Chapter 2
In the evening, Darcy observed that his sister was more animated than usual. As was their custom in the month since the countess returned to Town, all three had dinner together. But unlike other evenings, more conversation and smiles complimented the excellent courses.
“I am glad to see you both in such lively dispositions,” Darcy said.
“Well, we did have quite an exciting and pleasant day. We met a lovely young lady with two children in the park a couple of weeks ago, and today she did us a great favour.”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, Brother,” intervened Miss Anna, “I dropped Mist, and he escaped, hiding in a tree. He almost fell. I was so frightened that he would run away and be lost forever. And Miss Lizzy just climbed the tree and brought him down…”
Miss Lizzy? Darcy thought, startling as the name bored into his mind. He quickly drank some wine, scolding himself for his silly reaction at the mere mention of a name that brought him many painful memories. Surely, there were dozens of young women in London who bore that name.
He tried to speak calmly. “Miss Lizzy? So she is a Miss, not a Mrs.? And she climbed the tree? Quite a peculiar choice, I would say.”
His voice, trying to conceal his distress, sounded harsher than he intended, and his sister paled slightly, worrying that he disapproved.
“Peculiar but efficient,” the countess answered. “I say —I was quite impressed. We were all crying around, but she found a way to solve the problem. Lovely, spirited young lady.”
Darcy’s thoughts spun in his mind again. Unwanted memories filled his head as he considered that the “Lizzy” he knew would also climb a tree to save a kitten.
He clenched his teeth, breathing deeply and fighting his recollection and the weakness he hated so much.
He was certain he hated her, that he despised everything about her, that he loathed even the idea of having a glimpse of her ever again.
Then how could he be such a complete fool, such a ridiculous, witless man that a mere story brought back such vivid images of her?
He finished his wine and filled his glass again.
“My dear, would you favour me with some music, please?” he begged his sister, whose disconcerted expression he completely missed.
Miss Georgiana Darcy would never refuse her brother’s request, but her heart was heavy as she realised how little he was interested in what she had to say. He could not be troubled with such fatuous stories; she would not repeat the mistake. She started to play, glancing at him from time to time.
Didi jumped on the countess’s lap, while Mist found a comfortable spot to rest on the settee.
∞∞∞
During the next week, Elizabeth met Miss Anna and the countess in the park every day.
By the beginning of August, less than a month since they first met, their acquaintance had improved considerably, and they talked about their likes and dislikes and preferences in literature, music, or theatre.
“My niece is very proficient at the piano,” the countess said proudly. “My aunt is very kind; I am not certain how proficient I am, but I do love music,” Miss Anna answered shyly.
“I love music too, but I cannot pretend to any proficiency with it,” Elizabeth replied with a smile. “I was not disciplined enough to practise as much as I should have, and I suspect I do not possess any particular talent either.”
“I am sure you are as good as any other young lady,” the countess offered.
“It is laudable that you can be so accurate in judging your own talents. Few people are able to do that. So you do not play much but surely read quite a lot —your extensive knowledge proves that. And you can climb trees —reasonably enough.”
Elizabeth laughed. “And I really enjoy walking and spending time outdoors. I have measured my father’s estate by foot more times than I can remember.
I inherited my passion for books from my father, but it is still a family mystery as to where I got the inclination for wandering about the fields.
My mother has been struggling for years to censure my unladylike habits. ”
Both Miss Anna and the countess laughed discreetly.
“So your father owns an estate? You seem to be close to him,” the latter inquired.
“Yes, he owns a modest estate. And it is true —we are very close,” Elizabeth answered warmly.
“You seem kind and gentle with the children too,” Miss Anna added. “I confess I am fond of my cousins, as well as my uncle and aunt. I shall miss them dearly.”
“Oh, will you leave soon?” Miss Anna asked, and Elizabeth looked at her with warmth. The young woman seemed affected by the news.
“In about a fortnight. I plan to be home the middle of August. My family misses me —especially my older sister, Jane.”
