Peter watched Lydia Wickham as she dressed for the day. The maid, known as Lucinda, laced up Lydia’s corset, but not to the woman’s specifications. James objected to his watching, but Peter took note of how much James had enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Darcy’s coupling and, therefore, had ignored his friend’s warning. “I said tighter,” the girl demanded.
Behind her, Lucinda turned red in the face as she strained to meet the order. “Yes, Mrs.Wickham.”
“I would hate to tell my sister of your incompetence,” Lydia threatened.
The maid pulled again as Lydia sucked in her breath. “No, Mrs. Wickham.”
Corset finally in place, Lucinda stepped away to retrieve the long-sleeved dark violet dress, which Lydia indicated she would wear for the day. Another round of lacing followed. At last, Lydia’s appearance seemed to please her. “You have probably left me black and blue,” she chastised the maid as she preened before the long mirror,“but I do cut a nice figure, do you not think?” Lydia twirled in place, admiring herself from all angles.
“I be apologizin’, Mrs. Wickham. I never be dressin’ anyone before.”
Lydia took a quick look at the servant—a moment of regret making her take a kinder approach. “Well, we all must learn, I suppose.”
“Yes, Mrs. Wickham.” The maid turned to pick up the articles Lydia had left strewn across the bed and chair. “Might I be of service some other way, ma’am?”
Lydia headed toward the door. She gestured to the clothes to which the woman now attended. “Just iron some of those and see to my laundry.”
“Yes, Mrs.Wickham.”
Peter continued to watch all this from the security of his hiding place. Lydia Wickham’s condescending attitude did not sit well with him. His father insisted that quality people treated others well. The woman he watched today had never learned humility—never learned to value anyone else’s needs but her own. She had never learned to love herself. Consequently, she could not truly recognize the value of another. Maybe that was why he despised everything for which Lydia Wickham stood and why he continued to watch her—why her shallowness mesmerized him. She should be taught a lesson, he concluded. It was up to him to teach her—the way his father had taught him—with a good switch and a cane if necessary. “Later,” he whispered to the darkness.“Later today, she will know my wrath.”
“I will see to it, Mr. Darcy. Immediately, sir.” Darcy was meeting with both Mr. Baldwin and Mrs. Jennings. He had followed Elizabeth’s suggestions from last evening. His butler would scan the rooms once more and record any sightings of the Pemberley phantom.They already knew which staff members had seen or had spoken to their mysterious intruder. Now, the Pemberley butler would document the when, where, and time of day each encounter occurred. Darcy also instructed his man to remove from the rooms anything that might be used as a weapon.“We will not provide our mystery man with devices to bring about our own demise.”
Darcy instructed Mrs. Jennings to take a count of what supplies and foodstuffs were available. He specifically stressed the necessity of securing those areas of the house where foods not needing a fire to make them edible might be found.“Hard-boiled eggs are different from fresh eggs,” he explained to her.
Earlier, he had spoken to Mrs. Reynolds regarding bed linens, toilette items, towels, candles, and lanterns. He wanted everything that the intruder might need to survive within Pemberley’s walls locked up. “Open up the east wing’s rooms—doors remain open. No fires in the fireplaces. Inventory each room’s furnishings down to the mantelpiece’s smallest figurines.” Having spent a combined three quarters of a century in service to the estate, the two staff members were ready to respond to the threat to Pemberley’s reputation and to fulfill their own responsibilities to keep it secure.
Satisfied that they would complete their tasks as he instructed, and having started his day with a visit to Jatson St. Denis, Darcy now turned his attention to what to tell the viscount and Mr. Worth. Since speaking candidly to Elizabeth, he wondered about the wisdom of being so open with his guests. He knew intuitively that he needed to acknowledge the troubles besetting Pemberley—to allow his guests to protect themselves with a large dose of caution.Yet, he could not shake the feeling that somehow one of them had participated in this duplicity. Only earlier that morning, Darcy had learned that Lord Stafford had not slept in his own bedroom the previous night, and despite Darcy’s knowledge of the viscount’s relationship with Miss Donnel, a small part of him wondered if Adam Lawrence could be involved somehow. His lack of command over the events exploding in his household weighed heavily on him. He could not take care of all of them. It was a fact that Darcy did not take lightly, but he had decided during the long night that his first responsibility was to Elizabeth and the child she carried, along with Georgiana. They would be his priority in this peril. He would tend to the others, but only after his ladies and his child were safe.
