"Fitzwilliam, you will never guess who I met in Lambton!" Georgiana's enthusiasm was almost overwhelming for Darcy as she burst into his study.
"Hello, Georgiana. Did you forget how to knock?" he asked mildly. His steward, Mr. Bates, was hiding his grin. It was very unusual for his young mistress to be so excited, and it was entertaining to watch.
"Oh, Mr. Bates, forgive me, I did not see you there." She was embarrassed. "I apologise for interrupting your meeting, Brother. Would you please send for me as soon as you are at your leisure? It is a matter of some urgency." She was practically quivering with excitement but trying to control herself. What had her so wound up?
Darcy took pity on her and glanced at his steward. "I think we were just about finished here, right Mr. Bates?"
"Yes, sir. I will get those estimates figured out and have it to you by the end of the week." He bowed to them both. "I shall see you later." He left, closing the door behind him.
Darcy waved to the brown leather chesterfield sofa in front of the fireplace. "Sit, Georgie. Tell me, what has you so excited? You met someone in Lambton?" His sister sat on the brown leather sofa, primly smoothing her blue wool dress, and Darcy hid his amusement as he joined her, sitting in the matching chair next to her.
"Yes, I met Miss Elizabeth Bennet at the dressmakers!"
"Miss Elizabeth? Here?" He was dumbfounded. Was that what the blot in Bingley's letter had said? "One moment." He crossed to his desk and picked up the letter he had tried to read this morning and looked closer. It looked like Miss Elizabeth, Lamb- and the rest was covered. He set the letter back on his desk and sat in the chair again. "It looks like Bingley wrote to me of her travels. How did you come to meet?"
Darcy listened as his sister told the story and then explained her invitation to stay at Pemberley. "You told me Mr. Bingley is courting Miss Jane Bennet and you had enjoyed the hospitality at Longbourn. It is only right we should return it."
Darcy winced, his sister was correct. But a tradesman and his wife! And the brother of Mrs. Bennet. Still, they must be endured, especially if Miss Jane Bennet became Mrs. Bingley, which he suspected was not far off. "You are correct, Georgiana." He glanced at the clock. "Let us have something to eat and then if you will accompany me, we shall go to Lambton and ask them to come here as our guests."
She smiled. "Thank you, you are the best of brothers! I told Miss Elizabeth you would invite them, but she seemed to think you would not."
He smiled weakly. Miss Elizabeth had been correct, but he could not explain that to Georgiana. The invitation had already been extended and he would not retract it. Even if his sister had not offered to have them stay at Pemberley, good manners would have had him extending the invitation anyway. "Why do you not go and refresh yourself and I will meet you in the family dining room?" They ate most of their meals there unless they had guests eating with them.
"I will." She got up and hugged his neck and then practically danced from the room. Darcy shook his head. He could not remember the last time he had seen his sister so excited about something. It was definitely before that debacle last summer at Ramsgate when Wickham had tried to elope with his sister. She had been very melancholy and had only started to come out of it the last few weeks as she helped their aunt, the Countess of Matlock, plan the Christmas Eve ball.
He groaned. Miss Bennet and her relatives would have to attend the ball. There was no way around it. What would his family and friends think of having a vulgar tradesman and his wife as guests? He would just explain the connection and they would understand. One did much for family and close friends you would not do otherwise.
He glanced at the clock and picked up a book on the mahogany table next to the sofa. It was one of his favourite places to sit and relax. He could read for a bit and then meet his sister to dine. The book, Dante's Inferno, did not hold his attention. He laid the book down and got lost in his thoughts. He had not thought to see Miss Elizabeth again so soon. It would be interesting to see how she treated him once she saw Pemberley. Would she become like every other lady attempting to gain his notice and attention in the hopes of becoming Mrs. Darcy? Somehow, he did not think so. She had not seemed in awe of him in Hertfordshire and he did not think she would be different here in Derbyshire.
"Brother? Are you coming?" Georgiana was waiting in the doorway. He glanced at her sharply. "I did knock, twice even, you did not answer."
