Free Darcy's Temptation by Regina Jeffers

Then her Ladyship nodded toward Kitty.“This is your sister, Mrs. Darcy?”
    â€œKitty is one of my sisters; I am one of five daughters. If you recall, my eldest sister is married to Mr. Darcy’s friend, Charles Bingley.”
    â€œAnd your other sisters?” Lady Pennington asked. “Are any others married?”
    Elizabeth shot Darcy and Georgiana a quick glance of panic, not sure how to respond. It was Georgiana who found her voice first. “Elizabeth’s youngest sister Lydia is married to an officer in the regulars who is stationed in the North. In fact, you may remember him; his father was our father’s steward.” Elizabeth could not believe how calm Georgiana appeared, considering her history with the nefarious Mr.Wickham.
    â€œDo you mean George Wickham?” Lord Pennington asked, but the frown on his face indicated his disapproval.

    Kitty dropped her eyes; a reminder of Lydia’s shame followed her even here in Nottingham.The thoughts of Clayton Ashford’s countenance brought her hope.
    â€œMy sister Mary is at home with my parents,” Elizabeth changed the subject. “We asked Kitty to remain with us at Pemberley.Would you like to share our news, Fitzwilliam?”
    â€œKitty will stay with us for Elizabeth carries an heir for Pemberley.” Every time he said the words, Darcy felt a tightness in his chest, as if saying the words finally made them real.
    The look on Lord and Lady Pennington’s faces showed their pure delight. “Oh, Mrs. Darcy,” Lady Pennington laughed excitedly, “my cousin Lady Anne would be so pleased her beloved Pemberley would be so blessed. Is this not exquisite news?” She turned to her husband.
    â€œA heir for Pemberley will be most welcomed. Congratulations, Darcy.” Lord Pennington shook Darcy’s hand.
    â€œI must warn you,” Darcy added quickly, “cigar smoke makes my wife very ill.”
    â€œFor her Ladyship, tripe would send her into fits,” he laughed. “Well, I am sure you would like to freshen up. A servant will show you to your rooms.We have another guest, a Captain Rutherford, staying with us. He is out riding right now. I am sure you will like him, Darcy; he is an acquaintance of Edward’s.The captain will attend the party with us.”
    â€œI look forward to meeting him.” Darcy stood and took Elizabeth’s hand.“We will see you once we freshened our things.”
    Going up the stairs behind the maid leading the way, Elizabeth caught Georgiana’s hand and mouthed the words “Thank you” to her.
    When they reached their rooms and were out of earshot, Georgiana told Elizabeth, “It felt good to be able to vocalize about Mr. Wickham; it is my way to rid myself of his ghost. I hope, though, I did not embarrass you, Elizabeth.”

    â€œI do not want to publicize Lydia’s actions, but I agree with you. Trying to hide her connections will only amplify them. Acknowledging Lydia’s marriage and then moving on seems the best way to handle the situation.”
    â€œIf Fitzwilliam did not save me, Lydia’s fate could be mine. I cannot judge her.”
    Â 
    At dinner, Captain Rutherford joined the party. “Are you not on duty?” Kitty asked without thinking.
    â€œI am on extended leave,” the captain assured her.
    The captain, though not as tall as Darcy, still offered a strong and powerful profile. His hazel eyes and angular nose made him rather young looking. His blond curls lay close to his head, giving him a halo-like quality.
    As anticipated by the Penningtons, Georgiana Darcy became the object of his attention that first evening. Attractive and distinguished, Rutherford offered Georgiana much of his time. The captain’s smiling eyes helped Miss Darcy overcome her natural shyness around strangers, and she managed to hold up her end of the conversation.
    â€œI understand you recently met Chadwick Harrison,