Chapter 3
After a particularly harrowing day, Darcy bade goodnight to his sister and secluded himself in his study.
Pouring himself a glass of brandy, he sunk into a comfortable chair as he relived all the disjointed moments and sentiments that had made up the last twenty-four hours—both the terrors and the joys alike.
It had taken some persuasion, but after considerable probing on his part, Georgiana had finally revealed all that had occurred following her misadventure chasing a petty thief.
To think that some lousy sot had importuned his sister made his blood boil—Darcy could admit that he would have been sorely tempted to track the man down had it not been for his overwhelming astonishment at the identity of her rescuers.
Elizabeth Bennet. The very woman he had fled Hertfordshire to avoid was now expected to call at his London home to take tea with his sister.
Although he was most grateful for the aid Miss Bennet and her mischievous little cousin had rendered Georgiana, he still did not think it wise to pursue the acquaintance.
Just one glance at her beautifully fine eyes had threatened to undo him, and Darcy could only assume that more exposure would leave him utterly powerless to her siren’s song.
She had no connexions, no fortune, and a wealth of embarrassing relations that could leave the Darcy name in tatters should he allow his fascination with her to continue unchecked.
Could she have followed me to London? She had to possess some inkling of his regard—particularly after his admittedly poor attempts at flirting in the parlour at Netherfield.
No matter—he would simply avoid her during the coming visit and discourage the acquaintance. While Darcy could admit that her London relations seemed pleasant enough and surprisingly fashionable, the fact remained that Elizabeth Bennet was a wholly unsuitable choice for a bride.
Resolved, Darcy set out to avoid all the arts and allurements of one particularly elegant female, lest he forget all he owed to his family by allowing himself to be drawn in.
“Thank you so much again for agreeing to visit. Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet, this is my companion, Mrs Annesley.”
“A pleasure to meet you both, I am sure. I am exceedingly grateful for the service you provided my young charge. Although I have only been in the Darcys’ employ for a few months, I have grown tremendously fond of Miss Darcy.”
Georgiana smiled at her companion before turning back to her guests. She had been unaccountably nervous before Miss Bennet and her aunt had arrived, as she desired the approval of the young woman her brother had spoken so highly of in his letters from Netherfield.
“We are truly grateful for the invitation. You have a lovely home,” Miss Bennet replied, her warm smile bolstering Georgiana’s confidence.
It was also reassuring for the young girl to notice that while Miss Bennet looked on the furnishings and arrangements with approval, Georgiana could not espy any avarice in her gaze—something that was unfortunately rare within her circle of acquaintances.
“Please sit down—I have ordered some of our favourite biscuits from Cook. While they are quite popular in Derbyshire, we do not always have them when in London.”
Miss Bennet and Mrs Gardiner graciously sat down, and with only a slightly shaking hand, Georgiana took up her duties as hostess if not with confidence then at least without discomfiture.
“Why, I do not believe I have had Duchess of Devonshire biscuits in years—the caraway seeds make them truly delightful! How refreshing to have a small taste of home!” Mrs Gardiner enthused.
“You are from Derbyshire, Mrs Gardiner?” Georgiana asked in surprise.
“Why, yes. I spent my formative years in the town of Lambton.”
“But that is not five miles from Pemberley!” cried Georgiana, astonished at the connexion.
“My father was the vicar at Lambton for several years. Perhaps your brother might recall a Mr Greene from his youth? We lived there until he was offered the position of rector for a parish in London.”
“I shall have to ask my brother upon his return—I am sorry that he was not here to greet you as well, but he had an appointment he could not cancel,” Georgiana explained, though her brother’s behaviour that morning had puzzled her greatly—it was almost as if he had been avoiding her, which was not like him.
“I can promise you, we are not offended,” Miss Bennet reassured her. “After all, I should never expect Mr Darcy to cancel his plans when our acquaintance is really quite trifling.”
Trifling? After all her brother had written to her about Miss Bennet, she was surprised to see the lady so unaffected by his absence. Granted, he had never been particularly open with her regarding members of the fairer sex—but she had thought Miss Bennet had held his interest.
“Despite the events of the morning, I hope you were able to enjoy the fair yesterday. My cousins were quite impressed by some of the gentlemen who were ice skating—though I must admit the number of revolutions they performed made me dizzy while standing still.”
