Chapter 34
Darcy was still deep in thought the following morning. Everything Elizaeth had told him circulating in his head. But a small chuckle escaped his lips, which drew a querying look from his sister.
He had drawn an agreement from Lord and Lady Meryton and their daughters. That he might introduce his sister to them. He knew Georgina would be delighted at the news. But first he explained his mirth.
“Yesterday evening I saw your Uncle trounced at chess by the fifteen-year-old Lady Lydia,” he told her.
“Truly?” Georgina query, and Darcy nodded in confirmation. “I would dearly love to meet a lady capable of such.”
“And so you shall my dear,” Darcy replied, thinking how much had changed in his opinion of that girl and her family. Not two months ago, he had proposed to Elizabeth Bennet, thinking how he would keep Lydia Bennet away from his sister.
“I shall?” Georgina asked, her voice tinted with eagerness.
“Yes,” he confirmed. “We are to call on them today, at the visiting hour, for me to introduce you to the whole family.”
Georgina jumped from her seat and hugged her brother. “Oh thank you Fitzwilliam,” she said, “thank you.”
Darcy’s lips had a slight curve. Georgina had not looked so like a little girl in a long time, he thought as theystrolled together to Meryton House on Grosvenor Square for the introduction. She was nearly bouncing as she walked. But as soon as their names were called by the butler, Georgina’s normal shy nature reasserted itself. Therefore, they entered the drawing room with her head bowed. She made her curtsy to the Bennet ladies, while looking at her feet. Looking around the room at Lady Meryton, the five Bennet sisters and their governess. Darcy thought mayhap he had erred in bringing his sister to meet them all at once.
“Do be seated my dear, Miss Darcy,” said Lady Meryton is a gentle tone. “Take a seat there beside Mary,” she suggested. “And Mr Darcy you have visited us often enough to select your own seat.”
Darcy nodded and took a seat as close to his sister as possible. He need not have worried. Lady Meryton knew her daughters well. Having his sister beside Mary meant she was also close to Elizabeth. And Darcy heard Elizabeth open the conversation.
“I understand that you are fond of music, Miss Darcy?” she asked.
“I am,” his sister responded in barely a whisper.
“There is a very fine pianoforte in the parlour. And Mary, Jane and I are working on an aria together. Would you care to see it?” she asked.
Georgina looked to him and he nodded. “That would be lovely,” she replied and the three eldest Lady Bennet arose to go with her. Darcy went to get to his feet but realised in time that it would be most impolite. He therefore stayed in place.
“I will call for some tea,” Lady Meryton suggested and Darcy demurred.
“Please not on my behalf,” he said. “But, thinking on it. I wondered if Lady Lydia would be willing to best me in a game of chess?”
Lydia looked most gratified and did her mother. “I shall certainly endeavour to best you,” she said. “But I do hope you will put up a credible effort.”
It was gone two hours before he thought to look for his sister. Lady Lydia had beaten him, but she said it was one of the most difficult games she had played in some time. Darcy bowed to her and accepted the compliment. When he enquired as to the whereabout of his sister, Lady Catherine. Who had given him permission to call her Lady Kitty, not wanting to be compared to his Aunt of the same name, agreed to guide him to the parlour.
A beautiful sight awaited him. His sister and Lady Mary were sitting together on the piano stool playing. Elizabeth and Jane were both singing a little ditty as they played. Georgina’s face was radiant with happiness. It look some minutes for the ladies to notice their arrival. And when they did it unfortunately brought the musical interlude to an end.
They made their farewells and they found themselves on their way back to Darcy house. His sister had the bounce back in her step again. But now it was joined by gay chatter about what a lovely time she had had. The following day the Bennet ladies returned Georgina’s call. And his sister took get joy in sharing her instrument with the ladies. She also leant them a couple of piece of music. Agreeing that they would play them together when she next visited them.
Darcy always ensured he was home when they were due to call. And joined her as frequently as he could, often accompanied by Richard, when Geogina called on them. The Bennet ladies, his sister, Richard and himself had also promenaded in Hyde Park. Darcy had thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth’s company. He had not however enjoyed every male member of the ton seeking introductions to the Bennet ladies.
