Christmas at Pemberley (48 page)

ELIZABETH MADE SMALL TALK as she circled the room. Darcy had begged a few minutes to address some urgent correspondence that had arrived during their absence, but she would have preferred that he'd stayed with her. As much as she adored having her dear family with her, Elizabeth required time to privately analyze what had occurred between her and Lady Catherine. Unfortunately, that analysis would have to wait until she retired for the evening, but Darcy's presence would make the wait tolerable. “Yes, Miss De Bourgh's engagement was a bit of a surprise, but a pleasant one, nevertheless,” she said in response to Jane's inquiry regarding the afternoon's announcement. “I wasn't aware of Miss De Bourgh's prior acquaintance with the lieutenant, but Fitzwilliam was.” Although they'd not discussed it, Elizabeth knew her husband would repeat the skewed tale to protect his cousin's reputation.

“The lieutenant doesn't possess Mr. Darcy's consequence, but I'm certain it'll be a companionable match,” Jane added.

“The colonel says the man is in line for a promotion,” Bingley said privately.

Elizabeth smiled easily, “Lady Catherine sees the advantage of having a son who has honorably served his country.” Georgiana's and Kitty's entrances immediately caught her eye. Their agitation couldn't be hidden. “Excuse me,” she said to the others and met her sisters in the room's middle.

“What is it?” she whispered anxiously as she caught Georgiana's hand.

“It's Mr. Darcy,” Kitty hissed. “He's refused Mr. Winkler's suit.”

Elizabeth grimaced. “Are you certain, Kitty? Mr. Darcy assured me that he'd see to your future.”

Georgiana sighed deeply. “My brother asked Mr. Winkler to wait indefinitely—until I find a match. Elizabeth, I've no desire for a Season. How do I make my brother understand?”

Elizabeth shot a glance about the room. “Georgiana, you'll come with me to speak to your brother. Kitty, you'll remain here and assist the colonel in entertaining our guests.”

“But I wish to come also,” Kitty protested.

“I need you to stay here,” Elizabeth insisted. “I cannot have everyone knowing what we discuss, or Mr. Darcy shan't budge.”

Without knocking, Elizabeth slid the door to Darcy's study open and entered. She tugged a reluctant Georgiana along behind her. Pointedly, she closed the door before turning to say, “You promised you wouldn't pit your sister against mine, but that's exactly what you've done.”

 

Darcy glanced up with a smile at his wife's entrance, but a second glance at Elizabeth's countenance told him she was upset. Then, she delivered her accusation, and he knew immediately that this would be a heated exchange. “Could this not wait until Pemberley no longer holds outside guests?”

“As those guests are of whom you object, my husband, I don't think that's possible.” She now stood before his desk.

Darcy remained seated. He'd realized his error in dealing with Winkler, but he'd not found an opportunity to correct it. “What has your sister disclosed?” he tried to keep his tone disengaged.

“That you refused Kitty's match until Georgiana marries,” Elizabeth declared. “Can you deny that you have done it?”

Hers was an accurate summary, but his wife didn't understand the
ton
's snobbishness. Georgiana would be judged by Elizabeth's connections. “I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my power to protect my sister's future.”

“By destroying Kitty's?”

Darcy stood and slowly circled his desk. “Kitty's future is far from destroyed. I simply asked Winkler to lengthen his engagement.”

“I didn't hear you disparage Mary's joining with Mr. Grange,” she accused. “Is my sister's repugnance so strong as to taint Georgiana? If so, how can you consider my presence to be to your sister's benefit? Shall I hide in the country while you entertain in London?”

How could Darcy explain that their marriage eliminated any objection the aristocracy would have to his wife? He was a plain “Mister,” but he came from those with titles, and he was one of the country's wealthiest men. All those realities would protect Elizabeth, but not her family. He had considered how Mary Bennet was locked away in an insignificant part of Hertfordshire, but even his association with Bingley could be called into question. “When Georgiana goes to London, you'll be in attendance as my wife.”

“But shall I be her sponsor? Shan't my presence shame your sister's entrance into Society? After all, I've the same connections as Kitty.” Elizabeth's hands fisted at her waist.

Darcy needed to reason with her, but when she took that stance, reason would be a hard purchase. Her connections were the same as Kitty's, but there was no reason to remind Lady Jersey and the other
ton
leaders of that fact. “I admit I didn't handle Winkler's request well, but I'm familiar with how the
ton
thinks. Although Winkler is a minor son, he has no significant inheritance, and Kitty's joining would ultimately reflect on Georgiana. Plus, we've spoken previously of the delicacy of my future dealings with Winkler if he marries Kitty.” Darcy moved closer. “You must realize the depth of my responsibilities to this estate and to the neighborhood.”

“It sounds very much as if your prejudice has returned, Fitzwilliam,” she said softly.

