“Come along, Mr Wickham! Kitty insists you meet him immediately!” Lydia insisted, practically dragging him across the room.
Wickham laughed, following obligingly. “Lead the way, Miss Lydia.”
Elizabeth threw an apologetic glance back at him. “Forgive my sister. She is… very young.”
“Think nothing of it,” Wickham said, offering her a friendly wink over his shoulder. “I look forward to our next conversation, Miss Elizabeth.”
Chapter Five
“Darcy! Now, there isa surprise.”
Darcy inclined his head as his aunt, Lady Matlock, rose from the writing desk in her morning room. “Thank you for seeing me, Lady Matlock. I hope I am not troubling you by calling so early.”
“Trouble?” She came to greet him, presenting her hand for him to bow over. “If there is any trouble, it is that I was expecting you last evening.”
“Were you?” Darcy escorted her to the sofa, as she indicated. “I sent over a note that I expected to be in Hertfordshire some days, yet here I am already returned. What cause had you to expect me last evening?”
“Your cousin, of course.”
“Richard? But I have not seen him.”
Lady Matlock gave an elegant snort. “Do you imagine he does not know your comings and goings better than your own coachman? He had word that your carriage was seen in Mayfair late yesterday afternoon.”
Darcy raised a brow as he accepted the seat Lady Matlock offered. “I see my cousin’s talents extend into espionage. I shall have to guard myself more carefully if I wish to slip back to my own home unobserved.”
“You may jest all you please, but Georgiana was quite expectant of seeing you when we heard.” Lady Matlock fixed him with a knowing gaze. “I trust you are here to inquire about our dear girl’s progress?”
“Indeed, Aunt. I have been concerned about her since her return from Ramsgate. Pray, how has she been faring?”
Lady Matlock waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, she is as she always is, Fitzwilliam. Quiet, reserved, far too shy for her own good. I had hoped that her time here with her cousins and myself would help draw her out of her shell, but I fear she remains as reticent as ever.”
Darcy’s brow furrowed slightly. “I see. And has she expressed any... discomfort with social engagements?”
“Discomfort?” Lady Matlock chuckled. “My dear nephew, Georgiana is always uncomfortable in society. It is high time she overcame this excessive timidity. She must learn to navigate thetonwith confidence if she is to make a suitable match.”
Darcy tensed. “Aunt, while I appreciate your concern, I believe we must be cautious in our approach. Georgiana is still young, and I would not wish to overwhelm her.”
Lady Matlock’s eyes narrowed. “Fitzwilliam, you cannot coddle the girl forever. She is of an age to be out in society. What of her debut? Surely you do not mean to keep her hidden away?”
“I have given the matter much thought,” Darcy replied carefully. “While I understand the importance of Georgiana’s introduction to society, I believe a more gradual approach might be beneficial.”
“Gradual?” Lady Matlock echoed with a cynical laugh. “My dear boy, there is nothing gradual about a London season. Georgiana must learn to swim, or she will surely sink.”
Darcy leaned forward, his voice low but firm. “Aunt, I must insist on a more measured approach. Perhaps we might begin with small gatherings, intimate soirées where Georgiana can gain her confidence?”
Lady Matlock sighed, but there was a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. “I suppose there is some wisdom in your suggestion. But Fitzwilliam, you must not let your protective nature stifle Georgiana’s growth. She needs to spread her wings.”
“I assure you, Aunt, that is my dearest wish. But we pressed her into her own establishment too quickly this summer, and…” He hesitated. “I should say that instead of permitting her to grow, it rather… terrified her. I would have her venture forth again at her own pace, with proper support and guidance.”
“Very well,” Lady Matlock conceded. “We shall try it your way, for now. But I warn you, Fitzwilliam, society waits for no one. We cannot delay Georgiana’s debut indefinitely.”
“I understand, Aunt. Thank you.”
Lady Matlock leaned forward. “Now, then, let us set the matter of Georgiana aside for more pleasant gossip. You are quite behind all the talk this season.”
“Aunt, truly, I—”
“None of that high-minded nonsense. You cannot afford not to be in the know when you come to my dinner party next week. Only think if you put your foot in your mouth!Did you hear that Lord Ashbury’s youngest son has been caught in a compromising position with Lady Worthington?”
