Elizabeth froze in mid-step. “That’s not amusing, Your Ladyship.”
“It’s not a topic I would take lightly, Mrs. Darcy,” Lady Catherine said sadly.
Elizabeth returned to the footstool and recaptured Her Ladyship’s hands. “How do you know this?”
“Doctor Lipton — in London.” Lady Catherine’s eyes misted with tears, and Elizabeth noted the defeat in the woman’s shoulders. “I’ve an enlarged area in my stomach. It’s too great for the surgeon.”
Elizabeth’s own eyes blinked back tears. “How long?”
“Six months — a year — maybe two. As the illness progresses, Lipton shall gave me laudanum, but that shall be the extent of his assistance.”
Elizabeth fished a handkerchief from her sleeve and slipped it into Lady Catherine’s trembling hand. “Are you in much pain?” She choked back her grief.
“Constant discomfort, but not pain. Not yet.”
Elizabeth’s mind raced with a thousand questions. “Does Miss De Bourgh know?” If so, it might explain Anne’s speedy acceptance of the lieutenant’s attentions — someone to protect her.
Lady Catherine discreetly dabbed at her eyes. “No. No one knows but you.”
Elizabeth couldn’t fathom such a disclosure. “Why me? Why tell me?”
“Because I must tell someone,” Lady Catherine said flatly.“And if nothing else, Mrs. Darcy, you are circumspect. You would take a secret to your grave, and that’s exactly what I expect you to do.”
“Surely, you’ll allow me to tell Fitzwilliam.”
Her Ladyship frowned. “No one, Mrs. Darcy,” she said emphatically. “I want no one’s pity. If Darcy accepts my gestures, I wish it to be because he finds a need for his aunt in his life, not because he holds regret.”
Elizabeth swallowed hard. “It’ll be as you wish,Your Ladyship.” They sat in silence for several minutes, each contemplating what had just occurred between them. “The strength of your resolve is beyond my comprehension, Ma’am,” Elizabeth said softly.
“No pity from you either, Mrs. Darcy. I shan’t tolerate your allowing me free reign just because Lipton has pronounced me ill. If you do, I’ll make your life miserable — purposely run roughshod over your household.”
“That shan’t happen, Lady Catherine,” Elizabeth reassured.
The corners of Lady Catherine’s mouth turned up in approval. “Good. We’ll deal well with each other.”
“It would seem that we should make arrangements for Anne’s marriage as soon as possible. That she has been compromised plays well to the speed of Miss De Bourgh’s joining.” Elizabeth began to organize her thoughts.
“Why would I wish this so?” Lady Catherine asked suspiciously.
Elizabeth ignored the woman’s tone. “Because you want to see Anne safely in the care of an honest gentleman. And if we wait, Miss De Bourgh may have to spend a year in mourning with no one to assist her with Rosings or with personal decisions.We’ll let it be known that you don’t approve, but you’ll accept Anne’s decision. It’ll deflect emphasis from your illness. You’ll have time to transition the estate into Southland’s able hands. When you arrive in Kent, charge Mr. Collins with calling the banns. That would put the marriage a month off, which gives Viscountess Lindale time to recover before traveling from Lincolnshire.”
“What of your own confinement?” Lady Catherine asked curiously.
A bitter smile touched Elizabeth’s mouth. “I should’ve known that you would be aware of my condition.”
“We are family, Mrs. Darcy.”
“We are, Your Ladyship.” Elizabeth’s voice softened. “I’ll be well into my sixth month. The trip may take longer than expected, but Fitzwilliam and I shall attend.” Another moment of silence occurred. “Let me ring for Mr. Nathan and order some tea, as well as some toast and jam. I suppose the negotiations must begin.” Elizabeth rose to tug on the bell cord. “Mr. Darcy’s idea of Edward’s presence seems a logical solution. It’ll appear that the colonel initiated the match.” Elizabeth sat in a nearby chair. “Should I remain, Your Ladyship? If you prefer, I’ll withdraw after serving the tea.”
“You must stay, Mrs. Darcy,” Lady Catherine insisted. “For but one, I’ve no secrets from you.”
Elizabeth couldn’t resist the taunt. It was her nature. “You may as well share that one also, Your Ladyship.”
Lady Catherine leveled a sympathetic gaze on Elizabeth. “I’ll tell you because it may bring you hope. Anne was my third child. The first two didn’t survive.”
“There you are,” Georgiana said as she entered the library.
Edward spun around in surprise. “I apologize, Georgie,” he said tentatively. “I was unaware that you sought me.”
