Preserving Pemberley by Carrie Mollenkopf

Author:Carrie Mollenkopf [Mollenkopf, Carrie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-05-22T04:00:00+00:00

~20~

Elizabeth had not been surprised by Henry Wainright’s proposal, but she did not believe that his motivation had anything to do with holding great affection for Georgiana. However, she could not believe that Darcy had given his consent, provided that his sister was in agreement.

“I shall await an announcement from my sister. If she is willing, then I have no objections to the match,” Darcy said with the same level of concern one would expect when informed that dinner was running late.

Holding her opinions until after Henry left, Elizabeth was incredulous as she questioned Darcy’s action.

“You can’t be serious? Surely he only wants her dowry.”

“That may be, but if Georgiana wants him, I shall not stand in the way, even if I consider him to be a fool. Despite her reluctance to admit any attraction, I have seen her studying him with an odd expression on her face…one that may only be curiosity, but as she has had no other respectable offers, Henry may suit her. As for her dowry, trust that I have taken great pains to protect it. Since the incident with Wickham, Georgiana’s funds are now legally secured. She may only touch the interest until age thirty, unless she marries. And then, withdraws of any amount over five hundred pounds must be approved by me… or now you.”

Elizabeth drew a deep breath of relief. It was comforting, but still galling that a woman had no control over her own fortune. It was a terrible thing to have to constantly be wary of fortune hunters, but so many people found themselves in desperate situations. Her own family fell into that lot, but by some divine intercession, both she and her sister Jane had found love matches. It was a situation that she hoped for Georgiana. Now, as the prospect of marriage loomed, Elizabeth wondered if her sister-in-law had ever been so blunt with her assessment of Henry Wainright with Darcy as she had been with her. Women did tend to share more confidences between themselves, especially when it came to the opposite sex. Now, as she absently rearranged the used tea things, she wondered if Georgiana would accept. Henry had not remained at Pemberley, despite an offer of dinner, providing excellent opportunity for a proposal. And, as Georgiana had remained in the cellar workshop, she was ignorant of his desires.

“When will you tell her? Tonight?”

“I suppose, but only to give her time to contemplate an answer... I do hope she refuses. Now that the possibility of her marriage stands before me, I see my deficiency in not having her out more in society. I should hate to have her accept simply because it is convenient.”

“Georgiana has sound judgement… but I fear that where you are concerned, she conceals her true feelings. Remember, you have had to be both parent and brother. If you show the slightest bit of approval, she may give in to please you.”

Darcy grimaced, Elizabeth was right… as always. Of late, especially since his own marriage, he had noticed that Georgiana had been different.

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