Page 30 of Attempted Compromises
As their conversation continued, Elizabeth found herself charmed by the girl’s quiet intelligence and gentle nature. She spoke sparingly, but when she did, her words were thoughtful and earnest. By the time the afternoon light began to wane, Georgiana had even asked Elizabeth a question or two, her curiosity slowly overtaking her shyness.
The dinner bell gonged, and Georgiana rose. “Thank you, Miss Elizabeth,” she said quietly as she opened the door to leave. “I… I have enjoyed speaking with you.”
Elizabeth smiled warmly. “As have I, Miss Darcy. You are always welcome to join me, whether Jane is awake or not.”
Georgiana’s lips curved in a small, genuine smile, and she dipped her head in farewell before slipping quietly from the room.
Elizabeth watched her go, her thoughts lingering on the girl’s shy but kindhearted demeanor.So much like Jane, she mused with a pang of fondness. She hoped Georgiana would continue to open up in the days to come, for there was clearly a bright and thoughtful mind behind her reserved exterior.
∞∞∞
The evening at Netherfield unfolded in its usual manner after dinner, the drawing room warm with the glow of the fire and the hum of conversation. Darcy sat at a writing desk, focused intently on a letter. Caroline, having heard that Darcy did not enjoy cards, had rebuffed her brother-in-law’s request to play whist or loo. Instead, she hovered nearby, her eyes fixed on Darcy with calculated intent.
“Another letter to dear Colonel Fitzwilliam?” Caroline asked in a cloying manner. “You write to him so often. What must you discuss so regularly, Mr. Darcy?”
Darcy glanced up briefly, his expression impassive. “Family matters, Miss Bingley. And current events.”
Caroline leaned forward slightly, her gaze intent. “How thrilling it must be to have a cousin serving in the army. Do you find his letters... enlightening?”
Across the room, Elizabeth, seated beside Jane, caught the exchange and couldn’t help but interject. “Colonel Fitzwilliam serves in the Peninsular Campaign, does he not, Mr. Darcy?” she asked, her voice carrying just enough curiosity to draw his attention. “I believe that is what your sister mentioned earlier today.”
Darcy looked up, his expression softening slightly as he turned to her. “Indeed, Miss Elizabeth. He is with Wellington’s forces.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “The progress in the campaign has been notable. I read recently of the successful siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and Wellington’s clever use of supply lines to outmaneuver the French. Your cousin must be quite proud to serve under such leadership.”
Darcy’s gaze shifted to Elizabeth, surprise flickering in his eyes. “You are well-versed in military matters, Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Only as much as one can be through letters and newspapers, Mr. Darcy. My father often shares accounts of the campaigns, and I find them fascinating. The intricacies of strategy and the courage of the soldiers are remarkable.”
Caroline’s laughter was sharp and forced. “How... unusual for a lady to take such interest in such matters. I confess, I prefer to leave war and politics to the gentlemen.”
Elizabeth turned to Caroline, her smile undimmed. “Perhaps, Miss Bingley. I confess it is unusual, but I also find it broadens the mind more than a fashion magazine would.”
Caroline’s face turned a brilliant shade of red that clashed with her hair. Darcy returned his attention to his letter, though Elizabeth noticed the faintest upward twitch of his lips.
In an effort to redirect the conversations, Mrs. Hurst asked, “Would anyone like music?”
Caroline’s expression brightened. “Oh, Georgiana, you must play. Mr. Darcy, you will not object to indulging your sister’s talent, I am sure.”
The young girl looked towards her brother shyly. Darcy nodded, his expression softening as Georgiana took her place at the piano. The first notes filled the room, her delicate fingers gliding over the keys to produce a lively reel that drew murmurs of approval from the room.
Darcy, seated not far from the piano, rose unexpectedly and approached Elizabeth, who had been quietly enjoying the music from her chair.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he said, his voice formal but warm. “Would you honor me with this dance?”
Elizabeth looked up, startled but amused. She tilted her head, studying him with a twinkle in her eye. “A reel, Mr. Darcy? Here in the drawing room?”
“Why not?” he replied, his voice tinged with humor.
Elizabeth laughed, shaking her head. “I see what you’re doing, Mr. Darcy. You believe another dance will serve as an apology for the last time. Truly, there is no need. I accepted your apology weeks ago; you need not feel obligated to make amends at every opportunity.”
Darcy’s eyes glinted. “And yet, I find myself eager to prove I can be tolerable company.”
Elizabeth smiled but rose from her seat, shaking her head again. “I fear, sir, that my energy is spent this evening. You shall have to remain content with your other successes, for now.”
Darcy inclined his head with a faint smile. “Then I must remain patient—until another time.”
As Elizabeth excused herself from the room to check on Jane, Darcy’s gaze lingered for a moment. The lively exchange left him with an unfamiliar sense of ease. He turned back toward Georgiana, whose music filled the room with soft, measured notes, his appreciation for her quiet bravery mingling with his thoughts of Elizabeth.
