Elizabeth pressed her hand and said, “Now let us have an understanding—as sisters—that nothing shall ever come between us, much less something so common-place as dusting. My proposal is simply this: you continue to run the house at Pemberley as though it were your own, which, my dear Georgiana, it rightfully is. Pemberley shall, if you please, have one master and two mistresses. You, however, must continue to bear the daily burthen of its care and order. I, on the other hand, as recompense in some small measure for the trouble to which I so amiably propose to put you, agree merely to act the part of hostess, and, of course, take all of the probable credit for it. What do you think?”

Georgiana looked at Elizabeth with a countenance that spoke first of surprise, followed by a significant sigh of relief, and finally, a smile. “Elizabeth, how did you know? I was afraid of doing too much, and also of not doing enough.”

Elizabeth replied, “Well, have I not the advantage of what I flatter myself is a superior acquaintance with your brother? And, I find your way of thinking much the same as his, which is perhaps not to be wondered at, as in many families—although not in mine—there exists a similarity of mind between brothers and sisters. It is more remarkable in your case, as you are so different in age, but, in truth, I find you very much alike. I know how it pains Mr. Darcy to appear at ease with many who would claim his time, when he would much rather be attending to other matters; I believe you to be much the same, is it not true?” Georgiana readily confessed she had forever felt unequal to the demands of being seen as the mistress of Pemberley, but her reticence disclosed itself chiefly in what appeared to others as shyness.

Georgiana’s nature, like Mr. Darcy’s, was meticulous. Her years of solitary study from a young age made the keeping of household accounts and the supervision of the servants—in short, the day-to-day demands of a large and social household—not toilsome, but a comfortable habit of employment since the early decease of her mother. Usefulness gave a direction to her thoughts and a purpose to her activity, and, most importantly, enabled her to be of assistance to her brother. Whatever small contribution she might make to relieve him of the domestic portion of his cares would necessarily allow an increase in the hours of leisure for the pursuit of his own employments and enjoyments. If there were another motivation—that of shewing herself worthy of his love and esteem—this supposition defied even Elizabeth’s sagacity.