Darcy found her in her chambers. Hannah assisted her mistress with a clothing change. They’d attend the services that she’d suggested to Mr. Winkler last summer. Elizabeth thought it a unique opportunity at the time, but now she wasn’t so certain. Christmas would fall on Sunday, and she’d thought the day’s significance would be lost to the usual Sunday service. The thought had occurred shortly after she’d discovered that for a third time she carried Darcy’s child, and her fear and her maternal instinct had both arisen at the same time. Elizabeth had thought it a good omen to recognize the birth of the Christ child in a joyous manner.
“Could we not have a celebration of the children?” she had asked Mr. Winkler over afternoon tea. Her hand had instinctively rested on her abdomen.
Winkler had responded enthusiastically, “It’s a wonderful idea. Mr. Lancaster’s been working with some of the village and estate children. How about a children’s choir?”
The idea had grown from there, and tonight would be the first such celebration. Elizabeth was a bit worried over the community’s reception.
Upon his entrance, Darcy motioned Hannah away and took up the lacing of his wife’s gown. They actually each served as the other’s dresser on a regular basis. It was part of their natural closeness. “You look lovely,” he said as he examined her appearance. The deep forest green dress brightened her hazel-colored eyes and contrasted with Elizabeth’s pale skin.
Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder at him. “I feel lovely.” Her smile followed. “Thank you for today. Returning to Pemberley to find my sisters and parents was a gift I’ll cherish always.” She turned into Darcy’s arms and lifted her chin for his kiss.
“The contented look in your eyes when you were in Father Bennet’s embrace was worth the trouble of arranging everything. It’s been too long since you had the Bennets as company.” He pulled her closer and buried his face in Elizabeth’s hair. “I want you to be happy, Elizabeth.”
She turned her head to kiss his temple. “I am happy, Fitzwilliam. I cannot imagine being any place but Pemberley, but seeing my dear family again has been a balm to my grieving heart.You’ve given me so much of yourself in your gesture.”
Darcy kissed her deeply. His wife smelled of the lavender oil that she preferred in her bath, and she was warm and soft in his arms. “I want you safe — want to protect you. I love you, Elizabeth.” He kissed her fiercely with all the love they shared.
Elizabeth laughed easily when his lips released her. She rested her head on his chest. “We’ve everything we need as long as we’re together.”
He kissed the top of her head before he stepped away and sat on the side of her bed. “Did you have a pleasant time with your family this afternoon?”
“The house has so much greenery. Every room has garlands of holly and rosemary and laurel.” He watched as her excitement grew. “Kitty hung mistletoe in every room.” She turned quickly to Darcy. “By the way, Georgiana reports that Mr. Winkler has spoken to Papa and plans to speak to you about Kitty. It appears that my suspicions regarding his interest in my sister may prove correct, after all.”
Darcy’s eyebrow rose in amusement. “Mr. Foxmour praised Kitty’s empathy during his mother’s final hours. She accompanied Winkler when Foxmour summoned the clergyman to his cottage. It makes sense that your sister saw a need to attend the services with Georgiana,” he observed.
“I’m certain Mr. Winkler’s the basis of Kitty’s motivations, but maybe not as you expect. According to our sister, she asked Kitty to accompany her today rather than the other way around. In addition, the Foxmours’ situation has enthralled Kitty. She taught the young girls something about art and helped them create a drawing — several drawings, in fact — that Mr. Foxmour placed in his mother’s casket. One drawing was of the late lady’s dream dress. When my sister returned to Pemberley, she spent hours reworking a gown she found in the attic for Mrs. Foxmour’s burial. Kitty has shown herself to possess all the compassion she’ll need as Mr. Winkler’s wife.”
Darcy evaluated his wife’s words and doubted her conclusion. Although he’d noted Kitty’s improvement, he still retained images of a flighty, giggling Kitty tagging behind Lydia Bennet Wickham at the Netherfield Ball. “Mr. Winkler will be a good influence on Kitty.”
“You’ll give Mr. Winkler your approval, shall you not?” Elizabeth asked apprehensively. “It would be a good match, and I’d enjoy having her so close to Pemberley.”
Darcy frowned. Although Winkler would be an excellent match both socially and emotionally for Kitty, the idea of his wife’s sister marrying a clergyman — one depending on him for a living — needed to be considered.What would the community think? What of the ton? “Georgiana’s Come Out could be affected by the connection,” he said softly.
