There was caution in the other girl’s eyes, who was as fair as Jane. Elizabeth smiled at her and curtsied.
“Georgiana. That’s such a pretty name. I hope we can be friends, Miss Darcy.”
The girl nodded a little jerkily. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Bennet.”
The officer, in full colonel’s regalia, bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet.” He looked pleasant and amiable, and Elizabeth began to relax a little. Miss Darcy’s brother stood beside him, silent, and Elizabeth glanced up at him, and away again quickly. What was that she saw in his eyes?
The colonel soon steered his cousin away, and Elizabeth was left with Georgiana, who stared after her brother. She looked a little bereft. Elizabeth drew breath. Perhaps her work started here. She touched her arm.
“Might we sit down, Miss Darcy? I’m afraid I don’t know anything about you or your family; so I will rely on you to tell me if I say or do anything foolish.”
“Oh, of course!” The girl looked nervous, but she led the way over to the sofa beside one of the two great fireplaces. Elizabeth sighed with relief.
“Thank you.” She smiled cheerfully at the other girl. “I always find it a little intimidating when I have to meet a lot of new people.” She glanced over at the rest of the party and away again quickly, having caught the eye of Mr. Darcy upon her. She shivered a little.
“Do you find it hard, Miss Darcy?”
“Oh, yes,” the girl sighed deeply. “I thought I was the only one to feel that way.”
Elizabeth settled back. “You mustn’t believe that, Miss Darcy. Most people feel like that, but nearly everyone hides it by pretending to be confident and following the rules of society.”
The other girl stifled a giggle. “Even you, and your aunt and uncle?”
Elizabeth smiled appreciatively. “Even me, although I am not so sure of my aunt and uncle.” She glanced over. “I think they are uneasy. We do not normally move in such high society.”
The girl gave a strained smile. “We are just ordinary people, Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth glanced at her. Now was not the time to deny it. She doubted the girl had ever once had to lift a finger to do anything for herself. She shook herself inside. It was not the girl’s fault, and she was being pleasant.
Elizabeth could be her companion without risk of her being unpleasant or malicious, she thought. But she must get the measure of the girl.
She settled herself back on the sofa. “Tell me, what do you do each day? Do you enjoy music or drawing? How do you like to occupy your time?”
“Oh, I love music,” Miss Darcy sighed. “I practice as many hours as I can, and I’m trying to get more confident in my singing, but I don’t feel able to sing in front of people yet.” She turned to Elizabeth. “Do you play?”
“Oh, yes,” Elizabeth smiled. “I have a lot of fun — especially when I play duets with one of my sisters.”
Miss Darcy looked animated. “Do you have sisters? Oh, I would have loved a sister.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Well, I have four sisters and no brothers, so you can imagine how noisy the house could be.”
She continued talking to Miss Darcy, very conscious of the eyes of the gentlemen upon her. But she attempted to ignore it. They’re just watching to see that I can help Miss Darcy, that’s all.
She was very relieved when dinner was announced. The colonel offered her his arm, and Mr. Darcy escorted his sister.
11
Darcy was seated opposite Miss Bennet and he tried to avoid watching her too obviously. Richard was on her right, and, in deference to the subterfuge, Georgiana was on her other side.
He had to acknowledge to himself that she seemed remarkably composed, talking comfortably to Richard, and encouraging Georgiana into the conversation.
He swallowed, this time next week, she would be his wife. He had to admit she was as pretty as his uncle had said, and as lively; and he felt a twinge of envy as she laughed at something Richard had said to her.
“Lizzy is very dear to us, Mr. Darcy.” Mrs. Gardiner on his right spoke quietly to him. “I hope you can promise me that you will be good to her.” She sounded alarmingly close to tears, and he tensed.
“Of course I will, madam. I am …” he could think of nothing else to add.
She smiled sadly. “She will be surprised, I think, at our plans, and sad, too. But she is a dutiful girl and has a strong sense of responsibility.”
