Page 28 of Georgiana
“Oh,” she whispered, not daring to let her heart hope. “I wish to thank him. For everything.”
“Then let us make sure you follow doctor Lizzy’s orders so those dressings may come off.” Lizzy moved a small footstool closer to Georgiana’s legs. “Legs up, my dear. Doctor’s orders.”
“If I didn’t adore you so much, dear sister-by-love, I’d throw my favorite pillow at you.” She dutifully lifted her legs and stretched them over the cushioned stool. Lizzy fussed with the blanket and then settled back into her own chair.
“Much better. Would you like me to continue reading Cowper?”
“Yes, please, favorite sister-in-law.”
“You minx. I’m your only sister-in-law.”
“Then it’s a good thing you’re my favorite.”
Lizzy laughed and leaned closer to lay her hand over Georgiana’s.
“I am so glad you were returned to us relatively unscathed. I’d miss your shy smile and teasing. I’m quite in love with you, alongside your brother.”
“I am glad too, Lizzy.”
The ladies spent the next hour conversing and reading and Georgiana dreamed of tomorrow.
~~~~~
“His Grace, the Duke of Adborough.” Hutchins intoned at the door of Darcy’s study.
“Thank you, Hutchins. Have cook send up some tea.”
“Very well, Mr. Darcy.”
Hutchins backed away and gave Max a polite nod as he entered the study. Darcy was seated at his desk, but upon him entering the room he leaped to his feet and came around the desk.
“Have you just returned from Yorkshire?”
“I did, only this morning.” Max advanced into the room. “How is Miss Darcy faring?”
“Much better, thank you for asking. She is moving around although the doctor has forbidden her from leaving the house. The physical wounds are healing−.” Darcy stopped when his voice cracked with emotion. “If you hadn’t intervened…”
“I thank God daily that I was there and think back with horror of what might have been.” Max sat in the chair Darcy offered. “What happened to Slade?”
“My cousin offered him two options.” Darcy sat in the chair opposite Max. “Either accept the offer of deportation or take his chances with Richard. Alone.”
“Ah… I hazard to guess he is being quietly deported?”
“Yes.” For the first time since he’d arrived, Darcy smiled. “Although, Richard did have some quality time with him before your men arrived to guard Sir Reginald.”
“Can’t say I disagree with your cousin’s methods.” Max couldn’t stop the wince from crossing his face.
“Richard’s reputation in the army is well earned. Slade picked the wrong heiress to abscond with.”
“He did indeed.”
“Enough dredging up of that night, let us look to a bright future where the sun shines continuously and nary a cloud in the sky.”
“Darcy, I’ve never known you to wax poetic. Your wife’s influence is beginning to peek through.”
“No influence, Adborough. I have always been a romantic, it’s just that the ladies of the ton expected so much I dared not show any emotion. A quirk of an eyebrow was almost synonymous to a proposal.”
“How true.” Max laughed softly. “Mother told me once how Clarissa Featherington was absolutely heartbroken when I did not pay my respects after smiling in her direction at Lady Addlesworth’s ball.”
