Page 46 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“How do you do, my dear?” Mrs. Bennet asked her. “Have you recovered from your journey? I understand you arrived only yesterday. Travel is such a bother, is it not?”

“Uh—”

“I have always thought so. Mr. Bennet and I rarely go anywhere. Very occasionally we will go up to London and stay with my younger brother and his wife. But, more often, they will come here, for Longbourn House is much larger than their townhouse. They bring their children and the little dears get to run around in the fresh air and sunshine.”

“Mama,” Miss Elizabeth said in a rush while her eyes widened. “I believe Miss Darcy would like to answer your questions.”

Her mother stared daggers at her daughter, causing Georgiana to tighten her hand on her brother’s arm. He covered her hand with his, and she felt comforted.

“I…I do not mind travel, ma’am,” Georgiana confessed. “Our chaise is comfortable and the roads between here and London are not too horrible. My cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, accompanied me, and he did all he could to enliven the journey.”

Mrs. Bennet tittered behind her hand. “So, he is your cousin?” She ogled him where he stood on the other side of the drawing room. “He is a fine figure of a man. Is he married?”

Georgiana noticed Miss Elizabeth rolling her eyes a little at her mother’s prattling.

“Our cousin does not have that pleasure,” Fitz said curtly.

“There are many widows who might benefit from his attentions,” Mrs. Bennet said archly.

Georgiana felt her brother stiffen. Hurriedly, she asked, “Ma’am, are you looking forward to trying this new tea blend? I have tasted it before and found it lovely and mellow.”

“Did you now?” Mrs. Bennet asked. Her gaze remained fixed on Cousin Douglas. “Excuse me,” she said, and darted across the room, heading for the clump of people speaking with the colonel.

“Oh, dear,” Miss Elizabeth said, shaking her head. “Mama loves to make matches.”

“Indeed,” Fitz said.

“Yes. Indeed is probably the right way to respond to my comment,” Miss Elizabeth remarked, seemingly sanguine about Fitz’s prideful manner. She looked up at Georgiana. “Shall we fix a date for you to visit my animals? Will tomorrow do?”

Georgiana met her brother’s eyes and raised her eyebrows. He delivered a sharp nod.

“Tomorrow will be splendid,” Georgiana told Miss Elizabeth. “What time?”

“After you breakfast?” Miss Elizabeth suggested. “Say, around eleven?”

“That will be perfect,” Fitz answered. “Georgiana, did you bring the type of boots that you would wear in a barnyard?”

Georgiana grimaced. “No, I never thought to bring any to London, so I have none with me.”

Miss Elizabeth reached out and touched Georgiana’s arm, who enjoyed the feeling of being accepted. Fitz watches her so intently. Why? Is it possible he has met the one woman who will hold his interest?

“I think we can find something for you to borrow,” Miss Elizabeth said. “I am sure you would like to see our goats, our barn owls, and our common buzzard. They are all kept outside. Do not wear your most fashionable clothes, either.”

Georgiana thought over the clothes she had brought with her to Netherfield and wondered if she had anything suitable.

“Perhaps you have a spare apron my sister could wear to protect her clothes?” Fitz asked.

“I do, I do. That is a perfect compromise.” Miss Elizabeth grinned. She frowned and lifted her reticule. “Goodness, Jeffry is gone again.”

Fitz drew in a surprised breath. “Show me, please.”

Miss Elizabeth held up her reticule and set it on Fitz’s hand. He squeezed the bag and shook his head in apparent wonderment.

“How?” he asked.

“I could not tell you,” Miss Elizabeth admitted. “It is rather thrilling, is it not?” Then, she nodded toward the door where footmen were entering. “It appears the tea has arrived. Shall we find a place to sit? I detest drinking tea while standing.”

“I am the same. Somewhere next to a table?” Georgiana asked.