Page 82 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Thank you. I hope you will stay with me when Colonel Forster serves his post in Brighton. I enjoy your company, and you promised to finish going through my gowns, Miss Lydia. And, after all, we will be near sisters soon.”
“Thank you, Miss Bingley. If my parents are amenable to the scheme, I will join you.”
“My daughters will soon be spread all over the country.” Mrs. Bennet looked around the room. “Miss Darcy requests Kitty join her in Town so that she might partake in her drawing lessons. Then they, Lydia and Maria, are to the seminary. Jane and Lizzy will be on their wedding trips. And now Lydia toBrighton before she is to attend schooling. What am I to do with myself?”
“I hope you might prepare me to become a mother,” Mrs. Hurst said gently. “I can think of none better qualified.”
“Oh, I will come to Netherfield whenever you have need. I am pleased to know I can be of use to someone while I wait in great anticipation for letters from my daughters,” Mrs. Bennet said
“I look forward to enjoying more days such as this. I charged my brother with taking a wife and granting me the comfort of a sister. I say he has quite outdone himself. But, then, he is the very best of brothers.” Georgiana sighed. “Though I take some credit for there are times older brothers and sisters need a nudge in the right direction.”
So ends the second of these three vagaries.
Alternative 3
Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Chapter 1
The Morning After the Assembly
Georgiana rushed through her toilette, unable to temper her anticipation. She suspected her brother was already in the breakfast parlor, enjoying his first cup of coffee. She was anxious to hear if he had met any ladies he might be interested in, or if he had made an acquaintance with a lady she might befriend.
Upon reaching the breakfast parlor, however, she found herself alone. Georgiana requested a cup of chocolate and looked over the newspaper left on the table. She found the chocolate drink infused with honey and cinnamon, served with a plate of biscuits and currant jam.
“The cook says these were made especially for you, Miss,” the footman said, placing the plate near her.
“Miss Darcy,” Mrs. Annesley said when she walked in.
“I am told these were baked for me in particular, but you must have one. They are quite delicious with the pieces of apple baked into the top. Today, I intend to shop in Meryton. I am seeking a bit of lace that might suit my aunt or Anne as a Christmas gift. Perhaps I will take the opportunity to shop for him without my brother watching me select his gift.”
“If your hostess has not made other plans, of course,” Mrs. Annesley said, after pouring a cup of tea. “What do you intend if the carriage is not available?”
“Explore the gardens for the first place I might set up an easel to paint.”
“Splendid. Would not your cousin, Miss de Bourgh, appreciate a new watercolor?”
“I suspect she would enjoy seeing something of Netherfield Park.”
“Who would enjoy seeing something at Netherfield at this hour?” William walked into the room, affecting his most severe scowl.
“I care not if you might expire from starvation. You must first tell me everything about the assembly, Brother.”
“Your sweetness is a balm I desperately need. I will answer questions, but first, allow me one of those biscuits that I do not.”
“They were baked especially for me, but do have one. Quite decadent, and I suspect more are to come out soon.”
“Have you any plans for today? If so, might I join you in them?” asked Darcy.
Just then, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst walked into the breakfast parlor.
Georgiana stifled a giggle at her brother’s raised brows. The ladies never joined them for breakfast before eleven, preferring to keep Town hours no matter where they were. When at Pemberley, Georgiana knew that catering to his guests’ time irritated her brother because such activities impeded his duties and delayed meetings with his steward and tenants.
“I hope to go to the market town we passed through. I wish to see what I might find at the drapers. Christmas is mere weeks away. Maybe a bit of lace for Aunt Rebecca or Anne.” Georgiana refolded the paper and then passed it to him. “There'san amusingon-ditconcerning the argument about those cigars our uncle told us about. It continues on.”
“Given their being smuggled in, I imagine the House of Lords will argue about tariffs and more this coming session. The man’s having them at a party would inspire inevitable jealousy, which was very likely to be his aim. He should have given the old earl one, even if an uninvited guest.” Darcy rolled his eyes.
“I am certain you are right, Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bingley agreed with a dulcet tone, intending to create an intimacy of one mind.
