Page 55 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“I am not at all interesting.”
“We have all lived together and heard the same stories so long, anything you say will be interesting, and I hope we willbe interesting to you.” Miss Elizabeth squeezed her hand and indicated that Darcy should close the door.
Watching the chaise amble down the drive with his sister, Darcy wondered if the carriage also carried his hopes within.
Chapter 5
Elizabeth Brings Miss Darcy to Longbourn
Upon reaching the house, Elizabeth gave Miss Darcy a choice: “You can keep the carriage in the drive for a quick escape or send it back to Netherfield. I promise, I will hide you in the gardens if you become overwhelmed.”
“I will send it back. There is nothing to fear when you are with me.”
Elizabeth led Miss Darcy to the breakfast room. She poured a cup of coffee, inviting Miss Darcy to tea or coffee and to fill her plate. Miss Darcy sat down next to Elizabeth. She was surprised when Mr. Bennet came in and sat down. He smirked at his daughter and winked at Georgiana when opening the newspaper, then relaxed back with his coffee.
“Good morning,” Jane dropped a kiss on the top of Elizabeth’s head, then, in the same absent way, did the same for Georgiana.
“She has not had coffee yet. Please forgive her the overfamiliarity,” Elizabeth whispered to Miss Darcy.
“La! My aunt is the same. She once kissed the cat that was on the table before my cousin’s chair, calling it Richard, though my cousin had been on the continent for four weeks withthe Regiment. Which she only remembered after enjoying half a cup. When she looked up, the cat sat there with its tail swishing, and, I think, smirking.”
Jane made her selections from the sideboard, yawning. She then sat on the other side of Miss Darcy and reached to take her sister’s hand, the same as she did every morning when she said her grace. The hesitancy startled Jane.
“Do forgive me! I thought you were one of my sisters.”
“Oh, do please, forgive me. I know you did not expect me to be seated here,” Georgiana said in equal haste.
“No, it is a pleasure to find you here this morning. I feared we had hoped for your arrival too early for those who keep Town hours. If you would, Lizzy?”
“Jane, Father, may I introduce Miss Georgiana Darcy? Miss Darcy, our father, Mr. Thomas Bennet. And this is my dearest sister, Jane.”
“It is a great pleasure to meet you,” Miss Darcy said to Mr. Bennet when he folded down the corner of the paper, his easy manner glimpsed before he returned to his reading.
“I had a very pleasing dance with your brother at the assembly,” Jane said.
“And twoverypleasant dances with Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth said, nudging Miss Darcy impishly.
“Lizzy.” Jane blushed and looked into her teacup.
“Oh, but from my brother’s account and what Miss Elizabeth has told me of you, you and Mr. Bingley are quite alike. I hope his coming for tea this afternoon gives you the opportunity to become better acquainted,” Georgiana said.
“And now you know Miss Darcy also has a favorable opinion of your Mr. Bingley, Jane,” Elizabeth said, leaning a little forward that she might catch her sister’s eye to be certain of the significance noted.
“It is one I do value, of course.” Jane squeezed the hand of their new friend, then released it.
“Would anyone like more tea or coffee?” Mr. Bennet set his paper aside and stood.
He refreshed Elizabeth’s coffee, added nothing to Jane’s, and topped off Miss Darcy’s teacup, then made a plate for himself before returning to his seat. Not long after, Mary joined them and was introduced to their guest. Five minutes later, Miss Darcy started when Mrs. Bennet walked into the room.
“Jane, I want you to look your best today. Mr. Bingley might very well come to call. I am certain he will be unable to stay away two days together,” Mrs. Bennet said in a rapid succession of words.
“Thank you, Mother.”
Hearing Jane sigh, Elizabeth extended her hand behind Miss Darcy’s chair to touch her sister’s side in support.
Lydia and Kitty ran into the breakfast room already talking over everyone, laughing, and making sport of Mary for looking so dull. Mary did not respond except to purse her lips. Miss Darcy’s unease seemed to grow while Elizabeth’s youngest sisters rattled on about their dancing partners and Mary’s one.
“Is this her, then? She looks nothing at all like her brother,” Lydia said, drawing all attention to Miss Darcy.
