“That is still more than I have done. Other than once visiting an old friend of my father’s in Essex, I have only been to town. I was only five or six at the time, and I hardly remember the trip, apart from seeing the sea.” Elizabeth gave her a warm smile.
“I shall take you both wherever you like. Provided I deem it safe,” Mr Darcy said.
Elizabeth almost became lost in contemplating his goodness, but forced herself to look away from him after several seconds. She was intent on befriending Miss Darcy, and that was the purpose of today’s call, not providing her and Mr Darcy an opportunity to flirt and discuss their happiness.
“Your brother tells me you are an excellent musician and spend a great deal of time playing the pianoforte. I am an indifferent player myself, though I enjoy singing. If you ever believe you hear a voice on the wind, look to see if I am out of doors. I might have decided to serenade the trees and birds.”
The gentlemen laughed, and Miss Darcy looked like she wanted to join them, which Elizabeth considered a victory. She encouraged Miss Darcy to tell her what she especially loved at Pemberley, “to help me paint a picture of it in my mind. Your brother has described it, and I can imagine the house and layout of the grounds, but I feel sure you can tell me about the life of the place, what comes from the heart and not just the eyes.”
Miss Darcy gazed at her as if she had said something profound, which was far from Elizabeth’s design.
“Oh, Pemberley is the most wonderful place, and you are sure to love it. I-I hope you will tell me what you like, and, if you do not mind, I would like to know more about your sister, since she will also live with us,” Miss Darcy said.
“I certainly shall. Jane is the dearest person you are likely to ever meet, and the two of you will get along very well. As to what I like, I would say that, apart from being in the open air, I enjoy reading, spending time with your brother, which I ought to have said first”—she gave him a humorously apologetic smile—“and my sisters, which will soon include you.”
Miss Darcy lowered her eyes again, but before she did, Elizabeth glimpsed a small, pleased smile. The one Mr Darcy wore showed his approbation, and she attempted to silently tell him that she would do everything in her power to be the sister Miss Darcy needed.
Miss Darcy said little more for the remainder of the call, but Elizabeth and the gentlemen passed the time easily, with Mrs Gardiner occasionally adding a few words. Colonel Fitzwilliam was a gregarious man, and Elizabeth liked him; she hoped the rest of his family were similar in character.
As the trio was leaving, Elizabeth said, “Miss Darcy, I am so glad we have had the chance to meet. I hope we shall see each other often while I remain in town.”
“I would like that,” Miss Darcy said in a tentative tone. She glanced at her brother and cousin.
“I am sure you will. I shall see to it,” said Mr Darcy.
The colonel bowed, Miss Darcy curtseyed, and they stepped out of the drawing room. Mrs Gardiner followed them, allowing the engaged couple a brief period to themselves. Mr Darcy immediately grasped one of Elizabeth’s hands and pulled it to his lips.
“I am glad I was able to meet your cousin as well as your sister.” Elizabeth inched closer to him, which created the sensation that the room was much smaller than it actually was and the rest of the world was farther away.
“They were both delighted with you. I know Georgiana might not have shown it, but she was.”
“I did not realise she wassoshy. I have taken it as my challenge—and my sincere pleasure—to teach her some of my confidence.”
He answered her tease with the gentle expression he often wore when he looked at her. She hoped he never stopped giving her such a gift, even when their hair had turned white and they had four decades of marriage behind them.
“She is fortunate to gain you as a sister, almost as fortunate as I am to have you as my wife.” A noise in the corridor drew their attention. “I believe that was a sign we are taking too long to say goodbye. When shall we see each other again?”
“My aunt and I talked about calling on Miss Darcy the day after tomorrow, if that suits you.”
He nodded. “I shall endeavour to be at home too. We can discuss other arrangements then—outings we might make and when you can meet more of my family.”
They shared an altogether too brief kiss before joining the others.
CHAPTERFIFTY-THREE
Darcy and Georgiana were sitting in the cosy breakfast room the next morning. He took in the yellow walls and modern furniture and wondered whether Elizabeth would approve. Flowers or plants would add a touch of nature to the space, which she would like. He would see that the change was made before their first stay at the house as a married couple, and leave any further alteration to her.
“You have not told me your impression of Miss Elizabeth,” he said.
“I like her very much. She said such lovely things about her sister, and I am glad she will come to Pemberley too. It will be very different, will it not? Instead of just the two of us, we shall be four.” Georgiana took a sip of tea.
And, Darcy thought to himself, before very long, there might be children. The house would be far less silent and cold.
“Will you mind there being so many ladies?” Georgiana gave him a mischievous smile.
Reaching across to her, he tapped her chin. She had made few such jokes since Ramsgate, and it gladdened his heart to hear her do it again.
“Not at all. I am pleased you will have the company of two such fine women, who I know will love you as a sister. Since I have my duties to occupy me and can escape from your talk of fashion and coiffures whenever I like, I expect to manage all the feminine company without any undue distress.”
