Mrs. Gardiner's eyebrows shot up. “Mr. Darcy ofPemberley? Lizzy, is there something you have not been telling me?”
“No! Nothing like that.” Elizabeth pressed her hands to her hot cheeks. “I accidentally befriended his sister, not knowing who she was. She has been through a painful experience recently and has been in something of a decline. When she took a liking to me, he decided to encourage it.” Or something like that, if one did not count an astonishing kiss under the mistletoe.
“Hmm.” Her aunt was clearly not convinced. “Shall I see them with you? I would like to meet the great Mr. Darcy of Pemberley.”
“Would you please? I was not expecting them to come here.”
“Of course. Can you tell me anything about Miss Darcy, something that might help me make conversation?”
Elizabeth hesitated. “She seems shy. I understand she is a gifted pianist, but is hesitant to play for others. And it is best notto ask how we came to meet, though I will tell you later if you wish.”
Her aunt’s eyebrows rose. “I see. I will ask for a tea tray - with our best tea! Let me see to that, and I will meet you here again.”
After Elizabeth made the introductions, Georgiana appeared tongue-tied, but Mr. Darcy asked all the proper questions about whether her family was in good health.
Elizabeth said, “It is a pleasure to see you again so soon. I had thought you were still away.” There, that avoided saying where they had been.
“We had intended it so, but circumstances changed our plans,” Darcy said.
Circumstances. Had he been afraid of discovery? “Have you heard anything further about Mr. Bingley’s plans?”
“He is arriving at Netherfield tomorrow and hoping to call on neighbors soon. In his last note, he expressed interest in seeing how Twelfth Night is celebrated there.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I believe he may depend upon an invitation from my mother.”
“He would be delighted by that.” And then Darcy seemed lost for words, though his eyes remained fixed on her.
Georgiana appeared to gather all her courage to say, “Mrs. Gardiner, I understand you spent part of your youth in Derbyshire.” She had clearly rehearsed the line.
Mrs. Gardiner beamed at her. “Indeed so! I lived in Lambton, not far from Pemberley, and still have a soft spot for that part of the world. I love all the opportunities of London, but how I miss the hills and dales! Mr. Darcy, I believe you may have been acquainted with my brother in his younger days.”
Oh, how Elizabeth hated seeing that cautious look come across Darcy's face! But he seemed to overcome it, for he asked, “What is your brother's name?”
“John Carlisle. Our father was the rector at Lambton. He used to fill in for services at Pemberley when old Mr. Hartfield was ill.”
A flash of surprise lit his eyes. “John Carlisle? He shared lessons with me for nearly a year.”
“Yes, your father offered that as a great favor when mine was trying to determine whether it was worth the expense of sending John off to school. He was always the best at his studies in the village school, but that was not enough of a recommendation.”
“Well, it was obvious to me that he was more than ready! A brilliant fellow, your brother. My tutor was happy to have him since his achievements pushed me to work harder. What is he doing now?”
“He is a barrister here in town. Our father had hoped he would follow him into the ministry, but John wanted more of a challenge. He is still frighteningly clever.”
“Pray give him my regards. I recall your father, too. I found his sermons more stimulating than what I was accustomed to.”
Was this truly Mr. Darcy, praising commoners? And admitting that Mrs. Gardiner's brother was a better student than he?
The conversation, guided by Mrs. Gardiner, flowed easily for a few minutes. Then she said, “Miss Darcy, our acquaintance is very slight, but I wonder if I might impose upon you to assist me in a small matter. My daughter, who is just ten years of age, is distraught over her pianoforte lesson. Her master is away for the winter, and there is one segment of her lesson that she simply cannot seem to master. She is begging to give up the lessons completely, which would be a shame as she is rather good for her age and has enjoyed it until now.”
“Oh, the poor girl! I know how she feels.” Miss Darcy hesitated. “I do not know if I can do anything to help, but I would be happy to speak to her and encourage her if you wish.”
“I would be so grateful! She does not listen to me on the subject, as I am not a musician myself, but a fashionable young lady like you would be a different matter.” She rose to her feet. “Would you be so kind as to join me?”
A brief, uncomfortable silence fell as her aunt left the room with Georgiana. Elizabeth swallowed, her mouth dry. How could she think of anything but that extraordinary kiss? She wanted to call her aunt back, simply to relieve the tension.Darcy seemed content simply to watch her in silence, so it was going to be up to her.
She gathered her courage and said, “Your sister told me you intended to stay in Hertfordshire until Twelfth Night.” Oh, dear, had that sounded like an accusation?
“We had intended it so, but Bingley’s return changed our plans. Once he was in residence at Netherfield, we could not remain in seclusion there. We could have moved to the main house and pretended to be new arrivals, but my sister did not feel ready to join in convivial society.” The corners of his mouth tilted up slightly. “That you were a draw I cannot deny. Georgiana found our stay less appealing without your presence there.” His eyes were dark and intent on her, as if there was a secret message for her in his words.
