Fitzwilliam Darcy sat at his desk as he sorted through his daily correspondence. It was harvest season, a busy time of the year for Pemberley, and Darcy found he had little time for anything but estate business. He’d received multiple invitations from friends and family to visit their homes, but nothing could pull him away from his home. Except his sister, dear Georgiana. 

Let’s see what she’s up to this week. Darcy had given her permission to keep her own house in Ramsgate as long as two conditions were met: she had a chaperone with her at all times (Mrs. Younge) and she sent him weekly letters to keep him updated on her activities. He smiled as he opened her letter and wondered what she was doing at that exact moment. 

Dear Fitzwilliam,

I hope you and everyone at Pemberley are well. Mrs. Younge and I have been going out in society this past week to multiple parties…

His eyes skimmed the lines as he took in her comments. Poor thing had to go out to balls and assemblies. Darcy knew his sister to be as shy as he was, if not more so. As a gentleman, it was easier to get away with his reticence, but a lady was expected to socialize among the ton. He continued to read until he got to the end. 

Please write me a response when you are free for I find I miss your comments more than anything Fitzwilliam. 

Your Sister,

Georgiana

P.S. Oh brother I don’t know how to tell you this but I feel I must before my nerves get the best of me. I have not been entirely honest with my activities here at Ramsgate. I have been going out in society and holding tea parties, but there’s a special guest at all these events. You must recall a Mr. George Wickham, the son of Mr. Wickham, our father’s steward. He and I had an encounter at a park and Mrs. Younge suggested I invite him to call on me. He did and after that; we went on various outings together. Fitzwilliam, he asked me to marry him. We are engaged and wish to elope to Gretna Green. I beg you to come to the South to see us wed. I cannot bear to not have you present at the ceremony. Cousin Richard should also be there as my guardian, but I don’t think he can get the time away from his regiment. Please don’t be terribly angry at me for not notifying you sooner, for it all happened so fast. I sent this by express and hopefully you can reach me in time before the wedding.

“My God! Wright!” Darcy shouted. He scrambled from his chair and knocked it to the floor with a clatter. The letter gripped in his hand as he ran from his study to the foyer of the house. 

“Mrs. Reynolds! Wright! Mrs. Reynolds!” He continued to scream the names of his housekeeper and valet. 

“Master Darcy. Sir, what’s wrong?” Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper he’s known since he was a babe, hurried into the front room with Wright on heels.

“I need a carriage readied immediately. There is urgent business I must attend to. Please let all tenants know I will be away for a few weeks. My steward can handle any emergencies while I am gone and I trust you to run the household in my stead, as you always have.” 

Mrs. Reynolds nodded as she wrote his instructions in her pocketbook. “Yes, Master Darcy. At once!” When she scurried out of the earshot he turned to Wright.

”Wright, I need you to pack a trunk, for I will travel light, only bring the necessities. This trip shall not be a long one but I ask you to accompany me. I fear I might need your assistance to deal with some trouble.”

His valet wrinkled his forehead but bowed in acceptance of his orders.

Fitzwilliam Darcy loped out the front door of the manor towards the stable to gather his carriage. He prayed to the lord for hope to stop this catastrophe. Please may I not be too late!

Editor: Michelle Naragon