Elizabeth tilted her head. “A most diplomatic answer, sir.”
Lady Anne regarded the exchange with quiet interest.
“Do you play often?” Elizabeth asked Georgiana.
“Each morning,” she replied. “And in the evenings, when it is convenient.”
“That sounds remarkably disciplined,” Elizabeth said. “I fear my own habits are more enthusiastic than consistent.”
“You play, Miss Bennet?” Georgiana ventured.
“I do,” Elizabeth answered. “Though my younger sisters would likely tell you I play more for my own amusement than for their pleasure.”
“Miss Elizabeth is quite accomplished,” Darcy said
Elizabeth met his gaze briefly, then returned her attention to Georgiana. “Music is a comfort, is it not? It fills a room without demanding anything in return.”
Georgiana nodded, a little more animated now. “It does.”
“And it requires no particular brilliance in company,” Elizabeth added gently. “One may sit beside the instrument and let the notes speak what one does not yet wish to.”
Throughout the exchange, Elizabeth felt Lady Anne’s gaze return to her again and again. At first, it felt intimidating, so Elizabeth did her best to ignore the probing gaze, focusing her attention on Miss Darcy.
Georgiana looked at her with something very like awe. “I had never thought of it in that way before, but now that you say it, it is the perfect description of how I feel.”
“You must be anticipating the ball with some interest, then,” Elizabeth remarked.
Lady Anne smiled faintly. “It has been many years since I attended such an event.”
Georgiana’s hands folded in her lap. “I am not yet out.”
Elizabeth paused, then spoke with careful lightness.
“My two youngest sisters will be present. They are of your age. I would not presume to advise, but a private ball among friends may serve as a gentle introduction. If you were to dance only with gentlemen approved by your brother, and perhaps withdraw before supper, it might render your first season less formidable.”
Georgiana’s eyes brightened instantly. She turned toward Darcy without speaking.
Darcy glanced toward Lady Anne, who studied her daughter, then inclined her head almost imperceptibly.
“If you wish it,” Darcy said quietly.
“I do,” Georgiana answered, unable to conceal her pleasure.
Elizabeth felt a warmth settle within her at the sight. Unfortunately, the visit could not extend indefinitely. The clock chimed the hour, cloaks were fetched and farewells were made with regretful sighs.
Lady Anne paused at the door. “Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth,” she said gently, studying her once more, “but I cannot help but observe that you bear a striking resemblance to my elder sister, Catherine.”
“Do I? How strange—I do not look anything like the rest of my family. All four my sisters share my mother’s features, which are similar to Miss Darcy’s here.”
Lady Anne’s expression altered—something thoughtful, perhaps even unsettled. “I am very glad to have met you,” she said at last. “I look forward to knowing you better.”
“As do I,” Elizabeth replied warmly.
Darcy’s eyes met hers briefly before he assisted his family into the carriage.
When it had driven away, Elizabeth remained standing in the doorway longer than propriety required.
The embroidery hoop lay abandoned upon the table within. She suspected the flowers would require considerable repair. Yet her spirits, though unsettled in a new and curious way, were very much improved.
