Both sisters signified their agreement.
“Where is Lydia, Aunt?”
“She is upstairs with Edward. He is much attached to her, and she to him. I must say he has shown remarkable conduct in her company, though I cannot account for it.”
Jane lifted her head. “Aunt, I believe Mr. Bingley has arrived.”
They kept their seats until sounds at the front entry reached them, and soon Samuel showed the gentlemen into the drawing room.
Mr. Darcy moved to Mrs. Gardiner’s side, with a young girl on his arm. “I should like to present my sister, Georgiana. She came to me from Derbyshire yesterday.”
Introductions were made, and Mrs. Gardiner offered tea.
Mr. Darcy accepted. “We were detained at Hatchard’s, a favorite shop of the Darcy family, and I fear we remained there nearly two hours.”
Elizabeth turned to the young girl. “Miss Darcy, will you sit with me and tell me of the treasures you have found?”
Mr. Bingley entered into conversation with Jane and Mrs. Gardiner, while Mr. Darcy devoted himself to his sister’s ease among new acquaintances.
“Pray tell me, did you discover any new novels to read, Miss Darcy? Or perhaps you prefer scholarly works?”
The young lady’s temperament was naturally reserved. Elizabeth concluded that it must be a family trait, and that perhaps Mr. Darcy was not so much proud as he was reticent. However, upon further observation, Elizabeth saw that the child spoke with evident pleasure. “My brother permitted me to purchase my first novel by Ann Radcliffe. He judges me old enough to understand her writings and to determine for myself what is proper.”
“She is one of my favorite authors. I have readA Sicilian RomanceandThe Mysteries of Udolpho. Which work did you select today?”
“I purchased the first volume ofThe Mysteries of Udolpho.What is your opinion of it, Miss Elizabeth? Will it give me nightmares?”
“Not in the least.”
Mr. Darcy relaxed into the cushioned chair when he saw that his sister was comfortable, and Elizabeth noticed that he occupied himself with tea and more cakes than were probably good for him, his expression one of satisfaction. The sight of him thus engaged caused her to smile to herself, pleased to see him so entirely at ease.
When the tea things were removed, the small party set out for the gardens. Once they were seated in the carriage, Georgiana turned to her new friend.
“May I call you Elizabeth?”
“You may, or you may call me Lizzy, as my family does.”
“Then it shall be Lizzy. Please call me Georgiana. My brother often calls me Georgie, but only he and Richard use that name. Have you met my cousin Richard?”
“I have not.”
“You will like him very well when you do. He is a colonel and has lately returned from France. The ladies admire him at first sight.”
“Indeed? And what recommends him so strongly?”
“He is amiable, very witty, and remarkably handsome. Many say he and my brother might be taken for twins.”
Elizabeth glanced toward Mr. Darcy and thought his face looked pinched; his lips were compressed into a tight line. She turned the subject.
“Was he long in France?”
“More than two years. He was summoned home because my cousin Philip suffered an injury, and Aunt Helen has taken him to Matlock for rest, in hopes of his recovery.”
Elizabeth again lifted her eyes to Mr. Darcy, and this time his eyes met hers.
“Philip was thrown from his horse during a hunt and struck his head. The physicians cannot say whether he will return to consciousness.”
The news engaged the attention of all within the carriage.
