Georgiana took Mary’s hand, as they had seated themselves close to each other on the settee. “Well, you shall come here and play this one whenever you like. I do so enjoy playing four hands with you.” Elizabeth liked her all the more for her easy acceptance of Mary. Her poor sister was often too serious for her own good and thus had very few friends outside of her own gaggle of sisters.
“It is a pity your two younger sisters could not accompany you this time. I do long to make their acquaintance,” Miss Darcy said.
Jane shifted uneasily, but Elizabeth handled making the excuses. “My sisters had already made an engagement with Mrs King and her daughter to go to the market in the next village over. Apparently, the militia is passing through.”
“I believe they are coming to winter in Meryton, if I am not mistaken?” Miss Darcy put in.
“I believe so,” Elizabeth replied. Unfortunately, Kitty and Lydia had been quite carried away by their excitement over themilitia. Ever since learning that so many eligible men would be coming to Meryton, it seemed as though they had nothing but flirtation and officers in their heads. Kitty and Lydia — not to mention their mother — had hoped that the officers would be in attendance at the public assembly, but they had evidently been delayed.
“Tell us, Miss Bennet, are you and your sisters all out?” Mrs Younge chimed in.
Elizabeth’s brows shot up. But Jane handled herself beautifully. “We are,” Jane replied.
“Very odd,” Mrs Younge said with a frown. “All out at once. And you—the eldest—are not yet married?”
Elizabeth felt the heat rising in her cheeks. She glanced quickly at her sisters, but Jane had been shocked into silence. Yetsomeonemust respond, or the awkwardness of the ensuing silence would soon become unbearable.
Elizabeth took a quick breath and pasted a social smile on her face. “I think it would be a very hard thing for younger sisters to bear — not being able to have their share of enjoyment — simply because the elder sisters are not married. After all, not all have the inclination or the means to marry early.”
Mrs Younge gave her an icy, contemptuous smile. “I see. Well, I suppose everyone is entitled to their own opinions.”
“I am glad you are all out,” Miss Darcy chimed in brightly. “It must be comforting to have sisters with whom to share this very exciting — and I daresay somewhat trying — season of our lives. I am just embarking on my own coming out and I must confess I have been frightened out of my mind at times. I am afraid I made quite a nuisance of myself at the public assembly the other night.”
Elizabeth wanted to comfort her, but could not entirely disagree. “It is difficult to converse with people one has never met, is it not? I am sure you will be more comfortable at the next public assembly or ball, whichever comes first, and will show yourself to be the kind, warm young lady we have come to know.”
Tears sprang to Miss Darcy’s eyes, making Elizabeth wonder if she had overstepped the bounds. “Thank you for saying so,” Miss Darcy whispered. She sniffed back tears and put a brave smile on her face. “Shall I call for tea? And in the meantime, I can show you the pretty little garden at the rear of the house.”
Miss Darcy did so, ringing the little silver bell on the mantle, and sent the maid off to prepare afternoon tea. She then led them all out to the corridor, past the stairs that led to the second story of the house, and out the back door to a small but charming garden. “I know it is the wrong season for the garden, but you can just imagine how lovely it would have been in spring and summer. I do so love peonies,” she said.
“Yes, Mrs Younge was just telling us about the pianoforte your brother commissioned for you,” Elizabeth said. “It sounds exquisite.” They strolled along the little winding paths, glancing past the spiky stems of roses that had long since lost their vibrant blooms. She could only imagine how it would have looked during the growing season.
Miss Darcy’s eyes lit up. “Oh, yes, it is the same instrument I was telling you about. I do not mean to brag, I hope you do not think so. But my brother really is the most thoughtful person I have ever met. I have only to think of something I would like, and then it appears, as though he can read my mind.” Shelooked down at her hands, giving a self-deprecating smile. “I really do not deserve him.”
“I am sure it brings him great pleasure to see your enjoyment of the gifts he gives you,” Jane replied.
Miss Darcy nodded in agreement. “Even so, I sometimes wonder why I have been blessed with such a guardian. I am fortunate to have the love and care of a brother like him.” Some of the sparkle drained out of Miss Darcy’s tone.
“And what of your parents?” Elizabeth asked slowly. From the look in her eyes, she could only guess that they were no longer with them.
“My mother died shortly after giving birth to me. I never knew her. And my father passed away some years ago. He was a kind soul, very giving and generous, like my brother.” Miss Darcy sighed heavily. “I miss him every day.”
“I am sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. It was difficult to bear, once, but while I do not miss them any less than I did at first, the pain has lessened. I do not know what I would do without Fitzwilliam.”
They walked through the garden for a while longer, then sought shelter inside when the clouds threatened another downpour. The rain began trickling down the glass windowpanes not long after they sat down in the drawing room for tea. Everything had been beautifully laid out, and they busied themselves sipping cups of steaming green tea and helping themselves to a very fine selection of delicacies: petit fours with delicate frosting decorations of flowers and leaves, madeleines, and tiny apple tartlets that were the perfect amount of sweetness and tartness.
“These are divine, Miss Darcy. You must compliment your cook for us,” Jane said, taking a ladylike bite of the tartlet.
“Thank you. My brother sent our cook from Pemberley with us, as he will be in London much of the winter attending to business. He is really the most thoughtful man,” Miss Darcy said. “He is coming to visit in a few days; had I mentioned it before? I cannot wait for him to meet all of you. You have been so kind to me.”
Elizabeth caught Mrs Younge’s scowl out of the corner of her eye and wondered at it. It was almost as if she did not want Miss Darcy to make friends while she was visiting their little village. Or did she think the Bennets were not desirable acquaintances? Whatever the case, she would keep an eye on the woman. The more time she spent with Miss Darcy, the more she felt the young woman could become a dear friend to her.
“We will be delighted to meet him,” Elizabeth replied. She was indeed intrigued to meet the man. By the way, Georgiana had painted him, he might almost walk on water.
Chapter 7
Darcy entered the rented Meryton house, surveying everything as he went to make sure it was all in order. By the looks of his sister when she flew into his arms outside the door, all was well. “Careful, Georgiana. We must maintain some decorum while we are in the public eye.” He set her away from him, but could not restrain a broad smile at her joyous greeting. “You look well.”
