“I presume you would walk a dozen miles to tend your brother?”
“If the need arose, I would do more than that.”
Elizabeth smiled. “You can see that no particular praise is necessary. What is 3 miles—little more than an hour? I would walk farther than that just to enjoy the shock on certain faces when I appeared with my petticoats 6 inches deep in mud.”
Georgiana laughed gaily, perfectly aware of who owned thosecertain faces. “My brother was understandably disinclined to delve into petticoats in any detail. I wonder, though, did youmortally wound my brother’s pride by beating him in a game of chess in less than 20 minutes?”
Quite surprised, Elizabeth said, “I cannot boast of beating an inferior opponent,” but smiled to show she meant to tease.
The young lady seemed surprised, but smiled broadly and went along with the jest.
“To be fair, Miss Darcy, I only beat your brother in two games, so I have little cause to boast.”
“2 out of how many? You know perfectly well the numerator is not at all useful without the corresponding denominator.”
Elizabeth laughed at the mathematical reference. What had her brother said to his sisterrecently?
“You are absolutely correct. We played 3 games.”
The young lady laughed, only to stop in embarrassment;
Elizabeth stepped over and took her hand. “Never apologise for honest laughter. Anyone offended is not worth knowing, so it is a useful way to sort the wheat from the chaff.”
The young lady smiled, still uncomfortable and unsure of herself; Elizabeth considered whether Jane or she might best put her at ease.
A young footman handed Mr Gardiner a note.
“We have been abandoned. Miss de Bourgh will stay with her family for the performance.”
“That is for the best. It will save me from being rude, as I intend to speak only with Miss Darcy. Colonel, you and Mr Jameson can go reminisce about livestock. Miss Darcy, you will be here beside me.”
Apparently comforted, the young lady went to the specified seat as the bell for the curtain rang. She appeared not the least bit concerned that a stranger ordered her about in her own box,evidently trusting Miss Elizabeth to look out for her welfare and comfort.
The colonel let her go with a smile and sat beside the Gardiners to enjoy the show.
~~~
The play proved the perfect introduction for two young ladies, and Elizabeth thought it should be the done thing. It was a light comedy both had read. The performance was adequate but not capital, so while the action on the stage entertained, it did not rivet. A few comments early in the first act and their rebuttals gave both a chance to whisper back and forth. They spoke more and more about the play, so by the first intermission, they were practically ready to discuss another topic.
The colonel bowed politely. “I see you are becoming acquainted.”
“I am corrupting your cousin,” Elizabeth said, laughing. “I hope you do not mind.”
“Corrupt away, my lady. I plan to take your uncle to do battle for refreshments. Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet, and Jameson plan to visit friends. Will the two of you be all right by yourselves?”
Elizabeth turned to Miss Darcy with a silent query and rejoiced at the young lady’s shy smile.
“As long as you remember that the card room and refreshments are in opposite directions,” Miss Darcy said, “I shall condescend to allow it.”
Elizabeth laughed at the small witticism. How long would Miss Darcy be shy?She suspected the young lady was shy around her brother and the colonel, and probably led a sheltered existence that precluded much opportunity to practise; but immediately chastised herself for unfounded speculation.
“If the footman ensures nobody enters the box, I shall be happy to take responsibility for your charge.”
“Like sending a fox to guard the chickens,” the colonel laughed, then bowed and left with Mr Gardiner.
Elizabeth turned to Miss Darcy. “What shall we talk about? I am at your disposal.”
Careful of the young lady’s every change of countenance, she noticed that whatever store of courage had allowed Miss Darcy to be so flippant with the colonel had spent itself, and she was quite at a loss.