He nodded heavily. “I, too, am unhappy at the subterfuge that I have been compelled to agree with.”
She looked up at him, shiny-eyed, and he looked away hastily.
Aunt Alice was on his other side, but she wasn’t eating much. She smiled at him. “Georgiana seems to be happy with her,” she murmured, and he nodded silently. He wished dinner was over. No, he wished the whole evening was over and it was done.
Finally, dinner was finished. He stood with the gentlemen, and waited quietly while his aunt and the ladies withdrew. Then they sat down and the footman placed the port beside his uncle’s right hand, and the cigars were passed round.
Darcy made a face. He poured his port when the decanter was passed to him; neither he nor Richard took a cigar.
“Well, I think that went very well.” Uncle Henry took a sip of his port. “What did you think of her, David?”
Darcy scowled. Why didn’t he ask him first? It was nothing whatsoever to do with the Viscount, and everything to do with him.
“I think she’s very sweet. I have no doubt Rachel will be happy to receive her.” His cousin looked over at Gardiner.
“Is she out, Mr. Gardiner?”
Miss Bennet’s uncle shook his head. “No, sir. By the time she was old enough, her father was already ill.”
Darcy looked at him properly for the first time. The man was well-mannered and gentlemanly, although nothing could hide that he was drawn and tired-looking. He knew the man was in trade. However, because of his sacrifices, the next generation of Gardiners would be gentlemen, like Bingley. Darcy was impressed by that, and knew Uncle Henry was as well.
This part of Miss Bennet’s family was acceptable. He felt rather better.
Uncle Henry leaned forward and looked at Richard. “What do you think of her, Richard?”
“I think she is delightful.” Richard didn’t hesitate. “Mother is right.”
He looked at Darcy. “You are a lucky man.”
Lucky! But Darcy swallowed his feelings. Nobody was asking him what he thought. He took a sip of his port and stopped listening.
What did he think of her? Georgiana liked her, he could see that; just as easily he had seen how frightened she was of Miss Bingley, and how wary of Cousin Anne.
He stared at his glass. He had little choice, it was Miss Bennet, or Cousin Anne.
He leaned forward. “Mr. Gardiner?”
The man looked startled. “Yes, Mr. Darcy?”
“Please could you tell me a little about your niece? What she likes to do, how she would pass her time if not otherwise occupied?”
The man smiled slightly. “We are very fond of Lizzy, and she was her father’s favourite. She is the second of five daughters, and has the sweetest disposition. But it hides a sharp mind and lively wit. She is active and enjoyed long walks in the countryside when she lived in Hertfordshire. She has an excellent knowledge of nature and botany. Perhaps you would like to hear her play and sing when we rejoin the ladies, her talent is pleasing.” He chuckled.
“Unfortunately, her talents do not extend to painting and drawing, although she is always willing to try, and she is able to laugh at her own failings.” He looked directly at Darcy.
“We would ask that you are good to her, sir. She is willing and loyal, and will make you a fine wife.”
Darcy bowed his head. “Thank you.”
There was silence for a few minutes. Then Uncle Henry cleared his throat. “So, are there any more questions? I think we should rejoin the ladies. Perhaps we can ask Miss Bennet and G
eorgiana to play for us — and Rachel, too, if she would like to, David.”
He glanced over at Darcy. “Then we will contrive an opportunity for you to talk to Miss Bennet, Darcy. I think this thing needs to be settled tonight. Do you agree?”
Darcy stared hard at his glass, knowing they were all regarding him, and knowing that a dark flush was spreading up his neck. He was thankful that the candlelight was not too bright where he was sitting. Miss Bennet or Cousin Anne? That was all the choice he had. He held still for a moment for the answer to drop into his mind.
Not Cousin Anne.
Not a positive choice, but the least worst. He took a deep breath. “Yes, Uncle Henry. I agree.”
