Page 53 of Twice Chosen

This time she turned away.

Georgiana's first weeks in Hertfordshire were not uniformly easy. One afternoon Caroline arranged a small musical gathering at Netherfield and, with good intentions sharpened by ambition, announced Georgiana's performance before asking whether she wished to play.

Georgiana's face went white.

Darcy saw it.

So did Elizabeth.

Caroline smiled toward the pianoforte. "Georgiana, everyone has been longing to hear you."

In their first life Darcy would have expected his sister to comply. He might even have encouraged her, believing success would restore confidence.

Now he remained seated and asked, "Do you wish to play?"

The room became quiet.

Caroline looked startled.

Georgiana swallowed. "Not alone."

Elizabeth spoke before anyone could fill the silence. "Then perhaps I might play with you badly enough that no one notices your mistakes."

Georgiana laughed nervously.

Mary, visiting with Jane, said, "I could turn pages."

Lydia added, "And I shall not sing. That is my contribution."

Even Caroline laughed at that.

Georgiana played with Elizabeth beside her and Mary turning pages. She made two mistakes. No one died. When the piece ended, Georgiana smiled before anyone applauded.

Darcy looked down at his hands.

Bingley came beside him. "Are you crying?"

"No."

"You look--"

"Bingley."

"Very well. You are experiencing dust."

Darcy gave him a murderous look.

Bingley smiled and walked away.

Afterward Georgiana found Caroline alone. Elizabeth happened to be near enough to hear without intending to.

"Please ask next time," Georgiana said.

Caroline blinked. "Ask?"

"Before telling everyone I shall play."

Caroline's first reaction was offense. Elizabeth saw it form. Then Caroline looked at Georgiana's hands and seemed to understand something.