Chapter 33 A Significant Introduction
A SIGNIFICANT INTRODUCTION
I waited the next day, not willing to stir until the sample of lake water was delivered. Not that I was certain it had any value. But I would pursue every chance.
My aunt and uncle raved about Pemberley, then puzzled over Mr. Darcy, then raved about Pemberley again. I paced, trying not to listen.
“Lizzy,” called my uncle. “Should I accept his offer to fish? Mrs. Gardiner and I have difficulty making him out. I found him charming, but from your description, I expected a very different man. If he is so changeable in his moods, perhaps I will be chased off if I return?”
“I think he is not changeable,” I said. My uncle appeared unconvinced, so I added, “My original description may have been in error.”
“Oh. Well, I should like to give it a try, then.” To his wyfe, he said, “What do you say?”
My aunt was studying me with a disconcertingly perceptive expression. “I am not yet sure.”
I heard a carriage outside and ran to the window. A curricle with a gentleman and lady was driving up the street, followed by a large coach with a four-horse team.
“Oh.” I turned to my aunt and uncle. “It is Mr. Darcy.”
They exchanged a look, and my aunt folded her arms triumphantly.
I plunked down in the nearest seat. An excessive number of feet began stamping up the stairs. There was a knock, and my uncle invited them in.
The chambermaid opened the door and curtsied, announcing, “Mr. Darcy.” Even as we rose, Mr. Darcy strode in. He greeted my aunt and uncle cordially, then turned to me and stalled. Finally, he bowed. “Miss Bennet.”
I nodded, distracted by the stream of footmen placing large wicker boxes beside the wall. This continued until there were twelve, which filled half the floor.
A footman opened the lids, revealing a variety of glass containers packed in straw, from the size of saltshakers to huge jars, all filled with clear liquid and corked and waxed.
We had fallen silent at the display, including Mr. Darcy, who appeared abashed. As the last lid opened, he said, “I hoped this would assist your project. But this may be excessive for transportation by carriage.”
“Perhaps we could take just one?” I suggested. He nodded, and I chose a box with a collection of manageable jars.
While the footmen packed up the remaining eleven boxes, Mr. Darcy stepped closer to speak privately.
“I have reviewed my notes from other cases. Only one treatment for binding sickness has proven benefit, an extract of rowan flowers. It is not a cure, but it slows progression. My apothecary has begun preparing the medicine and will finish tomorrow. I can have it sent to Longbourn, or to here if you will still be in Lambton.”
“Thank you. That is wonderful. Please send it here. I would prefer to carry it with me.” My aunt and uncle were too settled to leave today anyway.
Once all but one wicker box had vanished out the door, a young lady, reed-thin and slightly taller than me, entered. She wore a dark blue muslin dress and bonnet, impeccably fitted but simply cut.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” Mr. Darcy said. His tone had become serious. “It would be my honor to introduce my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
We exchanged greetings while I recovered from my surprise at such a significant introduction.
Under her bonnet, her eyes were as dark blue as her dress.
I knew she was sixteen, but I could have guessed her younger or older.
She was a wisp of a creature, like a child who has shot up in height, but her voice was melodious and mature.
Beautiful voice aside, each time she spoke, her words were brief. She was well-spoken and polite, but I wondered if she was shy.
“Your brother speaks of you often,” I told her, smiling and trying to put her at ease.
“And of you, very often,” she said with her own smile, and I was the one who felt shy.
Unsure what to say next, I introduced her to my aunt and uncle.
After greeting them, Miss Darcy said to my uncle, “I understand you will visit Pemberley again. Will you attend this afternoon?”
When my uncle agreed, having little choice when invited so directly, she continued, “If you are not engaged, would you dine with us after?”
My uncle accepted, but I saw his stunned surprise.
Then Miss Darcy gave her own gasp of surprise and bent to peer under the table. She had spotted the Gardiners’ tykeworm, who was observing the bustle from a safe location.
Miss Darcy dropped to her knees, her reticence forgotten. “Oh! You are a handsome creature!”
I waited for the tyke’s reaction. Ever since the Pemberley gamekeeper spoke of Miss Darcy, I had wondered if she had the same strange ability as me.
However, the tyke showed none of the friendliness he showed me. He crouched, his head lowered and little shoulders stiff. I had almost forgotten that was a draca’s response to inquisitive people. They are not friendly animals like dogs.
I prepared to ask him silently to behave.
Then Miss Darcy began to sing.
Her voice was wordless and soft, scarcely more than humming.
The tone rose and fell in strange intervals, like a Chinese song that Mary had played years ago.
There was no melody. The rhythms did not repeat.
The notes wandered, calming and natural, like the music of wind rustling a branch, or rain falling on a puddle.
She held out her hand, and the little tykeworm crawled forward and nuzzled her adoringly.
When we arrived at Pemberley House after rushed preparations, we were greeted outside the mansion by Miss Darcy, who was strolling in the gardens.
“My brother remained in Lambton for business, but he will join us for a late dinner. May I be your host in his absence?”
My aunt and uncle accepted her offer, and my shoulders released enough tension to tie a horse. At least Mr. Darcy would not jump out of some corner for several hours.
