Georgiana plastered on a smile as she entered the dining room. Sixteen people would sit to supper — of them, eight had not received invitations. It irritated her that these people had intruded on her brother’s quiet family Christmas, and it irritated her that her brother hadn’t arrived to resume his position at the table’s head.
“I would’ve thought Lizzy and Mr. Darcy would have arrived by now,” Mr. Bennet observed. “I pray they haven’t suffered an accident or met other hazards along the road.”
Mrs. Bennet’s hand fluttered about her face. “Oh, do not pronounce such dire circumstances, Mr. Bennet. Have you no compassion on my poor nerves?”
Mr. Bennet’s smile betrayed his amusement. “I have a high respect for your nerves, as you well know, my dear. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.”
“Nerves,” Lady Catherine grunted. “I’ve never understood how some women always fancy themselves beset with nerves.”
Mr. Bennet’s face lit with amusement. “I assure you, Your Ladyship, that Mrs. Bennet’s nerves are quite real. I have witnessed their effect on numerous occasions.”
“I am of the opinion that women who seek such attentions possess weak minds.”
“Mother!” Anne gasped and looked quickly to Mrs. Jenkinson for support. Swallowing hard, she ventured. “I’m certain Your Ladyship didn’t mean to insinuate that Mrs. Bennet suffers from a feebleness.”
Lady Catherine sipped her wine. “Of course not,” she said grudgingly. “Mrs. Bennet, obviously, does not seek Mr. Bennet’s attentions through devious stratagems.”
“I suppose that means, my dear, that your stratagems are right-handed by nature.” With his wine glass, he saluted his wife across the table before turning his attention to Charlotte Collins. “Sir William seems content with Maria’s match. Your sister’s young beau has a promising future in London.”
“Yes, Papa has written that he hopes to return to St. James when he and Mama travel to London to meet Mr. Richardson’s family.” Charlotte indicated Mr. Grange. “And Mrs. Bennet appears pleased with Mary’s match.”
“Yes, our Mary has snatched up a viable candidate. At least, Mrs. Bennet has said such on countless occasions, so I must believe it so. After all, Her Ladyship has deemed my wife to have no mental deficiencies.”
Charlotte chuckled lightly before saying softly, “Lady Catherine is perceptive in her evaluations.”
Mr. Bennet smiled knowingly. “Lizzy has assured me that nothing is beneath the great lady’s attention.”
Mrs. Collins tightened the line of her mouth. “Her Ladyship is all kindness. She has taken it upon herself to oversee my domestic concerns familiarly and minutely, offering advice on how everything ought to be regulated.”
Georgiana, who sat at the table’s head, could easily hear their conversation, and she recognized the extent of her aunt’s interference into the Collinses’ lives. It didn’t surprise her. As a child, she had admired her aunt’s steadfastness, especially after Sir Lewis’s passing. Few men could run an estate as efficiently as did Lady Catherine. Time, however, had taught Georgiana that Her Ladyship was not in commission for the peace of the area surrounding Rosings Park; instead, Lady Catherine was a most active magistrate in her own parish, the minutest concerns of which were carried to her by Mr. Collins, and before him, Mr. Knight; and whenever any of the cottagers were disposed to be quarrelsome, discontented, or too poor, her aunt sailed forth into the village to settle their differences, silence their complaints, and scold them into harmony and plenty. Lady Catherine bullied people into doing what she said, and although Georgiana understood her aunt, the girl couldn’t help but feel sorry for those of whom Her Ladyship took notice. She also felt compassion for the former Lady Catherine Fitzwilliam, who had been thrust by Sir Lewis’s death into a man’s world.
“Tell me of your Hertfordshire family, Mrs. Collins,” Georgiana ventured.
“Mr. Darcy!” Mr. Joseph looked up in surprise from where he draped a horse blanket over the stall’s slats to protect his family’s privacy.
Darcy remained some six feet removed from the enclosure. “Could I speak to you privately, Mr. Joseph?”
The man glanced behind him and then squeezed through the narrow opening between the fence’s slats. “How may I serve you, Mr. Darcy?” the man asked warily.
Darcy gestured to the barn’s main door. “Over there.” When they had secured privacy, Darcy cleared his throat. Uncomfortably, he began, “My wife has taken a liking to Mrs. Joseph.” He noted the man’s frown. “Therefore, my Elizabeth is greatly concerned for Mrs. Joseph’s health and well-being.”
