Page 26 of An Accidental Meeting
Elizabeth intentionally watched the young lady rather than Mr. Darcy. It would not do to blush under his scrutiny now.
“Miss Bennet, I would like to introduce you to my sister, Miss Darcy.”
“Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said, and all three women offered curtsies to one another. Aunt Gardiner must have been introduced too, and Elizabeth nearly sighed. She really must begin paying better attention. It was rude, and so unlike her!
“And her companion, Mrs. Annesley.”
The ladies murmured greetings to one another. Mrs. Annesley was about Mamma’s age, but with a slighter figure and more sensible dress.
“I am glad to meet you,” Miss Darcy said softly. “I have heard a great deal about you from my brother’s letters.”
Mrs. Annesley lightly touched Miss Darcy’s arm.
Mr. Darcy was embarrassed. Elizabeth could tell not only by the reddening of his complexion, but by the fact that he would not meet her eyes when she looked at him.
“That reminds me, Aunt,” she said, to offer time for Mr. Darcy to compose himself, though she fully intended to tease him once he had. “I ought to write to Papa to inform him that our plans have changed.”
“Your uncle has already done so, dear,” Aunt Gardiner replied calmly, no doubt aware of Elizabeth’s purpose. “He left the letter for the post before we removed from the inn. He had to inform Mr. Kerrit as well, to forward any urgent business correspondence.”
Mr. Kerrit was the butler as well as her uncle’s valet when he required one. “Oh, very good,” Elizabeth said with a little smile, and then turned to Mr. Darcy’s sister. “I am pleased to meet you, Miss Darcy. Why do you not come sit next to me and tell me everything?”
Mr. Darcy closed his eyes, and Elizabeth smiled conspiratorially at Miss Darcy.
“Elizabeth,” Aunt Gardiner said in an amused but hushed voice.
“Georgiana,” Mr. Darcy said sombrely, “ought you not . . .” He made an indistinct waving gesture to the door, meaning, Elizabeth supposed, for his sister to go change out of her travel dress.
“Must I change, brother?” Miss Darcy asked shyly, patting Mrs. Annesley’s hand once when the older woman touched her forearm. “I would like to speak with Miss Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner before I do. I have removed my pelisse, and really, even that was not so dusty. The roads are fine, and we did not travel far this morning.”
Mr. Darcy wavered. “Very well. I shall depart shortly, as I have promised Bingley we will join Mr. Gardiner and my uncle for the fishing.”
“Are you sure that is wise, Mr. Darcy?” Aunt Gardiner asked him mildly, stopping him in the middle of his bow.
He appeared confused for a moment before realising she was speaking of Uncle Gardiner meeting Mr. Bingley.
“No,” he replied gravely. “But I am assured it must be done.”
At that moment, Aunt Nora’s voice sounded from behind Mr. Darcy’s broad back. “Indeed, it must. And better for them all to be well away from the breakables when it happens.”
Mr. Darcy’s lips drew together in a straight line.
Miss Darcy appeared alarmed, and Elizabeth moved to take her arm. “Never you mind, Miss Darcy. My uncle has a few unpleasant words to speak to Mr. Bingley, but that will be the extent of it.”
“I do not understand,” Miss Darcy said, and indeed, she sounded perplexed. “How could anyone be upset with Mr. Bingley?”
“I am afraid I had something to do with that,” Mr. Darcy said. “But it will all come right, dearest. Do not worry.”
Miss Darcy’s smooth forehead creased. “Well,” she said doubtfully. “If you tell me it will be well, Fitzwilliam, I will believe it.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Darcy offered his sister a gentle, reassuring smile.
Elizabeth was required to tamp down her anger. Mr. Wickham had attempted to take advantage ofthisgirl? Miss Darcy was already a year older than she had been at the time of his attempt to elope with her, and still she was a shy, gentle,innocentcreature. Perhaps some of her reticence was due to his importuning her, but Elizabeth could see that much of it was simply her nature.
She recalled with shame how she had excused Mr. Wickham’s sudden courtship of Mary King, but at least Miss King had been old enough to know what she was about. Miss Darcy was not even out yet.
What a blackguard she had championed.
“I shall return shortly,” Aunt Nora said with a smile and a nod for her niece. “With Mrs. Reynolds indisposed, I must make certain all our guests are properly situated.”