I watched Miss Darcy converse with my aunt and uncle.
Her manner was changed, surrounded by the dazzling blooms and foliage of her estate.
Although she was a quiet hostess, preferring to prompt my uncle into long answers than speak herself, she was poised, and relaxed enough that girlish hints of youth escaped.
Even so, it was hard to believe she was no older than Lydia.
She wore an unusual long-sleeved red silk dress that wrapped in front, almost a morning robe. It fastened with gold cloth buttons and had a high collar like a gentleman’s shirt. A thread-thin chain around her neck dangled a delicate musical note in gold.
The silk of her dress was patterned in flowing gold shapes.
“Are those draca?” I asked. The sinuous outlines reminded me of our firedrake.
Until now the conversation had been polite niceties. She was caught by my more personal question, then smiled. “They are Chinese renderings of their dragon folklore.”
“Is it a Chinese dress?”
“It is a Chinese style they call a qípáo. But not this.” She touched her cap, which was a traditional at-home cap for a lady, although in red silk.
Underneath, her hair was as dark as her brother’s.
“The Chinese ladies wear strange things on their heads. But I like their dresses if I have the sleeves fitted closely. I wear them at home sometimes. I thought I would be brave and wear it for you. I should not be brave enough to wear it out.”
“It is beautiful.”
She had skin light enough to freckle, and her blush was evident. In whole, she was a charming young lady, and blossoming into a beautiful woman. And a wealthy one. Her brother would be fighting off suitors.
I remembered Mr. Darcy’s letter describing Mr. Wickham’s attempted elopement when she was fifteen. No wonder Mr. Darcy had been furious when they met in Meryton.
The Pemberley gamekeeper, Mr. Rabb, was approaching with fishing rods over his shoulder.
Miss Darcy turned to my uncle. “My brother mentioned that you fish. I am no fisherman, but I have found you a guide.”
Mr. Rabb caught my eye with a grin then began discussing tying flies with Mr. Gardiner.
Mrs. Gardiner and I joined Miss Darcy to tour the gardens. We set off at a gentle pace, but after a few minutes, my aunt’s legs tired. She settled on one of the benches while Miss Darcy and I continued.
Our pace sped up, but we fell quiet. The gardens were stunning, but admiring flowers seemed old-fashioned for two young ladies alone.
I decided to try a more intimate topic. “Pemberley is a remarkable estate. But large, for a brother and sister.”
“You are right. We entertain at times, but I do not travel as much as my brother. I am often here alone. Fitz tried retaining a lady companion last year, but I did not like her.”
Fitz? I tried to imagine anyone addressing Mr. Darcy as “Fitz” and failed spectacularly.
“Mrs. Reynolds is dear,” continued Miss Darcy, “but very old. Most of the staff have lived here longer than I.” She gave me a conspiratorial glance. “You must not tell, but our new housemaid is great fun. She has taught me games from her school.”
“Lucy. Yes, she is sweet. I met her at Netherfield.”
“She told me.”
I sighed in dismay. “Does everyone at Pemberley speak of me?”
“Of course not.” We walked a few steps. “When I found Mr. Rabb this morning, can you imagine whom he knew?”
I stopped, and she looked at me innocently.
“This is most unfair!” I said, and she broke into laughter. A layer of reserve broke as well, and we linked arms to walk as friends.
As sunset colored the sky, our group reassembled, including the Gardiners’ tykeworm, who had been freed from our coach for fear he would claw his way out.
Mr. Gardiner displayed the two trout he had caught, while his fishing companion, Mr. Rabb, ruefully showed his one. I suspected that being outfished by gentlemen was a talent of gamekeepers.
The fish were admired and taken to the kitchen. Then Miss Darcy’s face lit. “My brother!”
In the distance, Mr. Darcy, hatless and dressed in practical riding gear, trotted his gray horse into the stables and vanished.
Miss Darcy invited us into the drawing room, then excused herself to meet her brother.
I sat down, but sitting made me more nervous, so I began pacing the room. On my fourth pass, my aunt got up and invited me to admire the view. We went to the window, glowing gold with sunset, and I blew out a big breath.
My aunt took my hand. “It is evident, Lizzy, that this invitation was not offered because of Mr. Gardiner and myself.”
“Oh, Aunt. You do not know how difficult this is.”
“I am sure I do not. But I am also sure that Mr. Gardiner and I should excuse ourselves before dinner. We shall not be missed.”
“You shall be missed by me!” I said, but she only raised an eyebrow. “Do not leave me alone.”
“We will stay if you wish. But silent stares at Mr. Darcy will not make things less difficult. You must talk it through. To whatever outcome.”
“Do not be wise, Aunt. I am beyond wisdom.”
“You are my most sensible niece and a very competent lady.”
“But I do not even know what I want.”
“That is when talking is most helpful. You have made Miss Darcy’s acquaintance. Nothing prevents you from dining at Pemberley with her and her brother.” When I said nothing, she added, “You can always depart after dinner and regale us with tales of finery. Besides, you will not be alone.”
She pointed to the floor, where the tykeworm sat loyally at my feet.
“What do you think?” I asked him and received a bored yawn in response.