Page 26 of Hidden Desires
“I will, Miss Eli…, Elizabeth,” she said with a gentle laugh. “And call me Georgiana. I am happy to say that my brother was correct.”
At Elizabeth’s obvious confusion, she continued, “I was unsure of my reception here and feared you would consider me an intruder or beneath your dignity to acknowledge. He said you were not Miss Bingley, and I need not worry, which I found amusing.”
“Well, I am glad I settled your doubts,” Elizabeth replied, smiling at Georgiana’s vigorous nods.
“You are nothing like Miss Bingley, and I am grateful for that difference.”
“Miss Bingley is not fond of me,” Elizabeth confessed, “although she tolerates Jane.”
“Miss Bingley mentioned her,” Georgiana said with an embarrassed smile, “but she was welcoming us to the manor and did not seem interested in anything else. I met her this morning as William and I were leaving.”
“Her mood improved when Mr. Bingley said he was sending for Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said. “It changed from disgust to euphoria. I wanted to laugh, but didn’t dare.”
“Miss Bingley is fond of him,” Georgiana said, then closed her mouth in apparent embarrassment.
“We should go back,” Elizabeth suggested, noting the lengthening shadows. “The afternoon is gone, and Mr. Darcy is probably wondering where you are.” Turning, she set off for the manor, Georgiana at her side.
Mr. Hill opened the door as they reached the house. Upon entering, Elizabeth looked to the end of the hall, but the library door was closed.
“They are still occupied,” she said, “so with your permission, I will introduce you to three of my sisters. You met Jane at Netherfield, so I am left to introduce you to the rest of my sisters.”
Upon Georgiana’s nod, Elizabeth led her to the sitting room, where the two youngest Bennets sat, involved in a conversation which continued as Elizabeth and Georgiana entered.
“Lydia, Kitty,” she said, interrupting their discussion, “I would like to introduce you to Miss Darcy. She is sister to Mr. Darcy who came to help Mr. Bingley.”
Georgiana said nothing, her nervous demeanor returning with Elizabeth’s interruption.
Her eyes were fixed on the floor, apparently studying a blemish in the carpet.
Lydia glanced at the girl but returned to her previous discussion, as if acknowledging the introduction was beneath her.
Kitty had the courtesy to offer a brief smile before replying to her sister.
Elizabeth struggled to control her rising anger. “I apologize for their disrespect,” she muttered through clenched teeth. “Papa will speak to them.”
“Is that necessary?” Georgiana asked. “They did not harm me, and their conversation appeared important.”
“That is beside the point.” Elizabeth shook her head. “Their behavior was inexcusable. No discussion, no matter how serious, is worth such insolence.”
Elizabeth sighed in disgust and took her friend to the music room where Mary sat, seemingly absorbed in practice on the pianoforte.
“Mary,” Elizabeth said, interrupting her sister, “I would like to introduce Miss Darcy. She came with her brother to Netherfield, where he is helping Mr. Bingley with his recovery.”
“Welcome,” Mary said without turning her head. “Please excuse me; I am struggling to master this composition. If I neglect my practice, its difficulty will increase when I return to it.”
“Do not stop for me,” Georgiana said, studying the sheet of music. “I wish I had your skill. A composition like this is beyond my ability. William says that is because I neglect my own practice.”
“I am helping Mary improve her appearance,” Elizabeth said, resting a hand on her sister’s shoulder. “Despite her uncertainty when we started, I believe the change is remarkable.”
“Though this is our first meeting,” Georgiana said, “I must extend my compliments. Whatever you have done suits you.”
“Even though she claims otherwise, I suspect it is because she met someone in Meryton,” Elizabeth said and chuckled. “He captured her interest and that convinced her to take the advice I gave her a few years ago.”
“Is it not conceivable,” Mary said, “that I wanted to look better when I go to town? Could I not have come to the decision by myself, without influence?”
“Forgive me,” Elizabeth said, amusement dancing in her eyes. “I was having fun at your expense. In my defense, I am still not used to the improvements we made.”
“I realize you want to make light of my decision,” Mary said, “and agree it was past due. Please do not make me regret this.”
“You have my support for whatever you decide,” Elizabeth said, “but in my opinion you made the best choice.”
“I agree,” Bennet added, entering the room with Darcy, who went straight to his sister.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” he asked and received a vigorous nod.
“We had so much fun,” she said, clapping her hands. “It feels as though we have known each other for years.”
“Can you return tomorrow?” Elizabeth asked. “I would love another day with you.”
“May we?” Georgiana pleaded. “I would much rather spend the day here than at Netherfield.”
Darcy shook his head and sighed. “It is better if we don’t,” he said, grimacing at Georgiana’s frown.
“We have imposed enough. Bennet neglected his responsibilities to help Bingley, and I cannot ask him to make another sacrifice. Maybe we can visit in a day or two.”
“You are not imposing,” Bennet said, smiling at the young woman. “In fact, Miss Darcy is always welcome here.”
“Are you sure?” Darcy asked, peering at father and daughter in turn. “I don’t expect you to entertain us until we leave, nor can I ask you to neglect your estate to keep us amused.”
“The estate has not suffered from my absence,” Bennet replied. “Jeffery is a capable steward, and I have complete trust in him. He is the reason I could help at Netherfield. Your company is a welcome change from my usual pursuits.”
Darcy nodded and looked down at his sister, whose smile stretched from one ear to the other. “In that case, I can bring you back tomorrow.”
Georgiana rushed to throw her arms about her brother’s neck. After a brief hug, she stepped away, her face reddening in apparent shame at the outpouring of emotion.”
“Thank you, William,” she whispered, her eyes once again dropping to gaze at her feet.
“You are welcome,” he said with a laugh before facing Bennet.
“That will give us a chance to discuss Netherfield again. I have a few ideas that need another opinion and asking Bingley won’t help because he has no experience with an estate.”
“Ask away,” Bennet answered. “My answer might not please you, but I promise to give you an honest opinion.
“Until tomorrow, then,” Darcy said, escorting his sister to the carriage.