Chapter Twelve
“A man who has one agreeable quality …”
AS THE CURRICLE ROLLED TOWARDS LAMBTON, DARCY REACHED FOR his sister’s hand.
“Your kindness is unfathomable.” He smiled tentatively at her.
The magnitude of his request had not been lost on her.
However, although she was some twelve years his junior, Georgiana had learned something her brother did not initially comprehend: One cannot control the heart.
When real love is ready, it will find its own way.
Therefore, she looked forward to meeting Elizabeth Bennet.
She was still nervous, but the nerves were selfish ones—she desired a female friend.
Having no mother, Georgiana held questions she could not share with either her brother or Mrs. Annesley.
Miss Bingley was just “too”—well, she would not do.
Elizabeth Bennet possessed sisters and the lady’s “free spirit” could contain the answers she sought.
Pulling the curricle to a halt before the Royal Crown, Darcy slid quickly from the seat and assisted his sister down.
He thought he caught a glimpse of Elizabeth at the window.
The Darcys’ appearance in the village had created a stir, and as they entered the inn, villagers sought their favor.
He and Georgiana greeted one and all and nodded their acknowledgments.
Upon entering the inn, they waited to be announced; they held hands but were silent, both lost in thoughts of what the next few minutes would hold.
Elizabeth Bennet’s approval was elevated in the estimation of both.
When the time came for their entrance into the Gardiners’ quarters, Darcy placed his sister’s hand on his arm and covered it with his own hand after lightly chucking her under the chin and giving her a smile.
He mouthed “Thank You” as the door opened to them.
Stepping into the room, Darcy briefly broke contact with Georgiana as he bowed to the Gardiners and Elizabeth.
“Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Gardiner came forward and offered his hand.
“Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, please forgive our intrusion. My sister apologizes for the intrusion.”
“Think nothing of it, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Gardiner continued his civilities. “We are happy to see you again so soon.”
“Yes,” said Mrs. Gardiner, “we are honored by your attention.” As she said so, she turned towards her niece and smiled. Darcy could not help but follow her lead.
“You are very kind.” He nodded his head to all three. “I had hoped you would accept an introduction to my sister. Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, permit me to present my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.” As he said this, Darcy nudged his sister forward.
Georgiana made her curtsy. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner offered appropriate welcoming remarks, but it was Elizabeth’s actions he wished to observe. When her relatives had finished their niceties, Elizabeth curtsied before saying, “Miss Darcy, I am so pleased finally to greet you.”
“And I you,” Georgiana said in honest tones.
Darcy’s heart leapt as he noted the genuine smile on Elizabeth’s face as she engaged his sister’s company.
Hoping to leave them time together, Darcy asked the Gardiners about their previous evening’s engagement.
He desperately wished to attend to both conversations, but concentrated as best he could on the Gardiners.
He overheard Elizabeth ask of Georgiana’s studies and his sister’s monosyllabic responses.
Finally, he turned to them and suggested Georgiana share her “secret” with Miss Elizabeth.
Georgiana’s eyes replied with her thanks, and they sparkled as she told of her brother’s gift.
“You are fortunate to have such a loving brother,” Elizabeth observed. He did not hear his sister’s reply or what was said after, but light laughter occurred, and the nature of the exchange sounded pleasant.
Darcy recalled his promise to Bingley so when there was a lull in the conversation, he said, “Miss Bennet, Mr. Bingley is awaiting the opportunity to renew his acquaintance. May I summon him?”
“By all means.”
Darcy asked a servant to inform Bingley of his company being desired, and then Darcy stepped to his sister’s side.
In moments, they heard Bingley’s tread on the stairs, and a few seconds later, he entered the room.
His unaffected warmth and cordiality pleased all.
Bingley inquired in a friendly way after Elizabeth’s family.
Darcy observed how she watched Bingley and Georgiana together.
He knew enough of the lady’s disposition to recognize her curiosity.
Bingley’s sisters may have held continuing hopes of an alliance between Bingley and Georgiana, but Darcy had abandoned such notions long before there was a Miss Jane Bennet.
The half hour stay passed too quickly for Darcy’s pleasure, but when they rose to leave, he called upon his sister to invite the Gardiners and Miss Elizabeth to supper at Pemberley before they left Lambton.
The day after tomorrow was decided upon among the group, and plans were made for their arrival at his estate.
