Page 17 of Mr. Darcy's Runaway Bride
“Tell me more about her,” Georgiana requested. “What is her family like?”
“She spoke little of them, save that her father had made poor investments that necessitated the match with Blackfriars.” Darcy frowned. “I know distressingly little about her background, in truth. Her aunt, a Mrs Gardiner, comes from Lambton—that is our single connection.”
“Lambton?” Georgiana brightened. “That is promising. The Gardiners must be respectable if they hail from there.”
“Miss Bennet herself is indisputably a gentleman’s daughter, though her connections seem limited.” Darcy drummed his fingers on the desk. “But these considerations matter little. Our plan is temporary, designed to free us both from immediate pressures. After a year, should either of us wish it, we may seek an annulment.”
Georgiana looked troubled. “And if, during that year, real affection develops?”
Darcy had not permitted himself to consider this possibility. “That would be a separate discussion.”
“I should like to meet her before you depart,” Georgiana said.
“That will not be possible, I fear. She awaits me near Cheapside, and we must leave immediately for Gretna Green.”
“Gretna Green! Like characters in a novel! Fitzwilliam, I never imagined you as the hero of a romantic escapade.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, Darcy smiled at his sister’s enthusiasm. “I assure you; it is merely feasible. We cannot marry in England without banns or a special license, both of which would invite interference.”
Georgiana nodded, then seemed struck by a thought. “I might be of assistance. What if I were to remain in London for a time? I could even accompany the family to Rosings, or Matlock thereafter. That way, I may inform you of anything they discuss.”
“You would do that?”
“Of course. And then I could join you at Pemberley with news of their reactions.” Her eyes sparkled with uncharacteristic mischief. “It would give you and Miss Bennet time to settle into your life without immediate family scrutiny.”
Darcy regarded his sister with newfound respect. The shy, uncertain girl was showing glimpses of the confident woman she was becoming. “That is a generous offer, Georgiana. I accept with gratitude.”
“I shall write to you,” she promised. “And I shall be the soul of discretion when Lady Catherine inevitably descends upon Darcy House demanding explanations.”
Darcy winced at the mental image. “Perhaps you should remove to Matlock House if that occurs. I would not subject you to her wrath alone.”
“I am made of sterner things than you credit me with, brother,” Georgiana replied with quiet dignity. “Besides, Mrs Annesley will be with me.”
A knock at the study door interrupted them. Fletcher entered, bowing slightly. “Your trunks are prepared, sir. The carriage awaits.”
“Thank you, Fletcher.” Darcy rose, gathering the letters he had written. “Have these delivered first thing tomorrow morning, not before.”
“Very good, sir.”
As Fletcher withdrew, Darcy turned back to Georgiana, suddenly aware that this might be their last meeting for some time. Impulsively, he stepped around the desk and embraced her, an uncharacteristic display of affection that seemed to surprise them both.
“Take care, dearest sister,” he murmured.
Georgiana returned the embrace fiercely. “And you, brother. I hope your Miss Bennet proves worthy of such a dramatic gesture.”
“As do I,” he replied, releasing her with a rueful smile. “As do I.”
Darcy gathered his hat and gloves, casting one final glance around his study. As he descended the stairs to the waiting carriage, laden with trunks and supplies for their journey north, he felt a curious medley trepidation and exhilaration.
The rain continued to fall as the carriage pulled away from Darcy House, its wheels splashing through puddles on the cobblestone street.
“Cheapside,” he instructed the coachman through the speaking tube. “And make haste. We have a long journey ahead.”
As the carriage accelerated through the rain-slicked streets of Mayfair towards the City, Darcy allowed himself to acknowledge the full implications of his actions. He was defying his family, risking scandal, and binding himself—temporarily at least—to a woman he scarcely knew.
Yet somehow, despite every rational argument against it, this reckless plan felt righter than any carefully calculated decision he had ever made.
Chapter 6
