Elizabeth waited as MrsHurst nudged Miss Bingley, who curtseyed reluctantly and hurried away, their voices fading with distance. As she turned, she looked directly into the startled eyes of MrDarcy!
MrDarcy blinked…and blinked again.
Caught.From the shadow of the tall yew, she was nearly imperceptible against the winter foliage—except to MrDarcy. Elizabeth shook her head, embarrassed to be caught eavesdropping, one gloved finger to her lips.
His eyes widened. Thankfully, his expression gave no indication of offence, and MrDarcy asked his sister, “Are you well, dearest? Please forgive me for leaving you to the tender mercies of MrsHurst. I regret the intrusion of her and her sister upon our time together. But might I persuade you to endure the cold a bit longer? I would like to introduce you to an acquaintance of mine.” He looked over her shoulder at Elizabeth.
“If you like,” Miss Darcy said hesitantly.
“It would please me very much. She is a kind young lady with sisters near your age.” He tucked her hand in his arm and led her the few steps to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth stood completely still, struck by the inevitable introduction. MrDarcy wanted his sister, his young, impressionable sister, to meet Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn! Then she grinned wryly.I suppose, as Miss Darcyis acquainted with MrBingley’s sisters, MrDarcy is far from exclusive!
Elizabeth’s mind raced. She had put the letter in her reticule, with the vague notion that she would be able to get it to the Darcys. She simply had not considered she could convey it to them in person!
“Miss Bennet, may I present my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy? Georgie, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. I may have written in my letters of meeting her family while visiting Bingley at Netherfield.”
The young ladies exchanged elegant curtseys. “Miss Eliz…” his sister began shyly as Elizabeth exclaimed, “Miss Darcy.”
Elizabeth smiled invitingly and captured her hand. “Please. You first.”
Miss Darcy tittered, her cheeks pink as she boldly said, “Miss Bennet, I feel as though I know you already. My brother has told me so much about you. I might have known you anywhere, so well did he describe you.” She blushed further as she realised what she had said.
Elizabeth’s cheeks burned, but she quickly put the young lady at ease with a tease about “gossipy older brothers,” as she scrambled to think of what he might have written to his sister.
MrDarcy’s face flushed as he met her eyes. It seems he was not exempt from his share of embarrassment.
Miss Darcy seemed to recover as they walked companionably towards the Serpentine and Elizabeth encouraged the girl to speak of her favourite winter activities. MrDarcy asked Elizabeth about her sojourn to Town.
Elizabeth told them she would be with her uncle’s family for some time, speaking of assisting her aunt and young cousins and indulging in the delights of the city. All the while, she marvelled at how naturally conversation seemed to flow.
A pair of geese near the bank drew Miss Darcy’s attention, and she left her brother on the path. Elizabeth seized her opportunity. “Sir, you may be a better man than I had thought.”
At his look of bemusement, she continued. “As you take ‘prodigious care’ of your friend and, I expect, your dear sister, I am assured you will appreciate that I ascribe the same formysister and would not sanction harm to a trusting heart.” She took the folded letter from her reticule.
At his confused expression, Elizabeth covertly displayed the folded pages and said, “I believe you should read this.”
MrDarcy straightened when he saw the letter, looking about, then to Miss Darcy. Seeing his sister’s attention otherwise engaged, he nodded.
“Miss Bingley sent this missive to Jane, and it involves your sister. We determined her guardian should be the one to address Miss Bingley’s assertions.” MrDarcy offered his arm, gesturing to the water. “Let us join my sister.”
Elizabeth placed her hand on his forearm, and his other hand briefly covered hers as she passed the folded paper.
“You might also advise your friend that his sister did not represent him well when she closed Netherfield. There were servants and merchants left wanting.” MrDarcy looked thunderstruck.
His sister turned to them, pointing to the geese with youthful excitement.
Elizabeth espied her footman and maid, reminding her of the time. “Miss Darcy, it has been a pleasure meeting you.” She smiled at her companions and curtseyed. “MrDarcy. Sadly, I must away. Uncle’s coach will be waiting. I have enjoyed our visit and hope you have a lovely Christmastide.”
As Elizabeth walked briskly away, she heard Miss Darcy gasp with dismay, “Oh Brother, I did not ask her direction! I would so like to see her again.”
Alas, she missed MrDarcy’s response.That is as it should be,Elizabeth thought.I should prefer to keep only good memories of this meeting.For she doubted he would want his sister to visit her new acquaintance inCheapside.
Elizabeth sipped her tea as Uncle Gardiner handed his wife an elegant invitation before leaving for his warehouse. “My dear, Lord Matlock left this at the office yesterday. I must apologise. I completely forgot until Johnston helped me with my coat this morning. It is an invitation to dine on Thursday. I trust we have no other plans?”
Madeline Gardiner smiled indulgently. “If we did, we would have to change them. Is that not so?”
He chuckled and lifted her hand for a gentle kiss, then rushed from the house.
