Elizabeth was energetically employed bespeaking linens and travelling cloathes; Mrs. Reynolds in ascertaining which of their trunks would fit on the coach most efficiently, and how to contrive to fill them with every imaginable article that might—in the most unlikely of circumstances—be of need to the Darcys on the road. Mr. Darcy wrote to his scientifical friends abroad as to their residence when the visit was likely to be paid, and to the loriner bespeaking large harness for the new coach horses; he asked the farrier to lay in extra shoes and extra carriage-furniture. Everything was to be in readiness for a departure in late February or early March, depending upon the vagaries of the English climate.

All of this industry and invention was nearly over-thrown when Georgiana announced that she could not possibly leave Mademoiselle Blanche, who, in her advancing years, appeared to be ailing. “She hardly eats anything, no matter what delicacy Cook sets before her, and see how rough and dull her fur is become? I am convinced that, in my absence, she may not eat at all, or, at any rate, will be much worse without my attendance.” Both Darcy and Elizabeth tried to reassure her that Mademoiselle Blanche looked likely to exist for some time to come, but Georgiana was unusually obdurate.

“Mademoiselle Blanche was there to soothe my sorrow and offer me comfort in times of a most wretched loneliness and grief. I shall never consent to forfeit my duty to in her time of need.”

There seemed an impasse until Mrs. Annesley offered to remain behind with Mademoiselle Blanche: “Georgiana, dearest, Mademoiselle Blanche may not love me as well as she loves you, but we have been three together these many years. I will answer for her comforts in your absence.” Reluctantly, Georgiana was persuaded to yield to entreaty, with the declarations of all that Mademoiselle Blanche yet looked very well able to survive to see another twelve-month, at least.

CHAP. 17.

GOOD COMPANY IS INVARIABLY the best cure for a melancholy mind, and Georgiana had been unusually low since the Colonel’s departure to the Hallendales’, where he was to spend a fortnight before returning to Pemberley for Christmas. She looked forward to the Christmas holidays, bringing an house full of visitors and, therefore, diversion. Mr. Bennet and Parson and Mrs. Overstowey were the earliest arrivals, although travelling the shortest distance. Darcy had long since abandoned his habit of wonder at the eccentricities of his father-in-law. Elizabeth suspected that her husband rather enjoyed Mr. Bennet’s spontaneous visits, giving, a larger share of pleasure than pain; Mr. Darcy was grown less censorious, and Mr. Bennet less capricious. Added to this, each looked forward to the opportunity to compare the latest acquisitions of their respective libraries. The Gardiners were next to arrive with their troupe of children, all smiles and presents, as was their custom.