Page 19 of Chasing Shadows
Georgiana gave her a grateful look and slipped away, leaving Elizabeth thoughtful at her sister’s side.
***
“Why are you smiling, Georgiana?”
She started a little at her brother’s voice, then shook her head quickly. “It is nothing.”
Georgiana was seated in the small morning room set aside for private use, where a narrow fire burned and thewindows looked upon the garden. A book lay unopened in her lap, but her lips curved with a faint smile as she gazed out at the bare branches stirring in the breeze.
Darcy had just entered, having sought her there after speaking with Bingley.
Darcy studied her face. “You cannot deceive me. Something has pleased you.”
Georgiana lowered her gaze, though the smile lingered. “I spoke to Miss Elizabeth.”
“You sought her out?”
“Yes. I wished to see her sister, but I spoke with her also. I like her, Fitzwilliam. She is very friendly.”
Darcy folded his arms and leaned against the mantel. “Friendly?”
Georgiana glanced up at him, her expression earnest. “Yes. She is beautiful too, but it is not only that. She cares so much for her sister. She sits with her as though she were the elder, though Miss Bennet is the eldest. And despite the way Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst treat her, she does not seem troubled. She carries herself with… indifference, I suppose. As if their attitude means nothing. It astonishes me. Especially after what was said of her this morning at table.”
Darcy’s scoffed lightly. “I suspect Miss Bingley’s sharpness toward her has a cause. Their brother favours Miss Bennet openly, and that alone would provoke envy. And now, after I have called at their house multiple times, and—” He broke off, unwilling to finish.
“And even spent the night at Longbourn to defend them,” Georgiana supplied softly.
He looked at her sharply. She held his gaze with quiet frankness.
“They think you admire her,” she said simply.
Darcy’s lips pressed into a line, but he didn’t say a thing.
Georgiana’s eyes widened a little. “Do you?”
He drew a slow breath. “There is much upon my mind at present, Georgiana. More than I can easily set aside.”
“You have not answered me,” she said, her voice gentle but insistent.
He turned away, staring into the fire. “Maybe, maybe not, because I do not yet know the answer myself.”
There was silence for a few moments. Darcy’s voice softened when he spoke again. “I do admire her. She has spirit. She speaks with clarity and courage, and she cares for her sister with a devotion that… reminds me of you.”
“She told me she hoped we might be friends.”
“I hope so too. She is one of the few people in Meryton I have come to respect.” Darcy replied, his voice softening
Georgiana smiled, a tender curve of her lips. “Then I am glad I went. She made me feel… lighter.” She rose from her chair, smoothing her gown. “However, I think I shall take a nap now. The stress of the journey still lingers on me.”
Darcy crossed to her and kissed her forehead lightly. “Rest then, my dear. I am glad you are happy.”
She curtsied playfully and slipped from the room.
Darcy stood a moment longer by the fire. A rare warmth stirred in him—not only at Elizabeth’s name, but at Georgiana’s cheer. For the first time in many days, he felt the faintest ease.
Chapter Eleven
Jane’s fever broke just before sunset. Though pale and weak, she was able to rise with Elizabeth’s aid, take a little broth, and allow the maid to prepare a bath. Afterwards, she returned to her bed, exhausted yet comforted.
