Miss Kitty said something to support her sister, though as she was much quieter, Darcy could not hear what she said. Fitzwilliam, to his credit, handled the girl with his usual assurance.
“Ah, but I must return to my duties in London, Miss Lydia.” Fitzwilliam offered a winsome smile. “These militia officers may socialize and dance with the local ladies, but serving in the regulars is serious business.”
“Have you served on the continent?” asked Miss Kitty.
“I have, indeed,” replied Fitzwilliam.
“Yes, Mr. Darcy,” said Miss Elizabeth as Fitzwilliam related another tale. “I can see your cousin is quite skilled.”
“He is, but do not tell him that—he will grow insufferable.”
Miss Elizabeth laughed, and Darcy grinned at her. Then he became serious again.
“When Fitzwilliam came to Netherfield, he brought another with him—my sister, Georgiana.”
“The infamous Miss Georgiana Darcy,” said Miss Elizabeth, her smile taking away any suggestion of irony. “That is most curious, Mr. Darcy, for the way Miss Bingley spoke of her, I might have thought her towering presence would become known to us long before her arrival in the neighborhood.”
“Georgiana is not what Miss Bingley described,” replied Darcy. “I love her dearly, but she is no imposing miss. She is cursed with the Darcy reticence, but in her it is manifest as shyness—she is eager to make friends, but does not always know how to go about doing it.
“If I have your approval,” added Darcy, wanting Miss Elizabeth to work some of her charm on his sister, “I should like to bring her by to introduce her to you.”
Though appearing flattered, Miss Elizabeth could not allow the moment to pass without a tease. “Do you think it isaltogether wise, Mr. Darcy? Too much time in my sisters’ company may end with your sister emulating their behavior.”
“Or perhaps she might affectthemmore than the reverse,” replied Darcy, a challenge in his tone.
“If she can do that,” replied she, her tone laced with irony, “she is a worker of miracles. We should be pleased to make her acquaintance, Mr. Darcy.”
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth,” replied Darcy.
Conversation with Miss Elizabeth was always interesting, such that Darcy had no desire to relinquish her company for that of any other. When the half hour had passed, they rose to leave, and Darcy addressed Mrs. Bennet about introducing his sister as was proper. Mrs. Bennet was surprised, but she was not unwilling.
“Of course, Mr. Darcy. We should be happy to make your dear sister’s acquaintance at any time convenient.”
“Then we shall come tomorrow,” replied Darcy.
When they were situated in the carriage for the return journey, Fitzwilliam eyed him, making the same witticism that Miss Elizabeth had made. Darcy, knowing his cousin was not concerned at all about the introduction, only shook his head. Bingley, who did not know Fitzwilliam so well as Darcy did, inserted his opinion into the mix.
“Do not concern yourself. Miss Darcy is well enough behaved that she may withstand Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia’s ways.”
“I do not doubt it, Bingley,” replied Fitzwilliam. “What I am more concerned about is the potential presence ofyoursister. I did not see Miss Bingley—is she skulking about somewhere out of sight? With Darcy present, I might have thought wild horses could not prevent her from this estate.”
It was much more than Darcy might have said, but Bingley did not take offense, nor had Darcy supposed he would. Instead, he laughed, more than a little chagrin tinged his mirth.
“That is a close portrayal of my sister, indeed. To the good fortune of us all, Caroline is visiting friends at present, though I must suppose she will return soon.”
“Keep your foil at hand, Darcy,” said Fitzwilliam. “With it, youmaysucceed in fending her off.”
Amid such banter as this, they returned to Netherfield, and when Bingley had excused himself, Fitzwilliam turned to Darcy as they made their way above stairs.
“Tell me, Cousin,” said he, “I am curious about your position beside one of the Bennet ladies the entirety of our visit. As you avoid the attention ofanylady, I wonder what you mean by it.”
“Nothing at present,” replied Darcy.
“But youdofind her agreeable.”
“I do,” confirmed Darcy.
Fitzwilliam nodded, appearing satisfied. “I had not much opportunity to speak to her, but she does not seem to be of the same ilk as her sisters.”
