Still, London could be a surprisingly small town. Women reveled in chatting with other women, particularly when partaking in an enjoyable activity, and even if not involved in the conversation it was easy to overhear when in a small room.
“I’m not entirely placated, but for the moment there is nothing I can do about it. Might as well tell me the rest. I assume there is more?”
“Afraid so. I didn’t tell you everything I learned from my parents last evening.” The colonel paused for another swallow of his cold coffee, grimaced, and waved for a fresh pot.
“I might need something stronger than coffee before we are through here.” Darcy tossed back the last bit of his coffee like it was a shot of whiskey. “What did your parents have to add?”
“In a nutshell, Lady Catherine has been writing to my father. Often. He did not share the letters, but what he related to me matched the rumors. He is…upset.”
Darcy winced.
Richard reached over and covered his hand in a comforting gesture. “Now, let me impart the good news, Cousin. As I said to you when you announced your engagement and expressed concern over my parents’ response, my father is a fair man and he cares for you. Mother too. Hell, she was Lady Anne’s dearest friend! Additionally, Father is not naive regarding his sister. My parents are aware that Aunt Catherine has what she deems a valid reason to ruin your relationship with Miss Bennet. Of course, if she had ever bothered to recognize how pigheaded you are, she would not be wasting her time. Oh, quit glaring at me! You know very well you are the most stubborn man on the planet. Once you make a decision it takes a visitation from God to change your mind. Lady Catherine, no matter what she may think, is not God.”
A short laugh passed Darcy’s lips. Richard smiled and leaned back against the bench. “Obviously, she is trying to shame you among your peers and pressure Lord Matlock to intervene. My father tolerates much from his sister, but being pressured is not in his makeup. Still, from his perspective—”
Richard fell silent while the barmaid placed a new pot of coffee and a heaping plate of food on the table. After pouring fresh cups, Darcy waved his scone toward Richard. “Dare I pray this is all of the bad news?”
“I suppose that hinges upon your point of view. Father wants to talk with you and meet the mystery woman causing all the uproar. The subpoena, I mean, invitation”—Darcy grunted—“to dinner tomorrow night is probably already on your desk. Just remember, Cousin, that while Father can be stern and take the whole ‘I am an earl’ stuff quite seriously, he does know you very well, and he truly loves you. Uncle James was his oldest friend. Personally, I am of the opinion Father would be way more upset if you had succumbed to Aunt Catherine’s demands about Anne. Family inheritances and all that rot are important to him,”—Richard rolled his eyes—“but not at the expense of your happiness.”
“Once they meet Elizabeth, their concerns will disappear.”
“That is what I told him! You can thank me later, maybe let me win at billiards just once or buy me something special.” Richard grinned. “I sang Miss Bennet’s praises—not a trial in the least—and they were visibly relieved. Elizabeth is a good match for you, William. I am very happy for you, truly. I am confident my parents will agree.”
They sipped and ate in companionable quiet for several minutes. Darcy absorbed all that Richard had revealed, sorting through the specifics. Anger at Lady Catherine’s vindictive scheming lingered, but willfully suppressing those feelings was accomplished with minimal effort.
As for the rumors circulating through the high-and-mighty of London, it disturbed him only for the sake of protecting Elizabeth. Rumormongering was one of many reasons he despised London society and one of the main reasons he loved Elizabeth’s unique, artless honesty. In every way, she was an invigorating breath of fresh air into that stifling world.
“Dinner tomorrow night should be doable. I was planning to host dinner at Darcy House, as I have thus far, so some rearranging will be needed. Mr. Bennet will accompany us, of course. What are Lord Matlock’s intentions for the guest list? I would rather not subject my betrothed to an inquisition from the ton.”
“Jonathan and Priscilla will be there. They are staying at the townhouse, so their attendance is probably for the food rather than curiosity about Miss Bennet or your dazzling company, no offense.”
“None taken.” Darcy refreshed his coffee, then topped off Richard’s cup, asking as he poured, “Why are they staying at the Matlock townhouse? Did something happen to their house in Berkeley Square?”