Since Elizabeth’s revelation, Darcy’s mind had drifted often to how he would secure his child’s future. Milder weather could not come too quickly for him. Besides being the end of the nightmare plaguing the estate, Darcy eagerly anticipated meeting with his solicitor and making a proper settlement on his child. Although he wished for a son—an heir for Pemberley—he had actually dreamed the past two nights of an auburn-haired little girl curling up on his lap and falling asleep. A daughter would bring him a different type of contentment. Darcy missed how Georgiana had once clung to him—how she would climb on his outstretched legs and beg her big brother for a horsey ride. His imagination told him that Elizabeth’s child would bring such happiness again. With her mother’s wit, the child would challenge him to be more than a family figurehead. He would be a father—a man who taught his children responsibility while giving them love.
A knock at his study door brought him out of his musing.“Enter!” he called.
Anne edged the door open. “You wished to speak to me, Fitzwilliam?”
Darcy came automatically to his feet. Circling the desk to meet her, he led his cousin to a nearby chair.“Yes, my Dear.”After seating her comfortably, Darcy returned to his place behind the mahogany desk. “I have several items about which I wish to speak with you if you are of a mind.”
Anne smiled politely, but she worried. Would Darcy reproach her for her actions the past few days? Brought up on constant censure, she expected it from everyone. She said cautiously,“Of course. I have enjoyed our newfound closeness.”
“So have I,” he admitted, and she released the breath she had held.“It is ironic that we have shared a lifetime and only of late can say that we share a friendship.”
“Unfortunately, it took your defiance in claiming Mrs. Darcy as your own to open communication between us.” Anne chortled, and Darcy noted how laughter made her appear years younger. “It is probably indelicate to say this,” she continued, “but the sword of Damocles hung over us for too many years—our prescribed union kept us from developing a caring relationship. I pray for this new knowledge of each other to continue when I am forced to leave Pemberley’s security.”
Darcy chose his words carefully. “And do you feel secure at Pemberley? Despite everything that has happened?”
“Notwithstanding the tragic loss of a woman I admired more than anyone else in my life, I have found moments of pure joy at Pemberley.” Anne shifted in her chair. “I love my mother, Cousin, and like you, I understand her bitterness. She was the eldest child of the Fitzwilliam family and a bit spoiled by all those at Matlock. Even though your father and mother taught you what was right and gave you good principles, they certainly left you to follow them in pride and conceit. I say that not to criticize you, Darcy. It is but a fact.” Darcy simply nodded his head in acknowledgment of her words. “If your mother, Lady Anne, my namesake, offered you such guidance, you must realize that she and my mother were instructed by our grandparents on the nobleness of their line.” Again, Darcy gave no verbal confirmation of what his cousin said, but he made no move to correct her. He had heard his aunt declare on more than one occasion the idea of the “perfection” of his and Anne’s lineage—the same noble lines—respectable, honorable, and ancient families. “However, as my cousin, you—more than most people—recognize the censure with which I have lived for years. Since birth, I have been my mother’s disappointment. She needed a son to truly please my father.Although Rosings Park is not entailed upon the male line, a son would have meant that she had not failed him as a wife.”
“Sir Lewis adored you,” Darcy observed.
“He was my world, and I never felt unloved, but my father left us too soon, forcing my mother into the role of both master and mistress. She could let no one take note of a woman’s weakness, including her own daughter.When my father left us, I also lost my mother.”
“Some day you should explain your defiance in just those terms,” Darcy suggested. “I have seen the pain in Lady Catherine’s eyes when she experiences the inadequacy of her own futile attempts at motherhood. For years, I have been of the persuasion that my aunt taught you docility because she wished never to risk losing Rosings. If we had married, you would have become the mistress of Pemberley and have no need for another great estate.Yet, if you married another, your husband would take control of the property, and Lady Catherine would assume the position of dowager: Rosings would be yours. Actually, I prefer your explanation for Her Ladyship’s harshness rather than the thought of her manipulating you for her own benefit. It eliminates a point of honor.”
Anne sat silent for several moments. “It is a conundrum. All I know for sure is that I must discover my own identity and become my own person. I am seven and twenty and have never known the thrill of another’s attention.”
