Page 34 of Darcy's Guarded Heart
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As the afternoon wore on, Miss Elizabeth’s foot improved, the slight swelling going down soon enough. The group made merry and ate while Georgiana was participating in a game of shuttlecock with Mary, Kitty, and Lydia Bennet.
This sight did little to comfort him, as he recalled Lydia Bennet’s boisterous behaviour at Lucas Lodge and doubted it would serve as suitable companionship for his sister. Yet, for the time being, he refrained from expressing any concern.
“She is quite skilled,” Charlotte remarked, indicating Georgiana.
“Indeed, she is. We play often,” he replied.
“You do?” Elizabeth responded. “Pray, you must join us in a game! Perhaps when my ankle has recovered, you and I shall engage in a match.”
He could not help but smile. “That is a challenge I shall gladly accept,” he said.
“Mr Darcy,” Caroline interjected, drawing his attention as she wandered over from her sister’s side. The frown creasing her brow suggested she took little pleasure in the gathering.
“Shall we take a turn? It is such a lovely day and my sister Louisa is such a bore and does not wish to.” Knowing it would be discourteous to refuse, he rose, took his leave fromElizabeth and her companions, and approached Caroline. He linked arms with her and strolled towards the path that led past the shuttlecock game.
He observed his sister swing the bat, sending the shuttlecock soaring across the field towards a giggling Lydia Bennet.
“I must say, I have never attended such a lively gathering,” Caroline remarked.
“I was alarmed at first, but it is not quite as boisterous as I had expected,” he replied. “It is, indeed…”
Caroline raised an eyebrow. “Enjoyable? I never thought I would hear you utter such sentiments, Mr Darcy. Have you merely grown accustomed to the proceedings now, or is it due to some particular young lady who has captured your attention?”
He met her gaze, shaking his head. “Certainly not.”
Caroline pursed her lips. “Well, that makes one of you. I perceive that young Mr Bennet has taken quite a fancy to Miss Georgiana,” she said. “I observed him looking at her earlier with that gaze gentlemen employ when they are…”
Darcy stiffened. “He is no gentleman,” he muttered under his breath, though loud enough for Caroline to hear.
“Indeed not. And I have cautioned your sister accordingly. There is no need to thank me. I regard her almost as my own younger sister, and it is my duty to ensure she comprehends the nature of the company she keeps.”
“I am grateful,” he said, “but what do you make of the younger sisters?” He was unsure why he enquired, as he already knew her answer.
“Rowdy, uncouth, not accomplished enough to secure advantageous matches. Is that your assessment as well?” she enquired, to which he nodded.
“I shall concede that it appears the eldest Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are the only ones possessing any refinement,” he remarked.
“Miss Bennet, certainly. Her only flaw appears to be her relations,” Caroline echoed. “And yes, there is something about Miss Eliza, is there not? Although I would not necessarily brand her as accomplished.”
Darcy was on the verge of defending Miss Bennet when Georgiana called his name.
“Fitzwilliam!”
He released Caroline’s arm and turned towards her.
“Yes, Georgiana?” he replied.
“Pray, there shall be a dance in Meryton this coming weekend. May I go?”
He frowned. “A dance?” He looked at Caroline, assuming she would have knowledge of such an event.
She shook her head. “I heard of no such event.”
“Lydia just informed me. It is at the residence of one of her friends. It shall undoubtedly be a lovely affair, and Lydia is to go along with her sisters and their mother, thus providing me with a chaperone,” she continued, her eyes wide with excitement.
“No,” Darcy declared. “Absolutely not.”
