Lydia leant forward at once. “You must sit here, near me. We never sit in any order at breakfast, and it is much more agreeable.”
Kitty nodded eagerly. “And you must tell us everything – whether you like Netherfield, and whether you dance often in town, and…”
“Kitty,” Elizabeth said, though not severely.
“But we hardly had enough time to discuss everything.”
Georgiana coloured slightly, though not with discomfort. “I have not danced very much of late,” she said.
“That must be quite intolerable,” Lydia returned. “I should not know what to do with myself.”
“You would find something,” Elizabeth said dryly.
“I always do,” Lydia replied, perfectly satisfied.
A general smile followed.
Mr. Bennet, who had been observing the scene over the edge of his newspaper, lowered it slightly. “Miss Darcy, you will soon discover that my daughters are not easily restrained when once engaged upon a subject.”
Georgiana smiled demurely. “I am not out yet.”
“I say that is cruel of Mr. Darcy. Do you not agree, Mama?” Lydia exclaimed.
“Very good, my dear. That is what we should have done with our daughters.” Mr. Bennet, speaking over his wife.
“Mr. Bennet! In town, with all the diversions, it may not matter. But our girls, here, would die of boredom. And they have a duty to fulfil.”
“I do not find it unpleasant,” Georgiana said, with a small but sincere smile. “I-I do not think myself ready.”
There was something in her manner – gentle, attentive, and entirely without affectation – which recommended her to every member of the party, though in different ways.
“That is the right sentiment,” Elizabeth replied. “I can assure you, we, none of us was ready at fifteen.”
“Speak for yourself, Lizzy. I could not have waited two or three more years while you danced away at the assemblies.”
“You are the exception then, Lydia. But in town, you would speak differently. Ladies come out at about eighteen. Nobody would take you seriously.”
“There are many rules one must learn before they are let out in society. And you are expected to perform. I am dreading it.”
“What rules? You will have to tell me about those.” Lydia said thoughtfully. “Does this mean I have to learn to play the pianoforte?”
Lydia, who had never yet shown much inclination for such accomplishments, spoke with all the confidence of one who expects to excel in whatever she has not attempted.
“And sing. You have a good voice, Lydia. I am sure you would take to playing music if you applied yourself,” Jane said.
“I could assist you – that is if you would like it.” Georgiana offered.
The meal continued in the same spirit of ease until, at last, it drew naturally to a close.
Elizabeth rose. “If you are not fatigued,” she said, turning to Georgiana, “perhaps you would allow me to show you a little of the house – and afterwards the garden. It is not extensive, but it has its merits.”
Georgiana rose at once. “I should like that very much.”
Lydia looked up immediately. “We shall come too.”
“You shall not,” Elizabeth returned. “I would like some time with Miss Darcy if that is all right with you.”
***
