Page 47 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“Yes.” I drifted into a stiff comportment. In a weak moment, I had assented to Lydia’s dogged pleas to pass on a greeting to him from her and make a flattering remark on her behalf. Despite my attempts to dissuade her, she clung to the hope he might develop a romantic interest in her.

“Did you mention me to him?”

“Indeed, I told him that you were learning to play ‘Greensleeves’ on the pianoforte.”

Lydia’s eyes widened. “And how did he respond?”

“He said he would enjoy hearing you play the song.” Faced with Lydia’s rapturous expression, I took hold of her shoulder. “For your own benefit, you must dispense with this fascination for Mr. Miles. He will be introduced to many eligible ladies during his stay in town. I urge you to forget about him and focus upon your studies. Once Mrs. Perry deems you ready, you will meet other bachelors.”

“But there is no one else like him.” Her features pinched. “What if we are meant for each other? Is that not a possibility?”

“That is most improbable.”

With a groan, Lydia turned to go but halted and peeked back at me. “Will you come to my room and help me practise my Italian?”

“I shall meet you after I have changed.”

“Thank you.” She continued towards the stairs.

The sound of voices drew me to the drawing-room, where I found Aunt Gardiner and Mrs. Perry seated on the sofa with goblets of sherry. They beckoned me to join them. I sat across from them and declined my aunt’s offer of wine.

Once I had related what took place at the party, it occurred to me to solicit their opinions. “What do you think of LadyMatlock’s suggestion for Mr. Miles and me? Does her advice seem sound?”

“I think her idea is a worthy one, with one caveat.” Mrs. Perry’s forehead furrowed. “Do you have any doubt for Mr. Miles’s character?”

“No, none whatsoever. Mr. Darcy trusts him, or he would not have invited him into his home. And he has left Miss Darcy at the house with him.”

“Is Miss Darcy’s companion there as well?” asked my aunt.

“Yes.”

“Well, I believe Lady Matlock is perhaps the best possible person to aid you and Mr. Miles in your introductions to London society. You ought to follow her advice.”

Mrs. Perry met my gaze. “I concur.”

“That is good to hear. I shall go to Gunter’s tomorrow with Mr. Miles and Miss Darcy.”

Aunt Gardiner set her sherry down with a clink. “Oh, you will never guess who came to see you today.”

Who in town would call for me? “No, I cannot imagine whom you mean.”

“MissCaroline Bingley.” My aunt smirked as she articulated the name. “She left her card for you. And when Barnet informed her that you were not at home, she asked to seeme.”

Egad, why would Miss Bingley call here? “I am bewildered. Although we are now related by marriage, she detests me. She did not say more than a few words to me either at the dinner she hosted or during the wedding feast.”

“She treated me in a similar way. My guess is she learnt of your friendship with Lady Matlock and hopes to meet the lady through you. Based upon Miss Bingley’s speech today, an uninformed person would think you and she had always been close.”

“It seems the woman will go to great lengths to raise her standing.”

“Oh yes, she pressed me for details about Mr. Miles and Lady Matlock.”

“What did you tell her?”

“Very little. I led her to believe I anticipated Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy would be displeased if I discussed his cousin or his exalted aunt. Miss Bingley attempted to dissuade me of this notion and turned beetroot red with frustration when her tactic failed.”

I burst out in giggles. “I cannot say I am sorry to know she left dissatisfied.” I reposed against my chair. “Now it seems I am obligated to send her my card, and to call upon her as well.”

Mrs. Perry gave me a nod. “Yes, you cannot avoid paying her this courtesy, especially in consideration of your family connexion.” She sent a glance to Aunt Gardiner. “However, Modesty recounted Miss Bingley’s rude treatment of Jane this past winter. In my opinion, you may wait a week or so to repay this particular civility.”

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