Page 27 of Hidden Desires
“WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY,” Georgiana said as the carriage pulled away from Longbourn. “Elizabeth is remarkable. She welcomed me as if we had known each other for years, and I am proud to call her my friend. Thank you for allowing me to return tomorrow.”
Darcy listened, surprised by her declaration after so brief an acquaintance. “I am pleased you enjoyed yourself, but friendship requires more than one visit. You should come to know her better before placing your trust in her.”
“Elizabeth chose to trust me.” A light returned to Georgiana’s eyes, one he had missed for weeks. “I asked if I might consider her a friend, and she agreed without hesitation.”
She laughed, the sound filling the cabin. “She treats me like an equal. I do not feel the discomfort I endure around Miss Bingley or the cold courtesy I receive from so many of your acquaintances.”
“My concern is not for your social ease, but for your peace of mind,” Darcy said. “You carry a weight you refuse to share, and I think about it each night as I lie awake, wondering how much it changed you.”
She turned to the window and forced a smile. “I have said before, you need not concern yourself.”
Her silence ended the exchange, and he let it rest. As his thoughts returned to the afternoon, he considered the man who welcomed them without reserve.
Before their meeting, Darcy had wondered whether Bennet’s offer of assistance arose from affection for Bingley or a sense of duty.
He now believed the offer came from personal goodwill, given without condition or expectation, and that understanding raised his opinion of the man.
Though Bennet said nothing of hardship, his absence from Longbourn could not have passed without consequence.
Darcy did not think he was wealthy. That he gave his time and support freely spoke to a character rare among the gentlemen in Darcy’s circle, Bingley being the only other who gave as readily.
Elizabeth’s kindness had struck him with equal force. Whether her manner reflected family character or was unique to her, she treated Georgiana with warmth and ease, drawing her in before the hour had passed.
The invitation to walk the grounds had come from Elizabeth, and though Darcy hesitated at first, uncertain whether Georgiana would feel ready, she had accepted without pause.
Her calm response reminded him of the young woman she once had been, full of cheer, eager for company, and fearless in her welcome of strangers.
Their father had warned her against misplaced trust, urging care in choosing friends whose outward charm might mask dangerous intent.
She paid little heed, certain no one would wish her harm, but that belief vanished more than two months ago, shattered in a single day.
Since then, she had refused to speak of it, no matter how gently he approached the subject.
The sister he once knew had grown withdrawn, dependent on his presence, uneasy in the company of others, unwilling to remain alone even with her governess if he had business elsewhere.
To see her laugh again stirred more than relief. Elizabeth’s warmth had brought his sister a comfort he could not provide. Through conversation, she had restored something he feared lost. She had drawn Georgiana out, and in doing so, had left her mark on them both.
He recalled her face, not for its beauty, but for the strength of her expression. He had known many women eager for his attention, drawn not to his company but to the life his fortune could provide. She offered something else, and it stayed with him.
With Miss Elizabeth, wealth and standing carried no weight, or so it appeared to him.
She carried herself with a friendly manner, free of the artifice he so often encountered in society.
Her eyes, a soft shade of brown, held his gaze as she spoke, and he almost believed she saw into the depths of his soul.
She lacked the shyness present in many young women, a trait he considered both refreshing and attractive. Darcy suspected it was this confident manner that had drawn Georgiana out of the shell she had long carried about her.
Miss Elizabeth struck him as sincere and kind, qualities not easily feigned, and their growing friendship pleased him.
I should encourage their connection while we are here. It is unfortunate she holds no claim to a higher station, for if she did, I might consider a closer acquaintance. As things stand, I cannot believe my friends would ever accept her.
His thoughts broke off as the carriage came to a halt before the house. He stepped down from the cabin first and offered his hand to assist her, then followed her inside.
Bingley and his sister were on the terrace, observing the workmen near the stable.
“How was your day with Mr. Bennet?” Bingley asked as Darcy approached. “Did Bennet describe Netherfield’s many failings?”
“We discussed them at length,” Darcy said. “He knows the estate’s history and regrets the neglect that led to its present condition.”
“Did he speak of the inconvenience it caused him? I imagine not, as I have found him a most agreeable man.”
