Thank goodness Georgiana was nothing like the youngest Bennets.
Darcy must have concealed his distaste, for she continued. “I know you would never approve of a match between your sister and Mr. Bingley. For one, the difference in station alone would be a formidable obstacle for any family in the first circles. Furthermore, I hardly think you so unjust as to wish Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst as sisters for her. They would eat Miss Darcy alive, using her connections to their own advantage while making her life a misery."
They were the same objections he and Richard had discussed at length. Darcy remembered he had shot down each one. Yet hearing the arguments coming from Elizabeth unsettled him. How would she fare if the same objections were applied to her sister?
"You believe Miss Bennet would fare better?" Darcy asked.
"Undoubtedly!”
Darcy was taken aback. “I understand her manners to be shy, much like Georgiana.”
“Jane is modest, but she is unwavering in her values and affection.”
Just as Darcy hoped Georgiana would be someday.
Elizabeth continued, “She has had a lifetime of managing difficult females and keeping peace in our household. She is so gentle about it, nobody even suspects her strength."
Darcy frowned. He had not considered that. But Elizabeth had yet to address the disparity in rank. “What of his family’s connections to trade? Your mother’s connections aside, you were born into the gentry. To marry less than a landed gentleman would be considered marrying down.”
Elizabeth sucked in a breath. "There is something I wish you to understand. It might help explain why Mama is so... insistent. Why station is not as important to us as it is to others."
Darcy looked down at her. This ought to be interesting.
"When Jane was but fifteen, she went to stay with our aunt and uncle in London."
"The Gardiners?"
Her gaze jerked up to meet his, her eyebrow arched.
If she assumed he would take exception to her relatives in trade, he would prove her wrong. He kept his expression indifferent. "I look forward to meeting them when we are in London."
Her eyebrows pinched together in a moment of visible confusion, and it was all Darcy could do not to exclaim in triumph. He had surprised her. His chest might have puffed out a bit.
“Aunt thought to treat Jane to new gowns and some of the entertainments in town before her coming out. You see, our mother insisted she come out at sixteen, and Jane did not feel ready."
A kind, thoughtful offer. “I do hope they treated you to a time in London as well?” He caught the surprise in her expressive eyes, and his coat buttons strained.There is more where that comes from, Elizabeth.
“I think they will be pleased to make your acquaintance.” She did not answer his question. However, it satisfied him to know her family would be pleased to meet him. Most people were, but Elizabeth was not just anyone, and she obviously held her Gardiner relatives in special regard.
She wrapped the ribbon from her bonnet around her finger. "During that visit, a gentleman in town, a young man from a fine family, fell in love with Jane. His father had been an associate of Uncle's before he made his fortune and severed all connections with trade so that his children might be accepted in more gentle circles."
"Like Bingley."
"Yes, just like Mr. Bingley. He called every day, his attention to Jane growing and giving her hope. She was young and gave her heart fully. A proposal seemed imminent. Even our aunt thought so." She stopped and sighed.
Darcy saw where this story ended and wished to spare her the hurt from the memory. "He did not propose."
"Uncle wrote to Papa, explaining the advantages of such a connection and adding his own recommendation of the gentleman’s character. Unfortunately, Mama learned of it, and she insisted that they join Jane in London to meet the young man."
Which put paid to the gentleman’s affections, Darcy surmised. Elizabeth angled her bonnet so he could not see her face, but he still caught a glimpse of her red cheeks.
He placed his free hand over hers, turning to face her. "Then I am glad for your sister's sake that the young man revealed his weakness of character when he did. If a man is truly in love, nothing would cause his affection to waver."
Her eyelashes fluttered, but her gaze eventually met his. Softly, she said, "Not even the lady's objectionable family?"
The instinct to wrap her in his arms made Darcy cautious. They were talking about Miss Bennet’s weak suitor, not his own feelings.
Resuming their slow pace down the path, Darcy said, “"Especially not that. What mother would not desire to meet the young man who might become her son-in-law rather than trusting her young daughter's inexperienced heart with the advice of others?” Darcy had gone against his instincts, trusting his aunt's recommendation of Mrs. Younge as a companion for Georgiana. He could not think of it without a twist of regret in his stomach. Never again.
