Page 108 of A Most Beloved Sister
During one walk around the gardens, Darcy was struck with a notion. “Elizabeth, what do you say to the idea of having Georgiana come to Netherfield? I must admit to feeling torn between being with her and remaining here with you.”
She looked at him in surprise, then bit her lip. “If I were mistress of Netherfield, I would not hesitate to agree to such a scheme. However, with Jane being so ill and Louisa about to begin her lying-in…”
Her voice trailed away, and he nodded. “I understand. I just can’t help but think that with Polly being so easily accepted in Meryton, as well as your sister, that this might be a good place for Georgiana to gain some confidence and meet people. London is too harsh, and Pemberley holds too many unkind memories.”
Understanding dawned, and Elizabeth said, “I will speak with Louisa today. If Georgiana isn’t too afraid to come to a new place with strangers—although having you and myself here will help—then I think both the Bingleys and the Hursts will understand the reasoning and welcome her with open arms.”
∞∞∞
The necessary conversations were held, and Bingley and Louisa could not have been more understanding. Both were horrified to learn of the severity of Georgiana’s mistreatment at her father’s hands, and they begged Darcy to send for her at once so she could be in a loving family environment. Soon Darcy was on his way to London to speak with Georgiana in person. As much as he was loath to leave Elizabeth’s side, simply telling his sister in a letter that she would relocate to a place she had never been and travel with only her companion would cause her to panic.
He found her and Mrs. Annesley in their usual place, the music room. He paused at the door and was pleased to hear the companion speaking encouraging words to her charge in a kind tone. Entering the room, he found the ladies bent over an embroidery pattern with Mrs. Annesley giving instruction on a particularly difficult type of stitch.
It took several minutes for Georgiana to look up, so absorbed was she in her work. “Vrother!” she exclaimed, jumping to her feet and dashing to his side.
“A lady does not run, Miss Darcy,” Mrs. Annesley said, though her face and tone were gentle and not harshly chastising.
“Very vell,” the young woman acknowledged before turning again to her brother. “Ve did not know oo vere coming.”
“I wished to surprise you,” he said with a smile, “and I have something very important to discuss with you.”
Her shoulders drooped. “Oo are here to tell me oo vant to send me avay.”
Darcy gaped at her. “Where in heaven’s name did you get that idea?”
She shrugged. “Mrs. Vounge alvays said that.”
“Well, as we’ve already established, she is a liar,” he said firmly. “In fact, it is quite the opposite. I want you to comewithme.”
She looked up at him in astonishment. “Vhat?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Already I’m making a muck of things. Let me start at the beginning. Elizabeth’s father has given me permission to marry his daughter—”
Georgiana gave a small shriek of delight and clapped her hands.
“But,” he continued loudly over the din, “I have not proposed, nor are we even officially courting.”
“Vhy not?”
“Her sister Jane is still very ill and will most likely pass on in the next weeks or months. Elizabeth wishes to be there until the end. I, of course, would do the same for you. If she and I were courting or betrothed, we would not be able to both stay at Netherfield.”
Georgiana nodded her understanding, and Darcy continued. “I would like to remain there for as long as possible, either until her sister is gone and they go into mourning or until I am needed at Pemberley for the spring planting in a month. Or until Mrs. Hurst—Mr. Bingley’s sister—has her lying-in. But I didn’t want to leave you for so long.”
His sister’s eyes shimmered with tears. “Oo are the vest vrother in the vorld.”
“Then… you would like to go to Netherfield?”
Her face clouded. “Vhat if they are scared of me?”
He shook his head. “They won’t be. Elizabeth wasn’t, remember? These are friends of hers. They’ve also seen people like you before; remember Elizabeth’s maid—her little sister?”
She was silent for several long minutes, then looked at her companion. “Vill oo come too?”
Mrs. Annesley looked at Darcy, who gave her a tiny nod; then she put her hand on Georgiana’s. “Yes, my dear, I would be more than happy to accompany you.”
∞∞∞
Four days later, the Darcy carriage arrived at Netherfield, containing Darcy, Georgiana, and Mrs. Annesley. It had taken several days to prepare everything for the journey. Not only was Georgiana quite anxious, but the house in London needed to make preparations for the absence of its master and mistress.
