Page 57 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

He gazed down at her, his expression intent. “I thought Georgiana and you might become friends.”

Warmth flooded through Lizzy’s chest. It is lovely that he wishes me to be friends with his sister. She gave him a slow grin. “I like your sister, and I believe she likes me. Mary, however, needs a friend. In a household of five sisters, she is often left out, standing alone in the middle.”

“There are no young ladies in the neighborhood to fill that duty?” Mr. Darcy asked.

“Maria Lucas is Mary’s age, but she tends to associate with Lydia and Kitty. Charlotte Lucas is my particular friend, but she is as old, or older than you, Mr. Darcy. Charlotte is kind to Mary, but there is no fellow-feeling between them.”

“Do you think there is fellow-feeling between Miss Mary and Georgiana?” Mr. Darcy asked, grimacing slightly.

“I think there may be. But tell me if you would, what is your concern?” Lizzy asked, frowning back at him. He did not respond immediately, and seemed to be brooding. She gazed across the paddock at her dog.

Harry noticed, then, that she had arrived, and he picked up his stick and brought its slobbery length to her. He dropped it at her feet and looked eagerly up at her.

“We are going to look at the owls and buzzard,” she told him. “Go put your stick away, please.”

Harry sighed like he had been betrayed. However, he picked up his stick and headed to where he kept it leaning against the stone wall.

Lizzy took Mr. Darcy’s arm and turned him in the direction of the aviary. “Come along and look at my birds while you tell me about your concerns.”

Mr. Darcy remained silent as they exited the paddock and strolled toward the enclosure. If he does not wish to speak, I will not tease him with my questions. The matter may be an exceedingly private one. Just as this thought developed, he spoke, his voice low and tender with worry.

“My sister’s disposition has become anxious—more anxious than is usual for her nature.”

“Do you understand the reason why?” Lizzy asked.

His lips tightened, and his jaw worked.

Lizzy squeezed his arm. He looked down at her. “I assure you, Mr. Darcy, that whatever you say will remain with me. I give you my solemn word.”

He took a deep breath and held it as he stared at her. Finally, he released it and gave a short nod.

“I will tell you this,” he said in a voice filled with regret and fury. “A man Georgiana thought of as a trusted friend attempted to lure her away from her family by convincing my sister that they should elope.”

His revelation shocked Lizzy to her core. “You stopped them? Never mind, of course you did. What happened to the man?”

“I was sorely tempted to call him out,” Mr. Darcy admitted, his eyes flashing. “However, that might have ruined Georgiana’s reputation beyond repair.”

“Heavens,” Lizzy gasped. “I thank the Lord for your self-control.”

They had reached the aviary, and they stood next to the entrance gate. She released him and took one of the gloves out of their box. She tugged it on and clasped her hands before her waist, facing Mr. Darcy.

“Georgiana’s confidence must be severely shaken,” she observed.

“It is,” he said shortly.

Lizzy glanced down at Harry who was padding his way toward them. “That is why you want a dog for Georgiana to keep with her—to help comfort her.”

“Correct.”

Nodding emphatically, she said, “I think I know just the one.” Tilting her head to one side, she asked, “Are you afraid of entering the enclosure?”

Mr. Darcy snorted and reached for the gate handle. “Do you have another glove?”

“I do,” she said, reaching into the box for an additional one. “We have a groom, Peter, who is something of a falconer—trained by his father. He has a kestrel. Besides helping to keep the orangery clean, Peter helps me care for raptors whenever we have one—or more—in care. You may borrow his glove. Harry, stay, please.”

After donning the thick leather glove, Mr. Darcy opened the gate and permitted Lizzy to go through first. Harry sat on his haunches and yawned.

“Who is this?” Mr. Darcy asked, gesturing to the buzzard.