Part X.
The next day arrived at the Royal Crescent, and the Darcys realised that a return call upon the Elliots needed, out of the bounds of propriety, to be paid. Thus, after a leisurely breakfast, the quartet departed for Camden Place.
Georgiana was happy to see her friend so soon, and the two ensconced themselves within a window seat, involved in conversation.
Richard watched them from afar. After that evening at the piano, he had thought many times on whether or not he could consult his cousin, and be assured of success. However, each time he had got himself within speaking distance of the matter, his courage had failed him. It was surely a most disparaging note upon a man whom the military held within high regard, to be frightened of speaking to his own cousin about Georgiana.
Yet, sooner or later, it would need to be done, especially if he was serious about his intentions. Indeed, as he glanced at Georgie, Richard realised that he could not be otherwise. His attachment had grown since her debutante ball, and such a degree that he did not believe himself capable of living the rest of his life with her by his side. He knew the feeling to be a selfish one, but he could no longer deny its existence inside his mind.
"Your cousin has been staring at you ever since you arrived," Anne now remarked with a smile to her friend within the window seat.
Georgiana discreetly glanced in his direction, and, having received confirmation, turned back to her friend with a blush.
"See," Anne commented, "is that not a reason to hope?"
"It is. I hope that you are right," Georgiana replied. "Have you seen Captain Wentworth since?"
"No, but I hope to see him soon. And that will not make me change the subject, my friend."
Georgiana shook her head. "I do not see what can be gained by further speculation upon it. Only definite action can help now."
"And what stands in his way?" Anne questioned. "Your brother?"
"William would not mind, I do not think," Georgiana answered thoughtfully. "He and Richard have been friends for so long. His only objections, or rather, queries, would be on the state of our income and such, but that would not matter, as long as I was as happy as he had been and still is on entering the married state."
"I envy you," Anne uttered wistfully. "To have such understanding relatives."
"If I did not, I would follow my heart anyway," Georgiana replied. "But I am very grateful that I have."
"What do you think of the union, my love?"
It was late evening, and the Darcys were back at their Bath residence. Now Elizabeth, who was taking the pins out of her hair, turned to her husband with a reply. "Do you think it certain then, Fitzwilliam?"
Darcy came to stand beside her, leaning against the edge of the dressing table. "If the looks that Richard has been displaying of late are anything to go by, then yes."
"And what of Georgiana?"
"She has always adored him in some form. I remember when she was young, being shocked to discover her learning how to fence from him with wooden swords."
Elizabeth smiled. "I remember doing that with my father."
Darcy looked at her with astonishment for a moment, then shook his head. "I should not be surprised by that. It is indicative of your nature." Seeing that she was finished with her hair, he came to stand behind her, his hands caressing her smooth skin and curls. "I hope our daughters are equally tomboyish, and grow to be exactly like you."
"Daughters? You plan on more than one then?"
"Well, they shall be the same trouble as sons when they come to be of age, so how many we have will be of little consequence." He kissed her hair. "Though I admire your father for coping with five."
"Fitzwilliam! I hope that was not an implication."
"Only that you are the best of the five, my darling."
"Well, whatever happens," Elizabeth replied, as she gazed into his eyes through the reflection of the mirror before her, "we shall have at least one I believe."
Darcy stilled. "Do you mean?"
"Yes."
He laughed joyfully in response and helped her out of the chair. Kneeling before her, he pressed gentle soft kisses to where the nightgown covered her abdomen. Then he gazed up at her once more. "I thank everyday I am lucky enough to spend with you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth."