Page 24 of An Interrupted Proposal (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
The Darcy carriage drew to a stop before the London townhouse, and a footman set the step before opening the door. He handed out the first of four ladies, who stepped to the side, gaping up at the fine structure, while waiting for the rest to disembark.
“Close your mouth, Kitty,” Lydia said as she joined her sister. “Darcy dislikes it when we appear overwhelmed by his wealth. It makes him uncomfortable.” A lesson she had learned the previous summer when they had visited Pemberley.
Kitty snapped her jaw closed and regained a proper posture, her features set in a pleasant smile, not too large nor too small.
“It is larger than Uncle Gardiner’s. I hadn’t realized homes of such a size existed in London.
I always believed there was not enough room for larger houses since everything is so much closer than in the country. ”
“It simply depends on where you are in London,” Georgiana said as she joined her friends. “Some homes even have extensive gardens and are separated from their neighbours by more than small alleyways, but those are normally owned by dukes and earls of some standing.”
The girls, followed by their companion, climbed the steps to the front door, which opened as they reached the top.
Elizabeth Darcy stepped out to embrace them, her cheeks quite pink and her eyes sparkling with happiness.
“Welcome to Darcy House,” she said as she drew them inside.
“Mrs. Annesley, it is good to see you.” She turned to the younger girls.
“We have tea in the blue drawing room unless you would like to refresh yourselves first.”
The girls exchanged a glance before Kitty, as the oldest, said, “We would not want to leave a layer of dust on your furniture, Lizzy. Shall we meet in thirty minutes for tea?”
Elizabeth smiled. “A good idea, Kitty. Come, I will show you to your rooms.”
She led them up the stairs to the family wing.
Georgiana went ahead to her room on the right side of the hallway, their companion entering the neighbouring door.
Elizabeth opened the first door on the left.
“Lydia, you are here, across from Mrs. Annesley, and Kitty you are across from Georgiana. You will find a small sitting room inside, which you share. Once you are refreshed, I am sure Georgiana will lead you downstairs.”
The girls embraced their older sister once more and entered their rooms. Lydia was turning in a circle, looking over the delicate crimson and bottle green accents that told her Elizabeth had decorated it just for her, when a door opened and Kitty rushed into the room.
“Lyddie, you must see my room and the sitting room! They are perfect! My room is a beautiful shade of pink with lilac pillows and covers. The sitting room . . . Oh, just come and see.” She grabbed her sister’s hand and tugged her into the adjoining room.
The sitting room was elegant but comfortable, with colours from both rooms worked in, mostly in floral motifs.
There were art supplies by the window where one would have sufficient light to work and––Lydia noted as she walked closer––a view of the garden below.
Books filled two shelves on one wall, a mixture of novels and informative works.
The chairs and settee nearer the fireplace were plush, and she could see them spending many nights here in their nightclothes discussing their day.
A smile crossed her lips, and she twirled about the room, grabbing Kitty’s hands and pulling her along as she squealed. “It is as beautiful as Pemberley!”
The sisters separated, returning to their rooms to change into their best day dresses so they could join the others. Within little time, they were in the hallway, knocking lightly on Georgiana’s door, which opened quickly.
“Do you like your rooms?” she asked as she joined them.
“Oh yes,” the Bennet sisters said in unison before giggling.
“You must show them to me later. I am anxious to see my brother.” Her brow furrowed. “I wonder why he did not greet us when we arrived.”
They were descending the stairs when they heard Elizabeth laughing before crying out, “We must stop! They will be joining us soon, and you must greet your sister or she will worry about you.” A muffled male voice responded before Elizabeth’s laughter was silenced.
The girls looked at one another before covering their mouths to smother their giggles.
Having spent a month at Pemberley, they were familiar with the couple’s amorous behaviour and could imagine what they might be walking in on.
Kitty coughed and Lydia asked, in a voice louder than necessary, if she required a shawl, while Georgiana’s steps were a bit heavier than they should be.
When they entered the drawing room, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were seated properly on a settee, though none of the girls would mention that his collar was not quite straight and a few of her curls stuck out at odd angles.
Darcy stood and held out his arms for his sister to embrace him. “You have grown!” he exclaimed. “Did you not just replace your dresses because they were too short? Must you return for new ones?”
