For some time, the visit proceeded much as such occasions do, lively conversations in their smaller groups interspersed with wider discussions among the entire company. Elizabeth was a lively young woman, but she was also observant, and she had much to say about the younger girls.
“I see that Georgiana and Kitty’s friendship continues apace. Unless I am much mistaken, I suspect that will lead to problems.”
Darcy understood her meaning at once. “They do not appear to be excluding Lydia.”
Elizabeth turned a smile on him. “No, but Lydia has long been accustomed to Kitty’s sole companionship; the friendship between Kitty and Georgiana has grown so quickly that I cannot but suppose it will not be long before she feels left out.”
With a nod, Darcy considered the girls, and he could see at once what Elizabeth was saying. There was nothing overt and no intention to exclude, but Georgiana and Kitty often had their heads together, and Lydia did not quite know what to make of it. The girl appeared unlikely to make a commotion about it that day, but he suspected Elizabeth was correct about her concerns.
“If you ask me,” said Darcy at length, “I believe Kitty was the best choice to accompany you to Derbyshire. I can imagine Lydia and Georgiana as good friends, but I do not suppose they would have been as thick as thieves as Kitty and Georgiana have become.
“Georgiana has changed in the short time I have known her. Though she is still in mourning, her demeanor has recovered. Before we departed Pemberley, she approached me to thank me for my sensitivity to her feelings.”
Elizabeth regarded him with a soft smile that showed every bit of her affection. “I know you do not consider it a significant matter, but that is because it is who you are. There are many men, I think, who would not be so charitable.”
“Perhaps,” agreed Darcy, not wishing to speak further on the subject. “Georgiana told me that she was the last member of her family and alone in the world. At present, with all your sisters for company, I cannot suppose she feels at all alone.”
“And she never will,” said Elizabeth. “Now, my betrothed, if you have had enough of my company for the moment, I should like to know your new ward better.”
“I shall never have enough, Elizabeth,” replied Darcy. “Dazzle her with your wit and vivacity, for I know that in the end,Ishall have your company to myself.”
With a saucy wink, Elizabeth nodded and approached the younger girls, sitting in their midst and diverting Georgiana’s attention. As he watched them, Darcy could not suppress a smile, knowing that Elizabeth was in her element in such situations. By including them all in the conversation, she settled Lydia’s feelings of exclusion and ensured she felt as important as anyone else in the group. Darcy could not but suppose the explosion of temper from the girl was still inevitable, but with such actions, she ensured its quick resolution when it happened.
“I see Elizabeth is working her magic on the girls,” said his mother, drawing his attention to where she sat with Jane and Mrs. Bennet.
“She has always had a way with them,” said Mrs. Bennet. “I shall not sport with your intelligence and say I do not struggle to understand my second daughter—but I have never doubted her abilities.”
“Lizzy is exceptional,” said Jane.
As Darcy knew of the sisters’ close relationship, he knew Jane had mixed feelings about the coming separation throughmarriage from her dearest sister. Jane would never envy Elizabeth’s good fortune, but as the elder sister, Darcy knew she had wondered if she would find happiness.
“This morning, I wrote a letter to my friend Bingley. As I know he regretted leaving Netherfield, he will wish to return at the earliest opportunity.”
Miss Bennet colored as Darcy intended, while her mother appeared contemplative. “We shall welcome his return, of course,” said Mrs. Bennet. “Jane enjoyed his company; she is eager to renew their acquaintance.”
“As I thought,” said Darcy, unable to keep the self-satisfaction from his tone and face.
Darcy’s mother distracted Mrs. Bennet at that moment, and Miss Bennet turned a glare on Darcy, though she was so sweet and obliging that it was a poor attempt at best.
“You, Fitzwilliam Darcy, have spent so much time in my sister’s company that you have become a tease.”
“Yes, Jane; she has taught me to great effect.”
After a few moments of regarding each other, they burst into quiet chuckles together. Had Darcy not been enamored with Elizabeth from almost the first moment she entered society, he could have imagined esteeming Jane very well. Given Bingley’s obvious interest in her, it was perhaps fortunate that matters had turned out as they did. Bingley would make Jane Bennet a happy woman, and Darcy did not suppose he was at all putting the cart before the horse.
AT LENGTH, THE BENNETladies said their farewells and returned to Longbourn, leaving Darcy in the company of his mother, Georgiana, and Mrs. Younge. The afternoon proved a trial on his patience, for a matter arose where he did not expect vexation. As he had been absent from the estate for some time,Darcy made his way to the study after luncheon, intending to go over a few matters laid out by his steward. Not long after, he heard a knock on the door.
To his surprise, when the door opened, it revealed the stern figure of Mrs. Younge. The woman sat at his invitation, leaving the door ajar for propriety’s sake as any good employee would do, and when he asked after her business with him, she did not hesitate to make her case.
“Mr. Darcy, I regret the necessity, but I have a matter of some concern to discuss with you.”
“Yes?” asked Darcy, curious about her meaning.
“Miss Darcy is a young girl who has inhabited a certain level of society all her life—she is unaccustomed to the company she now keeps.”
Darcy frowned. “Are you suggesting that my betrothed and her family do not merit Georgiana’s company?”
“I do not mean to offend, sir,” said she, appearing anything but sorry, “yet I cannot but tell you the truth. Miss Darcy is lowering herself by associating with the Bennet ladies; I cannot suppose such associations are at all advisable, considering her future position in society. If their unrestrained behavior affects her manners, it will be a detriment to her prospects.”
