Chapter 4
Christmas Morning Darcy was the last to come down for breakfast; he entered the morning room and wished them all glad tidings. He however noticed an empty seat and his sister was missing from the guests. He spoke softly to Elizabeth, who was sitting next to him,
"Where is Georgiana? Does she know that it is breakfast, and besides it's unusual for her as it is rather late?"
"Her maid came down earlier and said she had a headache and would join either at luncheon of after"
"Oh, well I shall not disturb her. How awful to be in bed on Christmas Day" Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
"Are we going to mass my darling?" She asked her husband after a few minutes,
"We had better to show our good intentions and to wish all a merry Christmas" Elizabeth smiled. Not long after, they had all finished breakfast and headed in their carriages to church. Georgiana was left all alone in Pemberley, she did not mind. In fact she liked it. It gave her a chance to drift with her thoughts without interruption.
About an hour later they had all returned and were sitting merrily by the fire in the drawing room were suddenly met by a smiling Lydia, who despite married was still only 16, came in with a huge smile on her face and ran over to Elizabeth,
"Lizzy, it's snowing outside, come look!" Elizabeth got up and moved to the window. Darcy called over a maid,
"Ask Miss Darcy if she is well enough to come down, we would like to see her" the maid responded and left the room. Minutes later she returned,
"Sir, Miss Darcy is not in her room"
"Oh God, what has happened?" His eyes scoured the room, yes Wickham was still there. "Colonel, Mr Collins and Mr Bingley, get your coats and your horses, my sister has gone, she probably has not gone too far, but it is cold out there and I would like her found." The men agreed and promptly left the room, "Elizabeth," Darcy spoke, turning to his wife, "look for her in the house. Please god, let her be inside not out!" he cried as he himself left the room.
The snow and a cruel wind made the gardens harsh and cold. The men, having split in different directions, were calling her name. They were all concerned but not as much as Richard and Darcy. Richard turned the corner when he spotted a pale figure ahead of him; he slowed his horse down as he approached. About ten feet away he dismounted and walked slowly to the figure. It was Georgiana; her skin was as pale as her white night dress. She turned her head to look at him, her lips were blue. He hurried his pace and pushed her into a warm embrace. She was so thin and cold, he was worried he might break her. She shivered and mumbled something inaudible. He gently picked her up and placed her on his house; he mounted behind her and set the horse at a steady canter back to the house.