Page 54 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“When you heard of the Miss Bennets, you charged me to meet them and learn all I could about the ladies. Bingley and I discussed yesterday our good fortune to dance with three of the Miss Bennets: Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, and Miss Mary. Additionally, there are two Miss Lucases. To set you at ease, Miss Elizabeth is on her way here to escort you to Longbourn in our coach. Unless you prefer to refuse the invitation, you are to spend the day in delightful company.”
“Oh, you are the best of brothers. Allowing me to cry off when I demanded the opportunity you not only granted, but in such a measure? You are certain she will come so far to meet me?” Georgiana moved to hug him.
“I recited her words yesterday, her enjoyment found walking out in the morning and finding equal pleasure in meeting you here at half nine.”
Brother and sister glanced at the clock to see that it was between a quarter after the hour and half past.
“She could be here even now.” Georgiana gulped her tea.
“I can assume, with four of her own, she, too, is against pressing her sisters to be quick with their tea as I am.”
“Will she like me?”
“I can say with certainty that she is determined to. She declared an intention to collect you, informing me that you would break your fast with the Bennets and stay with them for the greater part of the day. Later this morning, the Miss Lucases will also be at Longbourn. They all sew together, I understand. I will see you later when Bingley and I come for tea.”
“Oh, this sounds like it is to be a wonderful sort of day.”
“I hope you find from among the Miss Bennets and the Miss Lucases a new friend, perhaps more than one. MissElizabeth says her youngest two sisters are in need of tempering. Do not be afraid, just be yourself.”
“I am certain I can be myself, if the fearful version.”
“No need, though you will not believe me until you meet them. I do not think Bingley went a full hour without speaking of Miss Bennet’s goodness yesterday. Did you notice that I did not refute him, nor did anyone else? I spoke true when I said I found myself quite at ease in the company of the Miss Bennets and when dancing with Miss Lucas.”
“Impossible.”
“I had always thought so, but it is true. I did not feel like a stranger to them, nor did they to me. And, as we saw yesterday, Miss Bingley is making efforts toward change.”
“But not the impetus, for we had little time alone.”
“I informed her that, should she continue to disparage other ladies and the neighborhood in general, we would stay elsewhere. Though I cannot be certain she is capable of breaking the habit, I do appreciate her attempts to curb her tongue. Now, let us enjoy a morning walk in the garden whilst we await Miss Elizabeth’s arrival.”
“I am so happy, Brother. If only you were to be with me, I should be more comfortable with your new friends.”
“I suspect you will also appreciate Miss Elizabeth’s candor. I find it refreshing.”
Darcy affected a sheepish sort of grin, knowing it would make Georgiana laugh. He informed the man in the entryway that they needed no aid, assisting her into her spencer himself. They had no more than opened the door when they heard a cheery “good morning” from the formal gardens.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy hailed. “May I introduce you to my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy?”
“Miss Darcy,” Miss Elizabeth said in her delightful way while dipping a respectful curtsey.
“It was gracious of you to walk all this way and to invite me to your home today.”
“Oh, Miss Darcy, you have everything quite backward. You shall relieve the tedium of our routine. You are fortunate. It is the one day every month we might have news that our friends do not already know. I will also beg the use of your sewing skills. You, in fact, are doing us the favor. I will explain some of the finer aspects of our household so that you are not made too uncomfortable by my family. As to the other foibles, I will leave you to make your own judgment. We shall see you this afternoon, Mr. Darcy.”
“Bingley and I very much look forward to having tea with you and your sisters.” Darcy walked the ladies toward his carriage.
“Mr. Darcy, I know you are trusting me with the dearest of your treasures. I promise she is safe and will be treated with care,” Miss Elizabeth said, climbing in after Georgiana.
“I never thought anything less.”
“If we should walk out today, do be aware. The geese around the pond are territorial, and the greatest danger on the estate aside from tedium, Miss Darcy.”
“I…thank you.”
Darcy took a moment to enjoy his sister’s nonplussed mien. He understood the sentiment. He was careful who he introduced her to. And in this instance, he knew only pleasure at their meeting, for Miss Elizabeth had been warm and gracious from the first moments of their acquaintance.
“Now, are you really this shy? I do hope not. We will require you to tell us all about you,” Miss Elizabeth said, taking her hand.
