“It would be best, Miss Lydia, to protect yourself by not accepting everything you hear at face value.”
Miss Lydia huffed her annoyance and folded her arms across her body, but she did not deign to speak again, which was just as well. Georgiana, Darcy noticed, regarded the other girl with barely concealed astonishment, likely not understanding how anyone could speak to him in such a fashion. That Miss Lydia had not spoken of Wickham—even she seemed to possess some discretion—was a matter for which to be grateful. How Georgiana would respond to such a comment he could not say.
“I hope, Mr. Darcy,” said Mrs. Bennet, as much to direct the conversation away from her daughter as from any interest, “that you have concluded your business with Mr. Bennet satisfactorily.”
Then again, Darcy realized the question was of the greatest importance to Mrs. Bennet, given her ambitions for her daughters. The way the Bennet matron glanced at Fitzwilliam, he knew she could not understand why he might have been present. That did not prevent her from the hope that his errand concerned Miss Elizabeth. It did, of course, but not in the manner she suspected. Not yet.
“Our business is still ongoing, Mrs. Bennet,” said Darcy. “But yes, I believe it has proceeded agreeably to this point.”
Mrs. Bennet regarded him, confused at what business might be ongoing. “Then you will stay in the neighborhood and are not simply passing through?”
“I believe we will be here for a few days at least,” replied Darcy.
“Where are you staying?”
“At the inn in Meryton,” said Darcy.
A frown settled on the woman’s face. “The inn in Meryton? Surely you jest, Mr. Darcy, for that inn is most unsuitable for gentle families. It is nothing more than a drinking establishment with a few rooms attached to it.”
“Aye, that is nothing less than the truth,” said Mr. Bennet. “Those who wish to stay near the neighborhood usually take lodgings in Stevenage, though Luton is an equally acceptable alternative. Even Hatfield would be preferable.”
“We have already settled into the inn,” said Darcy, thinking that they could not have firsthand knowledge of the place. It was worse than they claimed, for the rooms were small, the floorboards creaked alarmingly, the food was barely tolerable, and the beds so lumpy, he was not certain he would get any rest.
“The nature of our business dictates that we must remain nearby.”
“I have stayed in many a rougher accommodation,” added Fitzwilliam, grinning at the Bennet matron for her concern. “A soldier cannot always choose where he spends his nights. When on a campaign, I have slept with only a blanket between myself and the heavens.”
At this, Miss Lydia’s ears appeared to perk up, but Mrs. Bennet was shaking her head. “Oh, no, no, no, that will not do! I shall not have it said that Longbourn’s hospitality is inferior to that of our small inn. While you are in residence, you must stay with us.”
Darcy hesitated, uncertain what he should do. When Mrs. Bennet saw this, she must have understood something of obstinacy in his manner, for she huffed and amended her invitation.
“If you can withstand the inn, I have nothing to say. But surely your dear sister must not endure such lodgings. Longbourn is not your excellent estate, Mr. Darcy, but it is comfortable and clean and has more than enough room to host your sister. I must insist she stays here with us while you are in the neighborhood.”
Georgiana appeared surprised, then a shyness fell over her that Darcy took to imply no unwillingness to accept the invitation. Uncertain how he felt about it and not knowing if this would foil their plans, Darcy looked to his cousin, who he noted was weighing the matter.
“Actually,” said he, “that is not a poor notion at all. It would allow Georgiana to be comfortable while in residence and remove her from... other potential pitfalls.”
Fitzwilliam’s significant look at Mr. Bennet reminded Darcy they were to stay in the nearby cottage, and as he would not wish to leave Georgiana at the inn alone, it was Longbourn or the cottage. At Longbourn, she would have the Bennet sisters close to hand, a footman, the butler, and several stout stable hands for protection. This would allow Darcy to assign Thompson, his largest and most intimidating footman to stay until they had word of Wickham. When it came time to apprehend the libertine, Darcy wished for Thompson’s assistance, as he knew it would be invaluable.
“What do you think, Georgiana?” asked Darcy.
“If Mrs. Bennet will have me,” said Georgiana, visibly gathering her courage, “then I should be happy to accept.”
“Then it is settled,” said Darcy.
Misses Kitty and Mary appeared pleased with the development, and Kitty whispered in Georgiana’s ear, prompting a nod and a wider smile than Darcy had seen from his sister in many months.
“We shall retrieve your effects and return before dinner.” Darcy turned to Mrs. Bennet and bowed to her. “Thank you for your kind invitation, Mrs. Bennet. My sister will be much more comfortable at Longbourn.”
“Oh, it is nothing, Mr. Darcy,” said the Bennet matron. “We are happy to have your dear sister with us, I am sure.”
Darcy nodded. “Might I also trouble you to host Georgiana’s companion?”
“Of course, sir. I should not dream of depriving your sister of her companion.”
With that settled, Darcy and Fitzwilliam soon took their leave.
“Now, Miss Darcy,” said Mrs. Bennet when the gentlemen had departed, “let us see about establishing you in a guest room for your stay. Do you have any preference for colors and décor?”
