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Sunlight glistened off Georgiana Darcy's wavy hair as she strode through the pack of hyenas towards the group; her Amazonian figure parting the crowds like a goddess. They hadn't seen or spoken to each other since Will was in hospital; Jane had mentioned Miss Darcy and her had met up a couple of times, but Elizabeth had never been invited.
Georgie's eyes were dark and trained on Elizabeth. Instinctively Elizabeth took a small step back, unsure of what was coming next. However, on reaching Elizabeth Georgiana whirled on her heels and towered over Mrs Bennett, protecting her family. It had taken her a lifetime to exude the confidence her brother did, inside and out.
"I recommend airing your laundry elsewhere." Gesturing to the gathered crowd. "If you have nothing kind to say perhaps it is time to leave?"
It was unlike a Darcy to cause a scene, making the conversation even more delicious.
"Miss Darcy this a family matter."
"I should be involved then; shall I call my brother?"
Mrs Bennett burst into a fit of nervous laughter, "Mr Darcy? Why in heavens would he want to get involved?"
Elizabeth placed a gentle hand on Georgie's back, her eyes pleading with her not to say anything about Mr Darcy's part in the story.
"He is friends with Elizabeth and would certainly feel affronted at your conduct towards her today."
Mrs Bennett ran out of steam, her face turning ashen, the threat of the Darcy's getting involved was mortifying for her social status. Society gatherings such as the Rosing's Picnic were all about hierarchy; Mrs Bennett was at the outer reaches of accepted company and earned her invite by inflating the egos of those more important than her. A lifetime of brown-nosing had earned her a fierce reputation as a gossip, someone useful to have around, but never too close. By birth Georgiana Darcy belonged to the most exclusive circles in society; Mrs Bennett did not. The conversation was closed.
Before Mrs Bennett could scurry off Georgiana made her apologise to Elizabeth to Will. The words were whispered under crimson cheeks and bowed heads. As the verbal sparring came to a more dignified conclusion the rest of the guests filtered off, going back to drinking their Champagne or playing croquet leaving Elizabeth and Georgiana together with Will.
"Thank you." Elizabeth offered, setting Will on the ground where Georgiana crouched to take his tiny hands in hers.
"He looks just like Fitzwilliam," Georgiana carefully studied Will, smiling as he gently pulled at her long hair.
"He does."
"I understand why you kept him a secret. You a secret."
"You do?"
"I was angry when I found out you'd kept him from us. Since then, I've spent some time with Jane and Edward and … I get it and whilst I wish you hadn't, I understand you were protecting my brother."
"My uncle? Why? How?"
"It is my turn to owe you an apology. A few weeks ago, I went to see your uncle at his offices in London and together we made a pact to keep you and Fitzwilliam away from each other, until we knew if your feelings for each other were real. Your aunt and uncle have been helping me intercept your messages to one another Please don't be mad at them."
Elizabeth stood in silence absorbing everything Georgiana was telling her.
"I've seen my brother lose you once, I couldn't see him lose you again. I needed to know if you really cared for him. And your family wanted to protect you and Will, they needed to know my brother wasn't going to leave you or his son. You do though, don't you? You love him."
Silence.
"Elizabeth?"
"Yes. Yes, I love your brother."
"Good. He's the best big brother in the world. You're very lucky to have him."
"Georgiana, why did you protect us just know?"
"You're my family. Darcy's protect Darcy's."
"I'm not a Darcy."
"Yet…"
A small tear escaped Elizabeth's cheek. Georgiana smiled shyly in return and all hardness about her vanished as if it had never existed.
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. Georgiana and Elizabeth kept company together, playing with Will and getting to know each other. It was easy company for both of them – no secrets, giggles, laughter and a rare opportunity to learn more about the extended family.
When a chill in the air descended the two ladies hugged goodbye and promised to see each other very soon.
Author's note:
Thank you so much for your kind words in response to the last chapter. I need to finish this story now to close a chapter on my life so I can move onto other projects.
All reviews and constructive feedback are greatly appreciated.
I'm still without a beta, so please excuse any errors.
Enjoy.