Read Online The Darcys of Pemberley by Shannon Winslow - Free Book Online

paused. “And … there are some debts to be
discharged before they will be able to move forward,” she added
with a grimace.
    “So they are seeking assistance again!
Your noble words of protest notwithstanding, Jane, you must allow
that I was right after all.”
    “Well, I said you were being unkind, Lizzy,
not that you were wrong.”
    Although the subject was indeed serious, it
suddenly struck them both as being equally ridiculous. In the end,
there was no help for it; the sisters abandoned themselves to the
tonic of laughter.
    The following weeks found Jane and Elizabeth
reveling in each other’s company for hours every day, Georgiana
with them as a third sister much of the time. The younger girl
thrived on the companionship of her older counterparts. Through
Elizabeth first and then Jane, she gleaned a wealth of knowledge
and insight into the world of wedded life. Far from being a point
of idle curiosity, it seemed that Georgiana hoped to put this
information to some practical use in the not-too-distant future.
She revealed as much when one of their private conversations gave
her opening.
    “If I could but marry for love and live
always near Pemberley, I believe I should be truly happy,” she
said, daring a brief glance at Elizabeth before returning her
attention to her needlework.
    “That sounds lovely, dear,” said her sister.
“Do you have anyone in mind to play the role of your husband in
this charming picture of connubial bliss? Your brother has taken
great pains to see to it that you are introduced to suitable young
men. Has one of them caught your fancy?”
    “No. Well ... not really,” she said, eyes
downcast. “That is to say, there is someone I admire very
much, but it would be impossible.”
    “Do not despair, Georgiana. The most
surprising things do occur,” Jane encouraged. “Elizabeth and I are
examples of that. You know our histories; what seemed out of the
question once, ultimately came to pass.”
    “Yes, and in the meantime, try to keep open
to other possibilities,” Elizabeth advised, pressing Georgiana’s
hand. “Your future happiness may not lie where you think.”
    Elizabeth silently began to speculate about
which gentleman Georgiana secretly admired. Finding so much
satisfaction in her own marriage, she quite naturally took a strong
interest in seeing those she loved similarly contented. Although
she sometimes entertained herself with thoughts of matchmaking,
Elizabeth had not yet gone so far as to interfere. Her mind simply
possessed a proclivity for pairing up people, much as someone else
might be forever matching fabrics with furnishings or wines with
food.
     
    ~*~
     
    In early December, a communication from
Charlotte Collins announced that she and Mrs. Sanditon had arrived
at Reddclift cottage, and that they proposed to call at Pemberley
as soon as they were settled. Elizabeth, along with Georgiana and
Jane, received them with pleasure a few days later.
    “Welcome! I am so glad to see you both
again,” Elizabeth said warmly, taking their hands in turn, as did
Jane. “Charlotte, how do you do? You look vastly improved, to my
eye.”
    “Indeed, I am feeling much better. Ruth has
been a great help to me, and I daresay this move will be beneficial
for us both. A fresh start in a new place cannot help but improve
the spirits.”
    Elizabeth introduced their guests to Miss
Darcy and then called for some refreshments to be served in the
saloon. “I cannot tell you how delighted I am that the two of you
are to be our neighbors,” she said as they seated themselves in a
loose circle. “What a surprise it was, Mrs. Sanditon, to learn that
you have a connection in the vicinity. Is your brother-in-law your
only nearby relation, or is there more family hereabouts?”
    “Other than his two daughters, he has no one
in Derbyshire. There is a married sister living in Northumberland,
I believe.”
    “How kind of him to offer you Reddclift
cottage,” said Jane. “Are you finding it