's offer to him. Mr. Clarke's letter though assures me that it will not happen. He will be an invalid for the rest of his days. For that reason, I have agreed to his request that I return to him at Rosings. He has apologized for his behavior profusely and assured me that it will never—"

"Never happen again!" Lizzy snapped and stalked about the room in angry, purposeful steps. "You did not see her after it happened, but it was horrible! She looked worse than Wickham did after I struck him with my riding whip!"

"You struck him with your whip? No! You cannot be serious." Georgiana stood and crossed the room to Lizzy's side. "Surely you did not. I thought you were merely trying to make me feel better when you said that."

"I came upon him while on horseback, and it is what I had in my hand." Lizzy shrugged.

"Oh, Lizzy!" Georgiana threw her arms around Lizzy's neck.

Lizzy started then patted her back soothingly. "It is a very little thing. Your brother told you, did he not, that he made certain that Wickham was flogged?"

Georgiana pulled back and fumbled for her handkerchief. "He did, but somehow it is not the same. It is just so satisfying to know that someone fought back and marked him even as…" Her words faded into tears, and she cried into her hands.

Lizzy stood numbly for a moment. Georgiana's tears touched a place she had kept shut for years. Her throat pinched off her words, and her eyes prickled with bitter tears. Shaking them all away, she gathered Georgiana into her arms again and guided her to sit on the side of the bed. "If it is of any further consolation, my horse kicked him soundly as well."

Georgiana began to giggle and looked up at Lizzy. "Oh, do be serious."

"I am perfectly serious." She brushed a stray curl from Georgiana's forehead. "I am told that the whip scarred his face. He shall not be nearly so appealing to other young women in the future, if he survives the ordeal."

"If he survives?" Georgiana's forehead creased and a little color faded from her cheeks.

"Infection is always a great danger in cases of open wounds—"

"Please, I do not think I wish to hear any more." Georgiana held up her hand. "You are so brave, Lizzy—"

Hardly, if you only you knew the truth you would despise my weakness. "No, not nearly so brave as Charlotte for returning to that adder she married!"

"I do not know how much courage it takes to face that. He is bedridden now. He cannot hurt her again. Though it does not stop his venomous words, she can simply leave the room and allow a servant to deal with him. What bravery is there in that?"

"I could not live with such a man," Lizzy muttered, a shudder coursing down her back.

"It is a fortunate thing that you shall not and neither shall I." Georgiana dabbed her eyes and tucked her handkerchief back in her pocket. "Andrew and Fitzwilliam are nothing like that odious man."

Lizzy smiled weakly.

"You will help me teach my daughters to be strong and brave, will you not? Andrew's estate is not so far from Pemberley, just twenty miles. We will see each other often, and our children will play together—"

"Slow down, Georgiana, neither of us is even married yet." Lizzy laid a restraining hand on Georgiana's arm.

Georgiana pulled her arm away so she could punctuate her conversation. "I will be very soon. They are to arrive any day now! Perhaps, have you thought…Fitzwilliam could acquire a special license, and we could—"

"Georgiana, stop. Please," Lizzy grimaced. She pinched the bridge of her nose to drive away the ache in her head. "I will stand up with you, but we will not…that is to say...I cannot…there will be no double wedding. I cannot."

"I am sorry. It is not fair of me to push you." Georgiana swallowed hard. "I know you have to work things out with my brother and your sister is getting married soon as well. Perhaps you would rather wed with her? I am just so afraid…"

"Of what?"

"What if you do not resolve with Fitzwilliam? What if he continues to be offensive to you—" Georgiana wrung her hands, catching bits of her skirts in her fingers as she did.

"Or I to him?"

"How could you be? No, I know him. He does not always understand and takes too much on himself. He is so reserved…"

"Please, do not base our friendship upon him. No matter what happens, I will be your friend. I promise you that." She patted Georgiana's hands.

Georgiana blinked and slowly released her wrinkled dress. She struggled to smooth it over her lap.

A loud rap at the door made both of them jump. The housekeeper peered in. "You have guests, madam."

Two faces appeared over the housekeeper's shoulder.

"Fitzwilliam!" Georgiana squealed and dashed to him.

