Page 31 of Mr. Darcy and the Mysterious "Miss B"
Chapter 11
Darcy
6th April 1811
Georgiana’s laughter echoed off the shop windows as they made their way through Meryton’s main street. She had been regaling him with tales of her morning lesson with Elizabeth on the proper way to cheat at piquet—knowledge that Elizabeth insisted was essential for any lady of quality.
“I confess I shall be rather sorry to see the Miss Bennets depart,” Georgiana said, her step light despite the seriousness of her words. “Elizabeth and Lydia have been such delightful company.”
Darcy nodded, though his response lacked his sister’s enthusiasm. “I am certain you will maintain your friendship with them.”
“Yes, but it will not be the same as having them at Netherfield.” Georgiana slanted him a knowing look. “Jane is much improved—Mr Morrison declared she might return home within the week. I expect you will miss Elizabeth’s conversation when she has gone.”
“I fear Miss Elizabeth thinks rather poorly of me,” Darcy replied. “My initial behaviour towards her family was regrettable.”
“But surely that has changed? I have observed you together, William. You appear to enjoy her company. Lydia toldme you conspired with Elizabeth to help Lydia out of her last bout of melancholy.”
“She knew it was by design then,” Darcy said, eager to change the topic.
“Of course. But you see? You work so well with her. Certainly, things have changed between the two of you.”
Darcy’s collar felt tight. “Whatever my feelings on the matter, I doubt they are reciprocated. First impressions are difficult to overcome.”
Georgiana stopped walking and faced him with the directness that reminded him she was no longer the frightened child she had once been. “Perhaps the difficulty lies not in overcoming first impressions, but in allowing oneself to hope for better ones. Not everyone is of your belief that if one has lost one’s good opinion of someone it is lost forever.”
“Georgiana—”
“When did you become so cautious about matters of the heart, brother?”
Her insight struck close to the truth. “You speak as though you have given this considerable thought.”
“I have. And I believe it is past time you considered settling down. You are eight and twenty, William. If you do not choose a wife soon, Caroline Bingley will drag you to the altar through sheer persistence.”
Despite his troubled thoughts, Darcy laughed. “Caroline is not quite so determined as that.”
“Is she not? I have watched her these past days. She positions herself near you at every opportunity, agrees withyour every opinion, and finds excuses to touch your arm with alarming frequency.”
“I had not noticed it was quite so obvious.”
“It is painfully obvious to everyone except you.” Georgiana resumed walking. “Though I suppose you have been rather distracted by other matters.”
“Speaking of other matters,” Darcy said, not wishing to discuss the matter further. He had noticed of course but had told himself Caroline’s attempts were less obvious. “How do you find Miss Lydia? You seem to have formed quite an attachment.”
“I like her immensely. She has such spirit beneath her grief.” Georgiana’s dipped her head to one side. “She struggles terribly with her father’s death, you know. One moment she is angry with him for the situation they have been left in, and the next she is heartbroken that he is gone.”
Darcy felt a pang of recognition. “That sounds familiar.”
“Yes, I felt much the same after Papa died. The guilt of being angry with someone you love…” Georgiana’s voice trailed off.
“I should have supported you more during that time,” Darcy said. “I was so focused on managing the estate and your future that I neglected your present pain.”
“William, no.” Georgiana caught his arm. “You were my strength and anchor. I could not have survived without you.”
Before Darcy could respond, a familiar voice called across the street.
“Mr Darcy! Miss Darcy!”
Caroline Bingley approached with a smile that seemed to encompass both siblings but lingered on Darcy. Her walking dress was impeccable, and she moved with studied grace.
