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Then she handed Elizabeth another small package. “This one is from me. Welcome to the family, Miss Elizabeth.”
    â€œOh, you should not have!” she gasped but took the bundle wrapped in brown paper and loosened the string. New leather gloves, the exact color of the cloak’s trim, were revealed. “They are perfect, Miss Darcy.” Tears misted Elizabeth’s eyes.
    â€œPlease.” The girl took both of Elizabeth’s hands in hers. “You must call me Georgiana. We are to be sisters. May I call you Elizabeth?”
    Elizabeth smiled brightly and then gave Georgiana a spontaneous hug. “Of course, you may call me Elizabeth. I am so pleased that you will be part of my new family. Leaving all my dear sisters behind will be a sorrow to me. We shall be close friends, Georgiana.”

    Darcy breathed a sigh of relief. It had been his wish from the beginning for Elizabeth and Georgiana to be friends. His sister had suffered too many years on her own. He had tried to be available for her, but with a twelve-year difference in age, Darcy often felt more like Georgiana’s father than her brother. Elizabeth was but four years Georgiana’s senior. He motioned to the chairs so they might spend time together. “How is your leg today?” he asked when they were settled.
    â€œA bit sore, but it shall heal.” Elizabeth poured tea. “Thank you, sir.”
    Georgiana said, “It was such a shock.” The girl shook her head. “I could not believe it when Fitzwilliam told me what happened. You were so fortunate.”
    â€œGood fortune comes in the form of your brother,” Elizabeth said evenly.
    He accepted a cup of tea. “Miss Elizabeth has had an unusual week. I pray that such unusualness is not repeated.” A slight grimace crossed Elizabeth’s face.
    Elizabeth turned the conversation to Georgiana’s current studies and trip from London. Then the other unmarried Bennet sisters—all of whom still lived at Longbourn—returned, chattering and with flushed cheeks, from a walk. Elizabeth introduced Georgiana to Jane, Mary, and Kitty. Happily, Fitzwilliam’s sister and Kitty became friendly quickly, as Kitty asked Georgiana’s advice on Kitty’s latest design. Even Mary took the time to share her music.
    â€œI have never seen my sister converse so readily with strangers,” Darcy noted as he and Elizabeth sat together in the drawing room. Although the door remained open, no one thought to chaperone them. He had captured her hand.
    â€œMiss Darcy has probably never been in a house full of girls, all about her own age. Georgiana knows music and art and fashion,
but the girls in the Bennet household know what it means to be a sister. It will do Miss Darcy well to be among other young women,” Elizabeth assured him.
    Darcy doubted that Georgiana would learn anything of merit from Elizabeth’s younger sisters. Mary lacked any social skills, and Kitty was silly. Darcy would prefer that Georgiana associate with Miss Jane Bennet or Elizabeth—and even his betrothed had conducted herself poorly of late. “My sister has been sheltered, but I would not say it has been to Georgiana’s deficit. She shall make a gentleman a fine wife when she makes her come out.”
    â€œYou think to bring Miss Darcy out soon?”
    â€œI do.”
    Elizabeth paused. “As your wife, shall I be involved?”
    â€œMost certainly. As Mrs. Darcy, you will give Georgiana credibility,” he assured her.
    Elizabeth bit her bottom lip. “How might I do that, Fitzwilliam? As you have pointed out previously, I am not a pillar of society. I grieve for providing you moments of concern, but I would know true remorse if I did something that reflected poorly on Georgiana.”
    Despite his conscience telling him not to criticize, he said softly, “Then perhaps we need to reexamine some of your actions of late.”
    Although she