“Please express our gratitude to Mrs. Darcy, but I’ll see to my wife’s safety.”
Darcy nodded. This would be embarrassing. “I would expect nothing less, Mr. Joseph. Yet, Mrs. Darcy has charged me with a specific task: My Elizabeth wishes us to share our chamber with you and Mrs. Joseph.”
As suspected, the man took the suggestion as criticism. “I may not be as rich as the Darcys of Pemberley,” Joseph hissed through gritted teeth. “But I can provide for my wife and child.”
Darcy understood Joseph’s anger. “I assure you, Sir, that I intend no offense.”
“What is it, Matthew?” Mrs. Joseph appeared at her husband’s side. She offered Darcy a brief curtsy. “Has something happened to Mrs. Darcy, Sir?”
She wore her cloak and gloves with a blanket draped about her shoulders. “Mrs. Darcy is well, Ma’am, but she worries for you and your child.”
Mrs. Joseph glanced at her husband’s sullen countenance. “It’s not the most comfortable accommodation, but Mr. Joseph will see to our beds.”
Darcy sighed deeply. “I have promised my wife that I would extend an invitation to you and Mr. Joseph to share our quarters.”
“And I’ve assured Mr. Darcy that we do not require his benevolence,” Mr. Joseph emphatically asserted.
The lady placed her hand gently on her husband’s arm. “Matthew, I’m certain Mr. Darcy is as uncomfortable at making his offer as you are at receiving it. May we hear him out before we respond?” Her husband grudgingly nodded. “Finish what you came to say, Mr. Darcy.”
“Thank you, Ma’am.” He took a deep breath and proceeded with his invitation. “As I said previously, Mrs. Darcy voices her concern for your health, Mrs. Joseph. It is miserably cold outside, and without heat, this situation will only increase. Mrs. Darcy believes it best that we open our door to you.” He paused briefly to gauge their reactions. Mr. Joseph still saw Darcy’s commission as interference, but the lady puzzled over what Darcy said.
Throwing caution to the side, Darcy continued. “My wife and I have lost two children, and it is likely that Mrs. Darcy is being overly cautious,” he explained. “But your comfort and protection, Ma’am, is important to Elizabeth; therefore, it’s important to me.” He swallowed his qualms. “I shouldn’t share additional intimacies, but my Elizabeth has denied her own gestation until an hour ago when she spoke of what she would want for our child if we were in your situation.
“Mrs. Darcy has protected her heart from the pain of losing another child by not accepting our future happiness. Tonight, she has acknowledged our possibilities — our joined life. Through you and Mr. Joseph, Elizabeth has allowed the world to keep spinning. She has promised to keep you safe, Mrs. Joseph, and I have promised the same for her. I’m not offering royal accommodations.You’ll still lie upon a pallet, but it will be before a warm hearth. You’ll have some privacy. My offer must be superior to a straw bed and sharing this space with more than a dozen drivers, hostlers, and footmen.”
Darcy didn’t miss the shiver shooting through the woman’s body. “Matthew, it would be infinitely better than what we have here,” she said softly. “Can you see past your pride to accept Mr. Darcy’s kindness?”
Joseph’s countenance softened when he looked upon his wife’s upturned face.As Darcy loved Elizabeth, this man loved his wife. “Is this what you wish, my dear?”
“I shall accept whatever decision you make.”
The man nodded slightly and then turned to Darcy. “How will this work, Sir?”
Darcy smiled in triumph. “In truth, I’m not certain. Mrs. Darcy was rearranging the room’s furniture when I left. She has sent for an additional screen to separate the room. I suspect, Mr. Joseph, that we should leave the details to our wives.They are likely more adept than either of us in such matters. It’ll be a life experience for us all. Yet, it will pass; within less than eight and forty hours, we’ll each be on our way.”
“Then should we not go in, Matthew? I must admit that I should love another cup of tea.” Mrs. Joseph reached for her husband’s hand. “Thank you, my husband.”
The man’s good humor restored, he said, “Allow Mr. Darcy to see you to the inn. I’ll gather our belongings and the blankets Mr. Washington provided and join you there.”
