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Georgiana said nothing as she hunched over her plate, picking at her food and trying to render herself invisible.
“I do not believe, madam, such occasions hold much appeal for my sister,” Darcy said firmly.
The countess sniffed in disdain. “Singular. Most singular.”
“Yes,” Darcy said. “Many people have described the Darcys thus.”
A smile quirked at the edges of Elizabeth’s lips. “So I have heard as well,” she murmured, her fine eyes sparkling.
Perhaps the evening was not a complete loss after all.
Chapter 4
The weeks since the betrothal dinner at Richard’s townhouse had been dull ones for Elizabeth. After receiving word from his steward of problems with some tenants, Richard had departed for Hargrave. The difficulties had proved to be quite serious, owing to his aunt’s long neglect of her estate, and Richard had already delayed his return twice. In her daily letters, Elizabeth assured him that she understood the need for his continued absence, but she dearly missed his liveliness and wit. In a short time, she had grown accustomed to his company and amiable conversation.
If only she could have accompanied him to Hargrave! But they were not yet married, so traveling together would be impossible.
Elizabeth’s excitement at her impending nuptials was doubled by the not unexpected news of Jane’s engagement to Mr. Bingley. The day following the betrothal dinner, he had called on Jane at the Gardiners’ house and promptly asked for her hand. The news of a second daughter engaged had set Mrs. Bennet into a frenzy of lace purchasing and visits to silk merchants. However, she had demanded the wedding be held at Longbourn, so she and Jane, being of a more tractable disposition than Elizabeth, had returned to Hertfordshire to make plans for the wedding.
Although Richard’s mother did not approve of Elizabeth, the countess had insisted that their ceremony take place at their home parish in London. Elizabeth had agreed as a means of keeping the peace. Who she married was of far greater import to her than where.
The dullness of weeks without Richard—or even Jane—for company was alleviated by frequent visits to Darcy House. Much to her surprise, Elizabeth had received an invitation to visit Georgiana two days following the betrothal dinner. Although she had enjoyed making Georgiana’s acquaintance, she had expected Mr. Darcy to discourage his sister’s association with a woman of low connections and “tolerable” appearance.
On further reflection, Elizabeth concluded that Mr. Darcy had conceded the necessity of the women’s acquaintance based on his sister’s fondness for Richard. Perhaps he saw Elizabeth’s presence in their lives as unavoidable.
The first invitation was followed by others, and soon Elizabeth was visiting Darcy House almost every day. Mrs. Gardiner also invited Georgiana for tea on numerous occasions, and she accepted quite graciously.
Mr. Darcy was in London but appeared to make it a practice to never be at home when Elizabeth visited. So she was spared his cryptic remarks and disapproving glares. Richard maintained that Darcy did not dislike her, and Elizabeth conceded that he seemed to approve of her at the betrothal dinner—although she could not say he actually enjoyed her company.
However, he went to some trouble to avoid her at Darcy House, and upon the rare occasions she encountered him, his manner was proud and distant.
Before his departure for Hargrave, Richard had acquainted Elizabeth with the particulars of Georgiana’s sad history with Wickham. Elizabeth had been horrified at the story and disgusted with herself for believing any words the man spoke.
Georgiana herself later confessed the story to Elizabeth and appeared quite eager for a confidante. Having herself been deceived by Wickham, Elizabeth was quite capable of sympathizing with Georgiana’s sense of shame, and the two women had many long talks on the subject.
They also amused themselves for many hours playing the pianoforte. Georgiana was a far more accomplished player than Elizabeth, but lacked any confidence in her abilities. Elizabeth encouraged her to practice performing before an audience, using Mrs. Annesley and servants who were diverted from their daily tasks as listeners.
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sp; On other occasions, Elizabeth would entertain Georgiana with satirical performances. One day, about three weeks into her acquaintance with Georgiana, Elizabeth was performing a particularly silly imitation of an instructor who had taught the pianoforte to her sister, Mary. Elizabeth pounded on the keys with stiff, straight arms, while simultaneously expostulating in Italian-accented English. After a few minutes, both women dissolved into giggles.
Just then, Elizabeth recognized they were not alone in the music room. She raised her gaze from the pianoforte to see Mr. Darcy standing in the doorway and observing them with a very serious air. No doubt he disapproved of such frivolities, but Elizabeth was not prepared to desist. Darcy’s sister required more levity in her life, and Elizabeth had undertaken this mission. She raised her chin a fraction, daring Mr. Darcy to disapprove.
“William!” Georgiana strolled across the room and took her brother’s hands. He kissed her warmly on the cheek. Whatever his other faults, Elizabeth thought, Mr. Darcy was an excellent brother. Georgiana would sing his praises at every opportunity.
Even following the disaster at Ramsgate, Mr. Darcy had apparently treated his sister gently and with great consideration for her feelings. Elizabeth could imagine many brothers or fathers flying into a rage over such behavior.
“Miss Bennet.” Darcy bowed slightly, and she gave him a small curtsey in response.
“If you have come to frighten us into seriousness of purpose, I am afraid you will fail with me, although I cannot vouch for your sister,” Elizabeth teased.
Georgiana’s eyes sparkled as she laughed at the sportive way her friend spoke with her brother.
“Indeed, you mistake me,” Mr. Darcy said. “The sound of your laughter was a most pleasant welcome home. I pray you, continue.” He settled himself into a chair and regarded her with a small, challenging smile.
Georgiana’s eyes widened in alarm at the prospect of exhibiting such merriment before her very proper older brother.
Elizabeth lifted her head a little higher. “My courage rises with every attempt to intimidate me. Come, Georgiana, shall we play our duet for him?”
