Page 63 of Georgiana
“Thank you, Benson. Advise cook that I’m ready for my dinner.”
He’d started toward the family dining room when Benson spoke again.
“It is incumbent upon me to advise that a particular letter awaits you, sir.”
“A particular letter?”
“Yes, sir. In a pale cream envelope tied with a pink ribbon.”
“Thank you.” He couldn’t help the flutter of hope burgeoning in his chest. “Please tell cook to hold supper for a few more minutes.”
“As you wish, sir.”
He gave no thought to the enigmatic smile his faithful butler bestowed upon him as he quickly strode toward his study and his desk where the letter awaited. His hands trembled as he slit the envelope open and began to read.
Kerr House
April 1815
My Indelible Maxwell,
The next letter of love is ‘I’ and as an equal partner in this relationship, I claim the right to share my point of view. First, I find you Intriguing and Impassioned in your quest to restore our relationship and, for me, you are Incomparable to any other man I know. Second, I am Impatient to begin a proper courtship and await you in the music room.
Yours, etc.,
Georgiana ‘Darcy’
She was here! The letter and ribbon fluttered to the floor, forgotten in his haste to barrel out of the study toward the music room. Sounds of Mozart danced upon the air and when he opened the door all of his attention was riveted on the one he loved more than life itself, seated at the pianoforte. Silent, not wanting to break the spell of her artistry, he drank in her beauty.
She glanced up, and not missing a beat, smiled. When the piece was complete, she stood and moved away from the instrument and began to walk toward him. Without thought, he met her halfway until they stood but a few feet apart.
“You have come.”
“Yes, it is time for us to begin again.”
Uncertain of how exactly to do that, he clasped his hands behind his back and rocked a bit on his heels. He suddenly felt like a young swain standing in front of an irate father, wishing to ask if he could dance with his daughter. Of the two of them, Georgiana seemed the most composed, but then she’d been planning this visit and he was still galloping madly along, trying to catch up. From the corner of his eye he caught sight of Mrs. Annesley, Georgiana’s companion from before her marriage. He turned and gave her a slight nod.
“Mrs. Annesley. How very good to see you.”
He almost flushed at the slight lie. Hewasglad, yet not glad she was there. He wanted none other than Georgiana, yet these were the very parameters he’d set in place before he left Pemberley in December.
Be careful what you wish for, for that is what you will receive.
“You as well, your Grace,” she replied with a deep curtsy.
“Mrs. Annesley has agreed to come on as my companion during our courtship. I hope you do not mind?”
“Not at all, I think it is a brilliant idea. Would you like some tea?” he asked, finally remembering his manners.
“We must decline as Aunt Matlock is desirous to meet Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth’s newest addition to the family regardless of the hour. I promised to return and spend time with my family.”
He wanted to shout, ‘I am also your family’, but wisely kept his counsel. Mrs. Annesley gave him a small nod of approval, as though she’d read his thoughts. He turned and escorted them to the front door where Benson awaited.
“I have an invitation from Fitzwilliam to give you and your mother.” She brought a card out of her reticule and handed it to him. Without looking, he palmed the card in his hand.
Georgiana fussed with her gloves and a slight blush colored her cheeks and he had a flashback to the young girl she was before all this nonsense began. Maybe the young lady he’d fallen in love with, and who had loved him back was not lost, only hiding behind blankets of disappointment and hurt. A barrier he longed to peel back one layer at a time.
“Tell your brother and his wife that I will happily attend.” Before she could turn and exit, he whispered soft enough so only she could hear, “I love you still, my darling Georgiana.”
