Christmas with Elizabeth: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Variation by Page Leah

Author:Page, Leah
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Leah Page
Published: 2024-11-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Invitations

Darcy assisted his sister up the steps to Matlock House. The house was only three doors from his own, but a cold rain required the use of a carriage, else he and Georgiana would both be soaked and frozen. The heat from inside welcomed him as Godsey, the Matlock’s butler, opened the door and ushered them in. “Lady Matlock is in the yellow salon with her guests.” Darcy dipped his head in wordless acknowledgement before offering his sister his arm.

“Do you think they will like me?”

He looked down at his sister. She had come so far since the near calamity of last summer, when a former friend of Darcy attempted to take advantage of Georgiana’s youth and innocence in order to steal her dowery of thirty-thousand pounds. Thankfully, Darcy got to her in time to prevent George Wickham’s schemes. He promptly fired Mrs. Young, Georgiana’s companion who had an alliance with the so-called gentleman. Unfortunately, he had not yet replaced the lady.

Perhaps it is time to find a new companion for my sister, he thought. Georgiana’s shyness around new people hindered her from making friends. Darcy’s business requirements prevented him from spending significant time with her, and he could not help but wonder if an excellent companion would draw her out. I must find time to ask Miss Gardiner. Perhaps she will know of someone as fitting as Mrs. Annesley. He ignored the other thoughts that followed; the ones that told him that marrying Elizabeth would mean Mrs. Annesley would be free to serve Georgiana. She is not for you, he reminded himself for the thousandth time since parting from her two weeks prior.

He patted Georgiana’s hand. “They will love you.”

She took a bracing breath. Both he and his sister had a sense of cautious optimism about today’s event. His aunt, Lady Matlock, was hosting a few volunteers from the local girl’s charity she supported. Each of her guests, she had assured him, were young and friendly. “Perfect friends for our dear girl.” Darcy hoped that was true. He shuddered at the thought of another Miss Bingley.

He prepared himself for just such an unpleasant lady, but the sight that greeted him as they stepped into the room was far from what he had anticipated. Seated comfortably on a brocade settee, with her dark curls framing her beautiful face, was Elizabeth Gardiner. Darcy’s heart thudded in his chest. Beside her, in animated conversation, sat Lady Susan Corwell, younger sister to his friend Viscount Chryston. She was laughing at something Elizabeth had just said.

For a moment, the world seemed right—Elizabeth was here, in his aunt’s parlor, looking as if she belonged. But Darcy’s relief quickly turned to unease as he took in the entire scene. Three other ladies sat on another sofa, all of whom looked entirely too pleased by his entrance.

Lady Matlock greeted them with her usual warmth. “Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, how lovely to see you both. Please, come in and take your seats.”

As they moved further into the room, Darcy’s sharp eyes caught the calculated way his aunt directed the seating arrangements.

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