Page 119 of The Engagement at Longbourn

“Thank you.”

“And frightened.”

Darcy sighed. “Has Richard instructed everyone to say that?”

“No.” She held out the box. Inside lay a pair of silver cuff links set with small dark stones.

“Father’s,” Darcy said.

Georgiana nodded. “I thought you might wear them.”

He touched one with his thumb. Their father had worn them on formal occasions. Darcy remembered his hands signing estate papers, lifting a wineglass, correcting a child’s grip on a fishing rod. “I thought they were in the Pemberley safe.”

“They were. Mrs. Reynolds sent them.”

Darcy looked at his sister. “Thank you.”

Georgiana’s eyes filled. He held out his arms.

She came into them. “I am happy for you,” she whispered.

“So am I.”

“She will not take you away from me?”

Darcy drew back at once. “Never.”

Georgiana blushed. “I know that sounds childish.”

“It does not.”

“She will be mistress of Pemberley.”

“Yes.”

“And your wife.”

“Yes.”

“And perhaps you will have children.”

Darcy’s expression softened. “Yes.”

Georgiana looked down. “Things will change.”

Darcy thought of Longbourn the previous night. Of five sisters preparing to separate. “Yes,” he said. “They will.”

Georgiana looked up.

“But change is not replacement.”

She listened.

“You are my sister. Nothing Elizabeth becomes to me can make you less that.”

Georgiana smiled tremulously.

“And,” Darcy added, “she loves you already.”