Elizabeth, who’d been braiding her hair as they spoke, turned quickly to look sharply at him. “Surely you won’t consider denying Kitty’s match because of Georgiana’s Society entrance. You’d punish my sister to benefit yours? Would not the Earl’s influence counter Kitty’s alliance with Winkler? The man is a gentleman’s son. He’s not a tradesman or a simple farmer.”
Darcy knew there had been a time when his wife would have said more — would have argued unreasonably. “As this is the first I’ve heard of Winkler’s attentions beyond your speculations, please allow me to hear the man out. I’ll protect Kitty’s interest, as well as Georgiana’s. I’ll deal with each honestly and honorably.”
Elizabeth’s ire faded. “That’s all I can ask, Fitzwilliam,” she said grudgingly.
“Trust me, Elizabeth,” Darcy insisted.
“I do,” she responded. “I just want the best for both our sisters.”
Darcy added, “As do I.”
Elizabeth returned to dressing her hair. He knew they’d have this conversation again, but not until he met with the clergyman. “Would you mind if I kept Kitty with me when my parents return to Hertfordshire?”
“If that’s your wish, I have no objections. Kitty is good company for both you and Georgiana,” he observed.
Elizabeth twisted her long braid and wrapped it tightly in a simple loop at her nape. “What are we to do with Lady Catherine?” she asked.
“Her Ladyship’s presence is something for which I have no contingencies.”
“That is obvious. Why now? After all the times that Lady Catherine has ignored your gestures for a reconciliation? Why now, Fitzwilliam?”
Darcy came to stand behind her so they might converse through their reflections in her dressing mirror. It was important for her to see his facial expressions when he spoke. “I know not why my aunt has chosen this time to return to Pemberley. I’ll speak to her privately once we return from services. If she expresses her usual disdain, I’ll see her on her way on Boxing Day. If not, it is my understanding that she plans to depart on Tuesday.”
Elizabeth smiled humorously. “I’ll have to write to both Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Joseph and express my gratitude for their detaining us in Harrogate. At the most, I’ll have to tolerate Lady Catherine’s venom for three days more. It could’ve been for a full week.”
Darcy’s eyebrow rose in answer. “There’s that blessing.” He bent to kiss Elizabeth’s exposed shoulder. “Please remember, my love. In this house, you’re the mistress. You take precedence over all others, including my aunt.”
She and Darcy sat shoulder to shoulder in the family pew. All their guests, except Lady Catherine, who claimed a megrim, had joined them for the services. As she looked about the church, Elizabeth was pleased to see many from the community in attendance. Kitty’s eyes glistened with pride as she watched Mr. Winkler, but, surprisingly, Georgiana’s eyes glowed equally as bright, and Elizabeth wondered privately if her husband’s plans for a Season for his sister might be taking a divergent path. She also chastised herself for not seeing the obvious. I’ve been so consumed with my own misery that I’ve forgotten that life goes on. It all makes sense when I see Georgiana look upon the colonel’s face.This evening I’ll find time to speak to Georgiana privately. I’ve neglected her too long. My thoughts shall no longer dwell with those who have never seen the light of day; I must return to the world of the living.
As the children finished an interesting rendition of “Come, Thou Almighty King,” the gathering fell silent and Mr. Winkler took his position in the pulpit box. Elizabeth relaxed into the comfort of Darcy’s shoulder. His warmth brought her contentment, and she sighed deeply.
Then Winkler began to speak from the heart. “This is the Eve — the eve above all others. It represents the ultimate of sacrifices on God’s part. Before He sent His Son into the world, our Heavenly Father knew what Jesus would face. Christmas also represents a personal sacrifice on the part of Mary and Joseph. In all practical terms, God asked the impossible. Of real people. There would be very few in this room who would willingly accept what God asked of this couple.
“Mary made an unbelievable claim, and Joseph accepted it, but please think of the censure they must’ve faced from family, friends, and neighbors. Mary’s apparent infidelity would’ve driven a wedge into the best of marriages. Add to that the financial strain of a long journey to pay their tax debt. However, although it was emotionally bizarre, Mary and Joseph accepted God’s plan for them, and they learned that accepting God brings its own disputations. God’s presence in a person’s life does not necessarily make his life easier; instead, it makes his life more fulfilling.”