Darcy spotted his footman waiting nearby for possible orders. “My man will help you, Joseph.” He gestured his servant forward. “Jasper, would you see to Mr. Joseph’s luggage? Show him to Mrs. Darcy’s chamber.”
“Immediately, Sir.” The footman moved to where the Josephs had stored their luggage.
Offering his arm to Mrs. Joseph, Darcy escorted her toward the inn. “Mrs. Darcy will be pleased to have a female companion. I sent her maid ahead, so my wife is quite lonely.”
“Was what you said of Mrs. Darcy true, Sir? Has she known untimely pain twice?” She stepped gingerly on the icy surfaces.
Darcy tried to mask his own hurt. “Elizabeth has projected our losses to her current condition. If you have any thoughts of gratitude, Mrs. Joseph, I would ask that you treat my wife well. You’ll have no other obligation. I’ll be quite content.”
Without asking Georgiana’s permission, Lady Catherine stood to end the meal.“The ladies shall withdraw,” she announced to the table.
Everyone’s eyes immediately fell upon Georgiana, and she felt her composure falter, but Kitty, who sat on her left, reassuringly touched Georgiana’s hand under the table linen. For a brief second, they held each other’s gaze, and then Georgiana recovered. “Thank you,Your Ladyship, for reminding me of my duty. I was so enjoying the conversation that I didn’t wish it to end.” On shaky knees, Georgiana forced herself to her feet. “As my aunt has indicated, the ladies shall take tea in the green drawing room. I’ve arranged cards and other entertainments for when the gentlemen rejoin us.” The other ladies followed her example. “Your Ladyship, might I ask you to lead the way?”
With satisfaction, Georgiana noted her aunt’s flustered countenance. The fact that Lady Catherine hadn’t expected the light rebuke pleased her. With a huff, her aunt exited the room followed by Georgiana. However, outside the dining room Georgiana paused to speak to each woman as she passed. “Mrs. Bennet, might you and Mrs. Bingley pour the tea?”
“Of course, Miss Darcy.” Jane caught her mother’s arm to control the woman’s predictable response to Lady Catherine. She directed Mrs. Bennet toward the drawing room.
Georgiana continued her instructions. “Miss Bennet, may I impose upon you and Miss Bingley to see to the card tables? I would be most appreciative.”
“As you wish, Miss Darcy.”
Charlotte paused briefly. “Mrs. Jenkinson and I shall see to the chessboards.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Collins. Mrs. Annesley shall assist you.”
Although Kitty had tarried outside the closed dining room door for support, Georgiana first felt compelled to address her cousin. “Anne, please tell me Her Ladyship does not plan further acerbic displays.”
Anne glanced nervously toward the direction everyone led. “Who can say for certain what Her Ladyship has planned?”
Kitty moved closer, but Georgiana continued, “Why has my aunt come to Pemberley? Does Lady Catherine mean to wreak havoc on Fitzwilliam’s celebration? Does she so despise my brother for defying her? Or is Mrs. Darcy her target?”
Anne looked sympathetically at Georgiana. “All I know for certain is the Earl left for William’s Wood to attend the birth of Rowland’s child. Whether my mother therefore placed her objections aside and returned to Pemberley of her free will, or she truly feared the storm, I cannot say. Her Ladyship used the Collinses as an excuse for not departing for Kent, but, as you know, she managed to send word to Mr. Collins to come to Pemberley rather than to Matley Manor. Of course, that is assuming the Collinses’ coming to Matlock was the original intention.” Anne moved away to follow the others.
“Do you believe Lady Catherine will intentionally hurt Elizabeth?” Kitty whispered.
Georgiana frowned. “I have no idea. My aunt is quite unpredictable. I do know, however, that it would kill Fitzwilliam to see Elizabeth injured by Lady Catherine. I must do something to ensure Her Ladyship does not ruin my brother’s holiday.”
“I shall speak to Charlotte and see what she knows.We need to discover whether Lady Catherine planned to meet the Collinses at Pemberley or at your uncle’s estate.”
“Thank you, Kitty. I couldn’t do this without you.”
“We are sisters,” Kitty insisted. “Maybe not blood sisters, but sisters, nevertheless.”
Georgiana smiled sweetly. It was a comforting thought. “Yes… yes, we are.”
