Page 7 of Dear Friend

“You may wait a considerable time.”

“Then for both our sakes, I hope she appears soon.”

Darcy selected one letter from the small pile. “In the meantime, there is another woman I should like you to meet.”

Richard looked from the letter to him. “You move quickly.”

“For Georgiana.”

“Ah. Far less interesting.”

Darcy passed him the letter.

“Mrs. Agatha Younge,” Richard read.

“She was recommended by the agency three days ago. Eight-and-twenty. A widow. Well educated, accomplished in music, and accustomed to the society of young ladies. Her circumstances are respectable, though not affluent.”

“References?”

“Three.”

“And naturally you have written to all three.”

“Of course.”

“Why did I ask?”

“One is from a clergyman in Surrey who has known her family for several years. Another is from a lady with whom she resided following her husband’s death. The third comes through a Lady Metcalfe.”

“I know the name.”

“She does not claim an intimate acquaintance with Mrs. Younge, but knows enough of her connections to speak favourably of them. The other replies were equally satisfactory.”

Richard returned his attention to the letter. “Then she has survived where three others failed.”

“Thus far. But references establish only so much. I intend to judge her manners and disposition for myself.”

“Naturally.”

“She calls here on Thursday at two. I should like you present. You are Georgiana’s guardian as much as I am.”

“Then I shall be here.”

“And Georgiana will meet her as well,” Darcy said. “I have no intention of deciding without knowing whether she can be comfortable in the lady’s company.”

“Good.”

Richard returned the letter and finished his brandy before rising. “Thursday at two, then. I shall endeavour to appear respectable.”

“That would be novel.”

“It is the least I can do after you have entrusted me with your secret hopes of love and matrimony.”

“I entrusted you with nothing.”

“I shall treasure the confidence nevertheless.”

“Get out,” Darcy said, pointing towards the door with an expression that made a mockery of the command.