First Glimpse – An Unwavering Trust

It’s definitely just a peek, but for those wondering about my next book, you’ll get a little hint of part of it. There’s  a lot more to it than what I have posted!

 

Darcy took a deep breath and exhaled, attempting to calm himself before he spoke with his sister. She tended to know enough of what was going on within Pemberley, and he did not wish to upset her with anything of which she was unaware.

Once he had tempered his anger, he made his way to her favourite room in the house and opened the door with care. He could not help but grin as he watched her brow crinkle at a more difficult passage while he silently closed the door behind him.

His thirteen-year-old little sister, Georgiana, had grown several inches since the last time he had laid eyes on her. She was tall for her age; her blue eyes and dark chestnut hair added to her stature, making her a striking young lady.

As he listened to her with pleasure, he realised how much she had improved. He waited until she released the last chord of the piece and clapped. She startled, visibly jumping up from the seat.

“Fitzwilliam! I had no idea you had come in! You nearly frightened me out of my wits!” He chuckled as she came around to embrace him. “You came in too late for me to greet you last night, and I know you are already planning on leaving us again.” She gave a small pout, prompting a bit of guilt for how little time he had spent with her, as they both took a seat upon a settee to one side of the room.

“I am sorry, Georgie. Sagemore is my estate—my responsibility—and it was necessary that I be there for the spring planting.”

She studied her fingers in her lap while he struggled to think of something to say that would help. The last thing he wanted to do was to tell her he might not be allowed to see her again. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her voice.

“I know, but I miss you when you are away.” Her gaze returned to his face, and she placed a hand over his. “Please tell me you are not going to capitulate to father’s commands.”

He sighed. “I do not see how I have any choice. He’s threatened to post an engagement announcement in the paper. People already question why Anne is not a part of London society. Could you imagine if I publicly jilted her?”

“Poor Anne,” commiserated Georgiana. “She is really a sweet person once you get to know her.”

“I know she is, sweetie, but neither of us wishes to be married to the other. If I defy father, you know I would not be welcomed back at Pemberley?”

Her eyes widened. “Did he say that?”

“Yes,” he said, nodding. “Which means that I would see you less than I do now.”

Rising from her seat, she paced back and forth for a minute before she abruptly turned to face him. “I would not have you sacrifice your happiness for me. One day you may resent me for it.”

“I could never resent you!” he cried, rising to his feet.

She shook her head and he could see the tears welling in her eyes. “You must do what makes you happy, Fitzwilliam. Neither you nor Anne would be happy in that marriage. You should find someone and marry her before father can announce the betrothal.”

He laughed and returned to his seat. “You want me to find someone and wed within a fortnight?”

“Why not?” she exclaimed. “Would it not solve the problem for both you and Anne? A betrothal announcement for someone who is already married would not be taken seriously by anyone.”

“Father would never allow me to return to Pemberley, and we would likely not be in company again until you come out or are wed yourself.”

“But we can write letters,” she said in a hopeful tone.

“You do not think he would prevent that?”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Mrs Reynolds and Taylor sort the post before he sees it. I doubt he would ever know.” She wore a wide grin, and he worried what thought had come to her mind. “Even if he did, you could have Grandmamma send them inside hers.”

“He blames Grandmamma for my refusing to go along with his wishes. He could attempt to sever your relationship with her as well if I openly defy him.”

She snorted. “As if she would ever allow that!”

Chuckling at something so similar to his own opinion coming from her mouth, he grinned while she took her seat once more. “So I am to find a bride in a fortnight? That does not sound like it would bode well for my felicity.”

“When you put it like that, Fitzwilliam, no…it does not. But what if happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance? If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar beforehand, it might not advance their felicity in the least. Perhaps it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.”

He regarded her sceptically and she shrugged with a smile. “Or perhaps Grandmamma will have an idea. You will just have to think hard during your return to London.” She reached forward and grasped his hands. “You secure your happiness, and Anne’s, and one day, perhaps Father will come around.”

“I will consider what you have said, but I think you are mistaken when it comes to our father.”

“You shall not take my hope away.” Tears welled in her eyes again, one dropping on to her rosy cheek.

“I would never wish to, Georgie.” He reached over and pulled her into an embrace. “I have no idea what the next fortnight will bring, but no matter what father says, please remember that I love you, little sister.” Her shoulders shook and she released a small sob.

“I love you, too.” She pulled back, her tear-covered cheeks breaking his heart. “I understand what will happen, but please do not marry Anne merely because you feel you have no other choice.”

“Do you really think she would enjoy being jilted?”

Georgiana shrugged. “She has no wish to ever marry, so she might appreciate the scandal. You know that Grandmamma, Uncle Henry, and Aunt Elinor would ensure society knew the two of you were never truly betrothed. I doubt she would suffer any more than she does living with Lady Catherine.”

“Behave, Georgiana,” he scolded.

“You act as though you do not agree.” Her tears had stopped, and she had perched her hands on her hips.

“I may agree, but I do try not to say it.”

She giggled and reached over to hug him once more. “You should go before father finds you are still here.” Nodding, he pulled back and placed a kiss on her forehead.

“I will expect a letter from you at Grandmamma’s soon after my arrival.”

He pulled away and left before he lost control of his emotions, hearing Georgiana’s faint “Goodbye, Fitzwilliam” before the door closed behind him.

 

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