As may be expected, Georgiana managed little sleep that night, and awoke the next morning to see the two letters open on the table beside her bed, extinguishing a momentary hope that the news in the letters had been the product of a most dreadful dream. Noting from the height of the sun that she had slept beyond her usual hour, she hastened down to breakfast, taking the letters with her. Upon joining Elizabeth and Darcy downstairs, she passed two letters to her brother without a word, grateful for the point of honour which required she keep the Colonel’s second letter to herself. Never was she more thankful for the kindness of the brother and sister who understood her so well, for neither of them attempted to comfort her beyond a look, and, for some time left her to compose herself before beginning the discussion of the unexpected news. Darcy and Elizabeth could have no idea that Colonel Fitzwilliam’s delay in meeting them could have affected her so entirely, and, therefore, assumed that the blame for her pale, tear-stained face must be the loss of Mademoiselle Blanche. Nevertheless, they treated both subjects with the utmost compassion for Georgiana’s misery, and their united dismay at her sorrow knew no bounds.

“Poor, dear Georgiana, and poor little Blanche. We must try to find solace in the reflection that kind Mrs. Reynolds and dear Mrs. Annesley will have neglected nothing to secure the little cat’s comfort. Blanche was a brave old thing, but we could not have taken her with us on our travels—and surely she must have been more comfortable at home—in spite of your absence from it. I am sorry you were not there to say goodbye to her, dearest, for she has been a true companion and friend to you these many years. I entreat you to remember that she knew how much you loved her, and is surely at peace now. In time, you will wish for another kitten, although such an idea is inconceivable at present.” Elizabeth pressed her sister’s hand, and took up Colonel Fitzwilliam’s letter to the family, to read it once again.

“I have an idea that the reason for Colonel Fitzwilliam’s continual delay in journeying out to meet us must be his attentions to a woman. Colonel Fitzwilliam sounds so content, we must view the circumstances for his good fortune with happiness, even if it means we are to be denied the pleasure of his company for some additional days.”