Page 50 of Fortuitous Encounters

Darcy continued. “I suppose this is an odd request, and I will feel no offence if you are uncomfortable, but I face a dilemma.”

“If you tell us your problem, we will not blab it about, and if we can help, we will.”

Darcy wondered if he had gone insane from the excess perfume he had inhaled that day, which naturally led to the theory that if too much of that perfume led to insanity it would explain quite a lot about his friend’s sister.

“I am new to the area and know what is likely to happen when I enter the hall. It is always the same, and I dread it.”

Flora, having determined there was no harm in the man boldly said, “People will see you are rich and stare at you like… like—”

“That is enough Flora,” Mrs Redgrave said, then turned to Darcy, “She was struggling to say something polite.”

Darcy chuckled, “Have no fear, Miss Flora. I struggle with the same thing myself.”

Her eyes got big as if such an idea had never occurred to her, while Mrs Redgrave gave it some thought.

“Would you like a suggestion, sir?”

“I would appreciate it greatly.”

“I do not know how to resolve your problem, but I know who might. Would you care for some assistance?”

“You are very kind.”

Mother and daughter looked at each other a moment, and Flora said, “Miss Lizzy!”

“That seems right. Fetch her… quietly if you please.”

Flora took off at a run, and Darcy looked askance.

“Do not worry. Flora can be quiet when she wants to, she just seldom does.”

“I am not concerned, Mrs Redgrave,” he replied, which was at least half true. He was mostly wondering what kind of trap he had laid for himself with this ‘Miss Lizzy’.

She was obviously an unmarried woman, a fact he was sceptical of, but he decided to reserve judgement for once.

The Plan of Action

Five minutes later, Darcy was waiting anxiously when Flora returned dragging a handsome lady of about twenty. Based on her clothing, Darcy assumed she was a gentlewoman with more taste than money—the exact opposite of his friend’s sister.

Her dress was pale green muslin with a few simple ribbons, and what he judged was the right amount of lace (little) and a nicely embroidered hem. Her eyes were fine, she had a light and pleasing figure, and her smile was engaging as she whispered back and forth with Flora, or at least tried to as Flora dragged her along like a trout on a line.

When they arrived, Flora tried another curtsy (better) and tried her best to make proper introductions.

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Darcy of Pem… Pem,” then she got flustered, which made Miss Elizabeth pat her on the back.

“Well done, Flora. You need not be embarrassed. I doubt I could remember such a tall gentleman’s estate myself, and you did the rest very properly.”

Flora beamed, while Darcy appreciated the young lady’s tact—something he was dreadfully short of.

“Mr Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire,” he said with a bow.

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn,” she replied. “Might you be a guest of Netherfield, sir. You are obviously not the already famous Mr Bingley.”

Darcy chuckled. “Once you meet Mr Bingley, you will never have the slightest trouble telling us apart.”

“Longbourn is the next estate to the east of Netherfield, and we share one border.”

“I imagine we will see each other often then,” Darcy said, wondering what in the world possessed him to say something so forward.