Page 1 of Georgiana
Chapter One
The carriage with its three occupants bumped along the narrow road. At the sound of glass against glass, Georgiana Darcy spared her maid Anna, who clutched a basket of preserves on her lap, a quick glance. The trail, though rough in some places due to the spring storm which had trundled through Derbyshire last week, had dried out enough so that she could visit some long-term tenants before she left for London. The thought of leaving Pemberley and all that was familiar in order to prepare for her first Season caused her stomach to clench. She knew the fear and shyness was irrational, but the thought of meeting so many new people almost made her sick.
“Are you quite all right, Miss Darcy?”
The polite inquiry came from Lord Nathan, better known as Mr. Kerr to the parishioners of Kympton parish. His curly dark hair, broad shoulders and ready smile caused many a young lady to wish he belonged to her but he had no eyes other than for his wife, the former Miss Caroline Bingley.
“I am well, Lord Nathan, thank you.”
As attractive as Lord Nathan was, he didn’t make her heart race. No, that pesky organ only galloped along like a new colt around the vicar’s brother, Maxwell Kerr, the fifth Duke of Adborough. Try as she might, no amount of internal scolding changed how she felt around him.
They hit another bump and her maid straightened her straw bonnet.
“Only one more mile, Anna,” Georgiana said with a smile.
She returned her gaze to the passing scenery. The rolling grounds of Pemberley’s estate. In a few short weeks all this would become a memory. If all went as planned, she’d make her debut, meet a suitable gentleman, fall in love and get married.
Her stomach clenched again.
I have nothing to be afraid of. No one knows about my mistake.
How she longed to capture the carefree girl she’d been before that fateful summer four years ago. Elizabeth, her sister-by-love, cautioned her to move on and forgive herself as she’d been only fifteen at the time, but no one seemed to understand that she’d been more than prepared to become a wife and mother regardless of her age. They all believed her to be a silly girl who’d become caught up in the moment. He’d been a familiar face in a sea of new ones and his ultimate betrayal of her affection cut deep.
She bit back a small sigh and raised her chin, thankful she no longer held a tendré forhim. That notion had been ruthlessly squashed when she overheard a conversation between him and her brother immediately following their discovery. He informed Fitzwilliam, in a condescending manner, that he’d pursued her solely for monetary gain as no man wanted such a dull flower for a wife. The utter contempt in his tone made her cringe and hang her head in shame.
“You seem rather melancholy, Miss Darcy.” Lord Nathan broke into her thoughts. “Are you sure you are up to visiting the Sprague family today?”
“I am well, truly.” She smiled to reassure him. “I have been contemplating Pemberley and how much I shall miss it.”
“Ah.” The quiet assessment in Lord Nathan’s eyes told her he doubted the veracity of her statement but wisely kept his counsel. “I see we have arrived.”
The carriage slowed to a stop in front of a small cottage. Lazy smoke drifted from the chimney and pretty rosebushes lined the walk leading to the front door, which opened as soon as they alighted from the carriage.
“Miss Darcy, Mr. Kerr. What an unexpected surprise.” A rosy faced woman hurried from the cottage and gave them each a small curtsy.
“I brought a few things from Pemberley. Mrs. Reynolds heard how Johnny was feeling poorly and she knows how much he likes peach preserves. There is also some venison and a few cakes.”
“Oh, bless her heart, he most certainly does love her preserves.” Mrs. Sprague hurried forward and took the basket from Anna, then turned toward the cottage. “Where are my manners? Come in and I’ll make tea.”
The cottage, though small, was as neat as a pin. Mrs. Sprague took pride in her home and the time spent in her company passed quickly. The physician had been to see Johnny and although still was weak from the fever’s lingering effect, he’d rallied enough to sit by the fire and enjoy his tea with them all. About to take their leave, Mrs. Sprague pressed a small token into Georgiana’s hand.
“My Henry carved this when he heard you were going to London.” Georgiana looked down at the exquisite cross. “We’ll keep you in our prayers, Miss Darcy, that God will guide your steps to a good man worthy of your regard.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Sprague.” Unbidden tears sprang into her eyes. “I shall treasure this, always.”
“You just remember to seek the Lord with all your heart and He will guide your path. That verse has kept me and Henry all these years and I like to think the Almighty knows what He’s about.”
“That He does, Mrs. Sprague,” Lord Nathan said. “Your prayers are always much appreciated. Good day.” He tipped his hat in respect and Mrs. Sprague gave them both a polite curtsy.
“Good day, Mrs. Sprague.” Georgiana joined Lord Nathan at the carriage. After handing her up, he climbed in and sat across from her and Anna.
“That was a thoughtful gift.”
“Oh, yes.” She opened her hand and studied the cross again. “Mr. Sprague is a talented carver.”
The carriage started off with a jolt and Anna squeaked in surprise. The sound was so unexpected, Georgiana began to giggle. The more she tried to stop, the harder she laughed. Soon Lord Nathan smiled broadly and chuckled. Anna, her face red with embarrassment, apologized profusely for having cried out.
“Oh, Anna, you sounded like a little field mouse.” She wiped tears of laughter from the corner of her eyes. “I have not laughed that hard in such a long time.”
