Page 51 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“If you have other plans, I quite understand, but if not, please join us.”

Mary frowned and looked at Jane. “If you are there, why does Lizzy need me?”

“I am going driving with Mr. Bingley,” Jane explained.

“Oh.” Mary scowled and muttered, “Second best, as usual.”

“Mary,” Lizzy said with a sigh. “I thought you liked Miss Darcy. That is why I asked you to join us. I hope you will.” She left it at that and addressed a different sister. “Kitty, will you pass me the quince and apple compote?”

Kitty passed her the bowl, saying, “You did not ask us to join you.”

“You and Lydia never seem interested in my animals. Also, I thought you would be busy with your studies when Miss Darcy arrives.”

“I will have cook prepare refreshments for one o’clock,” Mama said. “You will all be able to visit then. I wish I had not arranged to go into town and attend my sister, but I promised her. Since Jane will be out, Lizzy, you must be hostess.”

“Of course, Mama,” Lizzy said. “Thank you for speaking to Cook.”

“We cannot be seen to be stingy with our hospitality,” Mama said simply.

*

Darcy felt his sister squeeze his arm as he tooled his gig through the gates of Longbourn House.

“What a pretty house,” she said. “I love Pemberley, but I have often thought a manor house to be a cozier alternative.”

“I understand,” Darcy said. “Perhaps you shall marry a gentleman who has a cozier home.”

He felt her shudder and felt a qualm. What if her experience with Wickham has ruined her view of potential suiters? Will she give them a proper trial to see if they might be a good choice? Darcy pressed his lips together. She is still not ready to be launched into society. She needs more time to recover.

“What is wrong?” Georgiana asked.

“I hope you are not too disappointed that I am putting off your presentation until you are eight-and-ten?”

“Not at all,” Georgiana told him, smiling broadly, relief in her eyes. “I am happy to remain a girl for another year and a half. I am not so confident in my dancing, as you know. I wish to be truly proficient by the time I attend balls and routs.”

“Very sensible,” Darcy said as he pulled on the reins, bringing them to a stop in front of the red-brick façade. “Next autumn, we will attend a few assemblies in Buxton, where you may be comfortable amongst our neighbors and friends. The assemblies will be good preparation for your London season.”

“Very well. I like the Bennet’s green door,” Georgiana mentioned. “Such a deep color.”

“As do I.” Darcy put on the brake and climbed out of the gig.

Once on his sister’s side, he reached up and helped her to descend. A middle-aged groom hurried around the side of the house. He touched his cap.

“Should I walk ‘im, sir?”

“No, unhitch the carriage and look after the horse.”

“Right ye are, sir.”

The door opened, then, and the butler stepped out to greet them.

He bowed and said, “Good morrow sir, miss.”

“This is Hill, my dear. Hill, this is my sister, Miss Darcy.”

“Welcome to Longbourn House, Miss Darcy,” Hill said, moving to one side so they might pass him and enter the house.

Once inside, a housekeeper stood waiting to take Georgiana’s bonnet and pelisse.