The housekeeper dodged out of the way just in time for Georgiana to fall into his arms.

"You are home!" After several moments, Georgiana turned to the tall, quiet man who stood beside Fitzwilliam. "Andrew?"

Andrew opened his arms to her, smiling a little awkwardly. She fell into his embrace for a moment and listened as he whispered something in her ear. He released her, and she took a small step back.

Georgiana caught Lizzy's hand and pulled her toward the men. "Forgive me, Lizzy. Andrew, this is my dear friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

Lizzy dropped into an automatic curtsey, her eyes fixed on Darcy. "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir."

Andrew stole a quick look at Darcy and bowed. "I have heard so much about you, Miss Bennet. I am pleased to finally make your acquaintance."

Lizzy caught herself staring. She recognized Andrew's smile as the same one Darcy wore when he indulged in a smile.

"Shall we go to the parlor? This is perhaps not the most proper room for a reunion." Georgiana asked, staring at Lizzy. Her gaze quickly returned to Andrew. "I want to hear all about your trip."

"A capital idea, my dear." Andrew offered her his arm.

Lizzy watched them walk down the corridor, then looked awkwardly at Darcy who still stood just outside the room. It pleased her somehow that he was not willing to breech propriety even in this unusual moment.

"Georgiana looks very well today. I have rarely seen her in such good spirits." He spoke softly. "I am sure it is due to your company." Their eyes met, and he bowed slightly.

Her heart fluttered and pinched, an agitated little bird fluttering against its restrictive cage. Oh, for it to be set free to follow its own wishes! "She is a wonderful girl, and I should thank you for allowing me to make her acquaintance," Lizzy stammered.

"I must agree with your sentiment. She is a very dear sister." He looked wistfully over his shoulder. "You should not think yourself unequal to her acquaintance though. I certainly do not." He looked deeply into her eyes.

Her thoughts came to a grinding halt and her mouth worked, trying to find word, but none emerged. He reached to touch her face but stopped halfway there. Instead, he offered her his arm, "Shall we join them in the parlor?"

Lizzy hesitated, but finally took his arm.

Shortly after Darcy and Lizzy settled themselves into the parlor, the nursery maid brought in Daphne and Sophia. The girls squealed happily as they were placed in Andrew's lap. Georgiana watched, bright-eyed, her hands tightly laced together.

He cooed over them, bounced them on his knees and finally tucked them both into the crook of his long arm. "I cannot believe how much they both have grown since I have been away."

"I am afraid Daphne is teething, and she is often rather cross, though Richard always seems able to calm her," Georgiana said.

"Perhaps I will find I am as talented as my little brother." Andrew tickled Daphne.

"Come here, Sophia." Darcy took her from Andrew so he could cuddle her close.

She is Georgiana's daughter. I can see it in his eyes. Lizzy watched Darcy and his niece carefully, noting how Sophia favored her uncle more than her 'father' Andrew. She noticed Georgiana watching her and lifted her eyebrows just a little.

Georgiana quickly nodded.

Lizzy smiled and leaned back. Her heart clenched, squeezing until it ached to breath. Darcy bounced Sophia on his knee, smiling Andrew's smile, as the baby screeched in delight. Tears clouded her vision, blurring her focus until the scene before seemed for like a painting in the distance. For just a moment, she wondered what it might be like to see a daughter of her own dandled upon Darcy's knee.

Her resolve quivered like a plate of Lady Catherine's calves' foot jelly, threatening to collapse. No, no, get a grip on yourself. What are you thinking? Georgiana is a perfect lady despite whatever might have happened to her. I am no lady and never will be one. Horace Carver was right. I can never marry—

"…and your sisters and father are well?" Darcy asked.

Lizzy shook her head sharply, suddenly aware of the conversation that had been taking place around her. "Yes, they are, thank you. My sister and Mr. Bingley are engaged now and will be married soon."

"Capital!" Andrew grinned. "Bingley is a delightful fellow, and it is time he settled down. Has a wedding date been set?"

