He sighed, leaning back. “Then I suppose, with those conditions in mind, it might be permissible. But I will charge Miss Elizabeth to look after you.”
I cocked an eye at my friend, a knot of worry still tightening in my chest. But seeing Charlotte’s face light up with hope and joy, it was hard to hold onto my reservations. After all, sometimes, the spirit needed healing just as much as the body did.
“Honestly,Lizzy,youworrytoo much! Truly, I will be well. You needn’t mother me. Ihavea mother for that.”
I scowled playfully at Charlotte as I poured her afternoon tea. “And she is not here.”
“Precisely! Because I did not want to be fretted over more than necessary. I will be perfectly well.”
I sat back, folding my hands on my lap, and smiled at her. “Yes, Charlotte. I believe you will. But let me indulge myself a little, will you? It is the only way I have of feeling useful.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes, then sat up as the door knocker sounded. “Visitors? Dare I guess?” she asked with a sly grin.
“I am sure it is only one of Uncle’s friends,” I replied. But I would be lying if I said my heart did not stop for just a second. Could it be my… ahem…attentivefriend? The one who stood over six feet tall and had a voice as deep and rich as chocolate?
It was not Mr. Darcy, but I was scarcely less pleased when Georgiana Darcy and Mrs. Annesley were announced. What was this? Mr. Darcy had permitted her to call on us alone? How very… intriguing. Jane and I both rose to greet them, and Charlotte was only a second slower in getting to her feet.
“Mrs. Annesley, Miss Darcy, how delightful to see you!” I exclaimed, motioning for them to take a seat. “Let me call for some more tea.”
“Oh, we did not come to stay long,” Miss Darcy gushed. “I only wanted to ask after Miss Lucas. You are looking so well today!” she said as she pulled off her gloves.
Charlotte leaned back in her chair with a hint of pride. “You’ve caught me on an excellent day! Doctor Abernathy was just here and believes I am on the mend. Is that not fabulous?”
Miss Darcy’s face lit up. “That is wonderful news, Miss Lucas! We’ve all been so concerned.”
“Thank you, Miss Darcy,” Charlotte replied, her eyes glowing. “And will you thank your brother for me again? I believe it is fair to say that he may have saved my life.”
Georgiana Darcy smiled and gave a gentle laugh. “He has saved mine once or twice, as well.”
The maid arrived with another pot of tea, and Jane did the honors. We chatted idly over silly nothings, with Charlotte’s cheeks brightening all the more as the quarter hour passed. Such a simple pleasure, receiving visitors and sipping tea. And something that was almost snatched from her forever.
I was already dreading the moment that our visitors would take their leave. I knew Miss Darcy would not overstay the accustomed quarter hour—she would have been too well schooled in etiquette for that. But to my surprise, Georgiana finished her cup, then looked at me, biting her lip as she reached into her coat. She drew out a neatly bound set of sheet music.
My eyes widened with recognition as she unwrapped it. “Isn’t that the music you purchased to play for your brother?”
She nodded. “Yes,Fantasy in G Minor. I have been attempting to learn the piece, but without someone to play the other part, well...”
I glanced over at Mrs. Annesley, who smiled sheepishly. “I’m afraid I am rather hopeless when it comes to the pianoforte. Too many years at sea, you understand.”
My gaze darted from the sheet music to Georgiana’s hopeful expression. “You wish formeto play with you?”
“If you wouldn’t mind,” Miss Darcy said hesitantly. “I have learned both parts, but I would like to try practicing with someone else—so I know how it ought to sound when it goes together, you understand.”
“I’m afraid Idon’tunderstand. If you have no one else to help you play it, why did you purchase it in the first place? I thought you already had a partner in mind.”
“Oh, I do,” she said hastily. “But they don’t know it yet. I wanted to surprise them, when the time was right. So… would you mind helping me?” She held the music up hopefully.
I laughed and shrugged. “How could I refuse? I would be happy to, Miss Darcy.”
22
3 January
Myhandsfumbledabit as I adjusted the last pin on my bonnet, the sound of hooves growing louder outside. Turning, I saw Jane and Charlotte finishing their preparations, both bubbling with excitement.
“All set for Hyde Park?” I asked, my gaze darting to the window where I could just glimpse a sleek sleigh and prancing horses.
Jane nodded. “It’s been too long since we had such an outing. I do wish Papa had a sleigh! Think how marvelous it looks at home right now with all the snow.”
