Page 87 of The Engagement at Longbourn

"Absolutely nothing," Lydia added.

Darcy looked between them.

"That answer is rarely reassuring."

Elizabeth appeared behind him. "Leave them alone."

"I only asked—"

"Fitzwilliam."

He glanced at her, then back at the girls.

"Very well."

He left.

Lydia whispered, "He listens to you too much."

Elizabeth, still in the doorway, said, "I heard that."

"La! Everyone listens in this house."

Later, Georgiana told Darcy enough of the conversation that he understood. He became rigid at Wickham's name. Georgiana put a hand on his arm.

"Do not."

"Do not what?"

"Look as though you must fix it."

Darcy stared at her.

She smiled faintly. "Elizabeth told me you do that."

"Elizabeth tells everyone my faults."

"Only the useful ones."

Darcy sat beside his sister.

"Are you well?"

"Yes."

He waited.

Georgiana sighed. "I am sad. And relieved. And angry. And embarrassed. But I am well."

Darcy nodded. He did not tell her what she ought to feel.

She noticed that too.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Mr. Darcy Goes to Meryton

Darcy had avoided Meryton since the accident for practical reasons.