"I was woolgathering." He smiled uneasily. "Let us go eat." He escorted her to the small room done in green, gold, and white. It had been the last room his mother decorated before she died after giving birth to his sister. The wallpaper was looking a little dingy. It could be cleaned or replaced but…"Georgiana, what would you think about redecorating this room and maybe a few others?"
"Really?" Her eyes got big, and she was trying not to smile. "I think I would enjoy that if you do not think Mother would mind?"
He put his arm around his younger sister. "She would not mind at all," he assured her. "Perhaps you would like to ask Aunt Matlock to assist?" They talked about what rooms to redecorate, and Georgiana shared she had done a theoretical redecorating project—including costs for a few of the rooms at Darcy House in London.
"I could show you the plans and see if we could modify it in any way for Pemberley?" she asked tentatively.
"I think that is an excellent idea." He had found Mrs. Annesley to be very trustworthy and a steadying influence on his excitable sister. It had been the companion's idea to have Georgiana help Lady Matlock plan the ball. It would be his first time hosting it, and the first one ever since his mother died.
Once they finished eating, brother and sister separated to don their outdoor clothing and then came back together in the entrance hall once they received word the carriage was ready. If it had not been so cold, Darcy would have taken his curricle. He would have to take Georgina for a ride once the weather warmed up.
They went outside and Darcy helped his sister into the carriage. She sat on the forward facing seat and pulled one of the fur blankets around her. Bingley had discovered them at a warehouse in London from the Americas and once he told Darcy, Darcy had made sure to order enough for the conveyances at Darcy House and Pemberley. "Do you think we will have enough snow to go for a sleigh ride by Christmas?" Georgiana asked eagerly as he sat beside her. There was snow on the ground, just not deep enough to use a sleigh yet.
A footman closed the door, and Darcy called for his coachman to drive on. The carriage lurched forward. "I would not be surprised. We need a good storm to drop more snow though."
"Oh, perhaps I should not wish for that—it might mean the ball will be cancelled!"
Darcy chuckled. "It would not be the first time. The year before you were born there was a big snowstorm the day before Christmas Eve…"
Georgiana listened eagerly as he reminisced about the sleigh ride he had taken with their father, snowball fights with their cousins the Fitzwilliams, and watching the ball from the top of the grand staircase. "Mother wore a splendid dress, it was blue, like the Darcy sapphires. I think Father actually gave them to her that year and she wore them that night."
"Are they the sapphires in the painting of Mother in your study at Darcy House?" Georgiana asked, pulling the blanket tighter around herself.
"Yes. Have I ever shown them to you?"
She shook her head. "I would like to see them sometime."
"Of course." He had laid aside for his sister the jewellery his mother had brought into her marriage and a few of the gifts his father had given to his wife. The sapphires were special. He had planned to give them to his wife when he married, but instead perhaps he would gift them to his sister upon her marriage. Miss Elizabeth had green eyes so emeralds would suit her better anyway.
Wait, why was he thinking of Miss Elizabeth Bennet as Mrs. Darcy? He had conquered the attraction he felt for the pert miss in Hertfordshire. It must be because they were on the way to see her. There could be no other reason.
"Brother? Did I displease you? You are scowling." Georgiana's worried voice brought him out of his brown study.
"No, my dear. I was thinking of a problem and having trouble coming up with a solution. You have done nothing wrong." He would have to be more circumspect around his sister. She was still very anxious and fretful she would do something to upset him.
"Is there anything I may do to help?" she asked shyly.
"I do not believe so but…" She was looking away from him, a tear trailing down his cheek. "Oh Georgie. I am attracted to Miss Elizabeth," he admitted.
"I know," she said simply. She looked at him and took out her handkerchief to wipe her eyes.
"You know?" He stared at her. "How?"
"After Miss Jane Bennet was sick at Netherfield and Miss Elizabeth stayed to nurse her, almost every letter you wrote me from Hertfordshire mentioned Miss Elizabeth. You have never written to me about a woman not related to us unless it was something like Miss Bingley asks me to convey her greetings. I hoped that I would be getting a sister. But when you came back from Hertfordshire and then we came to Pemberley without mentioning her, I abandoned that thought. Perhaps I may hope again?"
