Page 24 of Mr. Darcy and the Mysterious "Miss B"
“Well, that shall soon be remedied,” Lydia declared. “Elizabeth and I have been playing cards, but it grows tedious with only two players. Do you know piquet?”
“I do, though I fear I am not very skilled at it.”
“Neither are we. Why don’t we go to the drawing room? You can refresh yourself and meet us there. We can have hot drinking chocolate and biscuits,” Lydia offered as though she owned the house.
“I would like that.”
A half hour later, Elizabeth and Lydia had retrieved the cards from Jane’s chamber, ordered their refreshments, and set up a game of cards when Georgiana joined them. As she did, Elizabeth noted how much she resembled her brother. The same high cheekbones, the same nose and eyes. Yet, Miss Darcy was all humility and exhibited none of her brother’s earlier arrogance.
For someone who thought he had been a poor guardian, he had done well.
“Your brother mentioned you spent time in London,” Elizabeth said. “Do you enjoy it?”
“Parts of it,” Georgiana replied. “The museums and concerts are wonderful. But it can be rather lonely at times, especially when Fitzwilliam is away. I much prefer Pemberley, our estate in Derbyshire.”
“Fitzwilliam?” Lydia looked up from the cards with interest. “Is that Mr Darcy’s Christian name? How formal it sounds!”
“Yes, though I usually call him William when we are alone. He was named for our grandfather.”
“I see,” Lydia replied. “Say, have you any sisters?”
“No, it is just William and myself. Our parents died some years ago.” Georgiana’s voice grew quieter. “William has been both brother and guardian to me since our father’s death.”
Elizabeth noticed how Lydia’s face softened with understanding. “We lost Papa a few months ago.” She looked down at the table, past the cards in her hand. “It is dreadful.”
“Indeed, it is. Though I was much younger when it happened—only twelve. I can hardly remember what it was like before. It must be almost harder when you have clear memories.”
Elizabeth placed her cards down, got up, and walked to the window.Behind her, Lydia and Georgiana talked a little more about losses but then, quite naturally, their conversation changed and became rather more pleasant. Lydia spoke of her sisters while Georgiana explained her family’s circumstances, giving and account of her various cousins and their exploits. The two had quite forgotten Elizabet, she realised.
She took her seat in a nearby chair and watched as the two girls started a game of cards together. Lydia looked up, smiled to acknowledge Elizabeth, and then pushed an entire biscuit into her mouth, sending Georgiana into giggles.
The morning went on that way until, a quarter to eleven, the front door opened and footsteps disburse. One faded away in the direction of the study, while another neared with rapid pace.
“Georgiana?” Darcy’s voice sounded and Elizabeth looked up.
He appeared in the doorway, slightly windblown from his ride, his face lighting up at the sight of his sister. Behind him came Bingley, looking equally pleased.
“William!” Georgiana rose and embraced him. “I arrived earlier than expected.”
“I can see that. I trust the journey was comfortable?” He kissed her cheek. “Miss Elizabeth, Miss Lydia, I hope my sister has not been troublesome.”
“Not at all,” Elizabeth replied. “She has been delightful company.”
“Georgiana,” Bingley called in greeting. “What a pleasure. It has been an age.”
“An age and a half,” she replied and it was clear they knew one another well.
“I beg your pardon for stealing away your brother. I hope you have been entertained?”
“Thoroughly. Lydia and Elizabeth are so dear.”
“We’ve been playing cards,” Lydia added, gesturing to their abandoned game.
“I see,” Darcy said with a slight smile. “Georgiana, are you very tired from travelling?”
“Not particularly. Why?”
He looked at Bingley.
