Phillips entered upon Lizzy's acknowledgement, bowing formally and announcing that there were two gentlemen in the foyer asking to speak with the Mistress as Mr. Darcy was absent.
“Who are they?” Lizzy asked with raised brows.
“They did not offer their names, madam.”
“How odd,” she murmured, rising with a shrug toward Georgiana, who also rose to trail along curiously.
“Madam, can we two lonely travelers intrude upon your hospitality for the fine Irish whiskey reputedly lurking in the liquor cabinet at Pemberley?”
“Whiskey, brandy, port, whatever you wish for, kind sirs, but first give us a kiss!”
Georgiana had already released a cry of delight and dashed to her favored uncle, Lizzy turning to a grinning Richard Fitzwilliam for a kiss.
“Richard! What a wonderful surprise! We were expecting this wayward traveler to breeze in eventually,” Lizzy laughingly declared with a gesture toward George Darcy, “but you are an unanticipated albeit fantastic addition.”
“He attached himself to me in London,” George declared, “and I could not rid myself of him. Pathetic, really, so I dragged him along. Elizabeth, you appear to have swallowed an enormous ball.”
“I wish it were that simple as then it would be lightly filled with air and not expanding further. Come, gentlemen, whiskey is secured in the liquor cabinet. Phillips, your penance for being roped into deception by these two mischief makers is to bring us a tray of comestibles for our weary travelers.”
She linked arms with Richard, who said, “You look quite well, Elizabeth. How are you faring?”
“Very well, all considered. I have a husband who dotes most profoundly and a sister nearly as devoted, so I am not allowed to overtax.”
“Where is the doting husband, by the way?”
“At the wool barn. I do not know when he shall return, but he usually arrives in time for dinner.”
George laughed. “William miss a meal? Do not be ridiculous. Whiskey, Colonel?” he asked as he crossed directly toward the liquor cabinet.
“Please. Georgie, I want to hear all about Wales. Your letters were expository and Mother enumerated additionally, but I wish to hear more from your own lips. Especially, my dear cousin and ward, about this Lord Gruffudd you so eloquently chronicled.”
Georgiana blushed scarlet. Lizzy chuckled, laying one hand softly on Georgiana's arm. “Richard, for shame! Do not tease your cousin so. Can a young woman not notice a handsome man and gush to a trusted guardian without being interrogated? Besides, ladies need their little secrets.”
“Very well, I am properly chastised. Forgive me, Miss Darcy.” He bowed gallantly her direction. “Skip past Lord Gruffudd to your birthday celebrations. I believe you were in Cardiff at the time?”
Georgiana overcame her embarrassment and launched into a detailed account of the merriment delivered by her aunt and uncle for her eighteenth birthday. Refreshments were brought and the small group exchanged stories for the next hour with much laughter ensuing.
Darcy was greeted to the distinct sound of revelry drifting down the hall as he discarded a dusty coat into the waiting hands of Mr. Taylor. “We have visitors?”
“Yes, sir. Dr. Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam arrived this afternoon.”
Darcy nodded, striding briskly to the parlor, and paused on the threshold to view the scene. Col. Fitzwilliam stood in the middle of the room with arms gesticulating as he related what Darcy quickly ascertained was a tale of foolish new cadets attempting to learn marching maneuvers. Lizzy and Georgiana were laughing gaily, while a grinning George sat sprawled on his deceased brother's favored chair with long maroon-covered legs crunched into the minimal space.
“I leave for the day and all manner of disorder arises. Pemberley apparently now hosts anyone who wanders by?”
“With such fine whiskey and beautiful, charming women in residence, it is only to be expected, William,” George retorted with a follow-up sip of the amber liquid in his glass.
“I assuredly cannot argue the charming women, or the whiskey for that matter. Richard, it is wonderful to see you. I trust all is well?”
“Tolerably, cousin. I urgently needed to breathe fresh air and escape the adolescents lately come to my regiment. Besides, Dr. Darcy required a companion on the road. To keep him safe, you understand.”
George snorted, Darcy chuckling as he crossed to his wife and sister. “Georgie dearest,” with a quick kiss to her cheek before lifting Lizzy's fingers to his lips. “Beloved, you are well?”
“Perfect, dear. I have been marvelously entertained. Our guests seem to be bursting with amusing anecdotes.”
“Passes the time, I suppose. Uncle, we have had no news since Devon. What have you been up to? And please tell me Darcy House is yet habitable?”
“No worries, William. The cousins all send their best wishes. We spent a week on the coast, then I departed to visit friends in Dorset. I actually was only in London for four days, which is why Darcy House is undamaged. Mrs. Smyth expressed her sadness to see me depart, but I longed for Pemberley. Nothing quite compares to the autumn here.”
“I am discovering the same,” Lizzy said. “William told me the gardens were particularly lovely in the fall, and he was not exaggerating.”
“Of course,” Richard interjected. “This is your first autumn here! I had forgotten. Mr. Clark and his staff are remarkable. My parents should allow him to train their gardeners.”
“I arrived at the end of autumn past, but the rains and cold weather set in shortly thereafter so William had little opportunity to acquaint me extensively with the gardens. Except for what I could see from windows, that is.”
“What a shame,” George murmured. “Holed up inside with nothing to do all winter. How trying that must have been.” He glanced slyly at his nephew, who was approaching with whiskey decanter in hand.
“Yes,” Darcy intoned dryly. “It was terribly stressful, but we managed.” He refilled his uncle's glass without meeting his eyes. “Of course, it was blessedly quiet. Virtually relative free until Christmas.”
“Ah, Christmas at Pemberley.” George dreamily stared into space, ignoring Darcy's playful slur.
“Will you stay for Christmas, Uncle?” Georgiana asked with a pleading tone.
“We shall see, dear. I am enjoying my leisure. By the way,” he pulled a folded piece of parchment from his pocket, “it is a bit crinkled, I fear, but I have a missive from Raul. Have either of you heard from Miss de Bourgh?”
Lizzy shook her head negatively, Darcy responding, “Not for a month. I rather assumed she was otherwise entertained.”
“Apparently quite so. Raja states that all is progressing smoothly. He is working at the hospital in Ashford as well as offering his services throughout the community as required. Lady Catherine is now singing his praises to all who will listen, probably questioning when he will officially propose and increase her prestige in society.”
“Undoubtedly Miss de Bourgh wonders the same,” Lizzy said.
“So he has not secured her hand as of yet? What is he waiting for?” Darcy was honestly surprised.
“Soon, I garner from his letter. He wanted to be established somewhat, earn Lady Catherine's undying respect and approval, and shower Miss de Bourgh with the full treasure trove of courtship rituals. I gather he has exhausted the arsenal of romantic tomfoolery, so with nothing remaining, engagement is imminent.”