Darcy groaned. It was hard to share his thoughts with anyone, especially his younger sister. "I do not know, Georgie."
"Perhaps Fate or God brought you two together again for a reason."
"Perhaps." Darcy was not convinced of this, but then again what were the odds of Miss Elizabeth Bennet being in Lambton after he had decided not to pursue her in Hertfordshire? Time would tell.
Mr. Darcy seemed to be a different man. He spoke very politely to the Gardiners, clearly surprised by their sophistication and gentility. Then once he realised who her aunt was, he was astonished and appeared delighted to see Miss Maddie again.
"Of course, I must call you Mrs. Gardiner now," he said with a smile. Lizzy stared at him. The infuriating man actually smiled! And he had dimples! Who would have thought?
"You knew my brother and parents?" Miss Darcy asked shyly. Perhaps Mr. Wickham had mistaken her shyness for arrogance.
"Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Gardiner's mother and our mother were good friends," Mr. Darcy told his sister. "I am sorry I did not get Bingley's letter until today telling me you were in the area." He shook his head. "His writing is atrocious, and I thought he was talking about a lamb with all the blots. It was only after I looked again that I figured out he was telling me you were here in Lambton, Miss Elizabeth. Georgiana has explained to me your trouble finding accommodations. I hope you all will be our guests at Pemberley for however long you plan to be in the area."
"Oh, we could not impose on you, Mr. Darcy," Aunt Gardiner told him.
"Nonsense, I insist." He smiled broadly. "If a certain gentleman has his way, I suspect you will soon be related to one of my dearest friends. Not to mention the friendship my mother and yours shared, Mrs. Gardiner. I also would be delighted to return a fraction of the hospitality I enjoyed at Longbourn during my stay in Hertfordshire. Mrs. Bennet was always very welcoming and set a fine table."
He thought her mother welcoming? She barely tolerated Mr. Darcy and then only for Mr. Bingley's sake.
The Gardiners looked at each other. "I believe we should accept, my dear," Uncle Edward told his wife.
She nodded, presenting a calm facade but Lizzy knew how much the invitation meant. Her aunt held Pemberley and the Darcys in very high regard. The look of surprise and excitement on her face when they were announced at the start of the visit had quickly been hidden behind a mask of serenity. "Very well. If you are sure we are not imposing, we would very much like to accept your kind invitation. Thank you, Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy."
"It is no imposition at all," Mr. Darcy said cheerfully. They made arrangements for the Gardiners and Lizzy to arrive in time for dinner that evening."
"Very good. I had invited you and Miss Elizabeth to tea on Monday anyway, Mrs. Gardiner," Miss Darcy said happily. "Now you both will be with us and perhaps help me with decorating the house for the ball! Oh, excuse me, I must call you Miss Bennet."
Lizzy smiled. "I always look for my sister, Jane, when I hear Miss Bennet. I am not upset if you call me Miss Elizabeth. And I will be delighted to offer whatever assistance I can for the ball." Even if Miss Bennet was the proper address for her since Jane was not present.
"I will help in any manner needed as well," Aunt Maddie said cheerfully, taking another sip of her tea. "Are you planning the ball, Miss Darcy?"
"Oh no, my aunt—the Countess of Matlock—planned it, and I assisted her. She will arrive on Monday along with her family to oversee everything." Georgiana fiddled with the sleeve of her pink wool gown. "Perhaps you would both call me Georgiana?
"If you will call me Elizabeth or Lizzy."
"Lizzy it is." Tea came and while they drank a cup and nibbled on biscuits Georgiana shared a little about the plans for the ball. "Naturally you will come as our guests." She frowned. "Forgive me for asking but do you have gowns with you Mrs. Gardiner and Lizzy? If not, I am sure we can think of something."
"As it happens, we do have gowns with us, Georgiana. I was anticipating there might be an assembly on New Years Eve," Aunt Maddy told her. "They were always the most splendid of the year."
