Page 87 of Miss Bennet's Dragon
However, the tyke showed none of the friendliness he showed me. He crouched, his head lowered and little shoulders stiff. I had almost forgotten that was a draca’s response to inquisitive people. They are not friendly animals like dogs.
I prepared to ask him silently to behave.
Then Miss Darcy began to sing.
Her voice was wordless and soft, scarcely more than humming. The tone rose and fell in strange intervals, like a Chinese song that Mary had played years ago. There was no melody. The rhythms did not repeat. The notes wandered, calming and natural, like the music of wind rustling a branch, or rain falling on a puddle.
She held out her hand, and the little tykeworm crawled forward and nuzzled her adoringly.
When we arrivedat Pemberley House after rushed preparations, we were greeted outside the mansion by Miss Darcy, who was strolling in the gardens.
“My brother remained in Lambton for business, but he will join us for a late dinner. May I be your host in his absence?”
My aunt and uncle accepted her offer, and my shoulders released enough tension to tie a horse. At least Mr. Darcy would not jump out of some corner for several hours.
I watched Miss Darcy converse with my aunt and uncle. Her manner was changed, surrounded by the dazzling blooms and foliage of her estate. Although she was a quiet hostess, preferring to prompt my uncle into long answers than speak herself, she was poised, and relaxed enough that girlish hints of youth escaped. Even so, it was hard to believe she was no older than Lydia.
She wore an unusual long-sleeved red silk dress that wrapped in front, almost a morning robe. It fastened with gold cloth buttons and had a high collar like a gentleman’s shirt. A thread-thin chain around her neck dangled a delicate musical note in gold.
The silk of her dress was patterned in flowing gold shapes.
“Are those draca?” I asked. The sinuous outlines reminded me of our firedrake.
Until now the conversation had been polite niceties. She was caught by my more personal question, then smiled. “They are Chinese renderings of their dragon folklore.”
“Is it a Chinese dress?”
“It is a Chinese style they call aqípáo. But not this.” She touched her cap, which was a traditional at-home cap for a lady, although in red silk. Underneath, her hair was as dark as her brother’s. “The Chinese ladies wear strange things on their heads. But I like their dresses if I have the sleeves fitted closely. I wear them at home sometimes. I thought I would be brave and wear it for you. I should not be brave enough to wear it out.”
“It is beautiful.”
She had skin light enough to freckle, and her blush was evident. In whole, she was a charming young lady, and blossoming into a beautiful woman. And a wealthy one. Her brother would be fighting off suitors.
I remembered Mr. Darcy’s letter describing Mr. Wickham’s attempted elopement when she was fifteen. No wonder Mr. Darcy had been furious when they met in Meryton.
The Pemberley gamekeeper, Mr. Rabb, was approaching with fishing rods over his shoulder.
Miss Darcy turned to my uncle. “My brother mentioned that you fish. I am no fisherman, but I have found you a guide.”
Mr. Rabb caught my eye with a grin then began discussing tying flies with Mr. Gardiner.
Mrs. Gardiner and I joined Miss Darcy to tour the gardens. We set off at a gentle pace, but after a few minutes, my aunt’s legs tired. She settled on one of the benches while Miss Darcy and I continued.
Our pace sped up, but we fell quiet. The gardens were stunning, but admiring flowers seemed old-fashioned for two young ladies alone.
I decided to try a more intimate topic. “Pemberley is a remarkable estate. But large, for a brother and sister.”
“You are right. We entertain at times, but I do not travel as much as my brother. I am often here alone. Fitz tried retaining a lady companion last year, but I did not like her.”
Fitz?I tried to imagine anyone addressing Mr. Darcy as “Fitz” and failed spectacularly.
“Mrs. Reynolds is dear,” continued Miss Darcy, “but very old. Most of the staff have lived here longer than I.” She gave me a conspiratorial glance. “You must not tell, but our new housemaid is great fun. She has taught me games from her school.”
“Lucy. Yes, she is sweet. I met her at Netherfield.”
“She told me.”
I sighed in dismay. “Doeseveryoneat Pemberley speak of me?”
