A Peculiar Connection by Jan Hahn

with uncommon consistency. The thought of spending the remainder of the winter in such dull surroundings filled me with annoyance. Since the prize of Pemberley had been paraded before me, I could no longer find contentment in the existence I had always known. It seemed I wished to experience what life with the Darcys might offer after all.
    And if I were honest, I should admit I craved the excitement of Mr. Darcy’s company. Even if he was but my brother, I felt more alive in his presence. His intelligence and wit matched mine, and I knew I would not tire of sparring with him. I also found Georgiana amiable, and I trusted that the time I spent with her would be agreeable. Besides, I longed to see the great house again, and anticipation of the beauty of Derbyshire’s peaks and dales made my spirit soar.
    I generally possess a hopeful outlook, and I soon tired of grieving over the circumstances of my birth and my disappointing prospects. I longed to return to the cheerfulness I had known before, and I determined it to be possible. Once I made the decision to travel to Pemberley, it somehow became easier to keep my resolution.
    Mr. Darcy shared the carriage seat with his young sister on the journey while Mrs. Annesley sat beside me. She was an older woman, pleasant and quiet in the presence of her employer. As the miles rolled by, Georgiana chattered about all that awaited us. She made a verbal list of families in the area and urged her brother to plan a dinner or even a ball to welcome me.
    “A ball? Surely not,” I said. “For I know with what distaste your brother considers dancing.”
    “Ah, Wills,” she said. “Could you not forego your displeasure for the sake of Miss Bennet?”
    He raised one eyebrow but said nothing.
    “We could ask the Whitbys and the Stones, and perchance Lord Darnley’s nephew has not yet left for the Season in Town. Oh, Wills, could we not have a ball?”
    “Let us give Miss Bennet time to settle in before we impose Derbyshire society upon her.”
    “That suits me perfectly,” I replied. “Remember, I shall not stay long, Miss Darcy.”
    “But you must! It is such a distance from Longbourn. We may not have opportunity to visit for some time. Pray assure me you will stay for several months at least.”
    “Georgie, do not inflict your wishes upon her. We will not force Miss Bennet to remain at Pemberley unless she is content to do so.”
    Georgiana frowned, and I noted how pretty her countenance, even when pouting. “Oh, I am tired. Shall we never reach Derbyshire?”
    Mr. Darcy took her hand. “Rest your head on my shoulder.”
    She gladly took advantage of his proposal and, within a short span, fell asleep. I was fascinated by their intimacy. If I were his legitimate sister, would I ever feel that comfortable with him? At ease enough to sleep on his shoulder? I could not imagine it.
    Within moments, Mrs. Annesley’s head began to fall forward as she, too, drifted into slumber. Mr. Darcy and I rode in silence for some time before I spoke again. I kept my voice low so that I might not disturb our companions.
    “So you are ‘Wills’ to your little sister?”
    He nodded. “And you are ‘Lizzy’ to yours, am I correct? To my mind, the diminutive does not suit you.”
    “Oh? And what would you have me called?”
    “I do not think I could ever think of you by any name other than ‘Elizabeth.’”
    “And I cannot fathom calling you by any name other than ‘Mr. Darcy.’”
    “Is that not formal? Our close connection does not warrant addressing each other in that manner in private.”
    “Pray, sir! Mrs. Annesley might hear you.”
    “She is a sound sleeper; do not worry.”
    I leaned forward and peered closely at the woman. Assured that she truly was insensible to her surroundings, I felt easier and took up the conversation again. “What should I call you then? ‘Wills’ belongs to Georgiana, and I fear my tongue would trip over ‘Fitzwilliam,’ so what else other than