"Oh yes, they have had those in the past but as my brother is hosting the Christmas Eve ball it was decided to skip the event this year. I will be allowed to attend the ball but must retire after supper as I am not yet out."
Talk continued of the ball and other plans for the festive season until Mr. Darcy looked at the clock on the mantel. "Forgive me, we have stayed too long. We look forward to seeing you for dinner and having you as our guests."
"Ah but we are old friends, Mr. Darcy, and friends do not stand on ceremony with one another." Aunt Maddie had a twinkle in her eyes and lilt in her voice. Was she flirting with Mr. Darcy? Lizzy frowned. Her aunt was older than him and a married lady to boot!
He rose and bowed. "I appreciate your indulgence Mrs. Gardiner. Perhaps Georgiana may stay up here with you while I go call for my carriage?"
"Of course, Mr. Darcy, or we can ring for a servant," Uncle Edward told him.
Mr. Darcy shook his head. "They are very busy downstairs, and I would not put anyone to the extra trouble when I can do so myself."
"As you wish. I will come down with you and leave the ladies to gossip for a few more minutes of their gossip." He winked and Georgiana giggled. Aunt Maddie smiled indulgently at her husband and waved him away.
Goodbyes were exchanged and the men left. Georgiana sighed and smiled at Lizzy. "Well? Did I not tell you my brother would extend the invitation?"
"Lizzy! You doubted Georgiana?" Aunt Maddie was horrified.
Lizzy flushed, the red creeping up her neck to her ears and mottling her face. She had rarely been so embarrassed. How could she explain that she thought Mr. Darcy disliked her to his sister? She would tell her aunt later. "I am sorry, Georgiana. I was mistaken in believing your brother would not want us at Pemberley."
The other girl giggled. "It is of no matter, Lizzy. I was teasing you."
Lizzy's eyebrows shot up. This was familiar territory, and unexpected from the younger Darcy. "Be careful, Georgiana. I am a master at teasing."
"I shall accept your challenge, Lizzy." She grinned.
Lizzy smiled. She would enjoy this version of Georgiana much more than the shy mouse she had appeared to be that morning at the dressmakers. She wondered at the change, but perhaps having her brother nearby had bolstered her confidence.
A knock. "Come in!" Aunt Maddie called.
A servant girl opened the door, Lizzy was unfamiliar with her. She curtsied. "The carriage is ready for Miss Darcy."
"Thank you." Aunt Maddie and Georgiana spoke in unison and laughed.
"Let me help you, dear girl." Aunt Maddie picked up Georgiana's cloak and helped her put it on, along with her bonnet, tying it under her chin.
Georgiana teared up. "Thank you. I often wondered if my mother would have done things like this for me."
"It depends on the mother," Lizzy said wryly. Her mother definitely would not do anything so tender, but Aunt Maddie certainly would.
"I am sure Lady Anne would have done so," Aunt Maddie said softly. She cupped Georgiana's cheek. "You have so much of the look of your mother about you. I will share with you what memories I have. It is through our memories and the love in our hearts those dear to us live on, even after they have passed away."
Lizzy blinked back tears. It was obvious Georgiana mourned the mother she never knew. How would Lizzy feel if she lost her mother? A letter was overdue to Longbourn. As much as her mother irritated her, and they were at odds over Mr. Collins, she was still Lizzy's mother—and she loved the woman. Then again, her mother would crow to all and sundry about her daughter and the Gardiners staying at Pemberley. She would leave it to her aunt to break the news and not mention it until her mother did. Often, her mother was too busy to write during the festive season.
Georgiana was hugging Aunt Maddie and then it was Lizzy's turn to be half strangled. Who knew the girl had such strength in her?
"We shall see you later!" Georgiana's mood had changed from sombre to happy and she practically danced out the door with a bemused maid trailing her. The door was closed, and Lizzy and Aunt Maddie looked at each other.
Much had just happened and Lizzy sat, feeling overwhelmed. "Ring the bell for a fresh pot of tea, Lizzy," Aunt Maddie said briskly. "I think you have a busy morning to tell me about and then we should attend to our packing."
Lizzy sighed and obeyed. The story was going to take awhile….