Joseph’s countenance softened when he looked upon his wife’s upturned face.As Darcy loved Elizabeth, this man loved his wife. “Is this what you wish, my dear?”

“I shall accept whatever decision you make.”

The man nodded slightly and then turned to Darcy. “How will this work, Sir?”

Darcy smiled in triumph. “In truth, I’m not certain. Mrs. Darcy was rearranging the room’s furniture when I left. She has sent for an additional screen to separate the room. I suspect, Mr. Joseph, that we should leave the details to our wives.They are likely more adept than either of us in such matters. It’ll be a life experience for us all. Yet, it will pass; within less than eight and forty hours, we’ll each be on our way.”

“Then should we not go in, Matthew? I must admit that I should love another cup of tea.” Mrs. Joseph reached for her husband’s hand. “Thank you, my husband.”

The man’s good humor restored, he said, “Allow Mr. Darcy to see you to the inn. I’ll gather our belongings and the blankets Mr. Washington provided and join you there.”

Darcy spotted his footman waiting nearby for possible orders. “My man will help you, Joseph.” He gestured his servant forward. “Jasper, would you see to Mr. Joseph’s luggage? Show him to Mrs. Darcy’s chamber.”

“Immediately, Sir.” The footman moved to where the Josephs had stored their luggage.

Offering his arm to Mrs. Joseph, Darcy escorted her toward the inn. “Mrs. Darcy will be pleased to have a female companion. I sent her maid ahead, so my wife is quite lonely.”

“Was what you said of Mrs. Darcy true, Sir? Has she known untimely pain twice?” She stepped gingerly on the icy surfaces.

Darcy tried to mask his own hurt. “Elizabeth has projected our losses to her current condition. If you have any thoughts of gratitude, Mrs. Joseph, I would ask that you treat my wife well. You’ll have no other obligation. I’ll be quite content.”



Without asking Georgiana’s permission, Lady Catherine stood to end the meal.“The ladies shall withdraw,” she announced to the table.

Everyone’s eyes immediately fell upon Georgiana, and she felt her composure falter, but Kitty, who sat on her left, reassuringly touched Georgiana’s hand under the table linen. For a brief second, they held each other’s gaze, and then Georgiana recovered. “Thank you,Your Ladyship, for reminding me of my duty. I was so enjoying the conversation that I didn’t wish it to end.” On shaky knees, Georgiana forced herself to her feet. “As my aunt has indicated, the ladies shall take tea in the green drawing room. I’ve arranged cards and other entertainments for when the gentlemen rejoin us.” The other ladies followed her example. “Your Ladyship, might I ask you to lead the way?”

With satisfaction, Georgiana noted her aunt’s flustered countenance. The fact that Lady Catherine hadn’t expected the light rebuke pleased her. With a huff, her aunt exited the room followed by Georgiana. However, outside the dining room Georgiana paused to speak to each woman as she passed. “Mrs. Bennet, might you and Mrs. Bingley pour the tea?”

“Of course, Miss Darcy.” Jane caught her mother’s arm to control the woman’s predictable response to Lady Catherine. She directed Mrs. Bennet toward the drawing room.

Georgiana continued her instructions. “Miss Bennet, may I impose upon you and Miss Bingley to see to the card tables? I would be most appreciative.”

“As you wish, Miss Darcy.”

Charlotte paused briefly. “Mrs. Jenkinson and I shall see to the chessboards.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Collins. Mrs. Annesley shall assist you.”

Although Kitty had tarried outside the closed dining room door for support, Georgiana first felt compelled to address her cousin. “Anne, please tell me Her Ladyship does not plan further acerbic displays.”

Anne glanced nervously toward the direction everyone led. “Who can say for certain what Her Ladyship has planned?”

Kitty moved closer, but Georgiana continued, “Why has my aunt come to Pemberley? Does Lady Catherine mean to wreak havoc on Fitzwilliam’s celebration? Does she so despise my brother for defying her? Or is Mrs. Darcy her target?”

Anne looked sympathetically at Georgiana. “All I know for certain is the Earl left for William’s Wood to attend the birth of Rowland’s child. Whether my mother therefore placed her objections aside and returned to Pemberley of her free will, or she truly feared the storm, I cannot say. Her Ladyship used the Collinses as an excuse for not departing for Kent, but, as you know, she managed to send word to Mr. Collins to come to Pemberley rather than to Matley Manor. Of course, that is assuming the Collinses’ coming to Matlock was the original intention.” Anne moved away to follow the others.

“Do you believe Lady Catherine will intentionally hurt Elizabeth?” Kitty whispered.

Georgiana frowned. “I have no idea. My aunt is quite unpredictable. I do know, however, that it would kill Fitzwilliam to see Elizabeth injured by Lady Catherine. I must do something to ensure Her Ladyship does not ruin my brother’s holiday.”

“I shall speak to Charlotte and see what she knows.We need to discover whether Lady Catherine planned to meet the Collinses at Pemberley or at your uncle’s estate.”

“Thank you, Kitty. I couldn’t do this without you.”

“We are sisters,” Kitty insisted. “Maybe not blood sisters, but sisters, nevertheless.”

Georgiana smiled sweetly. It was a comforting thought. “Yes… yes, we are.”



Darcy directed Mrs. Joseph through the common room and up the narrow stairs leading to the sleeping rooms. He tapped lightly on the door, and it swung wide to admit them.