“Georgiana,” Miss Darcy’s voice quivered just slightly. “I would be honoured if you would call me Georgiana.”
Before answering, Elizabeth looked to Mr. Darcy, who smiled and nodded.
“I would be delighted, Georgiana, and you must call me Elizabeth or Lizzy if you prefer.”
Georgiana accepted with delight, and they sent Elizabeth on her way. Although the scarcity of the other Mr. Darcy cast a slight shadow on the adventure, Elizabeth was quite pleased with nearly everything else.
The next month passed quickly for Elizabeth. Between her music and riding lessons, she had standing appointments for some length of time each day outside of Sunday. This added a structure to her schedule that had previously been absent.
That was not to say she abandoned her strolls through the wildflower field or her visits to Barlow’s stables to maintain her standing as a favourite among both the staff and animals. Nor did the riding lessons mean her time with Georgiana was confined to that activity. Mr. Darcy, it seemed, was eager to forward their friendship and allowed Georgiana to visit Barlow Hall regularly. Elizabeth was also invited to Pemberley at least once a week beyond her lessons. However, much to her chagrin, by the end of June, that brief interaction on her first visit with the young Mr. Darcy was the only time Elizabeth saw him. Each time she entered the grounds of Pemberley, usually by carriage (though she was occasionally allowed to walk), Elizabeth experienced the breathless anticipation of the possibility of seeing him, and each time she was disappointed when her visit or lesson ended and he had not appeared.
One afternoon, as they took tea after a lesson, Elizabeth and Georgiana discovered they had more in common than they had realised.
The ladies settled into their usual seats in the small summer parlour, which offered sweeping views of the grounds.
“I am impressed with how far you have come as a rider, Lizzy. Miss Baxter believes you will be ready to try the wood trail soon.”
“This is true, you are doing remarkably well,” Miss Baxter agreed.
“I would love that,” Elizabeth responded.
Though she respected Miss Baxter and Branson, who together superintended her lessons, she chafed at the slow pace they set. Elizabeth was eager to roam the woods, gallop across the fields and explore the many places at Pemberley which were most readily accessible on horseback.
“Have you invited Miss Bennet to next week’s celebration?” Miss Baxter asked her charge as she helped herself to some of the sweets on the tea tray.
“What are we celebrating?” Elizabeth asked.
“My birthday,” Georgiana offered, her tone indicating a lack of interest in the topic.
“When is your birthday?”
“The fifth of July.”
“That is my birthday as well,” Elizabeth declared, smiling brightly.
“It is?” Georgiana asked with marked enthusiasm. “We must celebrate together!”
“No, that is not necessary,” Elizabeth demurred. “It seems your family has already made plans for you. If you wish me to come, I will happily attend.”
“But we cannot fete me alone on our mutual birthday,” Georgiana insisted. “It is nothing lavish—just a family dinner with all my favourites, but we must have yours as well. Let us make a list of every course and what your preferred dish is for each.”
The young girl jumped up and told the others she needed to retrieve her stationery in order to properly complete the task.
“Miss Baxter, you must explain to her that her family will want to honour her, not me. I am perfectly satisfied to be a guest.” It was true enough; Elizabeth was eager to celebrate her friend. But it was also true that her birthday had always been a special time for her. It was a day when, as one among five, she was the focus—even just for a brief moment. Ever since she began to spend her summers, and thus her birthdays, at Barlow Hall, the day had become an anticipated occasion—the Gardiners and Mr. Barlow seemed to truly enjoy making her birthday special.
“I appreciate that, Miss Elizabeth. However, if you are not opposed, I do believe sharing the day with you would be good for Miss Darcy. I will speak to Mr. Darcy, mostlyto alleviate any concerns you have, to ensure there are no objections.”
Elizabeth considered this. Georgiana was intensely shy, and although she had opened up to Elizabeth a great deal in their letters and in person over the last month, it was still very apparent that she preferred to blend in rather than stand out. It was one of the many ways the girls were quite different. Perhaps not being the only centre of attention would work well for Georgiana.
When Elizabeth did not immediately respond, Miss Baxter added, “I have no doubt your family and other guests you desire could be included. You must know you are a great favourite of Mr. Darcy.”
“That is very kind,” Elizabeth responded just as Georgiana bounced back into the room, stationery in hand.
“What is very kind?” Miss Darcy asked as she arranged herself behind the small desk next to where Elizabeth sat.
“I was explaining to Miss Elizabeth that your father would welcome her family and any others she desired to the dinner party.”
“Of course,” Georgiana agreed. “My father adores you. If I am not careful, you will become his favourite daughter.”
