In other circumstances, I should not have hesitated to accept my friend’s request. But Georgiana had arrived at Springvale a mere three days ago. Would she mind if I left her here for a week or so? The path widened, and I directed Regal alongside my friend. “Let me talk to my sister before I decide. I want to be certain she will be content in my absence.”
Hayward sobered and straightened his posture. “Yes, of course. I understand your concern. From what I have observed, though, Miss Darcy is comfortable in Susan’s company, and she will have Mrs. Annesley here as well.”
Yes, Georgiana had warmed to Mrs. Hayward swiftly, and the two had already formed a friendship. “I shall let you know tomorrow.” Of course, I had another reason to resist this trip; I had grown accustomed to riding with Miss Bennet each morning, and the notion of relinquishing this time with her eroded my serenity, causing my chest muscles to constrict. To my chagrin, these rides had become the most anticipated aspect of my days, for Miss Bennet’s presence provided me an unfathomable form of gratification. This effect endured after my sister began joining us, even though I had restricted myself to infrequent contributions to the conversation, a sacrifice I made with the aim of encouraging Georgiana’s budding association with Miss Bennet.
Blast, Ineededto take this trip—time and distance from her may be necessary to break the peculiar spell I had fallen under.
Back at the house, a melodious tune and two angelic voices resounded in the main hall. Hayward and I stopped in the doorway to the music-room, wherein Georgiana played the pianoforte whilst Miss Bennet and Miss Barton sang. The pair stood facing Mrs. Hayward and Mrs. Annesley, who sat together on a sofa. Miss Bennet looked vivacious and alluring in a gown of cream muslin as she swayed in time with the music. Her gleaming hazel eyes and glowing countenance reflected joy in the aria by Handel, ‘As steals the morn upon the night’. Together, the two ladies’ voices blended into a delightful harmony.
Hayward’s hand landed on my shoulder. “Shall we go in?” He spoke in a whisper. “We may sit in the two chairs near the wall without being seen.”
I nodded my assent, and we took the aforementioned seats. My vision set upon Miss Bennet and did not stray from her. She sang the next verse solo, and her heavenly inflexion—mellow, ethereal, and yet robust—held me transfixed. What a beautiful sound! I leaned forwards, immersed in her enchanting modulation.
“… melts the shades away:
So Truth does Fancy's charm dissolve
And rising Reason puts to flight
The fumes that did the mind involve
Restoring intellectual day.”
When she finished singing and Miss Barton took over the next lines of the song, I stirred at the unwelcome change. Miss Barton had a satisfactory soprano. Nevertheless, my mind tarried in the remembrance of Miss Bennet’s sweet performance. What should I not give for the privilege of being serenaded by her each night?
Good Lord, the risk in my present course could not be plainer. Contrary to my previous assumption, the more familiar I became with Miss Bennet, the stronger her hold upon me grew. In the past, I had erroneously prided myself on my ability to regulate my temper and behaviour; but until now, I had never encountered such a powerful temptation. I must conquer my fascination with Miss Bennet, for she could be a friend and nothing more. That stark fact left a sour tang in my mouth.
Our applause at the conclusion of the song apprised the ladies of our presence, and they came to greet us.
“That was a charming performance.” Hayward’s sight veered to include Georgiana, Miss Bennet, and Miss Barton, who voiced their thanks.
Miss Barton sidled nearer to me with a grin on display. “What say you, Mr. Darcy? I hope our song pleased you as well.”
“Yes, very much.” Though I replied to Miss Barton, Miss Bennet’s movements absorbed my notice. She took a position beside her cousin and raised her eyes to me, toppling my calm.
Miss Bennet wrapped her arm around her cousin’s. “Our carriage awaits us, so I am afraid we must leave.”
My fingers curled and extended a few times as a mixture of disappointment and relief warred within me. She and Miss Barton took their leave of us and departed.
Wednesday, 2 October
Springvale
Darcy
I stood and moved my hand to Georgiana’s shoulder as the party from Knight’s Manor entered the drawing-room. Miss Barton, dressed in a showy yellow silk gown with a diaphanous outer layer of netting, came forth on her brother’s arm with Mr. Barton alongside them. But my sight veered to Miss Bennet, who lagged behind. She wore a simple light-green muslin gown, yet her peculiar elegance enlivened the room.
Mrs. Hayward beckoned Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley closer to introduce Mr. Barton and Mr. Noah Barton. By now, my sister had abandoned all traces of awkwardness in company with my friend’s wife—a clear sign of her increased ease with the lady.
When I had broached the topic of my accompanying Hayward to London, Georgiana had revealed no sign of being discomfited by my planned absence. Rather, she had expressed her delight for having already formed friendships with Miss Bennet and Mrs. Hayward, though the former drew the highest and most frequent of her praise; my sister’s admiration and affection for Miss Bennet appeared to be infinite.
My pulse soared when Miss Bennet greeted me, my senses attuned to her. Alas, she stayed but a moment before Hayward called her name, instigating her retreat. He provided her with tidings of their mutual friend Mr. Rowe, who had called that afternoon. I should have joined them, but Miss Barton appeared before me and posed questions about Pemberley.
Before long, we entered the dining-parlour. Mrs. Hayward had shared her plan to defy convention and seat Georgiana between Miss Bennet and Miss Barton, and I appreciated her consideration for my sister’s comfort. During the meal, Hayward drew the two Barton gentlemen and me into a discussion of tenant contracts inspired by a farmer who had requested alterations to hiscurrent lease. The comments contributed by Mr. Noah Barton revealed his keen knowledge of estate management.
Georgiana had first met Miss Barton this past Saturday, the day Hayward and I came upon the three ladies’ musical performance. On this occasion, my sister displayed frequent smiles as she conversed with Miss Barton, who monopolised her attention. Perhaps Georgiana would soon have a third friend in the neighbourhood.
In time, though, my sister appeared to grow uncomfortable: she adopted a taut bearing when addressed by Miss Barton. By the dessert course, Georgiana shifted to one side—closer to Miss Bennet—and provided terse replies to Miss Barton. It seemed my sister had grown weary of the blonde lady’s dogged attention.