“Oh…you have sisters…” Miss Anna whispered. She immediately forced a smile and replied politely, “I can imagine you are all eager to be together soon.”
“Indeed, we are. But I did enjoy my stay in London exceedingly. And I feel grateful and honoured for the privilege of meeting you both and spending such wonderful time in your company,” Elizabeth said with heartfelt and genuine seriousness.
“As did we,” the countess answered. “We would like to see you again when you next visit your relatives, would we not, Anna?”
“Yes —I would like that very much…very much indeed.”
“As would I,” Elizabeth accepted heartily.
“Well, I shall give you my direction, Miss Lizzy, and we shall welcome any word from you whenever you wish,” the countess intervened.
“Thank you, your ladyship,” Elizabeth replied without attempting to conceal her delight.
That such ladies —whose means and situation in life were easy to guess —showed great interest in maintaining and deepening their connection with her was equally surprising and flattering.
She took it as a sign of their approval of her manners, but she was aware that their opinion might change once they discovered her uncle was in trade.
On the other hand, the location where they had met —the small park near Cheapside —must have been an indication that her family was not an illustrious one.
And yet, neither the countess nor Miss Anna seemed bothered by a situation that in the past had raised so many disapproving glances and offensive comments from Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, and Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth wondered whether the two ladies were of less consequence than she believed or they were the kindest and least prejudiced members of the ton that had ever existed.
On their way home, the countess saw with an easy heart that her niece wore a large smile on her lovely face.
“Aunt, I was wondering…should I tell Miss Lizzy my real identity? I feel uncomfortable in having avoided the subject for such a long time. I believe she is trustworthy.”
“My dear, it is your decision. I confess I find your secrecy a little strange; it is not as if you have anything to hide. Miss Lizzy’s company was a delightful and unusual occurrence, and surely, you cannot suspect her of having ulterior motives to exploit our friendship.
From what she told us, she is a gentleman’s daughter, and I can hold nothing against her. ”
“True. I shall tell her very soon…one of these days. I find Miss Lizzy’s presence so refreshing! She makes me laugh! And she is so bright and brave. I have never met a lady like her.”
“I can see you enjoyed your time, dearest. Indeed, Miss Lizzy has been a lovely companion for you.”
“Do you think William would approve of her?” Miss Anna glanced hopefully but uncertainly at her aunt. The countess caressed her hair.
“I cannot see why he would not. Besides, if you really like something or somebody, I shall stand behind you anytime. You are old enough and wise enough to make your own decisions, and we must trust them.”
The young woman lowered her eyes, and her face paled.
“You know that is not true, Aunt. I have been nothing but childish and reckless lately. I know I do not deserve to be trusted.”
“Oh, my dear, do not be so harsh on yourself, I beg you,” the countess whispered, gently embracing her.
Deep, heavy silence was the only answer.
On the third day of August, Darcy prepared himself for dinner as usual. He had no interest in either the food or conversation, but he had promised himself to dedicate a couple of hours to his sister every day —and evening was the most appropriate time to accomplish it.
For the last six weeks, Georgiana had spent most of her time with their great aunt, Lady Amelia Hardwick. His sister even had her own apartment in her ladyship’s house —only three buildings from the Darcy residence.
Darcy hardly approved such an arrangement, but he did not dare contradict his sister or forbid her anything.
He knew too well that his behaviour had been wanting, and he felt incapable of offering comfort, so he was only grateful —although worried and pained —that Georgiana found the tranquillity and the support she needed in their aunt.
He was also puzzled at the ladies’ preference to travel across Town in search of a small park when Hyde Park was large enough to offer them all the diversity they needed.
The notion that his sister had formed a sort of attachment with a stranger —a young woman whose identity was mostly unknown —also worried him and made him struggle between trusting his aunt and stepping forward to decide for himself.
Georgiana spoke daily about their new acquaintance, and Darcy’s heart squeezed every time for a reason he could barely understand. He suspected it was the name “Lizzy” that stirred the turmoil in his mind; therefore, he felt unable to approach the situation as he normally would have done.