Free The Gypsy Blessing by Wendi Sotis Page B

Do you remember?”
    Georgiana nodded.
    “We two boys were decidedly different from one another, and consequently, Mr. Darcy treated us differently. Fitzwilliam was always so serious. Your father limited his conversation with him to serious matters.” He shook his head and said the next with a tone full of sorrow. “Fitzwilliam felt overlooked and forgotten.”
    “I cannot believe it!” Georgiana exclaimed.
    “Although the signs were there our entire lives, I felt the same way as you do now. I repeatedly dismissed every symptom he displayed—until the living at Kympton fell vacant.” He shook his head. “Then, I could deny it no longer.”
    Georgiana sat in silence. The shock of what had been revealed was overwhelming. Her brother was so handsome and strong; he was wealthy enough to afford anything his heart desired. Could he have been so jealous of the relationship Wickham had had with their father that he had actually denied Wickham his due?
    None of it made sense until she recalled the few occasions when even she had been envious of the close relationship that Wickham had enjoyed with their father. It must have been even more difficult for her brother, as his son.
    Georgiana cleared her throat. “Have you consulted an attorney about this matter, George?”
    “I did not. Dearest Georgiana, you must understand that the respect and esteem I have always held for both your parents would prevent my doing so. I would not— could not—consciously do anything to spoil the noble name of Darcy !”
    Georgiana’s eyes filled with tears. She glanced at Mrs. Younge, who wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, and then returned her gaze to Wickham. Georgiana declared, “You are truly an honourable, compassionate man, Mr. Wickham.”
    ~%~
    July 27, 1811
    Sitting before her dressing mirror the following morning as her maid arranged her hair, Georgiana sighed deeply in contentment. It was difficult to believe that it had been less than a day since she had become reacquainted with Mr. Wickham.
    “Miss Darcy?”
    She looked up to find her lady’s maid looking at her in a peculiar fashion. Georgiana directed her gaze towards the mirror and noticed that the styling of her hair was complete. Realizing that Marie must have been speaking to her but she had been too distracted to hear, she said, “Thank you, Marie. That will be all for now.”
    “Shall I leave the tray, ma’am?” Marie gestured towards the untouched breakfast tray.
    “You may take it away; I find I have no appetite this morning.” She removed the cloth that had been covering her shoulders and bodice so that her preparations and meal would not soil her clothing.
    “But, Miss, Mr. Darcy told me to make sure you—”
    At Marie’s worried expression, Georgiana lifted a slice of toast with marmalade to her lips and managed a few nibbles. “Does that satisfy your promise to my brother?”
    Marie shook her head. “Oh, Miss Darcy, we only worry that you will become ill again if you don’t eat.”
    “Truly, Marie, I am well. I am simply not hungry. I thank you for your concern.”
    The maid smiled. “You do look very well, ma’am.”
    Georgiana rose and turned towards Marie. “I feel well, Marie—better than I ever have, I believe!” She squeezed Marie’s hand and left the room, heading directly to the pianoforte to practice several pieces she planned to play for Mr. Wickham that evening after supper.
    ~%~
    July 31, 1811
    “Jane, I am very worried about Miss Darcy.” Elizabeth looked at the last two pictures she had received, laid out on the table before her as her sister brushed out her hair before helping her to style it. “What if Aunt Madeline’s card was misplaced?”
    “If so, she might think that we have been avoiding her. If she had been tired when we called a week ago, surely she has recovered enough by now to receive visitors. Shall we speak to Aunt Madeline about calling again?”
    “I would feel much better if we did.”
    After speaking to