Darcy took her into his arms and pulled his wife closer. Thankfully, she didn't resist the gesture. “That's not so, but I'm charged with Georgiana's future. As such, I must consider how the
beau monde
will accept her. The situation is not of my making. What would you have me do? The
ton
's influence is too strong.” He kissed her forehead. “I regret that I've given the appearance of improper pride. I seek a solution that will benefit both our sisters.”

“I don't want Kitty to be denied because of me,” Georgiana protested from where she had remained beside the door.

Darcy turned to his sister. “Georgiana, you're some years out of the schoolroom. People believe I've denied you your inheritance long enough. Most young ladies enter the Season at seventeen. You're already nineteen and will be twenty before your Come Out. It's unprecedented to wait so long,” he explained. “I'm charged with meeting my obligation to you.”

“But I do not wish a presentation.” She raised her chin in defiance.

Edward had noted the distraught look on Georgiana's face when she entered the room earlier. Immediately, he would've gone to her, but Mrs. Darcy's mother and Miss Bingley both quizzed him on Anne's engagement. “Yes, the lieutenant saved my life during one of the American skirmishes,” he'd said. “I'm pleased that a man I admire has agreed to protect my cousin.”

“It was a speedy joining,” Miss Bingley said coyly.

Edward wanted to lambaste her gossipy nature, but he said, “Southland has expressed his regard for my Kent family on numerous occasions, so, of course, he was happy to renew his acquaintance with my cousin. I suspect, as they're both more mature, that the time seemed appropriate to express their common regard rather than to let Fate separate them again.”As he spoke, he observed how Mrs. Darcy led Georgiana from the room.

Determined to know what had brought on Georgiana's pique,
Edward excused himself and began to circle the room. He would question Kitty, who seemed as agitated as did Georgiana. He paused periodically and spoke to one grouping or another, but he continued on his quest. The Bingleys had taken it upon themselves to organize several parlor games while they waited for the Darcys' return. Finally, he reached her. “Walk with me, Miss Catherine,” he said as he steered Kitty away from her sister's betrothed.

Once they were out of earshot, Edward asked softly, “What disturbs Georgiana?”

Kitty didn't hesitate. “Mr. Darcy has decided that Miss Darcy should have a Season.”

Edward's chest constricted. “Why should that be an issue for my cousin?” he asked evenly.

Kitty sought a private corner before she responded. “Mr. Winkler has asked Mr. Darcy for permission to court me. My sister's husband has permanently delayed Mr. Winkler's suit until Miss Darcy makes a match. Mr. Darcy seems to feel the connection wouldn't benefit Georgiana.”

Edward grimaced. “My cousin wishes to protect his sister.” Although he disdained his cousin's tactics, he understood Darcy's objection. In fact, if Georgiana's presence didn't rattle his brain so completely, he might've considered Darcy's diplomacy reasonable.

“Yet, Georgiana eschews her brother's plans,” Kitty protested.

“Why would Miss Darcy not want to experience a Season?” He'd his own reasons for not wishing to see a bunch of young bucks fawning at Georgiana's feet, but he'd thought a Season would be necessary before he could declare himself. At least, a few days ago, those had been his thoughts.

Kitty paused and turned to him. “Surely, Colonel, you know what Miss Darcy wants above anything else.”

Edward strode through Pemberley's halls toward his cousin's study. Mr. Nathan had told him all the Darcys were together in Darcy's
private room. Just as he opened the door, unannounced, he heard Georgiana say, “But I do not wish a presentation.”

Quietly, Edward eased the door closed and waited. “Edward, thank Goodness.” Darcy's recognition brought an immediate blush to Georgiana's cheek. “Perhaps you can reason with your ward.”

Edward stepped around her in order to place himself between Darcy and his sister. He suspected his cousin wouldn't be happy with what he'd have to say, and Edward would protect Georgiana from Darcy's rage. “How is Georgiana acting unreasonably?”

Darcy stepped away from his wife. “I've decided that Georgiana will make her debut this Season, probably in the fall, after Mrs. Darcy's confinement, but Georgiana prefers to ignore her obligations.”

Edward turned to glance at a downcast-eyed Georgiana. “Is what your brother said true, Georgiana? Do you shun a Season's experience?”

“Tell the colonel the truth, Georgiana,” Elizabeth encouraged.

Edward noted how Darcy eyed his wife suspiciously, but his cousin remained silent. “Well, Georgiana,” he prompted.

Barely audible, she said, “I do not wish it.”

“Tell me your reason,” he said softly.

He watched her struggle with her composure, but Georgiana managed, “I want a match of my own choosing.”

“Is that all?” Darcy interrupted. “I'd never force you to marry someone you didn't favor.You must know that, Georgiana.”

Elizabeth stepped past her husband to rush to Georgiana's side. “Of course, your sister knows you wouldn't force her to marry someone not of her choosing.”