“Do you see my flaws, Georgiana?” he asked huskily.
She gave him a slight shake of her head before glancing away. Georgiana couldn’t look at him without betraying her feelings. “I see only the face of a man I respect and honor above all others,” she said earnestly.
Edward brought her hand to rest over his heart. “Georgiana,” he began, “there are so many things I don’t understand. Upon my return to England, I had thought everything would revert to the normal: I would resume my duties without questions, Darcy and Elizabeth would welcome me to Pemberley, and you’d be Georgie, my young, precocious cousin. Instead, I’m saddled with a man I’ve tried to like, but cannot, and I’m expected to deliver him to my commanding officers and not express my concerns. I arrived at Pemberley to find Her Ladyship in residence rather than Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, and you…” He paused to cup her chin in his palm. “You’re the most breathtakingly beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Georgiana flushed with happiness. He considered her beautiful. “You’d wish me to remain a little girl?” she teased.
“I would wish to lock you away in a tower so that I can be the only one to enjoy your beauty. How am I to fight off all your suitors? And there will be many of them, Georgiana. Your handsome face and excellent dowry will drive the men to distraction.” With a frown of discontent, Edward released her. Frustrated, he turned to the empty pond and skated away.
Georgiana wanted to call to him — to tell him that she wanted no other suitors but him; instead, she watched him go: the familiar slant of his shoulders, the distinctive gait, and the formidable stance. There was little about the man that she didn’t find pleasing, except for the fact that he denied their connection. With a sigh of exasperation, Georgiana removed her skates. Gathering her belongings, she stood slowly and followed the colonel’s retreating form.
“Mr. Darcy.” The Matlock butler hid his surprise as he opened the door to Darcy and Elizabeth. “I was unaware of your arrival, Sir.” He took their wraps and handed them to an equally bewildered footman.
Darcy glanced about the shadowed hallway. “My uncle knew nothing of my visit, Mr. Eldon. Might you inform the Earl and Lady Matlock of our arrival?”
Mr. Eldon stammered, “His… His Lordship and the Countess are at William’s Wood, Sir. Lady Lindale has taken to her bed.”
“I see. Then there’s no one to receive us?”
“No, Sir. His Lordship released much of the staff to celebrate the opening of Christmastide with their families.”
Darcy frowned. He didn’t want to return to the road so soon. “Can you accommodate Mrs. Darcy and me for the evening? We left Harrogate earlier this morning, and Pemberley is still too far for travel after dark. The road conditions are too unpredictable.” He didn’t mention the possibility of highwaymen. As the neighboring community had suffered with governmental regulations, a larger number of men had turned to thievery. “A clean bed and a meal will suffice. Mrs. Darcy and I mean to be on the road early in the morning.”
Mr. Eldon bowed. Upper-class English servants always responded with efficiency. “Of course, Sir. Lord Matlock will be sorry he missed you and Mrs. Darcy. Would you care to take your evening meal in the dining room?”
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and noted her weariness. “We’d be happy with a simple meal in our room. It’s been a harrowing journey. There is thick ice in the North.”
Mr. Eldon appeared relieved. “If you’d care to escort Mrs. Darcy to your usual chambers, Sir, I’ll send up the maids to turn down the bed and to light the fire. Meanwhile, I will speak to cook about a tray.”
“Might I also request some tea while we wait?” Elizabeth added as she removed her bonnet. “And Mr. Darcy would prefer a decanter of port.”
“Certainly, Mrs. Darcy. I’ll see to it immediately, as well as sending word to the stables regarding your carriage.”
“Walk me out,” Thorne whispered as Kitty offered him another sandwich. Everyone, including Lady Catherine, had gathered in the main drawing room to recapture his afternoon to each person’s delight.
Kitty’s eyes grew in size, but she responded with a simple nod and then moved on to share the plate with others.
“It was a superb afternoon,” Mr. Bingley declared, “and I’m thankful that the colonel had such entertaining foresight.”
“We should be thankful to Lieutenant Southland and Mr. Manneville who took my suggestion and made it a reality,” Edward corrected.
Manneville sipped on his preferred coffee. “The lieutenant deserves the lion’s share of the gratitude. He executed the colonel’s plans with typical military efficiency,” he said smugly.
Thorne, who had watched the exchange with interest, noted the flick of the colonel’s wrist, which stifled the lieutenant’s stiffened response. “It has nothing to do with military effectiveness,” Edward corrected. “Southland is an honorable man.” The implication lay clearly between them, but Manneville didn’t accept the bait.
Winkler used the slight pause to come quickly to his feet. “I’m afraid that I must return to Lambton.” He bowed to Georgiana. “Miss Darcy, your graciousness is commendable.”
“We’ll see you for services tomorrow,” the colonel returned the bow. “Thank you for seeing Mrs. Darcy’s cousin safely to Pemberley.”
Winkler bowed to the room. “It’ll be my pleasure to attend you for Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, my day will start with less secular activities. Mr. Foxmour’s sent word that the ground has been prepared for his mother. A terrible event for such a glorious day.”
“Celebrating a life is never terrible,” Kitty added from where she stood near the door.
Thorne couldn’t hide his affection. “As always, you see the obvious, Miss Catherine — what the rest of us overlooked.”
“Thank you, Kitty.” After a brief pause, Georgiana said conspiratorially, “I understand it shall be a joyous service tomorrow evening, Mr. Winkler. I’m looking forward to it.”
“A bit non-traditional,” Winkler said truthfully. “Few Anglican churches celebrate on Christmas Eve, whereas the Catholics flock to their masses. We’ll combine the best of both. There are many practicing Catholics still in the area, so I’ll deliver a short sermon, and then the children’s choir will share a few hymns. It’ll be a simple way of welcoming the Christ child.”
Lady Catherine harrumphed her disapproval, and Mr. Collins thought to vocalize his own objections, but Mr. Bingley said, “It sounds a delightful way to usher in a solemn recognition — much better than wassailing and carousing.”
“I agree,” Edward added. “I never understood why St. Stephen’s Day takes precedence.”
“Our celebration was Mrs. Darcy’s idea. The lady recognized my desire to involve the village children more in the church service. Mr. Lancaster, my curate, has taken on organizing the group and bringing them together for practice.”
“Calvinism,” Lady Catherine intoned in disapprobation.
Winkler simply inclined his head. “I’ve neglected my duties long enough.Again, Miss Darcy, I thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment.”
“You’ll join us after services on Christmas, Mr. Winkler. I’m certain my brother would insist.”
With a quick glance to Kitty, he said, “I can think of nothing I would enjoy more, Miss Darcy.”
“Stay seated, Miss Darcy. I’ll see Mr. Winkler out,” Kitty announced to the room.
Winkler followed Kitty through the main corridor until they reached the top of the staircase; then he caught her hand and pulled her to him.
“Mr. Winkler,” she gasped, but relaxed against him.
“Say my name, Kitty,” he whispered hoarsely.
She leaned closer. “You’ll be missed, Thorne,” she said coyly.