“Oh yes!” Georgiana enthused. “Ice skating is one of my favourite activities in winter. You should join me tomorrow, for I had planned to skate on the Serpentine! That is—if you would like to—I only meant—you would be more than welcome.”
Heat flooded Georgiana’s face as she looked down at her lap, wringing her handkerchief. Unexpectedly, a small, warm palm stilled her frantic motions. Looking up, she was surprised to see Miss Bennet’s friendly and reassuring smile.
“As long as you are not easily mortified, I would be happy to accompany you. Though I feel I must warn you—my skills are truly dreadful. For whatever reason, if my feet are not planted on terra firma, I am the most ungainly creature you have ever seen.”
Georgiana’s face relaxed into a smile, relieved that her fumbling attempt had been met with such kindness.
“Of course,” Miss Bennet continued, “I would not wish to inconvenience Mr Darcy. He must look forward to the time you share together.”
“He is the best of brothers! Oh—but he cannot join us tomorrow. Our uncle, the earl, requires his presence at their club.”
Again, Miss Bennet’s response caught Georgiana off guard. Why, she almost seemed relieved that Fitzwilliam would not accompany them!
Setting her confusion to the side, Georgiana thoroughly enjoyed the remainder of her guests’ visit. Miss Bennet was a gifted conversationalist who had the remarkable ability to set anyone at ease—something Georgiana greatly admired. What a wonderful sister she would make!
Just as her visitors were gathering their outer garments and preparing to depart, her brother unexpectedly arrived home.
“Ah, Miss Bennet. I trust your visit has been pleasant,” he commented with a quick bow.
Returning the greeting, Miss Bennet curtseyed and replied, “Miss Darcy was an exceedingly gracious hostess. I believe you have met my aunt Mrs Gardiner.”
Georgiana noted a hint of a challenge in Miss Bennet’s expression, which confused her greatly.
Fitzwilliam executed another stiff bow and muttered, “Yes, of course.”
Hoping to ease some of the tension between her brother and Miss Bennet, Georgiana added, “Fitzwilliam, Mrs Gardiner is from Derbyshire. She mentioned you may have been acquainted with her father when you were younger—a Mr Greene, was it not?”
At her words, the stiffness in her brother’s bearing melted away. With a far more congenial expression, he turned to their other guest. “I remember your father—he was a fine man, and my own father appreciated his sermons and counsel a great deal.”
“Thank you, Mr Darcy. That is very kind of you to say.” Turning to her niece, Mrs Gardiner continued, “Well, Lizzy, I believe it is time to return home. Thank you again for your hospitality, Miss Darcy—we had a delightful time.”
“I am so very pleased to hear you say so, Mrs Gardiner. Shall I send our coachman to collect you tomorrow, Miss Bennet? I promise he is very adept at managing the horses—even when the roads are frozen.”
With a slightly apprehensive glance in Mr Darcy’s direction, Miss Bennet replied, “Of course. Though, do remember what I said. You may regret the invitation once you realise I shall spend more time sitting upon the ice than skating upon it.”
At Miss Bennet’s teasing smirk, Georgiana giggled and replied, “I shall keep that under advisement.”
Following a fond farewell, Georgiana faced her brother, noting with some surprise that he was still staring after the form of Miss Bennet a full minute after her departure.
“It truly was the most enjoyable tea I have ever experienced, Fitzwilliam. Miss Bennet is wonderful! She possesses such confidence, yet she is not afraid to laugh at herself—I wish I owned even an ounce of her courage.”
“You are young yet, Georgie. Self-assurance will come in time.”
Feeling bolstered by her brother’s certitude, Georgiana continued, “I cannot deny that it was also refreshing to form a new acquaintance who appears to hold no interest in you.”
In a surprisingly sharp tone, her brother demanded, “Why would you say that?”
“Well…” Georgiana paused, rattled by her brother’s intense scrutiny.
“I do not mean to be impertinent, but you are well aware that many ladies are friendly to me only for your benefit. Miss Bennet, on the other hand, seemed perfectly indifferent. She actually appeared a little relieved that you did not join us, rather than disappointed as most ladies are.”
As the clock chimed, Georgiana recalled that Mrs Annesley was waiting for her in the music room. Quickly excusing herself, she left her brother and his peculiar disgruntlement behind.