Page 32 of The Heir and Spare
“On the contrary, we spent time at a house party this spring and are indeed on better terms…” A long-shared gaze with Mary did not clear her thoughts. “Though things are certainly odd.” She turned to the footman. “I do believe we will accept. Send our regards and gratitude.”
He nodded, bowed, and turned to leave.
As soon as he was out of earshot, Mary turned to Lydia. “Surely you could have kept your opinions to yourself in front of the footman.”
Mrs. Gardener placed a hand over Mary’s. “Your sister is correct, but I do think Lizzie recovered quickly and all will be well.”
Lizzie stared at the missive.“I request the honor of your presence in my home this evening for dinner. Please don’t deny me this privilege.”She mused within herself and could not fathom what day she would begin to understand Mr. Darcy. It was certainly not yesterday or this day or any other day she had yet known him. He behaved in wildly erratic ways, one day knowing her well enough to ask how to help in a highly personal situation, interfering in her sister’s happiness, and then the next acting as though they were barely acquaintances. And in fact, appeared as though he might want to pursue her? Her face colored further and she did not know what else to do besides attend dinner at Pemberley and see what manner of the man called Mr. Darcy she would meet that evening.
Chapter 20
Elizabeth
They went for a walk through town. They had not yet seen all the shops, and Aunt was looking forward to reconnecting with many families and friends. Kitty ran straight for the milliners, and soon the sisters were gathered round bonnets and bits of ribbon. Mary found a corner of the store with a few books for sale, and Lizzie wandered out to the street where she was soon drawn in by the sounds of children chanting their maths.
She followed the sound across the street and peered in the window of what looked like a school room. A young lady stood at the front. She was light like Lizzie’s sister Jane, with rosy cheeks and a light in her face and eyes that immediately made Lizzie smile. She was perhaps one of the most wholesome pictures Lizzie had yet seen. The lady noticed Lizzie’s face outside the window and beckoned her inside.
As soon as she stepped in the room, the teacher smiled at her students. “Please continue practicing with the person next to you. Let me welcome our visitor.”
The children watched for a moment with open curiosity but soon turned to their partners and began practicing.
Lizzie nodded in approval. “They are lovely.”
“They really are. The villagers have not had much of an education unless we who live here teach them what we can. They are more grateful than anything.” She smiled so fondly at the backs of their heads that Lizzie was immediately endeared to this new woman.
“I was so drawn to the sounds of their excited maths.” She laughed. “I guess I couldn’t resist being that face in the window.”
“Are you here long? I will be sending them off for lunch in just a moment. Would you like to get a bite with me?”
“Yes, very much.” Lizzie moved to the back of the room to watch but she waved her over.
“I could use the assistance if you still know your figures?”
Lizzie laughed and nodded. “I help my father with the books sometimes.”
“Oh, that is impressive indeed, and more than I do. I’m not sure my brother would appreciate me anywhere near the books. He barely allows my other brother a moment in them, and he’s the heir.” She shrugged, and while Lizzie tried to figure out what she could mean by that, the woman pointed to the boy on the third row. “Could you start there with him?”
“Of course.” Lizzie crouched down at his side and began helping him work through the numbers on his board.
Lizzie enjoyed herself so much she decided that if marriage never worked for her, she could be happy indeed as a governess.
As soon as the children were out the door and off to whatever they did during their lunch, the teacher linked arms with Lizzie. “Now, I am Miss Georgiana. And we must stop in at Penny’s Bakery, if you don’t mind. I don’t think I can last the rest of the day without a crumpet.”
Lizzie laughed. “Then we must go to Penny’s. It’s lovely to meet you. I’m Miss Elizabeth. My friends call me Lizzie, which I hope you will as well.”
“Lizzie it is then, as I hope to always be Georgiana.”
They continued to walk arm in arm with Lizzie feeling the warmth of new friendship and a bit of happy surprise at finding someone she so quickly enjoyed.
They moved down the street to Penny’s and as soon as Lizzie stepped in the door, she knew she had made an excellent decision. The room smelled of freshly baked scones. The warmth of chocolate and toffee filled the air, and a smiley-faced woman stepped to the counter the minute the door closed behind them.
“Why, Miss Georgiana, I hope those children aren’t giving you any trouble.”
“Not at all. They are lovely as always. Your Leroy did exceptionally well with his numbers today. Miss Elizabeth assisted for a moment.”
“Oh yes, he picked it up so quickly.”
“Glad I am to hear it. He’s a smart one, if he would just apply himself.” She clucked. “Now, what can I get you today? Anything you like as a thank you. I can’t explain how much it means to us that you’d be willing to try and teach our children.” She dabbed her eyes with her towel which was covered in flour. Georgiana’s mouth twitched and Lizzie bit back a laugh. She was the perfect picture of a baker—down to a smudge of flour on the face.
