Page 94 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“That is a wonderful idea,” Mary said, sighing with relief. I need to practice, practice, practice, or I will disgrace myself the next time we work on our duet.

Once outside, Georgiana linked her arm with Mary, and they proceeded to stroll along the garden paths.

“I have chosen a puppy,” Georgiana revealed, a hitch of excitement in her voice.

“Which one?” Mary asked.

“The female, Flower. She is adorable. Do you think I should change her name?”

“Do you like the name?”

“It sounds like a little child named her.” Georgiana shrugged. “Which is the source of her current name.”

“Hm. Perhaps you could alter it only a little—like Flora, instead of Flower,” Mary suggested. “The puppy should learn the new name easily.”

Georgiana squeezed her arm. “I like that. Hm, Flora. Yes. I like it exceedingly.”

Another rush of warmth caused Mary to flush with pleasure. “Lizzy says that it is your tone of voice that a pet learns, not the actual words. But I think she is just being conservative in expressing her opinion. I have seen an animal respond instantly to Lizzy’s call, even when surrounded by other animals. She named every one of our goats.”

“And only the one will come if she calls it?” Georgiana asked, her eyes wide.

Mary chuckled. “Well, to be fair, only the one will begin to come, but the rest of them are curious and soon follow.” Georgiana laughed. Hoping to keep her entertained, Mary told her the story of one of the nanny goats adopting a lamb. Her new friend’s laughter rewarded Mary’s efforts.

They fell silent for a few moments, and then Georgiana tentatively said her name. “Mary?”

Mary looked up at her and raised an eyebrow.

“Did you see your doctor friend yesterday afternoon?”

Swallowing, Mary glanced away and nodded.

“Did you speak with him?” Georgiana asked, even more quietly.

“I did. Not about anything personal, mind, but only about the subjects I would be reading to the patients.”

“Did he approve of your choices?”

“He did,” Mary said on a sort of gasping sigh, the pleasure of the memory washing through her.

“There you go,” Georgiana said, beaming at her.

“Oh, no,” Mary objected. “It was the merest commonplace.”

“I see.” They walked a few steps in silence, then Georgiana asked, “Will he be coming to the assembly on Thursday?”

“Possibly. It will depend on his schedule at the infirmary,” Mary explained.

“I predict that he will be there, and he will ask you to dance.”

“He has never done so before,” Mary informed her.

“You must wear your prettiest dress,” Georgiana urged. “Something with blue trim, I think.”

“I do not believe I have a gown like that,” Mary said, shaking her head. None of my dresses are pretty. They are all so drab.

Georgiana waved that obstacle aside with her hand. “One of your sisters may have one. I have one, but it is much too large for you to wear—I am too tall, and there is no time to alter its length.”

“I will ask Lizzy, if that would please you. What a shame you cannot attend,” Mary said, thinking how confident she would be with a friend at her side.