“Of a sudden, I could not stay in Northamptonshire a moment longer, and so I have been travelling since, and am glad to be arrived. My father will doubtless expect me to remove to Hallendale House in a few days’ time, but with your consent,” he said, bowing his head to Elizabeth with an air of mock formality, “I would like to settle here. I have missed Pemberley and its denizens, especially my little cousin—where is she this evening?” His question was answered by a pause, which, at that moment, permitted his hearing the sound of music echoing down the hall from the music room. With a bow that would do credit to the most accomplished of courtiers, Colonel Fitzwilliam stood up and left the room to follow the sound. He listened from the door, waiting for her to finish, but Mademoiselle Blanche, occupying her usual spot on the top of the piano-forte, caught a glimpse of her old friend and leapt across the music-stand to greet him, causing Georgiana to break off her playing mid-phrase and smile up at the unexpected visitor with delight. She took his proffered hand, and stood so that he could take her hands and kiss her cheek.

“I was not expecting you so soon, and you are a welcome surprise, indeed,” she told him, taking his arm and tucking her head into his shoulder in an instinctive gesture. Upon the Colonel’s answering her with a question as to her own health, she replied, “I daresay my brother will tell you that I have been quiet these past months, but now you are come, I am sure to recover my usual equanimity. You must have a great deal to tell me about your adventures with the regiment in Northamptonshire. Pray tell me, how does Miss Crawford do? And her brother? Your letters have been full of them, and I wondered you might bring your new friends to Derbyshire for a visit.”