“My brother had asked me of your whereabouts.” For a moment, Georgiana paused on the threshold, but with a steadying breath, she set her plan into action.With satisfaction, she noted the approval in Edward’s eyes as she approached.
“Are you aware of your brother’s reason for my immediate presence?” He took a step closer as if drawn to her, and Georgiana’s heart did a flip.
She frowned minimally. “Something to do with Her Ladyship and Mrs. Darcy.”
Edward smiled conspiratorially. “I’ve heard no shouting, nor have I observed the servants rushing to tend either lady.”
Georgiana purposely paused under the mistletoe ornament. “It’s a miracle of sorts.”
“Am I to stand guard or to serve as a negotiator?” he asked casually as he stepped into the circle she had imagined as being part of the mistletoe’s magic.
Georgiana smiled widely at him, but her resolve wavered with Edward’s closeness. “Knowing Fitzwilliam,” she said with a breathy catch, “all contingencies are possible.”
Surprisingly, Edward moved closer still, and Georgiana quit breathing. “Well, in the absence of hysterics, I don’t see a need to rush to your brother’s side,” he rasped.
“What shall you do instead?” she managed to murmur. Instinctively, Georgiana’s chin rose in anticipation.
Edward’s palm cupped her chin, and his thumb stroked her lips. “I’d thought to keep a Christmas tradition,” he said softly. “To kiss under the mistletoe the prettiest woman I know. That is, if she’ll have me.”
Georgiana’s heart sang. “Claim the berry, Colonel,” she whispered as she closed her eyes and waited.
Edward didn’t understand what had come over him. He’d awakened this morning with thoughts of Georgiana, and those images had grown into full-fledged desire. He’d made a quick reconnaissance of the house to locate all the mistletoe balls that the ladies had hung yesterday. Then he fantasized throughout Winkler’s sermon about sliding his lips down the slender column of Georgiana’s neck. Now he refused to let this opportunity slip away. He didn’t know when everything had changed between them, but it had, and he had to accept it and move forward.
He’d obsessed over the past few hours about Georgiana’s lips’ softness, and Edward meant to taste them. Her warm breath brushed his cheek as he lowered his head to touch her lips with his. He recognized her innocence, and so, he made himself go slowly. A slight brush. Small kisses planted at the corners.A soft nibble on her bottom lip. The problem with this slow seduction was it was taking away all his self-control.
Edward slid his arms about her and pulled Georgiana closer. With one hand, he lifted her chin to position his mouth over hers. He rested his lips on hers, allowing Georgiana to experience his mouth’s pressure before deepening the kiss. As she leaned into him, Edward slid his tongue along her lips’ seam. When she gasped, he claimed her mouth’s soft tissues.
After a few more seconds of pure pleasure, he forced himself to lift his lips from hers, but Edward’s mouth hovered a breath away from hers. “Georgie, I would kiss you again, but if you do not wish it, you should leave this room now,” he rasped.
“I shall stay,” she managed to say. Georgiana slid her arms about Edward’s neck and rose on her toes to meet his lips with hers.
Edward groaned, and his mouth returned to hers. This time she met his mouth with parted lips. It was so intimate; more intimate than he’d have thought possible. He was not without experience, but Georgiana’s kiss felt perfect — even with her inexperience. His tongue entwined with hers, and she responded tentatively. The kiss deepened as she arched into his embrace.
His practical mind demanded that he cease kissing her, but for the life of him, Edward couldn’t release her. Years of war had branded him as part of the unclean, but Georgiana’s goodness wiped all his dissipation away.
The sound of people moving about the hallway penetrated his desire-driven brain, and he reluctantly raised his head. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured as he kissed Georgiana’s head as it rested against his chest. He simply held her then as each recovered his breath. If someone would walk in on them, he would simply be Cousin Edward, Miss Darcy’s guardian. Oh, how he wanted to shed that designation and to assume another role in Georgiana’s life.
“Georgie, we cannot stay here any longer,” he said reluctantly.
Slowly, she drew her arms from around his waist. “It was perfect,” she whispered.
Edward smiled lovingly. “Yes, it was.” He caressed her cheek. “Meet me later in the conservatory,” he said. “We should speak privately, but that conversation will be delayed until I see what Darcy requires of me, and then there will be the usual gift exchange and an early supper. Will you wait for me that long, Georgiana — that long before we can speak of what has just happened?”
“I’ve waited for this for over three years. A few more hours shall seem miniscule.”
