Page 106 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“Well done, Mr. Darcy,” Lizzy said, grinning in pleasant anticipation. “But what about Miss Bingley?”

“She told me she has no interest in a close-up view of the comet,” he explained. Mr. Darcy took her elbow, and Mary’s elbow, and directed them through the other guests, whom Lady Wulfrun had begun to form into groups for parlor games.

From behind them, Mr. Bingley cheerfully, though quietly, said, “Caroline is tired of the comet.”

“Astonishing,” Mary said in her straightforward way.

“I agree,” said Mr. Bingley.

Darcy led their little group up a set of stairs to a landing, and then up another flight of stairs. Lord Wulfrun prattled the entire way about all the amazing things he had viewed through his telescope. A footman stood next to an open door on the final landing. He stiffened slightly and bowed his head to his master.

“Timothy,” Lord Wulfrun said to the young man, “as we discussed before, when this group comes out, take them back to the drawing room and lead the next group upstairs.”

“Yes, my lord,” the footman said, bowing his head once more.

Soon, they all stood in the most amazing, circular room, containing a desk, some chairs, several book cases, and a work table. Small porthole-like windows—sixteen in total—lined the bottom of the wall in a single file, a mere foot above the parquet floor. The navy-blue smooth plaster walls had been painted with tiny gold stars. The dome ceiling rose above them, being approximately thirty feet at its apex. A portion of the roof had been slid back, revealing the night sky.

“This is my telescope,” Lord Wulfrun announced unnecessarily. He looked at his guests from beneath beetled brows. “My instrument has been calibrated to show the comet. Kindly refrain from touching it. Simply lean over, fit your eye to this piece here, without leaning on it, you understand, and look at the wonder that is the Great Comet of 1811.” He beamed at them, losing his intense expression. “Ladies first.”

Miss Bennet looked first. Darcy could see the awe on her face and knew that Lord Wulfrun must be pleased with her reaction. Miss Elizabeth viewed the comet next.

“Goodness,” she said, straightening. “I have never looked through a telescope before. I had no idea the difference it would make. Mary, you will be thrilled, I am sure.”

Miss Mary and Miss Elizabeth exchanged places. Darcy welcomed her return to his side, as though she belonged there.

“I can see the multiple facets of the forked tail,” Miss Mary said in an excited, though hushed tone. “What a great size the comet must be.” After a few minutes, she stepped away, waving at the eyepiece. “Mr. Bingley?”

“Oh, right you are,” Bingley said, using exaggerated care in taking Miss Mary’s place. He only took a moment for his turn before he stepped away. “Darcy?”

Darcy left Miss Elizabeth’s side and positioned himself to look through the eyepiece. He caught his breath. “Even though it is magnified, the comet does not appear to be moving,” he observed.

“The human eye cannot measure linear speed,” Lord Wulfrun explained. “Instead, it measures angular speed. The angle between us and the comet is so miniscule at our end, that we cannot measure it.”

“I see,” Darcy said, straightening. “Thank you, my lord. We will move on so the next group might have their turn.”

“You are most welcome, most welcome,” their host said.

*

Georgiana said good night to her cousin and turned in the direction of her bedchamber. She had thought to stay awake until Fitz returned, but she could not keep her eyes open. Cousin Douglas had done his best to beat her at backgammon, but she had unusual luck when it came to dice games. She could not beat him at chess, though.

After opening her bedchamber door, she said, “I am going to bed early tonight, Farley.”

“I see that, miss,” the plump middle-aged maid said, bustling toward her. “I haven’t brought up yer hot milk, yet, miss.”

“I do not want any hot milk tonight,” Georgiana said, shaking her head. “I just finished some milk tea. I daresay that is what brought on my yawns.”

“No doubt, miss,” Farley said, helping her off with her gown.

“I cannot wait for my puppy to come and live with me,” Georgiana said, holding up her arms and helping as much as Farley permitted.

“She’ll make a lively companion, miss.”

“You do not mind, do you?”

Farley frowned at her. “Mind? Why should I, miss? I always loved me a dog. All me life we’ve had three or four dogs about the farm. Right useful they are. We’ll train it right fer the house, miss.”

“Yes, we will,” Georgiana said, grinning and daydreaming. “Mary Bennet suggested I change Flower’s name to Flora. It is almost the same, but less like a name picked by a child.”