Title: The Ladies of the House
Rating: G/K
Originally posted: 22nd July 2021
Originally written for: Melacka
Characters/Pairings: Georgiana & Elizabeth/Darcy
Notes: for Drabble Exchange 2021 at Dreamwidth and AO3.
"I do not know quite how you do it."
"I am sure I don't know what you mean, Georgiana."
"But you are so elegant and gracious, and unendingly patient, even when my dear brother is... shall we say, not at his best. I am sure I should never cope so well in marriage."
"Indeed, my dear sister, I am sure you shall do very well when the time comes. I have observed you in the company of your brother's steward and..."
The door opened, Darcy striding back into the room with a purpose, though his confident expression soon faltered and faded into guilt.
"Please, Elizabeth, Georgiana, forgive my foul mood. It was in no way your doing. I should not make you suffer for troubles that are all my own."
"I pray, husband, you would not offer apologies. Only come and be seated, tell those who love you what vexes you so."
Darcy sighed but did as she advised. Georgiana was smiling as he took up a chair, but saddened when his dark mood was explained, the cause being some disagreement with his steward that he could not resolve.
"I am sure I know not how to remedy such a situation," he complained, rubbing his clearly aching head. "What is to be done with such a troublesome fellow?
"Perhaps he is out of sorts and only requires a more gentle approach," Elizabeth suggested. "Might I or even Georgiana see if we cannot appeal to his usually much better nature?"
"Oh, yes, indeed." Georgiana smiled, though a blush rose in her cheeks. "I should be delighted to try."
Poor, oblivious Darcy was quite unaware of the feminine ploy at work upon him and acquiesced to the wishes of his wife and sister, only supposing all would be well in the end.