Christmas at Pemberley

kept them apart.”

So, that would be the story his aunt would tell the world. Well, he cared not how Lady Catherine turned the tale, as long as Anne was satisfied, and at the moment, Anne beamed with happiness. “Is this your doing?” he whispered to Elizabeth.

“A long-standing affection is a nice touch, do you not think? Like something from a novel.”

“You must be mistaken,” Georgiana insisted. “Fitzwilliam would never manipulate your lives so.” They’d found their way to a deserted music room.

Kitty explained, “Mr. Winkler wouldn’t lie, Georgiana. Mr. Darcy asks that we postpone our joining until you’ve found a match. I’m afraid that my family connections shame yours.”

Georgiana groaned. “But I don’t want a Season.”

“If Mr. Darcy has his way, you’ll choose a husband when you reach London.”

Georgiana’s heart sank. “What may I do to change Fitzwilliam’s mind?”

“We must tell Lizzy,” Kitty insisted. “Only Elizabeth holds sway with Mr. Darcy.”

Chapter 18

Elizabeth made small talk as she circled the room. Darcy had begged a few minutes to address some urgent correspondence that had arrived during their absence, but she would have preferred that he’d stayed with her. As much as she adored having her dear family with her, Elizabeth required time to privately analyze what had occurred between her and Lady Catherine. Unfortunately, that analysis would have to wait until she retired for the evening, but Darcy’s presence would make the wait tolerable. “Yes, Miss De Bourgh’s engagement was a bit of a surprise, but a pleasant one, nevertheless,” she said in response to Jane’s inquiry regarding the afternoon’s announcement. “I wasn’t aware of Miss De Bourgh’s prior acquaintance with the lieutenant, but Fitzwilliam was.” Although they’d not discussed it, Elizabeth knew her husband would repeat the skewed tale to protect his cousin’s reputation.

“The lieutenant doesn’t possess Mr. Darcy’s consequence, but I’m certain it’ll be a companionable match,” Jane added.

“The colonel says the man is in line for a promotion,” Bingley said privately.

Elizabeth smiled easily, “Lady Catherine sees the advantage of having a son who has honorably served his country.” Georgiana’s and Kitty’s entrances immediately caught her eye. Their agitation couldn’t be hidden. “Excuse me,” she said to the others and met her sisters in the room’s middle.

“What is it?” she whispered anxiously as she caught Georgiana’s hand.

“It’s Mr. Darcy,” Kitty hissed. “He’s refused Mr. Winkler’s suit.”

Elizabeth grimaced. “Are you certain, Kitty? Mr. Darcy assured me that he’d see to your future.”

Georgiana sighed deeply. “My brother asked Mr. Winkler to wait indefinitely — until I find a match. Elizabeth, I’ve no desire for a Season. How do I make my brother understand?”

Elizabeth shot a glance about the room. “Georgiana, you’ll come with me to speak to your brother. Kitty, you’ll remain here and assist the colonel in entertaining our guests.”

“But I wish to come also,” Kitty protested.

“I need you to stay here,” Elizabeth insisted. “I cannot have everyone knowing what we discuss, or Mr. Darcy shan’t budge.”

Without knocking, Elizabeth slid the door to Darcy’s study open and entered. She tugged a reluctant Georgiana along behind her. Pointedly, she closed the door before turning to say, “You promised you wouldn’t pit your sister against mine, but that’s exactly what you’ve done.”

Darcy glanced up with a smile at his wife’s entrance, but a second glance at Elizabeth’s countenance told him she was upset. Then, she delivered her accusation, and he knew immediately that this would be a heated exchange. “Could this not wait until Pemberley no longer holds outside guests?”

“As those guests are of whom you object, my husband, I don’t think that’s possible.” She now stood before his desk.

Darcy remained seated. He’d realized his error in dealing with Winkler, but he’d not found an opportunity to correct it. “What has your sister disclosed?” he tried to keep his tone disengaged.

“That you refused Kitty’s match until Georgiana marries,” Elizabeth declared. “Can you deny that you have done it?”

Hers was an accurate summary, but his wife didn’t understand the ton’s snobbishness. Georgiana would be judged by Elizabeth’s connections. “I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my power to protect my sister’s future.”

“By destroying Kitty’s?”

Darcy stood and slowly circled his desk. “Kitty’s future is far from destroyed. I simply asked Winkler to lengthen his engagement.”

“I didn’t hear you disparage Mary’s joining with Mr. Grange,” she accused. “Is my sister’s repugnance so strong as to taint Georgiana? If so, how can you consider my presence to be to your sister’s benefit? Shall I hide in the country while you entertain in London?”

How could Darcy explain that their marriage eliminated any objection the aristocracy would have to his wife? He was a plain “Mister,” but he came from those with titles, and he was one of the country’s wealthiest men. All those realities would protect Elizabeth, but not her family. He had considered how Mary Bennet was locked away in an insignificant part of Hertfordshire, but even his association with Bingley could be called into question. “When Georgiana goes to London, you’ll be in attendance as my wife.”

“But shall I be her sponsor? Shan’t my presence shame your sister’s entrance into Society? After all, I’ve the same connections as Kitty.” Elizabeth’s hands fisted at her waist.

Darcy needed to reason with her, but when she took that stance, reason would be a hard purchase. Her connections were the same as Kitty’s, but there was no reason to remind Lady Jersey and the other ton leaders of that fact. “I admit I didn’t handle Winkler’s request well, but I’m familiar with how the ton thinks. Although Winkler is a minor son, he has no significant inheritance, and Kitty’s joining would ultimately reflect on Georgiana. Plus, we’ve spoken previously of the delicacy of my future dealings with Winkler if he marries Kitty.” Darcy moved closer. “You must realize the depth of my responsibilities to this estate and to the neighborhood.”

“It sounds very much as if your prejudice has returned, Fitzwilliam,” she said softly.

Darcy took her into his arms and pulled his wife closer. Thankfully, she didn’t resist the gesture. “That’s not so, but I’m charged with Georgiana’s future. As such, I must consider how the beau monde will accept her. The situation is not of my making. What would you have me do? The ton’s influence is too strong.” He kissed her forehead. “I regret that I’ve given the appearance of improper pride. I seek a solution that will benefit both our sisters.”

“I don’t want Kitty to be denied because of me,” Georgiana protested from where she had remained beside the door.

Darcy turned to his sister. “Georgiana, you’re some years out of the schoolroom. People believe I’ve denied you your inheritance long enough. Most young ladies enter the Season at seventeen. You’re already nineteen and will be twenty before your Come Out. It’s unprecedented to wait so long,” he explained. “I’m charged with meeting my obligation to you.”

“But I do not wish a presentation.” She raised her chin in defiance.