The Houseguest A Pride and Prejudice Vagary Read Free

time.”

“That is too bad. Hertfordshire is a lovely county and there is much beauty to
see here. Oakham Mount is particularly nice and not too far. I often walk there
myself.” Georgiana nodded and they continued walking silently.

After a few moments, Elizabeth had an idea. “Miss Darcy, if you are not
otherwise engaged, I could accompany you on your explorations. I have lived
here all my life and know every trail in the area; you would be hard pressed to
find a better guide. It might be a welcome occupation while your brother and
your hosts are seeing to their duties.” 
And
it will give me a wonderful excuse to stay away from the ridiculous Mr. Collins
,
she thought.

“Oh, Miss Bennet! That sounds wonderful! I would love for you to show me around
the country.”

“Miss Bennet.” Darcy’s deep voice sounded from behind her.
 Here it comes,
 she
thought, 
the denial of all things
enjoyable.
 She had suspected he might not approve, but she
could hardly leave this sweet girl alone with Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Hurst
all day. The poor thing! Nothing but compliments and doting, gossip and
unsolicited fashion advice, morning till night. 

Prepared for a reprimand, she looked over her shoulder with a determined and
slightly impertinent look on her face. “Yes, Mr. Darcy?”

He looked at her seriously for a moment, and replied, “Thank you for your kind
offer. I am sure my sister couldn’t be in better hands.” His face was a mask,
letting no sign of his true feelings show through.

“It is my pleasure, Mr. Darcy.”

They walked along a few more minutes before Elizabeth declared that she needed
to head home, and took a narrow path in another direction. 

“You were right, Brother.”

“About what, dear?”

“I do like Miss Bennet.”

Darcy smiled softly as they rode toward Netherfield, wondering if he’d made the
right decision in allowing Georgiana to visit with Elizabeth. Miss Bennet was
delightful, yes, and Georgiana did seem taken with her, just as he thought she
would be, but he was beginning to feel that familiar sense of danger. How was
he ever to forget all about her when he left this place if she became friends
with his sister? 
    Looking at Georgiana, he saw how happy she was and
decided to think on it no more at present. Even if they became friends, they
certainly wouldn’t see each other often; maybe never again. They would likely
write letters and nothing more. Perhaps Elizabeth would be invited to tea or
even to dine if they were both in London at the same time, but surely he could
handle that. What was seeing her for a few hours once a year?
     
     
    Chapter 1
    The Saturday air was crisp and cold as Darcy walked into his London town home;
he hated traveling in January, but there was nothing to be done for it. Hearing
music drift up from the back of the house, he smiled to himself, happy to hear
his sister playing. He handed his hat and gloves to the footman, all the while
thinking how relieved he was that Georgiana seemed to be coming out of her
despair of the last summer. As he walked toward his study, he was arrested by
the sound of Georgiana laughing. 

Curiously, he walked up the stairs to the music room. Just before he opened the
door, he heard something that made him stop in his tracks. He knew that laugh.
But surely it couldn't be; she of all people wouldn't be here, in his home,
with his sister, playing on his pianoforte? Sure his mind was playing tricks on
him, he opened the door and was met by the picturesque sight of his sister
sitting next to Elizabeth Bennet on the bench, both playing terribly while
laughing so hard they were on the verge of tears. They were so close they were
nearly embracing as they giggled and continued to play out of sync. 

The sight of Georgiana laughing was so foreign to him that he stood there
watching them for a few silent moments before he could force himself to advance
into the room. Eventually Georgiana became aware of his presence and