Page 22 of An Interrupted Proposal
“I like to dance, and I have had lessons on the pianoforte, but I am not very good. I never perform in public as I cannot keep the rhythm.” She met Georgiana’s gaze. “Lizzy, that is Miss Elizabeth, plays. Everyone in Meryton prefers to hear her play compared to most all the other ladies, but she insists she is not very good. Lady Catherine even had her play at Rosings, more than once.”
Georgiana’s eyes grew larger. “She has played for my aunt? Fitzwilliam said he enjoys listening to Miss Elizabeth play, but I would never be able to perform before Lady Catherine. She is far too demanding.”
Miss Lucas nodded. “Lizzy was not intimidated by Lady Catherine.” She looked about before adding. “In truth, I think she laughed at her ladyship, especially when Lady Catherineinsisted she would have been proficient if she had ever learnt to play.”
“Oh, my aunt insists she would excel at everything she has never done.” The two shared a look before another giggle escaped them.
“Was your business a success?” Mr. Gardiner asked Darcy, drawing his attention from the young girls’ conversation.
“Indeed, it was, sir. I thank you for your advice. It was sound.” Darcy glanced towards the door. “I will tell you more once Miss Elizabeth rejoins us. I am certain she will be anxious to hear how matters have transpired.”
Mr. Gardiner nodded his understanding. “And have you enjoyed the coffee?” he asked with a smile.
Before Darcy could respond, Philip spoke up. “Exquisite! You have ruined me, sir. I shall have to become reacquainted with army coffee all over when I am recalled to the field.”
The men laughed, and Darcy added, “I have had to limit my intake as my cousin insists upon finishing every pot before I can have a second cup.”
“Well, we shall have to remedy that,” Mr. Gardiner said with a wink. “You must place an order large enough to meet his needs.”
Mrs. Gardiner shook her head as the men laughed again. “I do not understand how you gentlemen can drink coffee at all hours of the day or night. I am certain I would never sleep if I consumed as much as my husband.”
“I agree,” Miss Darcy said. “I drank a cup of coffee once and was unable to sit still for two days. I only drink tea or chocolate now.”
Miss Bennet nodded. “Lizzy is the same way. I shared our sister Mary’s bed the night Lizzy drank her first cup as she kicked me in her sleep.”
The group was still chuckling when Elizabeth returned to the room. “What bit of humour did I miss?”
The gentlemen jumped to their feet while Georgiana reddened, but Miss Lucas replied, “Jane was telling us how you kicked her in your sleep when you drank coffee.”
“Jane!” Elizabeth cried. “Why ever would you tell that story?”
“Forgive us,” Darcy said as he bowed to her. “It is our fault. We were speaking of the coffee your uncle sent to my home, and your aunt and my sister agreed that coffee affects their sleep.”
Elizabeth smiled at him, but quickly looked away. “I am certain it was all innocent, but that does not forgive my sister for telling such stories. You know how easily provoked I can be to retaliate.”
She glanced back at him and Darcy grinned, remembering their conversation around the piano at Rosings just days before his interrupted proposal. “Indeed, I do. Though I suspect your sister rarely conducts herself in a way as to provide such stories as would shock those present.” He led her to the nearest chairs and assisted her to sit before taking the companion. “I am certainsheis not afraid of you.”
A soft smile covered Elizabeth’s countenance as she looked towards her sister. “No, Jane is perfection in nearly every way.”
“Only nearly?” he asked, his lips determined to turn upwards simply for the joy of being in her presence.
She looked towards Mr. Bingley and back at him. “There are some things that Jane is entirely too tolerant of.”
“Ah.” Darcy glanced about and ensured the others were all in conversation before he addressed her in a softer voice. “Bingley mentioned your sister was hoping to once again be friends with Miss Bingley. I wondered at your opinion on the matter. Bingley described it as angelic, but I feared it was morenaïveté.”
Elizabeth leant towards him, drawing them to the edge of what propriety allowed as their knees nearly touched. “You must know my feelings on the matter, particularly after I berated you as I did. Jane isfartoo forgiving. Though she insists she will notallow the lady to rule over her, I fear Miss Bingley will have more power in their household than she should.”
“I have sworn I will not interfere in Bingley’s affairs, but perhaps I could suggest his sister remain with the Hursts after they marry.”
“Are they engaged?” Elizabeth asked as her brows inched towards her hairline. “We have not had time to speak in private, but Jane said nothing of it to me. Nor have my aunt and uncle shown any hint of such an agreement.”
Darcy’s countenance became heated. “I fear I have spoken out of turn. I pray you would say nothing of this conversation to any of the parties involved. It is only something that was said to me during the conversation we were just discussing. I should not have mentioned it.”
Elizabeth laid a hand upon Darcy’s arm before quickly returning it to her lap. “Have no fear, sir. Consider it forgotten.” Her eyes glimmered with amusement and glee.
“In recompense, I will share something with you before the others.”
She sat back to put a bit more distance between them, but managed to remain close enough that he need not raise his voice any louder.
