She had decided to sit and read her letters in the blue room for the view of the gardens. The weather had prevented her from walking outdoors for nearly the entirety of winter. The snow had since turned to rain, but the skies were dark and the wind was strong. Fitzwilliam had been called away on estate business and Georgiana had yet to rise.
"Oh, Georgiana," she said as her sister entered the room, "you're finally
awake. I was starting to believe you were never going to get out of bed."
"Lizzy, you know how I hate to rise early when it rains. It was so dark when I awoke and I had no desire to ever leave the comfort of my bed, but I had to break my fast."
"I understand. I too hate when it rains. It is so taxing to be indoors all day. I must confess, I am a bit jealous of Fitzwilliam. He was called to attend estate business early this morning. Even though the weather is horrid, visiting the tenants would be a welcome distraction from my boredom," she said staring out the window through the heavy rain.
"Has Fitzwilliam returned yet?" Georgiana asked, looking concerned about the weather.
"Yes, he was chilled to the bone, drenched with rain and covered in mud. He went off to bathe. He should be down shortly for tea. I have some very exciting news to tell the both of you."
Georgiana's face lit up at the thought of news. As nice as the country was, it was often isolating and the days were often very boring, even with Lizzy to keep her company. She hoped desperately that the news would be her pleasure; perhaps she was to be an aunt!
"Oh please Lizzy. You must tell me. I simply cannot wait for my brother."
Lizzy grinned, "alright," she said producing a letter from, "I received a letter from Jane shortly after breakfast. She and Charles are coming for a visit in a fortnight."
"What happy news. I'm certain Jane is anxious to visit Pemberley for the first time," Georgiana said. Though she was happy at the news of company, she was slightly disappointed that the news was not something more exciting than a visit, but to Lizzy, a visit from her dear sister was particularly exciting.
"The best part of the letter is what Caroline told Jane to relate. She says, "Tell dear Lizzy and Georgiana how much I miss their company. There is simply no one in all of London who plays as well as sweet Georgiana. I long to see the both of you and Pemberley. I simply cannot wait to see all of the changes to the décor. I look forward to seeing the both of you, my dear dear friends."
"Caroline is coming as well? She seems sincere and excited to see us."
"Yes, and although her words are gushing, Jane tells me that he ladies of the Ton are very curious about me and Caroline has provided them with plenty of gossip about the new Mrs. Darcy."
"Well, what are you going to do?"
"Nothing. Caroline can come visit Pemberley and report whatever she pleases to the ladies of the Ton. Your brother and I are perfectly happy. We have nothing to hide."
"Caroline has always been very kind to me – perhaps too much so, but I wish she would not spread gossip," she said with a frown.
"As long as we stay at Pemberley, the ladies of London will be in want of gossip. It is understandable. If the gossip continues when we spend your first season there, then something will be done about it."
"What are you speaking of?" came Darcy's voice from the doorway. His hair was still damp from his bath, but he looked as dashing as ever.
"Nothing brother," said Georgiana as he joined them, "how was your visit to the tenants this morning."
"It was cold, very cold, but the business was urgent and could not be put off a day longer. The winter has been very trying," he turned to his wife, "Elizabeth, will you ring for tea. I'm still a bit chilled."
"Of course dear," she said ringing the bell, "I do hope this rain will stop soon. I long to walk outside again. I think I have read nearly every book in the library, even though that must be impossible. I cannot remember the last day when it did not rain or snow."
"Spring will be here soon enough," he said, "I cannot wait for you to see the gardens in springtime bloom. The grounds are more beautiful in April than in any other month."
"I cannot wait, but I must inform you that we will not be alone in the month of April. Jane has written that she, Charles, and Caroline are going to visit."
"I know. Charles wrote to me as well. I must confess that there is more to the visit than just for company. Charles said that they are looking to buy an estate in one of the neighboring counties."
Elizabeth's face lit up with joy, "Jane mentioned that being so close to Mama was starting to tax her, but I had no idea that they were considering giving up Netherfield."
"I'm sure your sister wanted to be certain of their plans before she got your hopes up," said Georgiana.
"You are probably right," she agreed.
"Charles has asked for our help in picking out an estate."
"This is all very exciting. It will be so nice to have another sister close by," she smiled, "the neighboring county is an easy journey and it will be a great thing for our children to have their cousins near."
"I agree. 'Twas wonderful having Richard as a playmate. We spent countless days making trouble and climbing trees and playing soldiers."
"Having Jane and Charles close will be a blessing, just pray that this will be the year that Caroline gets married."
Darcy chuckled at her words.
"Elizabeth!" Georgiana exclaimed.
"What?" she said with a cheeky smile, "I wish her great happiness. I hope she marries a man who loves staying in London as much as she does."
Their conversation as cut short when a servant arrived with their tea. They chatted amiably about estate business and the upcoming visit before Georgiana excused herself to practice the pianoforte before dinner.