“That brings me to another topic of discussion. I wished to know of your continued recovery from Mrs. Jenkinson’s death and of what appears to be a blossoming relationship with Mr.Worth.”
Anne blushed profusely. “Is it not shameless that I am here because I followed Lieutenant Harwood to Liverpool; yet, I am finding comfort in building a friendship with Mr.Worth?”
“What I know of Nigel Worth tells me the man is honorable.”
Anne looked surprised.“You knew Mr.Worth previously? I was under the impression that you met him when he came to Pemberley with those seeking refuge from the storm.”
“I dealt with Mr. Worth several years ago in a legal matter regarding one of our former Pemberley employees.” Darcy stretched the truth, even with Anne, but he realized she would think he interfered in his cottagers’ lives—as if that were the normal way for a landed gentleman to behave. He could not admit to her that he had paid Wickham’s debts without also revealing the man’s betrayal and attempted seduction of Georgiana.
Anne asked impulsively,“Do you believe Mr.Worth’s attentions honest?”
“I assume you question whether the man’s interest is based on your fortune?”
“I am painfully aware that Rosings Park is my best asset,” Anne openly confessed.
Darcy’s expression softened. “You cheat yourself, my Dear, if you make the assumption that is the only reason any man might find you attractive. Yet, with Mrs. Darcy’s insights, I have learned that women often have a poor opinion of their own true appeal and must learn, in their own way, to love themselves and accept themselves.” He paused to allow Anne to digest his words thoroughly. “As for Mr. Worth, I believe he would not choose to show attention to someone he might not truly find attractive. A man will flirt with a woman he knows he cannot have, just to say he tried; but when his heart becomes engaged, his demeanor changes to one of protection and caring. I have noted such a change in Mr.Worth since discovering your beauty.Worth has a successful practice and a comfortable home in Cheshire. Although he would welcome your wealth, it would not persuade him to make you an offer. As a point of reference, we must assume that the man would know how to see to your interests and to make them grow profitably.”
“Whereas Lieutenant Harwood would not?” Anne asked weakly.
“I do not know the lieutenant’s motives, Anne. I can speak only of what I know of Mr. Worth.” Again, Darcy paused for emphasis. “What I wish to ask, my Dear, is whether I am to pursue my quest for information about Lieutenant Harwood? I had planned to assure myself and you of the man’s intentions and of his truth once the storm subsided.”
It was Anne’s turn to pause; she needed time to word her response. “If you would not mind postponing your inquiry, Fitzwilliam, I would like the opportunity to see where Mr. Worth’s addresses lie. My intuition tells me my future may find itself in that direction. I never felt Lieutenant Harwood’s commitment to me the way I do with Mr.Worth.”
“Very good,” Darcy said with relief. “I wish you happiness, Cousin, and it appears that Mr. Worth wishes you the same.” He stood, bringing an end to their conversation.“If you care to remain at Pemberley when Her Ladyship returns to Kent, Mrs. Darcy and I would be honored to play your hosts. It would make it more feasible for Mr. Worth to continue your courtship. Pemberley is not so far that he could not arrange a day trip. It might be a way to determine the depth of the man’s interest. If he is willing to withstand the discomfort of a long carriage ride or one on horseback to spend a few hours in your company, then we can count him a legitimate suitor.” Darcy chuckled, thinking of how he would have traveled from Derby to Hertfordshire in a heartbeat if Elizabeth had given him reason to do so.“It would demonstrate most clearly his intentions.”
“I suppose it would.Thank you, Fitzwilliam, for understanding.”
“Think nothing of it. If I cannot fulfill the position of husband, at least, I can portend the role of brother.”
“That is most comforting.”They caught hands as he led her to the door. Anne turned to him before making her exit. “Mrs. Darcy is a very fortunate woman. She married into the highest realm of the land, and I do not speak of Pemberley’s wealth.” Going up on tiptoe, she kissed Darcy’s cheek.
“Go and find your happiness, Cousin,” he murmured.
“I will, sir,” she replied.Then she swept from the room.
Anne found Georgiana and Evelyn Williams in the rose-colored drawing room. Both worked at their embroidery, a task Anne found tedious.“What say you,” she asked as she joined them,“to performing a play? I thought it might be a way of passing the hours. We could create costumes or just use our everyday clothing. Nothing spectacular—just us, enjoying one another’s company.”
“I have never tried to act,” Georgiana began. “I am not sure I could deliver a line without choking on the words.”
