Darcy and Elizabeth What If? Collection 1 by Jennifer Lang Read Free Book Online Page A

home,’ she said. ‘You look tired. Is anything wrong?’
    ‘No, nothing,’ he said. ‘Or, at least, nothing for you to worry about.’
    The biggest satisfaction of his life was that Georgiana had had nothing to worry about since the death of their parents. Darcy had sheltered and protected her, so that she was growing into a happy and confident woman. No love affairs or unsuitable affections had marred her fifteen years. He had guarded her well.
    He thought suddenly of the companion he had hired to accompany his sister to Ramsgate over the summer. The woman had proved to be unsuitable, and had encouraged Georgiana in some fanciful thoughts about the romantic nature of elopements. This Darcy had discovered on a surprise visit to see his sister in Ramsgate. He had even wondered if Mrs Younge had been preparing Georgiana for the advances of a fortune hunter. But luckily nothing had come of it. However, he had sent some of the Pemberley servants to Ramsgate to watch over his sister, and he had dismissed Mrs Younge as soon as Georgiana returned to London.
    In time, he hoped she might marry Charles Bingley, or some other kind and wealthy gentleman. But for now he wanted her to be exactly as she was: open, trusting and loving. A perfect sister.
    ‘My guardian called while you were out,’ said Georgiana, taking Darcy’s arm in a confiding manner. ‘He could not stay, but I invited him to dine with us.’
    ‘You did well,’ said Darcy.
    Georgiana had two guardians. One was himself and the other was his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. She had needed guardians because her parents died before she came of age, and she would need them until she married or reached her majority. Darcy relished the rôle, and he knew that his cousin also liked it and took it seriously.
    But Darcy was not just glad for Georgiana’s sake that Colonel Fitzwilliam was in town, he was glad for his own sake. He found himself on the horns of a dilemma. And he would value his cousin’s advice. Bingley, for all he was an amiable young man, did not have the breadth of experience that Darcy felt in need of. Because he had a challenge facing him.
    Should he should reveal the fact that Wickham was married?
    And, if so, how he should do it?
     
    Dinner that evening was convivial. Georgiana was old enough to be dining with the adults and it did her good to have some experience of society. She was joined at the table by her new companion, a sensible woman who was a friend and confidante as well as someone who could teach her etiquette and such like.
    Bingley was in a cheerful mood. He had tended to some business in town but was looking forward to returning home to Netherfield the following day.
    Colonel Fitzwilliam brought with him news of the war and news of his family. The conversation flowed easily until it was time for Georgiana to withdraw, leaving the gentlemen to sit over their port.
    They did not sit long, however, because they knew that Georgiana had no one to talk to except her companion and so they soon joined her.
    Darcy suggested that Bingley should sing for them. He had a fine tenor voice and Georgiana accompanied him on the pianoforte.
    ‘Neatly done,’ said Colonel Fitzwilliam appreciatively.
    Darcy raised his eyebrows questioningly.
    ‘Getting rid of Bingley and Georgiana – in the nicest way, of course.’
    ‘Was it obvious?’ asked Darcy.
    ‘Only to me,’ Colonel Fitzwilliam reassured him. ‘But I have seen since dinner that something is pressing heavily on your mind. Will you tell me what it is?’
    ‘I will, for I would value your advice.’
    ‘You will go your own way as usual, I suppose?’ asked Colonel Fitzwilliam, who knew Darcy to be a strong-minded individual.
    ‘Yes, I will. But my own way might change once I have spoken to you. You have a wide knowledge of the world and as I find myself in a difficult position I would like to know your feelings on the subject.’
    Colonel Fitzwilliam crossed one booted foot over the other