Page 81 of The Widower of Pemberley

She had never thought she would be grateful for a man being a coward—but so it was.

“I am glad,” she said.

Mr. Darcy put down Emily and embraced Elizabeth. “I was not unhappy that he did not appear. I hope to never see him again in my life.”

“Oh, poor George!” Georgiana exclaimed. “I fear that is for the best.”

“Itcertainlyis for the best,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said harshly.

“I know,” Georgiana replied. “I do know that.”

Elizabeth shivered as the wind blew through her skirts.

Taking her arm, Mr. Darcy led her in, shouting to Emily to follow them. The girl ran back inside shouting, “Cold! Cold!”

Mr. Bennet also smiled to see Mr. Darcy when they returned to the breakfast table. He said, “My daughter is quite pleased to find you in such good condition. Did you meet your man?”

“My man,” Mr. Darcy replied with a twisted expression, “did not meet me.”

That made Mr. Bennet laugh. “I am not surprised. I would not have met you either after your display yesterday.”

“It is for the best,” Mr. Darcy said. “I am happy, I think.”

Another platter of sausages and ham was brought out from the kitchen, and both Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam set about the serious task of eating it.

In between mouthfuls, Mr. Darcy asked Georgiana and Elizabeth, “Have you given orders to pack? I hope for us to leave not long after noon. The roads round about are a little muddy, but it is too warm for ice, and we should make good time. I think we can reach Pemberley by the third evening and only sleep on the road two nights.”

Must we go so soon?

She would not ask her husband to delay and let her have more time with her family. It was clear that he was eager to be home, and she thought he was eager to show Pemberley off to her.

She must be a good wife.

“Leaving so soon?” her mother asked. “Surely you could remain a few days so that Elizabeth can visit all her friends and be introduced as Mrs. Darcy.”

Mr. Darcy frowned. “I have no desire to stay longer than I must. I miss Pemberley, and the past day has been most unpleasant.”

That was that.

“I can pack fast enough for a speedy departure,” Elizabeth said.

“It will be perfect!” Georgiana exclaimed. “I can scarce wait to show you everything at Pemberley. You will love it.”

“I already do.” Elizabeth smiled at her friend. “And I have not even seen the estate.”

“I shall tell you everything on the ride home, so you know all that is useful. And we can play games—we always list how many different colours of carriages we see, and if there are more barouches than gigs, and there are so many guessing games.” Georgiana flushed and added, “You will not think I am silly if I confess to liking very much that game where you guess from the first letter what object is being thought of?”

Elizabeth laughed. “Why would I think you silly for that? I confess to enjoying it on occasion as well.”

As soon as the orders had been given for packing, Charlotte said, “Eliza, might I speak to you for a moment?”

They went out to the wilderness about Longbourn.

Her friend hesitated for half a minute and then imparted significant and most interesting information.

“Engaged to Mr. Collins!” Elizabeth exclaimed in some surprise. “Impossible. You cannot be so desperate.”

Charlotte smiled sadly. “I hope you can be happy for me.”