Page 42 of What Change Entails

Elizabeth took her sister by the shoulders and examined her with exasperated affection. “You have grass in your hair.”

“I was nearly murdered. Grass is to be expected.”

Mrs. Gardiner and Mr. Gardiner approached then, Mrs. Reynolds following at a more discreet distance.

Introductions became necessary, awkward, and strangely exhilarating.

Lydia watched everything with the concentration of a general reviewing troops. Georgiana could hardly blame her.

Fitzwilliam executed a bow to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner with a sincerity that surpassed Georgiana’s anticipations, and he extended greetings to Miss Elizabeth with a noticeable, albeit strained, reserve. Miss Elizabeth curtsied. Color rose in her cheeks. She gave him the briefest acknowledgment before directing her attention elsewhere.

When the first explanations were complete and Mrs. Gardiner had expressed proper concern over both young ladies, Georgiana surprised herself by speaking before her brother could.

“If you are to remain in Lambton for several weeks,” she said, clasping her hands to prevent them from fidgeting, “I hope my brother will allow me to persuade you to stay at Pemberley rather than the inn. It would give me great pleasure.”

Fitzwilliam stared at her in astonishment. There. The smallest break in his reserve. For an instant, Georgiana saw unmistakable hope in his face before he concealed it again.

Mr. Gardiner shared a look with his wife. “That is a most generous invitation, Miss Darcy. We should not wish to impose upon your hospitality.”

“You would not impose,” Fitzwilliam said, perhaps too quickly. He corrected his tone with visible effort. “Pemberley is always glad to welcome friends.”

Mrs. Gardiner studied him, then Elizabeth. “You are very kind, Mr. Darcy. We had intended to tour the house, believing the family away.”

“I am glad you were mistaken,” Georgiana said.

Lydia stiffened her arm slightly, as if to say, Very good.

Fitzwilliam added, “Mr. Bingley and his sister, with Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, are expected tomorrow. We shall have a fuller party than usual. I hope that will not deter you.”

Miss Elizabeth’s expression changed at the mention of Mr. Bingley. Georgiana caught the flicker before it disappeared.

Mrs. Gardiner’s attention shifted to her niece as well. “Perhaps my husband and I may speak together before accepting so generous an invitation.”

“Of course,” Fitzwilliam replied.

Georgiana beckoned to Lydia, then toward the path leading to the stream. “Might we walk while they consider it? I should be glad to show Miss Lydia a little of the grounds.”

Fitzwilliam noticed her ankle.

“I can walk,” she said before he asked.

“Only as far as the bridge,” Darcy said. “After that, you will allow Mrs. Reynolds to look at it.”

Lydia nodded vigorously. “She can. I shall make certain she does not run anywhere.”

Elizabeth gave her sister a doubtful look. “You?”

“I am capable of responsibility when properly motivated.”

“That remains to be proven.”

Lydia smiled.

A few minutes later, the party separated in the most useful manner imaginable. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner remained behind with Mrs. Reynolds to discuss practicalities. Fitzwilliam and Miss Elizabeth walked ahead toward the stream, not quite side by side at first, then closer when the path narrowed. Georgiana followed with Lydia, far enough behind that they could not overhear, close enough to observe.

Lydia leaned near without releasing her arm. “You see it, do you not?”

Georgiana watched her brother bend slightly to hear something Miss Elizabeth said. “Yes.”