“A dozen years at least,” Aunt Gardiner finished. “My mother and I left Cresswell after my father’s passing.”
“The estate was entailed, if I recall.”
“It was. We relocated to London, living with my aunt and uncle. I met my husband, Mr. Gardiner, and married soon after.” Aunt smiled.
Elizabeth stared in confusion. She knew her aunt had lived in Lambton. She had hoped to introduce her to Mr. Wickham overthe holidays, but the gentleman had instead spent the festive season with Miss King’s family.
“Miss Bennet, will you allow me to introduce my sister to you?” At her nod, he continued. “Georgiana, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” He made the introduction smoothly, tugging his sister forward.
“Will you join us?” Aunt Gardiner gestured to the two empty seats at their table.
The Darcys accepted and settled themselves. Her aunt resumed her conversation with Mr. Darcy, speaking of their mutual acquaintances in Lambton and leaving Elizabeth and Miss Darcy to listen.
“I have heard you enjoy music, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said at length, “and that you play very well.”
Miss Darcy’s cheeks reddened. “I am fond of music, but I would not say I play very well.”
Elizabeth’s lips turned down in confusion. She had expected the girl to accept the praise and maybe even brag a little. Mr. Wickham painted Georgiana Darcy as proud, and Elizabeth had long since imagined her to be a younger Miss Bingley.
“Perhaps I shall hear you play someday,” she said, pushing her misgivings aside. “Miss Bingley declared you to be most accomplished when last we were in company.”
She turned to Mr. Darcy, whose attention had turned her direction upon the mention of his friend’s sister. “Have you had the pleasure of Mr. Bingley’s company of late, Mr. Darcy? His departure from Meryton was very sudden. I do hope nothing urgent drew him away. His incivility could be easily overlooked if some tragedy prevented his return.”
“I have not had the pleasure of late. Mr. Bingley is not in Town at this time. In fact, I have not seen him since before Twelfth Night.”
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes slightly, searching for something more in Mr. Darcy’s expression. He looked slightly uncomfortable, as if the topic of Mr. Bingley made him nervous.
“He did not understate his capricious and impulsive nature, then,” she murmured. Pressure on her foot caused her to pause and she caught her aunt’s warning look before turning the subject. She directed her next question at Miss Darcy. “Did you remain in London for the festive season?”
Miss Darcy appeared flustered and stuttered as she answered. “I—that is,we—my brother and I remained here. My aunt and uncle stayed in Town, too, and we celebrated with them.”
“Town certainly has a myriad of delights, especially during the festive season,” Elizabeth replied. “I prefer the country, myself, though I do take delight in seeing more of England. Is the winter much different in Derbyshire?”
Each question drew Miss Darcy out a little more and Elizabeth might have thoroughly enjoyed her afternoon if not for Mr. Darcy’s pressing presence at his sister’s side. Despite Aunt Gardiner keeping him occupied, she felt his gaze on her and she wondered anew what disapproving thoughts he entertained in his head.
“I am afraid we must depart,” Mr. Darcy said after a time, standing and extending his hand to his sister. “We have an engagement with our aunt.”
Miss Darcy’s face fell, but she made no argument.
“I hope we meet again soon, Miss Bennet,” she said softly. Elizabeth returned the sentiment. It did not go unnoticed that neither Miss Darcy nor Mr. Darcy extended the offer for Elizabeth and her aunt to call. They could not have a tradesman’s wife sullying their home.
They turned to leave, but Miss Darcy paused, tugging at her reticule and retrieving something from inside. She extended her hand, offering Elizabeth her card. “I would welcome your call,should you choose to visit,” she said hurriedly, countering part of Elizabeth’s previous observation.
Elizabeth accepted the card automatically, noting the tightening of Mr. Darcy’s expression and reading the disapproval in his eyes.
She nodded and thanked Miss Darcy, watching closely as the pair left the shop.
“Mr. Darcy is not at all what you painted him to be,” Aunt Gardiner said once they had gone. “I found him to be friendly and an engaging conversationalist.”
“No doubt his manner changed when he learned who you were,” Elizabeth reasoned. “He did not approve of me while he stayed in Hertfordshire. Perhaps your identity has made me slightly less objectionable.”
“I did not detect disapproval.” Her aunt raised an eyebrow. “I thought he seemed ratherpreoccupiedwith you.”
“Your imagination is very vivid, Aunt. I can assure you that Mr. Darcy has no good feelings for me.” Elizabeth took a bite of her ice.
“Will you accept Miss Darcy’s offer and call upon her?”
She considered her words carefully. “I do not know what to do, especially since I easily noted her brother’s disapproval. Surely, he will not be pleased with my calling upon his sister.” She held up the card. “Their house is in Mayfair—I dare not pollute their home.”
