Page 21 of An Interrupted Proposal
“That is correct,” Darcy replied, though his gaze was fixed on the vision before him.
The family party had risen when they entered, all grinning or attempting to hide their amusement, but Elizabeth’s countenance glowed with what might have been embarrassment; her colour was high and she would not meet his gaze directly for any length of time.
“Welcome, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley,” Mr. Gardiner said with a slight chuckle. “Mr. Darcy, will you do the honours and perform the introductions?”
“Of course,” Darcy replied as he turned to his sister and smiled reassuringly. “My sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, and my cousin, Colonel Philip Fitzwilliam. May I present Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and Miss Lucas.” He looked down at the boy by his side. “This is Master Thomas Gardiner, the young lady standing slightly behind Mrs. Gardiner is Miss Rose Gardiner, and if I am not mistaken, the young lad in Miss Elizabeth’s arms is Master Alexander Gardiner.” This won him a surprised but pleased smile from the lady.
Everyone exchanged pleasantries and they found their seats. As no seat was available by Elizabeth, Thomas led Darcy to the nearest chair and announced, “He didn’t bring the horses today, so he has to come back another day. You can walk with him then, Lizzy, and I will ride with Mr. Bingley.” He looked at Philip and grinned. “Or maybe the colonel would take me for a ride.”
“Thomas,” Mrs. Gardiner said with a hint of censure in her tone.
The boy lowered his gaze as a pink hue covered his countenance, but Darcy was certain he did not repent his statement, especially when Philip agreed to the plan.
“Well,” Mr. Gardiner said as he stood and laid a hand upon his eldest’s hair. “You have seen the gentleman, as we agreed. Now it is time to return to the nursery.”
Thomas frowned but turned to Darcy. “Will you come tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow is Sunday,” Elizabeth said as she stood and adjusted Alexander on her hip before taking young Rose’s hand. “Mr. Darcy may prefer to remain at home on the Sabbath.”
“But he could come with Mr. Bingley. He’s hereeveryday,” Thomas said with all the innocence of childhood, causing Philip to hide his laugh with a cough.
“We will discuss the possibility later,” Mr. Darcy said, holding Miss Elizabeth’s gaze. “I would have no hesitation to visiting on Sunday but would not force my presence upon the family as you might have other plans.”
“Did you hear that, Lizzy? He wants to come tomorrow, too.” Thomas grinned, first at Elizabeth and then at Darcy.
“We will see,” Elizabeth said as she motioned for him to say his goodnights.
Thomas performed a perfect bow and said good night to the party, followed by Rose, whose curtsey was a bit wobbly and her words barely a whisper. Little Alexander hid his face on Elizabeth’s shoulder.
“I shall return as soon as they are settled with the nurse,” Elizabeth said, then left the room.
“Your son is delightful, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner,” Philip said with a large grin. “I assure you; it would be a pleasure to accompany my cousin and Master Thomas on a ride in the park.”
“Oh no,” Bingley chimed in with an impish grin. “Darcy is to walk with Miss Elizabeth if she is agreeable. You would be taking my place as Master Thomas was to ride with me.”
Philip raised a brow in Darcy’s direction, but Miss Bennet began a conversation with Georgiana before anything more could be said on the subject.
“Miss Darcy, Miss Lucas is of a similar age as you. She has just arrived from Kent where she and Elizabeth were visiting her sister who is married to our cousin, Mr. Collins. He serves as the rector in Hunsford.”
The young ladies, who were seated together but had said nary a word beyond the normal pleasantries, looked at one another with similar timid expressions.
“Then my aunt is his patroness. How did you find Lady Catherine, Miss Lucas?” Georgiana asked tentatively.
A blush rose on the girl’s cheeks as her gaze fell to her hands which were folded in her lap. “I confess I found her ladyship somewhat intimidating.”
Darcy, who was sitting near enough to his sister to hear the exchange, suppressed a smile.
“So do I,” Georgiana responded in a softer voice as she leant closer to Miss Lucas. “Fitzwilliam never forces me to visit as he knows she makes me exceedingly nervous.”
Miss Lucas’s head rose, and shock suffused her countenance. “But she is your aunt.”
“It makes her no less frightening.” Georgiana glanced at Darcy and Philip. “I believe that is why Fitzwilliam always insists that our cousin accompany him whenhevisits her.”
Darcy’s smile grew and he winked at his sister.
Miss Lucas’s jaw dropped open, but when she saw the exchange between the siblings, she covered her mouth with her hand and giggled.
“Do you like music, Miss Lucas?” Darcy asked.
