Page 7 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man

She glanced over to him, and he watched as she patted Lizzy’s hand before rising. She received no acknowledgement of the endearment from her sister. Jane rose and crossed to him. They exited the room, standing just outside, so Jane could still see her sister while they conversed quietly.

“I have finally heard from Darcy. He has been gone most of the last two years and has just now read my letters.” Charles shook his head in astonishment. “It seems he has only been concerned with business affairs. I can hardly believe it of him—leaving his personal correspondence unanswered.”

“You know he could not have been himself after Lizzy’s rejection,” Jane responded softly. “And he was always such a private man.”

“Well, no matter. I am going to ask him again to come.”

“How shall we handle this? We cannot just tell him of Lizzy straight away, as I do not want him to know if he cannot or will not help.”

“No. We need to see how he reacts to the news of her death. Only after we are sure he still has feelings for her, will we reveal the secret and ask for his help.”

“And if he has no feelings left in his heart for her?”

“Then he will return to Pemberley no more the wiser and with no added burden.”

Jane wrung her hands as she glanced back at Elizabeth who was oblivious to the drama unfolding around her, sitting silent as always.

“I pray he will want to help her, or God help us all.”

Rosewood Manor

“Mr. Darcy, sir. It is so good to see you.”

“Thank you, Jenkins. Is my sister in?” William smirked as he kept moving through the house, knowing the frustrated butler was on his heels. He smiled to think of how Richard played the same trick when he was here. Hearing the sound of the pianoforte, he headed towards the music room, knowing he would find Georgiana there. He wanted to speak to his sister alone.

“She is in the music room,” Jenkins called after him, finally slowing and no longer trying to get ahead of the tall gentleman. He shrugged. The Ingrams were used to the Mistress’ brother appearing unannounced and never seemed upset with him when it happened.

Stopping at the door, William took in the sight of Georgiana in full concert mode, her head down and fingers flying over the keyboard. He was always amazed that she could coax such beautiful melodies from the same inanimate object that he played so poorly. Never had he been prouder of her or more pleased with the money spent on the music masters.

For these few precious minutes, he propped against the doorframe and listened. Until she finished, it was almost as if she were a child again, and they were at Pemberley. When she concluded the lovely concerto with a flourish, he stirred from his reverie and began applauding. She turned, blushing at his approbation.

“What are you about, sneaking up on me?” She stood and walked into his embrace. “You could have had Jenkins announce you, so I would have been aware of your presence.”

“And spoil all my fun?” They both laughed. “You know I never give him the opportunity to announce me. It has become a game.”

“You are getting as bad as Richard! I assure you Mr. Jenkins does not think it a game, Brother. He is rather staid.”

“Well, I enjoy it, and besides, he should be used to it by now. Not to change the subject, but I understood that Mrs. Preston would leave for London this morning, and is your loving scoundrel still out of town?”

“Yes and yes. Evan will not return until Friday, and my sister left hours ago. Did you need to speak with either of them?”

“No. I actually wanted to speak to you...alone.”

Georgiana’s eyebrows rose, but she said nothing as she went about closing the door. Then she moved to take his hand and pulled him to sit next to her on one of the overstuffed sofas. Making herself comfortable with a pillow behind her back, she turned her full attention on him. William smiled at the grim expression on her face.

“I am afraid I have been lax in my duties to my friends. I am going to go to Netherfield for a few days to help Bingley with some problem with which he is still contending.”

Georgiana tried hard not to show her disappointment. “Will you be gone long? You have just come home, and I have enjoyed having you with me again, and Evan loves having a man around to talk to, and Cecile will be coming back from London just as soon as she has met with her steward.”

He laughed. “Slow down and catch your breath!”

She chuckled in spite of her sadness at the revelation he was leaving. “I am sorry. I am being silly, I know. But I love that I have my brother back, and besides, I was hoping you were about to settle down.” She searched his eyes. “You realise Cecile is coming back to stay with us again only because you have led her to believe there is hope.”

He looked away and then back with a steady gaze. “I like her. She is witty, fun and engaging, and she has become a friend. I have told her I would like to explore where our friendship might lead, but I have tried not to raise her expectations for more just yet.”

“That is all I can ask.” Georgiana said soberly. “I wish to see you happily married and living here, and I believe Cecile would further both my wishes. I cannot bear to lose you again to melancholy.”

He pulled her into a hug. “I promise you will not lose me ever again. And for your information, I plan to stop in London on my way to and from Meryton. Since Mrs. Preston will be in London at the same time, I will call on her, so our getting to know each other will still progress. Besides, I will probably stay no more than a week at Netherfield, unless Bingley has gotten himself in too big of a pickle!”