Page 52 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Lydia grinned. “There. I knew I would like you.”

Within two days Georgiana had been absorbed into the household. Mary discovered that she played beautifully and immediately became both reverent and competitive. Kitty wanted to learn a new embroidery stitch from Mrs. Annesley. Lydia asked whether London assemblies were truly grander than country ones and was disappointed to learn that boredom existed at both. Jane provided calm when too many questions exhausted her.

Elizabeth provided escape. They walked together on the first clear afternoon, never far from the house because snow remained along the hedges. Georgiana was quiet until they reached a small rise overlooking the lane where Darcy had fallen. “That is where you found him?”

“Yes.”

Georgiana looked down. “Thank you.”

“You have thanked me in every letter.”

“I know.”

“You may stop now.”

Georgiana’s mouth trembled. “I cannot.”

Elizabeth touched her arm.

The girl took a breath. “He is all I have.”

Elizabeth’s heart tightened.

“And I nearly lost him before,” Georgiana continued.

Elizabeth knew what she meant. “Ramsgate was not your fault.”

Georgiana went still. “My brother told you.”

“Yes. Only because Wickham was here and he feared for you. I have told no one.”

Georgiana’s eyes filled. “I was so foolish.”

“You were fifteen.”

“I am still fifteen.”

“That rather strengthens my point.”

A watery laugh escaped her.

Elizabeth said, “A grown man and a woman you trusted arranged to deceive you. Shame is useful only when it belongs to the correct person.”

Georgiana looked at her for a long time. “Fitzwilliam said something like that.”

“Did he?”

“He said you had told him he cannot protect me by making my world smaller.”

Elizabeth smiled faintly. “Your brother has an alarming habit of remembering my lectures.”

“I think he remembers everything you say.”

Elizabeth looked away too quickly.

Georgiana noticed. She was shy, not blind. That evening Darcy watched Elizabeth and Georgiana bent over the same piece of music at the pianoforte.

Richard came to stand beside him. “You are staring.”