He turned a page.
“Oh, Miss Darcy,” Mamma exclaimed, “you simply must tell me more about these new bonnet styles, for I have not been to London in ever so long!”
Miss Darcy dipped her chin and touched one of the coloured plates with the tip of her finger. “I am afraid I cannot tell you much about what is current in London, Mrs. Bennet. I have always been at school, and the headmistress does not allow us out unless we are with family.”
Mr. Darcy stilled, the book still in his hand but his eyes no longer on the pages.
Elizabeth knew what was about to happen. One could not admit to a desire for shopping in her mother’s presence and not receive an immediate invitation.
“My goodness,” Mamma said, as if on cue. “A trip to the milliner’s is in order then.”
Miss Darcy’s eyes widened, her gaze darting to her brother. Mr. Darcy sensed his sister’s discomfort and set his book aside. “Perhaps we might consider a more modest excursion, Mrs. Bennet. You mentioned your hothouse before. I am certain my sister would enjoy seeing it.”
“Yes, Mamma,” Elizabeth said. “Miss Darcy, do you enjoy arranging flowers? For my mother is quite an expert.”
“What a splendid idea,” her mother said, her face lighting up. “We could gather some of the blooms and create a centrepiece for the dining room. Would you like that, Miss Darcy?”
The girl nodded, visibly relieved. “Yes, Mrs. Bennet. I would enjoy that very much.”
Mamma was soon discussing how the Long sisters back in Meryton always used flowers in their hair at the assemblies. “I must say, they look very well indeed, though the blooms do droop a bit before the end of the night.”
Elizabeth smiled to herself. When she looked up, Mr. Darcy caught her eye and mouthed a silent “Thank you.” She inclined her head in acknowledgement. She had been happy to ease his sister’s distress, but she did wonder why such a simple journey would not be to her liking.
“Lizzy,” her mother said, turning her attention back to Elizabeth, “you must join us. Your eye for colour is quite good, you know.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Mamma.” Elizabeth set her needlework aside. “We might also take the time to gather some of the herbs for the stillroom while we are at it. Mrs. Riggs mentioned peppermint and elderflower specifically.”
The conversation turned back to the fashion plates, and Elizabeth found her gaze drawn once more to Mr. Darcy. He had picked up his book again, but she noticed his eyes were not moving across the page. Instead, he observed the interaction between her mother and Georgiana with a wistful expression upon his countenance.
Her parents were not always proper, but since she had inherited Hollydale, they were more affectionate with and kind to one another. And most importantly, she still had them in her life. Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy had only one another. No wonder Miss Darcy had gravitated to Mamma’s effusive warmth.
When the clock chimed ten, Mamma stifled a yawn. “Oh my, the time has flown. It is time for me to retire. Miss Darcy, shall we plan our excursion to the hothouse sometime after breakfast?”
“Yes, Mrs. Bennet,” Miss Darcy said, rising from her seat at the table. “I shall look forward to it.”
Good nights were exchanged, and their small party began to disperse. Mr. Darcy was taking his time closing his book and setting his wineglass on the salver. Elizabeth lingered behind to tidy up the fashion plates.
When they were alone, he approached her, his voice low. “Miss Bennet, I want to thank you for your assistance with my sister. She returned from school before the end of term and has not yet confided in me. She seems more confident in her duties, but less confident . . .”
“In herself?” Elizabeth supplied.
“Precisely.”
“You are certainly welcome, Mr. Darcy, but I suspect she will come to you before she is meant to return to school. Be patient, listen to her concerns, and all will be well.”
“You speak as someone who has experience.”
“I do have four sisters.”
“Ah, yes. I had nearly forgotten.” His smile was fleeting.
Mamma’s voice filtered in from the hall, calling Elizabeth’s name.
Mr. Darcy frowned. “Might I have a word with you in private tomorrow? There are some matters to discuss regarding the . . . situation.”
She nodded, her heart quickening at his proximity. “Of course, Mr. Darcy. Mamma is a late riser, and your sister is as well, I think?”
He inclined his head in agreement.
