Page 167 of Honor Requires

He told her of Wickham’s part.

The words fell with an impact that seemed to still the very air.

Georgiana did not speak. The color, which had only just begun to return to her face, faded again, leaving her features pale against the dark of her mourning gown. She did not withdraw her hand, nor did she look away; a profound stillness came over her, as if the foundations of her world had shifted.

“I…” she began, then faltered.

Her gaze lowered briefly.

“I suspected,” she said at last. “That he was troubled. There were many times when he seemed…uneasy, as though he carried a burden he could not set aside.”

She looked up again, her eyes filled with sorrow.

“But I never thought—”

The words would not come.

“Not treachery.”

Darcy’s expression was thoughtful. “For what it is worth, I believe he was remorseful.”

Georgiana’s lips trembled.

“I believe he came to regret what he had done. That he would have made restitution, had he been given the opportunity.”

She listened.

“And after he knew,” Darcy added, “after he understood who I was, I think that resolve grew stronger.”

Georgiana inclined her head faintly. “It does not alter what has been done,” she said.

“No.”

“But it…matters,” she added.

Darcy did not disagree. They sat in silence, the impact of that understanding settling between them.

Georgiana drew a breath.

“Pemberley,” she said.

The word seemed to carry more than its simple meaning.

“It is yours. It has always been yours. How are we to ensure that all that is your birthright is returned to you?”

Darcy regarded her steadily. “I have given that considerable thought.”

Elizabeth's attention sharpened.

“There is a way. One that avoids unnecessary scandal and also ensures what must be achieved.”

Georgiana leaned forward, her expression intent. “What way?”

Darcy’s gaze moved briefly to Elizabeth, then back again. “It will require some care,” he said. “And a certain degree of patience. But I believe it may be accomplished without drawing undue attention to what has passed.”

Georgiana nodded. “Tell me,” she said.

Darcy began to explain.