“He was both cordial and attentive,” Darcy said. “The conversation proved more enlightening than I expected, as he took time to explain the changes he made. I now understand his reasoning and agree with it.”
“And what of you, Miss Darcy?” Bingley asked, turning to Georgiana. “Did he welcome you?”
“Mr. Bennet was gracious and gallant,” Georgiana said with a smile that turned to laughter.
“He greeted her with an exaggerated bow,” Darcy added, amused. “She delighted in it.”
She smiled. “William introduced me to Elizabeth. She showed me the estate, introduced me to her sisters, and invited me to return tomorrow, which I accepted.”
“Sweet Georgiana,” Miss Bingley said, her tone heavy with disdain, “still so innocent. You have no sense of the world and its dangers, so let me offer some advice. Avoid the Bennets, especially Miss Elizabeth. They are known throughout Hertfordshire for their coarse behavior and Lydia’s scandalous impropriety.
“Mrs. Bennet is a loud, vulgar woman, without the restraint one expects even in servants,” she continued, her voice rising with indignation.
“The family is not of the first circles, as you must have seen. Keeping company with Miss Elizabeth will ruin your reputation. Stay at Netherfield tomorrow; I doubt they will take offense. Such people do not.”
Darcy watched his sister stiffen as Miss Bingley slandered those she had come to admire. He placed a hand on Georgiana’s arm and gave a slight shake of his head, hoping to forestall the reply he feared she might give.
Casting aside the restraint, Georgiana stepped forward and spoke with a quiet force that revealed her anger.
“I spent the day with the kindest, most unassuming people I have ever met,” she said, her voice steady though her hands clenched at her sides.
“Elizabeth was the picture of respectability, a true lady in every sense.
Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty, though young, were subdued and nothing like the boisterous girls you described.
Miss Mary is graceful and a gifted pianist.
“Need I remind you, Miss Bingley, that Mr. Bennet is a landowner and a gentleman? His station is equal to my brother’s, one you, with money from trade, will never reach.
“To admonish me in front of William is an affront I will not accept.”
She fell silent, her anger spent. With a look that dared the woman to speak again, she turned to Darcy.
“I am retiring to my room.” Her stride was firm, her back straight as she crossed the garden and entered the house.
“Such ingratitude,” Miss Bingley said. “A single day with that family, and Georgiana has changed for the worse. I only hope, Mr. Darcy, that you can repair the damage to your name, should she continue this unfortunate friendship.”
“Miss Darcy is correct,” Bingley said. “The Bennets are, without exception, the finest family in the county.
Miss Bennet is generous and kind, always ready to help those in need.
Her younger sisters are high-spirited, yes, but full of promise.
They will mature in time. Miss Elizabeth is practical, like her father.
She sees the world with a practical eye, which I admire.
“We are not above them, Caroline. If anything, you owe Miss Elizabeth an apology, and Mr. Bennet too, for what you said.”
Miss Bingley remained still until her brother finished, then flung her arms wide.
“You as well, Charles? Has no one escaped the influence of that family’s coarse manners? If these are Hertfordshire’s finest, then the county is full of simpletons. Mr. Darcy, I beg you, help my brother see the danger of staying here.”
“I agree with him,” Darcy said, watching her expression shift to disbelief. “Mr. Bennet is one of the most insightful men I have met, and his daughters are delightful. Regarding Mrs. Bennet, I cannot say, as I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting her.”
He turned his gaze toward the house and grounds. “Bingley has chosen well. He should remain and enjoy the neighborhood, at least until his ankle mends.”
“Seeing that I stand alone,” Miss Bingley said with a sigh, “I may as well go. With luck, you will both come to your senses.” She turned and swept from the terrace, leaving the two men in silence.
“A unique strategy for securing solitude,” Darcy said with a quiet laugh. “I will remember it.”
“She will recover,” Bingley replied. “She always does. Please offer Miss Darcy my apology. I hope she does not think less of me because of what happened.”
“Georgiana will be fine. I will tell her, though I doubt she holds you to blame. If you do not mind, I shall not come down for supper. There are letters I have delayed too long, and this evening gives me the chance to write them.”
“Then I will see you tomorrow. Sleep well.”
Darcy inclined his head and left the terrace.
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