A few minutes later, Mrs Younge left Georgiana on her own at the dais, giving the excuse that she would gain some refreshments for them at the handsomely spread tables. She chose not to mention the opportunity it would give her to hear the gossip that was surely spreading about her charge.
Mrs Younge was not destined to be disappointed. She had not walked ten paces from Georgiana before the first whispers came to her ears.
“Did you see how she looked down her nose at Sir Lucas and his sons? I never!” a plump matron remarked.
“I did, indeed. Who does she think she is?” uttered another.
“Wait, here is Mr James Lucas. I think he has got up his courage to ask for Miss Darcy’s hand in the next dance set.”
“She is a pretty thing,” a young girl said, in reply to the older woman who had started the exchange. “Perhaps she is only shy and needs time to catch her breath.” The girl shuddered. “If I were just arrived at a new place and knew not a soul, I think I would cower in a corner just as she has been doing for the last half hour.”
“It does not account for her rudeness, Eloise. If I were in her shoes, or indeed, if you were, I would have advised you to be more friendly and thus get the people of Meryton on her side if she wanted to be accepted.”
“Perhaps she doesn’t care about being accepted,” said the other woman.
Mrs Younge passed by slowly, carrying two glasses of punch. She watched as James Lucas approached the dais, bowed to Georgiana, and spoke with her.
“He is asking her to dance. Oh, I would like to see him settled with a young woman with such wonderful prospects. It will only draw more fine young families to the area —”
The mother grabbed Eloise’s arm. “She’s refused him! I cannot believe it!” she hissed.
“Mama, please —”
“I cannot believe it!” she exclaimed again. “What reason would she have to refuse one of the most upstanding young men of our community?”
“She is a proud one, that,” the other woman put in. “I wager she will not last long in Meryton society.”
Mrs Younge went on her way, quicker of foot this time. Things would go according to plan. Soon, Mr Wickham would arrive to save the day. She only had to smooth the way for him. She approached Georgiana with a smile. “I saw Mr James Lucas come to visit. What did he say?”
Miss Georgiana wrung her hands and took the offered punch that Mrs Younge had brought for her. However, she did not take a sip. She looked about the room with a worried look on her sweet young face. “Oh, Mrs Younge, I think I have made a terrible mistake. Mr Lucas was very civil when he asked me to dance, but when I refused him, I fear I angered him. And I have received nothing but scowls and glares from the rest of the guests since.”
“Nonsense. You are only overly anxious, my dear. Continue to follow my advice, and I assure you that all will turn out well.” Mrs Younge took a sip of the punch and looked around the room with satisfaction. There were indeed several people—women especially—who were throwing dirty looks at Georgiana. It wounded their pride, most likely, that she should think to refuse one of their fine young men with no excuse.
∞∞∞
Elizabeth straightened as Sir Lucas approached. He did not look happy, which was most unusual. Sir Lucas was a jovial man by nature. She had known him all her life and had never seen him look so upset at an assembly, for it was his prime joy to see the community come together at any and every opportunity that was presented.
“Sir Lucas?” Mr Bennet asked. “Is something amiss?”
“It is indeed, I’m afraid. Do you see the young woman just there? Well, that is Miss Darcy, come to visit for the winter from Derbyshire. However, she seems to be quite the cloistered miss. My son asked her to dance and she refused — flat out — without an explanation.”
Elizabeth frowned slightly. “She gave no reason?”
“None whatsoever. You know how I like to welcome any visitor who may have ventured upon our little hamlet. However, I do not take kindly to meanness. Nor to those who think themselves above their company.” Sir Lucas cast a wary glance at the young woman. Looking at her likewise, Elizabeth caught Miss Darcy’s eye, but the young woman quickly looked away.
“She seems a haughty person.” Mrs Bennet said with a decided frown. “I would not talk to her for all the tea in China.”
“Well, that is what I have come to ask, I am afraid. Of you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I see that your other sisters are already dancing, and I beg your indulgence in this request. My wife, sons and I have tried to reach her, but she seems bent on repressing our attempt at friendship. I do not like to see guests slighted, though. Will you speak to her? Even if for a short time, I would not have it said that Meryton was an unfriendly place.” Sir Lucas smoothed down the front of his waistcoat, which had trouble staying down thanks to his widening girth. In recent years, he had shown less restraint, especially since he had been given the honour of knighthood. “I would be most obliged to you.”
Elizabeth nodded, suddenly nervous. She had a distinct dislike of people who thought of themselves better than they ought. Sir Lucas and his family, though somewhat prideful since his knighting, were good, decent people. And James Lucas was a pleasant fellow. Indeed, she had danced with him during several of the assemblies and found he was an excellent partner, not lacking in good conversation.
She glanced at her mother, who still wore a look of profound disdain. However, Mr Bennet gave her an encouraging nod. She would be the bigger person. “I shall try, Sir Lucas. But I make no promises that it shall do any good.”
“I shall not hold you responsible for her reaction, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I assure you. Try this once, and if she still refuses to accept our generosity, then I say good riddance. I shall make the introduction and then leave you to it.”
Elizabeth sighed heavily, and her father touched her arm. “You need not do it if you do not wish to, Lizzy.” Sir Lucas shothim a sad look, but Elizabeth could not very well refuse. Sir Lucas and his family were good friends, after all.
“No, Papa. It is all right. I shall try, and if she refuses to be reached, then I will wash my hands of making her acquaintance.” Elizabeth moved to follow Sir Lucas over the dais, on which Miss Darcy and her companion stood alone, like two royals surveying a kingdom that they wished to conquer.
