Page 54 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“Soon,” Lizzy revealed. “When the owls are ready, we will fold back the roof so they can come and go as they please. Eventually, they will leave and not return.”

“That must make you sad,” Georgiana said, frowning.

“A little, but I have had birds return for a visit after a time. They deserve to be free,” Lizzy said, before turning away.

Georgiana heard Mary sigh. Looking down at her new friend, she gently asked, “Is anything wrong?”

Mary shrugged and shook her head.

“May we step away and walk a little?” Georgiana asked. She glanced at Lizzy who was attempting to convince the owls to come out of their dark haven.

Mary nodded. “Lizzy? We are going for a walk.”

Lizzy turned and looked at them, tipping her head to one side like a bird and considering them. Finally, she said, “The owls are sleeping and have not budged, so I will go and rescue Mr. Darcy from Harry. Remember there are refreshments at one. Listen for the stable clock.”

“We will,” Mary promised. They turned and began to walk away.

“Will we hear the clock if we walk into the home wood?” Georgiana asked.

“There is a path that runs parallel to the wood perimeter. We will be able to hear the clock as long as we do not stray further into the wood,” Mary informed her. She indicated the direction they should walk, and they fell into step side-by-side.

Georgiana glanced her way, trying to see her expression. However, Mary’s floppy garden bonnet blocked Georgiana’s scrutiny.

“We are friends, now, are we not?” Georgiana asked.

Mary nodded.

“I heard you sigh, just now, and I thought to ask if something is amiss?”

Mary pushed a lock of golden-brown hair back behind her ear and bit her lip.

“Something is the matter, I can tell. Pray, are you sad about something?” Georgiana asked. She pressed a hand against her chest. “Oh, dear. Perhaps I should not ask something so personal. But…you see, I am often sad, too.”

Mary frowned and stared up at her, clearly surprised. “I am sorry.”

It was Georgiana’s turn to shrug. “Thank you. How old are you, Mary?”

“Eight-and-ten.”

“I am not quite seven-and-ten. Are you worried about your come out?” Georgiana asked.

Mary shook her head. “I am already out. We all are.”

“Five sisters, trying to find husbands at the same time,” Georgiana said in hushed tones. Then, she heard Mary swallow a sob. “Goodness, Mary. What is it? Please, tell me.”

Mary drew a ragged breath and flapped a hand, seemingly unable to speak.

Georgiana searched her brain to try and come up with a reason for Mary’s distress. She considered her own situation but did not think their experiences could be the same. However, perhaps Mary’s unhappiness was about a man.

“Is there some gentleman whom you admire?” Georgiana asked. “Someone… well, inappropriate?”

Mary grimaced. “It is not quite so bad as that. Not exactly.”

They entered the home wood and turned aside their feet from the main path to the parallel one. A light breeze rustled the leaves. Birds sang, and the bleating of sheep and goats could be heard from the home farm.

Mary tangled her fingers together as she wrung her hands. “This is quite a secret, mind.”

“I will never speak a single word to anyone about your confidences,” Georgiana swore. She earnestly clasped her hands to her chest. “I swear it.”