Elizabeth rose to accompany her grandmother whilst Darcy prepared to take his leave. He had several meetings of business to attend and was due back at Darcy House. “I shall call later,” he promised.
The Bennets and Jane had returned to Longbourn three days prior. Elizabeth missed them dreadfully, though she was content enough in her grandmother’s house. Having Darcy near was a balm to her aching heart. Lady Montrose had offered to hire an express rider solely for the delivery of letters between London and Longbourn. Elizabeth had demurred, for now, but admitted she might avail herself of the luxury in the future.
The first callers soon arrived, and Lady Montrose received them with warm enthusiasm. Amongst them was Mrs. Eva Harrington, accompanied by her daughter. “Lady Montrose,” the Dowager Countess said with gracious formality, “may I present my friend, Mrs. Eva Harrington, and her daughter, Mrs. Anna Norton.”
The ladies curtsied, Mrs. Norton offered a warm smile. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Montrose. And to see your grandmother smiling once more, though I suspect society will require time to adjust to having two Lady Montroses.”
Elizabeth’s brows lifted slightly at her grandmother’s use of her new title, but she understood—it must be so from now on.
“Have you long known my grandmother?” Elizabeth asked with polite interest.
“Oh, yes, quite some time—two decades or more,” Mrs. Norton replied, casting a fond glance toward the Dowager Countess. “She and my mother met at Almack’s. I was ten years old at the time, I believe.” Mrs. Norton accepted a cup of tea and settled beside Mrs. Harrington. “You have quite stirred theton, your ladyship. I cannot have a single gathering without being peppered with questions. Your grandmother is wise to keep you to herself for a time.”
“There were many matters that required our attention,” Elizabeth replied carefully. Unable to discern her tone, Elizabeth was not certain whether Mrs. Norton meant to chide or merely make small talk.
“Oh, certainly! I understand there was much to arrange—your inheritance, the move to Montrose House… No, I do not blame you in the slightest for hiding yourself these past four weeks.”
“I hardly hid. My…the Bennets stayed very near, and we saw one another often.” Elizabeth felt a prickle of defensiveness—if this lady dared to speak ill of her adopted family…
“How lovely! And generous of them, truly, to have taken in a child of no relation.” Mrs. Norton’s smile seemed sincere, and Elizabeth allowed herself to relax—just a little.
“We were shopping for my sister’s wedding clothes,” she said, steering the subject elsewhere. “Jane is to marry Mr. Charles Bingley.”No need to say that it was the same man who discovered her in Hertfordshire.
“I know the name.” Mrs. Norton tapped her chin. “Oh, yes…his sister is marrying Sir James Blackwell, is she not? The Blackwells are not of the first circles, but are a respectable family. Her marriage will benefit the whole Bingley connection!”
“Beyond his pedigree, Sir James is a kind and attentive man.”
Mrs. Norton nodded. “Yes, that is certainly a factor for some. Well, I am happy for them. And for you.”
Mrs. Harrington and Mrs. Norton took their leave a short while later. They had barely a moment to reflect before more guests were announced. And so, the morning progressed. One lady followed another, each bringing polite curiosity and carefully phrased questions, and Elizabeth answered as best she could. None behaved with false politeness, at least so far as she could tell, and though she felt entirely worn out by the end of calling hours, she was quietly pleased that the day had gone so well.
Lady Montrose took Elizabeth on calls or to other small, private gatherings every day the following week. Darcy called regularly during the day and occasionally dined at Montrose House. One afternoon, he brought his sister to meet Elizabeth, and she could not have been more pleased with the young lady.
Georgiana Darcy was a kind, quiet girl. Though her round cheeks betrayed her youth, there was a seriousness in her manner that made her seem older than her years. Elizabeth tried several topics to encourage the conversation before settling on music, which at last inspired Miss Darcy to speak with animation of her favorite composers.
“I play the pianoforte and the harp,” she said shyly, “but as the pianoforte is more often found in company, I have grown more practiced with it.”
Elizabeth smiled and shook her head. “I also play the pianoforte, but I have never become truly proficient. That distinction belongs to my sister, Mary.”
“My brother says you play very well.”
“Then he has perjured himself thoroughly! Darcy, did you not mean my sister when you offered such praise?” Elizabeth laughed as her betrothed’s ears flushed.
“I shall stand by my statement. You play very well, and nothing has given me greater pleasure than hearing you perform.” His gaze warmed her from within.
“Have I performed a great many times in your presence?” she asked lightly.
“Yes. Remember, we dined in company many times, and the hostesses almost always called for exhibitions.” He reached out and took her hand.
Georgiana cleared her throat delicately, causing Elizabeth to blush. “Perhaps you and Lady Montrose will be available to come to Darcy House for tea next week,” she said hopefully.
“I shall ask my grandmother. I do not foresee any obstacle. We have no fixed engagements that I recall. Pray, do send round the invitation.”
Winters
“Well, that ploy failed,” he groaned. “Darcy and the girl are still keeping company. I would have expected Lady Montrose to cut the acquaintance.”
“Them rich types rarely make sense.” Jarvis fingered his knife, his feet up on the table. Winters hated it when he put his disgusting boots where they ate.
