Page 61 of The Heroic Mr Darcy's Bad Manners
“Yes, you,” his aunt confirmed as Miss Georgiana Darcy entered the room. “Is it not a splendid idea that you and your sister play a duet on the pianoforte? The new one Herr Salieri sent that one of his young students composed. The fantasy for four hands.”
Miss Georgiana Darcy nodded vigorously at her aunt’s suggestion and looked imploringly at her brother.
“I only play to help Georgiana since she has only two hands…” Mr Darcy protested meekly.
“Oh please, do play!” Elizabeth begged. She would not mind someone else displaying for once.
Mr Darcy acquiesced, though reluctantly, and they adjourned to a splendid music room with a grand piano. His unease was apparent as he fidgeted with everything from his coat-tails to his lapels before settling behind the instrument. There was no need to worry; the brother and sister beautifully played a delicate piece of music that brought tears to Elizabeth’s eyes.
She was almost miffed when they finished but applauded with the enthusiasm the music deserved, which was most vigorously. Was there nothing Mr Darcy did not excel at? Except for his occasional bad manners, he was a saint, which made it ever so much harder to loathe him.
Chapter 19 A Brief Visit
“It is Miss Eudora Darcy and her delightful niece. We are at home,” Grandmother Bennet informed the butler after perusing the cards he brought.
There had been three cards on the silver salver, and Elizabeth’s stomach did a little flip. It was most likely Mr Darcy who was accompanying them. She had not seen him in a week and no longer thought about him. Well, at least not as much as she used to. Yet, her treacherous eyes stole towards the door.
Miss Eudora Darcy entered with Miss Georgiana Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. He who had participated in the unpalatable wager had since done much to redeem himself. Favouring Jane for one—his taste was exemplary—forcing his brother to apologise was the second, and thirdly, he was excellent company.
“Eudora, how wonderful to see you!” her grandmother exclaimed. “I am delighted you brought your dear niece and the strapping colonel. Young ladies are especially delighted by red-coated callers, are they not? Especially those who have proved themselves by being particularly brave.”
“I have seen but little of actual battle, Mrs Bennet,” the colonel demurred. “My work is usually limited to administration and the occasional training session.”
“I was rather thinking about the battlefields of drawing rooms, sir.”
Her grandmother raised an eyebrow and looked directly at Elizabeth, who forced a smile for the sake of courtesy. Her quarrel with Colonel Fitzwilliam was all but forgotten. She offered to serve the tea and escaped to a table across the room to arrange it. To her consternation, she could hear her mother and sisters approaching in the passage, bickering as they went. By the sound of it, they were coming hither…
“Do not sigh at me, Miss Lydia!” Lady Glentworth admonished.
“I did not sigh,” Lydia protested equally loudly.
“I can hear your breath, and it is not proper to breathe so loudly when I am scolding you,” Lady Glentworth continued. “We are not at Longbourn and must adhere to the strictures of thehaut ton.”
The voices were close, and they would soon impose upon their guests.
“Mama, I believe Grandmother is receiving callers.” The soothing voice of Jane tried to warn Lady Glentworth, but she was sorely mistaken if she thought that titbit would calm their excitable mother.
“Splendid!” Lady Glentworth screeched and sailed into the room. She surveyed the occupants, and her eyes gained a dangerous glint when she espied the colonel. Next, she discovered Miss Georgiana Darcy and moved towards the girl, whose eyes widened in concern. Mrs Maeve Bennet hastened to perform the introductions, but that did not deter Lady Glentworth, who dipped into a curtsey before continuing her course.
“What beautiful lace! You simply must tell me where you purchased it,” Lady Glentworth demanded. She reached out to touch the fabric of her fichu, and the girl flinched.
Elizabeth held her breath, squeezed her eyes shut, and waited for her mother to admonish the reserved Miss Darcy. To her surprise, it did not happen. Instead, her mama remained silent for what felt like an eternity whilst she studied their guest. Then she stepped away and seated herself in a chair. Elizabeth hastened to break the awkwardness by serving the ladies their tea.
“I beg your pardon, Miss Darcy. Lizzy has spoken so much about you that I feel like I know you already.” Lady Glentworth had modulated her voice, and it was more tender than any she used whilst speaking to her own daughters.
Elizabeth had not thought her mother had it within her to change, but the improvements in her behaviour were marked. Unfortunately, Lydia had yet to improve and stared openly at Miss Georgiana Darcy, who fanned herself to quash the blush suffusing her face.
“Please be seated, Lydia. I shall bring you your tea shortly.”
Her sister must wait until their guests had been served, Elizabeth thought whilst she handed the colonel his cup. He thanked her prettily for the tea and conducted himself as a true gentleman. At least he refrained from ogling her eldest sister, and for that small mercy Elizabeth was glad. Jane became exceedingly uncomfortable under heavy scrutiny, though she suspected that she did not mind the colonel’s longing looks as much as she did everyone else’s.
“Tell me, has my dolt-headed cousin managed to improve his abominable first impression?”
If he meant to throw her off guard, he would be sorely mistaken. She smiled and replied most innocently.
“Not at all.”
“He will have my head for revealing this, but it was he who suggested I arrange the picnic in the park. He is a true romantic at heart, even if he displays it but little.”
