Page 67 of The Slipper Scandal
“Not unwanted,” his uncle said. “Simply unnecessary.”
Milton raised his glass one last time. “And Darcy? Do consider the flowers.”
Darcy paused at the threshold, gave them all a long, unimpressed look, and exited without a word.
Chapter Twenty
Elizabeth sat in the Abernathys' drawing room, anxiety fluttering in her stomach as she awaited Mr. Darcy’s call. After their conversation yesterday and Arabella's encouraging words, she found herself eager to see him, but also uncertain about how to proceed.
Wilson's measured tread in the hallway announced the arrival of a visitor, and moments later, Mr. Darcy stood in the doorway, his tall figure silhouetted against the afternoon light.
"Mr. Darcy, Miss Bennet," Mrs. Abernathy greeted them with a knowing smile. "I have some correspondence requiring my attention, but you may speak as privately as the open door allows.”
Mr. Darcy settled stiffly in a chair opposite her, his posture betraying a tension that mirrored her own. They exchanged polite pleasantries. Comments on the weather and enquiries about health were interspersed with awkward silences that seemed to stretch endlessly. Elizabeth noted his discomfort with a mixture of sympathy and annoyance. If they were to have anysort of conversation beyond these stilted exchanges, she would need to guide them into friendlier territory.
Just as she was considering a suitable topic, Mr. Darcy surprised her by broaching an unexpectedly personal subject.
"I received a letter from my sister this morning," he said, his voice softer than his usual measured tone. "She is at school in Chiselhurst."
“Even over the festive season?”
“She had an invitation to a friend’s home for her time between the terms, and there is no one in the family near her age. I thought it best to allow her to accept.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Chiselhurst. Is that in Kent?”
“It is.”
"I hope Miss Darcy is well," she prompted, when he did not immediately continue.
"She is in good health, yes," Mr. Darcy replied, then hesitated, seeming to weigh his next words. "I confess I sometimes wonder if sending her to school was the right choice. My other aunt, Lady Catherine, insisted it would help my sister gain some polish in advance of her come out. Georgiana is making a few friends, but she is shy, and it is difficult for her. I wonder, perhaps, whether she ought to finish the year or whether a governess or even masters at home might suit her better." He raised his eyes to hers, seeming to expect her to weigh in on the matter.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, astonished that he should seek her advice on such a matter. "Mr. Darcy, you surprise me. Have you forgotten I am the sister who dumps trout upon gentlemen at dinner parties?"
Mr. Darcy's expression flickered between embarrassment and amusement. "I rather hoped that was a singular performance."
Despite herself, Elizabeth felt a smile tug at her lips. "The circumstances were unique, I assure you.” She paused, growingmore serious. “You honour me by asking my opinion on such a personal matter." She hesitated. “Youareasking?”
He nodded, and she considered the question. "How old is your sister?"
"She was fifteen last month," Mr. Darcy replied.
So young. "And what are her particular interests or talents?"
"She is exceedingly accomplished at music, the pianoforte especially. She also shows promise in drawing and languages," he said, and Elizabeth noted with interest how his expression softened when speaking of his sister.
"If she excels at those pursuits, and the school encourages her talents, she might flourish there," Elizabeth offered. "However, should she struggle with the social aspects, being constantly among strangers might crush her spirit rather than strengthen it."
Mr. Darcy nodded slowly, clearly weighing her words with genuine consideration. "She will come out when she reaches eighteen," he explained, "provided she is comfortable with the notion. I see no reason to rush her into society before she is ready."
Elizabeth sighed approvingly. "That is far better than my own experience, Mr. Darcy. We Bennet girls were unleashed upon Meryton society at fifteen. Thigns are different in the country, of course, but I still feel it is too young. My youngest sister, Lydia, will attend her first assembly this spring, and I fear she is a cautionary tale."
He gave her a questioning look, his curiosity evident.
"She believes herself quite the woman of the world at fifteen," Elizabeth clarified, "though her experience is limited to ribbon shopping and overhearing scandalous gossip."
Mr. Darcy smiled with a quiet sort of amusement. Elizabeth, pleased by this small victory, pressed gently, "In truth, a governess or masters in London may be equally suitable if shealso accompanies the countess on her calls once a week to start. And if she is shy, being close to you would surely offer comfort and support."
He nodded. "I had considered permitting her a summer at Ramsgate. She has asked for it, and I thought fresh sea air and quiet surroundings might benefit her spirits."
