Page 2 of Georgiana
“I’m glad to be of service, Miss Darcy.”
Her prim response set off more peals of laughter from Georgiana and this time, even Anna joined in. All Lord Nathan did was shake his head.
“I am sorry, Lord Nathan. You must think us extremely silly.”
“Not at all,” he gallantly replied. “It has been a long time since I heard you laugh, Miss Darcy. This past year has been good for you. Having Elizabeth’s sister keep you company this past winter brought out the fun-loving girl I and my brother’s all remember from our youth.”
“True, Mary was surprisingly lively and we both shared a love of music. I recall when we first met, she rarely smiled. How I wish she would come to London with me for my debut.”
“You know she is not one for fancy parties and large crowds.”
“I do know that, but she offers a most sardonic narration of the guests and what makes the commentary so funny is that she does not mean to be satirical. She is only giving an honest opinion and it is so refreshing.” Georgiana leaned forward. “She told me during one of our morning visits in London,” she choked back a giggle, “that Lady Fitzherbert’s hat looked like a peacock had nested upon her head. I had to leave the room before I laughed out loud, but it was true!”
“Poor Lady Fitzherbert.” Lord Nathan smiled in remembrance. “I am afraid her milliner informed her peacock feathers were all the rage and, well, she became quite enthusiastic about the whole ensemble.”
“Fortunately, everybody loves Lady Fitzherbert. This fashion faux pas will be overlooked because she gives so much of herself to those who need help.” The carriage slowed to a stop and Lord Nathan alighted. He turned and gave both women a polite nod. “Tell your brother I shall be over in a few days to discuss the new vicar for Kympton.”
“I will. Give my regards to Caroline.”
“I shall. She misses your company.”
For three months, during Fitz and Lizzy’s wedding trip, Caroline resided at Pemberley. Lord Nathan, her betrothed at the time, became a frequent visitor and Georgiana had watched their love deepen and grow. She hoped – no, she prayed – to find a love like that.
At one time she thought his brother the Duke might make an offer. He’d shown an uncommon interest in her each time he visited Pemberley. And, at Lord Nathan and Caroline’s pre-wedding ball they’d danced and it was as though she’d come home. The music was secondary to the feel of his strong arm around her waist, his lean fingers holding her hand. Even though she’d worn silk gloves, her skin burned as though he’d physically touched her with fire.
After the dizzying euphoria of the dance he’d bowed politely and returned her to her brother’s side. The next morning, she discovered he’d left for London and she hadn’t seen him since.
She’d held onto a tenuous hope of him visiting again, but as weeks turned into months the harsh reality of his disinterest set in. She had no choice but to make a concerted effort to seek a husband from another quarter. And for that very reason, her curtsy and debut loomed before her like an executioner’s block. She did not do well with strangers. Her thoughts and tongue didn’t stay in harmony when she became nervous. It was as though she played Mozart with her left hand and Beethoven with her right. Discordant and confusing.
Aunt Lucinda, the Countess of Matlock, would have an apoplectic fit if she knew where her niece’s thoughts were headed. She anticipated Georgiana making a brilliant marriage, as did the whole Matlock/Darcy family. The invisible bonds of duty and family honor continued to spiral around Georgiana’s future and at times she felt as though they choked the very life out of her.
Her attention was drawn to the graveled drive leading up to Kympton Parish courtyard. A horse and ride thundered down the lane and pulled to stop beside their carriage. He dismounted in haste and approached Lord Nathan.
“Sir, I am looking for Lord Nathan Kerr.”
“I am Lord Nathan Kerr.” Nathan met the man who handed him a sealed letter. “Thank you. See my housekeeper for payment.”
“Not required, my lord. All of the posts were pre-paid.”
“All of them? How many do you have for delivery?”
“Three in total. One for you, one for a Mr. Bingley, and I need to attend Pemberley to deliver one to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
“I can take the letter for Mr. Darcy,” Georgiana interjected, having listened to their conversation. “I am Miss Darcy of Pemberley and am on my way home.”
The rider handed her a sealed envelope and she heard Lord Nathan say when he glanced down, “Why, it’s from George.”
~~~~~
Georgiana held the sealed letter in her hand and wondered what news Lord George Kerr needed to impart to both his brother and hers that required incurring the expense of an express post. Dare she hope he’d convinced Catherine to embark on a courtship?
A soft smile formed at the thought of George and Kitty married. One had to be blind not to see how besotted he’d been with her the week leading up to Lord Nathan and Caroline Bingley’s wedding. She was fully sure in her estimation that Kitty returned his affection, but Georgiana had witnessed moments when her dear friend, and sister-by-marriage had been most despondent. She fervently hoped the missive contained good news.
She alighted from the carriage as soon as it pulled to a stop in front of Pemberley house and hurried inside.
“Is my brother here?” she asked Carson, handing her pelisse, gloves and bonnet to Anna, who followed her inside.
“I believe Mr. Darcy is in the study.”