Darcy directed Mrs. Joseph through the common room and up the narrow stairs leading to the sleeping rooms. He tapped lightly on the door, and it swung wide to admit them.
“Oh, thank Goodness!” Elizabeth reached for Mrs. Joseph’s hand. “I feared you might refuse Mr. Darcy. Come in. Please, come in where it’s warm. Oh, my. Your hands are icy cold.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Mrs. Darcy.” Mrs. Joseph’s cheeks pinked. She let Elizabeth lead her to the hearth. “In… in the stable… this seemed more reasonable… than it does… does in this room,” she said nervously.
Elizabeth flitted from one place to another. “As you see, with Nan’s assistance, I have moved the dresser and have added a screen, essentially dividing the room in half.”
“Privacy will still be an issue, Mrs. Darcy,” her husband said from behind her.
“It’s true,” Elizabeth turned to him, “but if Mr. Betts and Mr. Dylan — two complete strangers — can share a room, and Mr. Horvak and Sir Jonathan can share, as well as Mr. Rennick and Mr. Livingstone, then surely we might find a way. It’s only for a day or two.”
Darcy smiled at her enthusiasm — Elizabeth’s happiness was infectious. “We’ve agreed in spirit, Mrs. Darcy. We’re simply looking for guidance on how to proceed.”
Elizabeth began to pace the small open area in the room’s middle. “Well, we’ll make pallets for the Josephs before the hearth.”
“We all assumed as such, Mrs. Darcy,” he teased.
“The gentlemen will sleep in…” Elizabeth gestured wildly with her hands.
Darcy chuckled as she blushed. He had wondered what she might say about the sleeping arrangements. In fact, he had anticipated this moment from the instant that she had “ordered” him to seek out the Josephs. Ideals were one thing, but reality was quite another. However, when Elizabeth turned to him with pleading eyes, Darcy melted. “Let me see.” He paused awkwardly. “I suppose the ladies could dress for bed first.”
“While the men wait downstairs,” Elizabeth interrupted.
“And we’ll be completely covered when you return,” Mrs. Joseph added.
Elizabeth picked up on the woman’s thoughts. “We could leave one candle burning until the men’s return. When they rejoin us, they will extinguish the light and prepare for bed in the darkened room.”
Mrs. Joseph gestured toward the hearth. “The fireplace and the moonlight should be bright enough for them to complete their preparations.”
Elizabeth’s countenance brightened. “See, Fitzwilliam. It can work.”
“I never doubted it, my dear.” He moved to answer Mr. Joseph’s knock. “Come in,” he said to the man. “While you and Jasper have been retrieving your belongings, Joseph, our ladies have worked out the logistics. I told you our wives were quite sensible.”
The man looked suspiciously at Darcy, but his wife showed Darcy’s servant where to place their things. “Now, Matthew,” she said, taking the extra blankets from his hands, “I want you and Mr. Darcy to go downstairs and enjoy a few drinks with the other men. Do not return for, at least, an hour.” She shot a glance at Elizabeth, who nodded her agreement. “Mrs. Darcy and I shall have everything settled by then.”
“Are you certain, Mary, that this is what you want?” Mr. Joseph asked seriously.
His wife squeezed his hand. “It’s as it should be, Matthew. For reasons we don’t understand, we’re supposed to be here at this time. At least, my hands are warm.” Mrs. Joseph smiled pointedly at him.
“As you wish, Mary,” he said softly. Turning quickly on his heels, Mr. Joseph strode from the room. “Come, Mr. Darcy. We must socialize.”
The door closed softly behind her husband before Mrs. Joseph dropped her guard. “Tell me, Mrs. Darcy, why you’ve chosen this path? Why is it imperative that Mr. Joseph and I share these quarters?”
Elizabeth’s eyebrows twitched in disbelief. “If you’re asking if I see this as an act of charity — one to feather my own list of good deeds, then you’ll be sadly disappointed.” Trying to discover the words to explain the unexplainable, Elizabeth bit her bottom lip. “I don’t know that I can describe my thoughts well enough to satisfy your understanding. I’m searching for order and reason amongst the chaos that would allow a man such as my husband to know the pain of burying both his parents and to experience what seems impossible — that he has had to shoulder the devastation of losing two children before he could hold either in his arms. I am fiercely indignant at the world’s injustices, and I’m fighting in my own disjointed way to ease the pain that God has left behind. Maybe by seeing to your needs, I’m healing my own heart and that of Mr. Darcy, as well.”
