Free Pride, Prejudice & Secrets by C.P. Odom Page B

An hour later, cleaned, refreshed, and attired in clean but comfortable clothing, he returned downstairs and, upon hearing a pianoforte, went directly to the music room, where he found his sister rather desultorily running through an odd melange of musical pieces.
    He frowned as he silently looked at her, seeing the melancholic set of her fine features as her fingers moved idly over the keys. From the sadness in her face and her lack of concentration, he was inwardly certain she was recalling the narrow escape of being enticed into an elopement with his boyhood friend George Wickham the previous summer. He shook his head slowly, hoping his news might possibly help the person he cherished most in the world to get beyond those morbidly depressing thoughts.
    Well, perhaps she is no longer the person I cherish the most, he surmised as the lovely features of Elizabeth Bennet swam into his thoughts. But it is a close-run thing, and Georgiana is the one I have cherished the longest — at least among those still living…
    He winced inwardly at the memory and grief of losing both mother and father, leaving him alone with responsibilities that still weighed heavily on him and with none from whom he could seek advisement.
    Except Richard, of course, he thought warmly, remembering the sturdy loyalty and steadfast friendship of his cousin. Bingley is also a stalwart friend, to be sure, but he is much more in need of my guidance rather than the opposite. But Richard is the kind of friend who will offer advice when asked — if he thinks it worthwhile — but he is equally quick to admit, when appropriate, that he has little to offer. Many so-called advisors appear compelled to offer their opinion on everything, even when they know nothing and their opinion is worse than useless.
    At that moment, Georgiana became aware of him, and he was cheered as the expression of melancholy left her face to be replaced by a warm smile.
    “William!” She stood eagerly as he crossed the room to her. “I was not aware you had returned. I did not expect you until tomorrow.”
    “Yes, Richard and I left early this morning,” he said as he embraced her and kissed her cheek.
    “This morning?” She frowned in puzzlement. “Why…you should have been home hours ago, surely.”
    “I left Richard at Fitzwilliam House but did not come straight home. I had an errand in Hertfordshire.”
    He could see her confusion and escorted her to a couch. “Let us sit, and I will explain. It is somewhat complicated.”
    “Is Aunt Catherine unwell? Is that the reason for your early return?” she asked suddenly. “And why did you go to Hertfordshire? After what you have said, I would not have expected you to return there.”
    Ah, once again my mouth has been running too freely, Darcy thought. I shall have to be more careful. I turn from saying nothing pleasant in unfamiliar company to saying too much among close friends and relatives. I need to find a middle ground. But that is for later…
    “No, Aunt Catherine is well enough,” he said, but something in his expression left Georgiana doubtful, and she was quick to leap to an unfortunately accurate assumption.
    “Did you quarrel with her? Your expression says that your visit was not pleasant.”
    “You are becoming far too perceptive. Of course, I cannot think of anyone who knows me as well as you.”
    “What happened? I know you do not enjoy your visits, which is why you do not insist I accompany you. I know Aunt Catherine would like me to visit, but…well, she spends all her time instructing me, and…and…”
    “…and her opinions are seldom worthwhile and should not be offered. She does not have the responsibility for your care, though I am sure she thinks she should.”
    “Then why do you go?”
    “She was our mother’s sister, Georgie,” he said softly. “And, despite her abrasive nature, she and Mother were close. I feel a responsibility to visit her.”
    “But I thought you were only going to