Page 26 of Mr. Darcy and the Mysterious "Miss B"
This shot proved more successful, and small thrill of satisfaction rushed through her as she watched her ball passed through the hoop cleanly.
“Well done,” Darcy said, and the tenderness in his voice sent an unexpected flutter through her.
“Beginner’s luck,” she replied, though she was pleased by his approval.
“I doubt that. You strike me as someone who improves with practice. And someone who does take advice better than formerly claimed.”
Elizabeth swallowed a lump. “We shall see.”
Despite her stroke of good luck, the Darcy siblings won decisively, much to Lydia’s vocal dismay.
“Utterly defeated,” she declared. “What forfeit do you demand?”
“A recital,” Georgiana said with delight. “One of you must play the pianoforte after dinner.”
“How ruthless victory makes you,” Elizabeth observed.
“I learned from the best,” Georgiana replied, glancing at her brother with affection.
As they walked back towards the house, Darcy fell into step beside Elizabeth.
“Thank you,” he said, “for being so kind to Georgiana.”
“She is easy to like.”
“Still, I am grateful. She has been rather isolated of late. Your friendship means a great deal to her.”
Elizabeth glanced at him. “And to me as well.”
Chapter 9
Elizabeth
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Longbourn’s drive as Elizabeth and Lydia approached the house, their spirits still buoyant from the pleasant day at Netherfield. Jane too had much improved, and Lydia and Elizabeth had decided to call on their mother with the news while Jane remained at Netherfield, tended to by Mr Bingley.
The dreamy look in her eyes had told Elizabeth that she and Mr Bingley were getting along rather splendidly while they had played pall mall. Indeed, so pleasant had the afternoon been, Elizabeth almost forgot about their troubles.
Alas, their cheerful mood dimmed the moment they entered the front hall. Hill waited with a look as though the milk had spoilt, holding a letter.
“Miss Elizabeth, a letter arrived this afternoon. Your mother thought you should see it.”
Elizabeth’s heart sank as she recognised the decisive handwriting. James Morton. She accepted the letter with trembling fingers whilst Lydia peered over her shoulder.
“Is it from Cousin James?” Lydia’s voice had lost all its earlier animation.
“Yes.” Elizabeth studied the envelope, feeling its weight like a stone. “Come, let us go to the drawing room.”
They found the room empty, their mother and younger sisters having retired upstairs. Elizabeth unfolded the letter with careful hands whilst Lydia watched anxiously.
“What does he say?” Lydia asked when Elizabeth’s face went pale.
“He is looking for an answer sooner than a month.” Elizabeth’s voice was tight. “He wishes to have the banns read earlier as soon as possible to appease the creditors. He says he is eager to settle matters.”
Lydia erupted. “But even a month is hardly any time at all!”
“Time enough for him,” Elizabeth said bitterly. “He writes as though Jane’s acceptance is assured.”
Lydia paced before the fireplace. “Well, it is not assured! Jane cannot seriously consider marrying that odious toad. Not when she and Mr Bingley are so perfectly suited.”
