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“You are most obliging to host us, sir,” said Mrs. Annesley.

Georgiana murmured her agreement.

“Pray, come inside. The footmen will see your things brought up,” Bingley continued. “I hope your journey was comfortable.”

“A little cold,” said Mrs. Annesley, “but we are fortunate that we were wrapped up well with hot bricks at our feet.”

“Indeed, it feels as if winter has finally arrived,” Bingley answered, as a servant took their winter garments. “If you wish, you might warm yourselves with a cup of tea by the fire before going to your rooms.”

“That sounds just the thing,” said Darcy.

The three newly arrived guests followed Bingley down the hall to the sitting room, which was aglow with warmth from a small fire. It looked very different from when Darcy had last seen the room, and he said as much to his friend, complimenting the changes.

“Ah,” Bingley said, “you are right. I have done nothing, but when my sisters removed to town, they had all of their things removed as well. I admit that I may need to purchase a few cushions for comfort, but I like the simplicity of the space now.”

“It is very comfortable, sir,” said Mrs. Annesley, gladly accepting the tea that a maid had delivered almost immediately upon their entry into the room.

“And you, Miss Darcy?” Bingley asked, turning to the young woman who sat quietly beside her companion, her hands wrapped carefully around her warm cup. “Can I do anything for your comfort?”

“I am well-satisfied, Mr. Bingley,” Georgiana replied softly, offering a polite, shy smile over the rim of her cup.

“Well, if that changes, any of my guests need only say the word and whatever might be done for your comfort will be,” Bingley said, accepting his own cup from the maid.

“Mrs. Annesley and I thought, if it is not too much trouble, that it might be well to introduce Georgiana to the young ladies of Longbourn. Perhaps tomorrow?” offered Darcy. “I know it will be a trial to rearrange your schedule around the visit.”

Bingley blinked twice at his friend before giving a loud laugh. “Of course we must introduce Miss Darcy to the Bennets! And Mrs. Annesley, of course. You must know that I spend nearly every day in their company with the wedding so near at hand.”

“It is less than a fortnight now, is it not?” asked Mrs. Annesley.

“Eleven days.”

Georgiana could not stifle a small giggle at the way Bingley said this, for his tone better befitted a delay of two years rather than eleven days.

Bingley’s smile softened. “You may laugh, Miss Darcy, but believe me, when one is waiting to be married to one you love, each day feels very long indeed.”

“I did not mean to laugh at you, Mr. Bingley,” Georgiana said.

“I am not offended, Miss Darcy. You have every right to find me ridiculous, for I am certain that I am. Well, I shall send a note to Longbourn first thing in the morning to apprise them of your arrival and desire to introduce Mrs. Annesley and Miss Darcy. I have no doubt that they shall be happy to receive us on the morrow.”

“Thank you, Bingley,” Darcy said, although he could feel his body tense at the mere thought of seeing Miss Elizabeth again. He pushed his anxiety aside and looked to his sister.

She was rather different from what she had been. She was still shy, but where previously nothing could induce her to talk even in the company of one so intimate with their family as Bingley, she now readily answered his questions. She did not pose any of her own, but Darcy knew Bingley would not mind that. He was unflaggingly cheerful and knew Miss Darcy’s ways.

After a half-hour spent pleasantly by the fire, the Darcys and Mrs. Annesley were thawed enough to be shown to their rooms. Their luggage was already within, along with a servant sent to attend them. They rested until dinner, then ate informally, none of them wishing to go to the hassle of changing into fine clothing for the occasion. Conversation flowed easily over the simple meal, largely driven by Bingley’s irrepressible excitement for the wedding and his delight at being able to introduce the ladies to his beloved.

They did not linger long after dining, the fatigue of travelling in the cold having caught up with them. Wishing each other a restful night, they retired to their respective chambers with thoughts of the morrow, whether cheerful or apprehensive.

∞∞∞

A dusting of snow fell during the night, and the next morning dawned bright and clear. By the time they had breakfasted and dressed, eager to visit Longbourn, most of the snow had melted, leaving traces only in the shade of the trees and houses they passed on their way. Upon their arrival, Bingley led them into Longbourn with a comfort that might have been unusual were he not to be a member of the family in a little more than a week.

“The ladies are in the sitting room, sir,” said the maid who greeted them, bobbing a curtsey, “and they bid me show you in directly.”

Bingley thanked her as he removed his gloves, and after they were free of their winter clothes, they were shown into the sitting room, which was rather full of people. The ladies were indeed within, as were David and Maria Lucas. Even with so many within, four seats sat empty, awaiting them.

Mr. Lucas was the first to notice their entrance and rose with a smile. “Finally, some gentlemen who might take my part,” he said, extending his hand to first Bingley and then Darcy.

“I fear it should do me no credit to disagree with my betrothed,” replied Bingley. “Mayhap you might have better luck with Darcy. Besides, if you are outnumbered, I suspect the ladies have the right of whatever matter is at hand.” Then, gesturing to the ladies beside him, he said, “Besides, I have brought more ladies into your midst. Ladies, allow me to present to you my dear friend Miss Darcy, and her companion, Mrs. Annesley. Darcy, you are, I believe, already acquainted with all present.”