SEVEN
“Brother, Aunt asked me why we are not dining with them on Christmas Day,” Georgiana said.
“Would you like to go? I know I am poor company,” Darcy replied.
“You are teasing me now, Brother. I prefer your company to any other. And we have always had Christmas dinner at home.”
“Please think on it, my dear, and we shall do as you please. Do you have plans for today?”
“No…we shall decorate the house for Christmas — I believe the servants anticipate it as much as I.”
“Has Mrs Annesley left yet?”
“Yes. She will spend the next few days with her sister’s family and will return on the twenty-seventh. Did you have a pleasant time at the Gardiners’ yesterday? You looked tired last night.”
“I was a little tired, but I am well now. Yes, it was pleasant, as always. My dear, there is something of great importance that I wish to discuss with you. Something that a man of my age should not discuss with his young sister, but I trust you and value your opinion. In truth, your opinion is the only one that matters to me.”
“Oh…thank you for your trust, Brother! You are always so kind to me. What is it?”
“My dear, you might be surprised to hear this but…I admire Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Oh? Truly? I believed that might be the case since you wrote to me of her in your letters from Netherfield. But you mentioned nothing more once you returned.”
“You did not expect that, I am sure.”
“I did not, because I kept hearing that you two had so many disagreements…”
“We did, and most were my fault. When we first met, my behaviour towards her and her family was arrogant, even offensive.”
“I am sure it was not so bad…”
“It was. Our introduction was at an assembly in Meryton. Bingley insisted on me dancing with her, and I said she was tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me.”
Georgiana stared at him in such astonishment that Darcy laughed.
“Yes, and the worst part is that I believe she heard me…”
“Oh dear!”
“There were more other instances that induced her to have a very poor opinion of me, and deservedly so.”
“I am sorry to hear that. Is that why she said you were more enemies than friends?”
“Very likely…”
“But Brother, may I ask…you admire her in what way?”
He hesitated a moment, looking at his young sister who was still a child yet.
“I admire her in every way. She has a bright mind, is well educated, determined, spirited, has a strong character and a great sense of loyalty to those she loves. She is everything a woman should be.”
“Oh…I see…”
“What do you think?”
“Think?”
“Yes. What I mean is that I would like to pursue her. I would like to show her my admiration and try to gain her good opinion.”
