Page 75 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man

Elizabeth devoured the broth Mrs. Reynolds sent up as though she were starved. Then for the next half-hour, Georgiana sat with her, making conversation and doing everything possible to alleviate any fears she might have about being at Pemberley. Finally, sleep beckoned.

Mrs. Drury slipped into the room not long after Elizabeth began to show the signs of drowsiness, and fortunately, Elizabeth recognised her companion, accepting her company without hesitation. As sleep claimed the weary young woman, a drained Georgiana relinquished her place as Mrs. Drury insisted that William’s sister also retire to sleep. Confident that the elderly woman could manage the situation if Elizabeth awoke, Georgiana went in search of her brother.

She did not have to go far, as William was just outside, standing in the hallway, shoulder propped against the wall, head down and eyes closed. When she opened the door, he did not stir, so she quietly stood in front of him. Sensing her presence, he opened his weary eyes, and she smiled tenderly, running a hand over his stubbled cheek.

“I feared you were asleep in this position.”

Standing up straight, he stretched and returned her smile, though it was forced. “I might have dozed a little.” Quickly he got to the point. “Elizabeth?”

Georgiana took his hand and pulled him into the sitting room next to Elizabeth’s bedroom before beginning. “She is improved, but still very weak. I will leave word with Mrs. Lightfoot to cook something appropriate for her in the morning, perhaps eggs and toast—she needs something besides broth. Elizabeth should be hungry by the time Mr. Woodwright departs, as he always arrives so early.”

William nodded, seemingly preoccupied. His expression resembled a small child requesting a favour. “I would like to speak with her ...not tonight, of course, but tomorrow. That is, if you think it would not upset her.”

Georgiana sighed at his eager expression. The truth would hurt tremendously. “I—I am afraid Miss Elizabeth does not wish to see you.” His reaction was to blink continually, so she added, “For now.”

His eyes closed. The pain he felt was palpable, and Georgiana reached out to squeeze his arm in sympathy, struggling not to cry herself. She hated to see him suffer.

“She may not want to see you at present, but she is sure to change her mind at some point.” He shook his head all during her words of consolation.

“Did she say why—why she will not see me?”

“Her exact words were, ‘He must hate me.’”

“Hate? Why would I—”

“She mentioned that you looked down on her. I suppose during your stay at Hertfordshire you displayed your duty-and-station-above-all-else persona.”

William shuddered, murmuring, “And it has haunted me ever since.”

“She feels she is even more of an anathema, now that she is married to that despicable man.”

He stood still for some time, as if he were weighing the situation, then forced a slight smile as if to appear recovered. “I suppose it would be kinder to leave her alone, at least for a time. Would it be too much to ask that you check on Elizabeth every day or so until I return? Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Drury are quite capable, but I would feel better if you looked in on her.”

“Of course I will, but where are you going?”

“London. Aunt Evelyn has implored me to attend the Viscount’s ball on Saturday—I know you received an invitation as well.” Georgiana nodded. Just as with every previous invitation from her family in London, she had never considered attending.

“She was so kind when last I saw her in London that I hate to disappoint her, though I do not care to socialize with most of the family, save Richard. I had not intended to go, but since Elizabeth wants time alone ...”

“Viscount Leighton’s birthday celebration—that should be quite a soirée,” Georgiana exclaimed sardonically.

“I imagine so. Lord Matlock spares no expense when it comes to his firstborn. I do wonder how it will feel to be in their company again. I have not seen Edgar in years.”

Georgiana blew an imaginary curl off her forehead in exasperation. “Frankly, other than Aunt Evelyn and Richard, the separation could never be long enough to suit me.”

“Edgar should never have brought Lord Hamilton’s offer of marriage to the earl’s attention, even if he and the rogue were the best of friends. It was obvious that Hamilton only wanted your dowry to pay for his gaming debts. Lord knows, I will never forgive him for that.”

“I would not have accepted Lord Hamilton for any reason,” Georgiana huffed.

“And I told Edgar and Lord Matlock that I would never allow it. For all his wealth and connections, Hamilton was always a reprobate hiding in a gentlemen’s clothing. Besides gambling and drinking excessively, he kept a mistress and still found time for the brothels. My uncle could not see beyond his standing with the ton, but you, my darling sister, were not meant for that demented vulture.”

Georgiana hugged William. “I love you too, Brother.” Pulling back to consider him, she sobered. “I have two warnings to impart. First, from what little Elizabeth said of her husband, I gather he is quite dangerous. Please promise me that you will be careful. I cannot bear the thought of losing you.”

“He seems to be in hiding, but from what I learned from the Bingleys and Mrs. Browning, the housekeeper at Northgate, he may indeed be insane. So you may rest assured that I will be wary. Your other warning?”

“I have heard from Cecile that Jacqueline has returned to Edgar and is acting the dutiful wife. Our aunt and uncle are treating her as though she never left.”

William’s brows knit in interest, so she continued. “Rumour has it that her father grew tired of her friendships with other men, so he sent her away, resulting in her decision to return to her marriage. Keep well away from her—her kind never changes. Jacqueline was trouble before, and she is trouble now.”