Chapter Twenty-three #3
Mrs. Inwood nodded in a kind way. “I am sure you will do a fine job with it, Miss Darcy. My family has had many dogs. I will be happy to assist you with Flora’s training.”
“Thank you. I will make every effort to be successful in training her to be my pet.”
“That is commendable,” Mrs. Inwood praised.
Georgiana looked up at Darcy and raised her eyebrows.
“Is there something else you would like to ask Mrs. Inwood?” Darcy asked. His sister nodded vigorously. “Go ahead.”
She looked across the table at Mrs. Inwood and told her of the plan to become more self-reliant.
“That is also exceedingly commendable, Miss Darcy,” Mrs. Inwood said.
“I believe I can help you there. I speak French and Italian. I know how to cook, how to clean, how to wash a garment and stockings. I imagine you have servants who could do the same, but they have their own work, do they not? I know how to plan many different types of entertainments, if that is something with which you need help?”
“I am somewhat familiar with this art, but I look forward to learning more,” Georgiana told her, grinning now.
“You are quite correct that the servants have their own work, and I do not wish to disturb them. My maid will assist me with learning how to dress myself and care for my clothing. I do not wish to be a laundress, you understand, ma’am, but I wish to know some of the basics. My needlework skills are good.”
“We could practice them by making baby things to be donated to a local charity, if that suits?”
“Yes, I would like that.”
Darcy cleared his throat. Georgiana and Mrs. Inwood focused on him. “I support my sister’s endeavor to become more self-reliant, but her efforts must remain within the bounds of propriety.”
“Of course, sir,” Mrs. Inwood murmured, nodding once.
“The goal is to increase her confidence, you understand?” Darcy asked.
“I do, sir.”
“Georgiana will be presented in the spring of 1813,” he said. “She will need social polishing before that time.”
Mrs. Inwood repeated her nod of understanding.
“We could embark on a program of improving her mind through the reading of good books, and learning to understand history and politics. I know there are individuals who would prefer their daughters to remain ignorant of the world they live in, but I believe a well-informed mind is attractive to the right sort of gentleman one wants for a husband. Is such a scheme acceptable to you, Mr. Darcy?”
“It is,” he said shortly. “Georgiana will remain in Hertfordshire for another week. Will you stay for a few days so we may get to know you better? If I decide to engage your services, you may join Georgiana in London directly from Hemel Hempstead. She will be staying with her aunt, Lady Orillia Fitzwilliam. I will provide the fare for your journey.” He turned to his cousin, who had stood next to the Adam’s designed fireplace during the interview, saying nothing.
“Is there anything you would like to ask Mrs. Inwood?”
Douglas shook his head. “No. I have complete confidence in her.”
“Thank you, Colonel,” she said.
Darcy placed his hand on his sister’s arm. “I think we should introduce Mrs. Inwood to Elliot. Will you go and ask Brewster to have him sent in, please?”
“Of course,” she said, rising.
Douglas opened the door for her and shut it afterward. “Darcy, if you mean to tell Mrs. Inwood about the current danger to our girl, I have already warned her of it.”
“You did not…?”
His cousin held up his hand. “No specific history. I thought if we decided to engage Mrs. Inwood we could tell her then.”
“I am perfectly capable of keeping a secret,” she promised, her expression grave. “However, I can safeguard my charge without knowing it. I will not permit any gentleman to importune Miss Darcy.”
I like her confidence. She has the air of a woman who brooks no nonsense.
The door opened and Brewster entered, bearing a tray of tea things. Georgiana followed soon after. She regained her place and began preparing the tea.
“Elliot is coming,” Georgiana told Darcy. “He was in your bedchamber, and a footman had to be sent to fetch him.”
The door opened not two minutes later, and Elliot entered the small room.
“Sir,” he said, bowing to Darcy.
“Elliot, come around to this side of the table.” The valet obediently circled the table to stand next to Darcy. “This is Mrs. Inwood.”
“Madam,” Elliot said, bowing again.
Mrs. Inwood nodded to him.
“Elliot is my valet. He will accompany you and Georgiana whenever you leave the house,” Darcy explained. “Including if you are just walking in the gardens.”
“I understand,” Mrs. Inwood said, accepting a cup of tea.
“May we go and see Flora tomorrow, Fitz?” his sister asked.
“You may take the chaise,” Darcy said. “Elliot will ride with Simon Coachman.”
Georgiana began to tell Mrs. Inwood about how they discovered the litter of puppies. Darcy drank his tea, ate a slice of date cake, and observed their potential governess-companion. He met Douglas’ gaze and nodded slightly to him. Though it was early days yet, the lady seemed promising.
The door opened and Brewster entered, carrying a silver salver upon which a note rested.
Elliot went to him, listened to the butler’s low murmuring, took the salver from him, and presented it to Darcy.
Picking up the letter, he rose and moved to the window, apart from the others.
He turned the missive over, broke the seal, spread the paper open, and read the words written there.
Damn and blast.