Page 30 of Georgiana
“Especially since you are not her cousin,” Darcy said with a grin. “I’ll shall send direction straightway to Klemper & Bedway, my solicitors.”
Darcy crossed over to his desk and sat down. He pulled out a few sheets of paper, an inkwell and quill. Within minutes he’d had most of the letter written.
“I’d forgotten how exceptionally fast you write.” Max said, thinking back to their University days and wondered at the whimsical smile that crossed Darcy’s face. “Did I say something funny?”
“Not really, it was more of a remembrance from the time when I first met Elizabeth and we were both at Netherfield Park.”
“Ah, I see. Mrs. Darcy appreciated what fine penmanship you have.”
“Not at all. It was your sister-in-law, then Caroline Bingley, who expressed her appreciation.” Darcy chuckled. “At that time in her life, I could have sneezed and Caroline would have gone into raptures. She is much altered since meeting your brother.”
“Yes, and Nathan is very appreciative that she no longer holds you in such high regard.”
“I’m almost done. All I need is the direction to your solicitors and we can have things set up before the week is complete.”
“Excellent.” Max took one of Darcy’s sheets of paper and scribbled down the address of his solicitors in Town. He straightened and smoothed out his coat. “Am I able to see your sister today?”
“Normally, I would say yes, but Georgiana has only begun leaving her quarters and as such is not dressed for company.” At Max’s quizzical look, he expanded. “The dressing comes off tomorrow and then she can wear a gown. I’m sure you understand.”
“I will come by in the afternoon, and if she feels up to it, pose my question and let her know she does have an option, regardless of what you may say.”
“Adborough, I’d love to give her leeway in this regard, but like it or not, Georgiana must marry and I don’t think I could ask for a better brother-in-law.”
“The sentiments are returned. I look forward to a long and felicitous marriage.”
“After you speak with Georgiana, I shall post the announcement and start the process of reading the banns. This gives you three weeks to make plans and give the appearance of a courtship. With luck, no gossip will seep out, but we must be prepared for anything.”
“Are you sure you weren’t the one trained in strategy, Darcy. Your cousin would be most proud to hear you talk like this.”
“Good or bad, Richard tends to rub off on people. Be careful when you invite him for dinner. He makes you laugh at off color jokes and you will find yourself sipping more brandy than thought possible.”
“I shall take that under advisement, although, in his day, my youngest brother raised a few eyebrows. He experienced harrowing times in France that changed him body and soul and I don’t believe your cousin could surprise me with any stories that don’t rival Nathan’s.”
“I forget how jaded Nathan was when he first returned. When I think of him, I see the man he became. Lizzy once observed that we are to think of the past as it gives us pleasure.”
“Sage advice. We should listen to your erudite wife more often.”
“It certainly makes for a happy marriage.”
“I can’t wait to discover this myself.” Max said to his soon-to-be brother and thought, with a smile, in three weeks, Georgiana will be my wife.
Chapter Nine
“His Grace, the Duke of Adborough.”
Although prepared for his visit, Georgiana couldn’t help the little breath that somehow caught at the back of her throat, and even without looking into a reflective glass, she knew her cheeks would be pinker that she’d like.
How could she not blush? Just the thought that he’d seen and touched her in her nightclothes was enough to make her heart race like a runaway horse. She clasped her hands a little tighter to keep herself from leaping to her feet and hide behind the draperies.
“Your Grace,” Lizzy said as soon as Max crossed into the room. “We are so delighted you joined us for tea.”
“Mrs. Darcy.” Max gave Lizzy a polite nod with his head. He then turned his full attention toward her. “Miss Darcy.”
The smile that graced his face was everything she remembered. Both she and Lizzy curtsied and she murmured, “Your Grace.”
“Enough of ‘Your Grace’, please call me Maxwell. We are all friends here, or at least I hope we are.”
“You are most definitely a friend of ours, Maxwell,” Lizzy replied. “I know you’ve asked for a private audience with my sister, but Anna will stay with you while I see cook about tonight’s dinner. I won’t be longer than fifteen minutes.”
