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That Christmas at Pemberley was the most enjoyable in many people’s minds and none more so than Georgiana. The heartbreak she had nursed so strongly and for so long seemed to vanish by degrees so that when Mary caught hold of her by the arm and suggested they practice a duet with which to surprise the rest of the household one afternoon she was only too happy to set to work. Their hours of practice flew by, for they were both talented and generous in their playing and it scarcely felt like work.
That evening, after a festive and enjoyable dinner, the collected Darcys, Bingleys, Bennets and one Colonel Fitzwilliam happily sat en masse in the parlour ready to enjoy the musical prowess of two of their number and the performance was met with such applause that another was requested and another and another until, cheeks aching from smiling and fingers numb from playing, Georgiana laughingly surrendered her half of the piano seat to Mary, who played on in the background of so much happy conversation.
Georgiana slipped away to the window, feigning a desire for fresh air, but in truth she wished to take a moment to herself. Staring out into the darkness, she marvelled at the change that had come over her, and so quickly. Finding a firm friend in Mary, with such sense and piety had done wonders to put Georgiana’s past hurts and disappointments into perspective. She was afforded deeper insight, too, into the realities of life as one of so many sisters. Georgiana was forced to acknowledge that her lot, whilst different, was not necessarily any worse than that of any other young lady.
Hearing a floorboard creak behind her, she turned, surprised to see her brother approaching her with a cautious smile.
“You have not over-exerted yourself, I hope?” he asked, nodding towards the piano, which Mary still guarded jealously. “It is wonderful to hear you play with such enjoyment once more. I confess I had grown tired of hearing the melancholy pieces you favoured for so long.”
“And I tired of playing them,” Georgiana said, with a sigh. She had indulged her heartbreak too much and put the blame for it on entirely the wrong person. “I am sorry, William.”
He frowned, looking down at her from beneath his thick brows.
“Sorry? For playing so splendidly and adding a flair to our evening that I certainly could not have arranged, even if I had wished to?”
Georgiana shook her head, unable to resist a smile at his intent to flatter her, even when she was poised to confess her faults.
“I am sorry for being so difficult. I know I have been a trial to you and I wish to say...that is over now.”
Her brother said nothing, but Georgiana took his silence for an admission that she had, indeed, been something of a challenge.
“I know I was selfish and bitter and cruel to Lizzy when she arrived.” Georgiana’s lips quirked. “And to Lydia, although she was much quicker to return my slights to me.” Her eyes danced. “I hope Colonel Fitzwilliam knows what he is letting himself in for with her.”
“Can you see him happy with anyone less spirited than that?” Darcy glanced over his shoulder to where Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lydia, Mr Bingley and Jane played a half-hearted card game interrupted by far too much talking between the four.
“Next year will be the year for weddings!” Georgiana remarked, unaware of any self-pity in her voice until her brother looked back at her with concern. “I am pleased for it!” she insisted. “I think it a fine thing to see our friends and family so happy. And I am delighted to know that Mr Collins and Mary will make their home so close by.”
This had been a promise that arrived by letter that very morning, an enthusiastic acceptance from Mr Collins of Darcy’s suggestion to take up a place in a local parish.
“After so many years with no friends at all, I shall be spoiled to have one so close.” Georgiana drew a breath. “And a sister under my own roof.” She peered past her brother to where Elizabeth stood, leaning over her father’s chair and pointing to something of interest in the book he feigned to read.
“Is Elizabeth a sister to you now?” William asked, his voice cautious. “No longer an enemy?”
Georgiana shook her head, reaching for her brother’s hand and pressing it warmly.
“I am one of those fortunate creatures to have no enemies but those I made for myself. And I am grateful to have been afforded the chance to unmake them just as easily. Ah! Mary has finished. I shall relieve her from her post and play one last piece for us to round out the evening.” She smiled at her brother. “And I think I know the very one I ought to choose.”
She did not wait for him to question her but hurried to take her place at the pretty cabinet. She did not need music, for whilst it had been many months, maybe years, since she had last played their mother’s favourite piece her fingers found their way easily along the notes. She blinked back tears as she recalled how long she had kept herself from playing this cheerful dance of a piece and vowed never to wallow so long in bitterness.
And I think, with my brother and sister-in-law alongside me, and friends up and down the country to encourage me, I will never need to be miserable again.
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The End