Mr. Darcy thought it best not to comment on Mr. Bennet’s ability to manage Longbourn.
“What of the others?” Georgiana asked.
“Mr. Adkins and Mr. Taylor both have estates that bring in about four thousand pounds per annum.”
Mrs. Annesley summarised, “Thus, we should not encourage the Honourable James Davies, Lord Russell or Mr. Clarke.”
Mr. Darcy hesitated. “Well, should Georgiana form an attachment to James Davies, her dowry would increase their income by one thousand two hundred pounds per annum, which would help a great deal. So we need not eliminate him, though certainly Lord Russell and Mr. Clarke are not worthy candidates.”
Elizabeth smiled. “This is very important information, William.”
“I will not always be here when you are entertaining, so I trust you to give me the names of any other young men who come to visit.”
“We shall,” Elizabeth and Georgiana chorused.
Chapter Sixteen
The Countess had received a note from Lady Amelia, mother to the Earl of Westmoreland, stating that she hoped to visit Matlock House the following afternoon, and asked that Miss Darcy be invited as well.
The Countess was surprised at this request, but assumed it had something to do with the attention that Lord Fane was paying to Georgiana! She immediately sent a message to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth,
Lady Ameliais coming to tea tomorrow and asks that Georgiana be present. We can have no doubt of the reason for her request. Of course, you must come as well to support Georgiana. Lady Ameliacan be a bit of a dragon.
Aunt Eleanor
Georgiana was puzzled when shown the message. “No doubt of the reason? What can she mean?”
“She wants another look at you,” Elizabeth said. “She knows her son is interested in you and she will decide if she will encourage the match or not.”
“Can she really stop him if he wants to marry me?”
“Probably not, but she can make things rather difficult.”
Georgiana shook her head. “I do not want to go, Lizzy.”
“I understand completely, but it would be very poor manners to refuse.”
“Might Brother come as well?” she asked, piteously.
“Perhaps.”
Elizabeth sent a message to Matlock House.
Dear Aunt Eleanor,
Georgiana is quite nervous about this tea. Might William come to help support her?
Elizabeth
A return message came within the hour. It said, simply:
I think not.
***
The Countess was perfectly attired and coiffed when her guests arrived, and offered them tea and small cakes. Georgiana’s hands shook as she accepted her cup. Pleasantries about the weather, the Season, and the latest scandals were traded. Georgiana had little to contribute to the conversation, and Elizabeth could see that Georgiana’s silence was becoming a problem. Lady Amelia’s face had been perfectly composed at first, but she was now beginning to frown at Georgiana, making the girl even more frightened.