Mrs. Joseph nodded curtly. “Then let’s heal the discord — make our own happy endings.”
“Blur the line between appearance and truth?” Elizabeth regarded the woman thoughtfully.
“Exactly.”
“What do you suppose they’re doing up there?” Mr. Joseph grumbled as he and Darcy sipped ale. They had endured the ribbing of the others — some of it quite bawdy in nature.
“As my Elizabeth is a very practical woman, I suspect that she and Mrs. Joseph are arranging the sleeping situation and calculating how best to proceed.”
Joseph’s smile had a mocking edge. “Mrs. Joseph is as levelheaded as they come. I’m blessed by my wife’s good sense.”
Darcy examined the contents of his glass. “Then we’re back to square one: We should trust our wives to do the proper thing in this matter.”
“Greatness tipped Anne, even as a child,” Lady Catherine announced to a shocked room. Instead of praising Mary’s performance on the pianoforte, Her Ladyship extolled Anne’s non-existent musical ability.
At a nearby table, Mr. Collins reinforced his patron’s words. “Absolutely. A woman of distinguished birth. Apparent on first glance. Miss De Bourgh is far superior to the handsomest of her sex.”
Mr. Bennet trumped the card Mr. Collins played. “It is happy for you that you possess the talent of flattery with delicacy, Collins.” Mr. Bennet winked at Mary.
Collins ignored Bennet’s comment. “I thought I might read aloud from Fordyce’s Sermons after a few card hands if anyone would care to join me in the library.”
Georgiana noticed that Anne blushed from her mother’s false praise, but she said nothing. Instead, Anne kept her head down and attended to her embroidery. “I’m sorry, Anne,” Georgiana whispered as she bent to inspect her cousin’s work.
Anne glanced up briefly. “I should be accustomed to it, but the platitudes are hard to bear before so many witnesses.”
Georgiana touched the stitching as if to point out an error. Having recalled many nights when she comforted a distraught Cousin Anne, Georgiana said, “My aunt brings attention to you for reflected glory. If you’re everything she claims, Lady Catherine hasn’t failed as a mother.”
“How did you become so astute?” Anne asked quietly.
Georgiana shrugged. “It’s the Darcy blood… always so reasonable. It’s the Fitzwilliam family blood that holds the emotional response.”
“Play for us, Georgiana,” Anne encouraged. “Let us hear the emotions.”
Georgiana smiled warmly. “That may be exactly what I need to stay my anxiety.”
Mr. Nathan cleared his throat from behind her. “Excuse me, Miss Darcy. A report from the gatehouse indicates visitors on the main entrance.”
Georgiana breathed a relief’s sigh. “It must be Fitzwilliam and Mrs. Darcy,” she whispered. She shot a quick glance to where Lady Catherine continued to play her fish. “I would prefer to inform my brother of the additions to his household before he and Elizabeth make their entrances. Excuse me, Anne.” She nodded her departure. “Come with me, Kitty. I may need your support.”
“But Elizabeth isn’t to know that I’m here,” Kitty reminded her.
“We’ll think of something.” Georgiana tugged Kitty along behind her as they made their way to the main foyer.
Darcy tapped lightly on the door to signal his and Mr. Joseph’s entrance. “Come in,” Elizabeth called from the semidarkness.
Darcy eased the door open and slid into the rearranged room. Nodding to Joseph, he silently made his way to where Elizabeth lay curled under the blanket. A single candle lit the space. He began to remove his jacket and boots.
Mr. Joseph made his way gingerly across the altered space. Mrs. Joseph rested on a mat before the hearth. Two folding screens separated the areas.
“Tell me when I can extinguish the candle,” Darcy said aloud.
Joseph didn’t answer, but Darcy could hear the man moving about so he assumed that Joseph had heard him. Darcy removed his cravat and waistcoat and draped them over a chair back. Then he waited for Mr. Joseph to finish his undressing. “You can put out the candle, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Joseph’s deep voice filled the room.
