Tears & Forgiveness

by ldibo

Jane's letter arrived three days later. Darcy asked Elizabeth to be his wife and she accepted. He failed to find Lydia and fearing Darcy would lose custody of Georgiana they call off the engagement. This is a story about ambition, jealousy, betrayal, family, duty, and love. E&D HEA.

August 1812

"Today the investigators closed Lydia Bennet's search, Darcy." Richard met Darcy's eyes, "It's a sad situation, as even my father knows Mr. Collins's cousin eloped with Wickham."

Darcy nodded and said sarcastically, "A week ago, I received a letter from Lady Catherine; she wrote in great detail about the downfall of the Bennets and how lucky Mr. Collins was not to marry Miss Bennet." He sighed, "he already 'knew' that those girls raised without a governess were destined to be women of low morals."

"I'm so sorry, Darcy," determinedly he added, "But taking into account this sad situation, you will understand that as Georgiana's guardian, I cannot allow her to have any kind of relationship with Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

Darcy's eyes widened, "You can't be serious…"

Richard cut him off, "I'm dead serious, Darcy. Like you, as Georgiana's guardian, it is my duty to see to her well-being. You know very well that if you marry Miss Bennet you will seriously jeopardize Georgiana's future. Lady Catherine and my father would cut ties with you, and Georgiana would live with my parents…"

Darcy shook his head, "You can't do that; You know very well Georgiana wouldn't be happy living with your parents… The last time she was with them she sent me a letter on the third day asking me to fetch her…"

Richard interrupted him again, "I'm sorry, Darcy; it is not a question of happiness. It is a matter of Georgiana making a good marriage…"