Page 207 of What Change Entails

“Then I am coming,” she replied.

Darcy wished for speed, and he could not accomplish that with his sister in tow. “No.”

“You cannot go alone.”

“I can.”

“What if Miss Bingley sets another trap while you are gone?”

“She is not leaving her room before morning.” After that, she would be gone.

“What if you are waylaid by geese?” It was a desperate sally but he loved her for it.

Bingley made a strangled sound.

Darcy, unwillingly, remembered the road and the indignant bird planted in the lane. It was the last thing he wished to find amusing.

Georgiana stepped forward. “Then I shall go with you.”

“No.”

She did not retreat. “Then I shall follow tomorrow.”

He looked at her. “Georgiana—”

“I do not wish to remain here.” Her voice shook slightly. “Elizabeth is my friend. She asked you to come. I should like to see her as soon as I may. And Lydia!”

Mrs. Annesley came to her side. “If Miss Darcy travels with me, there is no reason she cannot make the journey safely.”

Darcy hesitated.

Bingley spoke before he could answer. “I must go to Netherfield in any case. I have delayed long enough and will have to face Miss Bennet eventually. Mrs. Annesley and Georgiana may travel with me after you have gone ahead. They will be perfectly safe.”

Darcy looked from one to the other.

“You are certain?” he asked.

“I am,” Bingley replied. “Netherfield will be opened before they arrive. Mrs. Nicholls will see to everything.”

Georgiana held his gaze. “Please.”

The word was quiet, but there was more resolve in it than he had heard from her in years.

At last he inclined his head.

“Very well. You will travel with Mrs. Annesley and Mr. Bingley tomorrow. Brisby shall attend you.”

Relief crossed Georgiana’s face so plainly that it pained him.

“Thank you.”

Darcy addressed the footman.

“Half an hour.”

“Yes, sir.”

When the man departed, Bingley crossed to Darcy.