Chapter 19

7 th Chapal Street

Cheapside

15 th April, 1813

The carriage came to a gentle halt, and Darcy automatically lifted his hand to his cravat, which he had tied with more than usual care.

“Everything will be well, Brother,” Georgiana said, and Darcy smiled gratefully at her.

“I hope so,” he said. “I am afraid that Miss Bennet may have decided that we will not suit.”

“It is silly to worry about that,” Georgiana said, spearing him with a glower.

Darcy chuckled at these stern words just as the door opened and he stepped down onto the pavement and then handed his sister out of the carriage.

“It is a nice house,” she said, looking approvingly at the brick dwelling, which was, while small, neat and well kept.

“Indeed,” he agreed and swallowed hard. It was, he knew, a sign of how much he loved Miss Bennet that he was so nervous about seeing her again, but his agitation was hardly helpful in these circumstances, as it would probably make him even more awkward than usual.

“Come along,” Georgiana ordered. He obediently held out his arm, and the pair made their way to the front door, which was painted a cheery red, and knocked.

The door was opened by a middle-aged woman of comfortable proportions dressed in servant’s garb, who accepted their names and said, “Miss Bennet is waiting for you in the drawing room, sir and miss. Please come this way.”

The Darcys followed her down a short corridor and into a modestly sized room where Elizabeth Bennet was seated next to a window reading a book. Darcy was sufficiently arrested by the sight of his love that he barely noticed the room itself, except to note vaguely that it was made up in soothing colors of blue and gray.

Elizabeth leaped to her feet at their arrival and hurried over, a smile lighting up her beautiful face. “Mr. Darcy, Georgiana, how marvelous to see you both!”

Darcy’s chest eased at these words, and he returned the smile. “Miss Bennet, it is wonderful to see you again.”

“Indeed, it is!” Georgiana added, stepping forward to embrace her friend, which naturally provoked a surge of envy in Darcy’s chest. He wanted to embrace Elizabeth!

“Please sit down, both of you,” Elizabeth said, gesturing toward a circle of chairs near the low fire. “Mrs. Simpson, might we have tea in a few minutes?”

“Of course, Miss,” the housekeeper replied and retreated out of the room.

Darcy guided Georgiana to a wingbacked chair, waited for her and his beloved to seat themselves, and then lowered himself onto a wooden chair.

“Is Mrs. Russell here today?” Georgiana asked, looking around curiously.

Elizabeth wrinkled her nose and said, “She is but will not be coming down. The truth is that ... well, I know it is indelicate to mention this, but I am certain you will understand because of Anne Fitzwilliam’s own situation; my sister is with child and having a difficult time of it.”

“Oh!” Georgiana said. “I am sorry she is feeling poorly, but that is such wonderful news.”

“It is,” Elizabeth agreed, her forehead creased. “We are very happy for her and my brother-in-law, but she is rather miserable, and being in London is not helpful. Mr. Russell has decided that for her health, she needs some sea air, and thus we will be traveling to Brighton in the next few days.”

Darcy felt his heart sink at these words. “You will be journeying with her, then?”

She turned an apologetic gaze on him and said, “Yes. Please know that I regret leaving London just as you have arrived, sir. However, Mr. Russell is a tradesman and cannot be away from his business for long, and Jane needs me desperately. I hope you can understand.”

She looked nervous, and his despondency melted away into compassion. “Miss Bennet, I will not pretend that I am pleased you must depart, but I understand completely, and in fact, would expect nothing else in the situation. I know you love your sister very much and will always be eager to succor her in her troubles. I well remember your march from Longbourn to Netherfield when she fell ill.”

Elizabeth relaxed noticeably and said, “Indeed, and a rare sight I was, with mud on my skirt and shoes. But it mattered not, because as you said, Jane needed me. We can still write one another, of course, if you like.”

“I would like that very much,” Darcy said with a smile.

The door opened at this juncture to reveal a young man of some thirty summers, of medium height, good looking though not strikingly so, with dark hair and blue eyes. They all stood, and Elizabeth introduced the Darcys to her brother by marriage, Mr. Russell.

Darcy did his best to be agreeable to the man and was relieved to find the task easy enough. Mr. Russell might be a tradesman, but he was obviously well read and his manners were a pleasing mixture of amiable and courteous.

The ensuing discussion between the foursome was pleasant, and when an hour had passed, the Darcys left for Darcy House. Darcy was aware of both delight and sorrow; delight because Miss Bennet was obviously pleased to be in a courtship with him, sorrow that she would soon be out of his reach once again.