Page 32 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

Lydia’s gaze flitted from Miss Darcy to Fitzwilliam, seated opposite us. “How did we come to be riding together? I thought you and Lizzy hated each other.”

For goodness’ sake!I gave Lydia a severe look. “That is very impolite. I never hated Mr. Darcy.” Miss Darcy stared at me, her eyes wide, and I gave her an apologetic expression. “In reality, I misunderstood him last autumn, but that is in the past.”

“And I most certainly never hated your sister.” Fitzwilliam maintained an unfettered air. It seemed he had not taken offence.

Lydia sneered at him. “And yet you insulted Lizzy at the assembly last autumn. She told us what you said.”

Egad, Lydia, have you no tact at all?

“That is true. I made shameful remarks on that occasion. Your sister had the grace to forgive me.”

I smiled for him. “Yes, I accepted Mr. Darcy’s apology. And since he is a frequent guest at Aunt and Uncle Gardiner’s home, I saw him and Miss Darcy often in town.”

“Hmm.” Lydia stared at him.

Fitzwilliam inclined his head. “Perhaps you too will be persuaded to form a new opinion of me.”

“La, we shall see.” Lydia glanced at me. “Do you suppose we shall attend a party or a ball tomorrow?”

“I am not aware of our aunt’s plans.”

“There must be festive occasions in town every day of the week, so our aunt and uncle may have many invitations to choose from. Although it is too late for me to be the first sister to marry, I could be the second one.” Across from me, Miss Darcy’s brows knitted.

I released a short laugh. “Pray, do not be in such a hurry. You are too young for marriage.”

Lydia rolled her eyes. “Fiddlesticks, I am old enough—I shall be sixteen next month.”

I hastened to change the subject by querying Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy for their opinions on the volume of poetry by Mary Russell Mitford I had borrowed from their library. Soon thereafter, Lydia reclined her head and dozed for the remainder of the journey.

Gracechurch Street

Elizabeth

When we entered the drawing-room, Mrs. Perry stood waiting for us. Once my aunt and uncle had welcomed her, I strode ahead and gave her a quick embrace. “Mrs. Perry, it is wonderful to see you again.”

“It is a great pleasure to see you too, Miss Elizabeth, or rather, Miss Bennet. I am very happy for your sister.” She moved back to study me. A grin softened her countenance, making her appear years younger. “You have grown taller since we last met, and you have become a true beauty.”

“Thank you. You are too kind.”

She inched closer and used a whisper. “Modesty told me that you are being courted by Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, of all people. I could not be more thrilled for you.” With a backwards step, she resumed her former inflexion. “I am in anticipation of hearing you play the pianoforte. If you have practised these past few years, you must have improved a great deal by now.”

My shoulders lowered.Darn, why had I not anticipated this? “In all honesty, I…um…have not played as often as I should.”

“Indeed? Well, whilst you are here, you ought to spend at least two hours each day at the instrument.”

“You are correct.” My aunt had a small pianoforte in the upstairs sitting room, so I had no excuse not to follow Mrs. Perry’s advice.

Aunt Gardiner urged Lydia forwards. “Selina, this is Lizzy’s youngest sister, Miss Lydia Bennet. Lydia, this ismysister, Mrs. Selina Perry.”

“I have heard much about you, Miss Lydia, and I am glad to make your acquaintance.” Mrs. Perry maintained a benign smile.

“It is nice to meet you too.” Lydia made a belated curtsey.

My sister sat beside me at one end of the sofa; Mrs. Perry and Aunt Gardiner sat across from us, and my uncle removed to his study. Lydia descended into a slouched position. She yawned, making a lazy attempt to cover her mouth. “Where shall we go first? Is there a ball we may attend this evening? I should not mind going to the theatre instead as long as we see a comedy or a farce, for I have no patience for tragedies.”

“I shall bear that in mind.” My aunt glanced at Mrs. Perry. “You may not be aware my sister and I attended a respected seminary. Selina took a position with a prominent family as a companion for their two daughters.Under her guidance, the young ladies made admirable matches. Selina has agreed to remain here throughout your stay and act asyourcompanion.”

My sister bolted upright. “Huh? But Mama has always said we have no need for a governess or companion. She taught us how to run a household.”

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