Page 94 of Roses from Pemberley
“Yes, we will. Nothing shall happen to you, Georgie, except that you will put your demons behind you.”
“Very well,” murmured Georgie at length. “I shall face him.”
Now, on the day of Darcy’s arrival, Elizabeth maintained her position on the sofa till she heard the sounds of a carriage being pulled up. But rather than seeing Darcy’s carriage on the front drive, she saw Bingley’s. Soon, Bingley, Diana and Georgie were shown into the room.
“Georgie!” she said, immediately going to the girl and taking both of her hands.
“I know I was supposed to meet him tomorrow,” she explained, “but I wished to get it over with. And so I asked Bingley to bring us and…here I am.”
Elizabeth gave her a bracing smile. “All will be well, dearest. You shall see.”
Diana gave them a sideward glance and, though she did not know the particulars of Georgie's ordeal, she knew enough to think of Wickham as the worst of cads.
They had not yet even taken their seats, when another carriage drove up. This time it was Darcy’s.
Lydia burst into the room like a whirlwind, followed by Darcy and Wickham. Elizabeth caught Darcy’s eye and he immediately went to her.
“Elizabeth,” he said, smiling wearily. “You are a sight for sore eyes.” And then his gaze fell onto Georgiana as she stood a little behind the others. “What is Georgiana doing here?” he hissed. “I thought she would remain at Netherfield.”
“I thought so as well but she decided to come at the last moment. I believe the strain of waiting was rather difficult for her. But she is ready, you must believe it.”
*****
Darcy looked at his sister standing next to Diana and Kitty and hoped that Elizabeth was right. Things happened quickly.
Wickham escorted Lydia into the room and they made their general rounds. When they got to Georgiana, Wickham took her hand and bowed low over it, saying, “Miss Darcy, it has been awhile.”
Georgie gave a slight curtsey and only said, “Sir.” She did not appear shy or discomposed, but instead appeared almost…bored.
He glanced at Elizabeth who was also looking at Georgie and smiling.
The Wickhams moved on and found a place on the settee where they sat together and were welcomed by Jane. It was then that Mrs. Bennet entered the room and looked at her wayward daughter.
“Mamma!” cried Lydia, running up to her and throwing herself in her arms.
“Are you well, Lydia?” asked Mrs. Bennet, eying at her daughter with concern.
“Yes, I am, Mamma, very well. But will you not congratulate me? I am married now, you know. You see? I have the ring to prove it.”
“Yes, dear, I know,” said Mrs. Bennet, whereupon Wickham stood up from his position on the settee and approached her as well.
“Mrs. Bennet.”
“Mr. Wickham.” He looked expectantly at her as if expecting her to say more but when she did not, he brought Lydia back to the settee and they sat together once more.
Jane poured tea and the occupants of the room broke up into various groups.
Diana, Georgie and Kitty remained together while Mrs. Bennet, Jane, Bingley and Mary sat around the center table listening to Lydia’s description of the wedding breakfast.
Darcy sat a little apart from everyone, sipping the tea and eating the sandwiches that Elizabeth had brought him.
“She seems well,” he commented, glancing towards Georgie.
“Yes, she does,” said Elizabeth.
“It was something I have been worried about,” he admitted. “But it seems there was no need for it, as Georgie does not seem in any way bothered.”
They looked at the group of young ladies who were now discussing Almack’s between themselves. He saw that Wickham was also looking in their direction. Perhaps, thought Darcy, he was trying to see a remnant of the regard Georgiana once felt for him. He smiled to himself and knew that he never would. His sister was poised and beautiful, every bit a Darcy. And he was proud of her.
