Page 50 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

For a full minute, I munched upon a biscuit, waiting in vain for Miss Darcy to elaborate; it seemed I should be forced to enquire yet again. “Did Mr. Darcy relate his impression of Miss Finch?” I modulated my voice with the hope of sounding nonchalant.

“Oh yes, he did. Um…let me think.” She paused for several seconds. “He described Miss Finch as attractive, shy, and an accomplished musician with a pleasant singing voice.”

“I see.” He described her in complimentary terms. My stomach soured, and I pushed my plate of desserts farther from me.

Miss Darcy went on to remark upon the music books she had purchased yesterday whilst shopping with Mrs. Annesley and Mr. Miles. She applied to Mrs. Annesley when she could not recall the composer of the new sonata she obtained. I made a show of heeding the ladies’ discourse, but Miss Finch monopolised my thoughts. I itched to prompt Miss Darcy for further insight: Had Fitzwilliam mentioned anything else about her? Did he often relate the relative musical skills or physical appearances of the ladies he had met? But I kept my counsel—heaven forfend I should appear jealous or irrational.

“So, would you like to see them later?”

With a start, my eyes flew to Miss Darcy.See what later?Oh, she referred to the music books. “Yes, by all means.” I took a sip of tea. “Where is Mr. Miles today?”

“He is in his studio. He spends many hours each day working on his paintings, including the one of you.”

“Have you seen the portrait yet?”

“No. He does not like to show anyone his work before he is finished.”

“Well, I suppose we must wait.”

Miss Darcy paused at the edge of her seat. “Would you like me to ask him to join us?” The line of her mouth drew taut; no doubt she preferred to maintain our company of three.

“Oh no, let us not disturb him whilst he is working.”

She resumed a more relaxed pose. “Very well.”

Friday, 12 June

Hyde Park

Elizabeth

“Do you recognise the two ladies coming this way? They appear to be staring at us.”

Mr. Miles’s voice drew my sight from the Serpentine River and the frolicking trio of swans I had been admiring. The indicated pair who strolled in our direction seemed familiar. Of course, the sisters from that day at Vauxhall Gardens; Browning, was it not? Yes, Miss Browning and Miss Miriam. “Mr. Darcy introduced me to them in April, much to their mutual chagrin.” On this occasion, though, I wore a gown of pale cream-coloured silk comparable to the two ladies’ fine attire.

Miss Browning and her sister veered in our direction, forcing us to halt. “What a pleasure it is to see you again, Miss Bennet.”

“Good day, Miss…um…” I slanted my head with a slight frown, as though at a loss.

“Miss Browning”—she raised a hand to her chest, then gestured to her sister—“and Miss Miriam. We met at Vauxhall Gardens.”

“Ah yes, I remember.”

Miss Browning’s fulsome smile drifted towards Mr. Miles, and she moved her scarf aside, ensuring an unobstructed view of the sizeable amethyst solitaire in her necklace. I introduced Mr. Miles to the two Browning ladies.

With a gleam in her eyes, Miss Browning fixed upon me again. “I understand you are acquainted with Lady Matlock.”

“Yes, she has been exceedingly kind to me.”

“So I have heard.” Miss Browning glanced at her sister. “Miriam and I should love to have you for tea. Where may I send an invitation?”

“I stay with my aunt and uncle Gardiner on Gracechurch Street near Cheapside.”

The corners of her mouth tugged downwards for a moment. “Ah, I see.” She took Miss Miriam’s arm. “Well, I am sure we shall meet again soon. Enjoy the rest of your walk.” The two ladies sauntered away.

Once the Miss Brownings reached a safe distance from us, I related the gist of my previous encounter with them to Mr. Miles.

“Do you suppose Miss Browning will send you an invitation?”

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