Elizabeth shifted her weight uncomfortably. Is that what she had done? Had she expected that if she prayed to God that He’d make her life perfect? And had she not always disdained perfection? She had blamed God for turning his back on her.
“God has His own agenda in our lives. As He did with Mary and Joseph, God tells us what He expects of us: He doesn’t ask us if those plans match ours. God sent His angel to Mary and Joseph; He didn’t ask their permission. What does this mean for us? It means that His will shall prevail over our preferences. One cannot change it.
“God could’ve made things easier for Mary and Joseph, but He didn’t because each person grows from the adversity he faces. If that’s so, Mary and Joseph must’ve grown to gargantuan size. They traveled by foot and by donkey to pay taxes. Despite being enceinte, Mary found no room at the inn.”
Elizabeth immediately thought of the Josephs and young William. God’s will had prevailed over Prestwick’s Portal.
“Mary and Joseph had to flee King Herod’s vengeance,” Winkler continued. “This too must have been a difficult journey. All in all, we must realize that God could’ve changed each of these difficulties, but He wanted Mary and Joseph to rise above such adversity. What’s God’s will for you? It may not be an easy journey upon which you embark, but our Lord will be with you as you make your way.
“On Christmas, the Christ child received the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold declared the child as a king among men. Sweet smelling frankincense represented Jesus’ pure spirit. Bitter myrrh predicted Christ’s death. As we finish our program for the evening, I charge you to consider what you would give the Christ child on his birthday? What is God’s plan for you? And what are you willing to sacrifice to make it so?”
As they stood to depart, Elizabeth caught Darcy’s hand. “What did you think of Mr. Winkler’s message?” she whispered.
Darcy leaned close so he might speak to her privately. “My esteemed father used to warn of two faults. The first of those was to be wary of the prayer that the Devil answers, and the second was never to share one’s plans with God for our Maker would find it offensive. I believe God holds His vision, and He understands what we need and when we need it.”
Elizabeth acknowledged his advice with a nod of her head. “I’d like to speak to Mr.Winkler further on this concept. I’ll ask him to join us this evening.”
“Is this for you or for Kitty?” Darcy asked suspiciously.
Elizabeth shot him a steely glare. “The man is already to be Pemberley’s guest for both Christmas and our Boxing Day celebration. One more evening shan’t progress his and Kitty’s affections any faster. If Georgiana’s evaluation is correct, Mr. Winkler’s affections are fully engaged already,” she said tersely. “You may delay their joining with your objections, but you should know by now, Fitzwilliam, that the heart finds its own rhythm.”
Darcy gave her a curt nod. “I said I’d allow Winkler his due, but his interest in your sister creates a situation. When I fund the man’s ideas, the community will wonder if I do so because I believe them to benefit the local population or because he holds a tendre for my wife’s sister.”
“I hadn’t considered how such an alliance must appear. I apologize for my gruffness, Fitzwilliam.”
“You offered no offense, my love. I cannot fault you for protecting your family. It was a characteristic which attracted me to you.”
“Would you care to explain to me what brought you to Pemberley, Your Ladyship, and do not waste my time with tales of weather woes?” Upon his return to the house, Darcy had demanded that Lady Catherine attend him in his study.
“And why would I offer you a prevarication?” Lady Catherine asked haughtily.
Darcy realized his refusing to accept her excuse of a megrim would thoroughly irritate his aunt, but he’d have the truth from her. “I should’ve added diversion to my list of exceptions. I’m well aware of your ability to twist a confrontation to your advantage. Do not play verbal games with me, Aunt. I want to know your reasons for coming to my home — especially, at this time.”
“You’ve offered the olive branch,” she reasoned. “Suppose that I decided to accept it.”
Darcy frowned. “I issued the last offer during the summer. Why not travel under pristine conditions rather than in winter’s worst?” He raised his hand to stop her response before he finished. “Over the past two years, at my wife’s insistence, I’ve sent you three requests to resolve our differences, and you’ve ignored each, not even acknowledging them with a refusal. I’m aware of two visits to Matlock during those times, but you chose to shun Pemberley’s hospitality on both your ventures into Derbyshire.”
“Mrs. Darcy insisted on your offers of reconciliation?” she asked incredulously.