Edward kissed her nose’s tip, before reaching up and claiming five berries from the overhanging ball. “Extra berries for when we meet privately,” he said teasingly.
“I’ll bring a few of my own,” she said with a husky laugh. “In case we use all of yours and find additional ideas to discuss.”
Darcy’s agitation had increased after his short meeting with Mr. Winkler. The clergyman hadn’t taken well to Darcy’s request to postpone indefinitely his joining with Kitty Bennet. Winkler hadn’t seen the necessity of Kitty waiting until after Georgiana’s Society debut.
“Are you ashamed of Mrs. Darcy’s family?” the clergyman had demanded.
Of course, he had denied the man’s accusation, but as he waited outside the drawing room where his wife and Lady Catherine held court, he wondered once again about his motives. He’d received instructions from his father — repeatedly — on his duty to Georgiana. He couldn’t change his natural inclination to protect his sister, but Mr. Winkler had remained adamant.
“I did not deny the match,” he reasoned. “Simply asked for a long engagement.”
“How long might that be, Mr. Darcy? What if Miss Darcy doesn’t make a match during her first Season? What then? Your sister is beautiful and is wealthy, but she’s of a gentle nature, and I cannot believe you would force Miss Darcy into a match she didn’t desire. If she makes no match, must Miss Catherine and I wait additional Seasons?”
“How am I to know?” Darcy had felt the inadequacy of his response.
The clergyman had stood upon that note. “Mr. Darcy, I respect you, but I’ll not allow you to dictate my every action. As my patron, I sought your approval, but I’ll marry Miss Catherine with or without it. I’ll seek another living, if necessary.”
“Do nothing foolish, Mr.Winkler,” he had warned.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Darcy, love makes a man very foolish.”
Love truly had made him foolish; otherwise, why would the Master of Pemberley be lurking outside the door of one of his own drawing rooms waiting to be invited inside? Darcy glanced warily at the closed door. His wife and aunt had been ensconced behind the damn thing for over an hour. He’d wait another quarter hour; then he’d insist that his wife join him. After all, they had responsibilities to the rest of their guests and to his household.
Of course, he’d not stormed the room, as he’d wanted to do. Nor had he demanded that his wife and aunt inform him of what had transpired. Instead, he’d reluctantly joined the other guests in the main drawing room. Everyone had had a late breakfast following the morning services. That is, everyone except those involved in the negotiations regarding Anne’s ruination.
“It was a poignant service, Mr. Darcy. Not typical for a Christmas message, but very apropos,” Bingley said as Darcy joined his friends and Mr. Manneville.
“I’m certain Winkler would appreciate hearing you say so,” Darcy said flatly. He turned his head to see the clergyman approach Kitty, as she sat beside Georgiana.
Caroline edged closer to Darcy, something he wished that she’d not do, but something she’d continued, even after his marriage. “It’s insightful, Mr. Darcy, to employ a clergyman who takes a more progressive stance. So many Catholics and Calvinists refuse to accept the teachings of the Anglican Church. Mr. Winkler has reached out in a non-denominational way.”
Darcy would have preferred to speak of something other than his clergyman. He already felt remorse about how he had handled his conference with the man. He would have to find a way to broach the subject of the man’s request to marry Kitty. “Many of my tenants are of Irish Catholic descent, and as such, have kept their beliefs. Mr. Winkler’s is the only church within seven miles. He’s addressed the community’s needs in his sermons and in his ministration to the neighborhood.”
“You’re fortunate to find such a man,” Jane said quietly, but her eyes rested on the pompous Mr. Collins, who had cornered Mary and Mr. Grange and was delivering his own version of a Christmas message.
Darcy smiled easily. “I am indeed, Mrs. Bingley.”
At that moment, arm in arm, Elizabeth and Anne entered the room. “Oh, Mrs. Darcy,” Bingley called upon recognizing them. “You were missed.”
Elizabeth rushed to Darcy’s side and claimed his arm. Instantly, he felt whole. Issues would resolve themselves as long as she remained beside him. “You shall excuse me, Mr. Bingley,” she said as she curtsied. “Lady Catherine, Miss De Bourgh, and I planned for the festivities celebrating Lord Lindale’s heir. I regret my tardiness.”
“Where is Her Ladyship?” Caroline asked suspiciously.
“My mother would freshen her things before joining us,” Anne said defensively.
Manneville asked, “And Lieutenant Southland?”
Darcy hated that everyone noticed the delayed appearance of the De Bourghs and Southland. “The last I saw of the lieutenant, he and my cousin had their heads together. Probably discussing military protocol.” At least, part of what he said was true. He’d sent for his cousin to speak to the lieutenant.
