Pemberley Estate: April 17, 1812

[soaccomplished]

The sound of carriage wheels clattering across the courtyard cobblestones pulled Georgiana from her solitary reverie at the pianoforte. She had seated herself at the instrument more than an hour earlier, intending to practice, but had instead found herself lost in thought. Attending to the commotion outside the music room's window, she again found

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[admiringhereyes]

"Georgiana." Darcy afforded his dear younger sister a brief glance as he retrieved his gloves, tugging them decisively onto his hands. He maintained his calm tone, neither allowing himself to meet her eyes, nor her to seize an invitation to his outing. "I will be out for a large portion of the afternoon: Errands, you understand. I trust you have enough pursuits to remain busy during my absence?"

[soaccomplished]

The haste of her brother's reply did not escape Georgiana's notice, to be sure, but she warred within herself whether or not to call attention to what she perceived to be a lack of candor in his behavior.

"Of course, brother," she said respectfully in beginning, "you know that I always find sufficient means of employment to pass my time. It could not be said that I am a stranger to solitude."

A brief hesitation, too quick for Georgiana's comfort but pushed through in fears that too long a pause would result in Darcy's immediate departure.

"Please forgive my impertinence, brother, but... how do you do this day?" she asked timidly.

[admiringhereyes]

With the gloves on, he reached for his hat and played it between his fingers: No other distractions presented themselves and lacking other busywork, he turned toward Georgiana, standing politely while addressing his sister's hesitantly offered concern.

"Fine. And yourself?"

[soaccomplished]

Georgiana had known her brother all her life, and if she had learned nothing else, one thing had become quite clear over the years. Fitzwilliam Darcy did not indulge in the indignity of fidgeting unless he was remarkably uncomfortable. However, Georgiana had never been on the receiving end of such behavior. She had only witnessed it occurring toward others. To realize that her brother was uncomfortable around her was both crushing and irritating. The polite wall between them grated.

"As well as may be expected," she replied primly if still somewhat hesitantly, her nerves fading with her own growing discomfort, "in consideration of my brother's being less than forthcoming with me."