Page 32 of Mr. Darcy and the Mysterious "Miss B"
“Miss Bingley,” Darcy replied with polite reserve. “I trust you have had a successful morning?”
“Indeed. Louisa and I have been selecting ribbons for a new bonnet. The selection here is rather limited, but one must make do in the country.” Her tone suggested sacrifice.
“How kind of you to adapt to our rustic circumstances,” Georgiana said with perfect innocence.
“Oh, I find country life quite charming in its way,” Caroline replied. “Though I confess I long for the sophistication of town society. Do you not agree, Mr Darcy?”
“Each has its merits.”
Caroline moved closer, her gloved hand coming to rest on his arm. “How refreshing to encounter someone who appreciates both environments. It speaks to a refined sensibility.”
Georgiana caught Darcy’s eye and smiled with evident amusement. “I find I prefer the country myself. There is something to be said for genuine society over fashionable pretension.”
“Certainly,” Caroline agreed, though her smile tightened. “Though one must be careful not to mistake novelty for genuine worth. Country society can be deceptive in its charms.”
Darcy recognised the veiled criticism and felt his jaw tighten. Before he could respond, Caroline had linked arms with Georgiana.
“My dear Miss Darcy, you must allow me to take you for sweetmeats at the confectioner’s. They have a surprisingly acceptable selection, and I should so enjoy your company. Louisa is already there. I told her I had to ensure you both knew how welcome you are to join us.”
Georgiana glanced at Darcy with barely concealed mirth. “That sounds delightful, Miss Bingley.”
“Excellent! Mr Darcy, you will join us, of course?”
“I believe I shall walk a bit more.”
“How like you to prefer solitary exercise,” Caroline said with what she intended as fond understanding. “So independent and strong-minded. I quite admire such masculine decisiveness.”
Georgiana’s shoulders shook with suppressed laughter as Caroline led her away, leaving Darcy to continue alone.
The quiet streets held little to occupy his thoughts, which turned inevitably to Elizabeth and the confusion of his feelings towards her. Their easy camaraderie during their chess game had given him hope things might have changed between them. Indeed, Miss Bennet had occupied his thoughts much these past few days, more than they ought to have done. What did it all mean? And what if his sister was quite right in her observations?
Lost in these reflections, he nearly collided with a couple emerging from the apothecary’s shop.
“Mr Darcy!” The gentleman—Mr Phillips—stepped back with a surprised smile. “What a pleasure to encounter you, sir.”
“Mr Phillips, Mrs Phillips.” Darcy bowed. “I hope I find you well?”
“Quite well, thank you,” Mrs Phillips replied with eager friendliness. “We have just been inquiring after powders for my poor nerves. The excitement of recent days has quite overset my constitution.”
“I trust nothing serious has occurred?”
“Oh, nothing serious at all,” Mr Phillips assured him. “Merely the usual domestic dramas that plague large families. Our nieces have been providing more entertainment than usual. Especially poor Jane and her accident.”
“Ah yes, but I am pleased to report she is recovering well and shall return to Longbourn within the week.”
Mrs Phillips nodded. “Well, that is good to hear. My sister missed her dreadfully. And the others of course. Pray, I saw Lydia this morning and even she spoke very highly of you.”
“I am glad to hear it.”
“Oh yes, she has been much improved since spending time at Netherfield,” Mrs Phillips said. “Though I suppose you would not know what a change that represents, having only met her recently.”
“Well, I am glad to report she has been unruffled and thoughtful for most of her stay,” Darcy replied.
Mrs Phillips snorted with amusement. “Our Lydia, unruffled and thoughtful? My dear sir, I fear you have encountered her in most unusual circumstances.”
Darcy unease stirred in his gut. “I confess I do not understand.”
“Lydia has always been our liveliest niece,” Mrs Phillips explained. “Full of spirit and mischief, always ready foradventure or sport. Before her father’s death, she was quite the little spitfire—charming, but exhausting to manage.”
