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“Georgiana, I know you and Miss Elizabeth Bennet have corresponded regularly since you first met at Pemberley, but what do you really know about her?”

“Whatever do you mean, Brother?”

“Are you aware she is acquainted with George Wickham?”

“I am aware of it. She mentioned having met him in Meryton when he first arrived. I understand he has joined the militia.”

“Are you saying it does not disturb you knowing someone whom you deem a dear friend considers the likes of George Wickham a trusted acquaintance?”

“Brother, George is your enemy. He is not mine.”

“After the way he treated you, how can you say such a thing?”

“With great ease, for I choose not to dwell upon that aspect of my past. I am equally to blame for the misunderstanding.”

“Does Miss Elizabeth know of our family’s dealings with the scoundrel? Have you confided in her?”

“I have told her nothing of my shame, nor do I intend to. I simply conveyed to her there is a breach in our relationship and that I would rather not speak of it. Miss Elizabeth has honoured my wish, and we have had no further discussion of the gentleman. She need not know I was once foolish enough to consider myself in love with a much older man who did not return my affections.” A slight flush crept across her cheeks. “What benefit would be derived? This is a secret I wish no one to know—not even our aunt, Lady Ellen. I expect you to honour my wish.”

Darcy squeezed Georgiana’s hand. “Your secret is safe.” Indeed, Darcy had secrets of his own, for he had never shared with his young sister, the true nature of what all had happened with Wickham. He could not bear to have her learn that Wickham had admitted his only purpose in wooing Georgiana was to obtain her dowry of thirty thousand pounds as well as spite Darcy in the process. What a blow to her esteem that would be.

“Thank you, Brother.” Georgiana tilted her head to the side and raised her eyebrows. “Pray, what do you think of Miss Elizabeth, having met her at last? Is she not the kindest, most generous young lady you have ever met?”

Darcy regarded his sister’s glowing endorsement of her friend with silence.

Georgiana gave him no notice and continued her soliloquy. “Oh, and I must thank you for your willing participation in my scheme. It worked just as I had planned. Did you not notice as one gentleman after another took his place in standing opposite her on the ballroom floor?”

He had noticed. For whatever reason he had yet to explain, it bothered him exceedingly, especially since he dared not request Miss Elizabeth’s hand for a second set. He had been so caught off guard by her mention of George Wickham and her declaration of wishing to sketch his own character that he had not used the fleeting moments between sets to his best advantage.

I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours. He had not intended to challenge her in that way, but he had meant every word of it.

Darcy reached over and retrieved the book his sister had been reading when he arrived. “When are you planning to see Miss Elizabeth Bennet again?”

“She will be my guest at the Richardson’s ball. You do recall, you promised to attend that one as well.”

The Richardson’s ball is three days hence. I need—no, I want to see her sooner than that. “Perhaps, you might call on her. I would be happy to accompany you.”

Georgiana bolted from her seat, raced to the window, and peered outside. After a moment, she turned to face her brother.

“What has got into you? Are you expecting someone?”

“No, Brother, but you in Cheapside? I merely wanted to see if the sky was falling.”

Darcy’s mouth fell open. When had she learned to tease him in such fashion? Her attitude recalled him to Miss Elizabeth’s teasing manner the evening before.

Georgiana said, “Forgive me, but you hardly spoke a single word to Miss Elizabeth last evening. I doubt that you have ever even ventured to Cheapside before. Why would you want to call on Miss Elizabeth?”

“Have you ventured to Cheapside before, young lady?”

She bit her lower lip and dropped her eyes. She said nothing.

“Do not fret, Georgiana. That is even more reason I wish to accompany you. I think I am well within my rights to know with whom you are spending your time and where.”

“Of course, you are correct. When shall we plan to leave?”

“I say there is no better time than the present.”

What an improbable turn of events—Mr. Darcy calling on me? When the guests were settled and the tea served, she said, “It is my pleasure you two have called on me. I certainly never expected such an honour.” It will surely take a week for him to remove the stench of having come all the way to Cheapside. “My aunt and uncle will be sorry to have missed you.”