The Disappearance of Georgiana Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery by Regina Jeffers

benevolent a scheme. However, we can revisit these fancies, or we can determine what might best serve you in your marriage.” His matter-of-fact attitude said that he did not expect a response. “What was begun as a matter of prudence soon grew into a matter of choice. You have made your bed, Lydia, and you must learn to lie comfortably in it. Marriage is forever.” He glanced at the woman who had once fascinated him, but who now vexed his hard-earned peace of mind.
    â€œI have tried, Papa,” his daughter said softly.
    â€œThen you will try again.” He nodded to his wife. “If Lieutenant Wickham has truly returned to Carlisle without you, your mother will escort you home after Kitty’s wedding. I have already promised Mr. Darcy to see to Lizzy and Bennet. The great man intends an extended business journey in the North. If Mrs. Bennet will agree, you may use my coach.”
    â€œCertainly, I shall agree,” his wife assured.
    â€œShall I be allowed to attend my sister’s nuptials?” Lydia asked contritely.
    Mr. Bennet held her steady gaze. “I will speak to Lizzy’s husband, but only if you promise no words of this incident nor of past grievances will be spoken by you during the festivities. Nothing is to dampen Kitty’s memory of her wedding.” He reached for Lydia’s hand and patted the back of it. “I suspect it is best that you remain here tonight. At least, until we determine if Lieutenant Wickham
intends to return. Under no circumstances will Lizzy or Mr. Darcy accept your husband at Pemberley.”
    â€œWould you prefer that I remain with you this evening?” Mrs. Bennet offered.
    Lydia said childlike, “Would you, Mama? I have missed everyone so.”
    Mrs. Bennet tightened her hold on the girl. “No more than your absence has clouded our time at Longbourn.”

    â€œIt is beautiful,” Mary Joseph said as she and Elizabeth strolled armin-arm across the abbey’s ground.
    â€œIt is one of my favorite places in Derbyshire,” Elizabeth said wistfully. “Do not tell Mr. Darcy’s Uncle Matlock, but I prefer this ancient woodland, with its fine beech and oak trees, to the Earl’s combed lawns at Matley Manor.”
    Mary nodded her agreement. “Do you come here often?”
    â€œThe first time I saw the abbey, Mr. Darcy’s sister arranged our trip.” They leisurely traversed the well-worn path. “It was shortly after I had lost the first of our children, and Mr. Darcy had been called away for a business appointment. Up to that point in our marriage, we had never been separated for more than a few hours, and I was taking it quite hard. That is until Georgiana insisted that I accompany her on a day trip to these exquisite ruins, and here I found peace. Miss Darcy understood me better than I did myself.” They walked in silence for several minutes. “Did you know an appearance of the Virgin Mary to a Derby baker inspired Deepedale? She counseled the man to live in solitude and prayer.”
    Mary said nothing for several minutes, but then she began to giggle. Her mirth grew and soon both women laughed openly. Happy tears streamed from their eyes, and they clung to one
another. Although she did notice her husband’s hesitation at interrupting their exchange, Darcy’s approach could not smother their jollity. She wondered if he considered her earlier snit. She had no excuse other than the emotional swings of her pregnancy. She certainly did not consider Rose Winkler a threat to her marriage. “What brings two lovely ladies such joy?” he asked with a smile.
    Elizabeth wiped at her weepy eyes and attempted to remove the smile from her face. “Just the tale of a hermit carving out a home and a chapel in a sandstone cliff,” she rasped between softening breaths.
    Although not recognizing the source of their mirth, Darcy chuckled. “Women. How are men to understand