Not that she had needed to add that, since he had already been bundling away the hatbox out of Wickham's reach. But she had enjoyed saying it nonetheless.
Miss Darcy stepped forward and spoke directly to Wickham's companion. “We have not been introduced, but out of female solidarity, I must warn you that this man's blandishments mean nothing. His manners are so charming, yet he cares about nothing except your dowry. Pray take care.”
Just then, an older woman hurried into the shop. “There you are, Sophia! Oh, Mr. Wickham,” she simpered. “I did not see you there.”
The girl named Sophia straightened. “I would like to leave now, Mama. I fear we may have been sadly misled in Mr. Wickham's character.” She marched away from him without a backwards glance and out the door.
Wickham's face twisted. “This is all Darcy's fault, damn him!”
A deep voice spoke behind Elizabeth. “I dearly wish I could take credit, but this is purely the work of the ladies. They both deserve medals for their impressive efforts. Sister, Miss Elizabeth, would you like to leave now?”
Georgiana’s face took on a look of stubborn determination reminiscent of her brother. “No, I thank you. I came in here to look at bonnets, and I will not letthat personchase me away.”
“Nor I,” said Elizabeth loyally, though Mr. Wickham’s furious glare burned into her. “Oh, look at that one over there, with the turquoise ribbon! It would bring out your eyes beautifully.”
The shopkeeper, with a quick scowl at Mr. Wickham, hurried to help them.
Chapter 8
WhenElizabethwasshowninto the drawing room at Darcy House, Georgiana was the only one there. She should have felt relieved, after all her dread of running into Mr. Darcy on this visit. Why was disappointment welling up in her instead?
She did her best to hide it, smiling warmly at Georgiana as she greeted her. After all, the girl was the one she had come to see, not her silent, disapproving brother. Even if he had not seemed so disapproving of late.
She had not wanted to call at Darcy House at all. Seeing Mr. Darcy again would not be a good idea. But there was no way to avoid it, not after Georgiana had cried in her arms after their encounter with Mr. Wickham, and then confided the entire story of their encounter. If Elizabeth did not return, the girl would have blamed herself for shocking her new friend.
Besides, she had a message to deliver. One that would be easier when Georgiana’s brother was not present.
After they had chatted for a few minutes, Elizabeth said, “My aunt has a question. She understands what it is to be going through a difficult time and wanting to avoid society, and she does not wish to put any pressure on you to do something that would make you uncomfortable. But, if you thought you might enjoy it, she would be happy to invite you to the family's Twelfth Night celebration. It is not a formal occasion at all, with no other guests except two of my uncle's young apprentices who have no family here to spend the holiday with. All the children will be part of it, too, as long as they can stay awake, so it will indubitably be a very silly time with them running about.” Elizabeth hesitated. “I almost did not mention it because I imagine your brother would think it quite beneath you, but my aunt's instincts are usually good, and she said sometimes we all need an event which includes child's play.”
“Does the invitation include my brother as well?” Georgiana asked shyly.
“If you wish it. He might find it trying, though, and unlike his usual company.” Surely they had been through enough that she could speak the truth to the girl. “I would not want him to feel obligated to come.” The idea of Mr. Darcy looming disapprovingly over the company would ruin it for her.
“Oh, he will not! I will fetch him, and we can ask.” The girl hurried from the room.
Why had she not simply sent a servant for him? Was it not their job?
But she had little time to ponder this mysterious behavior, for within a few minutes, Mr. Darcy appeared in the doorway.
Alone. Without Georgiana.
Elizabeth’s pulse quickened. Was the tell-tale color rising in her cheeks? They felt warm.
He bowed and asked after the Gardiners’ health. Even though they were in trade! Could it be for her sake?
“My sister tells me you have a question for me,” he said.
“It is more in the nature of an invitation, actually. A rather impertinent invitation at that, but you will hardly be surprised by that, since it is coming from me.” Elizabeth tilted her head. How would he respond to her teasing?
“I cannot imagine being disappointed in anything you offer, whether impertinent or not,” he said mildly.
Well, best to just spit it out, rather than leave him guessing something far worse than it was. “My aunt and uncle are having a family Twelfth Night celebration, and Mrs. Gardiner has invited you and your sister to join us. I believe she was thinking more of Miss Darcy, though you were included in the invitation. She hoped it might lift her spirits. We will certainly understand if you do not wish to join her, given the nature of the event. There will be no fashionable people and a great many very silly games.”
“We would both be delighted to attend, and I pray you to give my thanks to Mrs. Gardiner,” he said. And it sounded as if he meant it.
Now Elizabeth’s cheeks were definitely hot. “I must warn you that you are unlikely to find it interesting, sir. This is more of a children's party than anything else. One to which you would be unwise to wear your best clothes, as spills will indubitably happen and you might have a grubby child clinging to your leg.” Truly, it would be better if he did not come. Even if something about the idea of Mr. Darcy holding a child made her heart thump.
“I believe my valet will be up to the task of handling whatever happens,” he said dryly.
