There was, perhaps, a little selfishness in his doubts. Darcy knew himself well enough to admit it. In his heart of hearts, he had always rather hoped that Bingley might wed Georgiana one day. Who would a man rather give his sister to than his best friend, the man with the kindest heart and the best disposition of all his acquaintance? Bingley would not judge Georgiana for what had nearly happened at Ramsgate — Darcy knew it down to his bones. And Georgiana would be the making of his friend — would elevate him from a friendly, likeable fellow into a man of depth.
But that was a matter to be settled between the principals once Georgiana was of marriageable age — if Bingley did not get himself wed to the first beautiful woman clever enough to catch him before then. He was eager to meet this young woman and see for himself if she was worthy of his friend. It was a fact: Bingley was apt to like people too quickly, before really giving himself time to discern their true character and motives. Miss Bingley was another matter entirely. She was apt to dislike people, no matter if they were deserving of such derision or not. She was much like her elder sister — more inclined to judge others for any lack of wealth or consequence than to remember that she herself was the daughter of a merchant.
He set aside the letter and penned a response. Strange to think how many days it would take to reach his friend. Perhaps he would send another, informing Bingley of the new owner of Strathalt House, before he even had a chance to read the first.
∞∞∞
Dear Bingley,
We arrived in Scotland a few days ago. The journey went well, although Georgiana was thoroughly exhausted when we arrived. It seems that the inheritance of the house is not as simple as previously thought. First, there is another heir who was not previously known until after the letter was sent to me. He is a respectable gentleman from Hertfordshire and has brought one of his daughters along as a companion. The young lady is charming, and she and Georgiana are becoming fast friends.
Now for the complication. It has been deemed quite fairly that the other gentleman and I are equally closely related to the late Mr Sinclair. Mr Campbell, the estate manager, has come up with a unique solution. While it is rather outlandish, it will at once keep us out of the local courts and give us an interesting way to settle who will inherit. He will devise a series of riddles and clues for us to solve. The first to solve two out of three will inherit Strathalt House.
It will be a hard-fought battle. You know how I value my books, but the other gentleman is my equal. No — he is my superior, for he has the advantage of me in having had many more years of life in which to read. Already he has solved the first clue — in a matter of minutes — and left me in the dust.
But I will not give up so easily. If Strathalt House is not to be part of the Darcy holdings in the end, it shall not be because I did not strive to the utmost.
There is at least some other benefit to be found in the matter. Whether or not I inherit, I think we have made a valuable acquaintance in the other heir and his daughter, and I should be happy to see them in the house as much as ourselves. We are eager to be home to see you and your new Netherfield Park. Do you believe you will stay on permanently?
Georgiana sends her best and wishes to convey her eagerness to see you as well.
Darcy
∞∞∞
He blotted, folded, and sealed the letter, setting it aside to send later.
Darcy smiled crookedly, thinking again of the revelations contained in Bingley’s letter. True, it had long been a quiet hope of his that Bingley and Georgiana might find themselves drawn to each other when she was older. But if this woman was all that Bingley described, that dream might be out of the question.
He did not really mind, as long as Bingley was happy. Georgiana had her whole life ahead of her, and with Miss Bennet’s help, she might yet come out in society with all the success he might wish for her. Once again, his chest flooded with gratitude for what Miss Bennet was undertaking. Though a veritable stranger, she was helping his sister, perhaps transforming the whole future course of her life for the better, and with no expectation of anything in return. If that did not speak volumes of her character, he was not sure what could.
Chapter 9
Elizabeth smiled proudly as she and Miss Darcy walked into the drawing room together. They had spent a great deal of time talking over the rules of social etiquette and the art of conversation, and she was confident the time had not been wasted. For all her shyness and reserve, Miss Darcy was an apt pupil, quick and dedicated. Even as they waited in the drawing room for the gentlemen to arrive, her questions continued.
“You have helped me so much already, and yet I feel I am still missing the essential point. How do I get over my shyness, Miss Bennet?” Georgiana asked, looking at her hopefully. “I am not like you.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No one is born knowing these things, Miss Darcy. And while it is true that some are more natural or comfortable than others, conversation takes practice, just as drawing or playing the piano are practised and learned skills.”
“Very well. But what if I make a blunderer of myself when I come out, and I am branded as a half-wit?” she asked softly. At the very thought, she seemed to shrink into herself.
Poor Miss Darcy,Elizabeth thought,to feel so much, and with so little confidence in herself. But she will not stay soforever — not if I have anything to say about it. I shall see to it that everyone else can see the kind and intelligent young woman that I do.
For the moment, her best weapon was an encouraging smile. How difficult it could be for someone to get out of their comfortable hiding place and try something new! In terms of social prowess, Miss Darcy rather reminded her of Mary. Mary so longed to be acknowledged among her sisters, but she had not the judgement to achieve her wish. All too often, she chose poor tactics that hid her very real excellent qualities. In her too-strident declarations of philosophy and too-assertive performances on the pianoforte, she sometimes came dangerously close to making a fool of herself. If only she had someone to truly listen to and value her — someone, perhaps, like Mr Campbell — Elizabeth felt certain Mary would come into a proper balance and let her true worth shine forth.
Miss Darcy seemed to be on the other side of the spectrum, wanting to learn how to engage with others better, but not knowing where to start. And where Mary might benefit from choosing her times for display more judiciously, Miss Darcy was almost crippled by the fear that she would do something wrong.
“You already have politeness and kindness on your side, Miss Darcy. Your trouble is not that you are wrong in what you would choose to say, but that you must grow in confidence. You have something important to say — you have a voice,” she urged. “People are not as unfeeling as you may believe, and we have all been in the position of trying to figure out where we fit in society. The main thing to remember now is to always be kind and considerate. Engage others by speaking of things that you believe might interest them.”
“How do I do that?” Miss Darcy asked in dismay.
“I always like to follow this rule: ask questions. If you are not sure what interests someone, ask. People love to talk about themselves. If you can keep the conversation going by asking them meaningful questions, you save yourself from having to think of something to say, and you show you are interested in knowing them better.” Elizabeth motioned to the settee, and they sat down on opposite ends. “Now, let us try an exercise. Pretend that you and I have just met at a party. Why don’t you try to begin a conversation with me?”
Miss Darcy wrung her hands, looking about the room anxiously. “Very well. Ahem. Ah…Miss Bennet, how do you like the weather we have been having?”
Elizabeth nodded. “I enjoy the rain at times, but I have found the excessive bad weather has kept me cooped up indoors far too much of late. I do enjoy reading, though, and have at least been able to entertain myself with my novels.”
Miss Darcy bit her lower lip. “Um, I see. Well, that is too bad. I—” She hesitated. “I hope you do not run out of books to read.”