As if on cue, Edward and Southland entered. His cousin turned to where Darcy stood, while the lieutenant purposely joined Georgiana’s grouping. “See,” Elizabeth said. “We knew we could find the colonel and the lieutenant together.”
Edward pointedly placed Anne on his arm. “Was I needed?” he asked jovially.
“Your absence was noted, Colonel,” Jane observed.
“Southland and I’ve decided to leave Tuesday morning. We had details to settle.” Darcy wondered how much of what his cousin said was true. Obviously, Elizabeth’s claim to have planned for Lindale’s heir was an agreed-upon story.
“Might we address gifts for the staff, Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth asked softly. “I would excuse the servants after the midday meal. They’ll be engaged well into the evening tomorrow.”
“Of course, my dear. I’ll ring for Mr. Nathan.”
“May we speak privately?” Winkler whispered to Kitty.
Kitty shot a quick glance to where Georgiana spoke to Southland. “Perhaps we might walk about the room, Mr. Winkler? I could stand a bit of exercise.”
“It would be my pleasure, Miss Catherine.”
He placed her on his arm, and they ambled slowly about the room. “I would seek your advice, Catherine,” he said in a voice just barely above a whisper. “My conference with Mr. Darcy didn’t proceed as I’d hoped.”
Kitty frowned. “Did Mr. Darcy refuse us?” She, too, muffled her words.
“Not exactly. Mr. Darcy asked that we not marry until after Miss Darcy makes a match.”
Kitty nodded her understanding. “That makes sense. My sister and Mr. Darcy have spoken repeatedly of Miss Darcy’s presentation. It’ll consume much of their time.”
“My concern is what happens if Miss Darcy’s betrothal is delayed. We’ve spoken of a period of time for us to learn more of each other, but I’d envisioned a half year at most. The London Season doesn’t even begin until March and runs until autumn. What if Miss Darcy makes no match and requires additional Seasons?”
Kitty defended her friend. “That’s not likely. Miss Darcy’s delightful.”
“I agree,” Winkler directed their walk away from the others. “But around strangers, she is also excessively shy, and we’re both aware that Mr. Darcy would never force his sister into an engagement. Are we to wait through multiple Seasons?”
Kitty began to see the uncertainty of their arrangement. “And what if Georgiana’s Season is delayed? Shall not Elizabeth be busy with her confinement?”
Winkler edged closer to Kitty. “I’d not considered Mrs. Darcy’s delivery. What is her date?”
Kitty glanced about to assure privacy. “Some time in mid to late March.”
The clergyman fought for composure. “Then how will Miss Darcy make her Come Out? She cannot possibly make an appearance before the Short Season. Mrs. Darcy won’t be fit to travel before the autumn. How long must we postpone our joining?”
“I see no cause for delay. If Miss Darcy must wait, we could consider a summer match if all goes as we’ve spoken,” she reasoned.
“Unless you are Mrs. Darcy’s sister, and you have chosen a man without a title as your husband,” he said matter-of-factly.
Kitty stumbled, and Winkler steadied her arm. “Do you mean to say, Sir, that our joining would reflect poorly on Miss Darcy’s prospects?” she hissed.
“The ton judges a woman’s suitability by her family’s connections. How might I say this without offering an offense? Other than Mrs. Darcy’s, your sisters’ husbands would be rejected by the ton. Mr. Bingley has a fortune, but he holds no title.”
“And his fortune comes from trade,” she finished for him. Kitty paused to process Winkler’s reasoning.
“But you’re a gentleman,” she protested.
“I am. I don’t believe that Mr. Darcy feels our joining is a bad one. He would simply want it to occur after Miss Darcy makes a match.” He paused as they passed her parents. “What I wish to know, Catherine, is how long you wish to wait. I’ve told Mr. Darcy that I mean to marry you even if I must find another living.Would you follow me, Kitty, to a new position?”
“Come, Georgiana,” Elizabeth said. “Mr. Nathan has the staff assembled in the ballroom. Mr. Darcy would have you attend his annual Christmas offering to his servants.”
“Of course.” Georgiana caught Elizabeth about the waist, and they started for the door, but Mr. Bennet’s clearing his throat stopped them cold.
“Yes, Papa?” Elizabeth asked with concern, but the mischief in his eye eased her thoughts.
