If at first you don't succeed...: A Pride & Prejudice variation by Gruinard

Author:Gruinard [Gruinard]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-01-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

“William.”

His sister hugged him and seemed happy to see him but one look at her face told Darcy the true story. She was drawn and looked tired. She was clearly not sleeping well.

Darcy had returned to Darcy House, leaving the Fitzwilliams to discuss all that he had told them that afternoon. He extended an invitation to the wedding to the other three members of the family. Richard had already agreed to stand up with him at the ceremony. He had no expectations that any of the three would be in attendance. Now it was time to focus on his sister.

“How have you been Georgie?”

“A little confused as to why I have been at Darcy House for the last four days.”

“Lady Catherine is the reason. I did not want you exposed to her vitriol. She came to Hertfordshire and we had a heated exchange. So heated that I threatened to have her arrested for trespass if she entered the grounds of the estate I am leasing.”

Georgiana’s face was a picture.

“I will explain all in a moment but first I have some wonderful news. I am engaged to be married.”

Just for a minute Darcy saw the real Georgiana. She was delighted and effervescent, here was the little sister that Darcy remembered. But sadly it was only for a minute as her endless self-doubt flooded back into her mind. With a shy expression and biting her bottom lip she asked her questions.

“What is her name? Do I know her, or at least will I have heard of her? Will she like me?”

There was real pathos to that last question and Darcy’s heart clenched.

“I will answer all your questions but let me organise our evening first.”

He turned to her companion, sitting a discreet distance away.

“Mrs. Annesley, I would like to speak to my sister in private this evening. Could you have your dinner in your room tonight please?”

She nodded and left the siblings to eat on their own. Darcy had the food brought out immediately and then dismissed the servants. Even although he knew his food was going to be cold he started the tale. From Bingley coming to see him back in September until the Ball the previous evening. He was careful in how he described Bennet and his youngest daughter. But he recited to Georgiana the whole conversation with their aunt. The only significant omission was Wickham, that would be told to her separately.

“That is quite the tale William. I can see that Miss Elizabeth makes you happy and that is all that matters. She sounds like the ideal mistress for Pemberley.”

Darcy took the chance to eat the remainder of his dinner, cold as he had expected. The shy expression returned.

“What will happen to me?”

“Happen to you? Nothing. What do you mean?”

“Am I to remain here with Aunt Susan?”

Darcy understand at last.

“Richard and I are your guardians but your wishes will always be taken into consideration. After we return from our short honeymoon I would hope that you would live with us.

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