Assumed Engagement by Kara Louise Read Free Book Online Page A

over to her brother, and then back to the doctor with a pleading look. "Thank you. My prayers are with you, Doctor."
    Georgiana went down to the dining room and found Elizabeth and Jane visiting in the sitting room. They were grateful to see her; concerned for her well being. Georgiana tried to express a greeting, but words would not come.
    Elizabeth noticed immediately that she had been crying, her eyes red and swollen. She instantly went to her side and put her arm about her, escorting her to the dining room. She suddenly felt all the young girl's weight fall upon her as Miss Darcy collapsed in tears again. Elizabeth supported her and brought her to a chair and helped her sit.
    "Here, Georgiana. Let me get you something to eat and drink." Elizabeth promptly addressed one of the maids to bring some tea and she began filling a plate with some breads and fruit. "Please try to eat a little bit."
    Georgiana looked up with grateful eyes and whispered a genuine, "Thank you."
    Jane looked on with great sympathy, amazed at how Elizabeth handled the young girl. She smiled to herself as she saw an attachment growing between the two and was content to let her sister handle the situation. They both sat themselves down with the distraught girl and encouraged her to eat, with futile results.
    "I saw the doctor come in. Does he say anything?" asked Elizabeth .
    "No, at least… there were no words of… hope. He is examining him now as he has every day. All I can do now is to wait."
    "Georgiana," Elizabeth offered, "I find that a walk outside does much to exhilarate me and give me strength. Please try to eat a little more and then, would you join me outside whilst we wait for the doctor to finish?"
    "Oh, I do not know if I should leave…" Georgiana picked up some bread and took a few bites and then began sipping at her tea.
    Elizabeth was encouraged that at least she was eating something.
    "Let me assure you it will do you so much good. Besides, it will make the time go faster while the doctor is in with your brother. Jane, would you care to join us?"
    "No, Lizzy , I would prefer to stay close by the house." The look Jane gave Elizabeth implied her impatience to see Charles and her determination to be there as soon as he arrived.
    Elizabeth gave her a knowing smile and gently reached for Georgiana's arm. "Shall we go?" she asked, as her brows lifted in encouragement.
    "Thank you," Georgiana delicately said.
    Elizabeth contemplated this young girl. Last night she had spoken timidly but very satisfactorily about her brother. This morning she was reserved and shy, quite affected apparently, by another day of little hope. Elizabeth felt a very strong sisterly type of affection that she would like to help her through this.
    The day had dawned bright and sunny. The clouds had moved on and the air was fresh and clear as they stepped outside. Elizabeth escorted Georgiana, with her arm through hers, as much for strength as for comfort. Elizabeth inhaled sharply as she took in the beautiful prospect around the house; one that she had not seen last night for the darkness. Her heart swelled with admiration for the beauty and natural order of this place, but she felt it would not be wise to dwell on that subject with Georgiana at the moment. So they walked briefly in silence as Elizabeth 's eyes looked around taking in the splendour.
    Georgiana finally, cautiously, broke the silence. "I do not know how to thank you. My brother, in his letters, spoke highly of you; of your charm, intelligence, and wit. He assured me that I would… that I would truly like you. I must agree with him… that I do."
    Elizabeth felt herself blush and was somewhat discomfited by her words of praise. "Thank you, Georgiana. I am quite fond of you, as well."
    "Pray forgive me for my stammering. Oftentimes, I feel as though I do not know how to… speak with others… in a way that is expected. My brother is so good, but he is often gone. Miss Annesley, my governess is very