Obediently, Darcy blew out the flame and then removed his shirt. He slid under the blanket and took his wife in his arms. Darcy spooned Elizabeth’s body with his and silently kissed behind her ear. “I love you,” he whispered.
Automatically, Elizabeth rolled over to press herself to him. She lightly kissed his chest and breathed the words, “Thank you.”
Darcy kept his mouth close to her ear. “You owe me, Mrs. Darcy.” He purposely ran his tongue over her ear’s folds. “And when we escape this small crisis, I’ll have my price.”
“Which is?” She smiled against his chest.
Darcy sucked on Elizabeth’s ear lobe. “You know as well as I, Elizabeth.” Then he kissed her tenderly. Settling her comfortably in his arms, he turned to bury his face in her hair. Inhaling the scent of lavender, he said softly, “Good night, my love.”
Georgiana and Kitty raced along the passage and down the main staircase. “We’ll tell Elizabeth that your parents allowed you to return to Pemberley because you were lonely now that Miss Bennet is engaged.”
“Elizabeth will never believe I miss Mary’s company,” Kitty objected.
Georgiana tutted her disagreement. “We just need for our sister to believe us long enough for her to reach the drawing room to greet your family.”
They waited impatiently for the Darcys’ arrival, each girl fidgeting with her dress. Then Mr. Nathan opened the door, and instead of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, three winter-cloaked gentlemen strode through the opening. Both girls stood in awe of the men — all fine specimens of maleness. “Oh, my,” Kitty swallowed her words. She clawed at Georgiana’s arm.
But Georgiana stood frozen in place. The man in front held her mesmerized. A year — more than a year had passed since she had last seen him, but he remained as before. Solid. Raven haired. Smoky blue eyes. Eyes that appeared to look through her. See me. Georgiana willed herself not to say the words. He was not quite as tall as Fitzwilliam, and the man’s broad shoulders filled Georgiana’s gaze. “Edward!” she called and launched herself into his waiting arms. In his embrace, Georgiana inhaled him deeply. He smelled of cold and leather and sweat and the spicy cologne he always had worn. “Thank God, you’ve returned to us.”
Her cousin picked her up, clutching Georgiana to his chest, and swung her around in a circle. “My, goodness!” he laughed easily. “What happened to my little Georgie?”
“You’ve been away for a year, Edward,” she protested.
“So, I have.” He laughed again as he set her on her feet. “Where’s that rascally brother of yours?” He glanced toward the main stairs.
“Fitzwilliam and Mrs. Darcy are on their way from Northumberland,” she explained.
Edward frowned. “Well, Fitz will be delayed. We barely made it from Liverpool on horseback. Darcy won’t chance it in a carriage.” The colonel gestured to the men waiting behind him. “Do you have rooms available, Cousin? I don’t wish to attempt riding to Matlock.”
“Of course.” Georgiana nodded to Mr. Nathan, and the man ducked into a servant’s passageway to do her bidding.
Edward spotted Kitty waiting patiently. “And is this who I believe it to be?” he asked teasingly.
“You remember Mrs. Darcy’s sister Catherine from the wedding, do you not, Edward?”
The colonel bowed to Kitty. “Absolutely. I am pleased to find you at Pemberley, Miss Catherine.”
Kitty curtsied to the group. “I’m certain Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth shall be thrilled for your return, Colonel.”
Edward placed Georgiana’s hand on his arm. “Allow we to introduce my traveling companions, my dear. Miss Darcy. Miss Catherine. May I present Lieutenant Roman Southland? The lieutenant is my assistant.”
The officer bowed formally. “Miss Darcy, the colonel has spoken often of his cousin, but his words didn’t do you justice.” He kissed Georgiana’s outstretched hand. “Thank you for accepting our intrusion upon your hospitality.”
“Pemberley would never turn away the colonel’s associates,” Georgiana responded. “Edward is family.” She wanted to ask what her cousin had said of her and how often the colonel spoke of her, but instead, Georgiana smiled welcomingly at the man.
“And this gentleman,” the colonel indicated the man not wearing a uniform. “This is Mr. Beauford Manneville. Mr. Manneville is from South Carolina in the Americas, but he’s come to our ‘enemy’ shores to do business with our government and to renew his acquaintance with his distant cousin Lord Shelton.”
