Page 103 of Near Pemberley

Lydia looked almost guilty.

Georgiana laughed. “We have only been waiting an hour.”

“Only an hour?”

“Possibly two.”

Darcy shook his head. “Then I am clearly expected to reward such devotion with dinner.”

That suggestion met with immediate approval from both young ladies, and as they rose together, he found himself unexpectedly grateful for the ordinary domesticity of the moment.

Tomorrow would bring fresh difficulties.

Tonight, however, Lydia was safe, Georgiana was smiling, and Elizabeth Bennet would be coming to the house in the morning.

The last thought followed him despite every effort to think of something else.

When at last the young ladies allowed themselves to be persuaded towards the dining room, Darcy accompanied them. At the entrance to the dining room, he paused.

“Go in without me. I shall join you presently.”

Georgiana looked at him curiously but asked no questions. Lydia, whose attention was already occupied by the prospect of dinner, merely nodded.

Once the young ladies had disappeared into the room, Darcy turned and made his way towards the servants’ side of the house.

He found Mrs. Barnes in conversation with a footman concerning the following day’s arrangements.

“Mrs. Barnes.”

The housekeeper turned immediately. “Mr. Darcy.”

“I should be obliged if you would ensure that the principal rooms are thoroughly attended to in the morning.”

She looked mildly surprised. “Certainly, sir.”

“The drawing room, the parlour, and the winter garden in particular.”

“Of course.”

Darcy nodded. That ought to have concluded the matter. Instead, after a brief hesitation, he added, “We are expecting visitors.”

Mrs. Barnes waited.

“Two ladies.”

The explanation sounded strangely inadequate even to his own ears.

“I see, sir.”

“Nothing elaborate is required. Only that everything should be in proper order.”

“Naturally.”

Darcy inclined his head and turned to go. After three steps, he stopped again.

Mrs. Barnes, who had known him since childhood, remained wisely silent.

“Could flowers be brought into the hall tomorrow morning?”