“Even if you forgot your lines, no one would care.”Anne reached for Georgiana’s hand, needing her family to agree to her first attempt at defining herself. “Do you think I have ever enjoyed such freedoms? We would experience it together. Besides, we have a predominance of women in the house.We can take the part of men and lose ourselves in the roles.”
Georgiana asked, “Do you believe the others might agree?”
“How do we know unless we ask? This is the first time I have ever suggested something that my mother has not prompted.”Anne was intoxicated with the possibilities before her.
“What of you, Mrs. Williams?” Georgiana asked as she turned to the older woman.“Might you care to join us if we can persuade the others?”
Mrs. Williams vehemently declared, “My late mother believed the theater leads to the worst vices.”
Anne flinched with the woman’s censure, but she forced herself not to succumb to her own feelings. “I would not call what we attempt theater, Mrs.Williams, but if you choose not to participate, we understand. Come, Georgiana, let us find the others.” Anne gently pulled the girl to her feet. “I am sure that Mrs. Wickham will be happy to perform with us.”
“I hope Elizabeth will also agree to take part.” Arm in arm, they walked toward the open door.
Finding several of the guests still lingering in the morning room, Anne, a bit embarrassed but willing to try something new, cleared her throat to catch their attention. “Georgiana and I thought we might perform a play among ourselves to pass the time—nothing elaborate, just us trying to put the storm and the gloom of the past few days behind us.”
Cathleen’s eyes lit with eagerness. “That sounds like something I might enjoy. I missed the outside day because of my accident. I would like to get to know the others better. Have you chosen a piece to perform?”
Laughing at herself for not having thought that far ahead, Anne glanced quickly at Georgiana for suggestions.The thought of performing had occurred to her only after she had left Darcy’s study. He had told her to find her happiness, and Anne had always wanted to perform plays. It seemed a natural consequence of their heartfelt conversation. “I do not believe that either my cousin or I hold a preference for a particular play.”
“Might I make a suggestion?” Cathleen continued. Anne and Georgiana nodded their agreement. “A tragedy under the circumstances seems inappropriate. A comedy, probably something from Shakespeare, seems feasible. How about Much Ado About Nothing?”
Georgiana confided, “Elizabeth loves that play!”
Anne thoroughly enjoyed Georgiana’s growing excitement. “Then Much Ado About Nothing should be our choice. Thank you, Miss Donnel, for your suggestion and for accepting our idea as your own.”
Mr.Worth looked up from an old copy of the Times. “I am not much of a performer, but you may count on me, Miss de Bourgh.” He caught Anne’s eye and winked.
“Thank you, Mr.Worth.”
“And you,Your Lordship?” Georgiana prompted.
“Why not?” Adam Lawrence placed his napkin beside his plate. “It is not as if we have had much else to entertain us.”
“May we all meet in the ballroom in an hour?” Anne quickly organized the group before they could change their minds. “I suppose we must find a copy of the play. I am sure Mr. Darcy owns at least one copy of the work.”
“I believe I saw copies of Shakespeare’s works in the gentleman’s library,”Worth announced as he rose to his feet.“Let me help you find a copy, Miss de Bourgh.” He came around the table’s end to where Anne stood.
His presence sent a shiver down Anne’s spine, but she managed to send Georgiana to secure Elizabeth’s and Lydia’s consent. “We will see you in an hour,” she declared as she took Worth’s proffered arm.
“Where could Mr. Darcy keep his copies of Shakespeare?” Anne asked as she scanned the shelves for the books. Having confessed to Darcy her interest in the man who accompanied her into the library suddenly made Anne nervous.
Worth stepped behind her. He had dreamed of Anne de Bourgh the previous night. Speaking softly, close to her ear, he said, “I believe you will find Mr. Darcy treats his library as he treats his life: The man cannot tolerate disorganization. The books are shelved alphabetically by the author’s last name.We simply need to find the letter S.”
Anne turned to face him, expecting Worth to step back, but he held his ground, and she found herself only inches from the man. “Shall we,” she murmured nervously, “look for that letter?”
Worth touched her cheek lightly with his fingertip. “You have beautiful eyes, Miss de Bourgh.They haunted my dreams last evening.”
Anne blushed immediately. “Mr. Worth, although your words give me pleasure, I cannot encourage you to speak so forwardly.” She tried to look away, but Worth’s intensity held her gaze.
