He grinned.
“Yes. I had never heard of a master of such a grand estate who believes in fairies, woods nymphs, or carries up chocolate to his sister. No, he is austere, drinks excessive amounts of brandy, and wastes his time at the gambling tables.”
Darcy chuckled as they stopped in front of her door.
“I hope my jest did not offend, sir. My mother says that I am too impertinent for my own good. I will retrieve the letter.”
Before he could respond, she darted into her room. When she returned with the note, her eyes seemed cautious to meet his. “Once again, I apologize for my poor jest. Good night.”
“Miss Bennet,” he interrupted before she could close the door. “I hope you do not believe all men are as you describe them, and I must apologize for my sex if that is the only example you have known.”
“Well that is what the Bard would have me believe. And, as you say, I am no Kate waiting for Petruchio.” She turned to close the door before stopping and quietly said, “And that is why I must save myself.”
Chapter 13
“It isunfortunate that Mrs. Smith is unwell. According to Mrs. Worth’s letter, she hopes her grandmother will be in good health soon.”
Lizzy folded the letter and looked up at the gentleman sitting across from her.
Mr. Darcy’s countenance fell at the news. He stood and walked over to stoke the fire on the chilly October day. They had both broken their fast and had waited in the drawing room for the reply from Portman Square regarding their visit. “I only wish I knew what she was referring to. I doubt it is the letter signed by my mother. I have read that letter and am aware of its contents.”
“Perhaps there was another?” Lizzy suggested, laying the note down on the table next to her.
He nodded. “Yes, Miss Bennet. I am sure you are correct.”
“Correct about what, Wills?” Georgiana asked while entering the room with Kitty.
“I have discovered Miss Bennet has met a mutual acquaintance of ours, a Mrs. Smith, who was Mother’s lady’s maid. She wascorrectthat the elder woman had worked for us at Pemberley.”
“How do you know her, Lizzy?” Georgiana asked expectantly. “I adore hearing stories about Mother.”
Lizzy glanced at Mr. Darcy and gauged his countenance before subtly nodding. Remembering the events of two days past, she thought,How am I to tell this young girl what she wants to hear?Taking a deep breath, she began, “She is the grandmother of my aunt’s childhood friend from Lambton. Mrs. Smith is of an advanced age and does not remember things as she once did. However, she did recall your mother was attentive to your brother, and also how she cared for you. It was an endearing picture she painted of the short time your mother had with you. Forgive me if I speak out of turn,” she said, looking back to Mr. Darcy and raising her eyebrows in question.
“Not at all, Elizabeth,” Georgiana replied for her sibling. “I very rarely learn things of my mother. I find it lovely. It is as if I am getting to know her even if through other’s thoughts and experiences.”
“And that you are, poppet.” Darcy walked to Georgiana and kissed her on the forehead. “And now, if you will excuse me, I have some business to attend. Are you ladies still planning on spending the morning shopping before returning Miss Bennet to Gracechurch Street?”
“Yes, sir we are,” Miss Elizabeth replied. “However, do not think you will be rid of me so easily, as Miss Darcy has accepted my aunt’s invitation for dinner tonight, and you of course, were included in the request.”
“Dinner?”
“Oh, Wills, I forgot to mention it to you. Do you have a previous engagement?”
“Not at all, Georgie. I would be delighted.”
“Mr. Darcy, if it is too short of notice… We would not want you to appear at a disadvantage without preparation to exhibit yourself. I believe Georgiana said you sing?”
The sparkle in her eyes made his heart thump in his chest.The minx!
“Oh, look at the time,” Miss Katherine cried at the gong on the half hour. “Your appointment at Madam Claudette’s is in thirty minutes. We must leave.”
“Miss Katherine.” Darcy smiled. “My dear sister has become quite a loyal customer to Madame Claudette. I can assure you, you will not be turned away, no matter what time you arrive.”
“And yet, we must depart, Wills.” Georgiana pecked his cheek. Both Miss Elizabeth and Miss Katherine curtsied before they turned to walk from the room.
“And Miss Bennet?” he said, catching her attention as she prepared to leave. “You have been misinformed by my sister. I do not sing—”
“Sir.”
