Page 25 of Elizabeth Bennet and the Scottish Laird

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At Longbourn the drawing room had been hastily supplied with what the household could muster, and the party disposed themselves about the fire. The Lucases had followed, and their easy neighbourly chatter filled the gaps that mourning and awkwardness might otherwise have left.

Darcy's gaze went to Elizabeth before he could prevent it. She sat near the hearth in her black bombazine. Perched upon a low stool at her side was the child he had glimpsed at church—a girl of eight or perhaps nine, fair-haired, with a pale pointed face and a stubborn set to her chin.

The sight of Elizabeth's hand coming to rest upon the child's shoulder when she fidgeted struck Darcy with sudden force. It was then he became aware that Malcolm MacKinnon had entered. He greeted him curtly before moving off into the corner.

Frowning faintly at the man's odd intensity, Darcy returned his attention to the room.

"It was kind of you to receive us, Miss Elizabeth," he said, "when you are so lately in mourning."

"You are welcome at Longbourn, Mr Darcy." She busied herself with the milk jug. "Though I confess I did not expect to find you at Meryton church of a Sunday morning."

"Nor I to be there." He hesitated. "I am glad of the chance, however. My sister has long wished to be introduced to your family."

Georgiana, thus prompted, turned to Elizabeth with a shy earnestness. "I had not the honour of knowing your father, Miss Elizabeth, but my brother has spoken of your family, and I am very sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, Miss Darcy. You are kind." For an instant Elizabeth's eyes met Darcy's; then she looked away.

It was the child who broke the small silence that followed. She had been staring at Georgiana with a directness too knowing for her years, and Darcy saw his sister falter a little beneath it.

"Moira." Elizabeth touched the girl's shoulder. "Where are your manners? Miss Darcy, may I present Moira MacKinnon? Mr MacKinnon's daughter."

Darcy felt his eyes widen. He had not known MacKinnon possessed a daughter—much less one who already leaned into Elizabeth's side as though she belonged there.

"I am very pleased to meet you, Moira," Georgiana said.

"You're verra fine," Moira announced. "Your gown is bonnier than anything we have in Broadford, Miss Darcy."

Georgiana blinked, then laughed—and Darcy realised he had not heard his sister laugh so freely since before Ramsgate. The conversation loosened, drifting to easier matters, and Lady Lucas asked after Moira's adjustment to Hertfordshire.

"I speak English quite well," Moira said. No false modesty, merely a blunt statement of fact. "Mrs Kathy taught me. The minister's wife in Broadford." A shadow crossed her face. "Though I like Gaelic better. It sounds more like the sea."

"Your English is excellent," Georgiana said, leaning forward. "I should never have guessed it was not your first language."

The compliment transformed the child. Her wariness fell away, and she sat up straighter upon her stool.

"I was about to begin lessons in French," she added, emboldened, "before Papa sent for me." The last words carried a child's unguarded resentment.

"I am fluent in French," Georgiana said. "My governess was Parisian."

Moira's eyes went wide. "Will ye teach me?"

Silence fell over the room. MacKinnon, who had been speaking quietly with Sir William, turned sharply, the colour leaving his face.

"Moira." His voice was gentle but firm. "Miss Darcy is a lady of consequence. She is no tutor."

Georgiana shook her head. "I should have been honoured, truly. But we will only be here a short while ..."

Moira's face crumpled.

"Well, I would imagine my business for Bingley will take at least a fortnight, and Mrs Annesley wished to remain with her family three weeks at least," Darcy said. "We could perhaps extend another week. I am certain she will not mind."

"But you ought not to stay at the inn that long," Lady Lucas said then.

Sir William beamed. "Indeed! Lucas Lodge has ample room for you, your sister, and your sister's attendant, should she seek respite from family obligations."

"Maria would so enjoy the companionship," Lady Lucas added.