Page 83 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Why are you certain my brother is right? Are you saying the duke’s having smuggled goods for his private use is acceptable, though unlawful? Or do you posit it is acceptable if all present can partake of what was smuggled in?” Georgiana inquired in a voice that was more reserved than she felt.
So effective and succinct was she in challenging Miss Bingley to defend her simpering words, she felt immense satisfaction when her brother choked on his coffee to hide his ill-timed laugh. She was pleased he at last caught Miss Bingley’s glaring at her. Despite her repeated explanations that the woman was no friend to her, he refused to accept it. Now he saw the truth, and she would no longer have to be at home with this woman. The ruse was done.
“I mean to say whatever your brother’s opinion might be, he is correct. He always knows about these things,” Miss Bingley said, lifting her chin at such an unbecoming angle, Georgiana bit her lips painfully to hide her smile.
“Miss Bingley likens you to be a faultless God, Brother. She claims you are omniscient in your knowledge,” Georgiana said impishly.
“If such were true, I would have again determined how to scowl at you with some degree of effect by now, for it has not been these many hours.” William rolled his eyes at her over therim of his coffee cup, which gave her no end of delight. Unable to suppress it any longer, her laugh filled the breakfast parlor.
“That is a wonderful sound to hear this morning,” Mr. Bingley said, walking into the room with his usual good humor.
“My brother laments having lost the ability to make me quiver at the very sight of his scowl.”
“Might you show me the trick, Miss Darcy, for his are fearsome. I am gladdened to see his good humor restored this morning. It was absent at the assembly, to be sure.”
“Charles, you cannot suggest the lack of decorum displayed there is anything but insufferable to Darcy?” Miss Bingley protested.
“It was quite unseemly,” Darcy said in agreement with Miss Bingley.
Georgiana winced at Miss Bingley’s look of satisfaction, yet felt certain her brother's opinions did not fully align with that young lady.
“I would not be so fastidious as you for a kingdom, Darce. I never met with prettier girls or kinder people in all my life.”
“I saw little beauty and no fashion. I also heard murmurings of our fortunes the moment we arrived. Be on your guard, Bingley.”
All traces of the mirth left her brother, and Georgiana did not like this alteration. Too similar to his usual manner, she worried it meant he had already forgotten his promises made on their journey to Netherfield.
He very much requires a wife, and I would like a true friend.
Conversation turned to those they met and with whom Mr. Bingley had danced. The list included a Miss Lucas, the daughter of Sir William, who seemed determined to introduce Mr. Bingley to all their neighbors. At least he held some rank. Her brother could have no objection to her being incompany with Miss Lucas, though she hoped he remembered her preference for character over rank. Miss Bingley was the very reason why Georgiana held such prejudices about status, in particular that which was perceived due to wealth.
And, by all accounts, Mr. Bingley danced twice with a woman he likened to an angel, a Miss Jane Bennet, one offivesisters. Given her brother’s displeasure at the mention of that family, Georgiana kept her eyes on her plate but listened with great attentiveness.
Soon, excusing herself to request the carriage, Georgiana fled after the first disparaging comments were leveled against the Bennets. Miss Bingley thought meanly of all other women who might gain her brother’s notice, so she put no store there. But her brother claimed the Bennets to be fortune hunters.
Knowing talk was always rampant about the evening’s events on the days following an assembly in Lambton, Georgiana suspected it to be the same in Meryton. She intended to remain alert. Having herself just experienced such humiliation at the hands of a man she had thought a family friend, she did not wish Mr. Bingley to know the pain of false platitudes from a fortune hunter. Thus, Georgiana was all anticipation for her outing as she hoped to gather information about the Miss Bennets.
Reaching Meryton, Georgiana’s eyes widened as the carriage slowed near a large group of young ladies. She smoothed her skirts and adjusted her bonnet before stepping out of the vehicle.
“You have not been introduced,” Mrs. Annesley cautioned gently.
Georgiana deflated.
“Do not be downcast, my dear. You know it is not proper for you to speak to them without an introduction.”
“I will not forget,” Georgiana said as a footman opened the carriage door in front of the drapers.
Georgiana’s spirits buoyed when she saw a bookstore three doors away from the ladies. Georgiana thought she heard one of the younger girls comment on her bonnet and gown, declaring them bothso very fine.
Mrs. Annesley patted Georgiana’s hand after hearing the compliment. Georgiana verily glowed at this small attention.
Chapter 2
An Afternoon in Meryton with Friends
“I wonder if she is part of the Netherfield party?” Kitty looked at the young lady over. “She is dressed quite smart, and I cannot think where else she might be staying.”
“If she is, she would be certain to recognize improper behavior,” Elizabeth said in warning.