“It is being redecorated. Again.” Richard shook his head in disgust. “Why do women deem it of the utmost importance to change furnishings and upholstery on a yearly basis?”
“Lord and Lady Montgomery?” Darcy asked, offering no opinion on redecorating advantages or disadvantages.
“Don’t be ridiculous! My sister, the esteemed Lady Montgomery, is far too vital to the very fabric of society to be bothered by a measly family gathering. Perhaps it is some small comfort, William, that your choice of bride is not the juiciest gossip in town. If it were, I could safely wager a tidy sum of cash on my sister changing her schedule, even if it meant postponing dinner with the prince himself.”
“You have a point,” Darcy acknowledged. “Knowing Annabella, that is a comfort. You will be there, I presume?”
“I would not miss this for the world!” Richard grinned. “Besides, you need me. My presence will guarantee an entertaining evening.”
Darcy grunted a rude retort out of habit and expectation, which Richard gleefully countered. Strangely, that served better than any heartfelt verbalizations of appreciation.
“Dare I hope that is the complete company?”
“That is all my father mentioned. Georgiana’s name did not come up, although I assumed her inclusion, so perhaps he did as well.”
“Under the circumstances, I think it might be best if Georgie stayed out of it. She will be happier not to attend, to be honest. Just to be on the safe side, would you be so kind as to pass on my request for no others?” Richard readily agreed, but Darcy was frowning and shook his head. “On second thought, as soon as I return to Darcy House I’ll send him a message with my request. While I am at it, I’ll ask for an audience earlier in the day. Best to get most of the questions answered and any unpleasantness resolved before Miss Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet arrive.”
For the remaining time they passed at York’s Coffee House, the cousins reverted to their standard male discussion topics. Darcy unabashedly spoke of Elizabeth with phrases of gushing praise so laced with romantic sentiment that eventually even Richard ran out of ways to harass him. Little else was said about Lady Catherine, the rumors circulating, or the impact of Lord and Lady Matlock’s opinion. By the time Darcy bid adieu to Colonel Fitzwilliam and mounted his horse for the ride back to the house, his gay mood was restored and lips were pursed for whistling.
3
Invigorating Interaction
Mr. Gardiner’s carriage halted before the blue door of Darcy House on Grosvenor Square promptly at one o’clock, as the invitation for Jane and Lizzy Bennet detailed. Cheeks rosy and hands fidgety, Georgiana stood in the foyer as Mr. Travers successfully gathered doffed bonnets and cloaks.
“Miss Bennet. Miss Elizabeth,” Georgiana greeted as she rose from a graceful curtsy. “I am so pleased to welcome you to Darcy House. Thank you for graciously accepting my invitation.”
“An invitation to pass the afternoon in your company, Miss Darcy, is an honor. Jane and I can conceive of no greater delight. Can we, Jane?”
Jane affirmed this as sincerely as Lizzy, causing Georgiana’s blush to spread to her temples. “You are both far too kind. I know London boasts innumerable entertainments more fascinating than a luncheon at Darcy House. Why, you could be shopping, for heaven’s sake!”
Lizzy laughed gaily and laced her arm companionably through Georgiana’s. “Frankly, I am sick to death of shopping.” Lizzy steered them gently toward the parlor, e
mphasizing when Georgiana gawked incredulously, “Indeed I am! After a while, all the fabrics and lace look the same, and I can no longer distinguish between sable or fox. On top of that, I am quite certain my feet shall never be the same after walking miles over rough stones. It is tragic.”
“Now I am positive you are teasing me, Miss Elizabeth. I am suspicious of your claiming sore feet, given how often my brother has mentioned your fondness for walking. However, the evidence of jesting is that everyone knows the difference between sable and fox.”
Amid the three women’s laughter, they sat on the settees surrounding the low table already laden with a three-tiered silver plate rack and two porcelain salvers piled with an assortment of edibles. Decorative plates and shining silver cutlery pieces sat atop a crochet-edged linen tablecloth. The housekeeper Mrs. Smyth trailed behind them, delivering a tray with three porcelain cups on saucers, a steaming teapot, and sugar and cream in matching servers.
“Shall I pour, Miss Darcy?”
