Page 63 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“You mentioned the market yesterday,” he reminded her, joining her at the sideboard and looking back at Basile.

“So, I did. Nice ride?’ she asked.

“Excellent. It is a beautiful day. Another surprisingly warm one. You know, I do not think your cat likes me.”

“Nonsense,” Miss Bingley said, looking lovingly at Basile. The cat sat on the floor, his tail swishing angrily. Turning her attention back to Douglas, she said, “I hope the weather lasts. We have been invited to a comet-viewing dinner party on Monday night.”

“Excellent,” Douglas said, grinning. “Now, shall we get some food in us so we do not miss the market?”

“The market continues the entire day,” she assured him. Basile meowed in an angry sort of way. Miss Bingley looked down at her cat. “I have some lovely herring here for you, my darling. Come along.”

Darcy exchanged an amused glance with his sister. He pushed his plate away. “Are you finished, my dear?”

Georgiana nodded. “Shall we go?”

“I expect we will see you there,” Miss Bingley said, sitting. “Are you off, too, Charles?”

He wiped his mouth on his napkin and stood. “I am. Miss Bennet wished to make an early start to the day.”

Darcy bowed to Miss Bingley, slapped his cousin on the back, and led his sister out of the breakfast room. Bingley followed behind. To Darcy’s surprise, Douglas rushed after them, catching them up in the front entrance hall.

“Hold there,” he said.

“Yes?” Darcy asked, pausing with Georgiana and Bingley.

“I have had a letter from the widow of a former officer friend who is interested in a position as a lady’s companion,” his cousin explained.

“Oh? Is this the Mrs. Inwood you mentioned two weeks ago?” Darcy asked.

“Yes. She is out of mourning now, and hopes to occupy herself productively. They did not have children, you see.” To Georgiana, he said, “She is only in her mid-thirties, and is the youngest daughter of a baronet. I thought of her because she has a lively mind, a good character, and an excellent temperament.”

Georgiana exchanged glances with her brother, before saying, “I wish to become more independent. Will she be able to guide me in learning some common methods of self-sufficiency?”

“Such as?” Douglas asked, his eyebrows high.

“How to cook a simple meal, how to dress myself, how to manage a bit of gardening, and so forth.”

“I am confident she can do those things, or find someone to instruct you,” Douglas assured her. “Would you care to meet her? She currently resides in Hemel Hempstead with one of her sisters.”

“So close?” Darcy asked rhetorically. “That is convenient. Is she willing to move to Derbyshire if I hire her?”

“I am certain that will not be a problem.”

“Very well. Will you arrange for her to visit us here? I will pay her fare.”

“Perhaps Miss Bingley and I could take your carriage and bring her?” Douglas suggested. “We will have Miss Bingley’s maid with us, of course.”

“An admirable scheme,” Darcy said. “If this plan is agreeable to Miss Bingley, then your suggestion is an excellent alternative to Mrs. Inwood having to make her own arrangements. I will make do with my gig.”

“Shall we tentatively plan for this coming Wednesday?” Douglas asked.

“If that suits Miss Bingley,” Darcy replied.

*

Jeffry consumed his first meal of the day in blissful near-silence. The only sound in the orangery came from Lizzy, who stealthily gave everyone their portion. Then the birds ruffled their feathers and descended upon their feeding platform, jostling each other and eating loudly.

“Mmm…lettuce leaves,” Jack muttered as he chomped on his breakfast.