The Road to Pemberley by Marsha Altman

Elizabeth offered no objection. When he returned her to the borrowed gig and turned the carriage toward Longbourn, she finally spoke. “I meant no offense, Fitzwilliam. I forgot myself.”
    â€œHow often must I explain? When you are my wife, you must have a detachment. You cannot fling yourself into another man’s arms.” He seethed with anger.
    â€œWhat can I do, Fitzwilliam? Matthew Hardesty is a dear friend. I will not snub him just to be your wife.”
    â€œThe man holds a tendre for you,” Darcy charged as he halted the gig.
    Elizabeth’s cheeks turned a fiery red. “I will not deign to respond to such a preposterous accusation.”
    â€œI saw his face, Elizabeth. Captain Hardesty holds you in his heart.”

    Elizabeth stiffened. “I believe you should take me home, Mr. Darcy.”
    He heard the tears hidden in Elizabeth’s words, but Darcy ignored her distress. “As you wish, Elizabeth.” He gave the horse its freedom.

    â€œWhere is Miss Elizabeth?” Georgiana asked as Jane Bennet disembarked at Netherfield.
    â€œI fear my sister is indisposed.” Jane shot a glance at Darcy. “A megrim.”
    Georgiana looked concerned. “We should see to Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam. I cannot bear to think that she is alone at Longbourn.”
    Darcy took his sister’s arm to direct her through the main door. “It is too close to the supper hour to rush off to call on Miss Elizabeth,” he whispered. “Besides, I am well aware that when Elizabeth claims a headache, her condition is due to some other cause. I made that mistake before. I will not go rushing to my future wife’s side again, only to be turned away.”
    â€œDid you argue with Elizabeth?” Georgiana accused him.
    â€œYou might better ask when do we not argue,” he countered.

    â€œI shall be happy to sponsor your come out,” Caroline Bingley assured Georgiana. Charles Bingley had escorted Miss Bennet back to Longbourn.
    Only Darcy, Caroline, and Georgiana sat in Netherfield’s drawing room. Mr. Bingley’s oldest sister, Louisa, and her husband were due to arrive with the morning. Bingley and Miss Bennet would marry in four days. In three, Darcy and Elizabeth’s last official calling of the banns would occur. As such, he could not keep his mind
on the conversation at hand. He knew, without a doubt, that Elizabeth did not have a headache. She was avoiding him.
    â€œI appreciate your offer, Miss Bingley, but that honor should go to my brother’s wife,” Georgiana said calmly.
    â€œYou jest, Georgiana. Miss Elizabeth may have captured Mr. Darcy’s heart, but even he cannot think she is capable of launching you into society. The ton would chew up and spit out the future Mrs. Darcy.”
    Georgiana shot him an imploring glance, but Darcy was still smarting from Elizabeth’s snub. “The ton can be cruel. You might take some instruction from Miss Bingley.”
    â€œI mean no offense, Miss Bingley, but I would prefer to make my debut with Miss Elizabeth. She is to be my sister, and I find her opinions on certain individuals very astute.” Georgiana raised her chin in defiance.
    Darcy glared at his sister. “Georgiana, apologize to Miss Bingley.”
    Her head down and her hands trembling, Georgiana rose. “I have spoken out of turn. I beg your forgiveness, Miss Bingley. Please excuse me. I will retire if I have your permission, Fitzwilliam.” She turned on her heel and exited the room.
    â€œYou must take Miss Darcy in hand, sir,” Caroline chastised him. “Miss Elizabeth is a poor influence on Georgiana.”
    Darcy rose in anger. “Miss Bingley, I have tolerated your criticism of my future wife because you are the sister of one of my dearest friends. But I can tolerate your remarks no longer. I think it best if my sister and I remove ourselves from Charles’s house. I shall instruct Mr. Jordan to