“Good.” His uncle seemed relieved that he had finally spoken frankly, and nodded jovially, clapping Mr. Gardiner on the back. The man seemed surprised, but of course, he was part of the family now. Darcy wondered if he’d realised that.
Richard was beside him. “I know how hard it’s been for you, Darcy. But I think you will be easier in your mind now the decision is made.”
Darcy glanced at him. “What do I say to her? I cannot say I love and desire her. I have only just met her.”
Richard grimaced. “We can talk while the ladies play to us. I must say, this is the difficult part, if she really does not know. I wonder if she has guessed?”
Darcy shook his head. “I think if she had, she would be looking at me a little more, seeing the sort of person I am.”
Richard guffawed. “If she doesn’t know, I think she will get quite a surprise when she sees Pemberley.”
Uncle Henry looked back in irritation at his younger son’s laugh, and Richard sobered up.
“I’ll be there, Darcy, to back you up,” he whispered, as they followed the other gentlemen to the drawing room.
Darcy’s eyes went at once to Miss Bennet, and he was surprised to find that he felt rather differently towards her already. Georgiana was looking at her with animation and cheerfulness. He had rarely seen her look so happy in company.
He would have been happy to sit quietly with a book and listen to the ladies play — if only he didn’t have to speak to her, make her an offer, not out of love, but out of expediency.
Richard touched his arm and they stood back slightly, while Uncle Henry joined the ladies and he heard him asking if they would be so kind as to entertain them all. He saw Cousin Rachel offering to go first, politeness had obviously meant Miss Bennet would not be expected to take the first turn.
He turned to Richard and they sat slightly away from the main group.
“So, what am I to say?” he asked Richard urgently. The time was near and he had no ideas.
“I have no idea what I would say if it were me,” Richard shook his head. “But I think I would start by asking about her family and her employment and how you understand her need for security in this difficult time.”
Darcy nodded. That sounded quite reasonable. “Then?”
Richard shrugged. “Well, that depends on how she receives what you have already said.” He looked across the room at her. “I think you will have to improvise.”
“A great help you are,” Darcy grumbled. He watched as Miss Bennet rose and crossed gracefully to the pianoforte. Despite himself, he felt his senses stir.
He sat and listened to her with some considerable pleasure — and surprise. He had heard she’d not had the benefit of a good education, but for a self-taught young lady, she had a natural liveliness and talent.
He saw Georgiana watching her with equal pleasure, and he thought he would very much enjoy family evenings at Pemberley with both of them taking turns to play.
Richard nudged him, and they moved over to join the main group of the party. He saw the card table being set up in a quiet corner, and sensed Richard’s quiet amusement.
Cousin David turned to Mrs. Gardiner.
“I wonder if you would take a turn at cards with my wife and I — and you, Richard. We would welcome the chance to converse.”
As the four moved away to the card table, Aunt Alice smiled at Georgiana. “I think it is your turn to play, child. I will come and turn the pages for you.”
Georgiana cast him a startled look, and he nodded at her, his heart constricted within him.
He turned to Gardiner. “Does she know anything, or suspect?” he asked urgently, as the music stopped.
The man shook his head. “I did hear my wife telling her she should be open-minded about any chance of such security, but today she is thinking she may be offered a position as a companion …” he broke off, as he saw her moving back towards the fire.
Darcy stood up as she approached, and bowed. She smiled at him and he felt a swooping sensation within him, and he watched her turn to her uncle with a warm, womanly smile.
His own uncle nodded at her. “You play very well, Miss Bennet.”
She dipped a little curtsey. “Thank you, my lord. But I think Miss Darcy has the better of me.” Georgiana had started playing in the background.
“Well, I don’t know,” his uncle rumbled. “She has been excellently taught and has good technique, but I would like to see her develop a sense of fun and liveliness with it. Then she will be outstanding.”
“She is still very young.” Miss Bennet’s eyes were on Georgiana as she played with a serious expression.