“Miss de Bourgh, I am in my late thirties. If I am to finally choose a woman who holds my interest, I do not intend that my wooing game be an extended one. It is inappropriate to declare my desires so soon after your loss, but when the arrangements for dear Mrs. Jenkinson are complete, I will press my suit.”
Anne flushed once more, but she gathered her nerve to catch Worth’s hand with hers and turned to kiss his palm. “I would be pleased to accept your regard. Mildred would love the possibilities; I believe it to be one of her last wishes.”
Worth brought Anne’s hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips. “I am your servant, Miss de Bourgh.”
Anne smiled brightly. “We have a play to find, Mr.Worth.”
“That we do, Miss Anne.” His laughter filled the room. He turned toward the shelf holding the many volumes of Shakespeare. “I believe what we seek can be found over here,” he said loudly for the benefit of any servants lurking in the hallway.
“You are correct, Mr. Worth,” she announce just as loudly. Anne watched as he stretched and retrieved the tome. The man possessed an interesting face and a solidly built body, and Anne knew him to be a man of compassion—a man who could care for her and her alone.
“And what do you wish me to do?” Elizabeth had cornered Darcy in one of the servant entrances to the below-stairs area.
“I expect you to enjoy your exploits in the performing arts.” He leaned close, so that only she might hear. “And, more importantly, use your intuition. Please watch and listen and be my eyes and my ears. I need to know more about our guests, and I am depending on you to supply me with that information.” Darcy nestled her in the curve of his body, touching Elizabeth’s back—his right hand splayed over her hips.
She smiled up at him mischievously. “Your hand tells me you wish something else, my Husband.
Darcy’s left hand caressed the side of her face, while his right nudged her forward. “All you must do, Elizabeth, is smile at me or walk into a room or speak my name, and I am lost to you and you alone. I am even more besotted with you now that you carry our child.” His warm breath teased her ear.“In you, I know both affection and passion.”
Elizabeth laughed softly, reaching up to brush away the lock of hair falling over his forehead. “As for me, I have no notion of loving people in halves. My attachments are always excessively strong. I believe my feelings are stronger than anybody’s,” she said. “I am sure they are too strong for my own peace of mind.”
“Well, I suppose my obsession is perfectly appropriate then.” Darcy brushed her lips with his. “You have placed me under your spell.” The fragrance of lavender, which always clung to her skin, swept over him.
They had come from different worlds, but knew the same desires—possessed the same perspectives. Their need for each other ran deep—a profound connection. Elizabeth ached for him—could not deny her need for his approval, even when she had foolishly thought that Darcy disapproved of her. Then one day, he had opened himself to her—let her see his vulnerability—see his fears and his hopes—see the part of him that Darcy secreted away from the world. From that moment forward, she had begun to comprehend that he was exactly the man, who in disposition and talents, would most suit her. “I will join the others now,” she rasped, hearing the approach of one of the servants at the end of the passageway. Darcy reluctantly released her. “Until later, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth dropped a curtsy and disappeared through the side door.
Darcy watched her go, his eyes tracing her form. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife,” he whispered to the empty hallway. He chuckled. When I was single, I feared that notion; only now do I understand its wisdom—for the man of wealth and the man of modest means.
James observed the group gathered in the ballroom. He rested against the backside of an Athenian column supporting the main wall. Hidden by a balcony-like façade, he observed closely the dynamics of the group as they planned a theatrical performance. He knew most of the players, but no one had told him of Nigel Worth’s presence at Pemberley. He would have a little talk with Peter about not keeping him informed. He did not like surprises, and Peter Whittington knew him better than anyone else—knew his likes and dislikes intimately.Although James had not seen Worth in nearly five years, he remembered his distaste for Worth’s arrogance and his envy of Worth’s knowledge of the law. James had once considered the study of the law, but his talents had taken him elsewhere—to the underbelly of society.
Now, he wondered if he might not include Worth in his plan for revenge.“Two birds and one stone,” he muttered.Worth seemed quite taken with Miss Anne de Bourgh. Darcy’s cousin, he thought, as he closed and locked the opening through which he had peered. The lady might serve as a means to exact revenge on both Darcy and Worth. He would use the information about Worth and Anne’s flirtation to his own advantage. As he was well aware, the de Bourghs were very wealthy, and he always needed money.“Something good this way comes,” he added as he made his way to his makeshift bed. “Pemberley is a house of infinite possibilities.”
