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“Fitzwilliam?”

Elizabeth’s head bobbed up and down.

“Would you like me to tell you a little about my brother? After all, he can be quite the mystery.”

“I would like that very much.”

Georgiana spent the next hour extolling the man she knew and loved, explaining how he had had to become the master of Pemberley at a young age because of their father’s passing, and how he had become more reticent as his every action was critiqued. Then tenderly, she recounted their relationship.

“Fitzwilliam and I have always been close. Our mother died when I was quite young, and I think my brother tried to make everything right by keeping me close to him.” She smiled almost to herself. “If he was riding, I sat in front of him; if he was swimming, I was on his back. I even begged to fence when he began lessons.” She laughed. “His friends despised me!”

Shaking her head in wonder, Georgiana said wistfully, “If I remember my childhood fondly at all, it is only because of him.”

Seeing Elizabeth’s puzzlement, she explained. “You see, my father was heartbroken at my mother’s passing. Though he was a good man, after she died, he spent much time away from Pemberley, leaving us on our own. Fitzwilliam took it upon himself to see to my happiness.”

Georgiana giggled. “You know, my brother vetted all my suitors. Never tell Fitzwilliam this, but Evan said his greatest fear in falling in love with me was having to approach Fitzwilliam. They were old acquaintances, but they were not good friends then. I cannot begin to tell you how Brother behaved when Evan asked for my hand.”

Elizabeth could not help but laugh. “I can only but imagine.”

“And it would take days for me to tell you of all the women who have chased or been pushed towards my brother. No less than seven attempts have been made to compromise him that I know about. He is so handsome that many desired him, while not a few coveted his wealth and connections. That is why I shall wager that when you met him, he did not appear friendly in the least.”

“He was not personable when we met, no. Nor did he improve on subsequent meetings.”

“One would have to know all he had been through, all the hypocrisy he had witnessed and the ‘duty and honour’ driven into this head by our uncle to understand fully why he invented that mask of indifference everyone sees. It was in self-defence.”

“Thank you. You have helped me to understand why Mr. Darcy acted as he did in Hertfordshire,” Elizabeth ventured. “I daresay my mother was not the only mother pushing her daughters in his direction.”

“And if I am correct, you met him again in Kent?”

Elizabeth coloured but did not have to reply as Georgiana continued. “When he returned that year, he was a different man—defeated is the only word that comes to my mind that would describe him at that point. I had never seen him so dispirited, and it frightened me. Then only a few days later, he was gone—in his self-imposed exile. I was broken-hearted.

“Though we corresponded, it was two years until he returned, and naturally, I was thrilled to have my brother near me again. Each day I pray that he will marry and start a family, as I believe that would give him peace of mind as well as a reason to stay.”

Georgiana halted, realising what she had said might hurt her new friend. “I am sorry if I said anything to upset you.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “There is no need to apologise. I would not want a beloved brother to bring me home either.” At Georgiana’s sympathetic look, she tried to smile. “The truth hurts sometimes but it does not make it any less true.”

Georgiana changed the subject. “Do you remember anything of your arrival at Pemberley?”

“Yes. It was almost as though I were in a thick fog. I could hear people talking, but they were far, far away, and I could not understand what they were saying.” She smiled wanly. “I am slowly regaining my senses, but there is one thing I would dearly like to ask you.”

Elizabeth stood then, setting down the kitten and walking to the wall around the balcony. For a moment she took in the view of the pastures full of sheep and horses galloping in the distance, but her mind was not on those. Her thoughts were of soft hands and firm muscular arms ... the smell of sandalwood cologne ... soft lips brushing over her forehead and being held tightly to a man’s chest because her feet were without slippers.

“I think I remember being reassured by your brother’s embrace—more than once. Is that true?”

Georgiana took a deep breath. “Yes, but in fairness to Fitzwilliam, his touch was the only thing that calmed you when ... when you had one of your spells. He was only trying to help—to comfort you.” She stood silent so long that Georgiana became worried. “Elizabeth?”

“Only now that I can think more clearly, have I realised how very kind Mr. Darcy has been to me. Taking me into his home without reservation and showing nothing but compassion for my plight. I repaid him cruelly.”

“No. You—”

“Yes.” Elizabeth interrupted. “It was unkind to refuse to see him. I owe him my life, the least I can do is thank him.” Looking over her shoulder, she enquired, “Is he to return soon?”

“He is expected home in a day or two.”

“Then I shall have a chance to make amends before I leave.”

“You must not leave, Elizabeth. It would not be safe.”