Page 31 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Jane looked down at the handkerchief, then rose. “Very well. I will see him.”

Elizabeth took her hand and squeezed it before they went downstairs together.

Bingley crossed the drawing room as soon as Jane entered. He stopped before her, his concern plain.

“Miss Bennet.”

Jane managed a small smile. “Mr. Bingley.”

Hill brought in a tea tray.

Chapter 15: Deceived

Georgiana chose a lovely ice-blue silk for her wedding gown. She had intended to wear it to the grand Subscription Ball at Bear's Albion Hotel at the end of August. Mrs. Younge agreed that the gown ought to grace her wedding day instead.

“You should wear it for your marriage to Mr. Wickham. It will commemorate your love for him. You shall always remember this day, and to know you looked your prettiest in this lovely blue silk, adorned with the pearls your mother left you, will become a cherished memory.”

As Jenny finished arranging her mistress's hair, the housekeeper tapped upon the door to announce Mr. Wickham's arrival.

Georgiana looked to her companion. “Mrs. Younge, will you go down and entertain Mr. Wickham while I finish here?”

Mrs. Younge looked her over. “My dear, you are already dressed. Come down with me. Let us not keep your bridegroom waiting.”

Georgiana's face brightened. “I shall only be a moment.” Then she said to her maid, “Jenny, help me decide which fragrance I should wear for my bridegroom.”

Mrs. Younge inclined her head. “Very well, my dear. I shall go down, but make haste. We must not keep the rector waiting.”

The companion left the room and closed the door behind her.

Georgiana touched fragrance to her wrists and behind her ears with a glass vial. Then she opened a drawer in her dressing table and withdrew a letter.

“Jenny, after we drive out, please go to the post office and mail this letter to my brother.” She smiled. “It announces my marriage to Mr. Wickham. I had hoped my brother would witness the happiest day of my life, but it was not to be. This proves the next best thing. He shall become the first to learn of my happiness, and he shall hear it from me.”

The maid accepted the letter and curtsied. “Yes, ma'am. I shall tidy your room and then go on my way.”

“Jenny, do not mention my letter to anyone. For some reason I cannot understand, neither Mr. Wickham nor Mrs. Younge wished me to write to Fitzwilliam about our marriage. I do not wish to distress them or make my husband believe I distrust him or prove a disobedient wife.”

“Very well, miss. I shall not speak of it to anyone.”

Georgiana bent near and kissed Jenny's cheek.

The girl flushed.

“I know I ought not show affection to my maid, but Jenny, next to Fitzwilliam and Richard, you have been my closest friend. When Papa died, I lost so much. I only wish to thank you for all you have done for me.”

Georgiana straightened and accepted the shawl her maid held out.

“Wish me well, Jenny. I shall return soon as a married woman.”

* * *

August 24, 1811

Mr. Wickham handed Georgiana and Mrs. Younge into the elegant carriage he had hired.

“Where shall we be married, Mr. Wickham?”

He looked down at Georgiana. “I have found a lovely chapel in a village but three miles from here. The village is charming, and the chapel is perfectly suited to our wedding.”