“Yes, please, Miss Bennet, I would love for us to play together,” Georgiana added quickly.
“I am not confident my talents merit a new pianoforte,” she teased while looking only at Darcy, “but I would enjoy sharing some of your favorite music.”
Before departing, Bingley expressed great pleasure in seeing Elizabeth again.
He asked of her sisters, without mentioning Miss Jane Bennet directly, reminisced about their time at Netherfield, and gave her to know he hoped to speak more of those not mentioned previously.
Darcy observed all this and realized he must secure information on Miss Jane Bennet’s inclinations towards his friend.
Finally, he renewed his invitation to Mr. Gardiner to join the gentlemen at Pemberley for fishing.
Gardiner agreed to join them by noon on the morrow.
Unwillingly, the Darcys and Mr. Bingley left the Gardiner party with promises to meet again soon; the day and the meeting had gone better than Darcy had anticipated.
Elizabeth had smiled with momentary flashes of the connection they once possessed.
On the return ride to Pemberley, Darcy’s smile could not be contained. At length, he asked, “Georgiana, did you like Miss Elizabeth?”
His sister’s smile was nearly as large as was his. “I was so frightened at first, but Miss Elizabeth is one of the most pleasant people I have ever met. I felt foolish for being so apprehensive.”
“You were enjoying yourself, then?”
“Miss Elizabeth was telling me tales of your acquaintance.”
“Is that what you found so amusing?” His eyebrow shot up.
“Actually, she was telling of her mortification at having to dance with Mr. Collins for the first set at Mr. Bingley’s ball,” his sister confided while continuing to chuckle.
“It was a display to which I would not wish to subject anyone,” Darcy reflected. “I nearly stepped in to rescue her.”
“Then she spoke of the honor of dancing with you, William,” Georgiana added cautiously, obviously not wishing to provide him false hopes. “I was most touched when she spoke of your showing her a glade at Rosings which was a favorite of our mother. I was a bit jealous.”
Darcy felt his sister’s hurt and apologized immediately. “I feared it would distress you.” He caught her eye. “I would love to show you the path the next time we are at Rosings. We should speak more of Lady Anne.”
“I have no memories of our mother, William,” she whispered.
“Then we should share mine. If I had realized you felt as such, I would have done so before now. I thought,” he stumbled, “I thought I was protecting you.”
“Miss Elizabeth says I am fortunate to possess a loving brother, and I agree.” Georgiana smiled up at him.
Darcy swallowed hard. He searched for a means to change the conversation before he choked up completely. “Mr. Gardiner appears to be a real angler. I am looking forward to spending time with him tomorrow.”
Georgiana said, “I agree. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are most amiable.”
“It is likely, my dear, that while Mr. Gardiner partakes in the sport, his wife and Miss Elizabeth will return your call. Are you comfortable with being their hostess or would you prefer my early return?”
“I have no experience in serving as the hostess.” The thoughts of it obviously agitated her. “I suppose I may turn to Mrs. Annesley, Miss Bingley, and Mrs. Hurst if I can think of nothing of interest.”
“Mrs. Annesley,” Darcy cautioned, “will be most worthy, and, naturally, Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Bennet will be congenial. However, I do not believe Miss Bingley or Mrs. Hurst will be more than barely civil with Miss Elizabeth.”
“I do not understand. Do not Mr. Bingley’s sisters hold Miss Elizabeth in as high regard as their brother?”
“Bingley’s sisters will not, I believe, be pleased to remind their brother of Hertfordshire and Miss Jane Bennet. They do not share his regard for that particular lady. Moreover, I foolishly showed Miss Elizabeth more attention than I should have. Miss Bingley took note of my actions.”
“I see,” was his sister’s only reply. At length, she spoke again, “Do you think you might make an appearance, William?”
“If you so wish.” Darcy was relieved. He knew if Elizabeth was at Pemberley, he could be nowhere else.
“I will settle Mr. Gardiner by the lake and then make my excuses.” They finished their journey with Georgiana’s retellings.
At last, she looked at her brother and said, “Miss Jane Bennet must be very lovely, indeed.”
“I do not understand.”
“If it is as Mr. Bingley has declared and Miss Jane Bennet is more beautiful than Miss Elizabeth, then she must be very beautiful. It is no wonder Mr. Bingley found her beguiling.” His sister sighed.