Page 92 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“I regret my presuming you have less understanding than I at your same age.”
“So a cane this Christmas is more appropriate than embroidered handkerchiefs?” Georgiana slid her hand into his.
“Ha. Were I wise and old. Today, I am proven unwise, and I am not yet in my dotage. I presumed any lady who hears my name would swoon into my arms, that my reported income would do all the wooing for me. I have never needed to make an effort to gain a woman's attention. But I would like to become better acquainted with Miss Elizabeth, gain her good opinion.”
“Even if she may not be your wife, I hope to claim her as a friend.”
“Indeed. Regardless of your schemes, have I told you how pleased I am you are here with me?” Her brother picked up her hand and then held it between his.
“Thank you, Brother. Now, I shall write my invitation to Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. I believe you and Mr. Bingley are to dine with the officers tomorrow evening. I shall include that, if it rains, they might stay the night. If they do, you and Mr. Bingley can see them come morning. I shall supply the opportunity, but it will be up to you to find a way to use the moment to your advantage.”
“You scheme like a London mama. I would prefer to discover if we will suit in my own way.”
“Which would take years of planning and an understanding of what a lady wishes, the latter being a skill you cannot currently claim.” Georgiana rested her other hand over his, then tapped the back of it.
“I know you do not speak of a compromise.”
“Of course not.” Georgiana tapped his hand with a bit more force than she had before. “But it would be quite easy to manage if you were already friends. We know not her wishes. Therefore, I must meddle. With or without your permission, Brother. Accept my assistance with grace.”
Georgiana kissed her brother’s cheek, then sat at the small writing desk. She laughed for herself alone when, through the mirror on the wall, she saw him shake his head. With that, she knew she had his acceptance, if not his approval.
She knew he did not protest because of his certainty in circumventing her efforts. Having underestimated her abilities for so many years, she relished the thought of helping her brother in this manner.
And one thing Georgiana had known to be an indelible truth: a younger sibling had advantages which were impossible to qualify or quantify, but there were advantages nonetheless. Underestimating made an older sibling more likely to miss the guidance they received. And though she had admitted to precisely what she would do, he would think it his indulging her when it was he who knew the greater benefit.
Georgiana hadnointention of informing the inscrutable Fitzwilliam Darcy that his pride in knowing more of the world also made him less observant. It had been reinforced during the tea she had enjoyed in Meryton. She watched other older siblings make every effort to see their younger siblings happy. Any small requests are acceded to.
It is in these ways that younger siblings could lead their elder sister or brother. It seemed a universal truth that all those with older brothers and sisters expect those which are younger to follow their directions. Thus far, she had seen that those which were older were alike, never recognizing that they also needed assistance, so vigilant they were over those younger sisters and brothers they loved so dearly.
Chapter 6
“Ah, there you are. I hope you and Mr. Bingley enjoyed your evening dining with the officers?”
“Good evening, Ana. I believe we both did.”
Georgiana could see that her brother was surprised to find her waiting in their adjoining sitting room. He had returned from dinner with the officers later than she expected. And though she would not call him a drunkard, it was obvious he had imbibed more than his usual amount of drink.
“Brother, I would beg a favor?” Georgiana asked while he undid the buttons on his waistcoat.
“It must be important to wait this long.”
“Given their family’s mortifying behavior, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth hope for an opportunity to apologize to you and Mr. Bingley.”
“I do not think it necessary,” he said.
Georgiana relayed all she had learnt from her guests. While Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth had been reluctant to discuss particulars, her witnessing the scene the previous day obliged them to be more forthcoming than was their wont.
“Indeed. If we had to apologize to everyone for our aunt's insults, we would have little time to do anything else. Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth may often apologize for their motherand younger sisters. Still, they, none of them, are cruel to any outside their family.”
“Well, if it would make her feel better, though I declare it to be unnecessary. We know far too well what it is to have embarrassing relations.”
“There are five things to know about Miss Elizabeth. She wakes early to enjoy a walk. She is well-read, impressively so. She plays chess. She does not think fifty miles of good road is too far a distance from Longbourn, and even hints that such a distance might be preferable. The fifth point, and of greatest import, is that Miss Elizabeth finds you quite handsome.” Georgiana stood, buoyed with satisfaction.
“How could you know that bit?”
“I asked her first impressions of you. She said she thought you handsome, despite, or perhaps because of, your quizzical brow. And that you must have weighty concerns causing it to furrow.” Georgiana kissed his cheek, then turned toward the door leading to her room. “I have informed your valet that you are to be up early so you might encounter Miss Elizabeth in the gardens, hidden from those who wish to meddle in your affairs.”
“I did say I needed no assistance, Georgiana.”
