“She is very amiable,” she said.
“She is very much like my mother,” he replied quietly.
Elizabeth glanced back at him.
“And you thought that might recommend you to me?”
“Yes.”
“It does,” she said.
Darcy allowed himself the faintest hint of a smile. “She has a way of engaging regard.”
Elizabeth laughed softly.
Meanwhile, the younger Miss Bennets had attached themselves to Georgiana.
“You must come upstairs,” Lydia declared. “You cannot imagine how dull it is here unless you see it properly.”
Kitty seconded the invitation; even Mary looked on with interest.
Georgiana hesitated only a moment before consenting.
Elizabeth watched her go – and, not without surprise, saw that she went willingly.
When at last the time for departure approached, Lydia spoke at once, “You cannot go yet! You must stay longer. We have hardly begun.”
Kitty nodded eagerly. “Indeed, you must come again – or stay now.”
Georgiana glanced at her brother.
Darcy, though composed, did not immediately speak.
“I should be very happy,” she said at last, “to remain longer – if it is permitted.”
Mrs. Bennet was in raptures.
Elizabeth looked from Georgiana to Darcy. “You are very welcome to stay, and your brother may take you home tomorrow when he calls.”
She met Darcy’s eyes again.
He inclined his head. “If it gives my sister pleasure, I have no objection.”
The younger girls cried with delight. Lydia seized Georgiana’s hand at once; Kitty followed, no less eager, and after a brief, affectionate leave-taking with her brother, she was carried off with them upstairs.
Chapter 23
Interruption and Understanding
“You must take a little more, Miss Darcy. Indeed, you must.” Mrs. Bennet’s voice carried across the breakfast table with cheerful insistence.
Georgiana, who had been attempting to decline with gentle firmness, yielded at last with a small smile. “You are very kind, ma’am. I thank you.”
“Nonsense – kindness has nothing to do with it. Lizzy, pray see that she is helped. It was made yesterday, on purpose.”
Elizabeth complied, though not without amusement. “You must not suppose yourself obliged to eat more than you wish.”
“I am very much obliged already,” Georgiana said softly.
