Page 61 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“Oh, yes. Can you imagine Miss Bingley traipsing around a barnyard?” Georgiana stifled a giggle with the flat of her hand.

“To her credit,” Darcy said as soon as he had suppressed a smile, “I think Miss Bingley would be up to any situation required of her. But I do not think she would enter a barnyard if she did not absolutely need to go there.”

“No, indeed,” Georgiana said, grinning. “I expect she is enjoying her drive to Hertford with Cousin Douglas. She told me she wishes to do some shopping. Do you suppose they will go to see the castle afterward?”

“Cousin Douglas said he meant to take her there,” Darcy mentioned.

Georgiana said nothing for a few moments. Then, she spoke. “Fitz?”

“Yes, my dear?” He looked down at her, but the top of her stylish pink velvet bonnet was all he could see.

“I should learn to be more independent.”

“Should you?” Darcy took a quick look at the road ahead. Seeing it clear of other vehicles or impediments, he looked back at her.

Her bonnet nodded. “I cannot prepare a single bit of food for myself. I do not know how to dress myself, or wash a piece of clothing. I believe Mary can do all those things.”

Darcy considered her request and thought it had merit. Georgiana’s confidence would increase and perhaps that would help her anxiety.

“I believe,” he said slowly, “that this is a marvelous idea. We must find a new companion for you who would guide you in this learning. Cousin Douglas is searching amongst his acquaintances for a recommendation, too. In the meantime, your maid can help you with dressing and how to look after your clothes—you must reassure her that you will not be dismissing her. She may misunderstand your motives.”

“Oh, no, I could never let Farley go!” Georgiana cried, looking swiftly up at him. “If only she had been with me that summer, then…” Her voice trailed away, and she look out at the farmhouse they were passing. The farmer’s wife straightened at their passing, and she bobbed a slight curtsy. Georgiana nodded kindly to her.

Darcy wished Farley had been with Georgiana that summer as well, but he said nothing about it. Instead, he smoothly mentioned a new idea. “You know, I think Mrs. Granger would enjoy teaching you some cooking, since Chef is busy with his own work. Is she not the president of the Women’s Improvement Society in Lambton?”

Her gaze returned to his, her eyebrows arched. “She is. Perhaps she will be too busy? She had a new baby just this summer.”

“You could be a help to her while she teaches you,” Darcy suggested. Anything to keep Georgiana’s mind occupied.

“I could,” his sister said, smiling broadly. “I will learn a little about caring for children, too.” She reached out and embraced his arm. “Thank you, Fitz. I am feeling more useful already.”

Keeping his voice cheerful, Darcy said, “Soon, we will find you a practical, suitable woman who can be your companion in this new venture.”

In a more subdued voice, she replied, “Someone…kind.”

“And honest,” Darcy added. “And honorable.”

“Yes. That is so important.”

They were soon entering the outskirts of Meryton, Longbourn Village being situated a mere mile from the town. Georgiana examined the streets and shops as they drove along the high street.

“I wonder which day is market day. Do you know?” Georgiana asked.

“I do not. Charles will know.”

“It is Saturday tomorrow. Perhaps there will be one then.”

“We will have an early breakfast,” Darcy suggested. “If we eat quickly, we should be able to go to the market before I take you to Longbourn.”

“If it is on,” Georgiana said, nodding eagerly. “I would like to get something for Mary and Lizzy—as thank you gifts.”

“I am sure they will be delighted to receive them,” Darcy said, pleased with her unprompted kindness.

“Good.”

*

From the shadow of the sweet shop doorway, George Wickham watched Darcy’s gig pass him by. He and Lieutenant Denny had come today to examine a home his colonel could lease. It had turned out to be a pleasant house, so they had procured it on behalf of their commanding officer. Before returning to camp, he and Denny had stopped to purchase some sweets for the journey. Lemon bonbons for himself, and boiled barley sugar drops for Denny.