Edward had noted the distraught look on Georgiana’s face when she entered the room earlier. Immediately, he would’ve gone to her, but Mrs. Darcy’s mother and Miss Bingley both quizzed him on Anne’s engagement. “Yes, the lieutenant saved my life during one of the American skirmishes,” he’d said. “I’m pleased that a man I admire has agreed to protect my cousin.”
“It was a speedy joining,” Miss Bingley said coyly.
Edward wanted to lambaste her gossipy nature, but he said, “Southland has expressed his regard for my Kent family on numerous occasions, so, of course, he was happy to renew his acquaintance with my cousin. I suspect, as they’re both more mature, that the time seemed appropriate to express their common regard rather than to let Fate separate them again.”As he spoke, he observed how Mrs. Darcy led Georgiana from the room.
Determined to know what had brought on Georgiana’s pique, Edward excused himself and began to circle the room. He would question Kitty, who seemed as agitated as did Georgiana. He paused periodically and spoke to one grouping or another, but he continued on his quest. The Bingleys had taken it upon themselves to organize several parlor games while they waited for the Darcys’ return. Finally, he reached her. “Walk with me, Miss Catherine,” he said as he steered Kitty away from her sister’s betrothed.
Once they were out of earshot, Edward asked softly, “What disturbs Georgiana?”
Kitty didn’t hesitate. “Mr. Darcy has decided that Miss Darcy should have a Season.”
Edward’s chest constricted. “Why should that be an issue for my cousin?” he asked evenly.
Kitty sought a private corner before she responded. “Mr. Winkler has asked Mr. Darcy for permission to court me. My sister’s husband has permanently delayed Mr. Winkler’s suit until Miss Darcy makes a match. Mr. Darcy seems to feel the connection wouldn’t benefit Georgiana.”
Edward grimaced. “My cousin wishes to protect his sister.” Although he disdained his cousin’s tactics, he understood Darcy’s objection. In fact, if Georgiana’s presence didn’t rattle his brain so completely, he might’ve considered Darcy’s diplomacy reasonable.
“Yet, Georgiana eschews her brother’s plans,” Kitty protested.
“Why would Miss Darcy not want to experience a Season?” He’d his own reasons for not wishing to see a bunch of young bucks fawning at Georgiana’s feet, but he’d thought a Season would be necessary before he could declare himself. At least, a few days ago, those had been his thoughts.
Kitty paused and turned to him. “Surely, Colonel, you know what Miss Darcy wants above anything else.”
Edward strode through Pemberley’s halls toward his cousin’s study. Mr. Nathan had told him all the Darcys were together in Darcy’s private room. Just as he opened the door, unannounced, he heard Georgiana say, “But I do not wish a presentation.”
Quietly, Edward eased the door closed and waited. “Edward, thank Goodness.” Darcy’s recognition brought an immediate blush to Georgiana’s cheek. “Perhaps you can reason with your ward.”
Edward stepped around her in order to place himself between Darcy and his sister. He suspected his cousin wouldn’t be happy with what he’d have to say, and Edward would protect Georgiana from Darcy’s rage. “How is Georgiana acting unreasonably?”
Darcy stepped away from his wife. “I’ve decided that Georgiana will make her debut this Season, probably in the fall, after Mrs. Darcy’s confinement, but Georgiana prefers to ignore her obligations.”
Edward turned to glance at a downcast-eyed Georgiana. “Is what your brother said true, Georgiana? Do you shun a Season’s experience?”
“Tell the colonel the truth, Georgiana,” Elizabeth encouraged.
Edward noted how Darcy eyed his wife suspiciously, but his cousin remained silent. “Well, Georgiana,” he prompted.
Barely audible, she said, “I do not wish it.”
“Tell me your reason,” he said softly.
He watched her struggle with her composure, but Georgiana managed, “I want a match of my own choosing.”
“Is that all?” Darcy interrupted. “I’d never force you to marry someone you didn’t favor.You must know that, Georgiana.”
Elizabeth stepped past her husband to rush to Georgiana’s side. “Of course, your sister knows you wouldn’t force her to marry someone not of her choosing.”
“Then what does Georgiana mean? Would someone care to enlighten me?” Darcy fumed.
Edward returned his gaze to Darcy. “I agree with Georgiana. She shouldn’t be given a Season.”
“I agree also,” Elizabeth added.
“This is madness,” Darcy asserted. “We cannot coddle Georgiana forever.”
Edward took an intercepting step toward his cousin. “No one indulges one of your sister’s whims.” He paused before saying, “Georgiana’s been compromised.”
His words, obviously, shook his cousin’s composure, and Darcy’s hands fisted. “Who?” he growled. “How is it possible? My sister’s been at Pemberley.”
“Not compromised in the strictest sense, but compromised nevertheless,” Edward explained. He heard Georgiana’s labored breathing, but Edward didn’t turn around. Elizabeth would protect her.
Darcy turned red with anger and began to pace. “I want to know who. I’ll kill him!”
Edward removed his sword from its sheath and handed the blade to Darcy. “It was I,” he said calmly. “I compromised Georgiana by kissing her repeatedly.”
With incredulity, Darcy accepted the sword and turned it on his cousin. “How could you?” he asked in disbelief. “I trusted you with my sister. My father trusted you.”
The sword pointed in Edward’s direction caused Georgiana to react. “It’s not Edward’s fault. I encouraged him,” she protested.
“And I encouraged her to encourage him.” Elizabeth stepped forward and moved the blade aside. “Fitzwilliam, truly look at them. Could you wish a better choice for Georgiana? Edward has guarded your sister throughout her life, and he’ll continue to do so.” She removed the sword from Darcy’s grasp and returned it to Edward’s outstretched hand. “Georgiana has carried a serious affection for the colonel for as long as I’ve known her. Your sister’s affection was not the work of a day, but has stood the test of many months’ suspense.”
“And you didn’t inform me,” Darcy accused.
Elizabeth eased closer to him. “I was unsure of my suspicions until last evening, but I could say nothing until Georgiana was ready to act.”
“And you?” Darcy turned to Edward. “When did you return Georgiana’s affections?”
His cousin struggled to understand what had occurred. Edward recognized the confusion. His mind hadn’t caught up with his foolish heart. “I returned to Pemberley to discover a vibrant woman. I’ve thought of little else since my arrival. If she’ll have me, and with your approval, I would make Georgiana my wife.” He glanced over his shoulder at Georgiana. The glow of happiness on her face could be addicting. He hoped he could keep that radiance there forever. He extended his hand to Georgiana, and she slid her hand into his.
Edward watched as Elizabeth mimicked the movement with Darcy. “What say you, Fitz? Will you accept my suit? It’s not as if you need to learn more of my potential.You already know all my most intimate secrets.” Although Darcy, obviously, hadn’t known all his secrets until a few moments ago, Edward attempted to lighten the mood, but Darcy remained silent for an elongated moment.
Then he asked seriously, “This is your wish, Georgiana?”
She confidently said, “More than anything, Fitzwilliam.” The fingers of her free hand wrapped around Edward’s arm, and he flexed his muscle in response to her touch.
Finally, Darcy nodded his agreement. “I can think of nothing I would like more than to give Georgiana to someone who truly cherishes her.”
