Page 91 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“I am in earnest. I want to learn more.”
“Then you shall. I saw something extraordinary today. I recognized that Miss Elizabeth has no viciousness in her. She is everything good.”
“La! I would not suggest you speak ill of her siblings.”
“I suspect her sisters are the same.”
“And the Miss Lucases.”
“And the Miss Lucases. I will work to earn Miss Elizabeth’s good opinion. She put your pain above her own.”
Georgiana lifted her head to find her brother blinking away the evidence of his emotions.
“If Miss Bingley allows, I will invite Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet for tea. Then you might have an opportunity to speak again.”
“I am certain they will be pleased to know you better. I imagine they are, even now, worriedtheyhave made an unfavorable impression. To our benefit, Mr. Gardiner told Bingley and me his two eldest nieces are both delightful.”
“Careful, Brother. You are close to admitting you have associations in trade rather than just investing in one.” Georgiana sipped her tea, enjoying William’s conversation.
“How did you discern this? I ask because I do not want it known by everyone.”
“Perhaps not announce an intention to attend matters of business, then leave the Darcy coach to walk the street in front of the warehouses. Aunt Rebecca and I were at The Emporium,owned by Mr. Gardiner, and saw our coach in front of Bingley Woodworks. We went in to order a beautiful and mystifying jewelry box. Wonder of wonders, I was not allowed to pay for it.”
“I could more easily keep my actions clandestine if you and our aunt were not such busybodies. The carriage gave me away, did it?”
“Now, tell me the truth. How does business fit with this stay in this shire?”
“An adept and admirable transition in conversation.” Georgiana began to count seconds, and her brother was not long under her expectant gaze before he cracked. He retold the whole conversation between Mr. Bingley, Mr. Gardiner, and himself.
“Then the greater intent was to give Bingley the opportunity to learn estate management? And in addition towhat? Was there also a wager made?”
“A fortuitous wager. He knew he would win, of course. His eldest nieces are all he claimed and more. Now we shall mind his business so he can take his family, and perhaps one of his nieces, on a long holiday. I see you plotting something, but do not forget we met the Miss Bennets just last evening. Do not hope for anything more than friendship.”
“To assist your efforts to know the Miss Bennets better, I shall request use of the drawing room. If Miss Bingley is unkind toward either, we will remove to another sitting room.”
“Mayhap you should request the use of a smaller sitting room at the back of the house. My anger intensifies each time I think of how Miss Bingley used you to learn more about me. I believed her to be sincere in her claim to be your friend. I saw for myself today that the Miss Bennets have already proven to be, and I am glad you have met them. Perhaps a heavy rain might fall, so they will have to stay the night.”
“Such a scandalous suggestion, Brother.” Georgiana laughed into his arm. “Now, I notice you are intrigued by MissElizabeth, though you only spoke two sentences to her. How has this happened?”
“She accepted my apology. Why do you withhold?”
“Maybe she is more generous than I,” said Georgiana.
Her brother looked at her thoughtfully. “I disagree. But I will let her see I approve of your becoming friends. She must have an impressive amount of mettle to have remained so kind in such a difficult situation. And though I am proud of you for taking me to task, do not make it a practice. I am still your guardian.”
“I can make no promises. You see, I have this dunderhead of a brother who believes I should tell him everything when he tells me nothing.”
“You are perfectly correct. I am a dunderhead, while you are reasonable. And your perspective is more discerning while having none of my prejudices.”
“Given that Miss Elizabeth has your attention, will you tell me what draws you in?” Georgiana asked. “You may not wish to discuss so intimate a subject with me, but I am years out of the schoolroom. And I have known heartbreak if not love.”
“I think her the loveliest lady I have ever met. Uncommonly so when she laughs. As I rendered my apology, her eyes held a myriad of emotions, but her confidence did not falter. Despite her mother's insult.”
“While I noticed that she was wholly focused on you.” Georgiana tilted her head toward her brother.
“If I am grateful, it is because my eyes are now open, and I see in you the wonderful, caring, and intuitive young lady you have become. A rather terrifying intuitiveness, in fact. Do use it against Richard at hisinconvenience.” He tapped her cheek affectionately.
“With every opportunity.”
