Page 99 of A Question of Character

Bingley, to his credit, suddenly found a reason to examine the titles upon a nearby shelf. “Darcy, you never told me you had this edition. I have been meaning to read it for years.”

“You have been meaning to read many things for years.”

“That is why my intentions are so literary.”

Georgiana’s expression eased a little.

Darcy drew a chair closer to her. “Mrs. Annesley will remain with you. Richard will have my direction. Barton can send a messenger at any hour. If you are uncomfortable, if you wish me to return, you have only to write.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

She looked up then, and for a second he saw not indifference or resentment, but the raw ache beneath both. “I know you would come.”

His throat tightened in a manner he despised.

“Yes,” he said. “I would.”

Georgiana nodded again and rose. “Then you should go. Miss Bennet will be pleased to see you.”

“I hope so.”

“She will.” A little color touched her cheeks. “She told me to make you practice difficult music, if you remember.”

“I remember.”

“I think she must like you very much.”

Bingley moved away from the books with great interest.

Darcy, aware of his friend’s attention and Georgiana’s fragile attempt at teasing, allowed himself to answer with more dryness than he felt. “That is a conclusion I would rather not examine before witnesses.”

Georgiana’s lips parted in the smallest laugh, gone at once but real enough to make Darcy briefly unable to speak.

“I shall leave you to your plans,” she said, and curtseyed again to Bingley. “I hope you will be very happy at Netherfield.”

“Thank you, Miss Darcy. I hope so too.”

She left the room as quietly as she had entered.

Bingley waited until the door closed before speaking. “She is much altered.”

Darcy remained standing, facing the door. “Yes.”

“I am sorry.”

“She had a difficult summer.”

Bingley, kindest of men, did not ask for more. “Then Hertfordshire may do you both good in different ways.”

“Perhaps.”

“You cannot watch over her every hour, Darcy.”

“I know.”

“Do you?” Bingley asked, with unusual seriousness.