His sister’s smile was nearly as large as was his. “I was so frightened at first, but Miss Elizabeth is one of the most pleasant people I ever met. I felt foolish for being so apprehensive.”
“You were enjoying yourself, then?”
“Miss Elizabeth was telling me tales of your acquaintance.”
“Is that what you found so amusing?” His eyebrow shot up.
“Actually, she was telling of her mortification at having to dance with Mr. Collins for the first set at Mr. Bingley’s ball,” his sister confided while continuing to chuckle.
“It was a display to which I would not wish to subject anyone,” Darcy reflected.“I nearly stepped in to rescue her.”
“Then she spoke of the honor of dancing with you, Fitzwilliam,” Georgiana added cautiously, not wishing to give her brother false hopes for she too could not determine the lady’s regard for her brother.“I was most touched when she talked of your showing her a glade at Rosings which was a favorite of our mother. I was a bit jealous.”
Darcy felt his sister’s hurt and apologized immediately.“I feared it would distress you, Dearest One.” He caught her eye. “I would love to show you the path the next time we are at Rosings. We should speak more of her.”
“I have no memories of our mother, Fitzwilliam,” she whispered.
“Then we should share my memories. If I realized you felt as such, I would have done so before now. I thought,” he stumbled,“I was protecting you.”
“Miss Elizabeth says I am fortunate to have a loving brother, and I agree.” Georgiana smiled up at him.
“Mr. Gardiner appears to be a real angler—a real sportsman. Iam anxious to spend time with him tomorrow.”
Georgiana interrupted, “I agree; Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are most amiable.”
“It is likely, my Dear, while Mr. Gardiner partakes of the sport, his wife and Miss Elizabeth will return your call.Are you comfortable with being their hostess or would you prefer my early return?”
“I have no experience in serving as the hostess.”The thoughts of it obviously agitated her. “I suppose I can count on Mrs. Annesley, Miss Bingley, and Mrs. Hurst if I can think of nothing of interest.”
“Mrs.Annesley,” Darcy cautioned,“will be most helpful, and, of course, Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Bennet will be congenial. However, I do not believe Miss Bingley or Mrs. Hurst will be more than barely civil with Miss Elizabeth.”
“I do not understand,” she questioned. “Do not Mr. Bingley’s sisters hold Miss Elizabeth in as high regard as their brother?”
“Bingley’s sisters will not, I believe, be happy to remind their brother of Hertfordshire and Miss Jane Bennet.They do not share his regard for that particular lady. Plus, I foolishly showed Miss Elizabeth more attention than I should have. Miss Bingley took note of my actions.”
“I see,” was his sister’s only reply at first, but then she added,“Do you think you might make an appearance, Fitzwilliam?”
“If you so wish.” Darcy was relieved; he knew if Elizabeth was at Pemberley, he could be nowhere else. They finished their journey with Georgiana’s retellings. At last, she looked at her brother and said,“Miss Jane Bennet must be very lovely, indeed.”
“I do not understand,” he turned to her.
“If Miss Jane Bennet is more beautiful than Miss Elizabeth, then she must be very beautiful; it is no wonder Mr. Bingley found her beguiling.” His sister sighed.
“Miss Bennet,” her brother added, “is beautiful, but I once told Charles I thought she smiled too much.” His sister stifled her laughter. “Miss Elizabeth,” he continued,“has beauty of both body and mind.”
“Her eyes—I remember you once saying—are the secret to her soul.”
“It was my comment on Miss Elizabeth’sfine eyeswhich set off Caroline Bingley’s antagonism. I am afraid Miss Elizabeth suffered rebukes because of my faults.”
“Miss Elizabeth, I believe, can handle someone as shallow in her opinions and her own consequence as is Miss Bingley.”
“Miss Darcy,” he smirked, “you continue to amaze me. Where was I when you became a young lady of such astute opinions and discernments?” Georgiana did not answer, but she found she liked the new freedom she shared with a brother who always was so reserved and who until a few months ago saw her as apeskylittle girl for whom he was responsible.
When they returned to Pemberley, Caroline Bingley and the Hursts were having tea and a light meal in the morning room.“Ah, there you are, Mr. Darcy,” Caroline delivered a statement more in the form of a question.
Neither Darcy nor Georgiana responded. Instead, they moved to the serving tray; handing her brother a cup, Georgiana rolled her eyes and grinned while his response included a light tap of his finger on her chin, a gesture he often used with his sister when he wanted to show he cared for her; others did not understand it, but they knew the unspoken truth. Finally, Darcy turned back to his houseguests,“We have been to town, Miss Bingley.”
“What?” she exclaimed.“Why would you submit your sister to the discomfort of traveling again so soon?”
