Lady Anne stared at the newcomer. “And who is this?” she demanded.
Mr. Darcy performed the introductions. “Mother, this is Mrs. Annesley, who has come to be a companion to Georgiana. Mrs. Annesley, my mother, Lady Anne Darcy.”
Mrs. Annesley rose and curtsied again, murmuring, “Your ladyship.”
“Companion? Companion! What need has she of a companion? Isshenot companion enough?” Lady Anne indicated Elizabeth with a jerk of her chin.
“Lady Anne, I do not believe this to be an appropriate discussion at this time,” Elizabeth said, quickly. If Lady Anne chased Mrs. Annesley off…well, she would not even think such thoughts!
“I agree with my wife, Mother. Nonetheless, I am happy to see you and hope you will join us for dinner.”
At the table, Lady Anne allowed Elizabeth to take her proper seat at the table, but complained bitterly about having been ousted from her long-held place. She then criticised the food vociferously, explaining to Mrs. Annesley that when she had been mistress, the food had been far superior. By the time the sweet course was served, Elizabeth had a pounding headache. She waited – just barely – until the last spoon was set down before rising to signal the end of the meal.
“I will just sit for a few minutes with a glass of brandy before joining you ladies,” Mr. Darcy said.
“Very well, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said sweetly. It was too sweet, he knew, and her sharp, knowing glance promised a severe talking-to later.
The moment the ladies settled themselves in the drawing room, Lady Anne opened her mouth and Mrs. Annesley headed her off. “I have heard so much about Miss Darcy’s talents on the instrument; might I be permitted to hear her play?”
Gratefully, Georgiana rose and went with alacrity to the piano. She had heard enough of her mother’s voice that evening and was happy – beyond happy! – to escape it for a half an hour or so.
“Thank you,” Elizabeth mouthed to Mrs. Annesley.
“Well, so you have come all the way from – where? And what was your name again?”
“My name is Mrs. Annesley, and I have come from London. I am the widow of Sir Argyll, baronet, and until recently I was the companion for the daughters of Lord and Lady Richmond.”
“Why were you made to leave?”
“I left only because the last of the three very recently married.” Mrs. Annesley’s voice was a miracle of calm reason.
“And what is it you thinkyoucan teach my daughter?” Lady Anne’s voice was scornful. “She is the niece of an Earl!”
“Yes, and Lord Richmond is an earl as well. But I am given to understand that Miss Darcy has no French, which is essential for a successful Season. I am certain you speak French, my lady.”
“Of course I do!”
“It is unfortunate that her governess was not able to instruct your daughter in the language, but I have no doubt of her ability to learn it in time for her Season,” Mrs. Annesley said, reassuringly.
“Of course she can!”
“Excellent; we are all in agreement.” Mrs. Annesley’s smile was warm.
Lady Anne stared at her, clearly frustrated at having been out-maneuvered.
Mr. Darcy finally joined the group. Sitting beside his wife, he addressed his mother. “Mother, those are the Darcy diamonds, are they not?”
“What of it?”
“I wondered why they were not with the other Darcy jewels in London,” he said, mildly.
“I took them with me when I was last at Darcy House, as they are mine.”
“They belong to the mistress of the estate, Mother; you know that. By rights, they should now go to Elizabeth.”
“Oh, no, I would not think of taking them,” Elizabeth contributed, easily, watching Lady Anne’s face.
Her husband turned to look at her. “You do not care for diamonds?”
