Elizabeth and Darcy both spent a great deal of time with Georgiana the next day. Shortly after breakfast, Darcy invited his sister for a horseback ride on the grounds. As Elizabeth was not much of a horse-woman, and she knew Darcy meant to ask Georgiana about the wedding-tour, she expressed her cheerful wish that the siblings would enjoy themselves, then excused herself to the library.
At last, she was able to concentrate long enough, in Darcy's absence, to read a few pages. Marriage had surpassed all of Elizabeth's expectations, but so far, it had afforded her less time alone to read.
After a short while, Elizabeth heard footfalls outside of the library door. She laid aside her novel and rose to her feet to greet Fitzwilliam and Georgiana.
"Hello," Darcy began. He looked at Elizabeth for a moment but did not move further toward her; Elizabeth comprehended that he was not yet comfortable displaying his affection in front of his sister.
Elizabeth smiled at him. "Did you have a pleasant ride?"
"Oh, yes; the weather is very fine," Georgiana said.
"The grounds are at their most beautiful at this time of year," Darcy agreed.
"Then I am most fortunate to have the opportunity to observe them," said Elizabeth.
"Pemberley will be just as beautiful in a fortnight," Darcy added. "If you are still desirous to go to the Lakes, we ought to go before it gets colder, and Georgiana has given her blessing."
"I think a wedding-tour is a lovely idea," Georgiana affirmed.
Though Elizabeth was relieved to hear it, she watched her new sister-in-law closely. It struck her that Georgiana, like Jane, could not be said to be dishonest, but might strive to please others, and thus say what others most wished to hear.
"And do not worry, you will have plenty of time to see all of Pemberley's beauties," Georgiana continued cheerfully. "Wait until we get the first snow of the season; the whole lawn sparkles so!"
Elizabeth's smile grew ever wider at the younger woman's enthusiasm. "I shall look forward to it."
"If you will excuse me, ladies, I will go take care of some arrangements, and leave you to enjoy each other's company," said Fitzwilliam.
"Shall we see you for tea?" Elizabeth asked hopefully.
"You may depend upon it." Fitzwilliam gave his sister a smile, before turning upon his wife a look that was no less tender, and with that, he took his leave of them.
Once he had closed the library door softly behind him, Elizabeth went to Georgiana and took one of her hands.
"Remember now that we are sisters, and I wish you would be as open with me as you like," said Elizabeth, pressing Georgiana's hand affectionately. "Are you certain you don't much mind our going to the Lakes without you?"
"I shall miss you, to be sure," Georgiana replied diplomatically, "but after all of the excitement, some quiet time to myself will suit me nicely."
Elizabeth could make no argument in response. She was glad for many reasons that Wickham and Lydia were gone with his new regiment to the North of England, and currently chief among them was the fact that they had not been present at the wedding, and Georgiana had not had to face the odious man. Even so, it had likely been a trial for the shy young woman to be surrounded by loud (and - it had to be said - sometimes unmannerly) Bennets and Phillipses whom she did not know.
"I shall take you at your word," said Elizabeth. "Yet if you wish for us to come home earlier than planned, you need only write, and we will return as soon as possible."
Georgiana smiled. "You are all kindness, but I assure you, I shall be fine. I wish for you and my brother to enjoy your holiday; do not worry about me."
Such was easier said than done, of course.
"If I wish for company, I will write to Miss Bingley," added Georgiana, perhaps sensing that Elizabeth was not entirely reassured. "She has always been a most attentive friend to me."
Elizabeth could easily believe that Caroline Bingley liked Georgiana, for who could not like Miss Darcy once they got to know her? However, given that Miss Bingley had shown herself a false friend before, Elizabeth was a little inclined to fear that Miss Bingley's attentiveness to Georgiana might cool now that such friendship could not stoke a match between Caroline and Darcy.
"Well, I hope you will do as you please," replied Elizabeth. She smiled. "While your brother is gone, you might run wild in the halls, or play as loudly as you like, or sneak something from the pantry and eat it in his private library!"
Dear, sweet Georgiana looked rather shocked by these suggestions. Elizabeth saw that she still had some work to do in convincing her sister-in-law that it was acceptable to amuse herself around Darcy or even tease him. Of course, Elizabeth would enjoy showing Georgiana how to do so by her own example.
Once the final decision was made, Darcy made the travel arrangements with admirable efficiency. Elizabeth, who was unaccustomed to such matters as finding lodgings, left the business wholly in her husband's hands, for he seemed rather particular about such things. It seemed to please him to arrange everything himself, and to save Elizabeth from any exertions in planning a holiday.
"The lodgings are secured, but once we arrive, we may do whatever you choose," he informed her as they got into bed.
"Oh, that sounds heavenly," sighed Elizabeth - who had many ideas of all that she wished to do among the Lakes. "It is a great comfort to me that you have an inclination for walks; I fear I might have been kept from some of my enjoyments, had I gone to the Lakes with my aunt and uncle, by my aunt's preference for carriages."
"I must confess that - selfish creature that I am - I am glad that I am the one with the privilege of going there with you," Darcy replied.
Elizabeth smiled, and kissed his forehead sweetly. "You say that at present, but I am going to quite exhaust you, Mr. Darcy."
Darcy returned her smile, with a look rather more impish than Elizabeth had ever seen, and replied that he very much looked forward to it.
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who has read this so far, and especially to those who took the time to review! I hope you enjoyed this little chapter too; in the next chapter, the journey will begin in earnest!