“Then we are agreed.” Anne led the group’s discussion. “We will select poignant scenes to recreate the main plot of the play. Some of us will enact more than one part, especially as we have only two males, and they must be Benedick and Claudio.”
Elizabeth caught Georgiana around the waist. “Well, I, for one, am looking forward to playing a man’s role, and I am sure my sister, Miss Darcy, feels the same.” She squeezed the girl to her teasingly. “After all, Shakespeare had men playing the female roles.”
“I think it quite generous of you to offer to perform many of the minor parts, Mrs. Darcy,” Miss Donnel remarked. “It will take some creative staging to tell the story with so few performers.”
“It will be great sport,” Anne asserted, before organizing the papers strewn on the floor.“We will stage the masque, the plot against Benedick and Beatrice by the Prince, Borachio’s seduction of Margaret, the first wedding scene, Beatrice’s demand that Benedick kill Claudio, Dogberry’s questioning of Don John’s men, the second wedding, and the lovers’ declaration. Is that the extent of our scenes?” Anne quickly surveyed their faces for approval. When no one offered objections, she settled back into her role as the group’s leader. Only eight and forty hours earlier, she could not have filled the role of director; or, at least, she would have believed it impossible. Be daring, Anne, she urged herself. It is the way forward. “Then let us read through the scenes and meet back here in, let us say, two hours to begin our rehearsals.”
As the others stood, Elizabeth heard Lydia complain, “I do not see why I must play Margaret. I would make a more plausible Hero.”
Georgiana intervened. Until that moment, Darcy’s sister had avoided Mr. Wickham’s new wife. It was as though Anne’s new approach inspired Georgiana. “It would be more fitting for Miss Donnel and Lord Stafford to commit to the roles. They are close and can say hurtful lines without offering an offense. Would you not think so, Mrs.Wickham?”
Lydia begrudgingly agreed, but she remained less than happy about the choice.
“Mr.Worth consented to be your Borachio,” Elizabeth said encouragingly. “That is an agreeable situation, and you do have one of the more provocative scenes.” Elizabeth smiled teasingly.“Hero is too bland a character for your talents, Lyddie. Be part of my and Miss Darcy’s group of minor characters.” She brought the two younger girls together in a tight circle. “I propose we do something of our own to spice up our roles as men.” Elizabeth glanced around to be sure no one else could hear them.“I say we dress in men’s clothing.”
Georgiana gasped. “We cannot, Elizabeth!”
“We can, Georgiana. It will be great fun. I will have Mr. Darcy help us find some men’s breeches and some shirts.” Amusement danced in her eyes.
“Oh, Lord.” Georgiana turned pale.“Fitzwilliam will never tolerate it.”
“Lizzy has a way with Mr. Darcy,” Lydia asserted. “I never thought to see the day when Mr. Darcy would even consider dancing with Elizabeth, let alone marrying her. If anyone can persuade him to permit such a scheme, it is my sister.”
Georgiana paused, recalling those early days after Elizabeth’s arrival at Pemberley. At first she often listened with an astonishment bordering on alarm at her new sister’s lively, sportive manner of talking to her brother. He, who had always inspired in Georgiana a respect, which almost overcame her affection, she saw the object of open pleasantry. Her mind received knowledge, which had never before fallen in her way. By Elizabeth’s instructions, Georgiana began to comprehend that a woman may take liberties with her husband, which a brother will not always allow in a sister more than ten years younger than himself. Georgiana giggled nervously. “I have always wondered about the freedom men’s clothing affords.”
“Then I will see to it.” Elizabeth smiled. “Let us find some tea in the rose drawing room, and then we will map out our scenes. I wish to be Dogberry; his mutilation of the King’s English fascinates me.” She led them toward the main door, her arms wrapped around their waists.
Suddenly, Georgiana froze in place. “Oh, Elizabeth, you must say that word!” she exclaimed, both terrified and amused.
Elizabeth paused, trying to imagine Georgiana’s horror, repeating the play’s lines in her head.Then she snorted.“I will, will I not, Georgiana? I must say the word ass repeatedly. Ooh, I do so love this play.” She gave Georgiana a quick hug. “Come, girls, I will need much practice to say my lines without blushing.”