“Welcome to England, Mr. Manneville.” Georgiana curtsied and again extended her hand. “I’m sorry that your first experience on British shores brings you icy roads.”
The colonel laughed softly. “You don’t understand, Georgie. In South Carolina, snow rarely falls. Cold weather doesn’t tarry either. Is that not correct, Manneville?”
The man openly shivered. “I’ve never been so cold, Colonel, and you may leave your levity out of it, Sir.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam bowed stiffly. “As you wish, Manneville.” He turned to Georgiana with a touch of lightheartedness. “And from what did we pull you ladies?”
Georgiana suddenly remembered the others waiting in the drawing room for her return. “Oh, Edward,” she gushed. “I am doubly happy to see you, especially in Fitzwilliam’s absence. We’ve a houseful of guests, including Lady Catherine and Anne.”
“Darcy invited our aunt for Christmas?” he asked incredulously.
“No. Her Ladyship invited herself, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Collins. Lady Catherine visited the Earl, but His Lordship and the Countess have traveled east to welcome the arrival of Viscount Lindale’s first child.”
Edward beamed with the news. “Did you hear, Southland? I’m to be an uncle. My brother Rowland’s wife is in her confinement.”
The lieutenant removed his gloves and laid them nearby. “Then it is fortuitous that we didn’t seek Matlock. It appears your family is scattered between here and Lincolnshire, Sir.”
“They are. That they are.” He smiled genuinely at Georgiana. “Come, Gentlemen. I’ll introduce you to Lady Catherine De Bourgh, my family’s paragon of virtue,” he said teasingly.
Georgiana fell into step beside him as they climbed the stairs. “In addition to Her Ladyship and Anne, the Bingleys and the Bennets are in residence,” she said softly.
“My, you do have a houseful. I thought you exaggerated, Cousin. How many await me in the drawing room?” he directed Georgiana toward the open door. Kitty and the lieutenant followed, and Mr. Manneville brought up the rear. “Counting you three, we number nineteen,” she responded. “Fitzwilliam invited the Bennets and Mr. and Mrs. Bingley as a surprise for Mrs. Darcy, but others have sought shelter at Pemberley.” Georgiana leaned against him. “Handling so many distinct personalities has been challenging.”
His finger stroked her arm. “You’ve performed well, Georgie. I’m proud of you.”
They had reached the open door. Taking a deep breath, Georgiana glided into the room.“Look who’s joined us,” she announced.
For the length of two heartbeats, no one moved, and then Anne, Lady Catherine, and Mr. Bingley rushed forward to greet the colonel. Anne, who was the closest to the door, reached him first.
“Edward,” she gasped. “You’ve returned to us. Bless the Heavens!”
The colonel embraced her warmly. “I’m well, Anne.” He kissed her cheek. “You look lovely.”
“My health has improved,” she said shyly.
“That pleases me more than you know.” Edward then turned to his aunt. He took Lady Catherine’s outstretched hand and bowed over it. “Your Ladyship.” He offered the obligatory air kiss. “You, too, look well.”
“I am as I always am, Edward.” She accepted his whispery kiss on her cheek. “You are a fortnight early, Sir. The Earl departed for Lindale’s estate less than a day prior.”
“So Georgiana has informed me.” He glanced about the room taking in familiar and unfamiliar faces. “I pray Lady Lindale has a safe delivery.”
Lady Catherine stepped to the side. “We are anticipating Darcy’s arrival,” she clarified.
The colonel nodded his understanding. “As I have explained to Georgiana, I would not expect Darcy for, at least, another day. We traveled by horseback from Liverpool. The roads remain treacherous. We walked the horses the last seven miles or so.”
“That’s disappointing,” Mr. Bingley observed, “but safety is paramount to speed in such cases.”
The colonel blew out a long breath. “It was a difficult journey.” He shook Bingley’s hand. “If you will allow the impropriety,” he said to the group, “my associates and I will freshen our clothes and then rejoin you. With such a large party, introductions will take some time.”
“Of course, Colonel,” Lady Catherine declared before Georgiana could open her mouth. “I assume my niece can have meals sent in.”
Edward interrupted. “Georgiana is a gracious hostess, Aunt. My cousin will see to our needs without error. She’s Lady Anne’s daughter and understands her duties.”