“Thank you, Mrs. Smyth, but I wish to attend to my guests.”
The housekeeper gave a single nod and silently exited the room without acknowledging Lizzy or Jane in any way. Lizzy’s brows lifted, and she shared a startled glance with Jane, but neither said a word. Georgiana’s concentration was on the precision pouring of the hot tea into the cups, either heedless of the housekeeper’s lacking manners or accepting it as normal. Shrugging it aside as unimportant, Lizzy replied as to tea-drinking preferences and helped herself to the snacks.
“May I ask if Mr. Darcy is at home?”
“Not presently, Miss Elizabeth,” Georgiana answered without glancing up from her task. “He left early for an appointment with his tailor. I suspect by now he is either fencing at Angelo’s or the track riding his horse. He mentioned needing exercise, and those are his preferred choices to expend energy. I am not sure when he will return. Oh!” Concern etched upon her face, Georgiana jerked her eyes to Lizzy. “How inconsiderate of me! Naturally, you wished to see my brother! I do apologize for not being clearer in my invitation and causing your disappointment.”
“Miss Darcy, it is I who should apologize. Your invitation was perfectly clear, and we accepted for the sole purpose and pleasure of your company. I asked of Mr. Darcy merely out of curiosity. In truth, it is a boon that he is elsewhere. Female conversation is far more interesting, to my way of thinking, and having a man about would only disrupt. Is that not so, Jane?”
“Absolutely. At the first mention of gowns or hair accessories he would run screaming from the room.”
“I will take your word for it since my experiences are minimal, although William made the same claim this morning. It is true that his eyes glaze over whenever I mention garments or the like. He immediately sends me to Mrs. Annesley or Lady Matlock.”
“As I suspected.” Lizzy nodded sagely before biting into a sandwich wedge.
“To be fair,” Jane added while Lizzy chewed, “my mind wanders the second the topic of cigars or firearms is broached.”
“Oh! How true that is! You have sisters, but I only have my brother. Visitors to Pemberley are predominantly male, such as my Cousin Richard, Mr. Bingley, and other gentlemen friends of William’s. Not that I am often present at their private gatherings, mind you. Nevertheless, a lone female adolescent is easily forgotten when sitting silently in a corner. Despite my disinterest, I probably know more about popular sporting events, the top horses on the racing circuit, and strategies for winning at billiards than most females do.”
“Think what an advantage this will be, Miss Darcy, when the time comes for you to find a suitor.”
Rosiness once again touched Georgiana’s cheeks, but she laughed at Jane’s comment. “An advantage or disadvantage, depending on the man, I suppose. If I unearth one who likes what I do, such as music, dancing, and ladies fashion, we would be an anomaly to behold!”
“Something to toast too, I say.” Lizzy held the delicate china cup in the air. “To Miss Darcy someday finding her male anomaly!” Ringing clinks and sips followed, along with laughter. “See, we are having tremendous fun and have barely started!”
Jane leaned forward to brush a finger over the teapot. “This is a beautiful tea service, Miss Darcy, and these tarts are exquisite.”
“Credit for the food I cannot claim, nor the tea set since it has lived in this house longer than I have. But I am gladdened to hear you are satisfied. I confess to being quite nervous.” She peeked at her guests through her lashes, murmuring, “This is the first tea party I have hosted myself.”
The sisters shared a smile, Jane assuring, “I am stunned to hear this, Miss Darcy. You are an excellent hostess. My guess was years of practice.”
“You are most kind to say so, Miss Bennet. I assure you that is not the case, although I have attended numerous social gatherings, mostly small ones,” Georgiana disclosed in a firmer voice. “I have assisted my aunt frequently, that is Lady Matlock. She has taught me the proper etiquette, of course, yet the greater benefit is in observation. She is elegant, confident of hand, and immensely skilled in the art of casual conversation. Wait until you meet her, Miss Elizabeth, then you will know of what I speak.”
“You are fortunate to have a gifted, and willing, relative living near you, Miss Darcy. Her influence shows.”
