Page 29 of Attempted Compromises
Elizabeth laughed softly, waving a hand to dismiss the worry. “Oh, I like him well enough—though I confess, I did not at first. But he is… formidable, isn’t he? You, on the other hand, are much more approachable.”
Georgiana’s lips curved into a tentative smile. “He is very protective,” she said quietly. “Of me, and of Andrew.”
“I can see that,” Elizabeth replied. “And I imagine it must be a comfort to you, having someone so steadfast.”
Georgiana nodded slowly. “It is, Miss Elizabeth,” she admitted.
Elizabeth tilted her head, her smile widening. “You must call me Elizabeth. After all, we are practically comrades now, having survived a visit from the Bingley sisters.”
A faint laugh escaped Georgiana, though she quickly pressed her lips together, as if afraid she had overstepped.
“Ah, there it is,” Elizabeth teased gently. “A smile suits you far better than that serious expression you’ve been wearing all day.”
Georgiana looked down at her hands, her blush deepening. “I suppose I am not used to… to conversing so freely.”
Elizabeth leaned back slightly, her tone encouraging. “And why is that, I wonder? Surely you have many acquaintances in London who are eager to engage you in conversation.”
Georgiana hesitated, her fingers fidgeting. “I—I am not very good with strangers,” she confessed. “I often find it difficult to know what to say.”
Elizabeth’s heart softened at the girl’s vulnerability. “I understand,” she said. “But you need not worry about that with me. I promise I won’t bite.”
This earned another small laugh from Georgiana, and Elizabeth seized the opportunity to shift the conversation to more neutral ground.
“Tell me, what do you enjoy, Miss Darcy? Do you share your brother’s love of reading, perhaps?”
Georgiana nodded, her expression brightening slightly. “Oh, yes. I enjoy novels and poetry especially. And music—I adore playing my pianoforte.”
Elizabeth’s eyes lit up. “Music! That is something we share. Jane is the more accomplished singer, but I do enjoy playing.”
Georgiana’s gaze lifted slightly, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. “Do you play often?”
“Not as often as I would like,” Elizabeth admitted. “Our piano is not the best, and it is difficult to find time with so many distractions at home. But I am certain you must play beautifully, with access to the finest instruments and teachers.”
Georgiana’s blush returned, but this time there was a spark of pride in her modest response. “I… I do enjoy it very much,” she said. “It helps me feel calm.”
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. “It is a wonderful escape, isn’t it? Music has a way of expressing what words cannot.”
Georgiana’s smile was shy but genuine. “Yes, exactly.”
Encouraged, Elizabeth leaned forward slightly. “What about other pursuits? Do you ride or draw, perhaps?”
“I do ride,” Georgiana said, her voice gaining confidence. “Though I prefer quiet rides in the countryside. Large gatherings or hunts are not quite to my taste. Sometimes, I wish I could be… stronger on my own. Like you are.” Her face flushed a deep red at this admission, and she looked as if she had not quite meant to voice her thoughts aloud.
Elizabeth tilted her head, studying the girl with a mixture of affection and curiosity. “You think me strong?”
“Oh, yes,” Georgiana said earnestly. “To care for your sister as you do, and to speak so easily with everyone. My brother told me how popular you were the other night at a neighbor’s home. I could never…” She trailed off, her shyness reasserting itself.
Elizabeth reached out, resting a hand on Georgiana’s arm. “Strength comes in many forms, Miss Darcy,” she encouraged. “I suspect you have more of it than you realize. After all, it takes courage to sit here with a stranger, doesn’t it, even when the hostess has left?”
Georgiana looked thoughtful. “I suppose it does,” she said at last.
“Indeed, it does,” Elizabeth replied with a smile. “And the more you practice, the easier it becomes. Before you know it, you’ll be engaging in lively debates and charming everyone you meet.”
Georgiana laughed softly, the sound delicate but genuine. “I’m not sure I shall ever manage that,” she said, though there was a hint of hope in her voice.
“You will,” Elizabeth assured her. “And until then, you have a friend in me. That is, if you’ll allow it.”
Georgiana’s eyes met Elizabeth’s, her expression brightening. “I should like that very much,” she said softly.
