Christmas at Pemberley (47 page)

“I confess. It's an old man's ploy.” He cupped Elizabeth's chin. “You are loved, my Lizzy,” he said softly.

“As are you, Papa.” Elizabeth teared. “Miss Darcy and I shall return in a few minutes. We must address the staff. Save me a place by your side.”

“I'll anticipate the pleasure.”

Elizabeth watched him casually walk away. She'd not imagined that her father would ever age, but he'd done so over the past two years. His step was a bit less stable, and lines showed around his eyes.
Reluctantly, she turned to Georgiana. “We should hurry. Fitzwilliam must be waiting for us.”

They managed to escape before anyone else could delay them.Working their way through Pemberley's hallways, Elizabeth good-humoredly said, “It wasn't the kiss you sought, but Papa meant well.”

“I didn't mind Mr. Bennet's chaste kiss,” Georgiana said mischievously as she scampered along beside Elizabeth. “Your father's was actually my third kiss this morning.”

Elizabeth came to an abrupt halt, and Georgiana skidded to a stop beside her. “Edward kissed you?” Elizabeth whispered. “A real kiss?”

Georgiana blushed, but she met Elizabeth's gaze. “Yes, a very real kiss. Oh, Elizabeth, it was everything I ever imagined.”

Impulsively, Elizabeth caught Georgiana up in a hug. “I'm so happy for you. Later, you must tell me everything. Shall he ask your brother for your hand?”

“That's just it. The kiss held no professions of love.” Georgiana frowned. “My brother had summoned Edward to assist with Her Ladyship. We had no time to discuss what comes next, but he did ask me to meet him later in the conservatory.”

“The colonel is a man of honor. He wouldn't have kissed you if he'd no intentions of an offer of his hand,” Elizabeth assured. Hastily, she hugged Georgiana again. “This is wonderful, but we don't wish to make an explanation to your brother. He is still waiting for us.”

They clasped hands and hurried briskly along. As they entered the ballroom, Darcy gave them a questioning look, but Georgiana simply said, “Mistletoe delay. We apologize, Fitzwilliam.”

Darcy's frown lines met. “Papa,” Elizabeth assured. “My father claimed the first kisses.” She stepped beside Darcy and prepared to greet the Pemberley staff. Georgiana took her position on Darcy's other side. This could very well be Georgiana's last Christmas at Pemberley. The possibility struck both Elizabeth and Georgiana
at the same time, and their sisterly gazes found each other. Many questions remained.
If the colonel proposed, would he leave the service early? Would Edward take a buyout? Where would Edward and Georgiana choose to live? Would it be far away from Pemberley? Would Darcy even allow the match?
Above all these questions, one truth held true: The deepest regard bound them as “sisters.”

Her husband turned to his patient servants. “The Darcys are honored to have you as part of the Pemberley family,” he began.

Edward's mind still reeled from the excitement of Georgiana's kiss. He could taste her sweetness and a bit of cinnamon tea, and it was all he could do to maintain the conversation with Bingley's family. He wanted to speak with Georgiana again—to determine her feelings.
She kissed you
, his mind repeated with a rhythmic drumming.

He wanted to follow her when Georgiana accompanied Elizabeth to the ballroom. He wanted to meet with Darcy immediately and claim Georgiana as his own, but he needed to secure her agreement first.
What would the family say? Would they approve of the joining?

“I need to speak to you,” Kitty caught Georgiana in an upper hallway.

“Can it wait until after the meal?” Georgiana kept walking. “Fitzwilliam has sent me to fetch Her Ladyship. He wants to release the staff after supper, and the meal cannot begin without Lady Catherine.”

Kitty followed along beside her friend. “You shan't forget. This is important, Georgiana.”

“I swear on my mother's grave, Kitty. We'll speak for as long as you need. I promise, but Fitzwilliam shall be unhappy if Lady Catherine isn't downstairs shortly.”

As Georgiana rushed on, Kitty called out, “I'll count on you, Georgiana.”

Darcy stood at the table's head with a glass held high. “Mrs. Darcy and I are pleased to have you share this Christmas with us. It's been too many years since we have shared Pemberley's table with our family and friends. So, to each of you, Happy Christmastide! To my sister Georgiana, you remain my life's center; and to my wife Elizabeth, my eternal devotion!”

