Page 50 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“Will they help you?”

Jeffry’s ears wiggled. “They want to help, but they are all in cages. What can they do?” His nose twitched. “Harry has been useful—as transportation. But, now that I have been to Netherfield, I do not need Harry either.”

“Let the animals charm Georgiana,” Aunty advised. She snuggled deeper into the bed, closing her eyes. “Don’t forget…Mary needs a friend.”

“I won’t.”

“Now, go. I have to sleep.”

*

Sitting down to break her fast with her family on Friday, the day after the party, Lizzy remarked, “Was not the tea yesterday delightful?”

“What kind did they serve you?” her Papa asked. “Something new?”

Jane supplied the answer when she saw that Lizzy had her mouth full with curried eggs. “New to us—congou. Have you had it before, Papa?”

“I have,” he admitted.

“I do not know how you can have had a delightful time yesterday,” Lydia said, shaking her head. “Falling to the floor in front of everyone was ignominious.”

“Word of the day, Lyd?” Mary asked mockingly.

“It means humiliating,” Lydia replied tartly. “I am not so stupid as you think, Mary.”

“That is a good thing to know,” Mary replied, her tone dry.

“You did not mention a fall at dinner last night, Lizzy,” Papa said, frowning a little.

“She tripped over Miss Bingley’s cat,” Kitty piped up. “Lizzy hit her head.”

“I am fine, Papa,” Lizzy assured her father. “I put a cold compress on my head, so even the bump is gone already.”

“Good. I am surprised to hear that the cat tripped you,” he said. “Animals usually like you.”

“Too much so,” Mama said, her nostrils flaring.

“It must have been an accident,” Papa said, appearing satisfied with his explanation.

It was no accident, Lizzy thought.

“Mr. Darcy proved to be quite solicitous,” Jane said. “He helped her up, and sat her on the sofa, and then procured some sweet tea for her.”

“Miss Darcy helped, too,” Mary pointed out. “I liked her.” She looked at their youngest sister and said, “She is taller than you.”

“Truly a Long Meg,” Mama said. “She will have trouble finding men tall enough to stand up with her at the balls after she is presented. Lydia, my dear, you are the perfect height. Pay no heed to Mary’s teasing.”

Kitty glared at Mary. “She is jealous.”

Mary curled her lip, but kept silent while she ate.

“Miss Darcy is coming here today to see my animals,” Lizzy told the table.

“You must bring her to my bookroom,” Papa directed. “I would like to meet her.”

“Yes, Papa,” Lizzy said. Feeling inspired, she met Mary’s gaze, saying, “Would you like to join us, Mary?”

“Me?” her sister asked, sounding suspicious.