Elizabeth’s succeeding thought was less agreeable, but equally reasonable: it was quite probable the present tour had been expressly contrived by la mère très invaluable to shew Georgiana the extent of the Comte’s estates and the wealth that derived from such a number of large, prosperous farms. Obviously, the Comte’s partiality to Georgiana had been communicated to the mother, if not the sister. Elizabeth was sorry that there were additional people who would now be involved in the coming disappointment. But, she reflected, the Comte had been somewhat precipitate in relating his intentions, and surely it must always be considered as possible that a woman will not return a man’s regard, simply because he has formed such a preference in his own mind. As eligible and respectable as was the Comte, Georgiana’s circumstances did not make it necessary for her to accept him, and certainly Georgiana should be free to determine and follow her own inclination. As highly as Elizabeth regarded the Comte, she valued more highly still Georgiana’s independence of thought and action, and the hand of Providence that had made such an independence possible. She and Jane had been the beneficiaries of extraordinary fortune in securing the husbands of their choice, both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley being honourable, liberal, and kind. Georgiana need not rely on the caprice of chance; nay, she was secure of a good home, a loving family, and the high regard of her relations. She could connect herself if and where she wished—no woman could ask for better blessings. Elizabeth was surprised by the strength of her own silent defence of Georgiana’s privilege to determine her own future, especially in light of the exceptionally high esteem in which she—and her husband—held the Comte. Even if the Comte were the paragon they all believed, Elizabeth concluded, Georgiana’s happiness had the first claims on herself and Mr. Darcy, and Georgiana had long reached an age at which she was right to direct in what manner she was to be happy.