A rousing “Happy Christmas” followed as glasses clinked and were lifted to waiting lips.

“There's a small gift on your plate from Mrs. Darcy and me,” he announced. He had scrambled upon his arrival yesterday to see that everyone had something appropriate to his station. He had sent Jarvis into Lambton to ask the local jeweler for specific items. Jarvis had had to rouse the man from his home, but Mr. Clifford had responded with suitable choices for the uninvited guests. Darcy had chosen items for the others prior to his trip north. On his next journey into Lambton, Darcy would personally see that the man received a bonus for his excellent service. He took his seat and relaxed into the chair. He contentedly watched as squeals of delight followed ripped paper.

“This is capital,” Bingley declared from the table's far end.

“Look, Mama,” Mary held a small cameo on a velvet ribbon.

From beside him, Elizabeth slipped a small package into Darcy's lap. “You'll receive the rest in our chambers this evening.” She had abdicated her rightful place to his aunt and had chosen to sit at his right hand.

“As will you, my love,” he whispered. He squeezed her hand. Darcy tore the paper away. “What is this, Lizzy?”

“Open it and see,” she said with a mischievous grin.

Darcy unwrapped the box and removed a long leather strap. He fingered it, but he couldn't determine its significance. “Is there more to this present?” he asked as his hand recaptured hers.

“Are you not the greedy one?” she taunted. She reached out and caressed his cheek. “There's a very large gift in the stables by the name of Saladin.”

“You talked Lord Warwick into selling Saladin to you?” he marveled. Impulsively, he kissed her lips.

Elizabeth laughed easily. “Actually, he sold the gelding to you. I simply used my pin money to solidify the deal. By the way, I'll need an advance on my household funds.”

“And you'll have it. I'll double your allowance,” he said happily. “I cannot wait to escape to the stables. But how? When?”

“I convinced Lady Warwick first,” she said simply, “and His Lordship delivered the horse the day we left for Newcastle.”

Bingley noted their exchange. “What have you there, Darcy?”

“A very long leading strap for a gelding.” Darcy held the leather strap aloft.

“Not Saladin,” Bingley said excitedly.

Darcy declared, “One and the same.”

“Are you not a lucky dog?” Bingley rejoined.

Darcy smiled widely. “My luck lies in marrying a phenomenal woman.” He kissed the back of Elizabeth's hand.

“And what did Mr. Darcy give you, Lizzy?” Jane asked from beside her father.

Elizabeth held up emerald hairpins. “Something to keep my tresses in place.”

“And to match Mrs. Darcy's eyes,” Darcy added quickly.

Lady Catherine cleared her throat. “May I have your attention?” She paused and waited for everyone to quiet down. “As we are in a celebratory mood, I wish to announce the betrothal of my daughter Anne to Lieutenant Roman Southland.”

Darcy admired how his aunt had kept any disdain from her tone. Lady Catherine actually sounded pleased with the engagement. “Congratulations to the happy pair.” He raised his glass again. “To Anne and Roman.”

Complete chaos erupted—everyone talking over each other. Words of disbelief and happiness spilled over, and Darcy heard his aunt say, “Anne and Lieutenant Southland have met many times over the years. He's the cousin of my dear Mr. Knight, Mr. Collins's
predecessor. They have always favored each other, but his career has kept them apart.”

So, that would be the story his aunt would tell the world. Well, he cared not how Lady Catherine turned the tale, as long as Anne was satisfied, and at the moment, Anne beamed with happiness. “Is this your doing?” he whispered to Elizabeth.

“A long-standing affection is a nice touch, do you not think? Like something from a novel.”

“You must be mistaken,” Georgiana insisted. “Fitzwilliam would never manipulate your lives so.” They'd found their way to a deserted music room.

Kitty explained, “Mr. Winkler wouldn't lie, Georgiana. Mr. Darcy asks that we postpone our joining until you've found a match. I'm afraid that my family connections shame yours.”

Georgiana groaned. “But I don't want a Season.”

“If Mr. Darcy has his way, you'll choose a husband when you reach London.”

Georgiana's heart sank. “What may I do to change Fitzwilliam's mind?”

“We must tell Lizzy,” Kitty insisted. “Only Elizabeth holds sway with Mr. Darcy.”