Page 3 of Dear Friend

Fitzwilliam Darcy stood at the window of his study, his thoughts returning to the afternoon he had spent with Georgiana. His sister had admired half the contents of the modiste’s window, rejected his offer to purchase the most expensive gown among them, and laughed when he accused her of possessing an economy entirely unbecoming a Darcy. She had eventually permitted him to buy her a length of ribbon, though only after exacting a promise that he would purchase nothing else.

At fourteen, Georgiana remained shy with strangers and inclined to silence in company, but Darcy knew the warmth concealed beneath her reserve.

Miss Ellicott, her governess for the past year, knew it too, which made her approaching departure particularly unfortunate. Her father, already advanced in years and long in declining health, had worsened considerably, and as his only unmarried daughter Miss Ellicott considered it her duty to return to Yorkshire and undertake his care. Darcy could find no fault with the decision, though reason did little to make the necessity of replacing her more agreeable.

A familiar knock sounded at the door, and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam entered without waiting for an answer. Such ceremony as might once have attended his visits had disappeared long ago, and during Darcy’s present stay in Town his cousin had called often enough to make his appearance unremarkable.

"I met Georgiana in the hall," Richard said, removing his gloves as he crossed the room. "She looked remarkably pleased with herself. What extravagance have you committed in her name?"

“None, as it happens.”

Richard raised a brow as he settled into the chair opposite Darcy’s desk.

“I offered to purchase a gown for her, but she would not accept it,” Darcy said.

The colonel feigned shock. “Refuse to spend her brother’s money? Is she ill?”

“She informed me that she possesses three of a similar colour already and has no need of another.”

“Good God. A sensible woman in the family.”

Darcy regarded him without amusement, which only increased Richard’s.

“She did permit me to purchase a ribbon.”

“Ah. There is hope for her yet.”

“She spent nearly ten minutes deciding upon it.”

“Then perhaps she is a Darcy after all.”

Darcy crossed to the sideboard. “Will you take some brandy? I may as well offer it, since you appear determined to make sport of everything I say.”

“You know perfectly well I shall.” The colonel chuckled.

Darcy poured two measures and handed one to him before taking his own chair. Richard accepted the glass with a nod and stretched his legs towards the fire.

“Now,” Richard said, glancing towards the letters arranged upon the desk, “have those letters anything to do with this sombre humour of yours?”

Darcy followed his gaze as he took a sip of his brandy. “Miss Ellicott leaves us in a fortnight.”

The amusement wiped off Richard’s expression. “So soon?”

“Her father has worsened. She wishes to be in Yorkshire before the end of the month.”

“I am sorry for it. Georgiana is very fond of her. How has she taken the news?”

“She cried this morning, though not before Miss Ellicott. She waited until we were alone.”

“That sounds like Georgiana.”

“She asked whether Miss Ellicott might return when her father recovered.”

“And what did you tell her?”

“That I could make no promise on another person’s behalf,” Darcy said. “Moreover, I cannot know whether Miss Ellicott’s father will recover, nor what she may choose to do if he does not.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam nodded. “That is sensible.”