“It is not far distant,” said Darcy, explaining his reasons, “which will allow us to reach it in a short time, then return for the season in London. Do you know much about the property?”
“Little enough,” said Lord Matlock, looking to Fitzwilliam.
“I have stayed there with Darcy a time or two, and once with Georgiana also present. It is not an extensive property, but it is convenient to the nearby beaches.”
“I like the house,” said Georgiana. “In the past, I believe Jamie leased it out for most of the year.”
“If you recall,” said Mrs. Younge, “the house in Ramsgate was where Mr. Darcy and I proposed to take Georgiana for a holiday.”
Darcy could not determine whether there was a censorious note in Mrs. Younge’s voice for denying her request. Still, his even look at the companion was not unlike Fitzwilliam’s for all that neither responded to her comment. As she had not broughtit up since his reprimand, Darcy allowed the matter to rest for the moment.
“There is no permanent tenant,” agreed Fitzwilliam, looking away from Mrs. Younge. “It is on the leasing market and attracts visitors in the summer months.”
The earl nodded and turned back to Darcy. “I assume you have inquired about its availability?”
Darcy nodded. “I sent a letter to the housekeeper several days ago. There is no one scheduled to lease the place until the end of April.”
“You will wish to return before then,” nodded the earl. “It is an excellent notion, I should say, for you and your new wife must wish to be alone for a time.”
“I shall not say you are incorrect,” said Darcy with a smile for Elizabeth.
“When shall you return to London?”
“We will stay in Ramsgate for only a week or two.”
“Then perhaps we should take Georgiana back to London with us.” The earl nodded to Mrs. Darcy. “I do not intend to cast aspersions on your ability to care for our niece, but we have not enjoyed her company for some time now.”
“Of course, you wish to have Georgiana with you, your lordship,” agreed Mrs. Darcy. “I am not offended. While William and Elizabeth are away, I shall remain at Netherfield.”
“Do you mean to join us in London?” asked Darcy.
Mrs. Darcy offered a shrug. “I cannot say. As you are aware, I am little more enamored with town than you are, William, but the solitude of Netherfield with you in London, while it might appeal for a time, will become tiresome, I should think.”
Darcy nodded but turned to Georgiana. “I assume you will not protest a stay with your aunt and uncle.”
Georgiana made a great show of considering the matter, prompting a few chuckles from the company. When she didnot speak at once, Mrs. Younge interjected again to offer her judgment, something about which she was not shy at all.
“My opinion is that London is the best place for you now.”
Perhaps Darcy was a little too touchy about the woman’s oft-stated belief, but he could not help but wonder if her comment was another criticism of Elizabeth’s family and Georgiana’s friendship with them. As nothing she said confirmed any suspicion he had, Darcy said nothing, allowing Georgiana to respond.
“While I can say nothing about what is ‘best,’ I am not against visiting my uncle for a time.” She grinned and added: “I will miss Elizabeth’s sisters most cruelly, but I shall endure it for the sake of visiting my dear relations.”
The mirth in the room erupted at her comment, though Mrs. Younge did not appear to appreciate it. She liked the next comment even less, given the sour expression when Lady Susan offered her suggestion.
“Perhaps you could invite Mrs. Darcy’s sister to accompany us to London? As I recall, you get on with one of them well.”
“Kitty!” said Georgiana, excited at the prospect, not noticing the sudden pursing of Mrs. Younge’s lips. “May I invite her?”
“If you wish, I have no objection to hosting her.”
“That may cause problems among my other sisters,” said Elizabeth, her tone teasing as she regarded Georgiana. “Jane is far too mild and Mary too sensible, but Lydia will feel left out.”
There was an element of truth in Elizabeth’s jesting comment, for Darcy knew Lydia well. Lady Susan appeared to realize the truth of it, even if she knew little about the girl’s character.
“Let us offer the invitation and then manage what comes after. Perhaps we can include Miss Kitty’s sister.”
That factor decided, they discussed a few other items of lesser consequence, then made ready to depart for Longbourn.With the season already started and only a few weeks before the Darcys must make an appearance, Darcy wanted to depart the next morning if possible. The Fitzwilliams he knew also needed to return to London, for with the House of Lords in session, the earl would have certain duties he must uphold.
