The girl startled, nearly dropping her book, she looked about rapidly as if she had just woken.
"Come here, girl. Fitzwilliam is going to introduce us to his wife."
"Why? We both know she must be that lady there. And she knows who we are, for Saunders just announced us," said Dora with much exasperation.
"Yes, dear, but it is one of those niceties that must be observed no matter how little sense it makes."
The girl sighed, but obeyed. Introductions were made. All the 'How do you dos' and 'So lovely to make your acquaintances' were said at the proper times. The world remained nice if not altogether sensible.
When we were all seated and fresh tea called for (and an additional hush biscuit paid to Sir Sebastian's account), Aunt Margaret fished from her reticule a lorgnette which she held up to her eyes. She peered at me, reviewing my face with great scrutiny.
"Hmmm. Well, now stand up, girl, let me look at you," she commanded.
I found myself once again standing. I was a little disappointed by my own docility, but I wanted to show my husband I could be ever so proper. And Margaret Darcy is kind of person you listen to without question.
"Hmmm. A bit bony, but otherwise almost pretty. I suppose, Fitzwilliam, we can make out that you arethatsort of fool. Overwhelmed by base desires—that is the kind of rot everyone wants to hear. That nonsense about accidentally ripping her bodice will never be believed. Turn."
I turned.
"Slowly."
I slowed.
"Hmmmmmmm."
I could not help it, it was all too ridiculous, a smile tugged at my lips.
"Why on earth are you smiling like that, child?"
I had really no intention of putting on my mad, toothy grin, but Darcys bring out the worst in me.
"I thought you might like to inspect my teeth as well. I know there is a certain proverb instructing one not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I do have good teeth and they should not be missed when making an audit of my better qualities."
"You are sharp," said the old lady, her tone was, to my relief, admiring rather thanaccusatory.
"I am. I find it much more amusing than being dull, though one does have to speak with care as not to cut oneself."
"For all your care, I daresay you've wounded yourself a time or two."
"Oh, yes, direly," I replied with a laugh.
"Hmmmm. Your looks improve with animation. I can now see how a man might find you tempting enough to ignore all expectations and defy every stricture of decorum," with a look to my husband she added, "Yes, I see it now, she is actually quite pretty."
Darcy said nothing. A wry smile came to his lips, but then was gone as quickly as it had appeared lest people start to think he was a man with thoughts and reactions rather than a statue.
"It pleases me, ma'am, to hear you say so for, though my looks I have previously earned the honor of being tolerable enough, I have it on great authority that I am not at all tempting," I said.
I sneaked another glance at Darcy. Disappointingly he had no reaction. Not even a fleeting one. He either did not recognize his own words or felt no contrition for having been overheard.
"Sit, girl," commanded Margaret, "Why are you standing? I'll get a neck ache looking up at you."
Apparently my inspection was complete. I sat.
"Aunt—Dorothea, so good to see you," said Mrs. Vane as she glided imperiously into the room. If anyone could be said to walk imperiously it was her. "Why was I not informed of your arrival?" This was spoken to me. Before I could make any answer, her attention shifted. "Ah, James, you are here as well . . . and your wife. Howlovely."
Sir Sebastian began barking madly again. He hopped down from Margaret's lap and appeared fully prepared to tear at Mrs.Vane’s skirts. Unthinkingly, I scooped him up into my arms.
Everyone gasped (excepting Dora who was once again enthralled by her book) then, when whatever tragedy they were anxious of failed to occur, released a collective breath (Dora turned a page).