Mr. Bennet winked at Georgiana. “It seems no one else will take advantage of the ladies. Well, I have no qualms in doing so.” He reached up and plucked two berries from the mistletoe ornament. Then he leaned forward to place a brief kiss on Georgiana’s forehead. “Happy Christmas, Miss Darcy.” Then he turned to Elizabeth. “To you, Child, I wish infinite happiness.” He raised Elizabeth’s chin and kissed her cheek.
She laughingly accepted his touch. “You staked out the mistletoe and waited for our approach,” she teasingly accused.
“I confess. It’s an old man’s ploy.” He cupped Elizabeth’s chin. “You are loved, my Lizzy,” he said softly.
“As are you, Papa.” Elizabeth teared. “Miss Darcy and I shall return in a few minutes. We must address the staff. Save me a place by your side.”
“I’ll anticipate the pleasure.”
Elizabeth watched him casually walk away. She’d not imagined that her father would ever age, but he’d done so over the past two years. His step was a bit less stable, and lines showed around his eyes. Reluctantly, she turned to Georgiana. “We should hurry. Fitzwilliam must be waiting for us.”
They managed to escape before anyone else could delay them.Working their way through Pemberley’s hallways, Elizabeth good-humoredly said, “It wasn’t the kiss you sought, but Papa meant well.”
“I didn’t mind Mr. Bennet’s chaste kiss,” Georgiana said mischievously as she scampered along beside Elizabeth. “Your father’s was actually my third kiss this morning.”
Elizabeth came to an abrupt halt, and Georgiana skidded to a stop beside her. “Edward kissed you?” Elizabeth whispered. “A real kiss?”
Georgiana blushed, but she met Elizabeth’s gaze. “Yes, a very real kiss. Oh, Elizabeth, it was everything I ever imagined.”
Impulsively, Elizabeth caught Georgiana up in a hug. “I’m so happy for you. Later, you must tell me everything. Shall he ask your brother for your hand?”
“That’s just it. The kiss held no professions of love.” Georgiana frowned. “My brother had summoned Edward to assist with Her Ladyship. We had no time to discuss what comes next, but he did ask me to meet him later in the conservatory.”
“The colonel is a man of honor. He wouldn’t have kissed you if he’d no intentions of an offer of his hand,” Elizabeth assured. Hastily, she hugged Georgiana again. “This is wonderful, but we don’t wish to make an explanation to your brother. He is still waiting for us.”
They clasped hands and hurried briskly along. As they entered the ballroom, Darcy gave them a questioning look, but Georgiana simply said, “Mistletoe delay. We apologize, Fitzwilliam.”
Darcy’s frown lines met. “Papa,” Elizabeth assured. “My father claimed the first kisses.” She stepped beside Darcy and prepared to greet the Pemberley staff. Georgiana took her position on Darcy’s other side. This could very well be Georgiana’s last Christmas at Pemberley. The possibility struck both Elizabeth and Georgiana at the same time, and their sisterly gazes found each other. Many questions remained. If the colonel proposed, would he leave the service early? Would Edward take a buyout? Where would Edward and Georgiana choose to live? Would it be far away from Pemberley? Would Darcy even allow the match? Above all these questions, one truth held true: The deepest regard bound them as “sisters.”
Her husband turned to his patient servants. “The Darcys are honored to have you as part of the Pemberley family,” he began.
Edward’s mind still reeled from the excitement of Georgiana’s kiss. He could taste her sweetness and a bit of cinnamon tea, and it was all he could do to maintain the conversation with Bingley’s family. He wanted to speak with Georgiana again — to determine her feelings. She kissed you, his mind repeated with a rhythmic drumming.
He wanted to follow her when Georgiana accompanied Elizabeth to the ballroom. He wanted to meet with Darcy immediately and claim Georgiana as his own, but he needed to secure her agreement first. What would the family say? Would they approve of the joining?
“I need to speak to you,” Kitty caught Georgiana in an upper hallway.
“Can it wait until after the meal?” Georgiana kept walking. “Fitzwilliam has sent me to fetch Her Ladyship. He wants to release the staff after supper, and the meal cannot begin without Lady Catherine.”
Kitty followed along beside her friend. “You shan’t forget. This is important, Georgiana.”
“I swear on my mother’s grave, Kitty. We’ll speak for as long as you need. I promise, but Fitzwilliam shall be unhappy if Lady Catherine isn’t downstairs shortly.”
As Georgiana rushed on, Kitty called out, “I’ll count on you, Georgiana.”
