As an educated woman, she could take a position as a governess; she would feign being a widow and escape. However, Elizabeth realized that would mean she would have to leave everything and everyone she knew. Darcy would spare no expense at tracking her so she must be thorough in her plan.
If Darcy planned to send Elizabeth away, she had no choice. She could not return to Longbourn; her mother would never forgive Elizabeth’s shame, and although Jane would offer her a home, Elizabeth could not live at Netherfield each day and not think of Darcy.That is where their “history” began; it would be too painful to endure. Leaving it all behind would be her only choice. She would never contact any of her loved ones again for they could not withstand the pressure Darcy’s stature could place on them.
Over the past month, Elizabeth played this scenario through her mind many times. Darcy’s obsession with social status told her she would be found wanting. Her husband took his sister to London because he expected Georgiana to live in a world foreign to the one in which Elizabeth was raised. Expectations for Georgiana were high; her thirty thousand pounds would make Miss Darcy desirable. Elizabeth knew what she expected as acceptable in country society would be regarded with the greatest disapprobation by the ton. Her manners were once attractive to Darcy, but the novelty wore off, and her husband now judged her by different standards. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought . . . My good opinion once lost is lost forever. His words ricocheted through Elizabeth, and she shivered instinctively.
Although Elizabeth had few choices, she would not be separated from both the man she loved and the child she carried. She could not lose both of them.Where could she go? It would have to be a place Darcy would not find her. Elizabeth considered Scotland or Ireland, but those were too accessible. Of late her dreams were of India, where many English women traveled to find European husbands, or she could find passage to America, a more uncivilized society, but one in which she and her child could easily disappear.
In that vein, Elizabeth penned a letter to Mr. Harrison. It was another act of impropriety, but her gut feeling told her Harrison would answer her questions and not betray her confidences. As a woman, she could not seek this information without raising eyebrows; Elizabeth had to trust someone, and Chadwick Harrison became her choice.
The letter she received from him clarified some of her concerns. If the child were born onboard ship, its nationality would, generally, depend upon whose waters in which the ship was found. If in British waters, the child was a British citizen. Her “fight” to keep her child could be better portrayed if the child was born in foreign waters. Elizabeth could not believe she even considered such a possibility, but desperation now controlled her every thought.
The confrontation with Elizabeth’s uncle irritated Darcy at first. In fact, initially he thought it typical of Elizabeth’s reported low connections; yet, upon further reflection he realized although Mr. Gardiner’s accusations were ill founded and formed on mistaken premises, Darcy’s behavior at the time merited a severe reproof. He could not think on his behavior without abhorrence. Elizabeth did not deserve such reflected censure. His friends must think her so poor in manners he wished to be elsewhere—away from her—and that was far from the truth. Darcy wanted to be with Elizabeth, not with Cecelia McFarland and her inane chatter about social events. How did he manage to get into this situation?
As bits of his memory returned, Darcy recalled his life with his parents and realized how selfish he had been. His parents taught him the “right” thing to do, but they left him to practice and interact in pride and conceit. Although his parents had a reputation as benevolent and amiable, they actually taught him to care for none but his family circle and to think poorly of those with less stature. Elizabeth demanded he become a man worthy of pleasing a woman such as his wife. Others deferred to his preferences simply because of his social position, but not Elizabeth. She loved him not for his fortune or his position. Now, Darcy taught those same elevated principles to his younger sister. Would it not be better for Georgiana to learn about what to value in life from his Elizabeth?
Georgiana Darcy entered the ball on her brother’s arm. She took a deep breath, hating the next few hours before they began. Smiling and making conversation with strangers never got any easier, no matter how often she was exposed to fine society. If she could just go home to Pemberley, she would be happy.
When the first set came, Henry Dorchester appeared before her to lead Georgiana to the dance floor. Georgiana looked around at the glittering chandeliers and the orchestra as it echoed through the ballroom. She watched debutantes tittering behind their fans, thinking of nothing but securing a wealthy husband while she would prefer being in the carriage with Elizabeth and administering to Pemberley’s poor. She found satisfaction and self-respect there; here she was another tittering debutante.