“Indeed.” Darcy felt it time to intervene. “Would you care for some coffee, Miss Bennet?”
She dipped her head. “Thank you, sir. Singing always makes me thirsty.”
He poured her a coffee and carried the cup back to where she had sat down beside the fire. She smiled up at him.
“Thank you.”
Uncle Henry had taken Gardiner off on a pretext to talk business and for the first time he found himself alone with Miss Bennet.
He indicated the seat opposite her questioningly, and she smiled back, a little nervously. He took it as consent and sat down. He could barely believe that within the week, she would be his wife — if she agreed.
12
Elizabeth looked at him, slightly puzzled, as the silence drew out. She hadn’t considered that he might be a reticent person, merely that he was cold and distant. But something about him made her feel that he was as unsure as she was, and she felt rather sympathetic. Perhaps she could assist him.
“Your sister is very accomplished, Mr. Darcy. And she is delightful company.”
He looked startled. “Thank you. Yes, I am very fond of her.” He hesitated, then appeared to come to a decision, and plunged into what appeared to be a pre-prepared little speech.
“Miss Bennet, I wanted to say how sorry I am that you appear to be in a difficult position regarding your security.”
Her eyebrows shot up, she hadn’t expected this. He seemed surprised at her reaction.
“I only meant … I understand your situation as a governess since the child became ill.”
“Oh,” she felt a little mollified. “Yes, it has been unfortunate.” She smiled wryly. “It is hard, having to place myself upon the charity of my aunt and uncle.” She sat up straighter. “But they are kindness itself, and I will soon find another place.” She stared at him. “I am willing to work hard and do whatever is needed.”
He bowed his head. “I’m sure of it. I am sorry, Miss Bennet, I did not mean to distress you.”
“I was not distressed, sir. I had suspected that his family were hoping for some reason to dispense with my services as so many of their other servants had been let go already.” She looked up at him. “Times are very hard for many people.”
She glanced around the ornately decorated room, the footmen standing by the walls, waiting to be needed, the rest of the party conversing quietly. What did he know of poverty and insecurity?
“I know that my situation is perhaps enviable, Miss Bennet, and that it might be difficult to think that I can be sympathetic to the plight of many.” He sighed. “But I do my best, and I can provide employment and security to many on my estates.”
/> “I am gratified to hear it, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth tried to make her voice not show her disdain. “But please don’t think I would accept a position as companion to your sister out of pity.” Her voice trembled on the last word. She was throwing away an opportunity, she knew that — an opportunity that her uncle had expended considerable effort and money to obtain for her.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Darcy. I didn’t mean to be rude.” She’d spoiled everything, she knew she had.
The hum of conversation from the rest of the party had faltered before it started up again, and the piano wobbled again into the music.
Mr. Darcy looked just as uncomfortable as she felt. “No, no. It will not do.” He looked round the room with apparent distaste, before looking back at her. “I think we are talking at cross-purposes here, Miss Bennet.” He pushed his chair back. “If I get a maid to follow, would you like to take a turn along the gallery? It is an interesting place.”
“Thank you. I would like to see it.” Elizabeth was puzzled. It seemed an inordinately complex way to secure a companion for his sister.
It was much better in the gallery. The maid was visible, but out of earshot, and there was no sense of being observed by the rest of the party.
Mr. Darcy smiled tightly at her sigh of relief. “It was rather difficult, wasn’t it?”
She smiled back. It seemed he could notice more than she had supposed. “Yes, sir.”
He indicated a small sofa in a window seat opposite an imposing portrait of an elderly gentleman who glowered down at them.
Elizabeth tried not to smile, but he looked puzzled.
“It’s all right, sir. I just thought the gentleman looked rather disapproving.”
“Ah, yes.” He could smile, she noticed, and knew she was smiling back. “Let’s go to the next seat. That one is my grandmother — my mother’s mother. She looks most amiable.”
Forever, Darcy Page 5