Darcy stood at the table’s head with a glass held high. “Mrs. Darcy and I are pleased to have you share this Christmas with us. It’s been too many years since we have shared Pemberley’s table with our family and friends. So, to each of you, Happy Christmastide! To my sister Georgiana, you remain my life’s center; and to my wife Elizabeth, my eternal devotion!”
A rousing “Happy Christmas” followed as glasses clinked and were lifted to waiting lips.
“There’s a small gift on your plate from Mrs. Darcy and me,” he announced. He had scrambled upon his arrival yesterday to see that everyone had something appropriate to his station. He had sent Jarvis into Lambton to ask the local jeweler for specific items. Jarvis had had to rouse the man from his home, but Mr. Clifford had responded with suitable choices for the uninvited guests. Darcy had chosen items for the others prior to his trip north. On his next journey into Lambton, Darcy would personally see that the man received a bonus for his excellent service. He took his seat and relaxed into the chair. He contentedly watched as squeals of delight followed ripped paper.
“This is capital,” Bingley declared from the table’s far end.
“Look, Mama,” Mary held a small cameo on a velvet ribbon.
From beside him, Elizabeth slipped a small package into Darcy’s lap. “You’ll receive the rest in our chambers this evening.” She had abdicated her rightful place to his aunt and had chosen to sit at his right hand.
“As will you, my love,” he whispered. He squeezed her hand. Darcy tore the paper away. “What is this, Lizzy?”
“Open it and see,” she said with a mischievous grin.
Darcy unwrapped the box and removed a long leather strap. He fingered it, but he couldn’t determine its significance. “Is there more to this present?” he asked as his hand recaptured hers.
“Are you not the greedy one?” she taunted. She reached out and caressed his cheek. “There’s a very large gift in the stables by the name of Saladin.”
“You talked Lord Warwick into selling Saladin to you?” he marveled. Impulsively, he kissed her lips.
Elizabeth laughed easily. “Actually, he sold the gelding to you. I simply used my pin money to solidify the deal. By the way, I’ll need an advance on my household funds.”
“And you’ll have it. I’ll double your allowance,” he said happily. “I cannot wait to escape to the stables. But how? When?”
“I convinced Lady Warwick first,” she said simply, “and His Lordship delivered the horse the day we left for Newcastle.”
Bingley noted their exchange. “What have you there, Darcy?”
“A very long leading strap for a gelding.” Darcy held the leather strap aloft.
“Not Saladin,” Bingley said excitedly.
Darcy declared, “One and the same.”
“Are you not a lucky dog?” Bingley rejoined.
Darcy smiled widely. “My luck lies in marrying a phenomenal woman.” He kissed the back of Elizabeth’s hand.
“And what did Mr. Darcy give you, Lizzy?” Jane asked from beside her father.
Elizabeth held up emerald hairpins. “Something to keep my tresses in place.”
“And to match Mrs. Darcy’s eyes,” Darcy added quickly.
Lady Catherine cleared her throat. “May I have your attention?” She paused and waited for everyone to quiet down. “As we are in a celebratory mood, I wish to announce the betrothal of my daughter Anne to Lieutenant Roman Southland.”
Darcy admired how his aunt had kept any disdain from her tone. Lady Catherine actually sounded pleased with the engagement. “Congratulations to the happy pair.” He raised his glass again. “To Anne and Roman.”
Complete chaos erupted — everyone talking over each other. Words of disbelief and happiness spilled over, and Darcy heard his aunt say, “Anne and Lieutenant Southland have met many times over the years. He’s the cousin of my dear Mr. Knight, Mr. Collins’s predecessor. They have always favored each other, but his career has kept them apart.”
So, that would be the story his aunt would tell the world. Well, he cared not how Lady Catherine turned the tale, as long as Anne was satisfied, and at the moment, Anne beamed with happiness. “Is this your doing?” he whispered to Elizabeth.
“A long-standing affection is a nice touch, do you not think? Like something from a novel.”
“You must be mistaken,” Georgiana insisted. “Fitzwilliam would never manipulate your lives so.” They’d found their way to a deserted music room.
Kitty explained, “Mr. Winkler wouldn’t lie, Georgiana. Mr. Darcy asks that we postpone our joining until you’ve found a match. I’m afraid that my family connections shame yours.”
Georgiana groaned. “But I don’t want a Season.”
“If Mr. Darcy has his way, you’ll choose a husband when you reach London.”
Georgiana’s heart sank. “What may I do to change Fitzwilliam’s mind?”
“We must tell Lizzy,” Kitty insisted. “Only Elizabeth holds sway with Mr. Darcy.”