Page 19 of Attempted Compromises
Darcy acknowledged Mary with a polite nod, and Mary, encouraged by Elizabeth’s presence, managed a small smile in return. Elizabeth continued, searching for a topic he might find agreeable.
“I hear you have a younger sister yourself, Mr. Darcy,” she began, keeping her tone light yet interested. “What is she like? I find that siblings often have a way of shaping one another’s character.”
Darcy seemed surprised at her question. His expression softened, and he replied, “Yes, indeed, Miss Bennet. Georgiana is sixteen. “She is… a talented young lady. She enjoys music, particularly the pianoforte, and is an exceptionally skilled player. She is very reserved, though—she finds comfort among those she knows well and is reluctant to engage with strangers. She is, in many ways, the gentlest of souls.”
Elizabeth’s face brightened. “Oh, how lovely! In that, she reminds me of my own sister Jane.” She gestured toward Jane, who was across the room, listening intently to Mr. Bingley’s conversation. “Jane, too, is very gentle and shy around strangers. She feels very deeply and does not often show it, but once you know her, you find she has a depth of feeling that is truly admirable. She has an ability to see the best in everyone, even when others may not be quite so deserving.”
Darcy’s gaze shifted to Jane, as he considered Elizabeth’s words. “Your description of Miss Bennet is… surprising,” he murmured thoughtfully. “To see kindness in others, and to show it freely, even when one might be judged for it, is an admirable quality.”
“Yes,” Elizabeth replied, smiling softly. “Jane finds happiness in others’ joys, and even if she feels pain, she does not burden others with it.” She glanced at Darcy, noting his rapt expression. “Perhaps your sister is much the same?”
Darcy nodded slowly. “In some ways, yes. Georgiana values her friends and family above all else. She prefers to remain with those she trusts and does not easily seek out new acquaintances.”
Mary, who had been listening intently, now ventured to add her own thoughts. “It is a great blessing to have a sister like that, Mr. Darcy. I imagine you must be very proud of her accomplishments.”
A faint but genuine smile touched Darcy’s lips. “I am. Georgiana is indeed a blessing,” he said, his voice laced with an unexpected warmth. He looked at Mary, his expression shifting to one of appreciation for her thoughtful words. “And may I say, Miss Mary, that it is refreshing to meet someone who values the quiet virtues.”
Mary blushed slightly, casting a grateful glance at Elizabeth, who gave her an encouraging nod and squeezed her hand. Elizabeth sensed that Darcy’s attention was having a positive effect on her sister, who seldom received such recognition. She felt a surge of gratitude for Darcy’s kindness and for his acknowledgment of qualities that others often overlooked.
Darcy, noticing the fond exchange between them, relaxed further, his gaze warming as he observed the sisterly bond. He hesitated, as though choosing his words carefully, then added,“Georgiana often speaks of longing for… more freedom, yet she finds herself restrained by her shyness. I have tried to encourage her, but…” He trailed off, looking almost self-conscious. “She is happiest in familiar company.”
Mary nodded thoughtfully, considering his words deeply. “I think… many people feel a sense of safety in what they know. Perhaps Georgiana will one day find a friend who will encourage her.”
As they continued their conversation, Elizabeth observed Darcy closely, noticing the subtle relaxation in his posture, the slight softening in his expression. She felt a quiet satisfaction in helping him feel more at ease, and an almost instinctive impulse to draw him out further. The aloofness she had associated with him was fading, replaced by something gentler.
Elizabeth found herself wondering yet again if his aloofness was not so much from pride as from a kind of protectiveness, an effort to shield both himself and his sister. She probed further, curious to see if he would open up a little more.
“What a fortunate sister she is, to have such a caring brother,” Elizabeth observed. “Do you spend much time with her?”
“Whenever I am able,” Darcy replied, a slight smile playing on his lips. “I believe it is my duty to support her, especially as our parents are… no longer present.”
Elizabeth’s heart softened as she watched him speak, his tone quieter now. For a man reputed to be haughty and cold, there was an unexpected warmth in him when he spoke of family. “I can tell that she must mean a great deal to you,” she said gently.
Darcy’s eyes met hers, and for a brief moment, the aloofness in his gaze faded entirely. “She does, indeed,” he replied simply, with an honesty that Elizabeth found unexpectedly moving.
Just then, Sir William Lucas, with his usual enthusiasm, approached them both, clasping his hands together with a pleased expression.
“Ah, Mr. Darcy! Miss Elizabeth!” he exclaimed, gesturing toward the small space near the piano. “Why not take a turn about the room? Or perhaps even a dance? Miss Mary would be more than happy to provide the music, I am sure.”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm at the suggestion, and she could sense Darcy’s hesitation as well. But she noticed Sir William’s earnestness and, feeling herself in a particularly good humor, turned to Darcy with a kind smile, willing to diffuse any awkwardness.
“Thank you, Sir William, but I fear I must decline,” she said, glancing at Darcy with a look of genuine politeness. “I am rather worn out from the evening already.”
Darcy nodded, seeming both relieved and appreciative of her tactful response. “I understand entirely,” he replied, a faint smile touching his lips. “Perhaps on a future occasion.”
Sir William looked mildly disappointed but undeterred. “Ah, well, a pity indeed,” he said, though he winked at Elizabeth with a conspiratorial grin, clearly still holding out hope. “But another time, I’m sure! It is a rare opportunity to see a gentleman and lady of such presence together.”
Elizabeth managed a small laugh, feeling only a faint trace of embarrassment as Sir William moved on to join the others. She glanced at Darcy, expecting to find him discomfited, but to her surprise, he seemed more at ease than before.
“Thank you for sparing me,” she said to him quietly, her tone light.
Darcy looked at her, an amused glint in his eyes. “I should be the one thanking you, Miss Elizabeth. It seems you are, indeed, quite generous.”
Across the room, Charlotte, ever observant, had been watching the interaction with growing interest. She joined the small group and, when Mary asked Mr. Darcy a question about his sister’s favorite composers, took advantage of their distraction to lean down and whisper in her friend’s ear. “Lizzy, I do believe Mr. Darcy has taken an interest in either you or Mary. Did you see the way he was listening to you just now?”
Elizabeth stifled a laugh. “Oh, Charlotte, you cannot be serious. He merely found himself in company that did not remind him every moment of his wealth or status.”
Charlotte raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Perhaps,” she said lightly, “but that kind of attention is rare, especially from a man such as Mr. Darcy.”
