“Do you have much planned for your stay in London?” Mr. Darcy asked.
“I hope to see some exhibits, visit some bookshops, and, of course, do some shopping.” Elizabeth said the last with a conspiratorial tone to Miss Darcy, who laughed in response.
“Will you attend many dinners and parties?” asked Miss Darcy.
“I believe we will attend several while we are there. The society here is mostly confined and unvarying, so I always look forward to any opportunity to make new acquaintances.”
“I wish I had your ease and confidence when meeting new people. I am even reserved with many people I do know,” Miss Darcy admitted.
“Am I correct that you are not yet out?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes.”
“May I ask your age?”
“I am sixteen.”
Elizabeth nodded. “You have time to develop more confidence. As with many things in life, we will not improve if we do not practice or put forth effort to improve.” She continued with laughter in her voice, “I am sure you remember Mary and I speaking of my less-than-diligent efforts at the pianoforte.”
Miss Darcy laughed softly. “I do.”
“I might add that even though you can gain confidence, it does not necessarily mean you will be completely at your ease in company. You remind me very much of my sister Jane at your age. She was very shy and reserved, and she still is to an extent, but she pushed herself to work at it.”
“I would never have guessed. She seems so self-assured!”
Elizabeth smiled at her and nodded. “And you can be as well with time. This period in your life before you come out is an excellent time to be working on things you want to improve on. Spending time with a woman you look up to and respect can be very beneficial, too. You can learn by observing how she handles different situations and personalities, then model your behavior on hers.”
“Yes, I can see how that would be very helpful,” Miss Darcy said.
Once they reached the top of Oakham Mount, Elizabeth pointed out different landmarks to them.
“It is a lovely view, is it not, William?” Miss Darcy asked.
“It is indeed,” Mr. Darcy replied.
“Would you like to sit, Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth asked. “I have this log strategically placed here for just such a purpose.”
“I would, thank you,” Miss Darcy said and seated herself beside Elizabeth.
“Have you read any good books lately?” Elizabeth asked.
Miss Darcy turned to her with a grin. “A few weeks ago, I finished a novel that I enjoyed very much. It is calledTo Tell a Secretby G. Hawthorne.”
“Oh, I have heard of that book! So you liked it?”
“Oh yes! It was full of suspense! I simply could not put it down, could I, brother?”
Mr. Darcy looked at his sister with a smile and shook his head as if she were amusing. “You did have some trouble doing so,” he said drily.
Elizabeth was shocked. She did not realize Mr. Darcy had a sense of humor.
Miss Darcy simply smiled at her brother’s words.
“You know, there is speculation as to whether the author is female,” Elizabeth said.
“No, I did not know that, but I think I would say that it must be a woman. Some of the descriptions and feelings of the female characters are so authentic to what a young woman would think. Surely a man did not write them!” Miss Darcy said.
“It is a mystery,” Elizabeth said with a waggle of her brows.