“As far as I was concerned, Your Ladyship, your interference in my life crossed the line of good intentions. With the genuine frankness of your character, your reply to the letter, which announced my arrangement, was loaded with language so very abusive, especially of Elizabeth that my initial reaction was that all intercourse between us was at an end. But at length, by Elizabeth’s persuasion, I was prevailed upon to overlook the offense and seek a reconciliation. My wife has a generous heart, and I’ve honored her magnanimity.”
The thought of being beholden to Mrs. Darcy, obviously, disturbed his aunt. She stammered, “I… I have… I’ve long considered what Lady Anne would’ve expected of me. On your mother’s deathbed, she asked that I take an interest in your and Georgiana’s lives. If I’m not at Pemberley, I cannot serve your mother’s memory.”
Darcy eyed her suspiciously. “My mother’s memory is cherished at Pemberley.”
“Even with Mrs. Darcy in Lady Anne’s position?” she questioned curtly.
“Elizabeth is not my mother, but, likewise, I’m not George Marcus Lucien Darcy, and the Pemberley of today is not the one my esteemed father knew. You deal with Rosings Park on a daily basis, so I’ll not bore you with the details of keeping such a large estate solvent, but you realize as well as any that I make investments in modernization, and I look for concessions that’ll sustain this way of life. Pemberley survives where others fail because I accept that change is necessary. Elizabeth succeeds as Pemberley’s mistress because of her intuitiveness and her benevolence.
“My wife honors her predecessor by maintaining the traditions my mother established. Occasionally, she adapts them for a different audience — you’ll observe as much when you see the Tenants’ Ball — but she gives honor to Lady Anne Fitzwilliam’s legacy.”
“And what of her obligation to deliver an heir?” Lady Catherine insisted.
Darcy sighed deeply in exasperation. “Listen to my words, and believe them as the truth, Aunt. I’d love Elizabeth with or without a child. She’s my life.” Again, he noted the shocked expression on Lady Catherine’s countenance, but she quickly recovered her composure. “If my marriage is not blessed with an heir, then the estate will go to Georgiana’s children. Either way, Pemberley will remain in the family. I’ll never turn my back on my wife. Secondly, I’d vehemently use all the power I possess against anyone who purposely hurt her. If you cannot keep a civil tongue, you’ll find yourself on the road on Christmas Day. I’ll personally escort you to your waiting carriage.”
“It’s against the law to travel thusly,” she stated the obvious.
“I’d care not for your legal obligations, Aunt. My wife will not suffer because of your disapproval. Never in her own home. I hope I make myself clear, Your Ladyship.”
“I have a basket,” Georgiana announced to the group gathered in a circle at one end of the drawing room.
Edward, seated on her right, responded accordingly. “What is inside?”
“A hat,” Georgiana said and then smiled brilliantly at Edward. “Your turn, Cousin.”
Edward obligingly said, “I have a basket.”The group boo-hooed his having to carry about an imaginary receptacle, but he good-naturedly pantomimed selecting an object and placing it inside.
“What is inside?” Charlotte dutifully replied. She had abandoned her husband to Lady Catherine’s company and had happily joined the group.
“Ice,” Edward declared.
Charlotte frowned. “Must it be ice? Is there not another word beginning with the letter ‘I’?”
“No commentary, Mrs. Collins,” Edward laughingly chastised. “The word is ice. It is your turn to use the letter ‘J.’”
“All right,” she chuckled. “I have a basket.”
“What is inside?” Manneville took his turn.
“A jar,” Charlotte said.
Manneville didn’t wait for the obligatory group teasing. “I have a basket.”
Caroline, who sat beside him, coyly asked, “What is inside?”
But Manneville ignored her flirtation and set his gaze on Kitty. “A kitten,” he announced.
Kitty blushed, but otherwise shrugged off his pointed remark. However, Mr. Winkler sat forward in his chair as if to challenge the American.
Edward jumped into the mix, trying to defuse the situation. “No fair, Manneville,” he said a bit louder than necessary. “It isn’t courteous to use other players to create your responses.”
Darcy joined his wife and her parents. “You didn’t wish to play parlor games?” he asked as he took possession of Elizabeth’s hand.
“No, thank you. I’m quite content to spend time here before the fire.”
Darcy understood; she’d missed her parents desperately. “You’re exceptional at word games, my dear,” he observed.
“I’ll enjoy the frustration when the letter ‘X’ becomes impossible to fulfill.”
“Edward will serve as chaperone for the group,” Darcy said.
Mr. Bennet added, “Your cousin seems a right fine gentleman. I wish I had realized so at Lizzy’s wedding.”