“Come, Gentlemen.” Georgiana gestured toward the hall. “Mr. Nathan has indicated that your rooms are ready. I’ll show you the way.”
The three travelers bowed solemnly to the room and followed her. Georgiana caught Edward’s hand. “Thank you for deflecting Her Ladyship’s implied censure.”
“You don’t need rescuing, Georgie,” he whispered. “But I’ll act your gallant if you prefer.”
“You are my gallant, Edward,” she said softly.“You always have been.” With a coy smile, Georgiana moved away to order food and drink.
“In late summer, the British won the Battle of Bladensburg and marched into Washington,” the lieutenant explained to a captivated audience gathered around the drawing room hearth. He, the colonel, and Manneville had updated the Pemberley household on the action he and Colonel Fitzwilliam had seen in the Americas. “We burned most of the public buildings, and the American President, Madison, fled into the countryside.”
“It sounds as if the British have everything in hand,” Mr. Collins remarked.
Edward said dryly, “The lieutenant omits the fact that he saved me from a bullet at Bladensburg.” His words sent an obvious shiver through his young cousin’s body, and he wished he had withheld the information that had brought Georgiana anguish. He still couldn’t believe the changes in her. She was absolutely mesmerizing.
“It was my duty, Sir,” Southland protested.
“It was an honorable act,” Edward corrected.
Manneville chortled. “You hear only the British side.”
Mr. Bennet questioned. “Is there another side, Mr. Manneville?”
The man stood closer to the fire than the others. He continued to warm himself. “If you inquire whether my loyalties lie with the Brits or the Yanks, Mr. Bennet, I’d confess to neither passion.” The man’s words smoothly tripped from his tongue. “My father was British and my mother American. I win either way.”
Caroline Bingley, who’d been watching both strangers carefully, ventured, “Have the British suffered losses, Mr. Manneville?”
“The American defense of Fort McHenry turned back the British forces, Ma’am.” He continued with the enticing lilt that took tragic events and softened their edges. “In the North, Captain Thomas MacDonough destroyed the British fleet in the Battle of Lake Champlain. The British have retreated into Canada.”
“When we departed,” Edward explained, “our forces under Wellington’s brother in marriage, Sir Edward Pakenham, marched into the city of New Orleans. Some 10,000 troops and fifty ships are involved.”
“Shall the British prevail?” Kitty asked innocently.
The lieutenant resumed the telling. “The Americans have a veteran leader in Major General Andrew Jackson.”
Mr. Manneville let out a harsh chuckle. “They call Jackson ‘Old Hickory’ for a reason. He won’t bend.”
Lady Catherine interrupted, “Well, I have had enough of this unholy war for one evening.” She stood to depart. “Edward, we are pleased in your safe return. Matlock will be sorry he missed you.”
“I’ll send Father word when the weather changes.” He bowed to her. “Good evening, Your Ladyship.”
“I should’ve taken my leave some time ago,” Mr. Winkler announced to the group.
Georgiana caught Kitty’s blush. Mr. Winkler had stood behind Kitty’s chair for the last hour. “You cannot leave, Mr. Winkler. I cannot have you hurt after playing the Good Samaritan for Mr. and Mrs. Collins.”
“That’s too kind, Miss Darcy. But I should not…” Winkler began.
“Nonsense,” the colonel declared. “Mr. Darcy can afford a room for your comfort, Winkler.”
Georgiana’s gaze never wavered. “It’s settled, Sir.”
An hour later, Georgiana and Kitty climbed the main stairs together. “When had you planned to tell me of Mr. Winkler?” Georgiana teased.
“As I did not know myself until this evening, how could I tell anyone?” Kitty’s eyebrow kicked up.
Georgiana giggled. “What do you think of the possibilities?”
Kitty clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “Delicious. At least, in some ways. Mr. Winkler is a fine-looking man. But then again, so are Mr. Manneville, Lieutenant Southland, and your cousin.”
Georgiana jerked to a stop, her mind rebelling at her friend’s words. “Kitty, you’re welcome to choose among our guests. Look to Mr. Winkler, to Mr. Manneville, or to the lieutenant. Look to any of them except the colonel.”
Kitty wrapped her hand around Georgiana’s elbow and smiled sweetly. “Exactly as I supposed. So, that’s how the land lies?”
“That’s exactly how it is.”