"I am to stand up with my sister, so they are waiting for my return to set the date. My aunt is taking care of all of the arrangements—"

"Lizzy, you did not tell me! How could you never mention such a thing to me?" Georgiana scolded. "You allowed me to keep you here selfishly to myself all the while your sister is waiting her wedding—"

"No one could accuse you of being selfish." Lizzy stretched to pat Georgiana's hands. "I have been happy to stay, truly I have. It has been most refreshing, to be honest with you. I do not know when I have enjoyed myself so much."

"And with good reason, too!" Darcy smiled at Georgiana, not looking Lizzy.

The creases on his forehead suggested the great effort it took to do so. Somehow the thought pleased her.

"You are a most delightful hostess." His eyes finally flickered toward Lizzy for just the fleetest moment.

"And you do have the most adorable children," Andrew added enthusiastically. Daphne yawned and cuddled into his shoulder.

"We really should take them upstairs for their naps." Georgiana rose and took Sophia from Darcy. She beckoned to Andrew who followed her out.

Lizzy stared at her hands but she could still see Darcy's feet shifting uneasily against the carpet. She could not resist the temptation to steal a glimpse of his face.

"It was good of you to agree to stand up with Georgiana." Darcy glanced over his shoulder, out the window.

"It was very good of her to ask me, though I thought the viscount's sister would have been a more appropriate choice." She picked at the ribbon trimming her skirt.

"I am afraid Sarah is rather more judgmental of Georgiana than her brothers or yourself."

"I am sorry." Lizzy pressed her lips hard.

"Andrew has made it very clear that he will hear nothing spoken against Georgiana, but neither his sister nor his mother is entirely sympathetic toward her."

"So they are not in favor of the marriage?" A cold flush spread down Lizzy's face.

"They are in favor in so much as it is a splendid match and it protects the family's reputation."

Lizzy thought of Lady Catherine, wondering where she might have stood on the matter, but decided to let the words die on her tongue.

"May I inquire as to Mrs. Collins?" Darcy still did not meet her eye.

"She is quite recovered and asks me to convey her deepest gratitude for your assistance." Lizzy dipped her head. "I must add my appreciation as well. When my cousin turned me out…" She swallowed hard against the tightness in her throat brought on by the mention of that odious character, "I am accustomed to the security of my father's estate and a village of friends where I am known. It was a new and frightening experience to suddenly realize how far from home I was and how alone."

Darcy finally met her eyes. "I am pleased to have been able to be of service to you."

Silence fell in the room again. Both fidgeted uneasily.

"I have been staying this last fortnight here with your sister. I believe she was lonely without you here. Now that you have returned, I am certain you have long desired my absence. I will make ready to return to my aunt and uncle's house as soon as they can send the carriage for me." She tried to rise, but found her knees quite weak.

"No, please, Miss Bennet," he fumbled over the word as he hurried to rise as well. "Please, there is no need. That is to say, I am afraid I will be much from here over the next several days. I will be needed to attend my aunt and uncle at Matlock House. It will be no trouble for you to stay here. I am sure my sister would value your company and you would be most welcome. You do not need to trouble yourself on my account. I doubt you will see me much at all before the wedding." He wrung his hands and stared at them.

Cold disappointment poured over her, though she tried to argue it away. "I do not wish to be in the way during such a trying time for your family."

"You are no trouble, and I know my sister finds you a comfort. Please, stay." He maneuvered until he caught her eye. "I would find your presence a comfort as well. Please stay."

His eyes beseeched and tugged at her heart, making it beat faster with only a look.

Lizzy wrung her hands and started at the carpet. "I do not know." Glancing up she caught his eyes for a moment. I will leave London soon, and I will never see him again. "All right, I will stay."

"We still need to talk. There is much yet to be said. I have not yet—"

Voices in the hall interrupted him. Georgiana returned on Andrew's arm. "What say we send for Richard to join us and have a light supper early tonight? I am sure you are tired from traveling and would like to retire early, but I am starved for your company and simply cannot allow us to eat apart." Georgiana smiled broadly. "And Lizzy, you must join us as well, for I know you will argue this is a family affair, but…"

Please, do not say I will be you sister soon. Lizzy bit her lip hard.

"I will need someone to defend me against all the Fitzwilliam men at the table tonight!" Georgiana laughed, though it did not reach her eyes as she looked at her brother.

"Then I suppose I must," Lizzy curtsied teasingly.