Henry Dorchester bowed prettily; he, in Georgiana’s estimation, was a brainless Beau Brummell, more concerned with the cut of his coat and the tie of his cravat than of anything else.The half hour of the dance set seemed interminable.The conversation dwelt too long on the fabric he chose at his tailor’s that day and how he commissioned an entire wardrobe. As the set ended, he returned Georgiana to Darcy’s side and hurried off to speak with a viscount who owed Dorchester money.
“What do you think of Henry Dorchester?” Darcy whispered his question as he leaned in to speak only to his sister.
“Truthfully, Fitzwilliam,” she said cautiously, not sure how her brother would react to her honest appraisal of Henry Dorchester, “I do not think of him at all; thinking of Henry Dorchester would be a waste of my precious time. I would prefer to be more gainfully employed.”
Darcy smiled at her. “I detect a note of loathsomeness in your tone.”
“I am sorry to disappoint you, Brother; I know my actions are not what you expect from me. I want to please you, but I do not know how unless I deflate my consequence. I know not whether I can tolerate such a droll and less-than-amusing man.”
“Do you not think he could pen a sonnet to your beauty?” Darcy teased.
Georgiana giggled lightly, “Only if he paid someone to do the writing.”
Darcy arched an eyebrow in response and tapped his sister on the chin with his index finger, a private sign of his affection for her. “Maybe standing up with me would be more to your liking?” he asked lightly.
Georgiana gifted him with a smile of delight. “I thought you would never ask, Sir.”
Dancing with Darcy allowed Georgiana to relax, knowing she would not be judged during the process. They chattered on throughout the dance, speaking of Pemberley and of family and of Elizabeth. “Do you miss your sister?” Darcy asked on one of the passes.
“No more than you,” she answered perceptively.
Darcy’s grin overspread his face. “Pemberley has its attractions,” he smiled a teasing wickedness.“We will finish the time we have here, and then we will return to our home.”
“I look forward to it.” Georgiana smiled brightly.
Going down the line on Darcy’s arm, Georgiana’s eyes surveyed the room. Out of the shadows stepped a familiar figure, and she felt her heart skip a beat. He motioned with his eyes to the balcony, and she nodded slightly in acquiescence. A blush overspread her body, and Georgiana suddenly felt warmth spread through each of her limbs. Darcy, thankfully, dropped into his usual silence and did not take note of the changes in his sister. When the set concluded, Georgiana excused herself, saying she needed some fresh air, and headed toward the main entrance. She wanted her brother to think she exited the way they came into the hall, but once out of his sightlines, she circled inconspicuously until she slipped through the barely opened door to the small balcony.
“Miss Darcy,” she heard his voice before she could make out his features.
“Mr. Harrison,” she gasped, unable to control her excitement. They made quick bows to one another before she boldly stepped forward to face him head on. “You w
ere missed, Sir,” she whispered.
“As were you, Miss Darcy.” His voice suddenly became hoarse.
“I did not expect to see you in London,” she whispered again, thinking her voice betrayed her delight at seeing him.
“I am being courted by some members of Parliament,” he told her quickly,“to accept a seat recently vacated in the House of Commons.”
She asked hopefully, “Then you will be in London for some time?”
Harrison’s countenance fell, and Georgiana saw how her words bothered him.“My time in London is short—only a few days, but I could not let it pass without seeing you, Miss Darcy.”
“Say my name,” she said suddenly and moved closer still.
Harrison caressed her jaw line, letting his thumb massage her temple.“Georgiana,” he whispered, earnestly filled with desire.
“Chadwick.” Georgiana snaked her arms around his neck as he pulled her closer to him.
“You are the most unpredictable woman I ever saw,” he gasped.
“Do I shock you?” She buried her face into his chest, not believing her boldness.