“It was an exciting time,” Mrs. Bennet said. “Our Elizabeth becoming Mrs. Darcy so shortly after Jane had married Mr. Bingley.”
“My friend letting Netherfield was a fortuitous event for us both.” Darcy brought the back of Elizabeth’s hand to his lips. “But you’re correct, Mr. Bennet. The colonel possesses all the qualities of a true gentleman. Edward has been my best friend, as well as my cousin.”
“I believe the colonel serves as Miss Darcy’s guardian,” Mr. Bennet noted.
“We share guardianship,” Darcy corrected. “My father thought it best in case something happened to me before my sister came of age.”
Mrs. Bennet said, “Miss Darcy must be quite excited about the possibility of her first Season.”
Darcy responded, “We may have to consider a shortened stay in London.”
“Why ever for?” Mrs. Bennet inquired.
“My confinement, Mama,” Elizabeth explained the obvious. “The Season begins before my delivery.”
Darcy took on a serious expression. “Neither my sister nor I would consider London if Elizabeth couldn’t join us.”
“But surely the Countess could sponsor Miss Darcy,” Mrs. Bennet pressed.
“Mama,” Elizabeth warned.
“The Darcys are a family, Mrs. Bennet, and Elizabeth is an integral part.”
Mr. Bennet quickly added, “It doesn’t damage a girl’s presentation to be a bit older. Most serious suitors would prefer that the young lady not be straight from the schoolroom. Miss Darcy is beautiful, talented, and quite personable. With her connections, she’ll be a prime contender for debutante of the year, no matter in which Season she makes her entrance.”
“There is no word for ‘X,’” Bingley protested.
Edward corrected, “There is a xebec.”
Southland explained to a perplexed-looking Bingley, “A small, three-masted Mediterranean vessel.”
From where he sat, Darcy added “Xylem, Bingley. It’s a woody plant.”
“Xiphi. A sword,” Elizabeth challenged. “It is one of my favorite Greek roots.”
“Xyster,” Mr. Bennet placed another word into play.
“One could always use Xanthippe,” Georgiana said softly.
Bingley laughed lightly. “Point well taken, everyone. I shouldn’t play word games with those who devour books.”
“Miss Catherine.” Winkler approached Kitty near the instrument as she straightened the music sheets employed by both Mary and Georgiana earlier in the evening. “I would take my leave from you.”
Kitty turned her back to the room to ensure privacy. “I wish you might stay longer, Sir.”
“Do you?” he asked suspiciously.
Kitty’s mouth set in a straight line. “When might I have spoken an untruth to you?” she asked tersely.
Winkler, likewise, stiffened with her tone. “I know of no prevarication on your part, but I’m a man who wonders why a stranger expresses intimate thoughts about a beautiful woman.”
“You consider me beautiful?” Kitty asked, ignoring Winkler’s other remarks.
He closed his eyes in frustration. “Miss Catherine, you’re well aware of my feelings.”
“I’m aware, Mr. Winkler, but a woman doesn’t tire of hearing a gentleman say so. Promise me that you’ll shower me with compliments. I’m quite vain,” she said teasingly.
Winkler started to reach for her but quickly dropped his arms to his side. “Catherine, I’d give you anything within my power,” he hissed. “But I need to know of Manneville’s attentions. It’s uncharitable of me to speak, but I fear with you, my reason is lacking.”
“There’s no Mr. Manneville,” she whispered reassuringly. “My mother thought the gentleman a possible suitor and has thrust me into the man’s path, but I’ve given him no encouragement.”
Winkler grudgingly noted, “I do not wish to press the point, but the gentleman could offer more than I. My living cannot compare to Manneville’s wealth. We’ve no official engagement, Catherine. If you wished me to step aside, I’d do so. I want only your happiness.”
“If you truly wish my happiness, Mr. Winkler, you’ll speak to Mr. Darcy in a speedy manner,” Kitty declared.
Winkler’s smile widened. “Tomorrow, Catherine.”
Elizabeth tapped lightly on Georgiana’s door. Within seconds of her entreaty, Georgiana’s maid answered the door. “Is my sister available?” It was an impulsive act. With fondness Elizabeth remembered how when she’d first arrived at Pemberley, she and Georgiana had daily shared sisterly secrets. Elizabeth had desperately missed her nightly talks with Jane, and Georgiana had needed someone to share the anxieties of a young woman, one finishing her time in the schoolroom.