“Indeed, Jane is correct.” Lizzy patted her sister’s hand. Then she cocked her head and smiled archly at Georgiana. “On the other hand, Miss Darcy, think how improved the fortune of your education if you lived closer to Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She is prodigiously knowledgeable on every subject, you know, and by her admission greatly accomplished. Oh! To be frequently exposed to a grand house decorated with imposing sophistication and refined style. Rosings Park, where quality is visible even in the windows and glazings. Just imagine how improved your manners as hostess and stimulating our conversation if she were the aunt fate settled nearer to you.”
“Lizzy,” Jane softly admonished.
Georgiana, however, had pressed the back of her hand against her mouth and her shoulders were shaking with silent laughter. Lizzy winked over the rim of her teacup.
“Indeed, it is quite all right, Miss Bennet,” Georgiana finally squeaked out. “Surely William would scold me for unkind thoughts, but I confess my sentiments refuse to behave properly where Lady Catherine is concerned. She has terrified me since I was a child!”
“Mr. Darcy would scold because that is what responsible, grown brothers are required to do. I can almost guarantee his heart would not be fully engaged in the reprimand, Miss Darcy. As for me, well surely you have gleaned by now that I tend toward impertinence as a general attitude? I did warn Mr. Darcy of the risks involved in allowing me to corrupt your gentle nature.” She sighed and set her face into an overblown mournful expression. “Alas, he did not heed my warning.”
“I daresay he would not, Miss Elizabeth! There is not a risk of corruption but rather hope for improvement. Your impertinence, as you name it, my brother defines as boldness and confidence, both of which I need more of.”
“I do confess that our time together, Miss Darcy, is insufficient to render a verdict as to the levels of confidence and boldness you own. My preliminary judgment, however, is that you are better disposed to each than you warrant. As for Lady Catherine, I suspect impertinence is a foolhardy maneuver while being terrified is an indication of good sense.”
“Perhaps.” Georgiana bent to pour fresh tea into their cups, eyes on the task as she talked. “My father was neither foolhardy nor terrified, yet he hated Rosings. He rarely visited, the last time when I was very young. My last memory of the manor is a vague one of dim corridors and frightening tapestries. One of the few times I recall Father angry was when Aunt criticized me about something. I no longer remember what, but he was furious. After that, on those occasions she visited Pemberley, he never forced me to interact beyond the basics of hospitality. William has never asked me to accompany him to Rosings.”
“So he frequently travels
to Kent?”
“At least twice yearly since our Uncle Lewis passed on. My brother is acutely loyal to family and friends, Miss Elizabeth. I am sure you have learned this yourself.”
Lizzy nodded and took the cup from Georgiana’s hand.
“In the case of Rosings, my brother’s loyalty was first to Sir Lewis de Bourgh. He was a nice man. Very gentle and warm. And of course, my brother is immensely fond of Cousin Anne. Not as he is fond of you, Miss Elizabeth. Never was it like that!”
Lizzy laughed and waved away Georgiana’s wide-eyed concern. “No need to worry, dear girl. Mr. Darcy has unraveled the misunderstandings on that relationship with extreme clarity. I envy you both, if you must know. Jane and I have few cousins our age, and none live close to us.”
“Neither do I. Cousin Richard is the only one, really, but he is older still than my brother. I have no female friends my age.”
Georgiana handed the cup to Jane, speaking without sadness or rancor in stating the facts as they were. Her nonchalance struck Lizzy harder than if she had whined pitiably about the loneliness of her childhood. Guiltily Lizzy thought of all the times she had wished there were fewer flighty females crammed into Longbourn annoying each other. How many hours had she spent away from the manor for no reason other than to gain minutes of peace? Only in the past weeks as she prepared to leave Longbourn, and especially now, with Georgiana’s youth in mind, did Lizzy begin to recognize how blessed she was to have four sisters.
“Soon that will change, Miss Darcy,” Jane stated.
Georgiana looked at Jane with creases of puzzlement marring her brow.
Jane smiled and patted Lizzy’s hand, speaking tenderly, “In a matter of weeks you will have a sister.”
“Absolutely!” Lizzy fervently concurred. “And one who comes with an army of sisters in tow! Jane you already know is wonderful”—Jane blushed and demurred—“and I am certain you will like Kitty and Mary too.”