Harrison lifted her chin and looked deeply into Georgiana’s eyes. “I am a man deeply in need of your assurances; if I am shocked, it is of the most pleasant kind.” He bent to kiss her lips, willing Georgiana to respond to him.
The kiss built in intensity. His tongue parted her lips and searched the inside of her mouth. At first, she held back her passion, but then Georgiana followed suit, allowing herself to taste his lips and mouth fully.
Breathing heavily, they parted reluctantly, and Georgiana stepped away from him to settle her composure.“I must return before my brother misses me,” she said at last.
Harrison moved up behind her. “Like at Matlock, the set before we go into dinner is mine, Georgiana.” He laced his fingers through hers.
Georgiana rested her head upon his shoulder to feel his closeness once more. “I will be waiting for you.” Her heart fluttered with excitement as she touched his face briefly and then slipped back through the door to the ballroom.
Harrison waited ten minutes before he, too, returned to the room, partly because he wanted to make sure no signs of impropriety followed her and partly because it took nearly that long for him to recover from his need to hold Georgiana Darcy in his arms.
Returning to the room, Georgiana danced with several other partners and once more with Henry Dorchester, thankful it would be the last time she would have to tolerate his attentions this evening.Throughout the set, she searched for Chadwick Harrison’s face, nearly believing she dreamed him up, and he was not really here in this same arena as she. Distractedly, she mumbled her responses to Dorchester’s silly observations. At last, the dance ended, and she found herself by Darcy’s side once again.
Nervously, she waited Harrison’s approach, finally feeling his presence before he actually stood behind her.“Miss Darcy,” his voice recovered its resonant qualities,“if you are not otherwise engaged, may I request the honor of the next dance?”
Georgiana shot a quick glance at her brother, who betrayed nothing in his countenance, before answering him. “Mr. Harrison,” she feigned surprise, “I was unaware you were in London, Sir.”
“I only arrived this afternoon,” he bowed to Darcy, and then he extended his hand to Georgiana.
She smiled brightly at him and accepted his arm as he led her to the dance floor. For thirty minutes he would be able to drink in her beauty and goodness; heaven enveloped him. Georgiana felt very much the same; for the next half hour her life would be perfect.
Darcy watched his sister carefully. Suddenly, Georgiana’s usually sedate presence was alive and animated. Chadwick Harrison’s effect on her was pronounced, and although he should be upset about the turn of events, Darcy took pleasure in seeing her happy for a change. Maybe Elizabeth’s estimation of the increasing regard between the two of them should be reevaluated. Other than the political climate surrounding Harrison, did he really have objections regarding the man?
The dance began, and they were silent for the first few minutes, engrossed in the pleasure each gave to the other. Finally, Harrison broke the revelry. “Miss Darcy, although I relish each moment of being in your presence, some form of speech seems necessary, or your brother will assume I offend you.”
“We would not wish him to think such a thought.” Georgiana gave him a smile.
Harrison returned her look of delight.“Then you welcome my return?” he asked when they crossed each other and caught hands in the form.
“I would think my earlier impropriety should answer that question quite clearly, Sir.” Georgiana dropped her eyes and blushed lightly.
“I told you I need assurances, Miss Darcy.” He squeezed her hand as they progressed down the line.
“I would never wish you to feel unwelcome, Sir,” Georgiana actually leaned in toward him as they crossed once more.
They separated again, each facing a partner from another couple.When reunited, Harrison asked, “When do you return to Pemberley?”
“My sister’s lying in should begin soon; my brother promised to go home before then,” she confided.
Harrison seemed surprised,“Really?”
Georgiana did not like the implication in his voice. “My brother is anxious to see his wife again,” she emphasized the words.
“Miss Darcy,” Harrison tried to calm her sudden change in attitude, “I meant nothing by my words.” There was a pause before he continued.“I was in London only a few hours, and I heard the rumors about Mr. Darcy and Miss McFarland.” Harrison felt Georgiana stiffen with his words.
“Fitzwilliam loves his wife,” she said with more determination.
