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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 29, 2008 10:52:45 GMT -5
Darcy saw only one old maid present, and was slightly taken aback by Mrs. Lynde's defensive invitation, but only nodded pleasantly. "Of course. We should be happy to take you up on your invitation, and to issue our own--should the hotel prove any sort of attractive destination for you. You are always welcome."
He turned to Miss Shirley.
"I cannot say," he said. "I have barely begun to decide what, if anything, must be done. There is some paperwork to finish, and business affairs to conduct, but I fear we shall not tarry long."
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Post by Anne on Sept 29, 2008 14:24:33 GMT -5
"Oh...well..." *Anne floundered slightly, her gentle disappointment clear in the paleness of her face.* "Of course...we should be happy to see you before you go away."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 29, 2008 15:53:57 GMT -5
He could not imagine what might account for that look on her face, if it wasn't disappointment--but could it possibly be that she had gone from disapprobation through tolerance and on to appreciating his company?
He would have to wait, and think on it. He knew, now, that she could not part with this place. And he could not see himself giving up Pemberley for her.
"You shall know of our plans, when we form them," he said softly.
"If he doesn't, I will tell you," Georgiana offered. "My brother sometimes forgets these things."
Both of them know quite well that he did not; that Darcy's idea of politeness sometimes involved not forcing the issue. But he would not, after today, slip away unannounced.
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Post by Anne on Sept 29, 2008 16:05:07 GMT -5
"Please do," *said Anne, smiling at Georgiana and squeezing her hand gently.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 29, 2008 16:12:56 GMT -5
Georgiana smiled happily, and Darcy inclined his head at all gathered.
"Thank you again for supper," he said. "We hope to see you all soon at White Sands."
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Post by Anne on Sept 29, 2008 16:16:30 GMT -5
"Of course," *said Anne.*
"Goodnight, Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy," *said Marilla. She poked Davy and Dora, who hesitantly but politely bade their guests farewell. Davy, for his part, was eyeing the leftover pudding.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 29, 2008 17:19:34 GMT -5
"Good night," Darcy nodded, and Georgiana and he got back into their hired carriage. It had been an exhausting day, all told.
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Post by Anne on Sept 30, 2008 17:51:37 GMT -5
***NEW DAY***
*Anne was peeling and slicing apples in the kitchen--Marilla was making applesauce. Every so often Anne stirred the bubbling mass in the great pot on the black range, releasing a new cloud of the spicy, syrupy scent as the apples cooked down into sweet softness.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Sept 30, 2008 23:55:57 GMT -5
Georgiana just had to get away from the hotel. Darcy was driving her mad.
She'd had a horse saddled, and ridden herself here, because it was the country and there wasn't any "society" to speak of and anyway, did they even belong anymore? It wasn't as if Fitzwilliam would tell her anything, moping about as he did. He wouldn't even notice she was gone.
She arrived at Green Gables, a little cheered by the sunshine and crisp fall air, but now worried about showing up uninvited.
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Post by Anne on Oct 1, 2008 11:45:10 GMT -5
*Anne spied Georgiana from the kitchen window and broke into a grin, flying from the kitchen with sticky hands and a smeared apron, clattering exuberantly across the porch.*
"Georgiana!" *she called, waving her hand gleefully with a laugh.*
"We didn't think you'd come by again before you had to leave!"
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Oct 1, 2008 12:21:45 GMT -5
Georgiana smiled uncertainly as she slid elegantly from her horse.
"Oh, Miss Shirley," she said. "I'm not certain we'll be leaving any time soon."
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Post by Anne on Oct 1, 2008 12:23:54 GMT -5
"Really? --well, what is it? What has happened to make you...want to stay?" *she asked with some hesitance.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Oct 1, 2008 12:34:33 GMT -5
*GEORGIANA*
"It's not that." The poor girl shook her head, her eyes wide. "Oh, I mean I'm certain we'd love to stay. But that's not why... Anne, we've lost everything! Everything but Pemberley itself, and even that is compromised if Fitzwilliam cannot right... whatever went wrong. He's in a terrible state. Doesn't open his mouth, but he's determined to... to stay. I think he means to make the hotel a success."
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Post by Anne on Oct 3, 2008 11:43:03 GMT -5
*Anne was shocked, but of course such feelings never quite succeeded in paralyzing her infamous tongue.*
"...wha--well...of course I can imagine his determination...to save whatever he might have left...oh, Georgiana, I'm so sorry! You must feel it terribly!"
*She gently hugged her friend.*
"Come and sit in the parlour and take some tea with me," *she offered.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Oct 3, 2008 13:07:44 GMT -5
*GEORGIANA*
Georgiana followed Anne gratefully, thankful to have a friend. She didn't think she'd ever had a friend like Anne. Fitzwilliam had been a wonderful brother, but she'd always felt a little isolated. Even if part of that was her own doing--when she was in society, she often felt far too dull to contribute, and so failed to make connections. But Anne was different. Anne didn't let her get away with that. And Georgiana looked up to her.
"I'm not sure I quite understand it, yet," she admitted as they sat. "It's... it's not polite to talk about money, you know. I suppose it's just as well we're here and not... home. I shouldn't wish to hear the sort of gossip that must be flying about, though I'm sure none of it is my brother's doing."
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