Page 23 of Eavesdroppers Never Hear
“How so?” Elizabeth asked, already thinking about how she could help the poor girl. It seemed obvious she would have to, since being raised by two bachelors was only marginally better than being raised by wolves.
“If a scientist decided to make a boldness versus shyness scale, he could use Georgiana for the zero point, and Miss Lydia for 100.”
Elizabeth burst into laughter, and it was some time before she could get it under good regulation.
Darcy, for his part, was happy he could make her laugh, and he joined her mirth, though with less overt enthusiasm.
“I suppose she finds it difficult to exhibit?”
“Impossible, more like.”
“Not the end of the world. Lydia cannot exhibit, but for the opposite reason. She has not the slightest skill, talent, or inclination to learn.”
“I cannot reasonably comment on how others raise their children, given my lack of success,” he said with a dejected frown.
“But you can comment on your own.”
He sighed. “She has no friends her own age. Bingley’s sisters are much older, and certainly not suitable as role models… even if they did not spend all their time—” He stopped abruptly.
Elizabeth laughed, “Do not be so timid. It is just us here. You were going to imply they spent all their time fawning over her to get their claws into you!”
Darcy laughed uproariously, though not loud enough to scare poor Mary, who was still happily ensconced on the bench.
He finally said, “Not implying… stating it as a fact!”
“When I was fifteen, Charlotte was my only friend, and she is seven years older. Your sister will learn in her own time. It sounds like you are doing well enough.”
She noticed the last made the gentleman startle enough to make her wonder if she had hit a bit too close to the mark.
He finally said, “No, that is not the least bit true. Last summer, at her request, I removed her from school and set her up with a companion. They went to Ramsgate on holiday, where she was importuned by a rogue who convinced her she was in love with him, and they should elope. I only stopped it by chance because I visited her unexpectedly several days early.”
“Oh no!” Elizabeth gasped, and took hold of his hand in sympathy, (not noticing he never let it go).
He stared at the ground. “She has never been the same, and I have no idea how to help her. I hope you and your sisters can make some improvement.”
“We will give it our best. Would you be willing to discuss it with Jane, Mary, Charlotte, and me. You can count on our discretion.”
“Certainly! I already trust you and your elder sisters, and your word about Miss Lucas is good enough for me.”
Elizabeth said emphatically. “Do not be downcast. You only saved her by the skin of your teeth, but that is sufficient. Bring her here. We will befriend her, and I do not doubt we can help.She will have to get over her shyness just to survive if she spends much time at Longbourn.”
Darcy smiled, and Elizabeth thought he looked exceedingly handsome. “It will mean the world to us.”
She gave him a mischievous smile. “It is no trouble at all. Befriending the sister should be a tenth as hard as the brother, and we seem to be doing well enough with him.”
He looked at her intently. “Are we friends, Miss Elizabeth?”
She stared, not having given the matter that much thought, but convinced the answer was especially important. It seemed certain Mr Darcy was a man without very many true friends, and despite his great wealth, she suspected he was lonelier than anybody would likely believe.
“Of course we are… presuming you want to be,” she said, now nervous that the suggestion was explicit rather than implied. Worse yet, she had spoken before him, which would make Reverend Fordyce turn over in his grave.
“I most definitely want to be,” he said seriously.
“You are aware that women and men of marriage age must be careful with their friendships; but so long as nobody has any unreasonable expectations, all shall be well.”
He raised an eyebrow questioningly, so she elaborated. “Come now, Mr Darcy. Do not be shy. I know you were embarrassed by my overhearing you say we are not suitable for men of your stature. It was a mean-spirited thing to say, but it is true, and everyone except my mother understands. I believe we can be friends without any true difficulty.”
Darcy stared at her contemplatively for some time, until Elizabeth started to fidget.
