Page 55 of Georgiana
“Who says I want to speak to that prat?”
“Because this was the whole purpose of why I came to Pemberley,” Max said before resuming his seat. “Have you seen Darcy?”
“Afraid of coming face to face with her brother?” Richard sneered.
“Not in the least.”
Worried, but not afraid. There was a vast difference in attitude.
“How do you explain the reason you’re still in your traveling clothes?”
“I haven’t had time to change. We sent rider out for him because Mrs. Darcy is in labor−”
“Why didn’t you say that in the first place!”
Richard swiveled and exited the room, shouting orders to bring his horse around to the front of the house. Ashton glanced at Max and assessed him.
“You couldn’t have led with that when I came into the room?’
“What, and take away your joy of digging the knife in further?”
“There is that,” Ash conceded with a wry smile.
“Your brother also interrupted before I had a chance.” Max blew out a soft sigh. “I arrived and spotted both Georgiana and Mrs. Darcy walking along the lake’s edge. I then saw Mrs. Darcy fall, quite hard, and immediately went to give aid.”
“Is Elizabeth well? The baby?”
“As far as I could ascertain, and I’m no physician, she hurt her ankle and was unable to walk, plus she went into the early stages of childbirth.”
“How did she get back to the house?”
“I carried her.”
“You!” Ash exclaimed in obvious disbelief.
“Yes.” Max ground out between clenched teeth. “Me.”
“Hmmph… Good job, Adborough. There might be some redemption in this for you after all.”
“Thank you so much for your glowing approval,” Max said with a touch of cynicism.
“Tuck that sarcastic tongue back into your mouth, your Grace. Do not forget you are persona non grata within this house. You hurt a most beloved member of our family and we Fitzwilliam’s and Darcy’s have long memories.”
“I’m well aware. Georgiana did not even spare me a greeting, although that was to be expected given her concern for Mrs. Darcy.”
“The fact you were there in their time of trouble may soften the edges of their anger, Adborough. If you’re truly repentant, and I suspect you are, it will show.”
“Ashton, I never know when you’re being sincere or yanking my chain. However, I’m taking your words at face value because that’s all I have right now.”
Max stood and with a stiff bow toward the Viscount exited the room and made his way to his suite of rooms. Prior to his despicable behavior toward Georgiana, he’d always enjoyed his stays at Pemberley. This time, the bright room did not dispel his heavy spirit. While his valet, Clarkson, continued to unpack his trunks, he sat in the chair by the window and prayed.
He prayed for Elizabeth and Darcy’s baby and for Georgiana. Even if their marriage ended before it truly began, he didn’t want her to go through life bearing a deep grudge. He wanted her to be happy and was willing to let go if she demanded it of him.
The next few hours were tense. Darcy arrived hard on the heels of the midwife, followed closely by his physician. Although he knew he wasn’t entirely welcome, Max forced himself to join the family as they waited in the drawing room.
Georgiana remained cloistered with Elizabeth and her male relatives prowled restlessly around the room, tossing disdainful looks and remarks toward him. He drew deep upon the words of his father of how to face great hardship. Remain calm and hold your tongue. If you do not provide a raging fire fuel, eventually it will die out. Give your adversaries time to cool off.
After a few hours of dour looks, Mrs. Reynolds came into the room and told them Mrs. Darcy was faring well. Relief flooded through Maxwell and he quietly thanked God for answered prayers.
