Page 51 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Elizabeth saw the carriage from the drawing-room window. “She is here.”

Darcy attempted to stand. Elizabeth put both hands on his shoulders and pushed him back into the chair. “No.”

“I can use the crutches.”

“Dr. Morrison said only with assistance.”

“Richard is here.”

“Richard is outside unloading luggage because your sister has apparently brought a pianoforte in pieces.”

Darcy frowned. “She has not.”

“Then it is a very musical trunk.”

The front door opened downstairs. Georgiana’s voice, soft and uncertain, reached them.

Darcy went completely still. Elizabeth saw every trace of impatience vanish from his face. Footsteps came quickly up the stairs. Georgiana appeared in the doorway. She was tall for fifteen, fairer than her brother, with the same dark eyes and a shyness that seemed to make her uncertain where to place her hands. For one second brother and sister only looked at one another.

Then Georgiana crossed the room at a run. “Fitzwilliam.”

Darcy caught her. His injured leg prevented him from rising, so she knelt beside his chair and put both arms around him. Darcy buried his face briefly in her hair. “I am sorry.”

Georgiana drew back. “For what?”

“For frightening you.”

“You were thrown from a horse. I do not think you did it intentionally.”

Elizabeth smiled.

Darcy looked over Georgiana’s shoulder. “You have been corresponding with Miss Elizabeth.”

Georgiana turned. Her shyness returned at once.

Elizabeth crossed the room before the girl could decide whether to curtsy. “Miss Darcy.”

“Miss Bennet.”

“I am very glad to meet you at last.”

“So am I.” Georgiana glanced at her brother, then blushed. “Very glad.”

Elizabeth suspected Darcy had been the subject of more letters than she knew. Darcy suspected the same and looked wary. Georgiana’s first hour at Longbourn passed under the concentrated attention of five Bennet women. Jane welcomed her gently. Mary asked after her music. Kitty admired her travelling pelisse. Lydia stared for approximately thirty seconds before blurting, “La! You are not frightening at all.”

Georgiana blinked.

Mrs. Bennet cried, “Lydia!”

“What? Miss Bingley talks of her as though she is a princess.”

Georgiana looked at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth bit her lip.

Then Georgiana laughed.

Darcy stared. The sound was quiet but genuine.