Page 18 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“I have informed your maid and my valet that we are travelling for a fortnight at least. In the morning, if it suits, we will begin crossing lengths and breadths of southern England from Kent to Hertfordshire.”
“We have failed our niece,” Lady Matlock said, unfolding the express to reread it. “I wish we had demanded that we take her before.”
“But Catherine fought so hard against it, we were persuaded our son and nephew were wrong.”
“What if we were wrong to believe she had Anne’s best interest in mind? I pray Catherine did not exploit Anne as leverage for Darcy to continue his visits.”
“I cannot like to think so.”
“I must speak to the housekeeper. I will have the room next to Ana prepared. I am certain she will love it.” Rebecca kissed his cheek. “I always hoped Anne would stay in the lavender room. I believe she favors the color.”
Hearing his wife speak of their niece in such terms caused the earl to frown. Though he would confess to knowing relief that his sister was not in Town, her demands that he press Darcy into marrying Anne were wearisome. His sister Anne never agreed to a union between her son and her sister’s only daughter. His friend George Darcy had been as opposed to the match as Catherine was in favor of forwarding it. He regretted not intervening on behalf of his niece and nephew to circumvent his sister’s insistence.
Matlock knew Darcy was correct; it was past time to end his sister’s expectation for the sake of Darcy and Anne.
Chapter 8
Charlotte Visits Miss Darcy Later in the Week
“Miss Lucas, thank you for coming today,” Miss Darcy said.
“You act as if it has been ages.” Charlotte laughed, pressing her cheek against that of her new friend. “It has been but two days. I believe tomorrow we are both again invited to Longbourn and will stay for a greater part of the afternoon with my dearest friends.”
“I look forward to our visit. I so enjoy their company. We expect Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, and Miss Mary here within the hour. I can think of no more enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.”
“I know my friends appreciated your honesty in answering the questions on decorum during our last visit. If I were not witnessing it, I would think such a change in their mother and two youngest sisters impossible. While I agree any lady who birthed Eliza has earned the occasional fluttering, I say those who might doubt their sincerity have no understanding of the single-minded determination the Bennet ladies are both blessed and cursed.”
“How can determination be considered a curse?” Miss Darcy asked once Charlotte sat next to her on the couch.
“Nowthatis an excellent question. Once, when Eliza spied someone new in Meryton, I think she must have been sixteen at the time…? She was determined to learn what he was about. The man was pleasant enough. Still, she was certain he had a nefarious purpose. Every day, she walked to Meryton, asking those he spoke to what their conversation entailed in her efforts to piece together his character. After a day and a half, she discovered him to be no source of mischief at all. He was a vicar who had spent some of his childhood in Hertfordshire. While passing, he stayed three days, where he had warm memories of his mother.”
“Oh, poor Miss Elizabeth,” Miss Darcy said when her laughter subsided.
“Yes, poor Eliza. She has since learnt to allow others more time and herself more information when encountering someone new before forming a preconceived notion about them. But once she decides you are a friend, there is nothing she will not do for you.”
“I am thankful she suggested you aid me in my hostess duties. What I would have feared, I am, instead, enjoying immensely. A companion may offer a kind opinion, but one can never forget that they are paid to be attentive. In you, your sister, and the Miss Bennets, I can trust what you tell me is the truth. And, after reminding you that I wish for honesty, here is tonight’s dinner plan. And here are the week’s meals that I am planning.”
Charlotte took time to look them over. “Well done. You incorporate what is plentiful and rely on the men having an afternoon of good shooting for dinner. At their insistence, no doubt.”
“Though they said I could plan two nights of venison and another of pheasant roast and partridge, I did consider their preoccupation with certain company.”
“I would say you are an excellent planner. Now, I understand you intend to play the pianoforte with Mary, yet you also asked Jane and Elizabeth to tea?”
“I see you have surmised my scheme. Yes, I hope to afford them more time together with my brother and Mr. Bingley, or Charles, as he prefers I address him. With me acting as his hostess, he has claimed the role of an honorary elder brother. Between us, I have never seen either of them look forward to afternoon tea. It seems they plan their days around any possible encounter with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth.”
“I do not think it wise to play matchmaker. I may well agree they would be excellent pairings, but if neither gentleman should want the acquaintance to progress beyond friendship, I think none wish to upset you.”
“But I am certain any other ladies would be mere substitutes for Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth.”
“Even if the outcome is not what you wish, you shall always know we are your friends,” Charlotte said, taking Miss Darcy’s hand.
Ignoring Miss Darcy’s wistful sigh, Charlotte changed the topic to an Italian translation they had both read. They then spoke in Italian, laughing at their mistakes even as they learnt from one another.
Bingley and Darcy Speak After Hearing Georgiana Express Her Hopes
The two stepped back from the door. Bingley looked at Darcy to assess his friend’s reaction to what they overheard as they happened past the sitting room. The wishes and intentions Miss Darcy explained to Miss Lucas should not have surprised them, but to hear it summarized in such terms was shocking.
Continuing on to the billiards room, Bingley said, “Well, Darce, are we both to make your sister happy, or will I be her favorite?”
