Page 55 of The Crown’s Gift

Elizabeth pressed the note between the pages of Darcy's letter.

When she returned to Netherfield in May, the estate was brilliant with hawthorn. Jane's wedding plans filled the house. Bingley came daily and had learned to ask Jane's opinion before altering even the breakfast menu at Longbourn, a reform so enthusiastic that Jane finally told him she did not require consultation over eggs.

Mary missed Georgiana. Kitty and Lydia begged for news of officers. Lady Bennet complained that Charlotte's wedding had been too quiet and therefore Jane's must compensate.

Life had continued while Elizabeth's understanding changed.

One evening she entered her father's library and placed the investigation report before him.

"You knew about Georgiana?"

Sir Thomas looked up sharply. "Darcy told you."

"Yes."

"Colonel Fitzwilliam disclosed it to me under confidence."

"I will keep it."

"I know."

She walked to the window. "I accused him of secrecy as though I were entitled to every truth. He was protecting her."

"He might protect without contempt."

"That is what he wrote."

Sir Thomas leaned back. "Then he is capable of learning."

"Is that enough?"

"Enough for what?"

Elizabeth looked out over Netherfield's lawns. "I do not know."

Her father did not force her to name it.

That summer, when the Gardiners proposed a tour of Derbyshire, Elizabeth accepted before fear could teach prudence the wrong lesson.

CHAPTER NINE

The Reckoning

Georgiana came to Netherfield in June without her brother.

Darcy had completed several weeks at Pemberley and returned to his London house to meet his solicitors. The business was expected to occupy him for another fortnight. Georgiana was to remain in London with Mrs Annesley, but Mary, who missed her friend and wrote twice weekly, persuaded Sir Thomas to invite them into Hertfordshire instead.

"Mr Darcy may object," Mary said after the letter was sent.

"Then he may write a letter so formidable the postman refuses to deliver it," Elizabeth replied.

Darcy did not object. His answer to Sir Thomas expressed gratitude, provided detailed instructions concerning Georgiana's mare, and included a separate note for his sister. Nothing was addressed to Elizabeth.

She was relieved and disappointed in precisely equal measure.

Georgiana arrived pale from the journey and smiling before she left the carriage. Mary met her upon the steps, stopped at the last instant from running, and then forgot restraint when Georgiana opened her arms.

The household adjusted around their friendship. Music sounded from the west room each morning. They walked with Kitty and Lydia under Miss Harwood's eye. Jane came down from Longbourn to plan wedding music and remained to hear Georgiana's account of Bingley's disastrous attempt to choose curtain fabric.