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

and Mrs. Darcy request your presence before Pemberley. Your carriages await.”
    A buzz of activity exploded. “I shall return the twins to the nursery,” the Bingleys’ nurse said as she motioned a maid to follow her with Cassandra.
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Olson.”
    â€œShall William be safe?” Ruth asked Mary Joseph as they reached for their gloves and bonnets.
    â€œI trust Mrs. Darcy to protect my son. She would not employ an incompetent staff.”
    â€œPapa,” Kitty whispered softly. “Mr. Winkler has asked Jarvis to report to Mr. Saunders’ cottage and to secure the curate’s belongings. I thought it best under the circumstances.”
    Mr. Bennet squeezed her hand. It amazed him how mature his fourth daughter had become under Elizabeth and Jane’s guidance. Not only had Kitty managed to think of a temporary solution to the problem of Lydia and Lieutenant Wickham’s housing, she had had the foresight to remove the curate’s possessions from Lieutenant Wickham’s temptation. “You are quite remarkable.” He glanced to where Mr. Winkler waited for her. “Enjoy your day with your young man. The gentleman has shown patience in claiming your attentions. Your mother and I will be anticipating your return.”
    â€œNow, Mr. Bennet, please explain why we could not partake of a day of friendly travel. This is most disagreeable,” she declared.
    As he pulled a chair closer to the one to which he had directed their steps, he grumbled, “Not half as disagreeable as I expect you to find it. Your manipulations, Marjory, have placed Kitty and
Lizzy and Mr. Darcy—nay, the whole family—in an awkward situation.”
    â€œMy manipulations?” she exclaimed. “What manipulations would those be, Sir? I assure you I have conducted myself modestly.”
    Mr. Bennet’s eyebrow rose in disbelief. His wife’s actions had mortified and displeased him in no common degree. “Then you would lead me to believe that you possessed no knowledge of Lydia and Lieutenant Wickham’s unexpected appearance at Pemberley?”
    She was on her feet immediately. “Lydia is here. Oh, where is my dearest girl? I must see her this instant.”
    â€œThen you must accompany me into Lambton.”
    Perplexed, she turned to him. She scrupled to point out her earlier remarks, lest it should appear ill natured. “Surely you jest, Mr. Bennet. Why would Lieutenant and Mrs. Wickham not be asked to stay at Pemberley? Lizzy opens her doors to Mr. Winkler’s family, as well as to the Josephs, a couple she barely knows. Would not her own blood deserve like treatment? I cannot believe Lizzy would deny Lydia the opportunity to witness Kitty’s nuptials. I suspect Mr. Darcy has something to do with it. There were all those rumors in Meryton of how Lizzy’s husband had treated Mr. Wickham after old Mr. Darcy’s passing.”
    Mr. Bennet gestured for her to resume her seat, and although she acquiesced, his wife remained agitated. “And may I ask the source of those rumors?”
    â€œWell, I am certain that I do not care,” she said with a dismissive flick of her wrist. “Everyone repeated the worst of the man. Even Lizzy,” she added defensively.
    â€œBut, apparently, Lizzy has ignored the rumors to discover a man she can revere. And among our daughters, it is Elizabeth who has the brightest mind.”

    His wife objected. “Mr. Bennet, what a horrible thing to say of your other children. I am certain that any of our girls can speak as well as Elizabeth.”
    He shook his head in denial. “Each of our daughters, except perhaps Lydia, has her talents. Yet, it was Lizzy’s fine mind which attracted Mr. Darcy to her. Her mind and her impertinence. I have hopes for Kitty, but she is not of the same caliber as Lizzy.”
    â€œYou always preferred Elizabeth, to the others’ neglect,” she