Page 77 of The Scarred Duchess
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, may I present my brother, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, to you? Brother, I am pleased to make my friend known to your acquaintance.”
“Your father is Mr Thomas Bennet of Longbourn, I believe?” he asked in a deep voice.
“He is, sir.”
Mr Darcy nodded and continued staring at her. Thankfully Georgiana’s high spirits assuaged the awkwardness of the moment.
“We shall have so much fun these next weeks. Lizzy loves to play duets!”
“With my sister Mary,” Elizabeth added.
“And now me!” replied Georgiana.
“Of course, sweetling,” Elizabeth and Mr Darcy replied in unison. She felt her cheeks reddening even before she saw his surprised expression shift to a small smile.
At that point, further discourse was prevented as dinner was announced. Elizabeth was certain Mr Darcy felt her hand shaking as she laid it on his arm to be led into dinner.If he smiles at me again, I know I shall swoon!
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
“Mr Charles Bingley, ma’am.”
It is not even proper calling hours, for heaven’s sake.“Show him in, please,” replied Mrs Gardiner.
A young man entered into the room, full of good cheer. “Mrs Gardiner, I presume?”
She blinked at his forward manner. “I am she, Mr Bingley. How may I assist you?”
“I beg your pardon, madam. I was hoping to see Mr Gardiner on a business matter before he departed for the day.”
The sound of footsteps on the stairs drew their attention.
“Aunt Gardiner, when should we expect to...” Jane stopped speaking. Her eyes darted from her aunt to their visitor and back.
Mr Bingley stood immobile as he stared at Jane. His mouth hung open under wide eyes.
Mrs Gardiner was relieved when her husband appeared in the doorway and stepped between Jane and their visitor.He gave Jane a commanding look. “Please prepare the children while I see to our unexpected caller.”
At Jane’s departure, Gardiner turned to Mr Bingley, who was stammering. “Who...who was...?”
“Mr Bingley, I am not accepting calls this morning. You may leave your direction at the door,” he stated.
A rational man would have understood his tone, thought Mrs Gardiner.
“Was... was that your governess?”
“My dear, I shall see our visitor out.” Gardiner gestured to the vestibule. Mrs Gardiner followed, wishing to ensure the young man departed.
“She has the visage of an angel!”
“Mr Bingley, I must insist you leave,” demanded Gardiner. He waved to Stokes.
“I must have her name, I beg you,” he pleaded.
“See Mr Bingley out.”
“Wait. A name, please,” he begged as Stokes pulled him by his arm.
Gardiner closed the door in his face. “He is as foolish in manners as he is in business.”