“I am pleased to hear it,” Harrison responded, still concerned with her ire.“Mrs. Darcy, I believe, thinks otherwise.”
Georgiana turned to him.“My sister believes what?”
Harrison lowered his voice as they came together again. “Mrs. Darcy believes your brother intends to send her away after the child is born.”
Georgiana gasped,“She cannot!”
“Mrs. Darcy confided as such,” he said, embarrassed at having said so much.
Georgiana asked at last,“Should I tell my brother?”
“As long as he returns to Mrs. Darcy’s side soon, all should be well,” Harrison added quietly. Eventually, he suggested, “Maybe Mr. Darcy should avoid Miss McFarland’s company, however. Rumors may reach even Derbyshire.”
Georgiana nodded but did not respond. Instinctively, she sought her brother’s presence in the crowd, but winched when she saw Miss McFarland taking his arm and heading toward the dining room.
The rest of the dance set was quiet, mostly small talk, and for some time, Georgiana was engrossed in thoughts of her brother; yet, the connection between her and Harrison could not be denied.Their eyes could not leave the other.
When they went into dinner, Harrison purposely escorted Georgiana to the far end of the table, not wanting her too close to her brother and the Dorchester party.“I noted you stood up twice with Lord Dorchester’s son,” Harrison tried to sound nonchalant.
“I did,” she giggled.“Do you object, Sir?”
“Miss Darcy, there is little about you to which I object, but it seems at dances you continually try my patience.”
“That sounds a bit provocative, Mr. Harrison.” Georgiana smiled up at him brightly.
“I do intend to claim one more dance set if you are willing?” he asked, sounding unsure again.
“Mr. Harrison, you know my answer without asking.”This time she dropped her eyes, as well as her voice.
“May I also ask you to ride out with me tomorrow?” Harrison would waste no time in claiming Georgiana as his own, at least for the day.“I was thinking a cream ice from Gunter’s in Berkeley Square.”
“My brother will not be pleased, but I will risk his wrath. Now tell me about the political seat of which you spoke earlier.” Georgiana lost herself and the time in Harrison’s e
yes and his smile.
At the other end of the table, Darcy kept close tabs on his sister’s fascination with Chadwick Harrison. Georgiana, obviously, enthralled the men, and Darcy suspected even if a member of royalty presented himself to her, his sister would refuse everyone except Mr. Harrison. Darcy wondered if he should not just take her home and accept the inevitable.
He was so in tune with his sister that for a few minutes, he was unaware of Miss McFarland’s flirtatious movements toward him. When he felt her hand slide into his, at first he was flattered—she was a beautiful woman, but immediately disgust shot through him. Darcy was disgusted with himself for encouraging this superficial woman and disgusted she would delude herself into thinking he to be as shallow as she. Looking around the table, he noted several people turned their eyes from him, not wishing to see another member of the ton succumb to temptation.
Definitively, Darcy took Miss McFarland’s hand and placed it back into her lap.
“Do I offend you, Sir?” Miss McFarland asked softly, barely at a whisper.
Darcy surveyed the table again, wondering how many were taking note of his actions.“Miss McFarland, I appreciate your family’s friendship, but if I led you to think I wish something more, I must apologize.” Darcy’s voice held a steady determination.
“It is I who should apologize then,” she said with assurance, knowing Darcy found her attractive. “I understood you were unhappy in your current situation; I wished to give you options for the Mistress of Pemberley.”
Darcy lowered his voice, but his anger could not be hidden. “Miss McFarland, I take umbrage at your suggestion; Mrs. Darcy owns my respect and my love. I have a mistress for my estate; I do not need a different one for my bed.”
“Then I will take my leave, Sir.” She stood quickly and left in a huff before Darcy could even make her a proper bow.
He flushed with the notice given to Miss McFarland’s exit, but he recovered and turned to the viscount seated to his left and made small talk through the rest of the meal. He would prefer to leave the gathering, but he allowed Georgiana another dance set with Mr. Harrison before they bid their hosts adieu.
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