The Countess of Matlock stepped in. “Georgiana, how are you enjoying the Season thus far?”
“Quite well, thank you, Aunt.”
Elizabeth took her turn. “What do you most enjoy, Georgiana?”
“Oh, quiet things, I think. Afternoons with my friends.” She looked at the floor.
Lady Amelia said, “And driving in the park?”
Georgiana answered, softly, “I do enjoy driving with Lord Fane and Agatha.”
“What else do you enjoy, Georgiana?” Elizabeth prompted her.
“Playing my piano, of course.”
When it became evident that the girl would not be drawn out, Elizabeth pleaded a headache and took her home.
After Elizabeth and Georgiana left, Lady Amelia set her cup down and said, “Eleanor, I am concerned that my son is forming an attachment that will not serve him well.”
“Oh?”
“Yes; to your niece.”
The Countess made no attempt to mask her irritation. “And what, pray tell, makes that attachment inappropriate in any way?”
“Please do not misunderstand me. I asked to be here today so that I might evaluate her suitability to be my son’s wife. When I met her at Mrs. Darcy’s tea party, I found her to be pretty enough – not one of the diamonds, you understand, but pretty enough – but rather shy. Today I find that I completely underestimated just how very shy she is; why, she could scarcely look me in the face! Surely you of all people understand what is required of the wife of a peer. She would have to entertain lavishly, learn to say the right things to the right people, be seen and be criticised by those who are bitter or jealous. She would need to sponsor at least one charity, as well as several artists. My impression of young Miss Darcy is that she does not have the temperament to be an Earl’s wife. I intend no offense to your family, of course.”
The Countess sat back and considered this. “I cannot deny that she is a shy creature,” she responded, slowly. “We have always believed that she would grow out of it.”
“And well she might; but what if she does not? Would it be fair to the poor child to subject her to a life that will bring her a good deal of anxiety? And how is she to be an asset to my son?”
“Amelia, not all countesses are political and social, you know. The Countess of Carlisle has not been seen in London for years, and the Countess of Shaftesbury is only seen with her closest friends. Must your son’s wife be a political asset? Is he so inclined?”
“He is not so inclined yet, but he is young. I expect him to be a worthy successor to his father, and his wife – whoever she may be – must help him fulfill his potential. I will speak to him and advise that he see no more of Miss Darcy.”
“Amelia, you know full well that if you warn your son away from my niece, you will simply push him towards her. You know how boys are!”
Lady Amelia laughed. “You are quite right. Might you speak with your niece and suggest that she not encourage him?”
“Let me think on it, Amelia. I will not interfere in a love match, but perhaps the attachment might be nipped in the bud, as it were.”
The two then spoke of more mundane matters for another quarter of an hour.
When Lady Amelia departed, the Countess leaned back and closed her eyes, wondering how best to approach this situation. She would very much like to have Georgiana wed to Lord Fane, who was certainly one of the most eligible gentlemen this Season, but she did not want the girl to be unhappy in her marriage.
Doubtless it was time to speak with Darcy and Elizabeth.
***
Mr. Darcy read the note again.
Dear Nephew,
I must speak with you and your wife on a matter of some importance; please come to Matlock House tomorrow afternoon. Georgiana should not be included.
Aunt Eleanor
Sighing, he brought it to his wife.
