Colonel Fitzwilliam replied in a tone of exaggerated gravity, “Firstly, Mr. Darcy, let us establish that I am Colonel George Fitzwilliam, Viscount Dunfield, in that order.” Resuming his usual tone, he replied with a laugh, “Secondly, I thought it best that she had a bath and some supper whilst we discuss exactly those questions. I assure you, that I am equally ignorant as to those details,” as he turned to smile at Georgiana. “However, upon further deliberation, I think that the bath and supper are requisite, but I do not find a need for discussion. Ere long, we will take Betsey back with us into Derbyshire.” Elizabeth turned to Georgiana and gave her a wink and a broad, warm, knowing smile.

Darcy stared and replied, “Surely you do not propose taking her to live with Lady Hallendale?”

“I do, indeed.”

“And you are convinced that Lady Hallendale will accept the charge of this child, whoever she is, and wherever she is from?” “I am, indeed.”

“You are certainly sure of two things, at least, if I can get nothing else of sense from you,” Darcy said, growing a little warm in his reply. Elizabeth was hardly able to keep her countenance, but did not wish to appear to be making light of Mr. Darcy’s increasing indignation, wisely deferring that pleasure to the two principals.

“Really, Fitzwilliam, this is the other side of enough! You bring someone’s child in from the street, and a filthy sack of something which you have so generously sent to my kitchen, and order my servants about. You must think very well of yourself, indeed! I am…”

At this point, Georgiana stepped forward and in a very firm and steady voice said, “It is my presumption, Brother. Colonel Fitzwilliam—George—,” she said with some confusion and a blush, “had nothing to do with this contretemps. Your very reasonable imputations arise solely from my actions, and are, thus, my responsibility to acquit. I am very willing to tell what I know of the child, and why she is here at Park Lane.”

Darcy just stared. At length, he recollected himself enough to look about the room, and discovered—to his annoyance—that he was the only person present not enjoying the exchange. He struggled to keep his temper, asking how Colonel Fitzwilliam could be so very sure of Lady Hallendale’s willingness to take on a child, and one of such unknown history, at that!

Colonel Fitzwilliam just laughed and said, “Because I have asked her.”

“How the devil…?” started Mr. Darcy.

Colonel Fitzwilliam had received enough of Elizabeth’s hints to bring the delusive exchange to an end, saying, “Darcy, I always believed you tolerably intelligent, but I see I must explicate.” Taking Georgiana’s hand, he said, “You simply have the wrong Lady Hallendale, Darcy. I have already secured the consent of the lady.”