Read The Disappearance of Georgiana Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery for Free Online Page B

am pleased to see my family again,” Elizabeth whispered as Darcy placed her hand on his arm.
    â€œLet us see if you have the same opinion by this time next week,” he murmured. “Your dear family will all want to hold Bennet. Your private time with our son has just disappeared.”
    Elizabeth feigned shock in this revelation. “Then you must send them all away immediately, Mr. Darcy,” she exclaimed. “I refuse to share my child with anyone but his father.”
    Darcy caught her free hand to his side. “I knew you to be a sensible creature, my dear.” His smile widened.
    â€œToo late,” Elizabeth shuttered her words. “The footman has let down the step.”
    â€œDo not say I did not warn you,” he murmured into her hair.
    â€œMrs. Bennet.” Elizabeth’s father supported his wife’s step on the coach’s ladder. “I am pleased you have arrived safely.”
    â€œThank you, Mr. Bennet. It is good to be at Pemberley again. When I was last in Derbyshire, the grounds were covered in ice and snow. It is pleasant to see it at its best.”
    â€œLater, we will tour Mr. Darcy’s gardens, if you did not find your journey too exhausting.”
    â€œThat would be enjoyable.” The woman turned to her waiting family. “Ah, Jane,” she gushed. “I have so longed to see Jackson.” She
held her oldest close. “And Mr. Bingley,” she said in welcome. “It is delightful to see you, Sir.”
    â€œYou look well, Mother Bennet.” Bingley embraced the woman.
    As if overheated, she fanned her face with her handkerchief. “I shall be complete, Mr. Bingley, when our Kitty becomes Mrs. Winkler. A mother’s task is to see to her daughters’ futures.”
    â€œAnd you have excelled in your endeavors,” Bingley said good-naturedly.
    â€œMama.” Elizabeth had waited patiently. She and her mother had rarely found congress, but they had spent an enjoyable Christmastide together, and this had given Elizabeth hope that now that she too was a mother, they would develop a deeper understanding.
    â€œAh, Lizzy. Your father writes often of your Bennet.” Elizabeth received a lukewarm hug, very different from the one Jane had experienced only moments earlier, and over her mother’s shoulder, Elizabeth saw the corners of Darcy’s mouth dip downward.
    She maneuvered her mother in Mr. Darcy’s direction; her husband bowed over her mother’s hand. “I am pleased by your return to Pemberley, Mrs. Bennet.” He handed her off to Bingley. “I am certain that Mr. Bingley will show you into the drawing room. Mr. Nathan has arranged for refreshments.” Mrs. Bennet curtsied and then allowed Bingley to escort her to the house. “No words of thanks,” he grumbled under his breath.
    â€œMy mother is likely exhausted from the details of first Mary’s, and now Kitty’s wedding,” Elizabeth said beside him.
    â€œMrs. Bennet found enough energy to greet your sister with enthusiasm,” Darcy countered. “I will not have you snubbed, Lizzy, even by your mother.”
    Elizabeth shrugged in exasperation. “I shall have Papa speak to her.” Then with a renewed smile, she greeted her sisters.
“Mary.” She caught the girl in a hearty embrace. “Permit me to look upon you. How does married life treat you?”
    â€œMr. Grange is quite kind,” Mary said softly.
    â€œI am pleased to hear it.”
    Darcy shook the young lawyer’s hand. “Pemberley welcomes you, Mr. Grange.”
    â€œMrs. Grange and I thank you for receiving us.” He placed Mary on his arm and followed Jane Bingley into the main foyer.
    Elizabeth turned to see Winkler lifting Kitty to the ground. His hands rested on her sister’s waist for a few extra seconds, and their gaze intensified. Elizabeth diverted her eyes and shared a knowing smile with