“Is he?” There it was again, that mild tone with something sharp beneath it. “I love Georgiana like my own sister, you know.”
“I do know that, yes; but Darcy is in pieces over this.”
“Interesting turn of phrase, that.”
“Why, because you want to cut him into pieces? When you see him, you will change your mind, I assure you.”
“Perhaps.”
“He is a man in torment, Richard. You need not add to it.”
Richard shrugged and sat down. “One thing at a time. First, Wickham.”
“And how do you propose to find him? London is a big city, even assuming he is here.”
“Oh, he is here. And no matter where he hides, I will find him. Is there more toast?”
Chapter Sixteen
Everyone gathered in the drawing room for afternoon tea. Miss Bingley tried to begin a conversation with Georgiana. “How are you today, Miss Darcy?”
“Well enough.”
“I saw that you had taken a novel from the library. What was it?”
“Evelina.”
“I have not read it; do you recommend it?”
Georgiana shrugged.
“Will you let me know if you like it? I am desperate for something new to read!”
Georgiana looked down.
Then Mrs. Hurst made the attempt. “Is your room comfortable, Miss Darcy?”
“Yes.”
“It is growing cold; I will have the maids light the fires in the morning starting tomorrow. I hope they will not awaken you.”
Georgiana shrugged.
Mr. Bingley said, “Oh, the assembly is tomorrow night! Sir Lucas gave me tickets for all of us.”
Miss Bingley scowled. “A country assembly? I think not.”
Mrs. Hurst countered, “It would be a good diversion, would it not? I will wear my ruby chiffonet.”
“Pearls before swine, Louisa!” Caroline said, laughing at her own witticism.
“I wear it for my own pleasure and that of my husband, no one else’s,” her sister replied.
Mr. Hurst smiled at his wife. “Very good, Louisa.” He had noticed his wife’s growing independence from her reliance on her younger sister’s opinions, and took every opportunity to show his appreciation.
“Darcy?” Mr. Bingley asked.
Mr. Darcy shook his head.
