Page 147 of What Change Entails

“Of course she believes it. That is what makes her so horrid.”

“My brother must know.” Anxious energy radiated from Georgiana as she twisted her hands together.

“Yes,” Lydia said. Then she stopped. Telling Darcy meant repeating it. Repeating it meant admitting she had listened at doors. Lizzy would say that was improper. Aunt Gardiner would say that it was improper but useful. Mary—goodness, if Mary was here, she would compose a sermon of five parts upon it.

“Unless,” Lydia added, “we challenge her to a duel.”

Georgiana started.

“I am joking. Mostly.”

“This is not amusing.”

“No.” Lydia crossed the room and sat beside her. For once, she did not sprawl. “No, it is not.”

Georgiana twisted her fingers together. “I knew she disliked Elizabeth. I knew she disliked your family. But to say such things—”

“She did not know we were there.”

“That makes it worse.” It was painful to know what someone was likely thinking all the time.

“I know.”

For several minutes, they did not speak. Lydia hated the silence. She usually filled such moments on principle. Georgiana was so shaken that even Lydia knew noise would not mend it.

At last Georgiana stood. “We should tell Fitzwilliam.”

“Now?”

“Yes.”

Lydia rose too, though less eagerly. “He may be displeased that I listened.”

“He may be more displeased Miss Bingley spoke so.”

“That would be sensible.”

Georgiana’s mouth trembled at the corner. Not quite amusement but near enough.

They found Darcy in his study with Mr. Gardiner and Bingley. Papers lay across the desk, and a map had been weighted down with two books. Mr. Gardiner noticed them first. Bingley smiled, then checked himself when he saw Georgiana’s face.

Darcy rose. “Georgiana?”

Lydia had seen him concerned before. This was different. His whole attention went to his sister so quickly that even Bingley stepped back.

Georgiana’s courage faltered. She looked to Lydia for aid.

Well. There was nothing for it.

“We overheard Miss Bingley,” Lydia said.

Darcy’s expression changed. “Overheard?”

“I know it is dreadful manners. You may reprimand me after. But she was speaking of Lizzy and Georgiana, and Pemberley, and making certain things did not happen.”

Mr. Gardiner’s newspaper, which he had been folding, stopped halfway.

Bingley’s face lost color. “Caroline?”