“I am certain it is your imagination, Brother,” Georgiana replied as a blush covered her cheeks. “However, if you are willing to add to my wardrobe, I would not discourage you.”
He laughed and turned to the youngest Bennet sisters. “Catherine and Lydia, it is good to see you. Are you ready to join the season, Miss Bennet?”
She held herself stiffly, but Kitty’s lips curled upward in a nervous smile. “I believe so.”
Elizabeth stepped forwards and took her hands.
“Do not worry. We will not be forcing you to attend every fashionable event. Indeed, we will be making several outings to the theatre and museums with the entire family. You and I will discuss the social gatherings we will join so you are aware of what will be expected. If you are ever uncomfortable or wish to leave early, you need only speak to me.”
Kitty slipped her arms around her sister and hugged her tight. “Thank you, Lizzy.”
“Are you certain that Georgie and I cannot join her? She might be more comfortable with us there.” Lydia asked with a studied innocent expression.
Elizabeth tilted her head and raised one eyebrow. “Lydia. We discussed this. Kitty is nineteen and has earned her season. You and Georgiana will have yours next year.”
“It was worth a try,” she replied with a shrug and a bright smile. “What will we be seeing at the theatre?”
They took their seats while Elizabeth encouraged Kitty to pour the tea and Darcy told them what plays and operas were expected in the coming weeks.
After a thorough discussion of the merits of their options, they decided to wait for Kitty and Elizabeth to choose a few social gatherings before they chose a night for the theatre.
Instead, they made plans for a trip to the modiste so they would all be outfitted properly for such an event and Kitty could be fitted for her new wardrobe.
“I dislike forcing this upon you,” Elizabeth said with a sigh, “but we have been invited to Matlock House this evening. It is a family dinner, but there may be a few friends present. If any of you are too tired after your journey, I am certain Lord and Lady Matlock would understand.”
Though she said this with confidence, the tightness about her lips revealed Elizabeth’s uncertainty of her last statement, so the girls quickly agreed that they would like to attend. The relief on Mrs. Darcy’s countenance assured them they had made the correct choice.
“Will Colonel Fitzwilliam be there?” Lydia asked. She enjoyed his stories and hoped he would be in attendance, fearing the evening might be tedious if he was not.
“Our cousin is in London, and his mother is expecting him, but his time is not always his own. We hope to see him there.” A crease appeared between Darcy’s brows.
“If he is not, you will surely be entertained by other members of the family. You will have the opportunity to meet Lady Catherine. I understand your cousin, Mr. Collins, has told you much about her.”
“Lady Catherine?” Kitty repeated, her eyes wide as she took Lydia’s hand. “Maria Lucas said she was quite terrifying.”
Lydia squeezed her sister’s hand. “Yes, but she also said that Lizzy was not bothered by her. If Lizzy was not intimidated, then neither shall we be.” She squared her shoulders and gave Kitty an encouraging nod, but when she turned towards her older sister, she noted an uncharacteristic look of unease spread across her features.
“Yes, well, it would not do to cause a scene. I would not wish to insult Lady Matlock by being the source of displeasure to her guests.” Though Elizabeth attempted a smile, it failed to convince the younger girls that she retained her normal confidence.
Darcy’s caress of her hand reinforced his wife’s need for support.
“Has Lady Catherine been exceedingly difficult?” Georgiana asked in a timid voice.
“No more than usual,” her brother replied as he squeezed Elizabeth’s hand.
“You are aware that I ceased contact with her after receiving her bitter response to the announcement of our marriage. Unfortunately, it appears her curiosity has outweighed her resentment, and she has decided to instruct Elizabeth on what it means to be Mrs. Darcy and what is expected of her. Either that or Aunt Cecilia is attempting to show there are no ill feelings within the family. I sincerely doubt it is the last as we all know Lady Catherine is incapable of hiding her true feelings.”
Elizabeth drew a deep breath and said, “Either way, we are to be in company with Lady Catherine and her daughter this evening. Mrs. Annesley has been teaching you appropriate manners, and I know you will not do anything to increase the tensions felt this evening.” Her eyes held a plea, and the girls all agreed to be mindful of not causing any discomfort.
***********