The maid bobbed a curtsy and opened the door wider. “Please come in.” Georgiana motioned to the hearth. “Molly has just freshened the fire.” Turning to the maid, she added, “That shall be all, Molly. I’ll ring if I need anything else.” The maid disappeared through the side entrance. “It’s pleasant to have your company, Elizabeth. It’s been too long.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Elizabeth pulled her chair closer to the one Georgiana occupied. “I wanted to thank you again for assuming the hostess responsibilities for my family.”
“They’re my family also,” Georgiana corrected.
Elizabeth smiled warmly. “Of course they are.”
“Your parents have expressed their concern for you,” Georgiana ventured after an awkward pause.
Elizabeth laced her fingers. “I know.” She paused also. “Everyone is worried, and I’m profoundly sorrowful for having given any alarm. I didn’t know how to justify what happened with what I expected from life, but the last week has brought new perspectives. My helping Mrs. Joseph find her happiness convinced me that Fitzwilliam and I will soon know our own. Even Mr.Winkler’s message today added depth to what I’ve discovered.”
“I noticed the two of you speaking privately earlier this evening.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “There was a time my philosophical musings would’ve been of no concern to anyone.”
“You’re loved unconditionally, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth ironically chuckled. “A blessing to be sure. Sometimes, I feel I don’t deserve such devotion, but I’m thankful for it.”
“Shall you like having Mr.Winkler as part of the family?” Georgiana pointedly changed the subject.
Elizabeth accepted the fact that her fears of remaining childless made others uncomfortable. Only Darcy fully understood. “Mr. Winkler shall be a moderating influence on Kitty, and she’ll bring some spontaneity to his existence.”
“It sounds as if you describe your and Fitzwilliam’s joining,” Georgiana observed.
Elizabeth nodded her agreement. “To a lesser degree, but in many ways, it’s true.” She suddenly remembered all those joyous moments when she’d tease Darcy from his habitual “doom and gloom” outlook. She’d not done so in a while. “I need to make a conscious effort to return a bit of mayhem to Fitzwilliam’s life. The man has known enough sorrow of late.”
“I’m pleased to hear it,” Georgiana said with a light laugh.
“And what of you, Georgiana? Is your heart engaged?” Elizabeth asked.
She watched as Darcy’s sister blushed thoroughly. For a moment, she expected the girl would deny her very noticeable attentiveness to the colonel. “Am I that obvious?” Georgiana said softly.
“Not too obvious,” Elizabeth teased. “Your brother has taken no note.”
Georgiana’s agitation increased. “You shan’t tell Fitzwilliam, will you? Please, Elizabeth, my brother mustn’t know.”
“I’ll keep your secret,” Elizabeth assured. “And what of the colonel? Does Edward return your affections?”
Georgiana’s relief at being able to speak of her feelings became apparent as the conversation progressed. “Oh, how I wished I knew for certain. There are moments — one in the study a few days ago, for example — when it appears my cousin shares my interest. Then there are those when I doubt my sanity.”
Elizabeth reached for her sister’s hand. “I don’t doubt it. Men are usually the last to realize their affections are engaged. I imagine the colonel is having difficulty explaining his feelings to his rational mind.” She paused briefly. “Would you like to tell me of this moment in Mr. Darcy’s study?”
“Oh, yes,” Georgiana gushed. “May I truly?” Before Elizabeth could answer, the girl continued. “We spoke of my Come Out, and then Edward took me in his arms, and we waltzed. Without music. We swayed so close together, and I thought for a brief span that he would kiss me.”
“Would you have allowed his kiss?” Elizabeth squeezed Georgiana’s hand in a gesture of camaraderie.
“Is it wanton to say that I’d like my first kiss to come from Edward?” Georgiana anxiously bit her bottom lip.
Elizabeth leaned forward. “It’s not wanton. It’s the natural progression of a relationship. Edward is a gentleman, and he’ll not take advantage. Again, he probably is experiencing some questions as to how your relationship has changed. May I make an observation?”
“Please do,” Georgiana encouraged.
“Tomorrow is Christmas, and Pemberley seems to have sprouted a large number of mistletoe berries.” Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Surely, an intelligent young lady could find herself under said berries when the colonel passed.”
Georgiana giggled. “I love the way you think, Sister.”