Darcy smiled to himself. Elegant, popular, and cheerful — exactly right for lifting the spirits of a disappointed young woman. “Why do not we stop at this little teahouse and have a bite to eat?” he suggested. Already, ideas for how he might get his hands on a copy of the book for her were swirling in his head. Surely someone would be willing to sell their copy. Or perhaps he might speak to Mrs Laurence’s publisher and convince them to do a special printing for him. He had the means to pay for it, whatever the amount might be.
“Yes, that would be fine,” Georgiana answered politely, though without the excitement that had filled her tone earlier.
He helped steady her as they walked across the icy cobblestones toward the teahouse. Evidently, many others had had the same idea to take a break from their shopping or visits around town. The teahouse was nearly full to capacity, but they were able to find a small table near the back of the establishment, and soon ordered a pot of tea and a sampling of the finest delicacies the teahouse had to offer.
“Are you well, Georgiana? It is not the end of the world, you know. It may take some time, but we will find you a copy of the book eventually.”
“You are right, of course, Fitzwilliam. I am sorry to be so glum. But I had had my heart set on beginning to readThe Castle of Skybreethis afternoon, and now I shall have to wait. The shopkeeper said it could take weeks, even months, for the books to be ready from the printers.” She looked down at her gloved hands, resting them on the table. “I know I should not let it affect me so. But have you never had your heart set on something so much that it actually hurt when you could not have it?”
Darcy tried to think of something, but his wealth and position had rarely left him in such a predicament. He could at least try to put himself in her shoes, though. “I suppose I did when I was a boy. Sometimes we all have to go without things we do not want to have to wait for.”
“You are not the obsessive type, though. You are so much better than I am in that,” Georgiana said.
Darcy chuckled low. “Wanting a book does not mean you are of an obsessive bent, Georgiana. There are far worse things you could want in this world.”
She suddenly became very serious. “I know.”
Darcy hated the sadness that filled her eyes at his words. She was surely thinking of her near-disastrous folly at Ramsgate. He softened, reaching across the table to take her hand. “Forgive me, Georgiana. I am not making light of the situation. I promise I will get you that book, no matter what it takes.”
She gave him a small smile, then let go of his hand as the tea and pastries were delivered. The serving girl poured for them, then left them alone to enjoy their tea in peace. “This is very good,” Georgiana said. “I was unsure whether I would like this blend. But it is delicious — perfect for a cold winter day.”
She set down her cup of steaming tea and took a bite of a petite four. Darcy tried the tea and was pleasantly surprised by a spice he could not quite name–something from India, he supposed — and a splash of citrus. “Well, what shall we do after tea? Is there anything else you would like to shop for?”
“No, I think I am ready to return home. It looks like it might try to snow.”
“I would say we could visit a jeweller, if I thought it would help bolster your spirits,” Darcy said, trying to tease her out of her disappointment. “Perhaps you might hint at something to be added to your Christmas presents.”
“Oh, Fitz, how you spoil me!” Georgiana exclaimed. “Thank you, but no. I would much rather have the book. And besides, it would be much less expensive.”
Usually, Darcy was glad that his sister was a practical young woman. But in this instance, he wished there were something other than Mrs Laurence’s book that he might purchase for her. He tried to distract her in another way. “Are you looking forward to the supper at Bingley’s townhouse in a few days? He, and Miss Bingley especially, have expressed almost daily how much they wished to see you when I was back in Netherfield.”
“I suppose,” she said slowly. “It is just — well, I do not quite know how to say it. I sometimes wonder at Miss Bingley’s manners.”
Darcy suppressed a grimace. Georgiana’s delicately expressed doubts were difficult to respond to. It would be entirely unsuitable to share all his own condemnation of Miss Bingley with her, and yet he must not dissemble too far. Not only did Georgiana deserve his honesty, but the correctness of her judgement was valuable. He must not mislead her.
At last, Darcy found his best attempt at a suitable compromise. “Yes. Miss Bingley is an educated and elegant woman, but there are some respects in which I would not wish you to emulate her manners,” he replied slowly. “You must use your own judgement, and speak with me or Mrs Annesley, if there is any point upon which you wish greater clarity.”
She nodded. Since her experience at Ramsgate, she had grown much more cautious of the people she spent time with. Not that she had many friends with whom to converse when they were at Pemberley. It was far and out of the way to have regular callers, besides the travellers who often stopped to take tours of the grand house. But they were kept in the public areas of the house, and not allowed into the private areas reserved only for the family. He wished, for Georgiana’s sake, that she could find some female friends closer to her own age.
“I thought perhaps we might go to the opera one of these days. Or a play? You would enjoy that, wouldn’t you?” Darcy asked.
“Oh, yes, you know how I adore music–” Georgiana stopped mid-sentence as she looked around the room. She froze. Darcy followed her gaze, alarmed by the sudden change in her expression.
“What is amiss?” he asked, concerned. His first thought was that Wickham might be there, for it was difficult to imagine what besides the man who had so nearly convinced Georgiana to run away with him could cause such a reaction. But he could see no signs of danger.
“Nothing is amiss. But do you see that young woman over there?” she asked, lowering her voice to a hush.
Darcy looked up at the young woman sitting at a table over from them, drinking a cup of tea with an older gentleman by her side. “Yes,” he answered. The young woman had dark hair pulled into a simple bun at the nape of her neck and dark brown eyes. She was rather pretty, though not so outstandingly beautiful that it would merit such surprise and attention. “What about her?”
Georgiana turned to him, gripping his arm. “Do you not see?” she asked excitedly. “She has three copies ofThe Castle of Skybree!” she whispered. “I should not wish to importune her. But might I go over and ask where she found them?”
How astonishing — Georgiana’s enthusiasm for Mrs Laurence could even overcome her shyness. Better still, he could certainly allow it. Georgiana could come to no harm speaking to another young lady in a public tea shop, and under his eye. Darcy smiled. “Very well. But do not bother the young lady unduly with your enthusiasm.”
Georgiana pursed her lips, then took a steadying breath as she rose. “I will be the picture of decorum,” she assured him. She smoothed down her skirts and took another deep breath, gathering her courage.
Darcy watched her make her way over to the table and speak to the young woman. Hopefully, she would give Georgiana what she wished most — the clue that could help her find Mrs Laurence’s new novel. If it were so, they would certainly return to their shopping endeavour, instead of returning to the townhouse. No matter. If it made his sister happy, then he would stay out as long as she wished.
Chapter 5
