“When it is your turn, you choose either ‘candor’ or ‘courage.’ If you choose the first, you must tell us the truth, no matter what question we ask. If you pick ‘courage,’ you must have the courage to do whatever we ask of you.”
Darcy thought he heard trepidation in Miss Elizabeth’s voice when she asked, “Anything?”
“Yes, anything,” Georgiana answered giggling. “Within the realm of decency, of course.”
“Of course,” agreed her equally giggling companion.
“Well, then let us begin. Who is to go first?”
“I will,” Miss Katherine exclaimed. “And I choose candor.”
Georgiana asked if there was a gentleman who Miss Katherine admired. The girls cackled like chickens as the game continued. Darcy stood in the hallway listening, afraid to break this magical moment.
He shook his head determined to make his presence known, after hearing not only the examples of candor but also the courage of his sister hopping on one foot while singing “God Save the King.”
As he was about to knock, Georgiana said, “All right, Elizabeth. Candor or courage?”
“Candor. I refuse to subject myself to hopping on one foot singing Heaven knows what!”
As their laughter dwindled, Georgiana said, “Very well. What do you think of—”
“Mr. Darcy,” interjected Miss Katherine.
Darcy’s hand froze in mid-air before he knocked. He held his breath, waiting for her reply.
“I am…I am uncertain of your meaning.”
“Well,” came Miss Katherine’s voice. “What do you think of Mr. Darcy? Do you find him handsome?”
“Kitty, that is highly improper! You cannot ask me such a question!”
“But that’s the game, Lizzy,” she whimpered. “You would answer if Jane had asked you.”
The question seemed to hang in the air before Elizabeth replied. “I agreed to play this game. However, Kitty, you must admit that in the past your ability to keep things of a sensitive natureprivatehas not been reliable. You and Lydia delight in gossip.”
“You are correct but I have changed. You have seen how I have changed. I promise I will not reveal this conversation to anyone.”
“Nor will I,” said Georgiana. “Now, Elizabeth, will you answer the question?” Darcy swallowed and felt the blood pounding even in his ears.
“Do you find Mr. Darcy handsome?” asked Miss Katherine.
Seconds ticked by. Darcy thought she was refusing the question and then, “I believe Mr. Darcy to be one of the most handsome men of my acquaintance.”
“Are you in earnest?”
“That’s the game, is it not?”
Darcy heard a tremor in Elizabeth’s voice and he rested his hand upon the door.
“More so than Mr. Hamilton?” Miss Katherine asked.
More silence filled the air before Georgiana continued. “Remember, we will not breathe a word of this to anyone. The words spoken in this room will remain our secrets until we are dead.”
Darcy smiled at his sister’s dramatic tone.
“Yes. Even more than Mr. Hamilton.”
“Would you say,” Miss Katherine said, “that if Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Darcy both asked for your hand in marriage you would refuse Mr. Hamilton in favor of Mr. Darcy?”
